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thewildomega · 4 years ago

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Star in the Sand Ch.24

Going to pull his love back into his arms his felt nothing but the bed and his eyes snapped open, his breath catching in his throat. Seeing that she truly was no longer beside him he quickly tossed the blanket back and stood. Scanning the room he hurried to the bathroom but didn't see her there. Where was she? WHERE WAS SHE?! Noticing the bedroom door cracked he started moving through the house quietly, listening for any threat. As he got down the hall though and into the living room he heard a soft voice.

"...if I could turn back the time I'd make it all right...something within your eyes said it could be the last night...."

He knew that voice, the only voice to ever make his knees feel weak. Rounding the corner just as quiet he stood and watched with a small grin on his face as he saw her. She was standing by the counter in the dark, only the light of the moon coming in through the window lighting the room. She wore only his dress shirt that she had been wearing before bed and he felt his lip lift more when he noticed her swaying hips as, the faint noise and the glow from her phone telling him she was listening to her music. When he had produced the thing on the ship she had let out an actual squeal of joy, telling him how much she missed her music.

"...Just wanna be wanna bewitch you in the moon light. Just wanna bewitch you all night..."

She sung without knowing he was there, her small bare feet tapping on the tile floor. He knew what song that was, it was one he quite enjoyed. Getting an idea he moved towards her. Looking over her shoulder he saw she was making...eggs? In the middle of the night? Had to be pregnancy cravings. Remembering he was on a mission he glanced down to the phone sitting on the counter beside her and grinned as he unplugged her headphones making the music play out loud.

Yelping out of fright you quickly turned and looked up to him. "Are you trying to make me go into labor early?" you scolded. However he only grinned as he took the spatula from you and set it down, turning off the oven. Seeing a small smirk on his face made you furrow your brows, a light grin on your face as he took your hand and pulled you away from the oven some. Not saying anything as he moved your hands into place and slowly began moving and singing along with the music you could only smile. He was dancing with you.

"There a sting in the way you kiss me." he sung in his deep voice. Dancing around the kitchen with both of them only in there pajamas he coudl only grin at the large smile on her face. "Just wanna bewitch you all night."

Giggling as he spun you around and dipped you back you came up and laid your head on his chest "Whoawhoawhoa..." you smiled, closing your eyes as the song ended.

Sighing he continued swaying with her for a few moments, just enjoying this closeness with the woman he had missed so much. Bending down he scooped her up and sat her at the bar while he moved to plate her scrambled eggs. Placing the plate in front of her he saw her give him a smile as he moved to make them both some tea, making her lavender so maybe she will sleep. Taking them both over to the bar with one hand he sat beside her and heard her give him a small thank you. Watching her as she ate he could only sigh in contentment, grinning back at her when she would smile at him.

.....................................

The next few days had went by peacefully, an odd but not unwelcome change to the past half year. Crocodile wouldn't allow you to do anything that he considered work which basically meant everything but laying about. So you spent you time when he was away playing on your phone, looking over books and planning out what you wanted to do with the baby's room. Sitting back against the wall in what would be your almost certain son's room you had your feet crossed under you and the sketch pad opened in your lap. Tapping the pencil on your finger you bit your lip as you glanced at the room and then back down at the paper, sketching out an idea of a mural you wanted to paint on the wall. Hearing footsteps you giggled when you saw the flamboyant man do a twirl out of the corner of your eye.

"For the mama to be." Bentham spoke, bending almost in half with one foot raised into the air as he held out a freshly made smoothie on a tray.

Smiling you looked to your friend and gave him a thank you as you took the drink. Bon had quickly took up making your smoothies in Sanji's place, adding in your vitamins that Chopper had made for you. Going to take a sip he stopped you.

"Ahah... I almost forgot."

Watching as he popped a tiny drink umbrella into your smoothie you giggled and shook your head. "You're too much." you told him as he took his seat beside you on the hardwood floor.

Looking down at the beautiful drawing Bentham smiled. "Oh I like it. I think you should go with that little Croco junior will love it. "

"You think? You don't think it will be too much?"

"Not at all. Plus it goes perfectly with the music box King Neptune gifted you."

"That's what I was going for."

"Besides what could go better for the son of a notorious pirates room than a sea theme?" he chuckled.

"Very true." you smiled, starting to add in the last details. Holding it up you gave it a final look over.

"Say what's that blocked area for then?" he asked when he noticed a part of the picture had a missing rectangle in the left side.

"A door, Croc is having on put in so that way it can be directly connected to our room."

"That's a good idea. It'll make it easier for when you have to get up in the middle of the night to feed him too."

"Yeah." you sighed. "Poor fella is likely to starve." you spoke glancing down to your small breasts. While the rest of your body seemed to be starting to get back to normal you 'girls' hadn't yet got the message it seemed.

"Oh don't say that, they'll perk back up and once you have the little bundle of joy they will fill up with milk real quick."

"I hope so." you said with a sigh. You couldn't help but feel self conscious as you thought on the manner. Ever since you were reunited with your soulmate he had made no move to touch you sexually and you couldn't help but wonder if it was your body, if maybe he didn't find you appealing anymore. Even last night when the both of you had retired to bed for the night you had tired sparking something but after your kisses just started getting deeper he had ended them and stood from the bed, telling you he had forgotten to finalize something on his paperwork. Watching him leave the room you licked your lips and blinked your eyes to keep the tears at bay as you laid back down.

Sensing his friend's sadness he kit his brows and tilted his head, "Y/n... is there something wrong? You know you can confide in me."

Taking a deep breath you grinned and nodded before looking to him, "Thank you, it's nothing just hormones." you said with a roll of your eyes.

Humming he decided to let it go for now, not wanting to upset her. "So what colors are you going to do for the bedding and such?" he asked, deciding to just get her mind off of whatever was bothering her.

............................

There everything was ready for tonight. He had the location ready, a private gazebo on the beach that his men would made sure stayed private. The chiefs had been told what meal to prepare, something she would like but also something that wouldn't harm their child. He even told them to throw together some type of dessert to appease his woman's sweet tooth. Taking the dress he had bought her for this evening to their room he laid it out on the bed, setting the matching shoes and even a new necklace that had caught his attention in the shop. Having already set his clothes aside in one of the other bathrooms so when the time came he coudl change and freshen up he glanced back to the bedroom door. He coudl hear her and Bentham in their son's future room still and let out a breath as he moved to the dresser to grab the hidden velvet box underneath his spare scarfs.

Looking down at the ring he grinned, a warmth spreading through his chest. Tonight was the night, tonight he would ask his star to marry him, to become his wife.

"Y/n absolutely not, get down from there.... Mr. Zero!"

Snapping the box close he pushed it into his pocket and moved to the room next door to see Bentham trying to keep his soon to be fiancé from going another step up the ladder she had somehow gotten into the room without him knowing, where had she even gotten one?

"Oh Bon would you calm down I'm like two feet off the ground..."

"And now you are three. You might fall... no...MR.ZERO!!"

"Stop yelling I'm right here." he growled out to the male before moving over to his woman who was now eye level with him. Seeing her look to him and smile he rose a brow.

Seeing him raise a brow in what you knew was a silent 'what do you think you are doing?' you turned to start drawing out the mural outline on the wall.

Ignorance, that was her play. Giving a small grunt he looked to Bentham and tilted his head.

"See you tomorrow Y/n. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Giggling you continued working, "That doesn't leave much."

"Then you are sure to have a good time." the man laughed as he walked down the hall.

Huffing out he shook his head even though he enjoyed seeing his darling having a friend. Once he heard the front door close he looked back to her and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched her draw on the wall. "When I said you had free design control of our child's room I didn't mean you would be the one doing the labor."

"This isn't what I would consider labor, I'm just sketching out the mural."

"And yet you are standing on a ladder, that I don't even know where you got ... while six months pregnant. I can't believe I am going to quote Bentham but, You might fall. I don't want you climbing things."

"Croc, hun I'm fine. I had to jump from like two stories at Punk Hazzard."

"What did that get you, oh yes, a concussion, three bruised ribs, a nice bruise on your face... shall I continue?" Seeing her shake her head he knew what face she was making imminently, nose wrinkled, brows knit together. "Get down."

Hearing how deep and serious his voice was now you sighed and tuned around to look him in the eye. "If I let someone else do it then it's not going to be done right. It's my artwork in our son's room I want to be the one to do it." Seeing his face remain unbudgingly you gave a small whine and wrapped your arms around his neck. "Baby please... I won't have to be on the ladder the whole time just the parts I can't reach..." hearing him grunt you moved your face to his neck and whined again, beginning to pepper his jaw and neck that wasn't covered by his scarf in kisses. When you felt his arm's uncross and move around your body you knew you were winning, only a little more push. "Pleasssse."

Closing his eyes tight he grit his teeth. Damn his pent up sexual frustrations. Her mouth on his neck was quickly making him loose his resolve on the matter. As her body pushed up closer to his he felt his cock twitch in his pants. He wondered if she knew how much control she had over him...hearing her beg him in such a sweet little voice he rolled his eyes behind his lids, oh yes she knew, little minx. Sighing he opened his eyes partially but didn't move away from her, enjoying the feel of her mouth on his skin too much. "You will only be allowed on the ladder when I'm in the room. If I am busy then you will not get on it until I am in here and you will not overwork yourself. Am I clear?"

Wasn't what you were going for but it was better than nothing. Smiling you pulled away to look at him and nodded.

'She has you wrapped around her finger.' Huffing out he pulled her to him, slamming his lips into hers. Tightening his arms around her while still being mindful of their child in her womb he growled lowly when he felt her try to deepen the kiss. He shouldn't, he knew he shouldn't but he wanted it as well. Flicking his tongue out to tease her lips he grinned a little as she quickly parted them, allowing him entrance. Rolling his tongue around her mouth he felt his cock harden more in his pants.

He was quick to dominate the kiss, as always but you didn't care, in fact you welcomed it. Melting more into his huge frame you felt your panties becoming damp, a pressure in your lower abdomen. When he lifted you up with his hook under your ass and his hand on your back you dropped your pencil to the floor.

He wanted her, he wanted her so much his body was moving on instinct alone. Carrying her to their room all the while never breaking from her mouth he moved to lay her on the bed but just before he coudl he opened his eyes slightly and saw the dress he had previously laid out. Freezing he felt his muscles stiffen and sighed. Ending their heated kiss he gave a few more kisses as he tried to regain control.

As he ended the kiss and slowly set you on your feet you couldn't help the ache in your heart as he refused to go any further with you once again. "C...croc did I... am I doing something wrong?"

Hearing how soft her voice was and sensing the sadness in it he closed his eyes for a moment before looking down to her. "No my little star you are doing nothing wrong, you could never do anything wrong. Right now is simply not the time." Seeing her confused and noticing the hurt still lingering in her eyes he kissed her lips and then forehead. Stroking her hair he breathed deeply, reminding himself of everything he had planned tonight. Clearing his throat you stood tall and looked down to her. "How about you go take a shower and get ready, I left something on the bed there for you. Then you meet me in the foyer and we will go have dinner."

You didn't really feel like going anywhere now, your hyperactive hormones making your emotions run haywire.

"I think you will enjoy what I have planned tonight."

Hearing this you breathed in deeply and nodded.

Kissing her head he cupped her cheek, stroking her soft skin with the pad of his thumb.

With one last kiss to the crown of your head he left you to get ready. Glancing to the bed you indeed saw a dress laying there, an elegant midnight blue dress. Noticing the matching shoes and solitaire diamond necklace you grinned a little. Not wanting to disappoint you moved to the bathroom to get ready for your apparent date.

................................

Standing in the foyer he turned when he sensed his darling behind him. When he saw her he felt his breath hitch in his throat and a smile come over his face. Smiling down at his soulmate he looked over her form. The dress that he saw hanging in the window at the store early this morning fit her perfectly, giving him glimpses of her soft skin and shaping her rounding belly. Running his hands down her bare arms he took her hands while he looked into her eyes. "You look beautiful, as always."

Blushing you gave him a look over, seeing he was wearing a tie tonight as well as a full suit. He looked incredible and you grinned as walked over to him, placing your hands on his chest. "If Caiman inherits your looks then I sure do feel bad for all the girls hearts he is likely to break." Seeing him blink and then noticing his cheeks getting a little color you smiled. The black suit fit his bulging form perfectly, making his shoulders look wider if it were even possible. His tie the same color as your dress showing you how much he had planned this out. Then again Crocodile always dressed to impress.

Clearing his throat he pulled away to completely take her in. Seeing her the new necklace he felt pride fill him at how lovely it matched with the star ear rings he had bought her all those months ago. He couldn't wait to add a ring to her collection of jewelry. She had left her hair down but had curled it a little more. Overall she looked stunning. Taking a deep breath he placed his hand on her back and opened the door for her. Walking with her down the street the two of them just talked about this and that, he pointed out different places on the island. Getting close to their destination he turned and blocked her view, "Close your eyes." he said and saw her look to him in suspicion before she obeyed and closed her eyes. Grinning he leaned down and kissed her lips, "Keep them closed." he told her in a deep, low voice. Carefully leading her down the path he was happy he had decided to get her flats. Getting to the secluded area he looked back to make sure everything was perfect before he pulled her slowly into the middle of the Gazebo.

You could hear the soft sound of waves in the background and the gentle breeze making you guess the two of you were close to the sea. His hand rubbed your hip and a little over your belly while his hook was placed on the other side, holding you in place. You coudl feel the warmth of his body on your back and smell his cologne. Feeling his breath on your neck you had to hold back the shiver that ran up your spine.

"Open your eyes."

Doing as your soulmate said you let out a small gasp when you saw where you were. Under a softly lantern lit Gazebo sat a stone table with a beautiful meal and two chairs on either side for the both of you to sit on. Around the area were blossoming pink and white flowers, giving you privacy and making the scene even more breathtaking. Feeling him still standing behind you, you moved to look back at him. "You did all of this? Croc this is amazing, it's beautiful." you spoke with a soft smile, looking up into his silver eyes. "Pirate, businessman, fashion designer, event planner. You're just a jack of all trades aren't you."

Chuckling at her flattery he leaned his head down to place a kiss on her bare shoulder and run his hand and hook along her hips. Running his nose up the curve of her neck and breathing in her scent he sighed. When her hand cupped his cheek and she tilted her head to catch his lips he slowly wrapped his arms around her and held her to him. Moving his lips against hers he felt his member twitch, his arousal from earlier coming back and swallowed hard before pulling away. Kissing the tip of her nose he sighed and moved his hand back to her hip to walk her to the table. "Let's eat before it get's cold."

...................

Chuckling and shaking his head as she told him about how she had helped Luffy send Big mom a bomb he took a swallow of his drink. "She isn't going to be happy when she gets it."

"I hope it blows up in her fat face." you grunted, shoving your spoon into the tart before placing a piece on your tongue. "Should have sent a note with it.... from your granddaughter, may you rot in hell."

Huffing he set down his glass. He knew she despised her family, even though she had always wanted one. She would never say it but he knew it hurt her that she would never have the family she had always craved as a little girl. But he would do anything and everything in his power to give her their own family. Seeing her finish off her dessert he stood and moved over to stand by her. "Walk with me?" he asked as he held out his hand for her to take. Pulling her up as soon as her small hand took his he moved his hand to her back, feeling her skin under his fingers where the dress had a cutout.

Walking beside him down the stone path that led to the beach you grinned up softly at the star filled sky.

Seeing her looking up he stared at her shinning eyes and smiled, starlight. "How are your injuries?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence as they walked down towards the sea.

Turning you smiled up at him, "Better, that salve Chopper makes works wonders."

"Good. You are taking the vitamins he made you as well."

"Yes. Nasty things."

"Foul tasting or no I want you to take them like you are supposed to." Hearing her grumble he got to the area he had had picked out earlier this week and spun her around so she was standing before him. Looking down into her blue eyes he lifted his hand to cup her face, stroking his thumb over her cheek. "You will take them so that you and our child will be healthy. I want nothing more than for you to be as well as possible."

Grinning you leaned into his touch and looked up at him. Blinking you knit your brows a bit when you noticed him just starring at you. There was a strange look on his face, one you so rarely saw, nervousness. "Croc... is something wrong?"

He had just been thinking of how much she meant to him, of how heartbroken he had been when she was taken from him. Licking his lips he cleared his throat a bit. He had been so sure he would never get this moment again and he wasn't going to mess it up. "I Never thought I would experience love. I gave up looking for my soulmate, assumed I didn't have one. My whole life I have always felt like there was something missing. I did everything I coudl to make that feeling go away, even tried to take over a whole country." he told her and heard her giggle lightly. "As it turns out though it wasn't a something I was missing but a someone, my other half, my soulmate. A much as I hate to admit it I screwed it up in the beginning, I pushed you away and I hurt you. For some reason though you forgave me, like you do every time I mess up, every time I fail you." He couldn't help but look down to the ground for a moment as he admitted his wrongs but quickly swallowed and looked back up to her. "I know I'm not an easy person to love, I know I make it difficult and I want to thank you for never giving up on me." His heart was hammering so hard against his ribcage he was sure it would soon burst from his chest. "You make me feel complete, you make me happy, happier than I can ever remember feeling. You are so loving and caring, beautiful and kind." he smiled and saw her blushing. "Truly if I was to stand here and list everything there was that I love about you we would be here until the sun rose above the horizon." Staring into her eyes he licked his dry lips as he pulled the velvet box from his pocket and moved to one knee. "I promise to care for you, protect you until the end of my days. You have and will forever be the only woman I ever love. I will provide for you and you will never want for anything. My only request of you is that you do me the honor of becoming my wife and I your husband."

You felt your breath hitch in your throat as you listened to his kind words and then saw him drop to one knee. Sucking in a shaky breath you looked down to see he did in fact have a ring pulled out between the both of you. Snapping your eyes back up you saw him looking at you in pure adoration. "Y...you want to marry me? you asked in a whisper, not believing you ears. Your eyes were already filling with tears as you looked into his own eyes that were even with yours.

"Nothing would make me happier my little star." Seeing her nod and the tears fall from her eyes he rose a brow, wanting to hear it himself.

"Yes." you choked out.

Smiling he had the ring on her finger and his arms wrapped around her in a heartbeat, pressing his lips to hers in a deep kiss.

He was quick to deepen the kiss and you felt your arousal coming back full force. Kneading your fingers into the hair at the base of his skull you grinned and pulled away enough to look up into his eyes, "What do you say we go back home and celebrate?"

Smirking he scooped her up into his arms and felt her mouth move back to his as he made the walk home, this time taking the shortcut. Locking the front door clothes hit the floor all the way down the hall towards their bedroom. Securing that door as well he removed his hook, holding her with his forearm while he dropped the heavy prosthetic to the chair. Feeling her hands quickly unbuttoning his shirt he growled as her hands rubbed over his bare skin. Shuffling out of his jacket and shirt he dropped them to the floor, the price of the clothing not even crossing his mind. Her dress had already been pulled off her shoulders to reveal her breasts and it took him only a moment to set her down to drop the satin fabric to the floor before he had her back in his arms.

Moving to the bed he crawled onto it all the while holding her to him. When he got close enough to the middle of the bed he lowered them down and held himself up on his left forearm while his hand went to work groping the soft flesh of her breast. Pushing his clothed sex into hers he heard her whimper and grinned before his mouth moved down to her neck. Leaving his mark on her neck and over her collarbone he felt her hands rubbing over his back.

Deep groans and growls were leaving his throat as he licked at your skin, soothing the pain from his teeth. When his love bites moved down to your sensitive breasts you gasped and heard him let out low hum, his lower half pushing his member into your core hard enough to make you mewl in need. There was no doubt your panties were soaked, dampening his pants as well. God how long had it been, over half a year. Before you were taken it wasn't uncommon for you and Croc to have sex at least twice a week. When he moved his hand between you both, having to arch his back to make room around your baby bump to unbuckle his belt and pants. Biting your lip when he took your nipple into his mouth you felt him suck once and just about came undone right then.

Hearing her moan he smirked around her nipple, "You sure are sensitive here little star." he growled into her lower breast. He had heard how sensitive pregnant women's breast were but never did he imagine he would enjoy it so much. Giving her other nipple the same treatment he felt her nails dig into back making him growl and roll his now freed member into her panty covered sex. He was so hard it was painful, he needed her so desperately but he wanted to drag this out, to enjoy their first time together in so long. Kissing her belly he continued moving south to the top of her panties, nipping the lace with his teeth. Sitting back on the balls of his feet he gently pulled her panties down her legs. She kept her legs closed and her knees pulled up as he looked down at her body basked in the moonlight coming in through the curtains.

Seeing him looking over your naked body but not saying anything made you feel self conscious. Although you had been eating better now you knew your body was not what he remembered. Licking your lips you swallowed hard, Adverting your eyes from his ever serious face as more negative thoughts filled your head. Subconsciously moving your arms to cover yourself you curled up and moved to get up from the bed when a strong hand grabbed your hip and pinned you back down.

He had been admiring the beautiful body that he had only snapped out of his thoughts when she went to curl away and he snapped his eyes to her face to see the apprehension in her eyes. "No." he spoke quickly when he saw her go to hide away. "You are so beautiful darling." he assured in a low, gentle voice, leaning down to kiss her temple and massaging her hip and thigh. Leaning back to look back down her body and seeing her try to cover her belly with her arm he grabbed her wrist and held it down beside her. "This body is giving me a child, something I never thought I would want or have until that night. I wouldn't trade you for anyone in this world or any other for that matter." he said, placing a kiss to her swollen belly.

Blinking back tears as your worries were pushed away you pulled at his arm until he leaned back over you, meeting your lips in a tender kiss. "I love you Croc." you said, cupping his face in your hands.

"Not as much as I do you." he grinned softly. Kissing he he slowly pressed the tip of his tongue to her lower lip and felt as she granted him access. Kicking his pants, socks and shoes off the bed while their tongues danced along with one another he lowered his body to hers. He could have sighed at feeling their skin on one another's again. He felt pride fill his chest as he moved his fingers up her slit. Pressing his index finger into her he felt her shudder and grinned into the kiss. He was careful as he began working his finger in and out of her, preparing her for him. Bentham had told him what had almost happened to her in Impale down. He had been enraged to find out that his starlight had been moments away from being raped by those men before Bentham had shown up and he was sure that that had been why he had heard her call out for him. Oh how his heart ached to know that what might have happened to her and he wouldn't have been able to help her. It was one reason why he had shoved back any desire he had for her, not wanting to push her into something until he knew she was absolutely ready but feeling how wet she was now he knew she wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

Adding another finger he rubbed small circles over her clit with his thumb. She was whimpering softly now, her hands gripping his shoulder and bicep. When he felt her flutter around his fingers he gave one final curl before pulling away, he wanted to feel her come undone around him. Running his cock up and down her slit to coat it in her slick he situated himself between her legs. Lining up his painfully hard cock with her entrance he moved his only hand to grab her own and lace their fingers together. Then slowly he entered her.

Being filled you both broke away from each other's mouth to let out noises of pleasure. Your own being a long, soft moan while his deep groan vibrated along your chest. It was slightly painful, the stretch reminding you of your first time together as your body readjusted to your soulmate's. Feeling his head drop to your shoulder and his teeth scrape against the thin skin of your neck as he pushed in to the hilt you shuddered, your hand that wasn't holding his gripping him for dear life. You wouldn't be surprised to find marks on his back tomorrow.

He trembled in need as he waited for her to adjust to his girth, every muscle in his body as tight as a bow string. Placing hard kisses and bites to her neck and shoulder he tried to keep from fucking her like he so badly wanted to. She needed this time, she was so tight around him, her body unfamiliar to his cock after so long. Groaning he pulled out just a little to thrust back in and let go of her hand to grip the bedding beside her head hard enough to turn his knuckles white. Doing it again he heard her let out a moan and growled, gritting his teeth.

As soon as he started moving you felt your body cling to him, your lips kissing his hard shoulder. You could feel his muscles tightening beneath your palms, his hips rolling expertly into yours. It was no time at all before you felt that coil in your belly growing tight, ready to snap at any moment.

Clenching his teeth he grunt and groaned, wanting to last longer, wanting them to savor their first time together in so long but his climax was coming in fast. She just felt so perfect around. Licking along her jaw he heard her whimper, felt her clench around him. Seems they both were in need of release. Kissing back up to her mouth he pushed his lips to hers and moved his hand down to grip her thigh, pulling it to lay over his hip. "Mmmmm." he hummed into her mouth, being allowed deeper. Angling his thrusts to hit her sweet spot he gave a low moan of his own. Quickly moving his hand back to hold hers by her head he rolled his tongue around her mouth. With one last hard thrust they were both crying out in bliss. His whole body went stiff, holding her tightly under him as he pumped her full of his seed.

You could feel his cock twitching inside of you before the warmth of his cum filled you up. Coming back down from your own high you slowly laid your head back onto the pillows and felt him kiss your forehead once before he was gently easing out of you, your body flinching as your still slightly spasming sex clung to him. Being pulled to his chest once he had moved to lay beside you, you laid your head on over his heart and listened to it slowly go back to it's normal rhythm.

They stayed there with their eyes closed for a while, him stroking her belly when a thought crossed his mind. "Are you alright? Was I too rough?" he asked in a low, deep voice.

Forcing your tired eyes open you grinned and craned your neck to kiss his jaw. ""I'm perfect, you were amazing." Giggling a little when you saw him smirk as you added to his ego you kissed his chest. Stretching you moved to get up from bed when a strong hand caught your wrist in a gentle grip.

"Where are you going?" he asked softly, stroking her arm with his thumb.

"To go clean up." you said with a grin but then saw that mischievous look in his silver eyes, one of his brows raising.

"Who said we were done?" he questioned and saw her blush. Leaning up he grabbed the inside of her knee and pulled her back across the bed to him, time to make up for lost time. Leaning down to kiss her binding mark he felt her fingers rub through his hair.

#Sir Crocodile #one piece crocodile #crocodile fanfiction #crocodile x reader #one piece #One Piece Fanfiction #one piece crocodile x reader #crocodile x ofc

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igottiny · 4 years ago

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Got7 imagine and reaction to you having nipple piercings. FEMALE reader version.

Authors note: Yes, I have seen ones like this before. HOWEVER, all of them paint a very inaccurate representation of healing time and after care for nipple piercings. For both men and women it takes at least six months to fully heal nipple piercings. Women often need longer due to hormonal fluctuations during their periods. And the first month (at bare minimum) should be hands and mouths OFF. Playing with them too early is a one way, non-refundable ticket to a nasty infection. Only time you should be handling them during this early period of healing is when you are cleaning them. Be safe, do your research, and take proper care of your piercings for fucks sake!!!!!

Mark - He had invited you over for dinner and a movie; a regular occurrence so far into your relationship. Yet today was different in and of itself. Today he wanted to progress the physical aspect of the relationship as it had been a few months since you started dating. The trust and feelings had grown and the two of you had grown comfortable with each other. Hugs, kisses, and general skinship were easy and natural.

So after dinner while you were cuddled up together on the couch he started testing your boundaries. A hand high on your thigh, another on your stomach under your shirt. When you didn’t pull away he grew bolder. The hand he had on your stomach rose until it set right under your left breast. Your shaky inhale made him take pause.

“Did I say you needed to stop,” you asked, glancing over your shoulder to look at him, nervous but sure. He pulled you closer kissing your shoulder when he finally cupped you through your thin bra and a look of confusion settled on his face. He ran his thumb down over where the nipple was to confirm that he had, in fact, felt what he assumed was a piercing. This was one thing he never expected.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“It is. I’ve had them pierced for a couple years now. They are healed,” you reply softly. “Please Mark. Don’t stop.”

It wasn’t long before playing with the balls on the end of each barbell through your bra wasn’t enough. The moan you released when he pushed the braw down and took your exposed breasts fulling into his hands, massaging them and rolling his thumbs over your piercings. This was it. He was in heaven and you were the one.

Jackson - You had wanted to surprise him when he returned from tour so just a couple hours after he left you had gone in to see your regular piercer to have your nipples pierced. Four months later and you were well on your way to them being fully healed. Swelling was long gone and the soreness only flared back up if you had to take a lot of stairs that day. Otherwise everything was looking good for when Jackson returned home. On the day he got back into the country you set your plan in motion.

Walking through the front door he knew something was different. The apartment was too quiet. He had expected you to be their to greet him, and while he was disappointed, he reasoned that you were probably just delayed getting back home as it was the middle of the afternoon. However, when he opened the bedroom door to go and unpack he was greeted with a sight of you that had him on his knees. There you were propped up on the pillows against the headboard, nude, with a glass of wine in hand, and did he catch a glint of light off your chest or was he seeing things? No. He wasn’t seeing things and the realization had him shook to the core.

“Babe. Are those… Did you? They real?” His words came out in fragmented sentences from disbelief. Your nod confirming his findings. Leaving the suit cases where they were he practically ran the short distance to you wasting no time in kissing you and cupping your breasts.   “When,” he questioned.

“The day you left. They are healed enough now we can have fun with them, but please be gentle. They still have a couple more months to go until they are fully healed.”

“Yes ma’am,” He replied twerking your right nipple slightly. He smirked as your pleasured gasp. Oh how much fun he was going to have with this.

JB - Having had several different piercings over the course of his life he was really intrigued when you had mentioned wanting to get your nipples pierced. Four weeks later after he had returned from tour the two of you went to his piercer for your appointment. While he didn’t exactly like another man even seeing you topless, he respected his professionalism. Soon you were marked for the piercings and laying down on the table in the enclosed studio. He held your hand each time the piercer picked up each of the piercing clamps and each needle. You had squeezed his hand hard as each needle went through and he was sure something was broken now.

While the piercings were fresh, he couldn’t help but admire how the barbells looked. He quite liked your breasts to begin with, but not they were even more tantalizing. As the piercer walked you through the after care he was disappointed that he had to keep his hands and mouth off them for at least the next one to two months. However, he knew this was par the course with healing piercings. They were wounds that needed to heal after all and he didn’t want you getting an infection.

“They look amazing baby. I hope your ready for all the fun we are going to have with those in a couple months once they are healed enough.” His gaze was dark and swam with promises of pleasure that sent a shiver down your spine.

Jinyoung - You had first brought up the idea of getting a piercing to add another element into your love life with him. He wasn’t apposed but he wanted you to get them only if it was something you really wanted to and not just because you thought it would be something he would like. Months had passed and while he was on tour you decided to bite the bullet and get both of your nipples pierced.

The first time he saw them was a couple weeks after you got them while he was on a video call with you in his hotel room. The swelling was still present but the jewelry complemented you perfectly and he was painfully hard in seconds. He groaned and gripped his erection through his boxers.

“Fuck, baby. You are going to be the death of me. This is criminal.”

The way you smirked and supported your own breast with an arm wrecked him. He swore that once he was home from tour next week that you were going to pay for this; and once the piercings were healed, he wasn’t going to let you rest.

Youngjae - You had been out of town for a girls weekend away with your friends. All of you had come home with either a new tattoo or new piercings. When you returned home and Youngjae hugged you, you winced and flinched away. Your breasts were swollen and still sore, the piercings only two days into healing. He pulled away concerned he had hurt you somehow. You just shook your head and told him he was fine, you were just sore cause of the new piercings.

His eyebrows rose comically. He needed you to say that again. He wasn’t sure he heard you correctly.

“Come again. You got what pierced now?” His tone had risen to a near squeak causing you to giggle.

“My nipples Youngjae. We all got new piercings or tattoos over the weekend. They are just sore.”

He mentally checked out as his gaze lowered to your covered chest. It was then that he started to mentally undress you and bit down on his lower lip with want. When he started to reach for the hem of your shirt you had to remind him that they were still fresh and that he needed to wait another month or two before he could get hands with them. He pouted but he understood. The last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt you.

“I hope you know what you are in for once those are healed babe.” You didn’t miss the mischievous glint in his eyes and you were sure that these piercings were one of your best decisions ever.

Bambam - It really didn’t take long for your relationship to turn physical. Neither of you could deny the innate attraction you felt when you met. Physical affection was a love language both of you spoke. So when he had pushed you up against the counter, lips on yours and hands gripping your waist tightly, while you were over and cooking together, you weren’t surprised. If anything, you welcomed it.

What you weren’t expecting was for the grip on your waist to suddenly be on your ass. Not that you were complaining. You both were perfectly ok with this progression. Clean up could wait, and you had an hour before dinner would be done in the oven; there was nothing wrong with having dessert first. You are both adults.

The trip up to his room was simultaneously short but entirely too long; both your shirts lost along the way. The time at the gym recently has been doing him good and you just couldn’t help yourself as you both explored the new exposed skin. Soon the fingers that traced your spine became insistent as they reached your bra. Throwing it aside BamBam froze, not prepared in the slightest for what he found.

“Since when did you have these done princess,” he asked with a smirk as he ran his thumbs over your nipples.

“Since years ago. Is there a problem,” you asked with a sarcastic lilt.

“Not at all,” he said stressing each word. “In fact, its perfect.” Leaning down he took one bud into his mouth. You were in for a wild night.

Yugyeom - You missed him. Yes, he had only been gone for a month, but you missed his presence. He’s a goof ball that makes you happy just being with him and the nights alone were making you miserable. The days and nights you video called him while he was in his hotel room were better than those you didn’t. You wanted to plan something special for his return home from the world tour in a few months. It just so happened that it was something that you had been thinking about for yourself as well.

The timing was off the day he got back and nothing was going the way you wanted it to. Your kitchen aid mixer malfunctioned and threw flour all over the kitchen and in your panic to turn it off and unplug it sent the rest of the ingredients for the cake flying across the counter and onto the floor. It was a mess, you were a mess. Cleaning it up was a nightmare which lead to you being so focused on that that the food in the oven and on the stove burnt. It all had to be thrown out. On top of that the pilot light was out and you had to fight with the water heater to get it back on so you could shower. Now in the shower you felt defeated and simply let the finally warm water drown your sorrows. You didn’t even hear Yugyeom come in the bathroom.

He slipped into the shower behind you, arms circling your waist. You jumped but quickly relaxed into his embrace as you realized it was him. With a kiss to your shoulder and cheek he brought a hand up to turn your face to him for a real kiss when his hand bushed past one of your breast. Coming to a full stop, hand hovering mid air, he looked down.

Blinking rapidly he whispered, “What?”

“I got them pierced Yuggie. About three months ago. I’ve been thinking about getting them done since I turned 18 and finally just went for it. I love them. Do you?”

He turned you around to face him and gapped at your pierced nipples like a fish out of water. He was stunned. He had no words for how he felt. “Girl, you are crazy insane. I… I don’t even know what to say. Is today my birthday? I can touch them right?”

“It’s not your birthday you goober. But yes, you can touch. They are healed enough.”

He didn’t waste a second before his hands were enveloping your breasts and suddenly, your day was much, much better.

Authors note #2: If you would like a male reader version of this please send me an ask to request.

#got7 #got7 reactions #got7 imagines #mark tuan #jackson wang #JB #park jinyoung #choi youngjae #bambam #yugyeom #got7 smut #got7 scenarios

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5-falsehoods-phonated · 4 years ago

Text

Rise and Fall

Summary: Roman is finally starting to feel better and it shows, though the others are understandably still worried. Please heed the tws for this fic.

Warnings: suicidal thoughts, discussion of suicide, referenced and implied depression

Ships: Virgil x Roman, Prinxiety (not very focused on)

WC: 2, 723

Logan stepped out of his room rolling up his sleeves and nudging the door closed with his foot. Looking across the hall to one of his roommates' rooms. They lived in a fairly big apartment to accomodate all four of them since they had all decided to keep living together after college for companionship's sake. The doors were all decorated in accordance to their individual styles; Logan’s was a bit plainer with galaxy printed washi tape around a printed paper name plate. Patton’s of course was covered in bright stickers in all shapes and textures while Virgil’s looked like if you walked into his room you’d be expecting a Halloween store; bats, spiders and other dark decorations absolutely covered its surface. The one across from his own, Roman’s, waas a practical explosion compared to the other two however. The entire thing glittered which he had chastised the other about for months after he had done it since it had then covered the rest of the apartment in microscopic glittery pieces of foil that was impossible to vacuum all of no matter how many passes were made over the floor and other surfaces. Drawings and doodles from both Roman and Patton and less so from Virgil and Logan himself were taped and stickered on with a variety of differently printed materials. It was an absolute mess but today that was the furthest concern from Logan’s mind.

The actual concern was the fact that the door was shut tight, no source of light even shining from underneath the jam. Walking closer revealed that there was no sound to be heard from inside either. No music, no singing, no furious scratching of pens and pencils. Just complete silence that made Logan frown and file the observation away for later. It was only nine in the morning on a Saturday, it wouldn't be unusual for Roman to have a late morning to the start of his weekend and he refused to be worried about it when in reality he was probably the only one awake at this hour.

Moving down the hall with coffee and cartoons on his mind ehcocked his head as the first sound he’d heard this morning made itself known: rhythmic snapping. Raising his eyebrows he followed the sound to the living room, the sight before him catching him with surprise.

Roman sat on the floor in front of the couch, music playing softly from his phone with coloring books stacked one side and colored pencils spread out on the other. He couldn't quite make out what was playing but he watched as Roman quietly mouthed along to the lyrics and snapped a rhythm with his other hand. He looked relaxed and happy, and the sight nearly made Logan tear up in the doorway. Instead he made his way to the side of the couch and cleared his throat to make his presence known, smiling more as Rooman turned and flashed his own genuine one his way.

“Morning Pocket Protector. Did I wake you up?”

“No, I- I had my alarm set for 8:30. I thought everyone was still asleep; are you alright?”

Roman’s face softened somewhat as he nodded. “I’m fine Logan. Just got an early start this morning and wanted to relax.”

“Oh, well then by all means, don’t let me distract you.” Turning to go to the kitchen he stopped as Roman called for him.

“Hey wait! You don't have to leave nerd, I’d like the company if you wanna hang out.” He rummaged in his pile and grinned triumphantly as he found the one he was looking for, waving it for Logan to see. “I even have a coloring book for you if you want to join my creative hour!”

Anatomy by Color was shaken in front of his face, something Logan assumed had once been used as a studying tool by Roman before he had no longer needed it, having used that genre of coloring book himself in high school for Biology. Smiling he plucked it from Roman’s hands and turned on his heel, making a beeline for the kitchen before he could get distracted again. “Coffee first!” He offered over his shoulder as Roman laughed after him. Logan smiled wide as he heard the TV being switched on and moments later The Owl House theme being paused for him to come in when he was done. It had been a while since he had caught Roman enjoying a bit of free time and stimming along with music, and he was very glad for the tentative return to normal.

-----

Later that day Roman heard clanking in the kitchen, smiling with a wince as he stretched and stood up from his cramped position on the floor. Logan had left after a few hours of binging their newest show with him and coloring in an old study book he still kept in his collection. Sweeping his pencils back into their box and stacking the books neatly in a pile he waltzed his way into the kitchen with his headphones still playing his playlist on loop. Shoving his hands in his pocket as he leaned against the doorframe he watched as Patton bustled around the kitchen gathering ingredients since it was his turn to make dinner that day. He could see a pile of potatoes in the sink waiting to be washed and a deep dish pan filled with chicken yet to be seasoned. Patton wasn’t...the best cook in their small group but he did try his hardest. Very often he ended up burning whatever he tried to make either trying to make sure it was truly cooked or because he forgot it was in the oven and the smoke alarm letting them all know that dinner was definitely ready. As a result the meals were usually simpler ones that required him to simply put them in the oven for an allotted amount of time and tell at least one other person so that they could keep track of the time together.

Stepping into the kitchen, Rpman unplugged his headphones and set his phanoe down on the table as Patton turned around, the other giggling as Roman caught his heads and set them twirling around the kitchen in an improvised dance that had them both tripping over eachother and laughing like madmen until Roman stopped by the sink and bowed, rolling up his sleeves to wash the potatoes.

“What kind of seasoning are you trying today Padre?”

Shaking out the last of his giggles Patton grabbed up the seasoning containers he had been grabbing before Roman entered. “Just something simple since movie night is later! Little bit of garlic and onion, some salt and pepper, and curry.”

“Sounds delicious Patton. You're getting better at mixing flavors.” Roman meant that genuinely, they had all improved drastically with their cooking, but Patton was making better and better dishes all the time, even if he did still burn half of what he tried to make.

“Thank you!” Patton beamed at him as he started on measuring out the spices, leaving Roman to scrub at the potatoes and start cutting them up to roast, both of them moving and shimmying to their own beat as the music continued to play. Roman missed however the many careful looks Patton shot him as they worked, smiling softly after each one seeing how truly happy he really seemed to be.

-----

Virgil settled his chin atop his boyfriends fluffy head as they all got comfortable for movie night, bowls of customized, microwave popcorn in front of each of them with a shared bowl for Roman and Virgil nestled in the formers lap since they had the same taste. He squeezed around Roman’s middle gently causing him to squirm back into him and huff out a quiet laugh as the movie started. The opening notes of Cinderella started playing, an old favorite of all of them that they had voted on earlier and he could feel any lingering tension in the room leave as they all seemed to sigh contently at the same time. Roman was warm and relaxed in his arms and Virgil knew the soft smile that had been present on his lips all day would be there still even if he couldn’t see it.

He reached for some popcorn at the same time as Roman but when he tried to pull away his hand was caught and brought up for a chaste kiss by the cheeky flirt in his arms, making his laugh softly and smack at his face before grabbing a big handful and shoving it in his mouth.

“You get popcorn crumbs in my hair and I will never forgive you.” Roman muttered quietly.

Grinning Virgil wiped his lips before leaning his head down and planting a lingering kiss on top of his head. “Wouldn’t dream of it my Prince.”

Knowing Roman’s face would be scarlet he grinned devilishly and settled careful hands on the others hips, massaging slowly as they continued watching the movie, Logan and Patton politely pretending they didn’t hear anything over the film.

-----

“Roman?” Virgil carefully closed the door behind him, biting his lip as he quickly opened his phone and went to his speed dials.Roman turned slightly and smiled, not at all easing the anxiety spiking in his chest as he watched Him shift slightly in his cross legged position on the wide roof railing.

“I’m okay, I’m just sitting.”

“Yeah?” Virgil licked his lips nervously, putting his phone in his pocket but keeping it on. He had no idea how much delicacy this situation would need but if Roman needed him, he would be here. He tried not to feel too hurt that he hadn’t come to him before deciding the top of their apartment building was the best place to sit.

“Yeah, here I’m sorry for making you nervous.” He breathed a grateful sigh of relief as Roman turned and slid off the short wall and made his way over to sit against the gate surrounding the satellite dish instead. Carefully walking over and sitting beside him, Virgil looked over to him attentively. He had seemed to be getting better, had been leaving his room and making things again, taking time to relax and slept on a more regular schedule. It didn’t take a monumental effort to get him to eat anymore and Virgil didn’t have to take junk food away from him at a two in the morning binge of hunger and try to convince him to eat just a small meal instead and to drink water. He had even been changing his clothes more regularly and the bags around his eyes were gone, stimming happily with music and smiling more.

All that said Virgil had read there was a possibility it would get worse before anything got better, and even scarier that things could seem better before they got worse. Major depressive episodes weren’t anything to take lightly, Virgil definitely knew that which was why he had been trying so hard to keep an eye on his partner even more than usual. Did he feel smothered? Did he feel too babied? Not taken care of enough? Should he check in with him more often or was he being pushy already?

“You think really loud.” Roman voice snapped him out of his thoughts, making him shake his head and reach for his hand, grateful when it was gripped tightly between them. “I really am okay now Virge, you don’t have to worry so much.”

“I do anyway, you know that. You’ve been really busy lately both with work and what you work on after and I just- I’m afraid you’re pushing yourself.”

“I’m not.”

“Then why-” did you look like you were going to jump. The unspoken though made him tense and Roman squeezed his hand, offering him a small smile.

“I’m sorry. I’m just...a mess.” Roman laughed and looked away, making Virgil’s heart clench.

“You aren’t. Tell me what’s happening Ro.”

Roman breathed deeply and let it out in a whoosh of air. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately and it’s making me a little...scattered.”

Squeezing his hand again Virgil nodded. Thinking. He could handle thoughts. “Thinking about what?” He encouraged.

“Thinking that- things were a lot...easier when I was alone.” Roman pressed his lips together. “Before I met any of you, I could sit and wallow as much as I wanted. I could self-pity in peace without worrying anyone. It’s nice to have people that care about me and that I care about but now that I do- people would care if I left. I have people that would be disappointed and sad so I can’t- I can’t go. And sometimes that’s worse, for the most selfish reasons.”

“It isn’t selfish.” Virgil breathed out, earning a rueful smile.

“Not everyone would agree.” They sat in silence for a few minutes before Roman broke it again. “Before I met any of you I was very sad, all the time. There didn’t always have to be a reason sometimes I just...was. Nothing I did worked but I honestly didn’t try too hard. I didn’t feel like there was a need to. I just kind of existed. And I was always tired and sad and lonely, though I didn’t know I was the last one at the time. I isolated myself on purpose for whatever reason, it isn’t important now. I felt like I was nothing.”

He shifted closer to Virgil and Virgil detangled their fingers to wrap his arm around him instead, reaching across to hold his hand that way instead. Roman gratefully sank into the warmth before speaking up again.

“I’m not suicidal now, but I was then. I just turned numb to the idea I suppose. Almost like a ‘Well I’m not doing anything else’ sort of thing.” He let out a joyless laugh. “And then I got inspired again. I still wanted to die, that just got pushed to the background in favor of doing other things. I told myself I would still do it, I just had to finish some things first. But I never finished them.”

He shifted again to look up at Virgil. “I kept feeling guilty for leaving half finished projects so I told myself I had to finish those first. And then I met you, and Patton and Logan and I knew I couldn’t leave. I missed my chance, because I knew you all would be devastated. As much as I didn’t care about myself you three did ten times as hard for me. I got really sad again that I hadn’t been able to go through with it in time. And as happy as I am now, I’m frustrated because I thought I would be dead by now so I didn’t think there was any point in working on so many things I had ideas for, and now that I know I’m staying here there’s so many things I want to finish and start and it’s so much. I could have done so many things before this but I feel like I’m just getting started. It’s...overwhelming.”

Virgil sat in thought for a moment before speaking. “There’s nothing wrong with just getting started, especially if that means you're focused on those creative things that make you happy instead of the thoughts of wanting to end your life. As frustrating as you feel like it is, and as behind as you think you are, you don’t have a time limit anymore. You can do anything and everything you want, and take it one step at a time because you know you’ll still be here tomorrow.”

Leaning down Virgil planted a soft kiss on Roman’s forehead. “I’m really proud of you that you were able to find something to keep you here, and I couldn’t be happier that Logan, Patton and I can care for you.”

Roman hummed and turned his face into the hoodie covered chest, scrunching his face as the rough stitching scratch at it. “I’m happy I’m here too, especially with the three of you.”

Resting his cheek on Roman’s head, Virgil squeezed tightly around the others shoulders in an awkward half hug. They’d definitely have to talk about this tomorrow, preferably with their other roommates so they all knew how to move forward with Roman’s mental state, but for now it was enough to simply hold him close. And be.

This work and others are also available on AO3!

#false writes #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #roman sanders #virgil sanders #virgil x roman #virgil sanders x roman sanders #angst #tw suicide #tw depression

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lowkeyleaffan · 4 years ago

Text

Doctors Orders - Morgan Rielly part 3

A/N: Again no one asked but here’s a part 3 :)

Word count: 2322 words

Warnings: just some swear words.

Mon Nov 18

You woke up the morning after your date smiling. You sat up and checked your phone, as soon as you checked it you can’t help but smile.

From Morgan: Hey, just got home. I had to help Tyson to his room and make sure he stayed in bed, that boy owes me big time.

From Morgan: Good morning

To Morgan: that’s poor boy haha, and good morning

From Cournty: hey! Do you have the day off? I’ve got some running around to do/doctor's appointment and don’t wanna brag Luna around

To Cournty: yeah, just have Jake bring her by before he leaves for the airport

You put your phone down before you go to the bathroom and brush your teeth. You return to your bedroom and grab your phone before you go to the kitchen and your phone goes off.

From Jake: ill be at your place in 10

To Jake: okay

From Leah: i’m on my way home, coffee?

To Leah: yes please

You go and sit on the couch before you turn on the TV and watch the news. You were messing around on your phone texting Morgan about your plans and what time he’s planning on heading to the airport. You weren’t paying attention until the door opens.

“I found someone.” Leah says and you turn around to see Jake standing there with Luna in his arm.

You jumped up and ran to the door before you take Luna from Jake and give her a hug. As soon as you hug her you move her to my hip and hug Jake. He gives me a kiss on the cheek before he puts the diaper bag down.

“So, as your big brother I feel like I need to ask about your date.” he says and Leah comes and takes Luna to the couch.

“What do you mean?” you ask forcing a smile.

“I mean, you’ve been on two dates with him. Is it getting serious?” he asks.

“I don’t know J, you’re not meeting him if that’s what you’re hinting at.” you say.

“Y/N, you never let me meet any of the guys you date!” he exclaims.

“Because you scare them away! Let me get comfortable before I introduce him to Jake Muzzin.” you say and he nods before he puts an arm over your shoulder.

“Meet me halfway. What’s the guys name?” He asks and you can’t help but bite your lip.

“Morgan.” You say and you can see Jake eye you as if trying to see if you were talking about Rielly. Of course you were but no way in hell you're telling Jake that.

“Weird. Mo is seeing someone named Y/n who’s also a doctor?” He says looking generally confused.

“Y/N is a common name. I’m sure there’s more than just me.” You say and he just nods before he drops it.

“Before I forget. You’re coming to the game on the 30th if you’re not working over night. Alex and Morgan want to meet you, I’m pretty sure Morgan thinks you’re fake because he’s never met you.” he says and you tense for a second.

“Sure.” You say.

“Okay, I gotta go I’m picking Mo up.” Jake says and you just nod as Leah brings Luna over.

Luna puts her arms out to Jake who takes her a kisses her cheek.

“Bye my sweet girl.” He says says before he gives her back and I give him a hug.

“Be safe please.” You say and he nods before he kisses your head.

“BYE LEAH!” He calls out.

“BYE JAKE!” She yells back before he leaves and you take Luna to the couch.

Luna was on your lap as you put The Little Mermaid on and Luna giggled. You smile as your phone goes off signing a text from Morgan.

From Morgan: So has your brother dropped his daughter off yet?

To Morgan: yup and we’re about to start a Disney day!

You put your phone away before you cuddle Luna close to your chest as she giggles.

The rest of the day was easy. You just watched Luna and talked with Morgan until his flight. Around 5:30 pm Country walks in the house, she comes right over to the couch and sits down before you hand her Luna and she looks at you.

“What?” You ask and she just smiles.

“Just because Jake is dumb as a sheet of paper doesn’t mean I am.” She says as your jaw drops before you quickly recover.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You say quickly.

“Oh please Y/N, Morgan is seeing this young doctor named Y/N and you’re seeing a guy named Morgan?” She says and you just roll your eyes “so it is Rielly!”

“you can’t tell Jake!” You exclaim.

“I won’t, but you should.” She says and you sigh.

“I want to figure out what Morgan and I are first.” You explains and she nods before she gets up and walks towards the door.

“Don’t wait too long though y/n/n.” She says before she gives you a hug and leaves.

You head back to the living room and sit back on the couch. At about 7 pm you decide to get up and go make some dinner. You began to make yourself mac and cheese when Leah walked in the room. She jumped up on the counter and looked at you.

“Yes I’ll make you and Carter dinner.” you say rolling your eyes.

“Not what I was going to ask but thank you!” she says smiling.

“Whats up?” you ask as you start to grate cheese.

“I’m not going to be home this weekend.” she says and you nod as your phone goes off.

You decide to ignore it until you finish making dinner and putting it in the oven. You sat at the table before you open your phone and see Morgan texted and snapchatted you. His snapchat was just a goofy tired smile with the Vegas location tag, you smile and just send one back before you answer his text.

From Morgan: hey we just got back to the hotel

To Morgan: got back?

From Morgan: Muzz and Bears wanted to go to the strip

To Morgan: oh fun

The idea of Morgan and Jake hanging out wasn’t odd to you. You knew they did it but now that you’ve gone on dates and are talking to Morgan it made you feel uneasy. You pushed the thought to the back of my head when you heard the timer go off. You go take the Mac and cheese out of the oven and get yourself a plate before calling Leah and Carter. The two of them grabbed plates and sat at the table.

“So y/n, does Jake know?” Carter asks.

“Nope.” You say before you start to eat.

“Is he going to find out?” He asks

“Nope.” You say again and he just nods.

The rest of dinner was silent until Leah offered to do the dishes in which you agreed and went to your bedroom. Looking at the clock that reads 9 pm, you put your phone on the charger before you go and get a shower.

After showering and doing your nighttime routine you put on an over sized shirt and get into bed. Right as you were about to fall asleep there was a knock on your door before it slowly opens and Carter sticks his head in. He sees you in bed and he sighs.

“Do you have tampons?” he asks.

“Does Leah not have any?” you ask and he shakes his head “well, I hate to break this to you but looks like you’re going to the store.”

He just sighs and goes to shut the door but you stop him making him turn around and look at you.

“Yes?” he asks

“Did Morgan say anything to you about last night?” you ask and he smirks.

“What was last night Muzz?” he asks raising an eye brow making you roll your eyes.

“Dumbass, go to the store.” you say and he laughs.

“Fine, he did. He didn’t give me much just said he had a good time and can’t wait until they’re back.” he says and you nod smiling to yourself.

“Get me some Gatorade for tomorrow please.” you say and he nods before he leaves shutting your light off and shutting your door.

TUES NOV 19

You had woken up to your phone going off. Sighing you look at the time and see it was only 4 am and the hospital calling. Sighing you answer the phone.

“Hello?” You say.

“Doctor Muzzin! I know you’re supposed to be in at 6, but Doctor Jay has asked me to call you early because he’s concerned with Alexis.” Allison explains and you nod knowing she can’t see you.

“Let me get dressed and I’ll be right in.” You say before you hang up and get out of bed.

You quickly get up and put on your scrubs before you throw your hair into a bun and put your glasses on. You unplug your phone before you go to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Once you’re done you quickly go to the kitchen and grab your lunch before you get your keys and head out.

You make your way to your car and start the drove over to sick kids. Seeing how it’s 4:15 am the streets were dead. You parked the car, grabbed your lunch bag and got out. You lock the car before you you head into Sick Kids and go to the 5th floor. You drop your bag in the staff room before you go to the nurses desk and punch in before you see doctor Jay. The second he sees you he thrusts a chart into your chest and you sigh.

“Good morning to you too doctor Jay.” you say as you open the chart and look at it.

“Good morning doctor Muzzin.” he says.

As you look at the chart you don’t see anything wrong. Sure her numbers are slightly elevated but nothing that concerned you, they’re actually lower than when you left the other day.

“Chris, what exactly is wrong with this?” you ask.

“Her numbers are high.” he says and you sigh.

“Did you look at her previous charts before you told Allison to call me?” you ask annoyed.

“No.” he says slowly.

“Chris, these are things you need to look at.” You say sighing “I understand you’re filling in for doctor Jasper tonight but you’ve been a doctor for long enough to know that you need to check her charts. Do you even know what medication she’s allergic to?”

“She's allergic to something.” He says and you look at him with your jaw dropped.

“You didn’t even look to see that she's allergic to Ampicillin?” You ask and he shakes his head. “Doctor Jay you’re done for the night, thank you.”

“You can’t send me home.” He says and you look at him

“Excuse me? Yes I can. I am the shift doctor making what I say go and you called me in therefore relishing your authority. Plus I have more experience than you as a doctor on which automatically makes me take over when I start. Now this will be filed to doctor Montgomery who will look at it so would you like to add not listing to a superior to the list?” You ask and he shakes his head “I didn’t think so. Goodnight doctor Jay.”

With that he walked away and you went to sit down but Allison stopped you.

“He kinda freaked out in the room and called me to ask me to call you in so Alexis parents are kinda freaked out.” She says smiling.

You sigh before you grab her chart and walk off to her room. Once you get there you knock softly before you poke your head in. You see Alexis' parents look at you before they get up and meet you at the door. You stood back so they could join you in the hall.

“First things first good morning. I would like to apologize for doctors Jay's actions this morning when he freaked you guys out. I want to assure you there is nothing wrong with Alexis. In fact her numbers went down so I would like to run another test today to see if they’re back up or if it’s finally going down for good.” You explain.

“Thank you Doctor Muzzin.” her mom says and you nod.

“Of course, I’ll come back around 8 for that lab okay?” You say and they nod before you leave them and go back to the nurses station and start writing an email to the head of pediatrics.

As soon as you finished the email your day started and things got crazy. By the time 6 pm rolled around you were exhausted. When you rolled into your apartment you dropped onto your bed. You were about to fall asleep when your phone went off.

“Hello?” you answer half asleep.

“I haven’t heard from you all day so I wanted to make sure you didn’t die.” you hear the voice say and you instantly smile.

“Nope just a 14 hour nonstop day.” you say.

“14 hours? Y/N that’s crazy!” Morgan says and you sigh.

“It is what it is Mo, It’s my job.” you say.

You end up talking with Morgan about your work and how he’s stressed that Babcock might get fired and how it’s a lot of pressure on him. The two of you talked until had to leave for pre game and you were about to fall asleep. Morgan promised to call you after work tomorrow. You went to the kitchen and reheated the mac and cheese from last night. You quickly ate before you went to your room and passed out as soon as your head hit the pillow.

#doctors orders #morgan rielly imagine #morgan rielly #morgan rielly x reader #Toronto Maple Leafs #toronto maple leafs imagine #jake muzzin #nhl imagine #nhl x reader

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bangchanshehe · 5 years ago

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The Orphanage pt. 10

Growing up in an orphanage was hard, but when three men kidnap you as collateral, you find out that your life prior to being trapped in a house with twelve men was a piece of cake. Your loved ones were more corrupt than you thought and your enemies are closer than ever.

OT12 X OC (INCOMPLETE)

word count 2.6k

You ate your cake with suho in bed as the two of you shared awkward post orgasm conversation with each other. You didn’t know exactly what the sex meant, if it was just something casual for him since he had mentioned not liking you cuddling with the other men, or if it was just a means of bluffing in order to fulfill a need. You had thought about asking him more questions but decided against it and instead decided to come up with an escape route.

You looked around the bed and thought of anything that you could do. The kitchen was already cleaned, the boys had eaten. CHANYEOL! You immediately remembered and your eyes flew open wide with joy. You took the last bite of your cake and held onto your plate firmly.

“So uh, I’m going to go wash my plate and call it a night.” You said to Suho thinking that it sounded logical enough for him

He looked up to you from his plate with a mouthful of chocolate cake. He put his plate down and swallowed quickly “Just leave the plate and sleep here” he said as if what you had said meant that you would be going way out of your way. “I’ll take care of it in the morning” he said with a sweet smile.

You looked down at his empty plate and back at the one in your hands. You didn’t think that he would have expected for you to stay with him overnight. You thought of a way to politely refuse but felt that everything seemed very awkward and cold.

“did you need to do something?” he asked you with raised eyebrows and his interest piqued

You looked up to him with wide eyes. Busted. “I just-“ you started but couldn’t finish the rest of the sentence. It felt like you were running away from him. But you knew that if you had said anything to him that was a lie that he would be sure to figure it out one way or another. he has cameras everywhere. You gently reminded yourself.

“I…” you huffed out frustrated that it wasn’t simple to just say what you needed to say

“what? What’s going on?” he asked scooting closer to you on the bed and ran a hand down your thigh

You were hyper aware of the feeling of his palms on your body and you lightly shuddered. You looked down at where his hand rested and then you looked up at him. It was now or never, you either tell the truth or lie to him.

“I promised Chanyeol that tonight I would stay with him” you said quietly finally revealing the truth ready to get a scolding

You sat in a moment of silence and there was no response from him. You couldn’t stand the quiet so you looked away from him unable to continue to look him in the eye.

“okay, no worries” he finally said

You snapped your head up to look at him and you cocked an eyebrow. You were baffled for a moment and you looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

You didn’t think that it was going to be so simple to him that you were going to be with another man right after he had just said that he was jealous of you spending time with other members. So it was a lie…noted. You cleared your throat and started to make your way off of the bed. You gathered up all of your clothes and straightened yourself up before you would leave. You picked up your plate off of the bed and held your hand out to take Suho’s. he smiled up at you and handed his plate to you in silence.

You softly padded to the door and opened it up widely. You stepped into the doorway and quietly bid Suho goodnight. he nodded back to you with a small smile and you returned his smile before shutting the door behind you.

There was no one in the hallways but you could hear commotion in the living room, and you investigated what the noise was. When you walked in you saw four men playing video games and yelling over each other, bad mouthing how bad each other played. You chuckled at how childish the behavior was and moved into the kitchen, where you knew there were bound to be lingering men, hungry and waiting for food.

You rounded the corner and was surprised to see that there wasn’t anyone inside. You looked at the sink and the oven to see if there was any dishes or messes to clean up to distract yourself, but you were shocked that it was completely clean, despite the number of dishes that you were sure was going to accumulate after so many men had to eat.

You sighed deeply and nodded your head. Your instinctive intuitions about them were beginning to prove themselves wrong time and time again. Despite the few men who still terrified you the rest of the were surprisingly charming and welcoming. They would help you in whatever way they could, and you appreciated them greatly for it.

You looked back into the living room for any traces of Chanyeol before you began your search for him, but found nothing. so instead of lingering around you climbed up the stairs back to the room where you had painted for him earlier.

Nearing the door you noticed a light shining from underneath his door, giving Chanyeol’s location away. You lightly knocked on the door awaiting for a response for you to enter, or at least for Chanyeol to come to the door. You waited and there was no response or sign of movement from the room. You hesitated for a moment wondering if you should come back another time or just go into the room. But thinking about how open you and Chanyeol had been the past few days you had decided that it wouldn’t do any harm to walk in and make yourself known.

You cracked the door open slightly and peeked inside of the room. You looked around the bedroom and noticed the back of chanyeol’s head on the other side of his bed.

You quietly crept into the room and shut the door behind you as sofly as you could, in order to not disturb whatever it was that had captured all of chanyeol’s attention. You tiptoed to the edge of the bed and peered over to see what Chanyeol was doing. You could now see a pair of headphones and his big hands strumming on an electric guitar as he played.

You softly climbed his bed and made your way closer and closer to the edge revealing more of Chanyeol. You held a hand to your mouth to stifle the laughter that shook through you as you abruptly grabbed the top of chaneyols head.

He yelped, shrunk down and froze in place, not prepared for an attack so suddenly. You laughed out loud at how silly he looked, frightened and unprepared as to what to do next, but as soon as he realized that it was only you he immediately sprung into action.

He quickly gathered himself and jumped up, and over across you on the bed. He hands roamed your body and tickled whatever available flesh he could. Laughing now that the tables had turned and he was back in control. You gasped for air and begged for him to stop. And only until your face had turned the deepest shade of red did he stop his tickle attack.

He let go of you and you let your body go limp against his mattress as you desperately tried to calm your breathing. He sat next to you on the bed and smiled an evil grin down at you. When you finally felt like a normal being again you leaned up on your elbows and smiled back.

“what were you up to?” you asked him

He shrugged and looked away “I don’t know. Sometimes I get bored and just come in here and play”

You nodded your head and hummed, in understanding. Sometimes whenever you got bored you did the same thing, but instead of playing music you baked. Not only did it make you feel better about whatever was making you stressed out but it also helped you take your mind off of things.

“what were you playing?” you asked Chanyeol and he visibly froze in place.

You raised an eyebrow at his shocked state and eyed his guitar. “sorry, if it’s personal. You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to” you said nervous that you had maybe crossed a boundary for Chanyeol

“no… no I’m sorry I just…” Chanyeol sighed and looked down at the musical instrument “I only play it when I get really stressed out. There’s something about just putting on the headphones and making you senses filled with only what you create that’s relieving.”

Your eyebrows crinkled and you looked up to Chanyeol with concern. He didn’t seem stressed out to you, but you guessed that there was more to what meets the eye. You sat up so you were sitting properly and you faced Chanyeol on his bed.

“chan, what’s going on?” you asked him with a serious expression

He looked up at you with an uncertain grimace and then chuckled “did you call me chan?” he asked with a small smile

Your eyes went wide “oh, um im sorry. I kind of just blurted that out without even thinking” you apologized

Chanyeol just chuckled even harder “no. its okay, really!” he ran a hand through his hair “I just didn’t expect a nickname to come from you” he explained

“oh” you said softly before looking at your hands, now feeling awkward about the mood of the room

“here” Chanyeol said getting up and grabbing his guitar only to sit back down on the bed across from you.

He unplugged the amp chord, the head phones and the distorter from the guitar and handed the instrument over to you. Unwillingly you accepted it, knowing nothing about the thing. You didn’t know what the chords were, how to hold a guitar, or how to play in the slightest. You looked up at him confused and he smiled down at you.

“don’t know how to play?” he asked

No violently shook your head no and he giggled. Come here he said, separating his legs so you could sit in front of him. You looked up at him unsure, but bit your tongue and did it telling yourself that it was only so he could teach you.

As you settled in between his legs he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and took your hands in his. He pointed out and strummed on every chord so you could become familiar with the instrument. And as soon as you got somewhat comfortable he started to teach you how to play a simple song on your own.

“ah” he groaned “you almost had it, but you messed up the last chord”

You mentally scolded yourself and shook your hand out, feeling the fatigue in it from the atypical hand movement. Once more you lined up your hands on the guitar and inhaled a deep breath.

Slowly you started to strum the song once more and within a minute smiled to yourself in triumph. You had done everything right this time, and while it wasn’t necessarily rocket science, it was a big accomplishment to you.

“you did good” Chanyeol laughed and patted your head softly “now try playing it faster and faster each time”

You sighed and went back at it again playing the song slightly faster each time than the last until finally you had gotten a hang of the song. You turned your head and smiled at Chanyeol in excitement, but your smile slowly dropped as you realized how close you and Chanyeol actually were.

You stared into his eyes and he softly gulped realizing that the position that you were in was exactly where he wanted you to be. He slowly leaned in to kiss you and his heart rate accelerated when he realized that you weren’t turning your head or denying him.

He was mere centimeters from your face and you had closed your eyes, ready for him to give you a soft kiss. But when the door opened and someone stepped inside of Chanyeol’s room you couldn’t help but turn shy and pull away from Chanyeol.

A throat cleared and you looked up to see a smirking Suho at the doorway of Chanyeol’s room. He shifted his weight on his feet and he turned to glare at Chanyeol. You were suddenly far more conscious of your position with your back pressed up against chanyeol’s chest. you quickly scooted down the bed so you were a safe distance from Chanyeol but also not to close to suho who looked less than happy.

“what are you doing?” suho asked with a deflated tone as if he already knew what was going on but was asking for confirmation

“I was teaching her how to play the guitar” Chanyeol said after a moment of hesitation

Suho hummed and walked towards the edge of the bed where you were sitting. He grabbed your hands and assessed your palms and fingers to make sure that the guitar strings weren’t too rough on you. When he dropped them, satisfied that you weren’t hurt he put his hands on your shoulders and began gently rubbing at them.

You were too nervous to say anything or do anything, so you mindlessly played with your fingers as you looked down at your feet.

“why don’t you go take a shower while Chanyeol and I have a little discussion” Suho said to you in your ear, loud enough that both you and Chanyeol could hear.

You gulped and looked up to Chanyeol, afraid of what a little discussion meant. You slowly nodded your head and moved into Chanyeol’s conjoined bathroom at a snails pace. When you were finally inside you stood in front of the mirror for a few minutes, hoping that you could overhear whatever was about to take place in the other room.

“what did you want to talk about suho?” Chanyeol asked with a firm voice

“I wanted to talk to you about y/n.” suho started and you could feel the energy deepen somehow “a lot of members have now shown interest in her and I wanted to give everyone the same talk so that there is no confusion.” His voice trailed off to become dangerously deep

“Y/n is not just a play thing. She will be respected and treated like an equal.” Suho started and you immediately let out a sigh of relief “if she decides that she wants to become intimate with you then that is her own choice, and no one else’s. and no one is to harm her in any way, do you understand me?” Suho asked like a stern father

“of course “ you heard Chanyeol mutter like it was a joke that Suho was even mentioning these things to him

“good. Now scoot over” suho said

You could hear sheets rustling and a few grunt noises

“wait! What?... What are-.. What are you doing?” you could hear Chanyeol’s flustered voice

“I’m trying to get in bed!” suho said sounding fed up

“why are you trying to sleep in here?” Chanyeol asked back

“after what I just did to her, I don’t exactly feel like sharing. So it’ll be both of us or I drag her ass back to my room. Which shall it be?”

#kpop #kpop series #kpop scenario #kpop smut #kpop fanfic #exo #exo smut #exo series #exo scenarios #exo mafia au #exo ot12 #ot12 #exo fanfic #mafia au #kpop mafia au

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squirrelly831 · 5 years ago

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Making Breakfast in His Shirt [Hoseok and Namjoon]

The oc’s are the wives prior to getting married or engaged. You can read this as part of the daddy!au series or a stand alone~~. These are different from the original versions, but I like these better.

Enjoy~~

Hoseok

Elfie hit the alarm clock after the first loud ring then whipped back to see if Hoseok had woken up. Seeing he was still fast asleep, she let out a breath of relief. She tried getting out of bed to feel her legs wrapped up in blankets and Hoseok’s legs. She shifted around, sitting up with her hands pressed against the edge of the bed, and she untangled herself from the blankets and boyfriend. Her victory was short lived as she leaned back too far and fell off the bed with a thump. “Ah, shit” she hissed as she held her head in her hands feeling pain. Her puppy, Mitzy, sat up at the end of the bed, her head tilted to the side as she stared down at Elfie. “I feel like you’re judging me right now…” She whispered towards her dog as she stood up slowly.

After taking a quick shower, Elfie threw on one of Hoseok’s shirts and one of her gym shorts before she made her way out the room with her cell phone in hand. She pulled out the ingredients she needed for the birthday seaweed soup recipe Hoseok’s mom texted her. She opted not to wear an apron as she whipped up a breakfast for Hoseok’s birthday. She intertwined her fingers together and stretched out popping a couple fingers then flashed a smile to Mitzy. “Alright! Let’s make some breakfast.”

Mitzy let out a whimper, her ears drooped as she made a quick escape from the kitchen as if she knew what mayhem was about to hit.

Elfie rolled her eyes, “Fine, you don’t get any leftovers.”

There was a loud shrill followed by a sound similar to roaring thunder. Hoseok shot up in bed in a hurry as the smell of burning overtook the bedroom. His eyes widened as he threw off the blankets, “Elfie!” He ran out of the bedroom, his feet pounded against the carpet hall missing the fleeing Mitzy who sped to the bedroom. “ELFIE!” His voice was high drenched in sheer panic as he entered a plume of smoke in the living room.

There was a cough and the sharp shrill from the fire alarm in the kitchen. Elfie stumbled through the kitchen to each of the windows trying to air out the area. She mentally cursed as she choked on another harsh breath as she looked back in the kitchen towards the fire alarm.

“ELFIE!” Her name sounded over the alarm and Elfie grabbed a chair, dragged it under the fire alarm, and unplugged it making the shrill cease. “Elfie?”

“I’m fine” she coughed as she waved the smoke from her face. The smoke was less dense than it was moments ago thanks to the windows making it easier to see in the kitchen. At the entrance stood a frantic Hoseok, chest rapidly rising and falling as he looked at the disaster in the kitchen. Elfie grimaced as she held up her hands and shook them in a waving motion, “Happy birthday…” She awkwardly sang.

Hoseok’s eyes met hers before he made his way to her side, “Are you okay? What happened?”

“I just kind of forgot the cake in the oven and it ended up burning… I tried to take it out, but I reached in with my bare han--”

Hoseok took her wrists and noticed how red her hand was, “You should ice it.” He picked her up off the chair and took her to the counter. “Sit up there” he left no room for argument as he rushed to the freezer and grabbed ice then a towel from the drawer beside him. “You know you need to pay attention when you’re cooking” he hissed. “You’re such an airhead that you space out at the wrong times” he placed the ice in her hand then wrapped the towel around her hand. “Keep that there.”

Elfie retreated into herself like a kicked dog. Her shoulders slumped as her head fell to her hand. Tears gathered in her eyes and she used his shirt she wore to wipe the tears away. She wanted to say something, but her voice wouldn’t come out as she continued to silently cry.

Hoseok continued to lecture her as he cleaned up the mess. A pile of pots from the cabinets above were on the ground, the culprits of the thunderous sound. He hadn’t realized he was lecturing her until he realized how quiet she was. Hoseok looked back to see huge tears descending down Elfie’s face. “Does it hurt? Should we go to the hospital?”

She shook her head as her tears only grew, “I was just trying to make you a surprise birthday breakfast” her voice was raw and cracking. “I can’t even do that right. I’m sorry.”

Hoseok walked over to her and hugged her, “It’s okay. I know you can cook, Elfie… But, I wish you didn’t try to cook so much at once--you get so careless and end up hurting yourself.” He rubbed her back as he looked through the semi-clean kitchen. “Why don’t we clean up and we can make some breakfast together, okay?” His hand took her burned hand and he checked the burn, “But first let’s go get this checked out, yea?” Elfie gave a sad nod as Hoseok helped her off the counter and the two changed to go to the hospital.

Namjoon

The sun’s rays were the first to wake Sierra from her peaceful sleep. Her eyes screwed shut as she let out a displeased groan. She shifted in the bed, turning her back to the bright light as the arm resting over her naked body pulled her closer. The tip of Sierra’s nose touched the chest in front of her and a smile grew as she took in her boyfriend’s scent. Finally, giving up on sleep, Sierra’s eyes fluttered open, Namjoon’s chest rose and fell before her. She reached out and touched his chest. Her manicure nails rubbed against his naked upper body as she remembered the night before--their first night together. Sierra felt her face warm at the thought as her hand traced up to his face. Her smile only grew as she looked up at her boyfriend’s sleeping face. Shuffling in bed once more, Sierra reached up and pressed a quick kiss on Namjoon’s lips, “I love you” she whispered.

Namjoon let out a mumble under his breath before he turned in his sleep releasing her from his grasp. Sierra took the opportunity to climb out of bed and grabbed the first shirt she found on the ground from the previous night. She felt like she was walking on air, she felt so light. She threw it on and got ready for the day after checking out Namjoon once again. After she brushed her teeth and fixed the lingering bedhead, Sierra grabbed her phone and headed to the kitchen to make some breakfast for the two of them.

Namjoon woke to the smell of food. A deep groan escaped him as he reached over to the other side of the bed to feel nothing but the cold sheets. His eyes opened partially to see Sierra was not beside him in bed and he reached up to his hair as he stretched. He sat up letting the covers pool on his laps as he looked around the room for his girlfriend. He yawned loudly as he got out of bed and sought for a pair of sweatpants then went to find his girlfriend.

Namjoon saw Sierra in front of the oven, she hummed happily as she cooked. He couldn’t help the grin that grew on his face. He couldn’t believe his girlfriend had flown from New Zealand just to be with him for a month while he was on break from work. Last night was their first time alone together since they began dating eight months ago and it was perfect. Namjoon couldn’t help wanting more. It didn’t help when he noticed Sierra wore one of his shirts that barely covered her upper thighs. How could she look so perfect first thing in the morning?

Sierra jumped when Namjoon wrapped his arms around her waist, “Heavens--don’t scare me like that.”

“You weren’t in bed when I woke up” his voice still deep with sleep. Namjoon felt a shiver go down Sierra’s back. A smirk graced his lips as he leaned down to her neck. His lips teased her neck, grazed over her skin drawing out a sweet whimper from her. “How are you feeling?” his head moved up to her ear, “I wasn’t too rough last night, right?”

Sierra’s face felt like it was on fire. How could Namjoon, her sweet kind boyfriend, be so sensual first thing in the morning. “I--” Her eyes never left the omelet that was cooking before her. “I feel fine” she cleared her throat.

One of Namjoon’s hands fell from her waist and touched her thigh leaving tingles in his wake. A hum left his lips as he watched her fidget under his grasp. Namjoon’s eyes grazed her as he pulled her away from the pan. He turned off the burner and reached around her to move the pan. Sierra turned in his arms to see him curiosity written across her face. His eyes traveled down her body before his lips descended on hers. The heated kiss made her gasp allowing Namjoon to slip his tongue in her mouth. A moan melted in the kiss as Sierra grasped his biceps to hold herself up.

Namjoon broke the kiss, “Could you handle another round?”

Sierra shyly looked away as she caught her breath, “But breakfast--”

“Can wait” he whispered as a seductive smirk grew on his lips, “Or I could have you for breakfast?” His eyebrow rose and Sierra’s face heated up. She wrapped her arms around his neck, but kept her face hidden in his chest. Namjoon let out a deep chuckle, “How are you so shy still?”

“Shut up…” Sierra wanted nothing more than to hide under a rock with how embarrassed she felt. Namjoon didn’t let her escape as his fingers pulled her chin up and his lips took hers once more. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him as he took them to the living room for another heated round.

Part I | Part III

Credit to gif owners

Written & revamped by Squirrelly831

♕ REQUEST

☮ BTS MASTERLIST

∞ ULTIMATE MASTERLIST

#kpop #kpop reactions #kpop scenarios #bts #bts reactions #bts scenarios #hoseok reactions #namjoon reactions

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randomoranges · 5 years ago

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amnesia au part 144

Étienne walked into the kitchen to find Constance and Julien hunched over what seemed to be a book of some sorts. The counter was filled with various measuring cups and bowls, the carton of eggs and the jug of milk. Intrigued, Étienne made his way towards them to see what they were up to.

“We’re making Mononcle Édouard’s cookies,” Constance finally admitted after sharing a look with her brother, “Mom said she’d help us.”

“We’re getting things ready,” Julien added.

Étienne did a double take at that, never expecting them to be making the same cookies Edward used to make for them, “I didn’t even know you had the recipe,” He said, instead, his mind still reeling from the shock.

“Mom asked ‘cause we liked them so much,” Étienne nodded at that. Suzette would do something of the sorts and of course, Edward would have given her the recipe.

“Well, since your mom is still busy, if you want I can help and supervise until she gets here,” He surprised himself saying. Constance and Julien exchanged another look and matching grins appeared on their faces, “But you guys have to deal with the oven – they still don’t like me,” He joked and got a few chuckles in return. Étienne walked over to the other side of the kitchen counter, to see what the first step of the recipe was and felt a small pang of sadness when he saw Edward’s familiar handwriting on the recipe card.

God, he remembered those cards. Edward had a whole stack of them and would write down his tried and tested recipes on them. He even had a special box, instead of a cookbook, in which he stored the recipes in. He had one for meals and one for desserts and they were sorted alphabetically. Étienne had teased him for his methods, but he had found it oh so endearing. Whenever someone would ask him for a recipe, Edward would take out one of his blank cards and write the recipe down with his fountain pen he liked to use and kept for “special occasions.” He said it made the recipe better, instead of photocopying it like a heathen.

He never thought he’d ever see one of these cards again and having it so close to him brought back a flood of emotions and memories he rather would keep buried. However, he’d just promised his niece and nephew that he would help with the cookies and so he put on a brave face and stowed his feelings for later.

Luckily, the kids didn’t seem to notice his sudden change of mood and he did his best to keep the conversation light and going. He joked around, made silly faces, created interesting cookie sculptures with the cookie dough and let them both lick one of the whisks of the electric mixer, after he made sure that it was turned off and unplugged. (He, on the other hand, got to scrape the bowl of any cookie dough left). Constance was put in charge of sliding the baking sheets into the oven and once the kitchen was clean and the cookies were baking, they sat around the kitchen waiting.

“Mononcle Étienne,” Constance started off some time later,” Do you – do you still miss Mononcle Édouard?” She asked almost shyly. Étienne was surprised by the question and wondered, not for the first time, if the cookies had been coincidental.

“More than anything, Coco,” He admitted – there was no point lying to her and even though he and Edward were exchanging text messages, it wasn’t the same as the real conversations they had had in the past or the easiness of their relationship from before, “Do you miss him as well?” He asked; Constance nodded and her brother did the same. It pulled at his heart, seeing them so saddened and he went over to them to hug them both tightly.

He had never thought about it like this – how Edward had been an impact on them as well and how even though they were young, they could still miss him in their own way. It reminded Étienne that he wasn’t the only one who had suffered and that even if they were all living with the consequences of the accident in different ways, there was still a lot of common ground.

“It’s okay to miss him, you know? What you feel is perfectly normal.”

“Does Mononcle Édouard hate us?” Julien asked and Étienne hated how wet his eyes were or the sad little frown on his face.

“Of course not, sweetheart, Mononcle Édouard could never hate you.” He tried to be reassuring and wiped a tear from his cheek as it rolled down.

“Then why hasn’t he ever called us or come to visit?” Constance chirped in.

Étienne pulled up a chair and sat with them on their side of the table. He had no idea why Edward had broken off contact with them. Or, he knew, but he didn’t know all the finer details and could only guess at how it was Edward probably felt about this situation. “It’s complicated, kiddo, it really is. I don’t think your uncle did it to hurt you – I think he just doesn’t know how to reach out to you. You know he doesn’t remember much from his life, right? Your parents explained it to you?” They nodded at that, “Exactly, so it’s gotta be really hard for him as well – not knowing who you guys are, but knowing that you know so much about him...” Explaining it to them shed some clarity on the matter at hand and offered him a new perspective he hadn’t really thought about. How would he feel if everyone around him knew him and had a whole history with him, but he couldn’t even remember their name?

“If you want, I can talk to him about it – tell him you miss him and maybe, when he’s ready, he’ll reach out to you. I can’t guarantee that he will, or when it’d happen but would you like that?” Both Constance and Julien nodded again and Étienne promised them he would, but they still looked a little down and Étienne didn’t want them to focus on this for too long.

“Hey, how about we play a little game while we wait for the cookies to finish baking?” They looked at him curiously, intrigued as to what it was he could suggest, “How about you each tell me one thing you really liked doing with your uncle? Or some nice memory you have of him and you?”

“Can I go first?” Constance asked and Étienne nodded, “I liked it when he’d tell us stories. Mononcle Édouard tells the best stories,” She started off, smile coming to her face, “He’d make funny voices and sometimes he acted the parts! It was so cool!” Julien eagerly nodded his head as if reaffirming what his sister had said.

“What about you, Ju?”

Julien pondered it for a moment, quietly thinking it over, “He always played with me.” He said after a while, “Even when there were other grownups, he would come play with me and he didn’t care if I was playing with little kid toys. He always made time for me and I liked when he would help me make puzzles.”

Étienne couldn’t help but smile and ruffled Julien’s hair. He was so right. Étienne remembered so many times when Julien would be cast aside because he was too little to play with Constance and Magalie, or when the adults were busy talking amongst themselves and he’d be left to entertain himself. Somehow or other, Edward would always find him and ask if he could play with him and Julien’s face would light up with the widest of smiles. There’d always been a special bond between Edward and Julien and Étienne had always thought that it was the sweetest thing. Edward loved the kid and Julien always went looking for him when they came over or when he and Edward drove up for a visit.

“What about you, Mononcle Étienne? What’s your favourite memory of Mononcle Édouard?” Julien asked him, interrupting his thoughts.

Étienne blinked, surprised, not thinking that they would ask him in kind, but he supposed it was only fair that he play along as well. He thought about it for a moment, sifting through years and years of different memories. There were so many things he liked about Edward and that meant different things to him, but he supposed there was a same essence to all of them, “I liked the way he made me feel – like I was someone good and important. That he believed in me and that I could achieve all my dreams. I liked how he made me feel safe – and loved. He was good at that, y’know? Making people feel important – that you were someone he cared for a lot and that you could go to him if you needed something?” He wondered if this wasn’t too much for them, but they nodded along, “And he’s very funny as well! He did tell the best stories, but also the best jokes,” He added with a laugh, trying to make this a little lighter, “But, I guess, what I liked best were his hugs...” He stopped himself there, before he could be carried away as he knew he could. This was supposed to be a nice exercise for the kids, not something that would make them all teary eyed.

“Alright, how about we check on the cookies?” He asked, wiping his own tears away and laughing it off, “We can honour your uncle by eating his cookies – we all know how much he liked it when we ate them, even if he did tell us not to each too many before dinner,” It seemed to do the trick and both Constance and Julie hopped off their chairs, before scurrying back to the oven, Étienne trailing behind.

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#pc: montreal #étienne maisonneuve #au #ficlet #3 sentence fic meme thing #amnesia au

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andawaywego · 7 years ago

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1, 2, 3 (you and me)

a Raven’s Home fic by andawaywego

…

Things are different.

Raven’s not entirely certain when it happened.

Sometime between phone calls about Garrett’s trial and a FaceTime discussion of plane tickets and the logistics of Chelsea and Levi moving halfway across the country to live with them.

She’s known Chelsea her entire life. Some version of her, at least (there have been several), but the one that arrives on her doorstep is the closest to the old her that Raven can remember. It’s a relief, then, to pull Chelsea into her arms. To press kisses to Levi’s squirming face as he laughs and tries to push her away. It’s a relief to share her space with her best friend, to have someone else for the first time in three years, to talk to about this parenting madness her own parents never prepared her for.

It’s not that she’s different. She’s the same, old Raven. The one who makes the same thing for lunch every day during the week (because Bernardo’s is cheap and she likes the excuse that she can’t join Paisley–or, did). The one who has visions she reads wrong and loops her best friend into trouble right along with her.

It’s not even that Chelsea is different (though that dark look she gets in her eyes whenever Levi brings up his dad might be enough to convince you otherwise). Chelsea still smiles at her and grins and talks about the benefits of composting. She still unplugs every appliance in the house when it’s not in use and she still falls, so willingly, into Raven’s messy life.

They’re still the same. That’s not the problem.

It’s that something between them has changed.

They’ve been apart (physically) since college and apart (emotionally) since that stick said Pregnant in the communal bathroom of her first dorm room and Devon had dropped to one knee a week after she’d told him. For years, their lifelong friendship had existed solely through telephone calls and emails and the occasional plane ride all the way to California or to Illinois.

But now Chelsea’s back. Like nothing ever changed. Or so she’d thought.

But something is different now.

Some spark of something that’s ignited in the space between them as it shortened, as the whole proximity dilemma went right out the window.

If you asked her, though, she’ll tell you that she’s not certain what it is until the night after the doggy fashion show disaster.

It’s when the kids are in bed and the patrons have left–satisfied, but mostly confused–that she finds Chelsea in the kitchen, cleaning up the rest of the mess they left behind. The lights are mostly off to prevent any straggling light from slipping under the cracks of the kids’ bedroom doors. She can hardly make her out from where she’s standing in the living room, but Chelsea has always been so beautiful in any light, and from this angle–face smoothed by the light glow from the oven light and she has her apron barely hanging around her neck now.

“Hey,” Raven says, voice low, hesitant to disturb the quiet. “How we looking?”

Chelsea stops scrubbing the counter and looks up, the shadows slipping down her neck from the change of direction. Raven can see the glow of her eyes in what light they do have.

“Not great,” she answers, shaking her head. “But, on the bright side, we made enough dough to go grocery shopping.” She steps around the island and into the living room, leaving the dish rag she’d been using to wipe the counter where it is. She pokes a pointed finger at Raven’s apron. “Quite the look, Miss Fashion.”

Raven reaches out to poke at Chelsea’s own apron, right on the cursive Mama written across the flat of her sternum. “Girl, check out a mirror sometime.”

Chelsea grabs her hand, curls her fingers around Raven’s palm, and holds it close to her chest, smiling. “Check yourself, Baxter.”

Memories, like always, filter in at her touch. A million touches like this before coming back, in torn-up pieces that she might be half-inclined to believe didn’t happen. Chelsea in her bedroom (attic, then basement) and Chelsea’s hand in hers and Chelsea reaching out across a pit of tar on a stupid dating game they never should have been on because–

Chelsea drops her hand carefully. Light enough that Raven can catch it before it falls to her side.

“So…tonight was weird,” Raven says, just for the act of speaking. Chelsea laughs quickly and Raven looks at her for a long moment. “You first,” she prods, smiling.

Chelsea grins immediately and Raven can see the absurdity of her answer forming in the mirth glowing in her eyes. “Oh, mine’s easy,” she says lowly. “Pizza place put our phone number on their ads, we pretended to be them. Got a little out of hand.” She pauses. “Your turn.”

Raven smiles at her, lets loose a laugh and then crosses her arms over her stomach. “Oh, the usual,” she says. “Paisley wanted me to do something nuts, I couldn’t do it without doing something even more nuts, which didn’t go like I planned, so I got fired.”

Here, Chelsea gasps, taking a step forward like she wants to pull her closer, but Raven holds up a hand to keep her at bay.

“And then some crazy rich lady, who I’m pretty sure we made up back in high school, ended up buying that vest I made for $10,000.”

Chelsea’s eyes are huge, wide, lips twisting on her mouth. “Wait, huh?”

Raven smirks and shifts towards her on reflex. “I have enough money to start my own clothing line, Chels.”

“Oh, my God,” Chelsea breathes, tone hazy and smooth. “Rae…” She moves forward in a rush, hands finding Raven’s waist, arms wrapping around to pull her into a hug. “That’s amazing!”

Raven’s breath catches the moment they meet and it’s like all the air has been sucked from the room. Chelsea’s cheek is hot against her own and she can feel the other woman’s breathing as it shifts her hair in small bursts of movement. Her arms are tight around her waist and Raven closes her eyes, imagining those fingers trailing up under the hem of her shirt and then higher.

Anyway, it doesn’t matter how badly she wants Chelsea pressed up against her on the bottom mattress of their shared bed, because her mind is light and dizzy and she’s pulled so quickly out of her body that she doesn’t get the chance to question what it means.

There’s a vision, of course, because there always is.

It’s clearer than some, blurrier than others. She’s lying in a bed with Chelsea at her side, smiling at her, this look in her eyes that Raven is certain she’s never seen before. I love you, too, Chelsea is saying and then she’s leaning forward, eyes shifting closed and–

Raven opens her eyes.

“You deserve this,” Chelsea says into her ear. “You really do.”

It takes Raven a second to pull back to reality, head reeling and oxygen deprived.

Chelsea pulls away and she’s close again for a moment before she packs up to a reasonable distance. Raven feels a flush of shame, face rushing with heady embarrassment.

She’s being so stupid.

That vision doesn’t mean anything.

She’s been wrong before.

“You deserve it, too,” she says and she barely stops herself from reaching out. “I…I want you to find something that you love doing, Chels.”

Chelsea smiles, reaching out to cup at Raven’s chin, smoothing away a lost glob of yogurt from one of the pizza’s with a careful thumb. “I’m sure I’ll figure…something out.” Then she ducks in, presses a kiss to the apple of Raven’s cheek, pulling away quickly. “We can make the boys do some cleaning for once in the morning. Leave it till then.”

She leaves Raven breathless in the living room as she disappears into their bedroom, leaving the door open a crack for her to follow. Raven stays there for a moment before she does.

(She decides it doesn’t–can’t–mean anything, because her visions are wrong other times. But she can’t stop thinking about it for days, eyes tracking Chelsea’s lips every time they talk, and replaying the quiet way she’d said, I love you, too, in that vision over and over again and–

It doesn’t mean anything. It can’t.)

Until it has to.

It’s that next Monday when things change for good and she’s been out all afternoon, buying fabric, tracking down leads, pricing equipment. Getting whatever it is she needs to start this business of hers.

When she gets home, the kids are in the living room, playing Mario Kart and shouting at each other loudly, laughing. She stands and watches them for a moment–Levi shouting, “Suck it, Booker!” and Booker groaning, looking ready to commit murder–and then moves through the room, touching each of their heads briefly on her way.

Chelsea is in the bedroom, sleeping on top of Raven’s sheets in the darkening bedroom. Raven stands in the doorway for a long moment, simply watching, afraid to disturb her, but then Chelsea’s eyes open quickly and she shakes her head, blinks a couple of times. Finally, she looks up at Raven in the doorway.

Raven grins, trying to look nonchalant, but then Chelsea is sitting up in bed looking drowsy and beautiful all at once. “Morning, Sleeping Beauty.”

Chelsea rolls her shoulders and smiles. “Don’t mock.”

Raven laughs. “Not mocking. Observing.”

“I thought you said you’d text me on your way home,” Chelsea says next, clearing her throat and rolling her head side-to-side.

Raven takes a step forward and pushes the door around behind herself. “I did. Check your phone.”

Chelsea looks around slowly, like she’s still waking up and not quite getting there. “I left it in the kitchen, I think,” she decides and Raven quirks an eyebrow.

“What if there’d been an emergency? I could have been hit by a bus.”

“Did you get hit by a bus?” Chelsea asks, but not seriously. She’s glaring.

Raven takes a deep breath. This is silly. Then, “No,” and a flash of her smile to try and placate the other woman.

“The kids have phones, too, Rae,” Chelsea says, but she doesn’t get up.

Raven hasn’t felt this unsure since high school, since back before Devon had been a constant in her life. When he’d been an aloof teenage boy who said two words to her some days and arrived outside her house with a boom box others. She wants to tell Chelsea about her vision, but she isn’t sure how, so she doesn’t.

She just takes a couple of steps closer until their knees are brushing and then she reaches out and runs her fingertips along Chelsea’s cheek. Drawn to her, like she always has been before. She’s positive she couldn’t stop herself if she wanted to.

There’s no protest, no hand swatting her away.

Just, “Are the kids okay?”

Raven doesn’t pull her hand away. “They’re fine. Levi’s a Mario Kart master. Booker is on the warpath.”

Chelsea laughs, but it comes out shaky. “He learned from the best.”

“I’m sure he did.”

There’s this unnecessary weight to the words or her tone, or possibly both. Chelsea is breathing too heavily for a normal conversation and something has changed, sharply. Like the two of them have changed course and now they’re heading in the same direction for the first time in something like ten years.

Her legs feel numb, Raven realizes. As if they’ve fallen asleep as she’s standing right there.

“What’s wrong?” Chelsea asks and Raven stops her movements at once.

She remembers being with Devon, how she’d sulk for hours over a class she couldn’t pass or her call with Eddie or Chelsea dropping from the distance, over not having enough money or the twins not sleeping. How she’d sulk and sulk, waiting for him to ask so she could burst open the floodgates and let it all out. Except, he rarely did. It took tears for Devon to know there was something wrong with her.

But Chelsea–

There’s never been a time when Chelsea wouldn’t have noticed something like that, when she wouldn’t ask Raven to risk opening herself so that she could hear all about it.

“Nothing,” she says. She pulls her hand away.

“Right, and I totally believe you,” Chelsea says, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. “Seriously, Rae. What is it?”

Raven looks down at her best friend–this girl she’s known her entire life–and frowns. “I can’t stop thinking about you,” she confesses, the words sounding harsh to even her. “I…I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Chels.”

Chelsea is still. So still that Raven might, otherwise, think she’s fallen asleep. She looks up at her with wide eyes and then blinks. Just once. She pats the bed beside her until Raven takes a seat, feeling the dip of the mattress under her weight.

“Why does something have to be wrong with you?”

Raven shrugs. Her words are tangled in her throat and she feels like she can’t even swallow around them. Like, if she tries to speak, she’s going to cry. And she shouldn’t feel this way. She’s an adult. She’s a mother. She hasn’t felt this way since she was a teenager.

Worst yet: she doesn’t have an answer.

Chelsea sighs. She can feel it beside her. That delicate release of a breath she’s been holding. Out of the corner of her eye, she watches as Chelsea plays with her own fingers.

“Well,” she says after a moment, “then there’s something wrong with me, too.”

It’s not what she’s expecting. The words feel electric sharp in her chest and Raven has to stop herself from whipping her head around to look at her.

“Do you remember the day I moved in here?” Chelsea asks after a moment.

Raven nods. It had been hot all summer and the air conditioner had broken two days before Chelsea and Levi were supposed to arrive. She’d gone all over the city trying to find a window or room unit just for the occasion, but there hadn’t been one to find. So Chelsea and Levi had arrived in a hot city and been dropped off in a hot apartment and it had been the first time Raven had seen her in close to two years–FaceTime doesn’t count, of course.

And she’d thought it would be ruined. That not having A.C. would be enough to immediately send Chelsea packing, but it hadn’t been, of course. She’d just smiled, widely in that Chelsea way she always had and said, Hey, Rae. Long time, no see.

And then they’d been hugging and the kids had been jumping excitedly and showing Levi around and then – I missed you so much, you know that, right? It feels like it’s been twenty years. The shock of realizing that it wasn’t just her who’d felt that way.

It’s always been a surprise, being needed by Chelsea. Needed and wanted in equal parts, the same measurements that Raven has always felt for her, too.

“I was so worried you’d changed,” Chelsea says. “And you did. I did. But…you’re still you. And I can’t help, but…” She trails off and then takes in a shaky breath. “You’re not alone, Rae.”

Raven knows what she means. As if she’s been suspended between two different existences–the life she lived alone and the life they now live together. And it’s in those pauses–that delicate balance on the precipice of happiness–that she’s starting to string together what it all means.

“Right, cause we’re a team. If we can handle being locked in a biodome while a plant tries to eat me and your vegetarian friend cheered it on, we can handle anything.”

Chelsea laughs, but it sounds like it’s in spite of herself. “Oh, come on. That thing hardly ate you and Jen was definitely not rooting for it. Vegetarians don’t like the idea of plants eating people any more than they like people eating animals.”

Raven smiles. “She hated me.”

“She wasn’t that bad,” Chelsea says. “You were terrible.”

“Screw Jennifer,” Raven says. “And Chelly.”

“You wish you could get up on Chelly.”

“You know I do,” Raven jokes and Chelsea grins, because that whole thing–the Jennifer dilemma and Chelsea becoming so close with someone that Raven became background has always been one of their running fights, one they’ve had without saying that’s what it was about time and time again until Raven eventually lost the fight forever the evening Chelsea married Garrett and everything finally makes sense to her now.

The jealousy. She gets it.

“It was never a contest,” Chelsea says, quietly, almost a whisper. “But if it were, you’d always win.”

And Raven reaches out and takes Chelsea’s hand before she can tell herself not to. That the two of them–they’re not like this. They hold hands but only in a purely platonic context. Not when there’s talk of feelings. Romantic ones. Chelsea’s worked so hard to move on from Garrett and Raven’s still not sure what they’re supposed to do about this.

“You’d win, too,” she hears herself say. “I don’t…I don’t know what that means, but I mean it.”

She takes a deep breath.

Chelsea’s head drops down to Raven’s shoulder and they’re still holding hands loosely. The kids are yelling again and the food will be here soon. It’s not perfect, but there’s no good time to kiss your childhood best friend, she supposes.

Nothing will ever seem right.

Like there’s some magnanimous moment you’re trying to live up to–some earth-shattering, harps-playing moment after which nothing will be the same.

Chelsea sniffles a little and pulls her head up. “This…this isn’t going to ruin everything.”

Raven looks at her. “How do you know?”

Chelsea squeezes her hand and tilts her head to the side, moving closer. “You’re the psychic. You tell me.”

She’s biting her lip and Raven’s eyes dip down to look at her teeth caught in the soft flesh of her lower lip. The room is swallowed in darkness now and it feels almost like she’s stepped outside her body to watch this conversation unfold. This whole bed feel disconnected from the rest of reality, despite the fact that she can hear the kids and the TV outside in the living room, down the hall. She can hear the cars on the streets and someone yelling in the apartment below. But it doesn’t feel real, none of it.

Only Chelsea seems grounded in reality, the way she’s looking at Raven the only true thing she’s experienced in so long that she forgets, briefly, about concepts like unemployment and debt and repercussions.

Chelsea moves closer, breath stuttering out against Raven’s chin. “Just kiss me, Rae,” she whispers.

So Raven does. She leans up a little and smooths her fingers into the back of Chelsea’s neck to pull her down, further. Chelsea meets her halfway, shifting closer with hands grabbing loosely at Raven’s waist.

She’s right about one thing: nothing can be the same now. But she doesn’t realize it until much later.

Dinner is loud, the kids leading the conversation as Booker tries to see how many fortune cookies he can fit in his mouth at once (and ends up cutting the roof of his mouth, to boot). Raven sits across from Chelsea at the table and watches her out of the corner of her eye. It’s either the low lighting, or her lips really are bright red, like they’re bruised from too much recent use.

They’d pulled apart when the food had shown up, the kids calling for them from the living room and dangerously close to walking in on them.

“We should–” Raven had said against Chelsea’s mouth and Chelsea had nodded.

“Yeah.”

And then, partway to the door, she’d caught Raven’s wrist and pulled her in once more.

Now they’re eating dinner across from each other and not making eye contact.

She wants to apologize, but she doesn’t know what for, and that’s enough to make the words die on her tongue.

And anyway, there’s no point. When they finally lock eyes, Chelsea is smiling and that’s enough for now.

“You have your tickets, right?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Okay. And you’re getting in at–”

“Twelve-thirty. I’ve told you this ten times already.”

“Baby, I’m just making sure. I’d hate for your dad and I to get there too early and then have to wait. It’s not the best airport for that kind of thing.”

Somehow, Tanya still manages to treat Raven like the seventeen-year-old she was when she’d left for school in England. It makes sense, she thinks, but only because she perpetually thinks of Cory as a fourteen-year-old who’s five inches shorter than her, even when he’s calling to ask after the kids. It’s always a shock to be around him again, a head taller than her and his voice so deep it sounds put on.

She’ll give her mother the benefit of the doubt. At least for a few more years.

“I know, Mom. But we’ll be there, okay? Twelve-thirty tomorrow. I’ll text you when we take off and when we land.”

That seems to placate her enough, because she lets Raven hang up a moment or two later.

Booker is in his room with Levi, packing their suitcases. Nia is supposed to be dropping by occasionally to make sure they’re actually making progress and Chelsea disappeared into their shared bedroom some time ago to finish her things, too.

Raven stands in the living room, sparing a glance to her still-open sketchbook on the dining room table. It’s been a week. Exactly one week since that last kiss and they’re all flying out to San Francisco for Thanksgiving tomorrow. She’s barely made any progress in that week on any of her sketches.

She’s spent every day burning under every gaze Chelsea’s sent her way. They haven’t talked about it and they haven’t kissed again and Raven can’t help but feel that it must be partially her fault. It’s her fault for not telling her about that vision.

But–

“Hey, Rae. Your mom okay?”

Chelsea comes swinging in from the hallway in a moment, eyes kind and soft at the inquiry.

Raven nods and sets her phone down on the island counter, leaning back. “She was just triple-checking that we’re good for tomorrow. You know how she is.”

Chelsea laughs and the thing is, she does. Every time Raven had tried to make comments like that to Devon, he’d laughed obligatory. But Chelsea–who’d grown up at Raven’s side, who’d been branded an honorary Baxter kid at such a young age–really does know.

“Boarding passes are all electronic now. I’m pretty sure we’ll be okay. Little harder to lose.”

Raven feels her lips turn up in a smile, but she can’t focus on what it is that Chelsea’s saying. Her mind, instead, is drawn back to last Saturday night when Chelsea had been pressed against her, the way she’d reeled, gasping, when Raven’s lips found the hollow of her neck, just below her jaw.

“Right,” she manages, but she just happens to push the word out in hopes that it makes sense.

It does, maybe, but Chelsea crosses the room towards her anyway, reaching up an arm to press her hand to Raven’s forehead. “You feeling alright?” she asks. “You’re looking a little flushed.”

It’s platonic instinct, perhaps, to check if she has a fever. The kind of thing they’ve done for each other nonstop in past years. But now, the proximity has an entirely different connotation. One that Chelsea must realize the moment she’s close enough and they’re touching. She drops her hand, slowly, but she doesn’t back away and Raven’s eyes run over her face, waiting long enough to give her an out in case she should want to back away.

But Chelsea doesn’t. She stays where she is.

And Raven makes up her mind.

“We should talk about this,” she says and Chelsea nods dumbly. “We can’t ignore it.”

At this, Chelsea ducks her head and plays with her fingers. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Raven deflates. “Okay.” A beat of silence, then, “So…talk?”

Chelsea looks up again and shrugs and Raven feels the guilt of bringing this up settle deep in the bottom of her stomach and down her legs in numbing, shaky ropes. “Well, I don’t know, Rae, we kissed.” She pauses. “And not just a little.” Then, “So what does that mean?”

“What do you want it to mean?”

It’s bold, perhaps, but there’s nothing else for her to say. She needs to know.

Chelsea looks away, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. “What do you want it to mean?”

And there it is. Catch-22.

Showtime.

“I…I had this vision,” Raven says. “And…” She trails off, but she certainly has Chelsea’s attention now. “We were happy…in it.”

Chelsea nods, looks away, then back. “Are you happy now?”

Good ol’ Chelsea. Best friends first, always. She just wants the honest truth.

It’s the best friend’s job to kick the ass of the person not making the other half of the relationship happy. It’s certainly a little harder to do when it requires the possibility of kicking your own ass.

“I’m always happy with you,” Raven says, honestly.

And she means it. Things have been so much better since Chelsea and Levi arrived. She’d almost forgotten how rough they’d been before.

A bright smile washes away the anxiety evident on Chelsea’s face. “Yeah, me too,” she says finally.

There’s a fleeting moment of complete silence before Chelsea reaches out to cup Raven’s cheek, pulling her closer and up with gentle, guiding fingers.

“So, there you go, then,” Chelsea says, wise as always. “That’s enough for me.”

It’s enough for Raven, too, but she doesn’t get the chance to say as much, because they’re kissing a second later, lightly at first, right there in the kitchen doorway. And then Raven opens her mouth and Chelsea follows and–

She just never used to imagine this, that’s all. If someone had told her when she was seventeen that one day she’d be making out with Chelsea Daniels in the kitchen of their shared apartment with their kids down the hall, she’d have laughed until she cried.

She never saw this coming (she never does with the important stuff, it seems).

Chelsea sighs with her fingers tight around Raven’s hips and Raven tugs her closer, hands flat on Chelsea’s shoulder blades, kissing her back hard.

They’re interrupted a moment later by a loud yell from Booker’s room (“Nia, I can pack for myself!”), but for a second or two, it’s perfect.

When they arrive at her childhood home, there’s this moment, just inside the door, when Raven isn’t sure how much arriving for a holiday with Chelsea and their kids has changed things. But then Tanya is there, putting them so immediately to work.

Victor clucks at the kids as they spread out across the house, filling empty corners with noise for the first time since they’d visited earlier in the summer. Their feet are loud against the hardwood floors as they stampede out into the backyard and Chelsea shouts for them to keep their coats on while Raven says something about keeping it down and then they look at each other–as if surprised to be caught in an unexpected moment of co-parenting.

Tanya and Victor watch them carefully. This is new, of course, but only to them.

Raven is certain that it’s always been this way, if only for the fact that she’s having such supreme difficulty remembering a time before it.

Tanya needs help in the garden, it would seem, and when Chelsea offers to help, she says no–that she’s a guest. So Chelsea doesn’t ask again, she just follows Tanya out to the backyard where Raven can see her pulling out the extra pair of gloves that she always used to use out in the garden from the shed.

The kids are sprawled out in the grass of the backyard. Booker and Nia are tossing a tiny wiffle ball back and forth while Levi pulls grass out of the yard and piles it on the toes of their shoes, his own included.

Victor, fraught with the concept of making the entire Thanksgiving meal on his own like he does every year, has her making his jalapeno cranberry sauce within minutes of her not following her children outside. It’s not a hard task–he’s already basically prepared the ingredients–and it’s familiar, working in the kitchen with her dad.

So quiet, she’d nearly forgotten.

“I missed this,” Raven says, while she’s gathering the spices from the rack in the center of the counter. She used to do this as a kid, only without the knife part. He’d always done that part for her, and the last time she’d been able to bring the kids over for Thanksgiving was two years ago, right after the divorce went through.

She hadn’t realized how much it had meant before that.

Victor smiles. He looks older every year, it seems, wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes, but his back still straight, his smile still wide. “I missed it too, baby,” he says. He’s working on the bread stuffing, but he looks up at her meaningfully as he says it.

“It’s nice to be back in the house again.”

She says it without meaning too, because it is. The years he’d been in D.C. and Tanya had been overseas go unmentioned so often that she sometimes forget they happened at all, that this house sat vacant for so long because she’d been away at college and he’d been too busy, too short on cash to come up here. It looks the same now, though, with everything out of storage for something like six years and Tanya around to make sure her decor all went back in the same place it had been in before she left.

“It’s nice to have you here,” Victor tells her. “To have everybody together.”

He looks out the open back door with a sort of longing look, where they can just see Tanya on her hands and knees pulling out all the tomatoes that she’s been able to keep alive this late in the year, laughing at something Chelsea’s just said. Raven smiles and catches Chelsea’s eye, briefly. Chelsea winks and then looks away and Raven turns back to her dad.

Raven pushes the chopped jalapeno to the corner of the cutting board and sets the knife down, rubbing her damp fingers against the fabric of her jeans. “I don’t know how you guys did it,” she says carefully. “Being away from each other that long.”

Victor laughs lightly. He shoots her an amused look. “I don’t either, honestly,” he says. “But, you know, it’s worth it sometimes, if you can manage. Your mom and I have always been able to find some way to make anything work. Even our two bratty kids.”

“Hey!” Raven says, trying to sound offended instead of amused.

Victor just laughs again. “I’m just saying,” he continues. “Being away from your mother, from you kids, that was always hard, I ain’t gonna lie to you.” He’s smiling and Raven leans against the counter to watch him. “But we’re together now. None of it matters anymore.”

Raven crosses her arms and looks away for a moment. It had never been that way with Devon. When they’d first gotten married, she’d imagined growing old with him as the next plausible step in their relationship. An inevitability. But the years had passed and each day had felt one step further away from anything close to that until she couldn’t even imagine it anymore.

Growing up around a perfect relationship, she’d thought, must have spoiled her idea of real love.

“I guess you guys just always made it seem so easy,” she confesses, and Victor stops working to look up at her, this expression of yearning on his face.

“Raven, baby,” he says, “when you find the right person, it’s the easiest thing in the world.”

When sauce is done and safely stored in the refrigerator for tomorrow, she slips outside to stand on the porch, arms crossed against the brisk November breeze sailing across the air, up all those steep hills, from the bay.

Booker looks up when the door closes and he grins. “Hey, Mom!” he shouts. “When’s dinner?”

Raven rolls her eyes. It’s two in the afternoon. “Good question. When you gonna start making it?”

Booker rolls his eyes, still smiling, and nearly misses the ball when Nia throws it his way. He’s thrown off-balance and has to catch himself on his elbows, but the leaning tower of grass on his shoe stays still despite his flailing. Levi lets out a breath of relief and goes back to stacking it higher.

Cory will be arriving in the morning and in a few hours, Chelsea’s parents will be by to pick up their daughter and grandson until the following afternoon. But for now, Chelsea is wearing an extra pair of gardening gloves and is wielding a trowel like a sword, as she pulls up the potatoes she can find and throws them in the basket Tanya brought out. She waves at Raven when she sees her.

“How’s the murder bird preparation going?” she asks and Tanya laughs like it’s the first joke she’s ever heard.

“This year’s Thanks-Killing Celebration is all set to commence at dawn.”

Chelsea rolls her eyes and rocks back on her knees, pulling herself to her feet. She takes the gloves off and wipes at her forehead in the seventy-degree sun like it’s summertime and not November.

“Mrs. Baxter, how many potatoes do you use for Thanksgiving when you don’t have my family coming to dinner?” Levi calls from where he’s seated and Booker laughs, shoving his shoulder while Levi lets him, ignores it–like it’s just an every day thing to have the other boy shake him that way.

“Oh, you know,” Tanya says, throwing the boy a winning smile. “About the same amount, the way my grandson eats.”

It’s Levi’s turn to laugh while Booker pouts and Nia nods like it’s the gospel truth.

Chelsea checks the slender, leather-banded watch she has on her left wrist and Tanya looks up at her.

“Leaving already?” she asks with a pout.

Raven watches and teeters her away over to the only chair on the back porch that hasn’t been stored away for winter, sitting down lightly on the edge of it.

“We’ve got time,” she says, first to Tanya, then to Levi, who seems relieved at this, like he doesn’t want to leave.

Raven doesn’t want him to leave either. When he looks at her, he offers her a cheeky smile and an air-five that she mimes back from across the yard.

Tanya smiles. “Oh, good. You know, we just love having the kids around the house.”

Whatever it was she’d meant is lost for a moment, because Raven’s mind wanders. She remembers Thanksgivings with Devon and his family and his stepmother, Shawndra, saying something quite like that, but with a different meaning.

We love having you and the kids over.

She’d meant it in terms of Raven and Devon’s kids. Both of them. Theirs.

It rings the same here and something with the weight of a stone drops into her stomach, leaving her feeling vaguely winded.

Chelsea stands, unsure for a moment on where to go as Tanya tells her that she should be good from where they’re at. It’s either sit on the ground with the kids, continue to stand, or go inside to make small talk with Victor.

Raven makes it easy and waves her over when Chelsea meets her eyes. Chelsea, as always, obeys with only a little bit of a questioning look.

“Here,” Raven offers, scooting back in the chair and patting her legs. “Sit down.”

“Are you sure?” Chelsea asks, like it’s too much to ask.

Raven rolls her eyes. “Girl, you weigh like eighty-two pounds. Yeah, I’m sure.”

At this, she tugs her by the waist until she finally sits down, and then hooks her arms around her. Chelsea loops an arm around Raven’s neck and trails her fingers down the arm of her sweater, leaving goosebumps under the fabrics from where she’s touched. It’s the closest they’ve been since last night in the living room and it makes Raven’s chest thrill at the heat of it, feeling Chelsea breathe against her.

The kids are watching them curiously, and even Tanya spares them a brief glance (and smile) before resuming her work. Levi’s the first to look away.

“Sure you don’t wanna give up that ‘no-meat’ mumbo jumbo once and for all, girl?” Raven jokes to break the silence. “That turkey is gonna be good and you know I only pick the best.”

She can’t see her, but she knows Chelsea is rolling her eyes. “Nah, I mean…” She holds her hands up as if weighing the pros and cons. “Animal rights,” she says contemplatively, bobbing her left hand up and up with her palm faced upwards. “Or one meal that doesn’t matter and forfeits my personal beliefs.” She does the same movement with her right hand and then drops her arm back down around Raven’s neck.

“You know I’m playin’ with you.”

Chelsea tilts her head to look down at her and smiles. “I know.”

She smells like the leaves back home and the slightly chilly breeze from the ocean, making its way through the hilly streets to reach them right here in the backyard of her childhood home. Raven strokes her thumb over Chelsea’s stomach through the jean material of her button-down.

The kids are back to playing and Tanya is preoccupied, but Raven would like to say that she’d have kissed the very back of Chelsea’s neck just then even if they had been looking. Chelsea doesn’t pull away.

Instead, she leans further back and says, “I’m sweaty.”

“A little sweat never hurt nobody,” Raven returns.

“Go back in time and tell teenage you that. She used to fake period cramps to get out of gym class every other week.”

“Hey, it worked, didn’t it? And I’m a psychic. Not a time traveler.”

Chelsea laughs, high and clear, and leans further into Raven’s arms. She presses a kiss to Raven’s temple and, even when Tanya sees, when Nia spares them a curious look, she doesn’t pull away.

Her bedroom looks like it hasn’t been touched. It’s impressive, of course, considering that the house had been vacant for months at a time when her dad and Cory had been in Washington, D.C.–before her mom returned from England.

Now, it’s a little disconcerting. Especially with Booker and Nia sharing Cory’s old bunk bed all the way upstairs. She can’t, for the life of her, remember how she ever spent such long amounts of time on her own down her like this. It feels weird, alien.

Like something she might have done in another life instead of another year.

It’s silly, too. Just separation anxiety. Her being needy after being spoiled by Chelsea’s near-constant presence over the last five months. She’s gotten used to it, and now that she’s facing the prospect of spending the night alone, it’s almost too much to handle.

She’s received exactly two text messages since Chelsea left–one saying that her and Levi arrived at her parents’ house safely, and another with a simple, Goodnight!

Raven stares at them, lets the light from her phone screen burn her eyes and then moves her thumb over to Chelsea’s contact info, hovering over the tiny phone icon. It’s barely eleven o’clock. She shouldn’t be asleep yet.

The phone only rings once before Chelsea’s answering with a hushed, “Rae?” that makes Raven’s chest ache.

“Hey,” she says quietly.

“Everything alright?”

It’s quiet on Chelsea’s end, just her breathing and maybe the squeaky springs of her old mattress. Chelsea’s voice in her ear makes her shiver in a way old phone calls with her never used to.

“Yeah, no,” she starts, but she doesn’t have a good excuse.

“Rae, is this a booty call or something? Because texting me the camel emoji would have the same effect as a phone call, you know. I’m easy like that.”

Raven laughs then, like Chelsea has broken the tension splendidly. “No, I’m…No.”

Chelsea’s voice curls a little as she says, “That’s too bad.”

And Raven laughs again.

“I just wanted to…” She could make up an excuse. She’s done it before, with Devon, when she’d just wanted to hear his voice and had made up some survey for a fake class that she needed him to weigh in on or something like that. But she’s too old for that. And this is Chelsea.

Chelsea always knows what she’s really saying anyway.

“I wanted to hear your voice.”

There’s a long pause and she’s nearly afraid she’s said too much, but then Chelsea lets out a sharp exhale. “Oh. I…I wanted to hear yours, too, but you done beat me to it.”

“It’s weird not hearing you snore above me.”

“Raven Lydia Baxter, I do not snore.”

Raven laughs. “You know what’s funny? You’ve said that forever, and I still know you’re lying, girl. Now more than ever.”

It’s lighter now, the silence less deafening in her old bedroom. Chelsea breathes into the other line.

“Okay, whatever. Agree to disagree.”

“Agreed,” Raven says.

They pause again, sleepily this time. Raven can feel the weight of her eyelids as they begin to droop. “I should let you sleep. Sorry for calling.”

Chelsea scoffs. “Don’t apologize for that. Please.”

She sounds pleading, too. Raven nods, but Chelsea can’t see her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says.

“Of course,” Chelsea returns. “See you then.”

She makes this noise then, like she’s about to say something else and Raven is reminded of all those calls over the years that ended in some carefully tender, unromantic version of, Love you.

This one doesn’t, of course, but not for lack of trying.

The doorbell rings at four o’clock and Nia and Booker beat her to it, cracking it open with wide smiles as Raven chases after them from the kitchen.

Levi is the first inside, his tie clearly not a clip on as he adjusts it on his neck and hands Nia a bottle of wine bigger than his head.

“Hey, hey,” Raven cuts in. “Take that to your grandma, you hear?”

Nia rolls her eyes but nods, and Levi follows after her.

Chelsea is the next in, her parents–David and Joni–close behind. She has her hands pressed flat to the skirt of her dress, an old sign that she’s on edge that Raven would recognize any time and she steps forward, closer to the door like she can fix it.

“Booker, go help Grandpa in the kitchen.”

Booker shakes his head and then pulls at Chelsea’s arm until she steps closer, beckoning to her until she leans down so he can giggle something into her ear that Raven can’t make out.

With that and one last gleeful look at his mother, he pulls away and heads straight for the kitchen with nothing more than a waggle of his fingers in some bizarre wave.

“Come in, you guys, I’m so sorry,” Raven says once he’s gone.

She takes their coats, feeling weirdly on edge around them in a way she hasn’t in years–like she’s never met them before or only met them twice. Like there’s all this unnecessary weight to impress them almost, but after countless sleepovers and more years than she can count on both hands, it doesn’t add up.

Joni pulls her Raven into a bone-crushing hug after a moment, pressing a kiss to each cheek and making her face flush with the embarrassment, but she accepts it happily with a hug of her own.

“You look nice,” Raven says, laughing, when Joni and David have gone to the kitchen to help. Her eyes linger on the curve of Chelsea’s neck and Chelsea must notice because she smirks and takes a couple of steps closer, reaching out to grab at Raven’s hand.

“Two minutes in and you’re already trying to butter me up.”

This feels so unfamiliar. Like everything is different and the same and she’s just reliving teenage crushes and flirting right now. Or maybe experiencing them for the first time. She’s an adult now, but Chelsea’s smile thrills inside her like the edges of a first love she’s only ever associated with her now ex-husband.

Chelsea looks different in her house now than she ever did before. Raven stares at the steady, assured shape of her, a curious sight in a house she’s always associated with a much younger version of them both. She’s wearing a pretty dress, like she’d needed to dress up. She wants to reach out and touch her, but there’s a pie dish in Chelsea’s hands. Still, she manages to take one step forward.

“I brought pie.”

She’s smiling as she says it, tilting her head toward Raven a little as she squeezes her fingers.

“Don’t tell me that before my dad serves the actual meal. I’ve never been good at self control.”

Chelsea rolls her eyes. “If it makes you feel better, it’s store bought.”

“Mess up the frosting a little bit?”

“Pie doesn’t have frosting.”

“Shut it.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Make me.”

They sound like children, like old versions of themselves that they used to be in this house and grew out of the moment they left for good.

Chelsea is smiling still, but in a different, less gleeful way than she’d been doing before.

“What did Booker say to you? When you came in.”

Chelsea laughs. “Why?”

“Just curious,” Raven says, because she is. Because Booker had looked ready to burst into a fit of laughter at her expense and Chelsea’s cheeks had flushed red.

“‘If Mom stares any harder at you, her eyes might pop out of her head–Take pictures if she combusts,’” she says. “Or something.”

She’s smiling now and biting her lip.

Raven scoffs and shakes her head, muttering something about getting him for that and Chelsea reaches out to grab her hand, pulling it over to brace it against her own sternum.

“I mean,” she says. “He’s not wrong. You were staring pretty hard.”

“So now I’m not allowed to stare at pretty girls? What other rights of mine are being taken away, just so I’m prepared to lose them?”

Chelsea laughs again and, for a moment, Raven thinks they might be about to kiss again, but then there’s footsteps coming towards them from the kitchen and the voices of everyone else finally wafting their way. Still, they don’t pull away, just keep their hands clasped together as Cory appears from the side room with a dish towel hung across his shoulder.

“Raven?” he’s saying as he comes into view. “I can smell that pie. You best not be holding out on us.”

Raven squeezes Chelsea’s fingers, but doesn’t let go. “Why you acting like you’re getting any?”

Cory smiles widely as he sees Chelsea, the scowl he’d been aiming at his sister melting away. His eyes dart briefly to their hands, but he barrels past it like it’s some insignificant detail. Maybe it is. “Hey, Chelsea,” he says. “Good to see you.”

Chelsea smiles, looks at Raven, and Raven feels like she’s a teenager again for more reasons than just the fluttering in the low of her stomach.

“Hey, Cory. You, too.”

When she passes the pie over to him, she lets go of Raven’s hand, fingers brushing together for a moment as the touch drops away.

Dinner is loud and nice and no one makes anyone else ask what the others are thankful for. Until Booker and Levi stand up like they rehearsed this and say a lot about families coming together and love (Levi says this, Booker sort of looks sick at the mention). Then Nia jumps in just to be included and Booker goes off book and starts quoting directly from The Princess Bride.

The marriage ceremony part, unfortunately.

Victor and Tanya look amused. Cory, confused. And Chelsea’s poor parents–Joni looks suspiciously on the verge of tears and David is bobbing his head along like he agrees.

Chelsea covers her face with her hand and looks away. Raven laughs in protest, feeling bright and embarrassed all at once as Booker calls Chelsea his “second mom” and–

Afterward, everyone disperses and Raven finds herself in the kitchen alone with Chelsea while the kids and their parents–Cory is off making some sort of phone call or other–sprawl across the living room watching the DVR of the parade.

Raven’s hands are covered in soapy dishwater and she’s saying something about her kids being absolutely insane as Chelsea laughs and laughs, arms looped loosely around Raven’s waist as she waits for the next batch of plates to dry.

The doors to the living room are pressed closed, but they can hear everyone just three inches of pine and glass away, voices drifting like ghosts, careful and slow in a post-meal laze.

“I blame you for that, you know,” Chelsea says as Raven shuts off the water and leans back into her arms. “You’re a wonderful influence on them.”

“Are you kidding? Devon and I always talked about how Nia and Booker took after their Aunt Chelsea.”

She turns in Chelsea’s arms and Chelsea shakes her head, but doesn’t let go. So Raven kisses her deeply, tracing her tongue along the roof of her mouth, the backs of her teeth, and then pulls away.

“They’re the best kids,” Chelsea says after a moment, looking dazed and a little slower now, her lips swollen red. “Of course they took after me.”

Raven is always kidding when she complains, but she’s certain that Nia and Booker must be learning something from Chelsea, because Chelsea loves every single day, but she’s always been one for romantic cliches and speeches and she’s made them watch The Princess Bride exactly six times since she moved in. Raven’s own love is much more subdued, muted, compared to how she’d been as a teenager, in the early years of Devon.

But Chelsea writes, Have a great day! I love you! on the kids’ napkins whenever she packs their lunches with about a hundred hearts and Nia did the same for Raven’s birthday card–the one she’d made herself–just two months ago. Levi holds her hand when they walk and hugs her before bed and is always so physically affectionate that she’s left with no choice but to be reminded of his mother every single time.

Even Booker has started to show appreciation differently, in the same ways that Chelsea does. He offers to help fold laundry and he takes out the trash without being asked and sometimes he mutes the TV when he knows Raven is working on designs at the table because she needs her concentration.

“All four of you are incredible,” Raven whispers and she means it so deeply she can’t even say it louder than that.

Chelsea stares at her for a long moment and then kisses her again, on the corner of her jaw and then her lips, leaning into Raven so hard she ends up pressed into the countertop.

Not that Raven is one to complain.

Victor has Booker put the star on the top of the tree, lifting him up onto his shoulders and groaning from the weight. It’s unsteady and frightening and Cory and Tanya wait at their sides in case Booker should fall.

“I can totally do this, guys,” Booker protests, and he does. Even if it’s a bit crooked.

“It looks great, Booker,” Tanya tells him, hand in his hair, once he’s safely on the ground.

He grins, wide and happy, and turns his head to lean it against Raven’s chest until she wraps an arm around him. “Our tree back home is gonna be twice as dope.”

Raven smiles at him, squeezing him further into her side. “What makes you so sure?”

“Levi’s got all those cool Star Wars ornaments,” he says. “Way dope.”

“We’re not putting all of those on, though,” Nia protests and Booker reaches out to grab her around the neck and give her a noogie until Cory has to pull them apart.

It’s a nice moment, bright with the realization that there’ll be a tree back home at all–that Chelsea and Levi will be there to decorate it, too.

Her parents are watching her curiously. They have been the past couple days. In this crinkle-eyed way that lets her know that it’s more than just the words they’re saying that are confusing them. It’s the way they looked at her when she’d come back from college that first winter break, like they hadn’t known exactly when it was she’d changed into a different person, but it must have happened in their absence.

It’s enough to make her look away.

The day before they fly back home, the doorbell rings only minutes after her parents and Cory have left for the mall with Booker and Nia. There’s a couple of Cyber Monday sales in-store at the mall and she hadn’t been allowed to accompany them for, “Oh, no reason!” as her mother had said, but she knows that they’re really taking the twins Christmas shopping for gifts for her.

It’s fine, of course, but a little odd to be in this house alone like this. It’s been at least ten years since the last time and it has her feeling this weird emptiness she can’t put her finger on.

Chelsea’s on the doorstep, shivering in her coat and smiling a little unsurely. She clears her throat after a moment of staring.

“Hey, um…I think our parents are scheming together. Any chance they took the kids to the mall?”

It wouldn’t be the first time (Chelsea’s surprise engagement shower rings a bell–and twists a knot in Raven’s stomach), so it’s not surprising to learn that Joni and David had smuggled Levi out of the house under the same guise that Victor and Tanya had taken her own kids.

Raven nods.

“Well, mine took Levi. My only son. Think they’re teaming up?” is what Chelsea says next and Raven laughs, and waves her inside.

“Joke’s on them. Now we can throw a house party.”

Chelsea hums in response and they’re standing close. She looks ready to tip forward if it means they’ll be even closer. “Woah, I’m having high school flashbacks,” she says. “Only if you get a mechanical bull again.”

Raven laughs and squints her eyes to combat the harsh noon-day sun filtering through the front window. “Hey, don’t put that evil on me. That was all Cory.”

Laughing, Chelsea steps forward and Raven tugs her closer by the hand, pulling Chelsea’s fingers up to rest against her own stomach. She can feel the glove-warm heat of Chelsea’s fingers burning somewhere in the heart of her in this way she’s certain she’ll never quite shake.

“Home alone then?” she asks, but her voice is lower than usual. Rougher.

“So it would seem,” Raven says and they’re staring at each other a little too meaningfully.

“Why do I feel like a teenager whose parents left town for the weekend?”

Raven laughs again, but she knows the feeling. She doesn’t have an answer though. She stands there for a moment, still, and then leans forward and kisses Chelsea.

When she goes to pull back, Chelsea follows her, leaning back in and curling the fingers of her free hand into Raven’s hair. It feels strange to be doing this in her old living room of all places, like she might be able to pretend it’s eleven years ago if she’d only shut her eyes. Surprising, yet inevitable.

Chelsea’s other hand presses further into Raven’s side and Raven leans back in without quite meaning to.

“I know you’re just across town and I saw you last night,” she says, her voice so quiet against the wind against the house and the unearthly calm of the empty house, “but I’ve missed you.”

Something about this house has woken her up more than she’d ever anticipated. Over the years, she’s forgotten bits of herself that being here now have brought up again. Like a homecoming in more ways than one.

And then there’s Chelsea. Chelsea who she’d never really been able to forget a fraction of, even if she’d been actively trying.

“I know what you mean,” Chelsea says and she’s leaning in, too. Her lips are soft, slow and compliant against Raven’s as they open for her, time and time again.

They make it downstairs somehow and Raven has forgotten–with Chelsea’s lips on her collarbone–that her bed swings. It makes Chelsea laugh as they knock against each other, trying to catch their balance, but the sound is quickly swallowed by Raven’s mouth as she kisses it away. The mood shifts a moment later, anyway, the second Raven pulls Chelsea’s sweater over her head.

It’s better that the two of them do this now, before she even gives herself the chance to screw it up.

The kids arrive home some two or three hours later, and Raven still has Chelsea pressed into her swinging mattress when Booker shouts down to them, asking where they are. It’s a mess, really, trying to separate, but they manage it eventually. They dress each other slowly, lips and fingers chasing skin as it disappears beneath warm layers that will be much more necessary the moment they get home.

Chelsea’s been in this room so many times before, but Raven never imagined her being in it in this context–the thought of the pale skin and delicate bones of Chelsea’s hips beneath her lips just twenty minutes prior makes the room tilt just the smallest amount.

It’s better that way, though. She realizes it halfway up the stairs, as Chelsea leads her towards the sound of laughter and shopping bags crinkling in the living room.

She’s always loved a good surprise.

“Don’t look!” Booker shouts and he’s sent up the stairs with a bundle of shopping bags, tripping the whole way.

Raven makes a big show of covering her face with her hand and Chelsea laughs.

Cory is looking at them oddly from the front door, smirking, and he wiggles his eyebrows when he catches her eye. She flips him off from behind her free hand, letting Chelsea slip away from her to do so.

“Oh, honey, there were so many good sales!” Tanya is gushing and Victor claps his hand calmly on her back as she listens. She leans into him and watches Chelsea across the room with Levi and her parents as Joni makes him model the twenty-some scarves she purchased.

“Are you happy, baby girl?” Victor asks, when Tanya is distracted, asking Cory where one of the bags is as he shrugs unhelpfully.

She tears her eyes away from Nia, laughing with Chelsea’s arm around her shoulder, and Levi bundled up so much by his grandmother that his eyes are barely visible. Booker trips his way down the stairs.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” she tells him honestly.

He looks over at Chelsea briefly–this woman he’d practically helped raise alongside his own daughter–and shakes his head. Raven wonders if she’s not the only one who didn’t see this coming. “I told you it was easy,” he says, turning back her way.

She laughs, so loud and free that it gets her a couple of looks. Chelsea sends her that pretty, confused frown and she’ll tell her later, but, for now, she just looks back up at her dad and says, “You just gotta gloat, huh?”

“The one fatherly duty I take pride in,” he says, smiling widely.

And they’re both laughing when he pulls her into his arms, kissing the top of her head like she’s five-years-old again.

And she thinks that, if she stumbled upon all the luck in the world, she’d still never happen upon anything quite as perfect as this.

They fly into Chicago with the sunset the next day, casting rusty, orange light across the glass of the skyscrapers.

Raven has Booker and Nia on her right, but she spares a glance over to Chelsea and Levi, sitting across the aisle, both of them looking out the window. It snowed at some point, must have anyway. Raven can see tiny globs of it on the roofs of some of the buildings past where Booker has his face smashed into the window. She watches the sky twist and darken over the scenic, high-rising sweep of Chicago, drawing closer every moment.

They’re all quiet as they gather their things once they’ve landed and head straight for baggage claim. Booker and Nia fight over their suitcases once they appear and even hand Levi his small, red one. Chelsea smiles at Raven, small and careful. A smile she’s seen a hundred times over, but somehow now, it’s different.

On the street, rolling towards where the car has been parked for the past five days, she can hear the city moving in the distance, close enough to make her feel home again.

They pay too much for parking and smash into the car together, trying to make room, and Chelsea laughs as the kids sing Christmas carols in the back seat–terribly off-key with only half the words right. It’s hot in the car (Chelsea blasts the warm air through the vents and holds pale, skinny fingers up to them to warm them), and the heat settles somewhere in Raven’s chest and neck. Like nostalgia for something she’s only been missing a week.

Tess is waiting for them when they get back, sitting on the steps by their door and Nia and her hug for a second or two longer than normal. “Good to see you, Pipsqueak,” she says to Levi, carding a hand through his hair in a way that seems affectionate. “What up, Mrs. B?”

Raven smiles, then–

“Other, Mrs. B.”

Chelsea freezes halfway in the door, but then resumes wheeling her suitcase inside the apartment.

No one says anything about it. Booker just laughs.

“Clothes away, then you can goof off with Tess,” Chelsea commands, and Raven watches her as she shuts the door behind her kids and their best friend.

Booker is already sprawled on the couch, though, and Tess and Nia are gossiping under their breath in this hurried, breathless way that she thinks she remembers from when her and Chelsea were their age. Levi is the only one who listens, pushing his own suitcase back towards his and Booker’s room and throwing his mom an apologetic look on behalf of the others.

There’ll be time for scolding later, perhaps, but the look on Chelsea’s face as she shakes her head and shrugs off her coat–that resigned complaisance–is too much to ignore.

Raven wants to tell her that she loves her, wants to explain what it all means in terms of how this constant phrase (she’s always loved Chelsea) has redefined itself. That, for the first time in so long, through her mom moving away, then her dad, then college and a pregnancy she hadn’t planned and then divorce, she feels like something more than what she lets someone else define her as.

One of these is true: she is not who she expected she’d be or this is the first time in her entire life that she’s ever, blessedly, been herself.

An odd sentiment, maybe, and she can’t find the right combination of words for it in the first place. It’s the moment that’s wrong. This one doesn’t fit quite right, but she’s got all the time in the world, so she slides up behind Chelsea in the safe quiet of their bedroom as she packs unworn clothes into her dresser drawers.

“I’m glad we’re home,” Raven says, making the silence retreat–save for the kids laughing in the living room.

Chelsea stops moving and leans her back into Raven’s chest, tipping her head so that Raven is left nosing at her cheek.

“I’ll kill you in real life, Booker!” Tess is yelling, but she’s laughing a second later and so is Nia. So is Levi, even as they can hear him trying to stop the scuffle. It’s a nice sound. It reminds her of that first night, less than two weeks ago, and how it had sounded farther away then.

“Yeah,” Chelsea finally says. “Me too.”

They stay there for as long as the night, as their loud, fighting children, will allow.

It’s long enough for now..

Things keep changing.

Chelsea returns the bunk beds and they buy a new mattress for the room big enough for the both of them, and marvel at how much space it seems to return to them. Raven finishes the sketches for her first collection and Chelsea figures out how to make lasagna without ruining the pan she uses. They go to the kids’ Christmas pageant two days before school lets out and spend the next day with Levi, braving the Magnificent Mile for last-minute gifts when Devon comes swinging back into town to throw an early, quiet Christmas with Booker and Nia in his hotel room.

They sit the kids down to tell them and find that they already know–Booker rolling his eyes with a quiet, “Duh,” and Nia and Levi letting out an exasperated, “We know,” in unison.

The evenings (post-bedtime) are spent laughing over corny game shows in the darkness of their living room, with the subtitles on so the kids don’t wake up, commiserating about whose parents are coming and when over dangerously full glasses of wine. Sometimes, instead, they just kiss like teenagers left home alone for the night, in the way Raven is certain it was always going to be.

Other times, Raven will lead Chelsea back into the bedroom with a click of the remote to bathe them in darkness and it will take unbuttoning Chelsea’s jeans in the quiet of their locked bedroom for the other woman to understand where it’s going.

But then, of course, all bets are off.

It’s strange, she realizes on Christmas morning, when the kids come tumbling into their bedroom to wake them up before the sun is even fully up. Her best friend moved in with her so they could raise their kids together and that’s exactly what’s happened. Psychic or not, she realizes–grabbing Nia around the waist and tugging her down as they laugh, as she jumps on the bed with her brother–she never would have predicted this.

And maybe it’s better that way.

In a couple of weeks, Devon will call her directly to offer his congratulations. She’ll wonder how he heard--which of the kids told him first--but it will be the first time she doesn’t feel on the spot talking to him since the divorce.

Chelsea--she’ll learn (over and over again, it seems)--is good for everything.

Her mother will squeal over FaceTime when she finds out and Nia will introduce Chelsea to her teacher at the science fair as her and Booker’s “other Mom.”

(And that’s my little brother, Levi)

Raven will nod along in agreement with Levi on her back laughing at something Booker’s just said and she’ll wonder how she got so lucky, even as she wants to stop worrying about the future.

Right now, though–

“Start sorting out presents. Levi, you’re in charge. Give us some time to wake up, okay?”

The kids listen, Nia worming out of Raven’s grasp with a laugh, and they stumble and push each other all the way to the tree in the living room. The early morning light speckles in through the window and Raven turns her head on the pillow to smile at Chelsea.

“What a wake up call,” she groans and Chelsea laughs.

“They have so many knees.”

Raven laughs into the first kiss of the day–morning breath be damned–and Chelsea always kisses her right back.

“I love you,” she breathes into Chelsea’s mouth, open and careful and so steady that it surprises even her.

Chelsea grins. Kisses Raven through it and then–finally–”I love you, too.”

Things are different–they’ve been changing all along, maybe.

But it’s still perfect anyway.

…

#sorry this is so long #it's like 11k #woops #happy thanksgiving #chrave #chrave fic #raven x chelsea

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lotsofthinkythoughts · 7 years ago

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From One to Ninety-Two

Steve wants this Christmas to be perfect.

A Steggy Secret Santa gift for @steggyforeveruniverse ! Just so you know, this is set in the Family Assembled verse which I beta, but there’s only really one point that’s super important about that and it’s that human Jarvis is also in the future. He appears once, so didn’t want you to get super confused by that. I hope you enjoy it, sorry it took until now to finish it. Hope your holidays were happy and your next year is wonderful!

“Do I actually want to ask why there’s so many Christmas lights in here?”

Steve looked up from the tray he was testing, to see Peggy holding JJ, who was watching his father enraptured. Or more accurately, who was fixated on the length of bright lights shining near Steve’s feet.

“Buh!” He reached one chubby hand down making insistent grabbing motions.

Peggy sighed and shifted him up into her arms, propping him up so his head was still supported even as she gave him a better view.

“I’m decorating. For JJ. He likes the lights”

“Steve, he’s three months old.”

“It’s his first Christmas,” he insisted, reaching over to unplug the strand.

JJ made a distressed noise as the lights went dark, but was appeased by Peggy shifting so he faced the Christmas tree in the corner over her shoulder. He giggled and kicked his feet happily before laying his head on her shoulder, making Steve raise an eyebrow and tilt his head in their direction, before plugging in the next strand of lights. Peggy slipped a finger into the small fist that curled around the neckline of her blouse. JJ didn’t move, but held on just as tightly.

“See?”

She looked at him dubiously, but sighed in resignation. “Oh alright.”

Steve grinned and Peggy couldn’t help but return the smile.

—

Snow gently fell outside the windows, the beginning layers of what would be a deep blanket by the end of the evening coating the streets. The view from the window was amazing- drifting snowflakes over a vibrant cityscape. A year ago, Steve might have sketched it.

Today, he was watching his son, and how his tiny face fixed on the television, where a snowman sang about silver and gold Christmas trees. JJ seemed to be enjoying it, though to be fair he seemed to enjoy most things. He was a fairly happy baby.

There was a firm shutting and the sound of heels on wood when the door to the apartment closed, and JJ’s head turned away from the film, recognizing the sound. He’d been fussy for five minutes after Peggy left earlier, and now he started squirming as if by flailing he’d manage to summon his mother any faster. JJ made an annoyed noise, his face scrunching down into a disapproving baby frown.

Steve threw his arm out just in time, placing a hand in front of his son’s torso as he toppled forward. Trying desperately to get down from the couch, he leaned toward the television just as an elf burst out of the snowbank where the snowman had just been. One drool covered hand landed atop Steve’s, pushing in mute protest against the force keeping him upright.

“Whoa buddy, careful. We can go say hi to your mom,” Steve said,

JJ burbled excitedly as Steve lifted him up so that his head was perched on his shoulder, the same drool covered fingers now clutching around the neckline of Steve’s shirt, leaving an unpleasant damp spot.

“Hello darlings.” The sound of Peggy’s voice floated around from the other room along with the rusting of bags and cloth.

Steve rounded the corner just as Peggy slid the bags under the table for later. He smiled to himself, as much as she had insisted that JJ wouldn’t remember any of this, she made sure to hide the gifts, though that wouldn’t be an effective hiding spot next year.

“How were the crowds?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’ve dealt with worse.We can talk more about what’s left to buy when James naps,” she said, reaching out to take the baby. He gurgled happily and immediately buried his face in the blue sweater she was wearing.

“That might not take long,” Steve observed, placing a hand on JJ’s back. He couldn’t blame him, snuggled up with Peggy was one of the best places in the world. He’d spent enough time curled up with her just feeling warm again.

Peggy shook her head slightly, in that way she did when she could tell he was being maudlin before stretching up on her toes to kiss him.

—-

The floor in front of the tree was covered in blankets, white and fuzzy, creating an illusion of snow. Peggy stood behind Steve, watching him adjust the camera for the eighth time. JJ smiled his gummy smile at his father, his fingers wrapped around his toes, pulling on the red booties with a buckle print. He was propped against a mound of pillows, his feet kicking against the blankets beneath him. A Santa hat was perched on his brow, dark little wisps of hair emerging from the fluffy brim. Steve snapped a couple of photos, examining them carefully afterward.

Over the top of his head, Peggy grinned at JJ, who let go of his toes to flail his hands in her direction. He let his head drop back sending the hat tumbling to the other side of the pillow mound. He giggled and struggled to pull his head back up.

“Having trouble there?” Steve asked, leaning over to grab the hat and help JJ back upright.

Peggy stepped around to sit behind the little photo setup, watching as Steve placed the hat back on JJ’s head.

After a moment, he sat back and reached for the camera again, and when he did, JJ immediately flopped backward, giggling, sending the hat to the floor and the top of the pillow pile slipping downward. He grinned at Peggy and she grinned back before helping him sit up again.

Before she could even get the hat back on his head, he’d flopped back on the pillows again squirming and rolling happily as he giggled.

“James doesn’t like posing for publicity photos- I wonder where he gets that.” Peggy raised an eyebrow in Steve’s direction.

“At least he doesn’t have to wear tights.”

“Just a silly hat.”

“Be nice or Santa won’t bring you any presents.” Steve said, grinning at her.

“I have it on good authority that Father Christmas has already bought my presents so I rather doubt that.”

“Shhhhh.” Steve reached out to cover JJ’s ears with a scandalized expression. “Don’t give it away yet.”

JJ giggled again, the sound a more than adequate distraction for Peggy to lean in and kiss Steve gently.

---

“Remind me why we thought this was a good idea?” Peggy asked, looking between the tray of cookies she’d just pulled from the oven and the photo on the recipe.

They were dark, far darker than the photo, though not completely burnt, like the batch that came before which were currently in the garbage. It was not an appealing prospect the thought of having to eat them later on tonight.

They’d attempted to make the cookies from scratch, because prepackaged simply wouldn’t do, even though James was only three months old and couldn’t help bake them or even put them on the plate. Still, it was about establishing Christmas traditions, Steve had said.

Peggy thought this one was off to a rather poor start.

“Didn’t you ever leave cookies for Santa when you were a little girl?” he asked, stepping up behind her, hands on her shoulders.

“Father Christmas,” she corrected absently, as she began pulling them off the baking tray. “You do realize that someone has to eat these.”

She didn’t have to see his face to know Steve was wrinkling his nose at the prospect. He would eat almost anything, but burnt cookies weren’t appetizing even to him.

“We’ll just throw them away tonight. JJ won’t notice.” Steve let go and walked away, going back to where he was stringing popcorn for the tree.

Peggy turned around with false affront. “Are you suggesting that everything doesn’t have to be perfect for his first Christmas?”

Steve had been so insistent about that. It was more than she might have done for her own tastes, but it was all in good fun and it was hard to deny him when he looked so happy. That was true for both of them, she supposed. James was currently napping, so at the very least she couldn’t be roped into any with his sad puppy eyes.

Steve looked up from the bowl and string and grinned. “Peggy. It’s Christmas. Santa will forgive you for not being able to bake.”

“He’d better,” she said, dusting cookie crumbs from her hands. “Or else he’ll be stringing this popcorn all alone until it’s time for the party.”

Steve’s face morphed into an exaggerated pout, and Peggy laughed before kissing his cheek and taking a seat to help.

----

The common areas in Stark Tower (or Avengers Tower, now) were decked out with tinsel, holly, fir garlands, and lights. It was hard to say who was the most responsible for the wealth of decorations, but no one was complaining. The room was warm and filled with people, the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread wafting from the tray of cookies in the center of the room. The low din of chatter echoed around, people standing in small groups.

Tony and Bruce were in the middle of a discussion, Tony gesturing with a hand holding a half full tumbler as Bruce shook his head. For a moment, Steve’s gaze stopped on Peggy who was chatting with Natasha and Pepper, her red sweater as festive as she was was willing to get for this particular exchange. “I refuse to have my picture taken with antlers on my head,” she had said when he showed her the felt reindeer antlers he’d found when he bought JJ’s santa hat. Not that he hadn’t snuck some anyway when she’d worn them the day before, but Steve wasn’t stupid enough to ask her to do so in front of everyone.

His gaze moved to JJ, who was in his bouncy seat kicking his feet happily as he looked at everyone around him. The Thorson twins sat just out of range of his feet, chattering happily and showing him the Yule gifts they’d already received. JJ made tiny grabbing motions at one of the Asgardian toys that the boys showed him, and Steve made to push away to intercept them, but Jarvis, without even looking away from the conversation he was having with Clint put his hand between the toy and JJ’s hand, and JJ immediately grabbed his godfather’s finger instead.

Relaxing back against the wall once more, he scanned the room again, watching everyone interact. It was strange now to think back to his earliest experiences in this room, how alone and lost he had felt, because now- now he had everything he’d ever wanted. It wasn’t perfect, there were people missing, people he wished he could see again, but he had his friends and his family around him and that was something five years ago he never would have foreseen.

Suddenly, Peggy was at his side, her fingers sliding against his. She looked up at him and his heart swelled for a moment.

“Feeling maudlin?”

He shook his head and pulled her closer so her head was resting on his shoulder for a moment “Nah. Just thinking.”

“Share with the class then.” She looked up at him, an expression saying ‘go on’ firmly written in her expression.

“I just… sometimes it hits me that this is real. You’re real. JJ is real. And Nat and Tony and everyone. And it’s good.” He leaned down to kiss her, soft and sweet, because she was there and he could and they had everything ahead of them.

In a moment, they would all exchange gifts with their friends, and then in the morning they’d have all the time in the world with JJ, to watch him react to opening presents for the first time in his life. There would be more kisses and wonder and laughter going forward. This was just one more first, a beginning that would carry on and it was full of promise.

“Yes it is,” Peggy said when they separated as she pulled him away from the wall and back into the party once more.

#steggysecretsanta #steggy #steggyforeveruniverse #This is complete fluff and I would say I apologize but I'm not really sorry #I just hope you enjoy it

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catboymettaton · 7 years ago

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Color Theory: A fake SU episode

Episode summary (from @fakesuepisodes): Peridot tries her hand at cooking an apple pie, but the resulting dish ends up not tasting any good. Peridot insists that she followed the recipe, but Steven and Connie discover that Peridot used onions instead of apples in the pie after mistakenly perceiving both to look similar to each other. Worrying that Peridot is colorblind, they try hundreds of ways to get her to understand the difference between colors, to the point where Steven’s room is covered in rainbows and color wheels. An increasingly frustrated Peridot desperately tries to understand what she’s being shown… when Garnet simply removes her tinted visor off her face. Peridot then spends the next five hours obsessing over color.

Actual episode under the cut (1367 words)

“Hey, Peridot.” Steven followed Peridot into the barn. “You said you had something to show me?”

Peridot nodded. “I have observed what you humans call ‘cooking,’ and I decided to give it a try!” Peridot reached into the oven, pulled out a tray, and quickly dropped it on the table. “Ow!”

Steven watched as the wooden table burned and suggested, “Most humans use oven mitts for cooking.”

Peridot pulled a note up on her tablet, writing this down. Then she turned back to Steven and announced, “I found a recipe online for ‘apple pie.’ Try some!”

Steven poked the pie with a finger and found that it was still hot. “Maybe we should wait for it to cool off. I’ll go get the gems and we can all try some!”

Steven headed back to the temple, where he found Connie and Amethyst. “Pearl and Garnet are busy,” Connie explained. “Garnet had to go swim in a volcano again, and Pearl didn’t explain where she went.”

“Well, they’ll be missing out on some delicious apple pie!” Steven replied. “Which isn’t too bad, since Pearl doesn’t like food anyway. Want to try some?”

“Lead us to the pie,” Amethyst answered, motioning for them all to head out in search of the pie. The trio trekked back to the barn, where the pie appeared to have cooled off, though a circle was still burned into the table.

“Steven! Connie! Amethyst!” Peridot waved them over. “Come have some pie!”

Amethyst grinned then either winked or blinked–it was hard to tell which when only one of her eyes was visible–and sauntered over. “Give me a big slice, I’m hungry!”

Peridot grinned back and cut off a large, vaguely cubic shape. “Here you go!” Turning to Connie and Steven, she asked, “How much do you want?”

“Only a little,” Connie replied. “I just had lunch.”

“Maybe half of what you gave Amethyst,” Steven decided, eyeing the mound that Amethyst was savoring. Peridot handed them two soggy mounds before they could tell her about plates and silverware. Plates or no plates, apple pie was still apple pie.

Except… this didn’t taste like apple pie. “Peridot, are you sure you followed the recipe?” Connie asked, trying to be polite.

“Of course I did!” Peridot held up her tablet. “I used all the ingredients listed here in exactly the given proportions! Baking is obviously something that must be precise!”

Connie and Steven exchanged glances, not sure how to tell Peridot. They kept politely nibbling at their slices, but really Peridot’s concoction tasted not like apples, but a lot like… onions. Steven swallowed, then asked, “Peridot, do you have any apples left?”

“Of course! I’m making another ‘pie’ tonight!” Peridot held up a bag of what were unmistakably large, yellow onions.

“Peridot,” Connie began, hesitant. “Those are onions, not apples.”

Peridot examined the round objects. “What? I was certain they were apples! Amethyst, what do you think?”

Amethyst swallowed her mouthful of pie and looked up. “I dunno P-dot. I haven’t seen all the apples or all the onions on this planet, but that looks a lot more on the onion side.”

Peridot began to shake and stammered, “But-but they match the physical description of apples perfectly! Round, spherical, and green!”

Connie’s eyes widened as she realized what could be wrong. “Peridot, are you colorblind?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Can you tell the difference between the color of my hair and the color Amethyst’s hair?” Steven asked.

“Of course. Yours is dark and hers is light. I don’t see how this is relevant.” Peridot tossed the onions aside.

“Come with us,” Connie decided. “We’ll try to explain.”

Ten minutes later, they were in Steven’s room, Connie frantically looking up color wheels, Steven attempting to fix the color printer, and Amethyst telling Peridot that she didn’t understand the problem with the pie. “It may not be apple pie, but it still tastes great!”

“Steven, is the printer fixed yet?” Connie asked, screen full of RBG, CYMK, and RYB color wheels and palettes.

“Almost,” Steven replied, unplugging a cord.

Amethyst gestured towards the temple door. “You know, we could always loot Ruby and Sapphire’s supply of pride flags.”

“Ruby and Sapphire have a supply of pride flags?” Steven plugged the cord back in and color wheels began to pour out of it.

Amethyst nodded. “Have you ever noticed how Garnet disappears around June? Hey, G-squad!” Everyone looked up to see Garnet warping back.

Garnet nodded and held up an odd statuette. “Let me burn this first.”

Five minutes later, Connie pressed down the last piece of tape on the last spectrum of shades and indicated orange and blue. “So, Peridot, what can you say about the relationship between these two colors?”

Peridot narrowed her eyes. “The one on the left is lighter than the one on the right. I don’t see how this is related to onions.”

Connie tried again. “Which of these three colors is most similar to Amethyst?” Amethyst stood beside three swatches of purple, lime green, and sky blue.

“The top one,” Peridot pointed to the purple, “is most like her skin. The bottom one,” this was the blue, “is most like her hair. The one in the middle looks nothing like her.”

Steven tried next, pointing to two overlapping strokes of purple and yellow, then sets of red and green, blue and purple, and orange and yellow. “Which of these pairs is most similar to the first set?”

“The middle set is the only one that’s also light and dark,” Peridot decided, pointing at the blue and purple.

After a few more questions, Steven and Connie concluded that Peridot could easily distinguish between light and dark but had a harder time telling hues apart. However, they couldn’t be sure how much of this was because of how she saw and how much of this was because as a technician, Peridot was probably never taught color theory on Homeworld. Amethyst took on the role of trying to explain color relationships to her.

“These colors here are what’s called complementary colors,” Amethyst explained. “Because they’re on opposite sides of the color wheel.” Amethyst indicated an RGB color wheel.

“That ‘wheel,’ makes no sense,” Peridot complained. “Why aren’t they organized in order of light to dark?”

Amethyst shrugged. “They’re arranged according to hue. I think it comes from rainbows.” Amethyst pointed to a photograph of a rainbow.

Peridot huffed in frustration. “I don’t understand what you mean by hue! It just seems so arbitrary!”

Connie gestured at red and orange. “What, besides brightness, is the difference between these two colors?”

“I don’t know!” Peridot exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. “They’re identical except for saturation! I don’t understand anything you’re telling me!” Peridot slumped backwards onto Steven’s bed. “This is all just… too confusing.”

Amethyst, Steven, and Connie looked at the ground. They weren’t sure where trying to teach her about color had gone so wrong, but they hated seeing her so upset. Then the temple door opened and they looked up to see Garnet walking out. Garnet climbed the stairs slowly and deliberately and rested a hand on Peridot’s shoulder. “Peridot,” she murmured softly. “I think I know how to solve this.”

Peridot looked up and nodded vigorously. “Please, I want to understand!”

Garnet reached down and removed Peridot’s visor. Peridot blinked, suddenly flooded by a wave of sensations she hadn’t experienced since she had emerged from the ground and immediately had the visor slapped over her face. Everything was so much brighter and so different and so… colorful. Suddenly, Peridot understood everything and launched herself at Garnet, hugging the taller gem’s arm and repeating, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Well, Peridot?” Amethyst asked. “What do you think?”

“Tell me about color theory again!” Peridot replied. “But first, give me some room. I want to look at all these charts again.” Peridot planted herself on Steven’s bed and began to examine every color wheel, palette, photograph, and pride flag.

“Will she be gone in time for me to sleep here?” Steven whispered to Garnet.

Garnet put a finger to her lips. “Shh. Let’s just let her enjoy this for now.”

*star iris closes around Garnet*

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ssilverstreak · 7 years ago

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Black Shuck

Black Shuck Part 1 (You are here) Green Shuck Part 2 Red Shuck Part 3 (Final)

This was written for my first short story submitted for Advanced Creative Writing. Now that I’ve gotten it back graded, I can post it online. There will be two more parts, or chapters, after this. Second part is already written, it’s currently being work-shopped, and after I get it back graded I can post it.

It was the screams that brought them running.

It had been a normal night. It was supposed to keep being a normal night.

“I don’t get it,” Ronan, the baker; a large man with dark hair and beard and skin permanently ruddy from the heat of his ovens; said as he kneeled down. His flashlight glinted oddly over the dark pool spilling out of the mangled mess that used to be Father Basil’s throat, the priest’s eyes dull and staring blankly at the cloudy sky. Ronan swallowed and reached out to close the dead man’s eyes, unable to take that unseeing gaze. “What could have done this? Who could have? Black Shuck should have…”

A low snarl filled the night, and the assembled men; Ronan, Old Magnus, Young Magnus, Mathias, and Daniel; whirled to face it, pressing close together as icy fear washed away the alcohol muddying their systems.

For a brief moment, the light of the flashlight washed over and through a figure slinking through the trees. Large, on all fours, stringy black fur hanging in shreds off a not-quite there body, stomach tucked up near the spine and ribs on display. The only things that seemed actually corporeal were glinting, yellowed fangs, and glowing red eyes.

Another snarl, and the creature took a step towards the group, trees behind it slightly visible through its gaunt form. With reflexes honed suddenly sharp by fear, Young Magnus snatched the cross hanging from Father Basil’s neck, snapping the bloodied chain, and threw it at the apparition.

It jerked back, snarled again, then backed away from where the cross had landed and faded from sight into the Maine mist. The last thing to wink out were those red, red eyes.

The five men went still, waiting to see if it would reappear. After a long moment, one of them let out a sigh of relief, and they all relaxed minutely.

“But that was… why would he…” Young Magnus from the bank shook his head in confusion. “He’s supposed to…”

“We ain’t going to find any answers tonight,” Mathias; who owned an orchard and sold cider and pies at a markup to tourists; said. “Let’s get the body and head back to the bar. We can call the sheriff from there.”

The five men looked at each other uneasily. It was Daniel the barman who broke first. “Old Magnus, you should get it. Since you’re used to dealing with meat and all.”

The butcher shot him an offended look. “Are you calling Father Basil meat? Besides, Young Magnus can get him. My back isn’t what it used to be these days.”

“Dad! I don’t want to carry the body!”

“Look,” Ronan said. “He’s probably too heavy for just one of us to carry all the way back to the bar anyways.” He looked down, nudging the body with a foot. It still stank of alcohol from when Father Basil had been drinking with them earlier. “We’ll all carry him.”

They were halfway back to the bar when Young Magnus spoke up again. “That was Black Shuck that did this, wasn’t it?”

The rest of the men stayed silent.

**********

“And these are your quarters, Father Aleister,” the man who had introduced himself as Old Magnus said, producing a key and unlocking the door to the rectory attached to the small church.

“Ah, thank you, Old Magnus,” Neil said, not entirely failing to hide his unease with his new title. It would take him longer than the mere few weeks he had possessed it to get used to being referred to as ‘Father’ by those around him.

“You don’t need to worry ‘bout any smell, we all got together and cleaned out Father Basil’s things after his accident a few months back, sent them off to his sister over in Ohio,” Old Magnus babbled, flicking the lights on as he stepped inside.

Neil hadn’t been expecting much, not from a church in a small town comprised mostly of immigrant Irish Catholics, and he got even less. A single small room, with a stripped mattress on a metal frame pushed into one corner, a lone dresser that looked like it had been made before the turn of the century and had not seen gentle care since, and a tiny kitchenette in the opposite corner from the bed, consisting of a small refrigerator, a single-basin sink, and a battered teapot sitting on an unplugged hotplate. An unshaded bulb hummed near the ceiling, and the scent of dust had him stifling a sneeze.

“Bathroom through the door there,” Old Magnus said, gesturing at a door to the left. “We left the window shut to keep the weather and animals out, so it could probably do with a good airing.”

“Ah, yes, thank you Old Magnus. This will do nicely,” Neil lied through his teeth, forcing a tight smile.

“Young Magnus will be by later to show you around, but I’d best be going and give you a chance to settle in.” Neil nodded and gave another tight smile as he escorted Old Magnus out, shutting the door behind him.

Okay. Okay, okay. He could work with this. He wouldn’t be stuck at this tiny church in a tiny rural town in the ass-crack of Maine forever. He’d do a good job here, get moved to a better church with a larger congregation. This was a stepping stone, nothing more.

Neil took a deep breath, then broke into harsh coughs as dust took the chance to invade his lungs. He stumbled over to the small window between the bed and the dresser and forced it open with a screech that made his ears ring.

The sharp smell of autumn filled the room, the smell of cold and falling leaves and a tinge of wood smoke.

Neil took a deep breath to clear the dust from his lungs, then groaned.

There was a graveyard right outside his window.

Fantastic.

Granted, he didn’t consider himself superstitious, but that didn’t mean he wanted to sleep with headstones a few feet away from his own bed.

Neil took another deep breath, held it, then let it out. “Okay. This is workable-” Another sneeze cut him off.

It took him several minutes to hunt down the cleaning closet. Some of the cleaning products looked old and were probably out of date, but he shrugged and used them anyways, figuring that they were probably better than nothing.

Young Magnus knocked on the open door and wrinkled his nose at the heavy smell in the air when Neil was halfway through mopping the floor. While the room was nowhere close to shining, it was at least mostly dust and grime free by this point. “Ready for the grand tour, Father Aleister?”

“Almost, let me just finish this up.” The room was so small that it took him less than a minute to finish the thorough mopping. Neil huffed out a breath and wiped at his forehead with a sleeve, staring unseeing out the open window, over the graveyard to the forest beyond it. “There, that should do it for now.”

“Sorry Father. We probably should have cleaned up a bit when we heard you were coming, but…”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind.” Neil did, but he knew it wasn’t the polite thing to say. He frowned, eyes focusing at sudden movement in the trees. “Do you get wolves in this area?”

“No, no wolves. The occasional coyote, but no wolves. Why?”

“Must have been a dog, then. Or a bear, maybe. Saw something big and black through the trees.”

When he heard no response, Neil turned back to Young Magnus, to find that the other man had gone pale. “What’s wrong?”

“I… look, my Dad didn’t want to scare you off by telling you, but you should probably know. I’ll tell you on the walk into town, it isn’t far.”

Now confused and a little annoyed, though doing his best to hide it, Neil took the time to put away the cleaning things he had used in the closet he found them and straighten his still awkward feeling robes. He considered changing to his heavier set, the sky was beginning to get that washed-out tinge of oncoming sunset and the temperature would be dropping, but decided against it. He liked the cold well enough, and the walk would warm him up.

He didn’t bother locking the church as they stepped out into the late afternoon air. After all, what was there to steal? The rest of the place was just as old and run-down as his quarters, it didn’t look like it had been updated or renovated since electric wiring and indoor plumbing were installed.

Okay, maybe Neil was exaggerating to himself, but he felt it was only slightly.

“So, what has you so spooked?” he asked as he fell into step beside Young Magnus.

“Surprisingly good choice of words.” The other man gave a brief, wry grin before looking down the asphalt road leading to town, perhaps a mile walk, although Neil knew from his taxi ride in that the lane twisted and turned through the fire-crowned trees.

Young Magnus took a deep breath, then spoke. “Look, I was born here, but my Dad? He came here to Canada Falls over from Ireland with a bunch of other families. Settled here with a lot of them. And back there, in Ireland and England and Scotland, apparently there’s a lot of, well… stories.”

“Stories,” Neil said, raising a brow while wondering whose bright idea it was to name a town in Maine after the bordering country.

“Yeah. Old ones, going back a long, long time. They… hey, you paying attention?”

“Hmm?” Neil blinked and looked back at Young Magnus as they rounded the first bend in the road. “Yeah, sorry. Just thought I saw something again. In the trees.”

Young Magnus swallowed hard and went pale again, then took a deep breath and made the sign of the cross. “Look, Father Aleister… do you believe in ghosts?”

What? No, of course Neil didn’t believe in ghosts. Still, something had Young Magnus spooked, and now probably wasn’t the time to make fun of the man, not if he still wanted his guide. “Do you?”

“Yes,” Young Magnus said seriously. “I’ve met one, a few times.”

“Have you?” Great, his guide was delusional. It took more effort than Neil thought it would to school his expression to something neutral, and he apparently hadn’t succeeded, to judge by the way Young Magnus frowned at him.

“You don’t believe me.”

“It is a little far-fetched,” Neil admitted.

“Yeah, well, nearly everyone in town can say the same.” Young Magnus held up a hand to forestall Neil’s protest. “Let me finish. When those families came over, I guess they… brought something with them. Like I said, there’s stories back where they came from, old ones. About… dog ghosts.”

Neil wasn’t able to hold in his bark of laughter. “Dog ghosts?”

“You laugh now, but you won’t for long.” Young Magnus shook his head as they rounded another bend in the road. “Anyways, the stories… all of them have big, black ghost dogs. Bigger than a calf, with glowing eyes. They go by a lot of names.” He swallowed. “We call ours Black Shuck.”

“What, you’re saying that there’s a ghost dog around here?” Neil couldn’t repress a disbelieving sniff. “This is just a story, to freak out the new priest, isn’t it?”

“I’m not messing with you, I promise. Look, the old stories, they talk about nice ones, who walk you home at night and then disappear, and… not so nice ones. Black Shuck, he was one of the nice ones. When I was little, was out late with my friends, and it was dark and I had to walk home alone? I’ve had him walk beside me and see me home safe. I’ve seen him, Father Aleister,” Young Magnus said, plucking a large red leaf out of the air and beginning to nervously shred it. “He’s big, back higher than my waist, ragged fur, gaunt. Big glowing eyes. Terrifying to look at, but he’s safe. Was safe, anyways.”

“Was?” Neil was still fairly sure that Young Magnus was messing with him, but at this point he might as well hear the man out. They were getting closer to the town anyways, if he remembered right they just had two more turns in the winding road to go.

“A few months ago… Black Shuck turned. We don’t know how or why, but it’s not safe to be out at night alone anymore. You heard Father Basil died in an accident, right? Well, if by ‘accident’ you mean ‘ghost dog’, then yeah, you heard right.”

“I’m sure there’s a reasonable-“

“Father Aleister, I was there that night! His throat was torn out, I saw Black Shuck going back into the trees! You don’t mistake him once you’ve seen him.” Young Magnus was shaking now, whether from fear or anger or a combination of both, Neil wasn’t sure.

Neil shook his head. “Are you sure some farmer’s dog wasn’t-“

“Six people have died since then.”

Neil shut up, throat suddenly tight and dry.

“All of them were out alone at night, all of them had their throats torn out. There are seven fresh graves in the graveyard, Father Aleister, all of them put there by what we thought was our protector.” Young Magnus shook his head. “None of us want to be number eight, and we don’t want you to be number eight, either. Just… don’t go out alone at night, okay? And if you do, keep your cross on you.”

“Why’s that?”

“That night, when we found Father Basil’s body? I threw his cross at Black Shuck, and he backed off. I think he can’t touch holy things. In all the time I’ve lived here, I’ve never heard of him going into the church, though I have heard he sometimes haunts the cemetery.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Neil said dryly.

“Look, at least now you can say you were fairly warned,” Young Magnus said, looking up as they rounded the final bend in the road. “Look, we’re almost there.”

The tour took the rest of the afternoon, which considering the late hour said something about how tiny the town was, especially as they were doing the tour on foot. Young Magnus took him by the bank where he worked, then over to see Old Magnus again as he closed up the butcher shop, and past the bar that was just opening up where the man Young Magnus called Daniel gave them a wave. The post office was already closed, but the grocer and the baker were still open, the latter of which they were waited on by Brynn, a girl barely tall enough to look over the counter and who Young Magnus said was the daughter of the town’s baker, Ronan. Neil did his best to look on the bright side, as it allowed him to pick up a few things to stock his empty refrigerator.

The sun was dipping below the tree-shrouded horizon, and the sky was taking on the purple-indigo shades of twilight, when they finally ended the tour outside the small apartment building where Young Magnus lived.

“You can stay the night, keep you from walking home in the dark,” Young Magnus offered, but Neil shook his head.

“I’ll be fine. It’s not a far walk, and it’s a nice night.” He could see the protest coming, and he held up a hand to forestall it. “I’ll be careful, alright? I’m a grown man, I’m not going to be spooked by some old ghost story.”

Young Magnus frowned, then sighed. “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Neil gave a small wave, shifted his sack of groceries to the other arm, then set off down the street. Fifteen minutes later saw the first stars coming out just as he turned onto the lane that led to the church.

Between the trees grew darker than on the road, and Neil shivered slightly as the temperature dropped. Perhaps he should have gone with his heavier robes, but he hadn’t known that it would get this cold this quickly, or that he would be out this late. A chill ran through him as a gust of wind stole some of his precious body heat, and he tugged his robes a little closer.

Huh. Okay, Neil had grown up in the city, so admittedly he wasn’t familiar with rural areas, but did things always go this quiet in late evening?

He had rounded another two bends in the winding lane, and his breath was visibly misting the air even in the rapidly fading light, when a twig snapped, sounding like a gunshot in the quiet.

Neil’s spine stiffened, and his throat went tight as the hairs on the back of his neck prickled and stood up. “Just a story making me jumpy,” he muttered, trying to ignore the sudden sensation of being watched. Still, he picked up his pace, heart beginning to pound in his chest.

Something dark slipped through the trees to his right.

Neil whirled to face the wall of forest and underbrush, breath coming hard and fast, only to find nothing there that he could see. Slowly, he reached up and fingered the cross resting against his chest. “Just a wild animal.” Right?

More movement, again to his right, and he slowly turned to face down the path he had already walked.

A large figure, near the size of a small pony, came to a halt near the bend in the lane a hundred feet or so back. In the dim light, faintly illuminated by the crescent moon overhead, he could make out pointed ears, ragged dark fur, and a gaunt frame, stomach tucked up near the spine.

Red, glowing eyes stared into his, and there was a flash of fang in the moonlight as the creature snarled.

Two things happened near-simultaneously. The first was that every instinct in Neil’s body screamed ‘Wrong, wrong, this thing is wrong’.

The second was that the creature took a step closer, and Neil broke into a terrified run.

His robes near-immediately tried to tangle around his legs, so Neil dropped his groceries and hurriedly yanked them up so he could move faster. He couldn’t hear anything chasing him, but when he glanced back over his shoulder for a brief instant, the red-eyed dark creature was bounding silently after, mouth gaping to show pale, wickedly sharp teeth in the dark.

The only things he could easily see were the creature’s eyes and fangs, the rest of it blended all too easily into the darkness.

Neil faced back forward and tried to run faster, because even from his quick glance, it was clear that the creature was gaining.

Two more bends, if he remembered right. Two more bends in the road and he could reach the church.

Neil rounded the first, breath coming harsh and fast, cold stinging his lungs, legs already beginning to burn, stitch pulling at his side. Another panicked glance back. The creature was perhaps fifty feet back now, and still gaining.

Last bend, and the dark church came into view. Neil gasped for air, trying to push himself faster-

And tripped.

He rolled as he did, ending up on his back, just as the creature gathered itself and leapt, maw parting and aiming for his throat-

A smaller black creature slammed into it, knocking it off course.

Air rushed into lungs that had been paralyzed by fear, but the rest of Neil stayed frozen, staring in shock as two figures twisted and shoved, vicious snarls filling the air and glowing green and red eyes flashing in the night, glinting off of snapping fangs.

He suddenly regained control of his limbs and scrambled to his feet, rushing for the church’s doors. When he was more than halfway there, he glanced back in time to see the larger, red-eyed creature bite down on the neck of the smaller, green-eyed one and throw it to the side. As the smaller creature slid to a halt on the ground, it became apparent that it was a smaller version of the one that had been chasing him. It lay still, then faded from view, leaving bare asphalt where it had been.

The red-eyed creature turned back to Neil just as he raced up the church steps and shoved the doors open, falling to the floor inside as relief at reaching safety made his legs suddenly go weak. He rolled and sat up just as the red-eyed creature approached the church, placing a massive paw on the steps, then snarling and yanking it back. It glared at Neil, snarled in hate, then also faded away.

Neil sat there, gasping and trying to catch his breath, then buried his face in his hands as terror left him shaking like the leaves on the trees outside.

Why were there two Black Shucks?

#fiction #my ocs #short story #ghosts #ghost dogs #legit based on black dog ghost stories

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