#i will forever be grateful that she made it through my birthday and a period of me being incredibly sick before she passed

[remyfire]

I haven't been ready to talk about this until today, but it's time. A month ago, Peach, my beloved cat, passed away. As many of you know, we had found out just under a year ago that she was diabetic, and while she made incredible progress in her health and quality of life, she suddenly had a rapid and traumatic decline in the middle of the night. Though we rushed her to the emergency room, their tests showed that there was no hope of recovery. Even after hospitalization, she would have had a short time remaining with us and would have been in a great deal of pain.

The decision to put her to sleep was one of the hardest I've ever had to make. She was my first cat and my first pet I'd adopted in my adult years. She was with me through the most painful moments of my life. She never left my side. She would follow me from room to room, waiting impatiently until I would sit down so she could be in my lap. She cuddled me every night, curled up so close to me. She had an easy purr—in fact, it was rare to find a moment when she wasn't purring. She would even purr in her sleep, as long as I was there. She was strong and fierce, never allowing herself to be bullied by other cats without giving them hell right back. She had one of the biggest personalities I've ever seen in a cat and I always felt so honored to have eight wonderful years with her. I was her chosen human, her favorite, and she was my baby girl from the first moment we met.

When it was time, I held her in my lap. I sang her a blessing to wish her peacefully on her way. She was in my arms when she passed.

In order to cover her ER bill and her cremation, I was forced to pull money that had been intended to pay my pending tax bill from 2023. I had already maxed out my credit card on paying for her diabetic care, so I had no other choice. A dear friend of mine has set up a fundraiser to recoup the money that I spent so that I can get back on my feet financially. I know money is incredibly tight right now and that there are so many other causes to donate to. But if you could take a moment and share this post, it would mean a great deal to me. 💞 Thank you all for the support you gave me so that I could care for her until her final day. You helped me give her eight months of good health and high energy and incredible happiness, with her acting like a cat half her age. I will never, ever forget it.

[wrenreid]

Off Limits

all chapters in master list

content warning: dead parent talk

Part Fifteen

The events of approximately 7 hours ago play on repeat in my head. I can still taste him, feel the warmth of his soft lips on mine. God it was a great kiss. I felt like I was going to met into his lap and have to stay there forever. Which I would not have minded in the slightest.

I wish I didn’t have to leave, but honestly I’m a little relieved I did. I’m not sure what would’ve happened had I stayed. Would we have done it? Maybe. But then again maybe not. Definitely not. It’s too soon. I’m not that type of person. But then again again he is Spencer, and I think I’d give up my right leg for him if he asked.

Dad, Jack, and I are watching a movie over frozen yogurt right now. But while their eyes are focused on Lilo and Stitch, I am still seeing Spencer’s lips on mine.

Lying to my father about where I went for nearly an hour wasn’t hard, but trying to hide my flushed cheeks and swollen lips was. Luckily, his post-nap drowsiness got in the way of him noticing anything off.

So instead of having to explain my gushing attitude, I got to change the subject to the matter of dinner.

After the movie, Dad helps Jack get ready for bed, and I hang back in the living room and attempt to come up with a reason to text Spencer.

The only reason I can come up with is because I want to, and it seems valid enough.

“Hey”

I text him, no punctuation because a period seems too serious, an explanation mark makes me seem desperate, and everything else wouldn’t make sense. I then text again,

“Are you busy?”

He doesn’t respond, so I take that as a “yes” to my question. A slight frown forms on my lips, but I know I can’t just expect him to answer every time I reach out. He’s a grown man with a life.

I head upstairs to get ready for bed even though I definitely won’t be sleeping for at least another few hours. I turn Friends on in my bedroom and scroll through my phone, silently hoping for a text back.

I don’t get one. Even in the morning when it’s been 12 hours since I sent the message. I debate on asking if he’s alright, but I don’t want to annoy him with my texts.

God, I hate being 21. We’re still like teenagers when it comes to texting, and we’re all terrified of spamming someone and looking desperate.

“I should be back around five,” my father says as he reaches around me to grab his coffee mug off the counter top.

Even though today is just a paper work day, he still makes sure to say “should be” because, of course, there’s still a possibility of a case and him leaving for days again.

“Love you,” I say, my mouth still full of toast.

“Love you too. Aunt Jess should be here to pick Jack up soon,” he tells me, making his way out of the apartment.

My aunt is taking Jack to a birthday party for one of his friends that she often nannied with him. I am personally glad to have the day to myself or to do whatever I want.

“It’s so good to see you, sweetheart,” my aunt says with a smile, pulling me into a hug.

I haven’t seen Jessica since just a few weeks after my mother’s funeral.

“God you look just like your mom right now,” she tells me, her eyes starting to water before she blinks back the tears.

Jack grabs her hand excitedly, eager to go to the party. I’m grateful his eagerness removes me from that interaction.

“Nice to see you, Aunt Jess. Thank you for taking Jack,” I smile softly.

“It’s no problem. I’ll see you soon, sweet girl,” she says and allows my brother to pull her out of the apartment and down the hall.

I can’t be mad at her for mentioning my mom; she is her sister. But I hate that people feel the need to bring up touchy subjects when the emotions could’ve been avoided.

She always says I look like my mom, but I think we just have the same nose. Unfortunately, I am one of the many girls who grew up being an almost carbon copy of her father. Which made me feel extremely awkward because hearing “You look just like your father!” at 15 really shreds a girl’s self esteem.

My mom used to say it didn’t matter who I looked like, but it mattered which traits from each of them I inhabited. I’ve got my father’s stubbornness that’s for sure. I’ve got his determination and hunger for success. I don’t know what I have from my mother. I’ve never been the nurturing, gentle type that she was. Haley Hotchner was the perfect embodiment of grace, a gazelle if you will. And I’m like a bull. Thank you very much, Dad.

I plop down on the couch and kick my slipper-covered feet up on the coffee table. Today is going to be so relaxing without anyone to bug me.

And just as I’m done finishing that thought, my phone chimes with a text from CeCe. She asks for plans because apparently she’s bored out of her mind and her parents are talking to her about settling down and marriage. I tell her she can come over

“Thank you for saving me from that,” she sighs, shutting the door behind her. She crawls onto the couch with me.

I chuckle softly. “No problem.”

“So what’s up? What’s new in the world of Jade?”

“You’re really that bored that you want to hear about what’s been going on with me after almost a week of being home with my little brother?” I laugh softly, shaking my head.

“Yes!” CeCe groans.

“Well,” I say. “Perhaps I had something slightly more interesting than hanging out with a four year old happen.”

CeCe situates herself to where she can rest her chin on her knees. “Spill.”

“I made out with a guy I’m sorta kinda falling for,” I blurt out, twiddling with my hands.

“Oh my god, Jade Hotchner! There is a guy and you haven’t told me?” Cece exclaims, her eyes boring into my soul.

“It’s not a big deal,” I say defensively. “And honestly, it’s a little embarrassing.”

“The guy from your political science class? The kinda ugly one with the glasses and the haircut that makes him a little cuter?”

I roll my eyes. “He was not ugly.”

“A little bit,” she holds her pointer finger and thumb together, almost pinching.

“He was really sweet though, but no,” I chuckle softly, “not him.”

CeCe takes a minute to think, eyeing me. “It’s not Spencer is it?”

I cough, laughing a little. “What?”

“Oh my god, it is. You made out with Dr. Reid?”

“Kind of,” my lips press together in a thin line.

“How does one ‘kind of’ make out with someone?”

“I don’t know.”

“You made out with your dad’s employee,” CeCe laughs, shaking her head. “I’m so proud of you. You’re like a baby slut now.”

“What the fuck is a baby slut?”

“Ya know, like not quite a slut but getting there.”

I let out a chuckle, rolling my eyes. “I’m definitely not getting there.”

My best friend pokes my thigh, teasingly. “I am so proud of you. High school you would be too!”

“Shut up, Ceec,” I blush, shaking my head.

“So what happens now?”

“With me and Spencer? I have no idea. We’ve made out twice, and now I think he’s ignoring me.”

“Hold on,” she holds up a finger. “My mind is blown. Twice?” She pauses dramatically. “Wait why do you think he’s ignoring you?”

“Because my texts have now been left on delivered for 18 hours,” I explain.

CeCe bites her teeth together, tsk-ing at me in thought. “Hey, at least it’s not read.”

“Well, he has read receipts turned off. I did that for him so he could not feel the need to respond to everyone right away.”

“Oh, Jade,” she sighs.

“And thus you see my dilemma.” I gesture my hands outward.

“Mhm, I do,” CeCe nods. “Okay, so are you guys like a thing, just kissing, what?”

“I have no idea,” I groan, slamming my palm on my face.

“These stages are always the worst, but they’re kind of exciting,” she says.

“There’s nothing exciting about this. Spencer… he’s like different than everyone else I’ve had this type of situation with,” I say honestly.

“Because he works for your dad?”

“CeCe, I swear to god…”

“Okay, okay,” she laughs softly, holding her hands of defensively. “How is it different?”

“Because he’s an actually grown up. An actual man,” I tell her. “I’m used to stupid college guys. Even the pre-laws are stupid. And Spencer is… the opposite of those guys. He’s brilliant, kind, and like totally hot, and god, he’s a good kisser.”

Her eyes widen a bit. “Oh girl. You’re falling falling.”

“I mean it’s not that deep,” I say, back-tracking. “We’re friends. We’re whatever we are. And he may be all of those things but he’s also ignoring me, so I don’t know what to do with that.”

“Confront him about it.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” My teeth tug at my bottom lip.

“C’mon, miss lawyer. Just tell him straight up what you’re thinking.”

“And if I don’t know what I’m thinking?”

“Wait until you do.”

I nod, taking in a breath. “Right. Okay.”

“I’m here for you, baby slut.”

My best friend becomes the victim of a punch to the arm.

What am I thinking, what am I thinking? I don’t know. I mean, yeah, I like him, I’m thinking that. But I also know that my dad might kill us both if he found out about anything. And I know Spencer isn’t stupid, he wouldn’t want what I do. And I’m pretty sure I want him.

The sound of a fist hitting my door rings through my apartment three times. I just got home from grocery shopping for the first time in weeks. The refrigerator was severely lacking nutrition, as am I it seems.

I exit the kitchen to answer the door, and the face I’m greeted with is the one I want to see the most and don’t want to see the most at the same time.

Jade.

Before I can get an awkward “hello” out, she says, “You’ve been ignoring me.”

My cheeks flush pink, and I know my face is giving me away. But of course, she had already figured me out anyway. I stand there nervously, my face twitching a little.

“I,” I start, but I don’t know how to finish that sentence. She’s not wrong. I have been ignoring her.

I’m not proud of it, but how do I talk to someone who is the focal point of all my guilt right now? I was in the wrong for last night. What we did was careless and stupid, and I’ve never been careless and stupid. I feel like shit over it.

“Jade,” I say, her name rolling off my lips too easily.

“Spencer,” she says. I shouldn’t have told her to call me Spencer. I like it too much.

This is becoming our routine, huh?

She steps inside my apartment, and I let her. She walks past me and onto my couch. I let her.

“You know what we did is wrong,” I say, joining her on the couch, keeping my distance.

“And yet, we’ve done it twice,” Jade says.

She’s not wrong.

“It doesn’t make it okay. No matter how much you hate it when I say you’re my boss’s daughter, it’s true. And for that, what we did is unethical and careless.”

Jade rolls her eyes. “We kissed, Spencer. It’s not like we fucked.”

Her choice of words cause my eyebrows to raise. I clear my throat. “Well, no.” But I wanted to. I would never admit this out loud, but in that moment… if she wanted to, I would’ve. And that’s a problem. I shouldn’t be flirting with or kissing my boss’s daughter let alone wanting to sleep with her.

She’s off limits.

“Then I don’t see that much of a problem,” Jade says.

“I have a moral code, Jade. And getting involved with you violates it.”

“And what if you move aside that moral code?” She asks. “Then what?”

“What do you…”

“Let’s say my dad isn’t your boss. Then what?”

“Then it wouldn’t be as wrong,” I say carefully.

“You know what I think, Spencer?”

I’m scared to know what she thinks.

“I think fuck this moral shit. I’m a grown ass woman no matter how much you or my dad think otherwise. There’s obviously something here, and you can say we’re just friends all you want, but…”

“We’re not friends,” I cut her off.

“What?”

“We’re not friends,” I say again. “You’re not wrong about that. We can’t be just friends. But it’s not a good idea to be anything else either.”

Jade leans a little closer to me. “Fuck good ideas.”

A small smile creeps onto my face. I can’t help it. “You’re crazy.”

“A little,” she shrugs.

“What am I going to do with you?” I groan, that smile still on my face.

“I really think kissing me again is a start,” Jade grins.

sixteen

tags: @pauline5525mgg @theintimatewriter @lilibet261 @greysviolets @jazzymariexoxoc @one-sweet-gubler @thatsonezesty13 @necromaniackat @awhoreforspencerreid @sebs-oxygen @scarredelirium @bts-sugaplum @awesomeness1679 @preciousbabypeter @yazzyu @cynbx @r3idsp3ncer @1010lizz @tiredbut-here @skulzombiw @lena-1895 @eevee0722 @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @daydreamingqueen1 @regulus-black-223048 @virginmusicloverr36 @jazzerbelle14 @kylakins88 @f-me-reid <3

[buckyownsmylife]

Follow you - Chris Evans smut

The one where Chris becomes your roomate and finds out he has a domesticity kink... and more

Warnings: Smut, breeding kink, domesticity kink, friends to lovers, rommates au, pandemic mention, hair-pulling kink, daddy kink, cockwarming, kind of allusion to an age gap, but can be read as reader being into teasing chris

Word count: 4.1k

A/N: Thanks to @mollygetssherlockcoffee​ for reading this over and helping me make it better! You’re the sweetest person ever!  this is for my own birthday celebration challenge! Like I explained here, I’m going to try to fill every single AU I listed with the characters I picked for the challenge, and since the deadline if May 27, these fics will be posted randomly, as I finish them. Hope you guys like it!

Chris’ P.O.V.

“C’mon, sweetheart,” I’d been trying to convince her to close her laptop for the last two hours, unfortunately without any luck. She just glanced at me before returning to her document, and I groaned as I left the living room in search of what I knew we needed.

“Close the laptop and I’ll give you a sip.” This time when she looked up, she found me holding a bottle of my most expensive whiskey, the one she’d been dying to try ever since she first got invited to my place.

It was a tense moment of evaluation while she took in my offer and her workload, her head turning from her computer to me and then back to the device again, and I found himself growing anxious because of how desperately I wanted her company that night.

“Please?” I tried to convince her, even going so far as to pout - which at least earned me a giggle. I considered it a win, especially with the way it made my chest warm up. “C’mon, we deserve it! After the week we had?”

She frowned when she thought back on the stresses we had confided in each other for the last couple of days, and I watched with glee when she slowly closed her laptop, prompting me to wave my arms around in victory. “We?” She teased, getting up to stand before me with her arms crossed in front of her body, making me laugh.

“Alright, so maybe just you.” I couldn’t really deny that my work “problems” paled in comparison to hers. “Listen, I’m only trying to help.” She narrowed her eyes at me, reaching out for the bottle and unscrewing it before taking the sip I’d promised.

“Shit, this really is good.” A smug smile took over my face as I wrapped my arms around her, walking us back to the couch before making us fall over it.

“Only the best for you, babe.” I watched her roll her eyes at the pet name, snickering at how it affected her. I knew it made her giddy and she hated it, it’s why I insisted on doing it - or so I told myself.

Something deep inside of me whispered differently, though. I tried to ignore it. She was my best friend and we were going to be living together for the foreseeable future. No one knew when this pandemic would let up.

And lord knows that nothing positive had ever come out of my investments in romantic relationships. So every rational thought in my mind was begging me not to overcomplicate this. I couldn’t stand to lose her friendship, anyway. That’s why I had invited her to spend lockdown with me - my need to know she was okay, and be able to have her around whenever I needed to vent.

She was the only one outside my family who got my anxiety well enough to help me work through it when I was feeling bad, and she had even been able to prevent me from having panic attacks more than once.

I just couldn’t imagine going through this with anyone other than her. I simply hadn’t anticipated how fucking horny this period of forced sexual privation would make me, and I never expected her to become a willing victim to my needs.

But boy, once the liquor hit and she ended up over my lap, shivering as she rode my thigh without a care in the world, was I glad that she did.

“Is this what you like?” I asked, looking up at her with my mouth hanging open, unbelieving of how fucking sexy she looked as she used my body for her pleasure. I didn’t even care that my cock was straining against my jeans, begging me to move her on top of it. As long as I could keep enjoying the show, being a part of it, I was satisfied.

“I wanna learn it,” I pressed, moving my hands to hold her ass, squeezing it the way I’d always wanted to do but never allowed myself to dream about. “I wanna learn how to please you.” She made me feel something I hadn’t felt before, in any of my past relationships. There was attraction, of course, but there was also this deep, familiar feeling that made me feel at home. It made me feel safe, and with the help of alcohol, I was desperate to explore it.

“Ugh,” she groaned, letting her head fall back, drawing my attention to her breasts, the way they bounced in front of my eyes, unfortunately still covered. My mouth watered at the sight of it, wanting nothing much than to strip her bare and wrap my lips around one of her nipples.

“Don’t say stuff like that, Evans.” The comment threw me off, making me frown as I took a hold of the hair on the back of her head and yanked her to me, devouring her lips. They were soft - so much softer than I’d ever allowed myself to imagine.

“Why not?” I panted against her mouth once I was forced to separate from her taste of whiskey to search for some oxygen. She kept moving, her eyes hazy and glossed over, and it sent a pang of lust straight down my body when I realized it wasn’t completely due to the drinks we shared. There was also desire in there.

“You want to learn?” She asked, hands bunching up my shirt as she used her hold to grind against me faster. “Then fuck me, Chris.” She molded her body to mine, engulfing my lips once more as I laid her down on the couch, excited to have her underneath me - excited to see her naked body, explore it, get to know every little thing that made her tick.

I knew it would be a moment I’d forever remember, regardless of the amount of bourbon in my blood. I just never expected it to become something I was so eager to relive over and over and over again.

It was supposed to be a one time thing. When I woke up in the morning, I was ready to go back to being roommates. We were good at that. She was a morning person, by the time I woke up every morning, she already had breakfast ready for me, and then we’d go out to the backyard to let Dodger out together.

We’d sit and talk and then I’d go for a run - she’d have done her yoga already, while I was still asleep - I’d answer some e-mails, she’d work on her laptop by my side and the silence was just as comfortable as all of our late night conversations.

She’d sneak out to the kitchen and come back with a few sandwiches for our lunch, and then the rest of the day would go by with us doing whatever mundane task we had in mind, together even if we were doing separate things, and I didn’t feel suffocated.

I didn’t even run out of things to say. By the time dinner rolled around and I followed her back to the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes while she fixed us dinner - I wasn’t allowed to cook in my own stove, mostly because she was terrified of my food but hid it under the excuse of that one time when I started a fire - then we’d eat together, watch a movie together, talk until we fell asleep - always together.

I was shocked. It’d never been this way in any of my previous relationships. In fact, I was certain it was the reason why they had never worked. I’d given up on any realistic expectation of settling down precisely because of this: I just never expected to find anyone with whom a day-to-day life wouldn’t eventually grow boring.

It’d been three months and I still loved to wake up to her coffee. We still fell asleep every night side by side, too tired to move into different beds because we had laughed our asses off after skyping Scott.

And now that sex came into play in our relationship? I just knew there was no way I’d ever go back to being nothing but friends - or living in a place where she wasn’t the first person I saw when I woke up.

It sucked that it took a pandemic and a night of alcohol to make me realize that, but damn, was I grateful that I decided to open a bottle of whiskey that evening.

I kept waiting for the catch, the moment it would all go to shit, but it never came. Our lives resumed to how they used to be, only now I had this ongoing inner battle to not just bend her over the nearest piece of furniture when we were busy, and the ability to do exactly that whenever there was nothing else to do.

And for a while it was bliss. There wasn’t a nagging voice inside my head questioning this arrangement because it was theoretically perfect. I had a best friend, a roommate and a fuck buddy, all wrapped into one single person that I adored.

Life couldn’t possibly get better - until I realized that I wanted more. Talks of lockdown being over started and she had plans of going back to her place, of course, but I couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her.

I wanted to see my family too, but I wanted to take her with me. Introduce her to my mom, see her get along with my sisters. Witness how she’d be with my nephews and nieces - I knew how much she loved kids. And that’s when it hit me.

I’d given my heart to her. Somewhere between the morning coffees and afternoon runs, the nights where I’d rant about all of my silly problems and she actually listened to them - really listened, never making me feel bad about what could only be described as rich people problems.

All the innocent little gestures, and the not so innocent ones - when I discovered she was exactly the nasty slut I’d always dreamed of, the way she would randomly drop to her knees and suck me off, even while I was on the phone. Most times she didn’t even let me repay the favor. She just genuinely liked to blow me.

She also liked to play with me randomly, like when we were watching a movie and she mindlessly reached for my crotch, rubbing me until I got hard. It almost always ended in sex, and I just loved it.

I loved it, and I loved her, and the idea of her ever sharing this idyllic lifestyle with anyone else made me irrationally jealous.

And that’s how I knew it. I didn’t want to mess it up. But how could I not fuck this up?

Xxx

“Chris…” Her sweet voice called out to me, reaching my ears while I was hiding in my office, trying to get my thoughts in order so I wouldn’t just randomly blurt out what I was feeling for my best friend to my best friend.

To her credit, she didn’t try to force me to keep her company - but that only made me fall even deeper for her, leaving me a complete and utter mess while she went about her day as if nothing was wrong in the world.

“Yes?” I looked up to see her by the threshold, clearly reticent about invading my privacy. It made me smile, thinking back on all of the times my exes hadn’t been as understanding, even after I let them clearly know what I was needing.

“I made cupcakes, do you want me to bring you one?” The thought of her in the kitchen, baking a sweet treat just for me had my cock twitching in my pants. Biting my lips, I pushed away from my desk to finally get up and stretch my legs, taking advantage of the monitor to hide my hard-on.

“No, I’ll come eat them downstairs with you.” She smiled before leaving, and I soon trailed after her, walking into the kitchen to find the most delicious-looking little treats, just waiting to be devoured.

Much like her, I supposed.

I was reaching for one of them, already licking my lips in anticipation when something caught my eye, prompting me to raise my gaze and look at her again, but really look at her this time.

She was wearing an apron.

There was nothing inherently sexual about the damn thing, but the way she looked with it, going about her business in my kitchen like she owned the place… It just felt right, seeing her there.

And suddenly I couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Y/N…” I started, leaving the cupcake back on the counter and brushing off the crumbs as I circled the kitchen island to go stand in front of her. She hummed before turning to meet me, smiling slightly to signal that she was listening to what I had to say.

But I didn’t know how to say it. So we just stood there, staring at each other until eventually her smile became a frown. “Chris, what’s going on?” I still couldn’t speak. Much to my absolute surprise though, she just sighed, wiping her hands on the apron while shaking her head, a knowing smile on her face.

“You’re stressed, aren’t you? You’ve been working so much, that’s why I thought the cupcakes would be a good idea,” she explained nodding towards the tray where her sweet treats laid. “They’re a reward and a break all wrapped in one delicious cake.”

The comment was like a punch to the stomach - or a scalding wave of desire rushing through my body, straight to my groin. The idea of her thinking about my needs and catering (quite literally) to them just did something to me, and I didn’t know how to explain it - I don’t think I understood it myself.

“But since they didn’t work…” she continued, blissfully unaware of the conundrum she had put me into. “I know something else that will definitely work.” And just like that, the woman dropped to her knees in front of me, reaching for my sweatpants before I could find a way to close the mouth that was hanging open.

“I guess I’ll grab a sweet treat for myself.” She looked so devious, small hand encircling my already pathetically engorged member, that all I could do was whisper an, “Oh, shit,” when she immediately wrapped her lips around it,  starting to suck me off without any preamble.

My fingers were white as I held onto the counter behind me to keep myself up. She looked so good, staring up at me with her lips wrapped around my dick, I felt like I was about to blow already.

Why did she have to be such a fucking tease?

“Oh, God,” I moaned when she managed to engulf the entirety of my member inside her throat, the choking noises getting to my head. My hand instinctively laced with her hair, first to hold her lips close to my navel, then to pry her completely off of my member.

“What’s wrong?” She questioned once she was able to speak, surprise written all over her features while I was still staring down at her slightly teary face and trying to find my voice.

“I-I have a problem.” There. I said it. I had finally made some progress in my goal to let her know what was going through my head. Only instead of curiosity, what I got was a confused expression from the woman still holding my dick, her eyes darting from my own to the member throbbing between her fingers.

“No, you don’t!” It would have been funny if I wasn’t so fucking frustrated. Yanking her by the hair, I complained, “Not that kind of problem!” pulling her to the living room so I could throw her on the couch, trying to ignore her moans of pleasure in the process.

I’d figured out pretty early on that she had a pretty serious hair-pulling kink, and if my plans of sitting down and having a level-headed conversation were ever in motion, they surely went out of the window the second she pulled my body down to cover hers and adjusted my cock so it would easily fill her.

“Son of a…” I groaned, letting my head fall down against her chest as the little vixen gleefully giggled underneath me, legs wrapped around my torso as she tried to thrust up and tempt me to move.

“Just wait a second,” I managed to reason, but she just shook her head.

“Fuck away your problem, Chris. Use me. I want you to.” Motherfucker. I really couldn’t catch a break with her. Just as she started to make me move again, my hand instinctively wrapped around her neck, lightly squeezing it just enough to get her to shut up.

“I wanna start a family with you,” I finally spilled, looking deep into her eyes as I tried to ignore that I was still balls deep inside of her. Her eyes widened, and now her mouth was the one hanging open.

I couldn’t really relish in it because she looked absolutely delicious and she felt stupidly heavenly to my throbbing dick.

A few seconds went by without as much of a reaction from her and I was about to pull out - despite still being achingly hard - but her legs held me tighter, stopping my plans of leaving her tight haven.

“You know…” She started to speak, a little out of breath, catching my attention as I finally gathered the courage to look her in the eye again. “When I first met you, I thought you were the epitome of a fuckboy.”

The unexpected sentence had me snorting, and then I just couldn’t stop laughing. Finally pulling away from her, she fixed her hair when she sat up and I did the same, shaking my head slightly as I rubbed my eyes.

Our own relative nakedness - well… mine, she was wearing her usual dress with no underwear under the damn apron - didn’t affect anything when I pondered over her words, until I decided to break the silence.

“I mean… I think I was?” She chewed on her bottom lip as she took in my response, analyzing it, weighing its validity in that gorgeous head of hers. I was nervous, but she hadn’t blew me off yet. And quite honestly? I’d do anything for that little hope that was growing inside of me.

“What changed?” Was her question, so unexpected I couldn’t help but question, “Huh?”

“What made you change?” It wasn’t an unwelcome inquiry, especially when the response became clear to me, lighting up my brain and warming my chest, spreading all over my body until I had no choice but to voice it.

“I realized I could have a future with you.” My smile was vulnerable but honest, and in her eyes, I could see that she knew that. When she threw one leg over my lap, straddling my hips, I allowed myself to breathe deeply again, leaning on the soft cushion while taking a hold of her ass.

“So, how are we gonna do this?” She non-nonchalantly asked, slowly rubbing herself against my still half-hard member. I groaned when I realized the implication of her words, knowing that the meaning paired with the feeling of her wet lips dragging along my cock would get it back up in no time at all. “You wanna do me right now?��

The brashness of the question made my eyes light up, as weird as it may sound. In that moment, it became clear just how perfect for me she really was, giving me what I needed exactly in the way I didn’t know how to ask for it.

“See? This is why I’m in love with you.” She rolled her eyes at that, making me laugh. I’d anticipated the gesture, I knew it’d take her longer to say it, but it was alright. The fact that she was willing me to give me a child was more than enough proof of her feelings for me, if her entire behavior ever since she moved in wasn’t already.

“Shut up and fuck me, Evans.” Throwing her back against the couch, she yelped in surprise when I took off my shirt and slapped the inside of her thigh, assuming my usual position of hovering over her smaller frame.

“Spread your fucking legs, darling. I’m gonna fuck you real good.” The way she bit her lip as I slowly penetrated her again showed me just how excited the prospect got her, and as I started to make good on my promise, her moans told me just as much.

“Holy fuck,” she commented as I pounded her ruthlessly, weeks of frustration and the rush of anticipation getting the best of me, and I was glad for the feeling of her nails biting into my skin because otherwise, I’d probably run over the edge of not even caring about her own pleasure as I chased mine.

“You gonna cum inside of me, honey? Make me a mom? Finally fulfill your dream of becoming a daddy?” Her words detracted me from my task of sucking bruises on the skin that was now mine to bruise, mine. I threw my head back, yelling a, “fuck yes,” as my hips sped up, desperate to fill her up, but I was determined to get her to cum before me.

“Say it,” she ordered, small hand circling my throat as best as she could, a throwback to what I’d done only moments prior. It wasn’t enough to choke me, but it did catch my attention. “I wanna hear you say it.”

Tears escaped the corners of my eyes as I blinked, the intensity of the moment overwhelming in the best of ways. “God, you are such a fucking tease…” She chuckled underneath me, giving my throat a squeeze before she raised up on her elbows to kiss my jaw.

“Better get used to it… daddy.” And just like that, I realized that I had yet another kink I hadn’t known about before her. Or maybe it was just her, and I was obsessed with the damn woman, painfully turned on by every little thing that she did.

“I’m gonna cum deep inside your little pussy, sweetheart,” I finally gathered myself enough to do as she asked me to. “You’re gonna belong to me forever now. Give me kids, make me happy. How do you like that?”

The mischievous grin she gave me told me everything. “I love it.” I knew this was her way of saying what she couldn’t yet voice, and I’d take it. I’d take anything she gave me, any chance I got to love this wonderful woman.

We came together, both riding our highs in deep ecstasy. I moaned when I felt myself empty all of my seed inside of her, incredibly excited about the prospect of starting our future together right then.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” I cradled her face in my hands as I struggled to catch my breath, but she turned it to the side and pressed a kiss to my palm and I was breathless all over again. It was such a simple action, why did it get to me so much?

“You’re not too bad yourself, Chris.” I didn’t want to part with her warmth, so I just adjusted us on the sofa in a way that kept me inside of her, sighing contently as I realized I’d never have to sleep away from her again.

“I’m gonna stay right here all night.” I adjusted myself so I was resting my face on her boobs, perfectly happy to do just so, but by the tone of her voice, I knew she had a teasing smile when she called me an, “Old man.”

“And here I was, thinking you’d be able to go again.” Warmth filled my chest at the realization of just how badly she wanted me - just as much as I wanted her too. I was so damn ecstatic. Not even her pokes at my age would be able to affect me.

“Oh, darling… better get ready,” I warned as I adjusted myself to hover over her again, taking notice of the excited glint in her eyes, the way she bit her lip as she stared back at me. “I’m never gonna get enough of you.”

The next morning, I added a new kink to the list of random bits of information that were driving me slowly insane as I felt the overwhelming need to bend the woman that I now got to call ‘mine’ over the nearest piece of furniture and rail her until I had cummed deep inside her pussy: seeing her in my shirt while cooking breakfast.

Yeah, I was going to live a happy life by her side.

[rosyfingereddawnn]

heart of gold (chapter one)

pairing: robert plant x florence bennett (oc)

warnings: domestic abuse, misogyny, description of (past) injury, just... absolute fuckery

words: 3.3k

summary: trapped in a loveless marriage to a powerful man, florence bennett lives every day in despair. after a chance encounter with a golden-haired actor, florence finds that her life will never be the same again.

author’s note: so. this is a nice little period piece, because what else am i gonna do with the history degree i'm studying for. please note that the views of one mr. bennett (and friends) are not my own. hope you enjoy :) feedback, as always, is appreciated!

masterlist

playlist

------

Nightgown swaying in the soft breeze of a crisp fall morning, Florence stands outside the door of the ornate music room. Notes of beautiful melancholy and bitter hope filter softly through the wooden door, slightly ajar, a broken barrier to the outside world.

Looking through the small crack, Florence gazes upon the face of her friend and confidante, John Paul Jones. Too enthralled in his playing to notice the distraction, he never lets up, heavenly melodies echoing against the marble walls.

John was rather short, thin, with straight tawny hair that framed his strong jaw, softening his face. His stormy gray eyes and high cheekbones give the immediate impression of royalty, of which he was not. A lowly servant of the master of the gorgeous manor, Mr. Allen Bennett, John’s time was divided between his seemingly never-ending list of chores and his music.

An orphan from an early age, John was adopted into the local church and took what little knowledge of the piano that remained from his childhood and put it to good use. Listening to the man playing now, it is apparent that he had kept this skill sharp.

“That is a beautiful song, John,” Florence giggles, a beaming smile on her face at the sight of her friend sitting at the sleek grand piano. “I would appreciate you teaching me to play this well, though I know that my lovely husband would rather die than to see me touch a single key on this beautiful instrument. The bloody bastard.”

“Ah, what lovely words from a lovely woman… Florence, I don’t necessarily disagree with you, but I’m not sure we should be insulting your husband in such an open space.”

“John, my dear friend, I do apologize for my sharp tongue, but I believe it is warranted,” Florence says, taking a seat beside John, smoothing her lace nightgown. John’s fingers still press softly on the piano keys, as he plays a simple tune. “I’ve seen the way he treats you and the servants. As much as I wish to change this for you and the others, I am powerless. This is the only way I may hope to keep my sanity.”

“Very well,” John says, a soft laugh punctuating the end of his sentence. “Though I hope, for your sake, that he doesn’t catch wind of this, or else we are both in trouble!”

“John, pardon me, but I do need to take Florence off your hands for now.”

John’s hands pause, the room falling into silence.

A soft voice belonging to one James Page filters through the open door, interrupting the moment between the two friends. A lean man of average height, with a shock of long midnight curls and eyes a kaleidoscope of colour, James Page is yet another servant indebted to the cruel Mr. Bennett. Whereas John tends to steer clear of the man, and subsequently, punishment, James witnesses Bennett’s anger much too often. Unwilling to submit to Bennett’s furious dictatorship, he often receives the brunt of the man’s mistreatment.

Upon entering the music room, a dark bruise is visible, blossoming on the man’s eye, surely another ‘reward’ for his defiance. James sends the pair a shy smile, and with twin looks of concern, John and Florence take in the state of their friend.

“James! My goodness, your eye looksー”

“It’s nothing, John.”

“Nothing? That certainly looks likeー”

“It is nothing that hasn’t happened before. Please leave it, Florence.”

“A-Alright… What did you need, James?” Florence says, absentmindedly twiddling her fingers, a nervous habit of hers.

“Well, my friend, a certain someone is going to be requesting your presence very soon. I thought it best to warn you ahead of time, so you can prepare.”

With a smile thrown to John over her shoulder, Florence bounds over to her raven-haired friend, hooking an arm through his. James, comfortable with the casual touch of the woman, leads her to her room with a final wave to John.

Navigating through the maze of grand halls of the manor, the wealth of the owner is more noticeable. Shades of red and gold flirt with rich browns, lit by immense crystal chandeliers. Priceless paintings adorn the walls, trapped, much like the lady of the house, in embellished shining frames, just expensive enough to throw shadows on the pain and suffering that happens under the surface.

Not yet rid of the worry that James’s beaten appearance had brought her, Florence unlinks their arms. Ensuring the door to her bedroom is shut, she pulls James closer to her with a hand on his elbow. Her other hand flies to his face, assessing the damage done to it.

“James, I am aware that you do not wish to submit to my husband. That is your choice to make. I will stand by you, always.”

“I appreciate this, my friend.”

“But you must be careful. You don’t know what he is capable of, and neither do I,” says Florence, a grave look of concern gracing her features. “James, I need you here with John and I, not 6 feet underground in an unmarked grave. I know it is not in your nature, but please do try and be careful?”

“I will try,” James’ hand raises, landing in his long dark hair. Raking his nails across his scalp, his lips lift into a crooked smirk. “Though this is an interesting development.”

“Pardon me?”

“The wife of the madman has a heart. And I thought this trope was only found in the books shelved in that gigantic library of yours.” James’ chuckle echoes across the grand hallway. Usually filled with suffocating silence, the halls of the manor serve as another reminder of the terror that fills its occupants. “Now, I understand that you have afternoon tea with Mr. Bennett and his mother, so I will leave you to prepare.”

And with that, the stubborn servant is gone with a click of the closing door.

Minutes later, Florence, finally dressed in a ruffled scarlet dress, a sunhat perched on her head, reaches out to turn the doorknob.

A second too slow.

The door is opened from the other side, and the woman is met with the face of her husband, mouth contorted into a permanent frown.

Allen Bennett was a short, burly man, with close-cropped hair and dark eyes. What he lacked in height he made up for in power and prestige, swindling people out of their money in back alley deals at night, and running the city as mayor by day. This man is not to be crossed, and he knows it. Everybody does.

Gazing at his wife with disinterest, he scoffs, immediately glimpsing the beautiful dress she is wearing. His eyes almost glow in their anger.

“Hm. I thought I had told you that dress looks atrocious on you before. Take it off right this instant. You are not a whore, my love, so you will not dress like one.”

“Yes, dear.”

“Wonderful. I expect you in the foyer in 20 minutes, not a minute later. We must attend a meeting with my mother. I am sure you have been notified of this.”

“Yes, dear.”

With a quick peck on the lips of his wife, Mr. Bennett is gone, and the unfortunate Ms. Bennett feels as though she can finally breathe again. Changing into a sky blue number, she is struck by the thought that this cannot last forever. This treatment of the servants and of Florence herself. The control this vile man has over everyone. The unhappiness and unease he supplies wherever he goes.

This simply cannot last, can it?

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

“Florence. Are you listening, dearie?” A grating, sickly sweet voice breaks the woman from her reverie, a storm in her sea of dreams. Florence takes a sip of her tea and smiles apologetically at the older woman across from her. The woman, satisfied once more, launches into a tedious story about her shopping excursion the day before. Feigning delight at the tale, Florence’s eyes travel around the sun-lit tearoom, with its gleaming surfaces and tall, gold-lined ceilings. Truly a beautiful creation.

“... And, my son, as I was exiting the shop on St. Thomas’s Street, you know the one…” Florence catches the eyes of her husband, glaringly angry as per usual, and at this, she realizes the older woman had paused in her story once more, shooting her an irate scowl.

“Mrs. Bennett, I must apologize for my inattention. My mind was indeed elsewhere, I am terribly sorry.”

“It’s quite alright, girl. Does my son deal with this offensive daydreaming as well? If he does, we must fix this immediately!” Mrs. Bennett titters, cigarette dangling precariously from her lips.

“Mother, it’s quite alright. You mustn't worry about this,” Allen says, leering at his wife as though she was a prize to be won. “My wife knows her place. At least I do hope she does…” The mother and son erupt into giddy laughter at the horrible joke, Florence following uncomfortably, quivering smile creasing her face.

“My goodness,”  Mrs. Bennett wipes her eyes of phantom tears with a lily white handkerchief. The woman takes a drag of her cigarette, and huffs a plume of smoke in Florence’s face. “How old are you now, dearie?”

“A month ago, I reached my 23rd birthday. Allen bought a beautifully crafted sapphire bracelet for the occasion.”

“So thoughtful, my son. You are of age, of course. May I ask when you two are planning to conceive?”

“Well, as of this moment, we were notー”

“You may still be… young, but the only use you are to us, my dear, is to create a wonderful child,” Mrs. Bennett, eyes scrunched up in mock kindness, takes the young woman’s hands from across the table and strokes her thumb across the elegant wrist. “I know you would be a very capable mother. As a result of this, I am expecting a lovely grandson or daughter to call my own.”

“O-of course… Thank you for your counsel, Mrs. Bennett.”

“My pleasure, dear. Now, my son, where was I…?” The woman says, launching into her story once more. “Ah, yes…”

Florence, try as she had, could not take her mind off of the words of the matriarch. As a young girl, she had wished to be a writer, a musician, maybe. What she had not planned for was a truly unhappy marriage to an evil man, doomed to the static life of a housewife. She had loved Allen once. In the beginning. He had supported her and her dreams, and she had loved him in return. She had loved his humour, and his chivalry. His treatment of others. This was but a ruse, of course.

A year after their courting had transformed into a union, Allen Bennett had changed. Florence had finally met the man behind the mask of charisma and kindness. She had gotten too close, and now she is stuck, like a bird with a shattered wing, unable to escape.

“Thank you for a lovely time, Mother, as always,” says Allen, placing twin kisses on her heavily rouged cheeks. “Come now, Florence, we must return home immediately.”

“Thank you Ms. Bennett, for your advice and hospitality. We must do this again sometime.”

“Lovely idea, dearie. Hopefully, the next time I will be able to finish my story without you nodding off!” Ms. Bennett drawls, smirk hanging off her lips like the fancy cigarettes she so often smokes.

Formalities over and done with, the couple step out into the fresh afternoon air and into the waiting carriage that had brought them. Once inside, Mr. Bennett shoots out a strong hand, clutching his wife’s arm in a bruising grip. She lets out a surprised gasp, caught off guard by the sudden pain dealt to her by the man.

“Florence, Florence, Florence… What on God’s green earth will we do with you?” says the man, squeezing harder with each repetition of his wife’s name. “You are incapable of paying attention. You can only dream of meeting my mother’s expectations, the way you have acted today.”

“Allen, I am tryingー”

“You are not trying hard enough! You never have! Why I married a whore like you, I have no idea.”

The vice grip on Florence’s arm grows ever stronger, and she feels wretched anger in her heart, climbing up her throat. With a gaze of fire, she retaliates. “Allen, let go of me! I have done nothing wrong, and as a reward I receive your anger and a bruise to boot!”

Gazing into Allen’s eyes, Florence is confused, frightened even, at the horrible amusement dancing in them. Quick as lighting, before she could even register the action, the woman feels a sharp pain grace her cheek, and, with growing horror, she witnesses Allen’s raised hand begin to lower.

“My dear, you must know your place in this house,” whispers Allen in a venomous tone, bringing his wife ever-closer to him. “You will stay quiet and obedient. There is no other option for you, I’m afraid. Alright?”

“Y-yes.”

“Lovely. Tonight, we must attend a play at the theatre you love so much. This is an important appearance, very good for business. Please do try not to ruin it.”

Florence nods minutely, pressing her palm to her burning cheek. A crimson streak spoils the otherwise pristine white of her glove. She had forgotten that Allen wore rings.

“You will not speak to anyone. You will appear happy and in love, the image of a perfect wife. You will dress in your best garments,” Allen rattles off, smugness dripping from his features. He’s proud of this; proud of the power he holds over her. The power he holds over everyone. “That is all I ask of you. A list of tasks that someone as useless as you could complete with ease. Is that clear?”

“Yes, dear.”

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

“Flo—”

“John, I—”

“My Goodness, your cheek! What happened?” The dulcet voice of one John Paul Jones rang through the quiet of the hall. Florence, caught in her attempt to make it to her room unnoticed, deflates and faces her friend.

“John… I’m sorry, but I do not have time to talk right now,” Florence rushes out, face pinched as she checks the time on the ornate grandfather clock in the corner of the foyer. Must have costed a million, though it meant nothing to Allen, of course. “I am attending a performance at the theatre with Mr. Bennett, and time is… of the essence, I’m afraid.”

“I understand, I truly do, but Florence… was this Mr. Bennett’s doing? You must tell me what happened.” John gestures to the woman’s cheek, which is tinted red from the force used against her.

Sighing, Florence takes John’s hand and leads him into her room, once again the door is shut and promptly locked. She takes a seat on the immaculately-made bed and gestures for her longtime friend to follow suit. John sits, smoothing out his work-wrinkled shirt, and looks down at Florence expectantly.

Taking the man’s hand, she looks into his gemstone eyes, and recounts the story of what had transpired early that day.

“After all that had happened, I was, in my opinion, justifiably angry, so I took a page, pardon the pun, out of James’ book. It seems that my beloved was not a fan of this particular chapter, and he made that quite clear.”

“And the cut? The blood on your glove?”

“I had forgotten that Allen had the propensity to wear rings,” Florence whispers with an acerbic giggle, eyes pained and downcast now. “I doubt that I will be forgetting this anytime soon.”

John meets the woman’s gaze, and notices the beginning of tears brimming her eyes. He takes Florence’s hand in his, a silent offer of comfort that she would never refuse.

“John, as much as I adore your company,” says Florence with a peal of wet laughter. He knows Florence is avoiding the subject, but he lets her. She’ll talk to him, eventually. “I must get dressed for the performance. Hopefully, after we return, I could witness some of your incredible talent on the piano?”

“Of course, of course!” John exclaims, standing now, as, once again, he gently takes hold of Florence’s hands, now rid of the soiled glove. “But Florence, before I leave… Please be careful. James and I, we couldn’t bear to see further pain come to you. Please, for us, be cautious.”

“I will do my best, John. Thank you.”

John presses a quick kiss to Florence’s cheek in passing, and exits the room, and the woman is left alone again. Slipping on a lovely ensemble painted lilac and silver, the woman lets her thoughts wander.

She’s been alone quite often lately, after all. Her only friends in the house are John and James after all, the other servants too frightened by the man she married. Florence certainly does not blame them. She can’t say that she minds the solitude either, if it gets her away from Allen.

The intricately paneled door opens with a sharp click, and Allen waltzes in, leering at his wife, as if the thoughts drifting through her mind were audible to the man.

“Ah, Florence. I am glad that you've finally learned to dress yourself. Thank God himself for that.”

Florence, cheek still stinging from the blow dealt to it earlier, has only the mind to nod and smile as warmly as she can manage. This is taken as permission by Bennett, who caresses his wife’s uninjured cheek with the tips of his fingers, as if he thought her to be precious. Florence bristles at the touch, a string of rather unladylike words at the ready, but she holds her tongue, remembering her promise to John. She would be cautious, act like the perfect wife. She would be safe.

“Come now, my love,” whispers Allen, into his wife’s ear, beckoning her closer with a finger under her chin. “We have a show to attend.”

Palm outstretched towards his wife, Allen helps Florence into the waiting carriage, uncharacteristically gentle, as he always is in public. Public image means everything, and Allen Bennett is picture-perfect in that respect.

“My love, I remember how you love the theatre. I do hope this play captures your attention.”

“As do I, dear,” Florence says, voice wavering ever-so-slightly under the scrutiny of her husband. “Though I do not know if I have knowledge of this particular play.”

“I believe it’s called ‘The Voysey Inheritance’. It details the scandals of a family thought to be perfect, polite and proper. Interesting, is it not?” At that, Allen has pasted on a cheshire grin.

Sounds familiar, Florence thinks, silently cursing her husband and his monstrous greed. If only she had known, walking into this. Known about the sides, dangerous, that he hadn’t shown until it was too late. Until she was trapped.

Finding their seats, the couple take in the gorgeous marble pillars and the ruby, velvetine seats. The shining wood of the stage is visible from the upper flights, where elite folk like Sir Bennett make themselves at home. The massive carmine curtains remain closed, shielding the growing audience from the scenes that are set to come to life. Florence has always loved the beauty of this theatre, and, though it has been years since she has last stepped foot inside of it, she is charmed anew.

The lights of the theatre dim, signalling the start of the show. Florence grins into the still darkness, excitement for the performance growing. Casting her eyes to the stage below, she puts aside her worries. She completely forgets about the vile man sitting next to her, mind filling with the orchestral opening music of the play. She is home.

The curtains open slowly, and Florence loses her breath. There, on stage, is the most beautiful man Florence has ever laid eyes on. She cannot focus on the words flowing from his thin lips, for she is distracted by the halo of golden curls surrounding the man. His romanesque nose is prominent and his eyes, stormy skies in an ocean of blue, are captivating. His curls, spun silk, bounce across his broad shoulders, as he commands the stage. The actor’s luxurious suit glints navy in the blinding lights on him, accentuating his muscled body. He is not phased in the slightest by the attention firmly placed on him. Completely in his element.

He enchants her, as though he was a wizard, and she, the poor soul under his spell. A snake charmer that she’s read about in books found in the gigantesque manor library, and her, the sin-riddled reptile under his control. He is forbidden fruit, and she wants a taste.

The performer is ethereal, and Florence cannot take her eyes off of him. She must find out who he is, somehow.

------

taglist: @jimmys-zeppelin @salixfragilis @timetraveller4 @earthfire-75 @thatiloveyouso @jonesyjonesyjonesy @jimmypages @kyunisixx (let me know if you want to be added!)

[sooibian]

IRS and Prejudice

Pairing: CEO!Minseok x fem!employee Reader

Genre / Themes: Fluff!!! Frenemies to (maybe) Lovers? Office AU with some references to ‘The Office’, flirtatious, cat-whisperer, Aries Minseok vs Aries reader!

Description: In which Kim Minseok is nothing like other bosses. Nothing.

A/N: happy birthday to mochi ari! @his-mochi-cheeks​ 💗

Word count: 2.7k (written in a state of delirium eeeek)

You quickly hit Alt+Tab on the resume that you sat updating for the umpteenth time as the sound of heels click-clacking against the floor grew closer.

“My office,” said your immediate supervisor the moment you looked up at her, a well practised unfazed expression crossing your face. If switching between applications at lighting speed were an Olympic sport, you were certain you’d score nothing less than a gold medal. Yet, somewhere in the back of your mind, you had a niggling doubt about having been caught in the act.

You gave her a slight nod in response, lips stretched into a thin line. Smoothing out the wrinkles in your red and black plaid shirt (the one you wore on most casual Fridays since you could hardly be bothered with your appearance at work; despite the feminist within you, the dull back office team discouraged you from making the effort), you followed her into her office with your best businesslike gait while your mind made up a million excuses for what her keen eyes might have found on your 24-inch screen.

“Sit,” the middle aged woman commanded, resting her hands on her hips. Leaning against her teakwood desk, she crossed her legs at the ankles, pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose, and cleared her throat. It’s how she’d fidget when she was on the edge about something.

You imagined your expression if a camera was to pan to you, cinéma vérité. Indulging your curiosity, you shrugged your shoulders with a confused look on .your face

“Everything okay?” You mustered in your best Pam Beesly impression.

Your supervisor let out a deep sigh and answered your question with a more awkward one, "When was the last time you submitted cash reports to the IRS?”

You froze into a still frame.

One of the major reasons you wanted to change jobs was because innumerable responsibilities that were entirely unrelated to your department had been carelessly plonked upon your shoulders. Submitting monthly cash reports to the IRS should have ideally been a task of the receivables department and not shifted onto someone incharge of warranties.

“I - I - ,” you started by trying to justify your negligence before even attempting to answer her question but honestly, you didn’t even want to think about when you last submitted those reports and there was absolutely nothing you could say in your defense.

You’d messed up. Big time.

“Ten months. Ten months is not a small amount in penalties,” she said in her quietest tone as you struggled to fight back angry tears. You’d been with the company for over six years now but it was the first time you’d been accused of laxity. It felt like a punch in the gut.

She turned on her heel to take her seat - movements deliberately slow, allowing you some time to regain your composure. With her eyes on her phone, she leaned back in her chair and said with a sense of finality in her voice, “You know what you have to do.”

Head hung low and eyes lined with tears, you walked out of her office muttering all the things you didn’t say in your defense. The long and short of it was that this duty should’ve never fallen into your lap in the first place. As you paced in the direction of your cubicle (with twenty sets of curious eyes on your back), a pair of hands suddenly gripped your shoulders and a dulcet voice sang, “Careful, Warranties.”

At this point, you were ready to rip your hair out. Looking up you met CEO Minseok Kim’s bright, catlike eyes as he stood at a hair’s breadth distance from you, smelling of expensive cologne - the kind that was equivalent to several months of your salary, and coffee. He always smelled like coffee and in your opinion that was his only redeeming quality.

His handsome face that every woman and man in the office fawned over was a source of your annoyance - you didn’t care for cocksure people at all and he was the uncrowned king of arrogance. He took over the reins of a used car dealership from his father upon his retirement - it was nothing too fancy - yet he enjoyed strutting around the office as if he managed a multinational conglomerate.

It was his younger sister that did the real work. She managed the more important businesses while Minseok had been handed the responsibility of just one company and from your (and the Sales Team Lead Baekhyun's) standpoint, he wasn’t doing a marvellous job at it.

Your Aries energy didn’t permit you to apologize for nearly butting heads with him so you feigned a polite smile and side-stepped to your right and he simultaneously side-stepped to his left, his every little wrong move bolstering your frustration level. It happened again and again and again until he bowed ever so slightly, stretched his arm out and said, “Please,” gesturing for you to leave first, the corners of his mouth curled up in a wide, gummy grin.

What was he so happy about all the time?

“Thanks,” you mumbled and he winked at you in response. You immediately made a mental note to find out if you could report the CEO for improper behaviour. You had a full-blown list that started with his attire - should a CEO be allowed to dress in hoodies, skinny jeans, and comfortable sneakers while the rest of you suffocated in the restraints of formal clothing for four days of the week?

Huffing, you slumped in your chair and texted your aunt informing that you wouldn’t make it to barbecue night and immediately flipped your phone to silent to avoid seeing her colourful messages berating you for the last minute cancellation.

Next, you aggressively typed ‘IRS CASH STATEMENTS’ in big block letters into the sticky notes app as a reminder of the humiliation you experienced today.

***

When you last checked time, it was noon.

The sun had long gone down since then as you tried to wrangle customers’ social security numbers out of the ever-so-reticent-to-share-information receivables department who were all packing up for the day. You were this close to socking them in the jaw but you still maintained a courteous smile and pleaded with them throwing in tonnes of cringey corporate jargon, “Please, I just have three more reports to go and I’d really appreciate your prompt help with the information.”

Suddenly, a familiar cheery voice fell upon your ears, “What’s going on?”

You were surprised to find Minseok still in the office but also extremely grateful for his presence because his single sideway glance at Angela achieved what your five emails and three verbal requests failed to.

Furiously typing away on her keyboard, she said through gritted teeth, “I’ve sent them over.”

Minseok gave you a casual two-finger salute and nearly went skipping back to his ...no, not his but to your immediate supervisor’s now empty, glass-paned office - where you could see him directly and he you - the three walls of your cubicle doing nothing to keep you out of the periphery of his blatant staring and his trademark cheeky grin that lit up his ridiculously handsome face.

Shifting uncomfortably in your seat you returned his smile but not with your eyes. You hated the effect he had on you - making you, a grown woman, blush like a schoolgirl under his self-assured gaze. Minseok was nothing like a CEO - he dressed casually, talked to anyone and everyone like he’s known them forever. He’d come into work regularly after prolonged dry spells only to disappear again. His laidback attitude did no favours to your opinion about him.

To pointedly avoid Minseok you put your head down on your desk on the pretext of catching a little break.

… big mistake.

***

You woke up with a start to the soothing and inviting aroma of... home. Opening your eyes to cinnamon bread drizzled with cream cheese on your desk felt like a fever dream until Minseok rolled his chair forward in your direction and you instinctively backpedaled. Clutching his stomach he broke into a vast roar of laughter while offering you a paper napkin with his other hand.

Brows furrowed, you stared at him quizzically as sleep continued to irritate your eyes and the mark of the ballpoint pen you fell asleep on, niggled at your cheek. Hesitantly, you took the napkin from his hand and dabbed it around your eyes and he shook his head in response, pointing to the annoying curled up corner of his own mouth.

“You were drooling,” he guffawed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Upon noticing that you immediately grew conscious about your appearance, he waved his hands frantically and added, “It’s no problem… I drool too, haha..in fact it’s ...umm..”

You glowered at him and he instantly looked away allowing you to fix your face as his fingers impatiently drummed away on your desk.

The clock struck 7:53 p.m.

Your last meal had been sometime before noon. Under normal circumstances, you would’ve been grateful for the little snack Minseok had brought you - it was an uncharacteristically thoughtful gesture from someone like him but you’d been expecting your period in a week’s time which made you unusually ravenous.

Lips pursed and head tilted to the side, he handed you a bottle of water which you gulped down within a matter of seconds while steadily growing wary of your ultimate boss’ intentions. But you pivoted your attention to prioritizing. First, you’d wolf down the delicious cinnamon bread and then think about whether you were going to walk out of this office on your own two feet or as a human-skin suit on Minseok’s well defined back.

“Thank you for the snack,” you said to him with a forced smile, “I’ll get back to my reports now.” As you swivelled your chair to face the monitor, his hand hooked at the armrest and he spun you back around towards himself.

“What’s the rush, Warranties?” Resting his chin in his hand, he wondered with a quirked brow and a smile teasing the edges of his plump mouth.

It was not your place to ask what your boss was doing in his own office at 8 p.m. on a Friday night, especially one that hardly ever came in to begin with. He could clock in and out at his own whim and sit wherever he liked even if it meant being an utter inconvenience to someone on a stringent deadline but you took your shot anyway. Doing nothing to mask the sarcasm in your tone, you said to him, “Minseok, if you came into work everyday, you wouldn’t have to stay back so late, you know.”

Unfazed, he responded, “But my schedule doesn’t allow me to come into work everyday.”

Schedule?

You decided not to stretch this conversation longer than necessary, especially not after his ridiculous response. Drawing in a deep breath, you said, “I just have five reports left to finish, Minseok. Maybe we can talk later.”

“I run an organization involved in wildlife rights and care,” he explained anyway, rummaging the pockets of his jeans.

No shit, you scoffed. If only Minseok Kim could get any more predictable. A not-for-profit organization was every rich kids guide...no facade...no scam.. to make it seem like they actually did something.

Handing you a card, he continued, “It requires me to travel extensively - last month I was in a park in South America, working with this one puma, Elsa. She was a cage cat who got so used to the confines that she wouldn’t come out of the cage for walks in the jungle because she didn’t like anyone touching her collar, so we couldn’t attach a rope to walk with her. But, I think I’m somewhat of a genius and a cat-whisperer. Within three to four weeks, we managed to get her out of the cage.”

He pulled his phone out next, brought his chair closer to yours and started swiping through the picture gallery to show you a magnificent puma walking around the park as if she were its reigning queen. He resumed the story proudly, “Now she walks every single day, without a rope around her neck. And she’s very, very loving and affectionate.” His face lit up with awe and admiration for Elsa.

Probably you'd misunderstood Minseok…just a little. His passion about his organization did something to favourably change your opinion about him but that didn't mean you didn't have your immediate supervisor and the IRS to answer to anymore.

"Why are you telling me all this?" You asked, covertly moving closer to your workstation.

"We have a vacant position in Treasury." He answered and you immediately stopped dead in your tracks.

Mouth agape, you exclaimed, "You did not just try to poach me from your own company! Minseok you don't cease to surprise me -"

With a smirk on his face, he gave you finger guns. "That’s always been the goal, Warranties!"

"I still have five-

"Three..you have only three reports left. How stupid do you think I am?”

Caught in a lie, you could do nothing to save face so you simply pivoted your chair only to be forcefully twirled back by his strong arms again.

“Now what?" You asked, letting out a groan.

With his foot on one leg of the chair base, he pushed you back towards your desktop and said with a voice laced heavily with his trademark sass, "Check your inbox first."

Grumbling under your breath, you said something along the lines of ‘what does a CEO do anyway’. You then refreshed your inbox, impatiently waiting for an email of several MBs to load as Minseok watched you with an expression of victory painted across his features.

Your mouth fell open to find perfect to the t cash reports for the last three months which made you instantly regret your snide remarks.

Minseok snapped you out of your reverie with his smooth voice, “I may not know much of what a corporate CEO is supposed to do but I do how to get work done. Angela was more than happy to do this for a ‘team leader’ nameplate on her desk.”

Struggling to hold his compelling gaze, you muttered, “I don’t know how to thank you...”

“But I do!” He quipped.

“Of course, you do,” you sighed.

“Let me join you for barbeque night at your aunt’s..i’m sure they won’t mind you bringing a friend along?”

Before you could begin looking for a bug in your cubicle, he explained, “I caught a preview of her message on your phone while you were happily tucked away in dreamland.”

“You - you - that’s an invasion of privacy!” You lambasted him.

Stifling a yawn, he leaned back in his chair and said casually, “I was bored. Besides, privacy is a myth in today’s day and age...just like democracy, the importance of drinking eight glasses of water a day, the goldfish memory, or the thing about houseflies -”

“Okay, okay! I get it! Privacy is a myth. You - you can join us, I guess,” you interrupted him.

With widened eyes he emphasized, “Unless you don’t want me to -”

No matter how much and how often Minseok irked you, he was a charmer. You knew your aunt and your cousins would love having someone like him join in the get together and it really wouldn’t hurt your reputation to bring your boss, especially one like Minseok, along at a family event. You also couldn’t deny the excitement bubbling in your belly at the prospects of working in an NPO’s treasury department.

“You know that’s not what I meant -” You replied, eyes on the monitor as you double checked the email you’d drafted for your immediate supervisor.

“So you want me to come along?” He asked in his flamboyantly flirtatious tone.

Ignoring him, you hit send only after adding a little smiling emoji. Shutting down your system, you picked up your coat and answered with a genuine smile this time, “I’m driving.”

************

A/N: the story about puma Elsa is real! i’ll link it in one of the rb’s for those interested :)

[waywardodysseys]

Finders Keepers - Oneshot

gif by @rainbowkisses31​

Pairing: Chris Evans x female reader

Warnings: fluff, SMUT, oral receiving (m & f), unprotected sex (wrap it up), beard burn, cussing

~   ~   ~

The smell of tomato, basil, oregano, and garlic fill the expansive kitchen as you stir the homemade sauce for the made from scratch meatballs you made earlier in the day. Being stuck in quarantine had made your inner Julia Child explode. It didn’t help your boyfriend encouraged you to cook more often especially when he loved devouring the homemade meals you made for him when he returned from being away from work for long periods of time, walking the halls of D.C., or stuck doing press tours for upcoming projects.

A happy bark and the click clack of toenails against the hardwood floor break through the quietness. You turn and look towards the living room. Chris is walking towards you in jeans and a red-black flannel shirt. You can’t help but smile and shake your head.

“What?” Comes Chris’ snarky yet kind remark as he closes the distance between the two of you.

You run your hand over the buzz cut he’s given himself. “I can’t believe you decided to cut it.”

Chris shrugs his shoulders, “I had nothing else to do.”

Dodger sits on the floor, moving his head back and forth as he keeps his eyes on the two of you.

You hum as you face the stove. You check the display, noting you must place the meatballs in the sauce in ten minutes. You feel Chris’ arms wrap around you and his rough beard scrape you neck.

“Chris,” you ground out as his teeth nip at your skin.

“Y/N,” Chris whispers in his smooth baritone voice.

Shivers run down your spine as his hands dip under your shirt and stroke your skin. Your body hums as his hands move up your stomach and cup your breasts. He squeezes them lightly as he grinds himself against your ass.

You moan lightly as you feel his hardness. You try to keep your focus on stirring the sauce.

“Please tell me we have time,” Chris moans.

“We have plenty,” you pause, “later.”

Chris sighs heavily, “I guess I should do the vid for Save with Stories. Get it over with.”

You smile, “know what book you’re going to read?”

“If You Give A Dog A Donut,” Chris replies, “Dodger needs to stay in here with you.”

“I know. You know he and I get along great. Even greater than you and I.”

Chris grazes your skin with his teeth, “hey now.”

You laugh wholeheartedly at his sarcasm.

Chris removes his hands from your body then kisses your neck gently. His beard scrapes your delicate skin which sends a heatwave through your body.

“You should go,” you squeak out, “before we do something, forget dinner, and burn the house down.”

Chris chuckles lowly as he smacks your ass playfully. “I’ll be back in a few.”

You hear him shuffle away then his soft whisper to Dodger “stay here with her. Protect her Dodgy. She’s important to us both.”

From the corner of your eye you watch Dodger lower himself to the floor. He crosses his front two paws and looks up at you.

“Good boy,” Chris whispers.

You shake your head and smile as you hear Chris walk out of the kitchen to somewhere else in the house.

-------

Hours later, after dinner and approving one of Chris’ umpteenth takes on his book reading, you are sitting in an oversized chair when the doorbell rings.

Dodger removes himself from beside your chair and walks to the door with Chris.

“Thank you,” you hear Chris’ voice state as sounds of bags make their way to your ears.

Chris had said he was overseeing dessert earlier in the afternoon. You wondered what he had delivered because there was ice cream in the freezer and brownie mixes in the pantry. Your mind tries to think about what day it is because with the quarantine they’ve seemed to all run together.

It’s neither of your birthdays, nor Dodger’s. You know it’s not an anniversary either. It’s the end of March. What could possibly be at the end of March?

Then it hits you like a runaway freight train.

Two years ago, you had been sitting outside the Martha-Mary Chapel on the Longfellow’s Wayside Inn estate in a bubblegum pink bridesmaid’s dress when a plate was placed in front of your face. You had looked up and into Chris’ blue eyes.

“My mother has always advised me to never take cake from strangers,” your voice had a hint of sadness yet bewilderment to it.

“This is,” Chris had said, “the best chocolatiest cake in the entire world. The frosting alone,” Chris had done a chef’s kiss motion with the sound, “perfection. Try it.”

“Why me?” You had asked with a raised eyebrow as you took the plate and one of the two forks he had.

Chris had taken a seat beside you. His body was warm, and you had burrowed into it because of the night chill.

“Everyone here is all smiles except you.”

“I was smiles earlier.” You had retorted with sarcasm before taking your first bite.

Oh, my fucking word, your mind had thought as you tasted the most meltingly delicious chocolatiest cake of your entire life.

“For the ceremony, pictures. Yes.” Chris had remarked. “Talk to me.”

You knew who he was, knew he was a friend of the groom. You were related to the bride.

You had shrugged, taken another bite. “I’ve been in three weddings in the last ten months. Will be in two more. One I am the maid of honor, wedding of my best friend. Probably the only one I’m happy for. I mean, I am happy for them all, but you know,” you had shrugged, “I haven’t been as lucky as the couples.”

“Love is hard. Finding it, keeping it. Making it thrive.” Chris had implied as he looked at you with a sly grin.

A month later after that night, you and Chris had become official.

You now watch as Chris walks into the living room. Dodger walking beside him slowly. The wide brown eyes looking between his dad and you.

“Sit at her feet,” Chris whispers as he finally stands in front of you.

Your eyes move between the human and the animal. Your heart quickens as Dodger sits then Chris kneels in front of you.

He holds out a plate big enough for two pieces of cake from Longview but only one is on the plate along with the words “will you marry me” handwritten in chocolate sauce.

“You know I like to celebrate the night we met, because it changed my life and I know it changed yours too. We found love together. We’ve made it thrive. We’ve kept it strong through the battles we’ve encountered. I want to keep our love thriving. Finders, keepers,” Chris glees as love makes his eyes twinkle.

As if on cue, Dodger raises a paw and places it on your lap. Tied lightly to his paw is a bubblegum pink ribbon which is holding a princess cut ring in place.

“Dodger wants you to be here forever too,” Chris whispers as he hands you the plate then unties the ribbon.

When the ring is free from Dodger’s paw and the ribbon, Chris cups your cheek and strokes your skin softly. You wouldn’t trade this man for any other in the world. He was right.

You and he found love with one another. The two of you made it thrive and survive with his busy work schedule and your fast pace career. You and he weathered battles together and always won.

“Marry me Y/N,” Chris whispers as he looks into your eyes.

You see the gleam of the love, and the forever he’s promising you.

You smile brightly, “yes.”

Chris smiles widely as he chokes back the tears. He reaches down and grabs your left hand. He slides the platinum band on your left fourth finger as you lean over and press your mouth against his.

Minutes later you pull faintly away from Chris, both of you breathless and filled with loved for one another. You wanted him; you didn’t care for the dessert you held in your hand.

“Chris,” you sigh happily, “I’d rather have you now then dessert.”

Chris grins as he stands and holds out his hand, “I see no harm in giving my fiancée what she wants.”

Fiancée, you think. You never thought about finding and keeping love until Chris walked into your life. Part of you grateful he liked celebrating the night you two met.

You hold onto Chris’s hand as he walks back through the kitchen, takes the plate from your hand and sets it inside of the fridge. The both of you move towards the bedroom.

Chris wraps you in his arms as he kicks Dodger’s lion out of the room and into the hallway then closes the door. Chris kisses you deeply as your hands travel up his arms and across his broad shoulders.

You place your hands on the back of his neck and pull away. You look into his blue eyes and smile. You then run a hand over his buzz cut. You like the short hair yet preferred it slightly longer so you could run your fingers through it.

“It’ll grow back,” Chris whispers.

“I know,” you whisper in return, “I’m soaking you in under a new light. Fiancé.”

Chris chuckles low in his chest, “wait till it’s husband. Missus future Evans. Future wife.”

You sweep your lips against Chris’, “well mister Evans, I want my dessert,” you roam your hands down the flannel shirt he is wearing and begin unbuttoning it, “and you are it.”

“You’re mine,” Chris growls as his fingers dance along the waistband of your pants.

He pushes his hand into your pants and palms your core. His fingers tease your folds as your fingers move quickly to open his flannel shirt, exposing his skin to your eyes and touch.

You move your hands up his muscular abdomen and chest. His skin is soft yet warm. You enjoyed burrowing into him on cold nights during a Massachusetts winter. He’d wrap his arms around you and hold you close. You’d inhale the cedar and lemon smell of his cologne, and know you were loved and at home.

You moan lowly as your body begins to hum with pleasure and consumed with heat. You walk Chris back towards the bed, making him remove his hand from your core. You push the flannel shirt off him then push him down on the mattress.

You straddle him and place kisses along his neck then across his collarbone. You move your mouth slowly down his chest and stomach. Your fingers fumbling with his pants. After getting them undone, you reach in with one hand and find him hard. You stroke him slowly, making sure you tease the tip with your thumb.

“Fu—mmm,” Chris moans as he feels your hand wrap around his cock.

You push down his pants, with his help, and reveal his lengthy and girthy cock to your eyes. You moan lowly in your chest before dipping your head and wrapping your lips around the tip. You swirl your tongue around rapidly as you let one hand stroke the rest of his length.

Chris’ hands move through your hair as his orgasm rises inside of him. He inhales a sharp breath as you move your mouth down his length slowly. Once your mouth hits the base you move your mouth back up his length, your salvia lathering him.

Chris’ low moans and slight pull on your hair encourages you to reach up and cup his balls. Your tongue swirling around the tip of his cock then you lick his entire length slowly up and down.

“Y/N,” Chris moans as his body ramps up on pleasure and his orgasm increases its buildup.

You lower your mouth onto his cock and bob your head up and down a few more times before you release it. You kiss your way back up his stomach and chest. You nip teasingly at his neck as his hands find their way under your shirt and onto your skin.

Chris places a finger under your chin, making you look at him. He grins as he lightly places a kiss on your lips then uses the strength he has to flip you onto your back.

You sit up for a second while Chris removes his pants. You discard your top and bra as well as wiggling out of your pants and underwear. You lick your lips as Chris returns to the bed and moans loudly at your naked body.

Chris runs a hand down your body and finds your core. You’re hot and wet. He grins against your skin as he hears a moan vibrate in your chest.

“Chris,” you sigh as pleasure seeps into your body.

Chris grazes his beard roughly against your flesh as be begins moving his mouth down your body. He knows the gratification you get from feeling the prickliness of hairs against your skin, he knows you like the burn marks his beard leaves on your skin.

Chris flicks one nipple as he moves a finger along your folds. His tongue swirls teasingly around the bud as his thumb grazes your clit.

“Fuuu—mmm,” you pant breathlessly. You need his tongue on your sensitive nub, you need to his beard against your sensitive flesh.

Chris flicks the other nipple before he continues moving his mouth down your stomach, making sure his beard grazes your skin roughly, sending your body further into the depths of fulfillment.

“Chris, please,” you plead in a whisper.

Chris dips his head between your legs and uses his fingers to open your folds. He moans inwardly at seeing your wetness and knowing how sweet you taste. Chris runs his tongue up your sensitive folds and swirls his tongue around your clit.

Your hands grasp the sheets under your body as you feel Chris’ tongue against your sensitive nub. You moan loudly as you feel his beard against the sensitive skin of your folds. He knows to pleasure you with both his tongue and beard against your most sensitive area.

You roll your hips lightly increasing the pleasure both his tongue and beard. Your orgasm rising inside of steadily as you feel euphoric in every sense of the word.

“Fuck,” you whisper in a pant, “Chris!”

Your orgasm is cresting, and you move one hand to his head. The prickliness from his buzz cut adds to the pleasure and sends your body into overdrive – your orgasm crashes inside of you making your body tremble.

“Chris!” You breathlessly pant as you let the aftershocks of your orgasm ripple through your body.

Chris hums as he kisses your inner thighs. He scrapes his beard against your flesh.

Your fingers grasp the sheets as his beard sends goosebumps over your skin. You look down at him and see his trademark smirk.

“Yes?”

Your body is on a high from your orgasm and you need Chris inside of you more than ever. “I need you inside of me.”

Chris kneels between your open legs, “anything for you.”

He takes his hard cock and strokes your sensitive folds. When he hears your low moan he sinks himself slowly inside of you, making sure you feel every inch of him as he claims you again yet this time you are his fiancée, the forever love he’s been looking for his entire life.

Your breathing has increased as you feel Chris’ cock stretch you. Your slick walls wrap around him tightly as he lowers all of himself inside of your warmth and wetness.

Chris hisses as he feels your slick walls clutch his cock. You’re tight as glove around him as his entire length is buried deep inside of your depths. He feels your hands roam up his chest and land on his shoulders. He feels the light squeeze you give him – an encouragement for him to begin thrusting in and out of you.

Without hesitation, Chris begins pounding himself in and out you slowly, but his pace surging as his orgasm begins rising inside of him steadily. It was simmering and now that Chris inside of you, it’s cresting near the edge once again.

“Y/N,” Chris growls as his breathing quickens.

“Chris,” you moan in return as you lean forward and nip at his neck. Your teeth graze his skin lightly, then your tongue licks it slowly as you reach around him and dig your fingers into his back.

Your teeth and tongue send Chris over the edge. He thrusts into you once, then twice as he climaxes and empties himself inside of your pussy. He thrusts again, making sure every drop is inside of you.

Chris captures your mouth and kisses you deeply. He wraps his arms around you as you return his kiss. He feels you bring him down on top of you.

You don’t mind Chris’ body on top of yours. You enjoy his sweaty hot flesh against yours as you both come down from the highs of sex.

Chris pulls faintly away from your mouth. He notices the slight beard burn on your chin; he kisses the redden area lightly. Chris enjoys marking you, and with the ring on your finger, he knows he’s marked you forever.

“I love you Y/N.”

“I love you Chris. Finders, keepers.”

[misslilli]

Felix Felicis

MSR. AU. PG-13. | tagging @today-in-fic | AO3

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13

Chapter 14 - Last Chance For Spotting A Rainbow

If you know you know ;)

[ FM ]

The second Friday in school marks the end of the grace period for the first-grade parents where they can accompany their kids all the way to the classroom. From now on, we wait for them in front of the school with the other parents.

It also ends the grace period where I can “casually” bump into Miss Scully in front of her classroom and I’m a little disappointed, to say the least.

This morning though, I get lucky because when we enter the school, we run into her on the way from the teacher’s lounge to the classroom, a stack of books in her arms and a cup of coffee perched perilously on top of them.

Felix is ecstatic. “Good morning, Miss Scully!,” he yells from across the front hall and tugs me towards her.

She stops and waits for us, her coffee cup wobbling. “Good morning, Felix! Mr. Mulder!”

“Good morning! Do you need help with that?” I gesture towards her books but the shakes her head no.

“No, no, I’m fine, thanks. So Felix, you got any big plans for this weekend?” They’re walking in front of me and I’m proud of myself that I steal a glance at her ass only once. Okay and one at her legs. ‘Those heels, oh boy. Another pair to add to my inappropriate fantasies, in most of which she always wears heels. And nothing else.’

“Yeah, we’re going to the farmer’s market tomorrow! Have you ever been there Miss Scully?” Felix swigs his schoolbag along, his gaze never leaving her.

“Actually, me and my friends go there every Saturday, so maybe we’ll run into you guys there!” I somehow get the feeling that if Felix gets any say in this, we’ll be spending the whole day there until we run into her.

When we reach the classrooms, she finally lets me help her out. “Could you get my keys please? They’re in my back pocket. Just pull on the lanyard.” ‘Oh Lord. They’re in the freaking back pocket of her jeans. Of course they are. I just can’t seem to catch a break.’

Biting back a dirty joke – which I’m 100% positive she wouldn’t appreciate – I do as told and tug on the lanyard, unlocking her classroom door and opening the door for her. I briefly wonder if I should just put the keys back where they were, but the thought alone almost gives me a heart attack, so instead, I loop the lanyard with her keys around her neck and she smiles thankfully.

“Thanks. Have a good weekend, Mulder boys!”

After school, I don’t see her again because they’re, as Felix informs me, in the gym already. But I’m treated to a story about her in recess in the car.

“So I was sitting on the teacher’s bench again today and Miss Scully was talking to Miss Anderson and you know how they’re kind of weird and only ever use the first letters of their names? Miss Anderson always calls her “D” and I’ve been wondering forever what it stands for.” Yes I do know, I had to get him the book of first names from our library’s top shelf. Also, a kid’s definition of forever will never cease to amaze me. It’s been a few days, tops. I wait for him to continue.

“… and then, Miss Anderson said it, dad! She said: ‘Dana, I’m not sure this is gonna work!’ Now I finally know! …Dana.”

I nod, but on the inside, I sincerely hope that he hasn’t made the obvious connection, that her name is almost eerily similar to his mother’s first name. Just one letter.

---------

[ DS ]

That night, we order Chinese takeout, none of us particularly interested in cooking and we gather around the kitchen table. Sarah passes out the chopsticks while Holly opens a bottle of Shiraz, our classes clinking together for a toast. “Two weeks down! So girls, how was your week? Any juicy stories?,” Sarah asks, looking around at us expectantly.

“Well… I could tell you about that really awful date I had this week with Mark the banker, on which he made a move 10 minutes into the conversation buuuut I get the feeling someone else might have more interesting stories.” Holly points her chopsticks at me and grins, waggling her eyebrows. My own chopsticks pause halfway to my mouth.

“Me? Why?” I ask innocently, stuffing a piece of spring roll into my mouth.

“Very funny! You wanna tell me why I saw a very handsome dad leave your classroom all smiley faced on Tuesday?” ‘Busted.’

“What?! Mr. Mulder? How did I miss this?” Sarah looks at the both of us incredulously.

“Because your classroom isn’t across from D’s and you didn’t happen to look out through the window to see Dopey McSmileypants leave! So D, spill it, and don’t leave anything out!” I shrug nonchalantly.

“I asked a mom to help with read-alouds but her kid was sick, so since Mr. Mulder happened to stand there, I asked him if he could do it. Of course, the kids were all over him with questions, who are you, what are you doing here, you know how curious they are. He was a big hit with them, though, they absolutely loved him.” ‘They’re not the only ones though’

“Bet they weren’t the only ones who loved him, huh?” Damn Sarah for reading my mind! I laugh uncomfortably, shifting in my seat, but I nod. It was really nice to have him in my classroom. To cover for the fact that I’m not telling them the whole story, I help myself to some Kung-Pao Chicken. Sarah catches on anyway, of course she does.

“Wow, that’s mighty nice of him, to take an hour out of his workday to help you out! But I get the feeling that there’s more to the story, what aren’t you telling us, D?”

“Well… after he left, the kids had even more questions, they practically fell over each other, why are your cheeks so red Miss Scully, is he my boyfriend, or is he my husband? And… I caught myself thinking ‘Ya, I wish!’ …” I trail off, a little embarrassed at my admission.

“Man this is some serious Romeo and Juliet shit that’s going on here, D. So we’ve established that you like him, we suspect that he likes you too, judging by the glazed over look on his face when you walk by and he thinks no-one is watching. What’s the hold-up then?”

“Please don’t tell me we’re still hung up on the people talk – good reputation bs!” If I had hoped that the conversation would not take this turn, Holly quickly extinguishes it.

“I don’t know, guys… it’s not complete bs though, you know how I hate when people gossip about me behind my back, and dating the new guy in town puts me in a spotlight that I’m not particularly comfortable being in. I guess what’s worse however is that I’m scared. Like, terrified, of putting my heart out there again after that 2 year on-again-off-again shitshow with Steve last year.”

“That narcissistic asshole…,” Holly mutters under her breath and the others nod, remembering when I had finally hit emotional rock-bottom last year, after I realized that he’d gaslighted me over and over again, resulting in me having a mental breakdown curled up on the cold bathroom floor.

“My anxiety has been badever since, it’s getting better with therapy, but still… I just know I’ll screw it up. I’m damaged goods.” Alex, who hasn’t said anything yet, listening intently, finally speaks up.

“That’s not true, D. You’re getting help and you know we’re always there for you.” – “Yeah, we’ll kick anybody’s ass who dares to hurt you!” – “Don’t interrupt me, S. If he’d ask you out on a date, do you think you’ll say yes?” I consider this for a moment.

“I’m not sure. I don’t really know anything about him except that he seems to be a great dad and that he believes in aliens…” Holly bursts out laughing at the last part.

“What? Aliens?” I tell them the story that took place with the PTA parents in front of the school and the others join Holly’s laughter and I’m grateful that the conversation has taken a lighter turn.

“That’s too funny... You know, he could really learn a thing or two from his son, he asked us to his and his dad’s birthday party today at recess! It was so sweet, guys, I can’t even… We’re all invited, by the way – I think it’s going to be quite the event!” Felix had come up to Sarah and me today, holding out an official invitation and one that he had made himself, just for us.

“Yay, a party, I love me a good party! So, are we going to go?” Holly looks at us questioningly. Sarah only scoffs, rolling her eyes.

“Are you kidding? Of course we’re going to go!”

[judediangelo75]

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

In honor of Mother’s Day, I decided to write a fluff, cavity inducing story featuring the Winger family!

As those of you who got to know my MC, Judith Harris, she’s, in a sense, like a background character. She loves her friends and someone who would do just about anything for someone she cares about but in a sense fades in the background.

Once she moved to Britain, her mother took it upon herself to “raise” her. Which was through abuse: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Judith truly believes she doesn’t deserve anything nice. For many years, a lot of her friends never knew when was her birthday. For several reasons:

-Her preexisting mentality about not deserving anything, gifts included.

-Her birthday is just a month after school starts, so a new curse would already be wrecking havoc throughout the school. And she practicing for the Quidditch matches that are in November.

So when she found out she was going to be an expecting mother, she flashed back to one of her mother’s last words to her. Which was basically she’ll be just like her.

While she was anxious about being a mom, she was determined to be the best mother she can be for her children, Bakari and Kendrick.

Who, in turn, want to show their appreciation for their mama.

Enough rambling, on with the story!

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

(2006)

It was Sunday, March 26. In the early hours of the morning, two boys can be found sleeping peacefully in their beds.

It wasn’t until the early morning rays began to filter through the room when the eldest awoke. Red eyes slowly blinked open, lazily taking in his surroundings until they landed on the calendar on the wall. 

The young boy shot up from his bed, scrambling off his bed to get a closer look at the date. A giddy smile formed on his face before he rushed to his little brother’s bed side.

“Kendrick... Kendrick... wake up,” he whispered, poking at the lump hiding underneath the blankets. He heard a grunt and the head of his little brother poked out of the blanket cocoon.

“Too early,” the younger boy grumbled. Bakari chuckled at his 5 year old brother’s obvious disdain. Pale gold eyes glared back at him.

“Kendrick, it’s Mother’s Day, remember,” the eldest reminded. It took a few moments for Bakari’s words to fully settle in Kendrick’s sleep ridden mind, but when they did, the younger boy perked up.

“Oh! Do you think Dad is up,” he asked, remembering their plans. Bakari looked thoughtful for a moment before replying,

“Maybe, maybe not. Let’s get ready though, just in case he is.” Kendrick nodded, eager to surprise their mama...

-------

Not even ten minutes later, another pair of red eyes opened. 

Talbott was naturally an early riser. He always liked the peace and quiet of the mornings, as well as getting a head start of his day.

But today, he made sure to wake up early for a particular special reason. 

And that reason was still sleeping soundly in his arms.

He smiled and pressed a chaste kiss to his sleeping wife’s cheek.

He and Judith have been married for over a decade. He remembered proposing to her just a year and a half after they graduated on New Year’s Eve in their apartment flat at the time. He remembered seeing her walk down the aisle alongside her older brother. He remembered the shy happiness in her beautiful eyes when the priest gave him permission to kiss his new wife. He remembered the nervous breakdown she had when she found out she was pregnant.

There were a few times that Talbott witnessed her in the midst of an anxiety attack. He knew it was thanks to the emotional scars left by her mother. While Judith has gotten better mentally, she did had her down periods. 

That was a drastic down period.

Talbott never felt more heartbroken when he heard his little bird’s cries and sobs through the bathroom door. Her broken words that she wouldn’t be a good mother.

It killed him on the inside since Judith locked him out and he couldn’t hold her and give her the comfort that he knew that she needed.

He spoke to her gently from his side of the door, reassuring her that she wasn’t anything like the woman who gave birth to her. He seen her heart.

Despite her semi cold exterior... she had the warmest personality.

She was always there for someone in need.

She would do almost anything to get a person to smile. To open up. 

She’s been there for her friends for years.

She’s been there for him for years. 

He could trust in the fact that she would do the same for their child.

After his speech, silence fell between the two before the tell tale sound of the door unlocking hit Talbott’s ears. Talbott only had a few seconds to brace himself before the door swung open and his wife basically leapt into his arms.

She didn’t say much but Talbott knew she was appreciative by the way she was hugging him.

Fast forward to now, they had two beautiful boys and he couldn’t be more grateful.

Bakari and Kendrick simply adored their mother and all that she does for them, so they had asked him to help make a mother’s day breakfast for her. Along with a few other things.

Lucky for him, his wife was a rather heavy sleeper. Making slipping away much easier. Carefully, he slipped his arms from around her and quietly crept out of bed. 

Judith grunted softly in her sleep, rolling over to Talbott’s side before settling there. Talbott stifled a chuckle at his little wife’s adorable behavior before heading into their bathroom to freshen up.

---------

Within the next hour, Talbott and his two sons were in the kitchen making breakfast for the sleeping woman. Thankfully after Judith’s lesson on how to make pancakes, there was less of a mess and no fire.

Bakari was helping their father cook since he was a bit older. Kendrick was happy to help fetch any ingredients they needed as well as organizing their gifts. 

After an hour and a half, everything was prepared...

-----------

Judith was still sound asleep when her three loves quietly crept into the bedroom. Her nose twitched at the smell of food, causing her eyes to flutter open slightly.

Though she hid underneath the blanket when sunlight assaulted her eyelids.

“Whyyyyyy,” she groaned. Bakari chuckled, glancing at his little brother who had the decency to blush. Talbott ran a hand along the visible curve of his little bird’s body.

“Wake up, darling... we have a surprise for you...” Judith let out a curious grunt. 

‘We?’ she thought. Sitting up, she pulled the blanket from her head.

“Happy Mother’s Day!” Judith stared wide eyed at her two beaming sons, who looked up at her with the most adorable hopeful expressions on their faces. 

Bakari held a breakfast tray with a plate with heart shaped pancakes, eggs, bacon, sliced mangos and melon and a tall glass of passion fruit juice.

Kendrick held a bouquet of dwarf sunflowers, yellow tulips, and dark purple roses in one hand and a card in his other hand.

Judith slowly turned to her husband, who had a smile tugging his lips and a box in his hand.

“I-I... what?” Bakari and Kendrick sported the twin frowns, red and pale gold eyes staring up at their mother with worry reflecting in them.

“We wanted to surprise you for Mother’s Day... don’t you like it, Mama,” Kendrick asked quietly. Judith felt tears building in her eyes, her chest filled with emotion.

“I-I do, my love... you guys didn’t need to go through this trouble for me,” their mother said softly.

“But we wanted to, Mama! We really wanted to show that we love and appreciate you,” Bakari said. Tears were now running down Judith’s cheeks, worrying the two boys.

“Oh... come here you two...”  Bakari and Kendrick set the items on the bedside before crawling into bed. They were quickly engulfed in a tight embrace by their mother.

“Thank you my two little princes, you two have no idea how much this means to me...” they heard their mother whisper. They nuzzled against her, taking in her comforting scent they grew accustom to from they were babies.

Talbott silently observed the scene with a small smile. He knew this was something Judith needed. She was a lovely mother, and needed to be reminded of that from their two sons.

Leaning over, he placed a kiss on her temple.

“Why don’t you read the card we got you, darling,” he offered. Judith perked up a bit, releasing her boys so she can sit up straighter. Talbott handed her the card. Bakari and Kendrick remained on either side of their mother, eager to see their mama’s reaction.

Judith opened the card and silently read.

“Dear Mama,

We wanted to wish you the best Mother’s Day. We can’t express how much we love and appreciate you. You’re always there for both of us. When we’re learning. When we’re sick. When we’re scared. When we’re sad. When we’re mad. We always know that you’ll be there. With your bright smile that’s like sunshine. With your pretty voice, especially when you sing. Your warm hugs and loving kisses. Your pretty gold eyes.

We’ll always be your princes, just like you’ll always be our queen.

Love, Bakari and Kendrick”

Kendrick smiled when he saw the soft look in his mother’s eyes.

“Dad wrote something too,” the youngest pointed out. Judith spared a shy glance at her husband before reading the other side of the card.

“Dear Judith,

Happy Mother’s Day, my beautiful little bird. Words can’t describe how much I love you. You gave me a life I never thought I could have. A family. For that, I’m forever grateful for you. Forever indebted to you. You deserve all the love in the world. And our sons believe so as well, this was their idea after all. You are a Queen and you deserve to be treated as such.

Thank you for all that you do, my darling.

Love, Talbott”

‘I’ve gone soft, I can feel the waterworks coming again...’ Judith thought. Bakari and Kendrick leaned in to place a kiss on their mother’s cheeks.

“We love you, Mama,” they said. Judith let out a chuckle, kissing their heads.

“And I love you...” Judith looked up at her husband with a shy smile.

“All of you,” she whispered. Talbott chuckled, placing a peck on her lips.

“There’s still one more thing before you eat,” he said. He handed her the box with a smile. Judith opened it to find a gold necklace. Two gold feather charms with the engravings ‘B’ and ‘K’ were found on it. 

“Birds of a feather flock together,” Bakari chirped. Judith let out a laugh, allowing her husband to put on the necklace for her.

“What’s so funny, Mama,” Kendrick asked.

“Many years ago, your father was someone who flew solo,” Judith chuckled, smirking at Talbott who in turn playfully rolled his eyes.

“That was before I found my mate for life, little bird. Now hush and eat, we all know how you get when you’re hungry.” As if on cue, Judith’s stomach rumbled, causing the males around her to laugh. Judith blushed, grumbling underneath her breath before smiling.

The rest of the morning, the family laid in bed happily chatting. 

The males gladly showing their love for the woman they were grateful to call “Wife” and “Mother”.

[danurso]

What is a birthday?

(Yes, i'm one day late to his birthday but it's okay, the intention is what counts)

Ulquiorra walked into the apartment, arriving after another day at his half-period job. Having to work alongside humans was a bother to him, but he needed the money to help with the woman's bills. Speaking of witch, she should have jumped on him at this point, the only times she didn't do that was when she was cooking, yet he couldn't smell food being made.

Ulquiorra: woman?

He called out for her but was met only with silence. Feeling like something was off, he sharpened his senses and could feel her reiatsu on the room, and so decided to go and check on her.

Ulquiorra: *walks into the dark room* woman?

At the lack of response yet again, he decided to turn on the lights, and was met with a popping sound and a wave of small colorful pieces of paper falling on and around him.

Orihime: SURPRISE!!! *tackles him into a hug*

Ulquiorra: *staring blankly at the room, filled with balloons, a large sign with 'happy birthday ulquiorra' written and a small cake with the number four on it* what is going on woman?

Orihime: *let go* what do you mean? Today is your birthday!

Ulquiorra: I am aware that today marks the day I was born, but I fail to see why you are celebrating it.

Orihime: you just answered yourself dummy! You were born today a long time ago, and so we need to celebrate!

Ulquiorra: . . .i still don't understand.

Orihime: well, birthday is a very special day to all of us, it's a day we celebrate being alive with people who are happy that you're still with them! You get presents, a party and a loooot of cake!

Ulquiorra: But i am not alive, therefore no one should celebrate my birthday, isn't that right?

Orihime: NO! i-i mean. . .it's complicated i'm your case, but you are here, alive or not you're still here, so we have to celebrate with a party, cake and this! *pulls out a small box*

Ulquiorra: *raises eyebrow* weren't we supposed to store money for the apartment?

Orihime: don't worry, this money i've been storing separately just for your birthday. Now open and tell me if you like it.

He let out a sigh, doing as she requested and opening the box. Inside of it he found a silver chain with a small number four, Identical to his own, attached to it.

Orihime: *looking down* I had no idea what to give you today, you always talk about things you dislike instead of things you like. . .

Ulquiorra: Probably because there are few things I do like in this world aside from you.

Orihime: *pink* s-so then i remembered about the day you got your gigai, and how you didn't like the fact that it didn't have the number four on the chest, so i thought this could maybe make up for it at least a little bit. . .it's not on the same size of course, and might not be at the same place but i thought you might enjoy having your number somewhere on you.

Ulquiorra: *staring emotionless at the chain* . . .

Orihime: you didn't like it? You don't need to-

Ulquiorra: *puts on the chain* As you said yourself, it is not ideal as my original mark was, but still. . .

He put on the silver chain, and held the number four. His face had a small hint of fulfillment and satisfaction in it as he stared at the digit, the corners of his lips curved upwards slightly in one of his rare warm smiles.

Ulquiorra: . . .thank you, orihime.

Her nervous face instantly went from nervous to bright like the sun, he noticed a few tears forming on the corner of her eyes but before he could ask, she jumped on him again.

Orihime: Yes! I'm so glad you like it! I was super nervous thinking that you wouldn't like it!

Ulquiorra: nonsense, i doubt i could hate a gift coming from you.

Orihime: I'm glad to hear that, though if you don't like next year's gift you can tell me okay?

Ulquiorra: do you really have to do this again next year?

Orihime: yup! Birthdays are a yearly tradition, so we HAVE to celebrate them, every single year. Now let's eat the cake, and don't worry, I held back this time and made a simple chocolate cake. *skips towards the small table and starts cutting the cake*

Ulquiorra stood still, staring as orihime cut down the cake while humming a happy melody. In this meantime, a lot of things passed through ulquiorra's mind, how she saved him after his fight with the hollowfied shinigami, and how she stood for him after that, coming to an agreement with the soul society so that he could live with her. A part of him wished he would've died that day, that way he would never have to work with shinigami or humans, but the other part couldn't be more glad that she saved him, every day he wakes up to her peaceful sleeping face and arrives being greeted by her beautiful smile, all his nights are warm unlike the cold days back in hueco mundo, and the empty hole he always felt on his chest was now filled by a beating heart, a real heart, one that beat this woman and this woman only.

Orihime: oh, and also- *flinches, feeling his arms wrapping around her waist from behind* u-ulquiorra?

When she looked back at him, he had a smile on his face, his lips weren't simply curved upwards like the usual she was used to, this was an actual smile. She never saw him smile like that before, it was a beautiful sight, and it made her heart hammer inside her chest along with a heat rise up to her cheeks.

Orihime: w-what is it?

Ulquiorra: nothing, i am simply thinking about something.

Orihime: a-and what are you thinking about?

Ulquiorra: you.

The heat of her face increased tenfold. The thought of ulquiorra smiling like that because he was thinking about her made her heart beat like crazy.

Ulquiorra: you had all the right to let me die that day, or even hand me to the soul society as a revenge of sorts, but you forgave me and accepted me, you teached me a lot about a world i forgot a long time ago, and about emotions i forgot even before that. . .you are not only the reason i'm alive today but also the reason i keep living on, and for that, i will forever be grateful.

He saw the corner of her gray eyes filled with tears again, but this time they did spill out, running through her cheeks as she turned around and hugged him as hard as she could, burying her face on his chest.

Orihime: geez, i thought i was the one who liked to come up with emotional speeches.

Ulquiorra: I think you've been, like the humans say, 'rubbing off on me'?

She let out a chuckle, wiping her tears away and looking back to him with a huge smile, one somehow brighter than the previous ones.

Orihime: I'm also really happy that you're here ulquiorra, I love you.

Ulquiorra: I love you as well orihime.

He leaned down and captured her lips into a long loving kiss, filled with all the emotions he cultivated in his new life with her. He is still not used to human life completely, their ways and celebrations could get confusing and annoying sometimes, but as long as he's with this woman, he knew he could get through anything the human world could throw at him.

[thepurplebutterflythings]

Like Real People Do (Damsel in Distress Christmas Special) - Jason Todd

Gif: Dxnninja on Tenor

Word Count: 1.6K

Paring: Jason Todd (Titans) x (f)Reader

Summary: Christmas has come to Gotham, and of course, Jason and Y/N are going to celebrate in their own little way.

Warnings: N/A

A/N: This is a little series I am doing about Jason Todd in Titans. I don’t know Comic!Jason very well so I’m taking all of this from the show, and at the moment he hasn’t been in very often, so please forgive any mischaracterizations.

Tagging: @n-o-e-l-12  @oneshots-dc-marvel  @my-only-friend-is-the-moon​ @perturbacja @calcatss @attackonnat @batferma @seasidecrowbar @gaeck-o  @bella-0104-123 @ninergirl1d @httpfandxms @rosybrock  @reclusive-chicken-nugget   @demoiselle-en-detresse00 @young-psychos @thesleepykaijuu @thescottpack @nightlygiggles @rougestorms @sinon36 @jessica-moon9​

________________________________________________________________

Christmas had arrived in Gotham. The streets were decorated with strings of light that wrapped themselves on the railings of balconies, and some had made their way up streetlamps. For a city filled with danger and darkness, even Gotham had a strange, festive charm at Christmas. Hell, even some Criminals added a festive touch. Joker used the Bauble Bombs. Penguin had a cane which looked like a Candy Cane. Riddler added a red ribbon and tie to his otherwise green appearance. Even if you hated the criminals in Gotham, one thing you had to reluctantly admit was that they had flare!

Batman, however, didn’t do the festive period. Unsurprisingly. Although anything Christmas-y about his appearance would alert people of his presence, so Y/N didn’t blame him for that, but that didn’t stop Jason from trying to get Bruce to add a little festiveness to his Dark Knight attire. The most Bruce agreed to was a string of tinsel on the monitors in the Batcave, conceding because it was more Alfred’s workspace than anything else.

Y/N was sitting on her bed, adding the finishing touches on Jason’s present, waiting for him to arrive. Christmas had come around very quickly after the two lovers reunited following Y/N’s discovery that Jason and Robin was one and the same. The relationship between them strengthened, and they spent most hours of the day together. During the day, they were attached at the hip, and whenever Jason could drop onto her balcony, he did, wearing the Robin costume, of course. Y/N couldn’t help but like to put her hands on him in that outfit. Tonight was the night that they were to exchange presents. For Jason, Y/N had bought a compass, engraved on the inside was ‘so you can always find your way back to me, - Damsel’, it was a beautiful gold with the engraving painted black. She wrapped it carefully in red paper with a golden ribbon tied into an elegant bow.

Knock, knock, knock

When she heard the knock, Y/N smiled and leapt to her feet, turning to see Jason on her balcony, dressed as Robin with that wicked Jason Todd grin on his lips. In Jason’s hands was a Christmassy looking box which he shifted to under his arm as he waved to Y/N through the glass. Y/N opened the door and let Jason in, who greeted her with a peck on the lips.

“Merry Christmas, Damsel,” he whispered against her lips.

“Merry Christmas, Knight.”

“So,” Jason said as he took his mask off and sat on her bed, Y/N moving to sit next to him. Next, he took his gloves and boots off. “We’ve got five minutes until the clock strikes midnight and it’s officially Christmas Day, do you want to wait till then or open them now?”

“Let’s wait, it’s only five minutes, we can think of something to do while we wait.”

“Mmm, I’ve got a few ideas,” Jason grinned as he leaned over and kissed Y/N, cupping her face and holding her close.

“Five minutes?” Y/N teased, “Take you that long, huh?”

“Fuck off,” Jason laughed, “you and I both know it’s a lot longer than five minutes.”

“I just enjoy winding you up!” Y/N grinned as she kissed him again, and again, and again, and again.

“Have I ever told you how much I love kissing you?” Jason mumbled softly as he stroked her hair. “That your lips taste like strawberries?”

“Once or twice,” Y/N smiled into the kiss, “And have I ever told you that you’re a big ole’ softie for me, Jason Todd?”

“Once or twice,” he mimicked. Jason trailed his hand up and down her side, feeling her underneath his fingers, savouring the touch. Moments like this, when he wasn’t Robin, when they weren’t surrounded by friends or family, or strangers, that he cherished, just the two of them, as though they were in their own little bubble where nothing could hurt them. “You’re incredible!” He told her.

Y/N smiled. Just as she was about to say something her phone make a light tinkling noise, causing her to reach over and grab it.

“It’s officially Christmas Day,” Y/N said softly. “Merry Christmas,” she handed him his present. Jason smiled and took the box, handing Y/N her gift.

“Merry Christmas, Damsel.”

As she took the box in her hands, Y/N smiled. It was clear Jason had asked Alfred to help him wrap it because the present he gave her for her birthday was a total mess of a wrap. At the same time they opened, they’re presents.

Jason had gotten Y/N a framed picture of the two of them at the Police Gala they went to. Y/N in her silk Robin Red dress and Jason in a suit with a matching tie. They were jokingly doing a prom pose together as Alfred had pulled the camera out on them. It was a laugh of a night, where they danced and took pictures and drank. Y/N laughed happily as she took the frame out of the box and hugged it close to her.

“I love it!” She said. Jason smiled and looked at her joy before opening his own present. Upon seeing the compass inside, he looked at Y/N in confusion for a moment before opening it up and seeing the inscription. Jason smiled and met Y/N’s gaze.

“It’s perfect,” Jason said, “although I really don’t need one to find my way back to you, Damsel! My heart always leads the way!”

“God, you’re a sap!” Y/N teased.

“Only for you,” Jason promised, “I will keep it on me at all times!”

“I’ll hold you to that, Knight,” Y/N stroked Jason’s cheek. “I worry about you,” she confessed, “out there with the likes of Joker. It’s dangerous.”

“Hey,” Jason cupped Y/N’s face, “I get that you worry about me,” he said, running his thumb over her cheek, “but I’ve got you to come back to, so I’ll always come back.”

“Good!” Y/N said, getting to her feet and putting her picture on her desk before picking up her phone and loading a song. “You know, one thing I loved about that Gala was when you and I danced.”

“Really?” Jason smiled and got to his feet, walking over to Y/N and wrapped his arms around her waist. Y/N nodded and pressed play. As the music started, Jason slowly moved his right hands to hold Y/N’s. Y/N’s other hand went to Jason’s shoulder, and they started swaying to the music. It was low and quiet, and so no one else in the building could hear them. Jason and Y/N stepped lightly on their feet, stifling soft giggles as no one but them knew what was happening. Two young lovers dancing on Christmas Eve.

I will not ask you where you came from

I will not ask you, neither should you

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

We should just kiss like real people do

“I could do this forever,” Y/N confessed with a sigh, “just stay in your arms and dance.”

“Me too,” Jason kissed her forehead before twirling her in her pyjamas. Y/N’s pyjamas consisted of Tartan printed pyjama trousers with a short-sleeved top that had the Robin symbol on it. Y/N had bought it as a joke and surprised Jason with wearing it one night. It was a good night. They laughed, they kissed, Jason said how nice the top looked on her, but that she would look equally good without it on. Y/N took it off to see if he was right. He was. Jason grabbed her and kissed her passionately, and they stayed in bed until Bruce called Jason, even then they reluctantly parted. Bruce and Alfred had welcomed Y/N into their strange little family with open arms. She was grateful for that but was even more thankful for Jason.

I will not ask you where you came from

I will not ask you and neither would you

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

We should just kiss like real people do

Jason rested his chin on top of Y/N’s head and smiled. He knew how lucky he was to have Y/N in his life, to have her love him, to have her accept him as both Jason and Robin. The fact that she still trusted him after he kept his identity a secret from her was incredible to him. After that night, he held her close in his arms, much like he was doing now, and promised. He promised her then and there that he would never betray her trust again. He hadn’t either. For Jason, being honest with Y/N was the easiest thing to do. He loved her. He respected her. Of course, it was easy, to be honest with her.

“You have no idea how much I love you,” Jason whispered into her hair. Y/N smile against Jason as they swayed, hearing him.

“I have an idea,” she mumbled into his chest.

“I would do anything for you.”

“I would do anything for you.”

“And I will always come back to you.”

“I will always be here for you to come back to!”

“I promise,” they both said at the same time.

I could not ask you where you came from

I could not ask you, neither could you

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

We could just kiss like real people do.

“Merry Christmas, Damsel.”

“Merry Christmas, Knight.”

Y/N stood on her toes, leaning up to catch Jason’s lips with her own. Jason smiled as their lips met, moving his hand so that he held her face gently in his grasp while Y/N moved her own hands up over his chest, and into his hair, running her fingers through it.

[onegayastronaut]

Better Angels (Hope Mikaelson x  Reader fic)

Requested by anon: everyone remembers Hope when she jumped into Malivore. Hope is your girlfriend and she sacrifices herself and when she is save by super squad, she has triggered her vamp curse and turned off her humanity. The only way to get her to turn it back on is to think she killed you, so dr. Saltzman has gives you vamp blood and then they get an enemy of Hopes to kill you (kinda like the vamp diaries scene when Matt is killed by Damon) and hope watches thinking your dead. But you’re not bcz of vamp blood

Words: 2127

After Hope jumped into the Malivore pit, it seemed as if things could finally go back to the way they were. Classes could resume, school dances still had to be planned, and teenage hormones could rage like wildfire again now that there were no monsters attacking the school on a regular basis. It didn’t take long for the majority of the school to forget that the only reason why the school was still standing was because of Hope’s sacrifice. Sure, everyone remembered who Hope was, but they all had their own lives to get back to.

Thankfully, Dr. Saltzman seemed to be the only person besides you to have faith that Hope didn’t die in the fight against Malivore. You could see him researching ways to extract your girlfriend day in and day out, and you were grateful that he was doing everything in his power to find Hope. After several weeks of research, it seemed as if he finally found an answer.

“Okay, I found a way to possibly extract Hope without bringing Malivore out with her.”

“Let’s do it then! What are we sitting around waiting for?”

“Well Malivore is unlike any supernatural creature I’ve ever seen. And he was specifically made to fight supernatural creatures, which makes him extremely dangerous to all of the students here.”

Kaleb snorted at the cautionary speech. “Dr. Saltzman, no offense and all, but out of everyone here you’re probably the weakest person here, both physically and psychically. I think me, (Y/N), and the rest of the team can easily handle some crusty old cannibal. Just tell us how to get Hope out of there and we’ll take care of the rest.”

After Alaric laid out his plan, everyone went to work. Vampires went out in groups for extra blood, werewolves stuffed themselves on food, and the witches laid out possible spells to use. It didn’t take long for the entire squad to get into the minivan, and all of you were on your way to the place where this nightmare started. You wanted to be nervous, but you knew that you wanted your girlfriend back more.

When you got there, you stared at the dried pit that used to be Malivore. You hated this place that took Hope from you, and you couldn’t wait to be rid of this place forever. Josie, Lizzie, and a few other witches linked hands and started chanting over the pit. After a few seconds, the pit started filling up with a liquid. However, this time it seemed like the liquid was different, and you stared down at it uncertainly.

“Are you sure that Hope is even down there?” MG seemed nervous as he looked down.

“Only one way to find out.” Alaric grabbed your hand and looked you in the eye. “Remember, you don’t have much time. Find Hope as soon as possible and get out of there. We don’t know what will happen to you if you stay there too long. Grab Hope’s hand or something and the witches will be able to pull both of you out. Good luck.”

Without waiting for anything else, you stepped right over the railing and fell straight down into the murky water. The first thing that you felt after you opened your eyes was the complete and total silence that was all around you. “Hope?” No answer. “Hope, it’s me! I’m here.” Again, total silence. Panic and the cold clench of failure threatened to overwhelm you, but you resolved to not let these emotions take over. You were not going to stop until you got Hope back into the real world. Malivore, or whatever this place was, was pitch black. There didn’t seem to be any particular direction for you to go, so you set off in a random direction. After a while, you lost all sense of time and direction, so you decided to stop. “Hope?” There was another period of silence, and you finally gave up. Dr. Saltzman’s hunch didn’t pay off, and it seemed like you and Hope were going to be the ones to pay.

“(Y/N)?” A voice that you had given up hearing ever again came from behind you, and you whirled around to see Hope. She was just as beautiful as the time you last saw her, but something in her expression made you stop. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m getting you out. We don’t have much time, so take my hand. We’re getting out of here.” You reached out to her with your hand, but Hope made no move to take it.

“I’m not going back out there.” Hope’s flat voice confirmed your worst fear. “There’s nothing for me out there. Everyone dies because of me, I constantly feel like I’m on the outside looking in. You’re better off with someone else. Leave.”

“I’m not leaving without you.” You put your hand on Hope’s shoulder and felt the pull of the extraction spell being done by the witches outside of Malivore. It didn’t take long to find yourself and Hope back on the railing, and when you looked down, the pit was nothing but a dried hole in the ground.

“Hope, we’re so happy to have you back!” Dr. Saltzman looked genuinely happy that his plan had succeeded.

“Yeah, whatever. I’m hungry.” Hope turned around and walked out of the Triad facility.

“Is she...what I think she is?”

“Yeah, I think she turned her humanity switch off.” You felt so horrible that you were sure that you would have puked if there was any food in your stomach. You had Hope back physically, but Hope herself was not back.

“Don’t worry about it (Y/N). We’ll come up with something to help Hope turn her switch back on.” Alaric slapped you on the shoulder as the group made it's way back to the minivan. Hope was already gone, and everyone assumed that she went out for some food. No one could blame her for being hungry. Turning her humanity back on was a fight for another day.

As the days went on, a plan came into shape. A werewolf was going to stage an “attack” on you, and Dr. Saltzman and the others were going to make it look like Hope was the one who did it. Everyone who was in on the plan knew it was an asshole move, but it seemed to be the only way to help her turn her humanity back on. So the date was set, and everyone got into position.

Hope was going on another one of her food runs, and she couldn’t care who was looking. She would just compel them to forget about them anyway. Things were going great on her end since she no longer had to care about what other people might say or how they’ll look at her. The only downside to going on one of her ripper sprees was that she usually lost count of the number of bodies that she piled up. Not that it mattered anyway since dead people were just that, dead. As Hope picked her way through the bodies to see if she missed anything, something caught her eye and made her stop in her tracks. One of the arms sticking out from the mass of bodies on it, and it was instantly familiar. She had given you that bracelet for your birthday so she would immediately be contacted if you were ever in danger. That bracelet was supposed to keep you safe. Hope instantly dived into the pile and started digging. She didn’t want it to be true, and her heart sank as more of you were revealed and she ended up holding your body in her arms.

As Hope held your body on the floor and looked at your pale face, suddenly, out of nowhere, she decided that she hated how she was feeling. There seemed to be no reason behind why she had decided to feel nothing, or maybe the reason was so simple that she didn’t need another. The reason is someone, and that was you. Being in Malivore, she was so alone that all she wanted to do was to have you by her side, but she knew she would rather die a thousand times over than drag you to hell with her. However, seeing your broken body now in front of her made her feel like her world was over. The reason why she was feeling this way was that she remembered a lot. Hope started to have flashbacks, flashbacks of your text messages that you both sent to each other and of the screenshots that she took and put them carefully in her favorites section. She started remembering how you said goodnight to each other, breathing your name slowly and then saying 'I love you' so weakly that all she wanted to do is curl in your arms and never let you go. She had flashbacks of your first kisses, and the last kiss she had with you and all the in-betweens. There were flashbacks of how you held her hand, and looked at her deep blue eyes and decided that she is the one for you. Hope hated that she remembered too much of all of these memories, and yet she couldn't stop but smile. And in the middle of holding your body in her arms, she remembered all of these experiences like something out of a movie scene, and she can't help but wonder how a memory so beautiful and painful at the same time.

Between all this, Hope realized that she had learned to live without all these beautiful memories of you. She did not want these memories anymore but somewhere in her heart, she was still in love with that innocence, with how honest both of you were with each other. Hope knew she couldn’t live without you by her side, so she turned her humanity back on and fed you some of her blood.

------

Maybe dying and wasn’t so bad after all. You didn’t even have to open your eyes to know that you were someplace warm. It could be heaven, but you wouldn’t know unless you opened your eyes. The first thing you saw when you looked up was a face you never expected to see up close again.

“Hey.” Hope sounded timid, unlike the confident tribrid you had come to know and love.

“Hey, what happened?” You remembered one of the vampire students biting you, but not how you ended up in this crappy dive bar.

“I think I attacked you? I turned around and saw you lying on the floor. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. If you never want to see me again I understand. I’ll never bother you again.” Hope couldn’t go on as tears went down her face.

You sat up and wiped your thumb across her face so she wouldn’t cry. “Hey, it’s okay, you didn’t do anything. Are you crazy? I love you.”

“But I hurt you! You could have died if I left you there. My humanity was off and all I could think about was myself. I hurt you, and I don’t think I could ever forgive myself.”

“The point is that you didn’t hurt me. And I’m still here aren’t I? You got to me in time.”

“Barely. But if I didn’t hurt you, who did?”

“Dr. Saltzman had one of the vampire students give me some of their blood and then break my neck, so I guess I’m a vampire now. It was a fifty-fifty chance of having me be put in danger to help you turn your humanity back on. Apparently, it worked.” Hope still couldn’t look you in the eye and instead had her eyes fixed somewhere away from you. It took you using your hand to lift her chin up to have your eyes meet. No matter how many times you’ve looked at her, Hope’s eyes never failed to take your breath away. You couldn’t help but lean in to kiss her, and feeling Hope relax into the kiss and melt into you made you feel so warm that you wish you could just stay here and keep kissing her. “There’s nothing that you could say or do that will make me give up on you. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” Hope kissed you on the forehead. A car horn outside brought you both back into the present. “Should we get out there before Alaric storms in on us?”

“Only if you sit in my lap on the way back.”

Hope snorted as she carried you out of the bar. “I’m okay with that. But I’m still topping you once we get home.”

[dragonpiango]

My review of 2019

January:

So I recently graduated from community college in the previous December, and I started university at HT with a scholarship for piano performance. Honestly I thought going to a HBCU was going to be weird, but turns out I’m not much of an outcast. It was a nice transition to a new setting and new people and a breath of fresh air! It was amazing having a practice room to myself and the mental thought of “getting to know my music” became a reality although my first piano lesson with my new professor was strange. His impression of me was way different than what I thought. Although he is a outstanding teacher, he might have overthought what I was capable of.... him assigning me my pieces and they consisted of Bach French suite No. 5 in G Major, Mozart sonata K.332 in F Major, Chopin Nocturne in D-flat Major, Chopin Scherzo No.2 in b-flat minor, and the most memorable piece IMHO Ravel’s Une Barque Sur L’Ocean from Miroirs.

February:

So still settling into a new university and meeting new people (although I just stayed in the music building bc that’s where all my classes were) it was Black History Month. Being apart of the choir at school and the only ensemble they offered, we were pretty busy with a lot of performances BUT it was enlightening too. Everyone has been so welcoming and coming from a background in classical music I’ve been introduced to Gospel music not only for voice, but piano. From accompanying spirituals to gospel it really has opened my eyes that music doesn’t have to be so strict. It is a way of expressing emotions and from then on I took my repertoire more seriously in the sense each piece had its own “character.”

March:

This month is a crucial one, not only did I find my “clique” at school, but they only consisted of two people. Ant and KayP. Not going to use their names but these two were the only two that understood who I was and I understood who they were. We might have drifted a little bit since one has graduated but in the mean time, during these few months, have been my shoulder to cry on. They were very talented vocalist who taught me a lot in the sense of accompanying and vice versa. Since our school is small, our “accompanist” was my piano teacher, so every rehearsal was around his schedule, until I came into the picture. They really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and really get me to where I need to be. During this time, I was still working retail and I have a true appreciation for those who commit full time to retail because lemme tell y’all. That shit is a lot of work. Especially around holidays. Balancing out school and work was a struggle, but I managed through especially when I don’t have a piano at home. I have to go to school to practice and with retail, all my extra time would be working.

April:

By this time, everyone is stressing because of finals, but luckily since I grabbed an associates degree from COmmunity college, I didn’t have to take my core classes and cry. Music classes were all my focuses were on especially performance. I had a few performances in between for our seminar where we perform in front of all the music students, and for me, being a pianist, I didn’t have to rely on my teacher for rehearsals and accompanying. I just focused on me and this got me ready for our benefit concert that I was honored to be a part of. KayP being the current Miss HBCU and queen of the school, decided to raise money for students of troubled pasts who have really turned their lives around in college and made a great GPA would be rewarded with scholarship money that we raised. I was the one who got to close the whole show out and it truly was an amazing experience. Being able to perform for a great cause is always heart warming and I will cherish that moment forever.

May:

So the semester comes to an end and I have juries (where we perform our pieces in front of the faculty and get graded ) what I did not know is that since our school is so small, they invite and pay other professors from the biggest university next to us UT Austin and have them come sit and grade us as well. That to me was a shock moment, because coming from a university in a small town before we had enough people and knew everyone. Community college DIDNT have juries for piano which was odd, but this was a perfect opportunity to really put my hard work into good use. After juries, I did splendid with a few mistakes that I was able to recover from, and lemme tell y’all. No performance is perfect. And I have accepted that. My piano teacher hooked me up with one of his good friends who owns and directs her own music school and I became a piano teacher there. Oddly, I’m the youngest teacher there with no doctoral degree and am working on a BA still..... but none the less, this transition really opened my eyes.

June:

School is finally out, and I reduced my retail job to just Saturday. I finally got my reputation as a teacher at my new job and gained students rather quickly to where I was almost booked up Monday through Friday. With little to no teaching experience it was a trial and error process. I was taking over a studio of a former teacher who had visa issues. So all his students were a tad skeptical with me more so their parents. But after observing lessons and learning their names it was only a matter of time that I was teaching them and really became someone they look up to. It started off rocky because I wasn’t used to a build your own schedule, from what I’ve experienced with teaching at a music school is that someone does the schedule for you. Not in this case, so having to communicate and try to accommodate every students schedule was a tough start, but once I got used to it, the ride was easy from there. Unfortunately, most students were gone on vacation so I had to work with only a few who stayed in town and accommodate those who were in town for that week. That aside, my communication improved after constantly talking with parents 24/7.

July:

This is where life gets exciting. My boyfriend had surprised me with tickets to go to Chicago. I would go back because the city is amazing and food is delicious and it’s easy to get around in Chicago. It was a nice break from work and really helped me bond with my partner. During this time we had two cats. One names Roger and the other Gladys. So a little back story, when I moved in with my partner, his cats basically adopted me. Gladys was a daddy’s girl and kept to Todd mostly but she was very seeet with me and made adorable monkey noises when you picked her up and cuddled with her. She was diagnosed with cancer and the year before that we made the decision to remove her tumor and hope that she would live a healthy life. Well this is where the tumor came back full force and in Chicago, I was a wreck because I felt bad enjoying my time away and leaving her at home. My partner (who is the mature one in our relationship) had a sit down with me about what to do with her and I lost it. He didn’t want to put her down either, but it was for the best. We agreed to keep her comfortable until we knew it was time. Before the month ends tho, we are back home and my sisters boyfriend sends me a text saying he is serious about her and wants to marry her. The retail I work for is a jewelry store and he had asked me to help pick out a diamond for my sister since he knew what she wanted. So this was the good news. We find the diamond, and have it set in her favorite setting and my boyfriend who is full of surprises gets me a ticket to visit her in LA.

August:

So my birthday month is here, and I fly out to LA to deliver the ring to my now sisters fiancé and they fly out to Italy and he does the deed and she says yes. Happy note. But as school starts back up for the new semester, my partner had a issue to where he would be in a state to where he couldn’t move much due to a unusual circumstance. And before that we decided to put Gladys down. It was a tough decision but we gave her the best life we could ever had hoped for her and I was emotionally drained from everything. Having to keep a positive attitude for my students and going to school and being an adult in general. The only way I got thru this period is from my best friend and coworker who knows what it’s like to go through life and it’s always better to have an open mind and ear to talk to. I call her my mamma because she’s like a mother figure to me but also a amazing friend. Without her, I probably wouldn’t have been mentally there at all for anyone. In the time of summer until now I haven’t had a chance to practice because I forgot to mention that i had a Jr recital coming up which is why my repertoire was so big.

September:

After everything passed and I’m in a better mental state, I proceed to my schedule of school and work and find a time to practice in between. What’s great about this month is that since the semester just started, I had plenty of time to catch up on my practice and really get my lessons to become productive in shaping and understanding different musical styles. My partner is all better and life is great because I was in the best part of my life. Doing well in school, amazing texting job, and a best friend who is there for me and most importantly my partner. He’s been my rock since we first met and I can always rely on him and vice versa. He understood that with my free day off that I needed to spend it practicing and told me to go for it and be as productive as I can. I honestly wasn’t used to that kind of support but I am grateful.

October:

This is where reality hits and my recital is next month. I get very crazy about everything. I had all my music learned but because of my indecisiveness, I kept changing how I shaped everything and my mind goes blank. Probably a dark time for me because I didn’t know how to handle this kind of stress. I’ve put on hour long recitals before and the only thing different this time is that I’m getting graded and want to make such a great impression to further my education to a dictator degree. The dress was eating me alive and on top of that, one of my students decided he wants to enter in a competition and I say why not. Let’s do it. Getting him ready for that and keeping my sanity was hard to do but I managed. He did well, but not well enough to get a medal but his parents were very impressed with how quickly he progressed with me. That’s always a plus, right?

November:

The month has come for me to have my big recital and I invited all my friends and coworkers and they all made it. I was truly nervous but if you don’t get nervous, are you even human? It turned out wonderful although the first piece (Bach French suite) was shaky, I had to tell my self that I was having fun and everyone here is here to support me and want me to do well. That little talk was a confidence booster and ended the recital flawlessly. After my recital, my job has their student recitals so my focus was all on my students doing the best they can and having fun. This month was fun because I was selected to do masterclasses for piano students through out my job and it was very enlightening to see how talented the new generation of musicians are! Only positive comments because I couldn’t honestly find anything wrong with any of the students performances and their teachers are amazing.

December:

So getting all my students ready for their recital was a big time investment but totally worth it because they all performed so well and I honestly cried bc I felt like a proud parent LOL. But after that was time for the semester to end up and one class was making me go crazy. Everything ended well and I had ALL A’s and one B but I know what to expect for next semester and everything will be great. Honestly this year has me all sorts of fucked up with emotions and I proved to myself that when I stay committed, I can really achieve what I want. This year was a great year for me and a way to end a decade because when 2020 starts, I know what I need to do and where I need to be.

[chuffyfan87]

Hiding. Part 44c (NSFW)

"Clearly!" She laughed. "Seven weeks."

“How many?”

"You count it from my last period not when we slept together." She explained, rolling her eyes.

“Oh my God!” He went white.

"Did you miss that lesson at nursing college?"

“I think so.” He laughed, “We’re definitely having a baby?”

"Well there's one way to find out."

“A test?”

"There's one in the bathroom. Left over from last time."

“Let me go and grab it.” He kissed her cheek and moved off the bed.

She waited til he came back with it. She then rolled her eyes as she took it from him and went straight back into the bathroom.

He waited outside whilst she peed on the stick.

She came out the bathroom a minute or so later, wrapping her dressing gown around herself. "I got cold." She explained with a shrug.

“Can you pee?”

"Yes. I'm just not prepared to stand in a freezing cold bathroom waiting."

“That’s ok.” He smiled.

She sat on the bed and began filing her nails.

“Are you ok?” He asked as he sat down beside her.

"I cracked a nail opening the packet."

“Ouch.”

"I think I'll live!" She chuckled.

“Here’s hoping.”

She placed the file back down on the bedside table and lay back against the pillows.

“I...” He swallowed, “I’m nervous.” He admitted.

"What are you afraid it's going to say?" She asked.

“That you’re pregnant.”

"Will you be unhappy if I am?"

“No but I’ll shit myself about being a father again.” He admitted shyly.

"You had me worried there for a moment."

“I’d never be unhappy that you were pregnant. It’s always been the best time of my life.” He smiled.

"This last year I've not always been sure about that." She admitted softly.

“Because you’re scared?”

"Mainly because there's been times I couldn't read what was going on behind those eyes of yours. I never thought we'd reach that point."

“I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt.” He admitted.

"And now you're sure?"

“Yes.”

"And that is?" She pressed. She had to be sure.

“To have our final baby together.”

She looked nervously towards the bathroom door. "Shall I go get it or do you want to?"

“I’ll go.” He replied. He moved into the bathroom.

She drummed her nails on her thigh, trying not to let her nerves consume her.

There was suddenly a thud in the bathroom.

She jumped up from the bed, grabbing the bedside table for a few moments as the entire room span from the sudden movement. She then staggered through to the bathroom. "Charlie?"

He was out cold on the floor, the pregnancy test beside him. He’d passed out!

"Shit!" She didn't even glance at the test as she dropped to her knees. "Charlie? Charlie!" She ran her hand around his head - he wasn't bleeding so she shook him firmly.

“Hmm?” He mumbled as he came round. “Bloody hell.”

"Are you OK? What happened?" Her eyes and voice showed her agitation.

He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry sweetheart, I didn’t mean to faint.”

"My brain is still rattling inside my head from getting up so fast!"

“I’m sorry.” He sighed. “Duffy?”

"What?"

He took a deep breath, “We’re having a baby.”

"Really?" She squeaked.

He grinned. “Yes! Yes! Look!!” He gave her the test as he stood up.

She stared wide eyed at it for several moments before bursting into tears.

“Oh honey. Oh...” Her tears shocked him and he hugged her.

"I'd almost given up hope." She whispered.

“You had?”

She nodded softly as the tears continued to slide down her cheeks.

“Oh honey.” He kissed her head.

"I'd made a promise to myself that if it didn't happen this time that I couldn't keep putting myself through this." She admitted.

“Too much heartbreak?”

"It hit me so hard last time. I knew that feeling would only get worse. I gave myself one more go but that was it."

“We don’t have to worry about it anymore.” He grinned. “We’re pregnant!!”

"We are, are we?" She laughed, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“You are.” He clarified. “You’re pregnant.” He picked her up and carried her back to the bedroom and lay her on the bed.

"Are you sure you didn't hit your head when you fainted?" She giggled. "What on earth has gotten into you?"

“No I don’t think so.” He smiled. “We’re having a baby!!”

"In theory in April but more than likely March or, heaven forbid, another February birthday!"

“I hope March for the sake of our bank balance. We have far too many children in February already.” He laughed.

"I think the twins being Christmas babies was our most spectacular own goal!"

“Yes!” He smiled brightly.

"Even though I've had weeks to process the possibility it's still not quite real!" She remarked, awestruck, as she ran her hand gently over her stomach.

“I feel like we’re dreaming.” He admitted as he placed his hand over hers.

"I'll be throwing those jeans to the back of the wardrobe then!"

“Sorry for making you not fit in your favourite jeans, again.”

"I was kidding myself when I put them on this morning. They were unbuttoned the whole time I was sat down on the plane because they were digging in too much." She admitted.

“I’m sorry. It’s entirely my fault.”

"It wasn't your idea for me to wear them today though it was your idea to join the mile high club." She giggled.

“That was amazing!”

"I still can't believe we got away with it!"

“Yeah. You can out looking like the cat that got the cream!” He paused, “You did get the cream actually.” He laughed.

"Right to the brim!" She grinned.

“Gave you quite the load.” He licked her ear.

"You did indeed." She turned and captured his lips with her own.

He smiled against her lips and kissed her back.

She moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened.

His hands once again began to roam her body as he deepened the kiss.

She loosened the belt of her dressing gown.

“Feeling warm?” He asked, his hands on her hips.

She nodded, her cheeks and chest were flushed.

His hands began to move up her body. Grabbing her playfully.

"You really are in the mood tonight!" She giggled.

“I’m making up for all those days on holiday, we didn’t shag.”

"Maybe less was more though?"

“You think?”

"Quality over quantity." She teased with a smirk.

“Hmm true.”

"That's not an issue anymore though." She whispered as she ran her hand down his chest.

“Finally succeeded in getting you pregnant.” He whispered.

"Let's just hope no-one figures out where it happened!"

He laughed gently.

"Just when I thought we were getting too old for antics like that!"

“No definitely not too old. Keeps the spark alive, wouldn’t you agree?”

"Not that we need much help with that!" She grinned. "It was one to tick off the list though." She giggled.

“Definitely.” He kissed her tenderly, “You're happy aren’t you? With me and the children?”

"It was never about not being happy Charlie."

He nodded, “I know that.”

"I've never been more happy."

He smiled brightly and nodded. “I hope so.”

"You make me happier that I ever thought possible or deserved to be."

“I try and give you the whole world because you deserve it.” He smiled.

"You and our kids are my whole world. That's all I need."

“Same. Same here.” He kissed the bridge of her nose. “I love you so much.”

"I couldn't have done half of the things I have without your love and support. I'm forever grateful for that."

“I just showed you that you’re an amazing woman who deserves to be loved for everything she is. Even those really stubborn, awkward parts.” He teased.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "Well I've got quite the challenge on my hands to finish my course in the next couple of months."

“You will. I believe in you.”

"I wonder if they'll let me add this afternoon to my tally?" She mused. "I'd rather not have to postpone qualifying if I can help it."

“You can always ask.” He replied.

"You can back me up on how it went up there."

“That you were incredible, like always?”

She nudged him playfully, blushing. "If they let me count that then I'll only need ten more births to make my quota."

“As soon as the air hostess said she was in labour, I knew I needed my wing woman.” He smiled, “Only ten more? Not many then?”

"Ten births and two assignments."

[dancing-with-dichotomies]

“Lone Pearl Cowgirl” Ch5 update/Important mentions

I've been feeling... Pretty super horribly awful down lately, like bottom of the bottom... Been fighting several things at once. A persistant seasonal depression, probably. My massive damn writing block that's haunted every single thing I've tried to write all this damn year, and part of the last too. My damned body that just Won't. Stop. Hurting. EVER...

And my abusive family, my family that is literally in a damn cult, my family that "lowkey" supported the second-coming of the worst kinds of evil, even though not a small portion of our family once escaped that... Them holding me down, manipulating me knowing I am disabled, isolating me all my life and using me...And I can only hope that being able to live away from them won't just be a dream when I'm disabled but can't get disability, live in one of the priciest damned states in the country, and my parents keep sabotaging me and using me and manipulating me. I've tried to claw myself away from them. It hurts to keep seeing them selfishly sabotage me and having others judge me. So much of my life hurts, but especially lately, around winter, around my birthday... And they always actively dunk on me harder around my birthday...

That, plus my pain increasing, and... and, and, and... Well, you probably already get it if yer one of the ones who even really cared, so I won't go on if yer not, but...

Anyways I feel like it so I wanna tell the people who REALLY helped me to survive what was one of the worst bouts of depression I've had in years, even knowing I generally get depressed periodically... You guys are really the ones who made a difference this time and you should know it.

crappy-crapolice  -- Change yer nickname already, Crappy. Yer the awesomest. XP XD Really dude, most of the time we just BS and have fun with various fandom shit, but you've seen me at my lowest points not just once but a few times, seen me get paranoid and doubt you a few times, but you've always been so patient and amazing about reminding me that it's my mental illness making me think/believe those things. And you've always been so great at reminding me when I need those reminders, but without judging me or shaming me. You've been so nice about really listening to my issues and realizing how many struggles I face that the average person doesn't, how I get way less help, way more demands, and way more obstruction than the average person, and you've showed me real sympathy instead of the usual "get over it already, nobody cares about what happened in your past only that you can contribute in the present" or "I'm sorry that happened to you, but also this bores me, can't we just talk about nice things 24-7..." type 'sympathy' most people settle for all too quickly... You've been the one to remind me of my own limitations when most people don't even want to hear about it, won't even let me finish before they judge me. Most just settle for assuming that someone in a bad position must deserve it. That they're not working hard enough or something. You're one of the few that really understood... Because you're one of the few who really listened long enough and didn't just blow me off or dismiss me. You treated me like I'm still a normal human being even when I've been in the midst of going kinda crazy from the stress, and that's what's managed to bring me back sometimes... Also, I hardly ever even TALK about the fandom we started out in anymore, I actually kinda dislike that fandom more than not after it all was over with, and you've still treated me like a friend. A lot of people would just drift away if you weren't interested in their fandom anymore. But you care about not just my other fandom interests too, but my original work. That really means a lot to me, NOT-Crappy. Thanks, dude. <3

Iris - People like you give me hope for the future. You work so incredibly hard for such a selfless cause. People even really mistreat doctors where you're from, and you're still determined to make it your life mission to heal and save and educate as many people as you can. Of course like I've told you to, you need to remember to make time for yourself! But I'm so incredibly grateful you've made time for me too... Again, we fandom BS a lot, but we also talk about the heavy stuff too, and I wanna let you know I appreciate it, that it helps make it feel lighter about it overall and I hope you do too. You always really listen and talk with me, have answered questions I've had, and are concerned about how I'm really feeling, instead of just rushing to cover up my troubles. It's doubly impressive that you manage to be so patient when you work so long and so hard. I have some pretty bad issues with feelings of being abandoned and "disappeared", so I really especially appreciate you talking me through that. It's also super impressive to me that despite us having a couple times where we both kinda unintentionally offended the other saying things that didnt quite come out right over the keyboard, that we managed to talk to each other about how we felt about it and clarify that no harm was meant. I know you're really busy and sometimes a while goes by where we don't talk, and even still it's easy to trust that you wouldn't just disappear on me, and that you'd really care if I truly disappeared too... I just want you to know. You're not just a My Hero-fan, you're a legit real life hero to me and I know to a lot of other people too. <3 <3

closet-cryptid/Michelle - We sometimes go a while without talking nowadays, I know we both know how hard it is with a little one, and that yer net sometimes goes in and out. But again, yer one of those friends I trust enough that it doesn't  matter. It actually amazes me even more because there was a time where we had a pretty big disagreement to say the least, and both said some pretty harsh things. I was fully prepared to burn our bridge of friendship, but to my deep surprise, you actually apologized some time later, and I did too, and I feel like we're better friends for it now. And again, yer one of those people who don't just  try to cover up troubles with fandom. We have our fun fandom discussions, but you've always been really willing to listen and really be sympathetic when I need to be sad too, you care about the real me and not just the me that made content for the fandom, and that's why we're still around to still putz about the fandom junk too. IZ FOREVER! XD (and I hope you and your sisters feel better too <3)

csp124 - Yer a newer friend, but yanno, you've proven to be a good one. Again, we can putz about fandom junk or other fun stuff, but you've been truly understanding about allowing me to talk about the bad junk that's been worrying my mind so much lately. You've been really helpful especially lately because you didn't just give up on me because my illness wouldn't let me stop "being negative" for a while, as some people reduce it to. Even though I didn't want to look on the bright side for a while, you kept bringing it up to me. It took a while, others gave up on me and got frustrated or angry with me, but you're one of the ones who kept being positive when you knew I -couldn't-, not that I just -wouldn't-, and understanding of my darkness too...

unified-multiversal-theory - Everybody here has helped me along a lot in various ways this year, but you've shown a special interest in my original work especially that really helped give me the inspiration I needed to get this latest chapter done. I feel so proud and relieved to have gotten chapter five finally done, and have more hope than I have in a while that the rest might be possible too. It's really deeply disheartening, a whole new level of isolation and depression, when so many people time and again, even other creators you'd hope would get it or at LEAST encourage you a LITTLE instead of being overly critical, especially those that get heaped with praise themselves, either ignore you completely/never give you a chance or even tear your creations down, claiming that they're trying to be "helpful/constructive". It's not that I can't handle constructive criticism, but I can recognize my characters being torn down by someone who is being overly critical because they dont really care one whiff about my work and REAL, ACTUAL -constructive- criticism like the kind you gave me, where you actually found a few errors that, while it depressed me for a moment to realize I had forgotten something so silly and needed to rewrite almost a while page because of it lol, IT ACTUALLY HELPED ME FINALLY FINISH THE DANG CHAPTER INSTEAD OF PARALYZING ME WITH DEPRESSION AND FEAR ABOUT MY ENTIRE WORK. You actually discussed my ideas and plot in detail and that's been so incredibly helpful. I know like Iris yer busy, so I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to help me with this especially. This work means more than a lot to me, a lot of people just blow it off like a silly story but it's SO much more than that. Helping me with this has really improved my outlook on life lately. I know everyone knows I love and live for my daughter, that she's the reason I keep existing... But she's not the reason I was made to exist in the first place. I feel like this story and her sister-stories are. Sometimes I confuse it because everything is confusing in this world, and because there's a sea of people who think the crazy shit Christians and Muslims and men in general do makes sense but somehow I'M the really crazy one, but... Just, thanks. I just feel a lot saner now that I made progress on something that means so much to me, and to know there's at least a few people out there who also really take interest in and appreciate it. <3

itsmorethanjustafantasy - We actually don't talk too much at all lol, here and there we talk a bit about fandom, but yanno... I just wanted to mention again how nice I think you are for sending people holiday well-wishes. Growing up with 90+% of my family in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult, and because of how sick I was growing up, my birthday and other holidays were especially hard times for me. Always on the outside looking in. Trained to tell other people it didn't matter and reject any holiday wishes or gifts given to my face when they were around, but deep down always feeling so lonely and isolated and excluded. You're one of those people who just out of the blue wishes people well on the holidays. For most people it's probably just nice. I just wanted you to know it did a little more for me though. It was nice to do for me, but it also made me feel included, and like someone remembered me. Thank u for that. Belated Happy Halloween, and upcoming Merry Christmas!

In general, there were a few other people that popped in when I was temporarily mad with grief and pain and helped talk to me about the rough stuff, bookrebelwordwarrior, kendallandherstuff, and a handful of others, sorry if it's been a while and I forgot anyone specific, but yeah. To everyone who really helped me and and didn't just give up on me, who not just remembered the good in me, but helped me to eventually see it again too, and help that goodness actually -grow-... Help bring out what -I- feel is really the best of me, not what others want me to be... Thank you. I can't say I'll never be depressed again, I've seen too much and there's so much stacked against me, but I'll try my best to keep trying, to keep believing progress is possible even when it feels like your life is currently stagnant and there's an ocean of people who don't care if you die or that you even ever existed. It's sad that there's so few, but life is just barely bearable when people really show they care. <3

So, consider this latest chapter of Lone Pearl,  "Faithful Phil and the Martyred Mother", dedicated to you guys. <3

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20041537/chapters/51013765

[freaoscanlin]

Legendary Arguments

Hi, all! It’s been forever. Here’s a 1578 word fic I wrote set in my Momsverse AU, where Laurel’s foster kid is Stephanie Brown and she’s also dating Felicity, who has a kid of her own. Previous installments have been Present Tense, Cautionary Tale, and The Nightmare Fallout. This one’s PG-13 for a couple of swearing instances and takes place when they’re comfortably living together and being cute and domestic because life is hell but fiction is great. 

Buzzing from a persistent phone was a bad enough sign while dating a vigilante. But when said vigilante picked up that phone, squinted at the screen, slammed it back onto the nightstand, and proceeded to burrow deeper under the covers, that was an entirely new one for Felicity.

“Please tell me that’s not work,” she said, cracking one eye open. “If you get up, Shay will get up, and then we’ll all be up. Can’t they find somebody else?”

“It’s not work.” Laurel pulled a pillow over her head.

“Then why is it buzzing?”

“Because life is hell.”

“Something had better be on fire.” Giving in, Felicity levered herself up on one elbow and stretched over her girlfriend, reaching for the phone and the nightstand. “And if it’s not, it’s going to be when I get a hold of whoever it is.”

Laurel grumbled. “It’s the Legends group chat.”

She did not emerge from under the pillow, and the phone was locked. Felicity could have made short work of the security, but instead she just tapped the button on the side to silence it. Why Laurel couldn’t have done that herself, she didn’t know.

Wait: “The Legends are in town?”

“No. But they’re in this time zone. Or period. I don’t know, they’re halfway across the world which is why they’re texting at four in the fucking morning.” Laurel reached out blindly with one arm, nearly clipping Felicity’s chin with her elbow as she located a handhold and tugged. “Please don’t validate them with attention. They’ll never learn otherwise. It’s time for sleep.”

“You’re the one who didn’t silence your phone,” Felicity said grumpily, but Laurel did have a point. She acquiesced to the tugging and cuddled in, grateful for the body heat since they’d set the thermostat too low again. She was just drifting off to sleep when the sound of a pitiful cry broke over the baby monitor.

“Goddammit,” she said, but Laurel was already shoving the covers off. “You don’t have to, it’s my turn.”

“Penance for my sins of not shutting my phone off,” Laurel said, collecting the object in question from the nightstand. She stumbled a little on the way to the door, grunting as her shoulder hit the wall. Felicity was sure she heard her mutter, “Besides if I don’t answer them, they’ll probably just show up in person and it’s a school day.”

Felicity couldn’t argue that one, so she decided just to go back to sleep instead.

At some point, Laurel must have settled Shay back down to sleep, for she was curled up next to Felicity, phone clutched in one hand, when the alarm went off. She groused wordlessly, batting at Felicity when she tried to shake her awake.

“You said it yourself, babe,” Felicity said, sing-songing the words just to tease her. “School day. Wakey-wakey.”

“Give me coffee or give me death,” was the reply from somewhere in the covers.

Steph at least proved easier to wake than her foster mother, as the teenager was already up and working on her combinations against the training dummy Oliver had given her for her seventeenth birthday. She bounced from foot to foot, chattering away at Felicity about school and an upcoming history project as Felicity made coffee. Felicity could not remember a single cheerful morning from her own teenage years, but she kindly did not inform Steph that she might be an alien.

She also felt no remorse in sending both her and Shayna in to haul Laurel out of bed after the coffee was ready. Probably mean, but Laurel would be upset at being late for work the day after a night off.

She looked somewhat more awake and put together as she joined Felicity and the girls for breakfast. She set her phone on the table, facedown.

“Are they still going at it?” Felicity asked.

Steph looked up from her last minute calculus homework. “Who?”

“The Legends,” Laurel told her foster daughter. “And yes. It’s led to a very intense debate. People have taken sides. They’re writing manifestos. Well, Ray and Nate are writing manifestos. Sara’s just mooning them, as far as I can tell.”

“Over what?” Felicity asked. “Please tell me they’re not fighting. I don’t think time can take another Strudel Incident.”

“Gideon has built in protocols to keep that from happening again,” Laurel said.

Like that would actually stop the Legends. “Seriously, what are they arguing about?”

Laurel sighed. “Shayna.”

Even the toddler turned to give her a puzzled look over that one.

“Sara,” Laurel said with that patented mix of fondness and aggravation that applied to her sister, “was apparently bragging about being Aunt Sara, which means Nyssa is Aunt Nyssa by privilege of marriage. Except that an argument started that since you and I aren’t married, can Sara actually claim ‘auntship?’ And if Sara gets to be Aunt Sara, Ray wants to be Uncle Ray. And then Nate had opinions and it escalated from there, as you can imagine.”

Felicity realized she was staring with her coffee mug halfway to her mouth. Carefully she put it down. “They’re…arguing over what my kid’s going to call them? That’s what led to them blowing up your phone at four o’fu—dging clock in the morning?”

“Yes,” Laurel said, grimly.

“Hold up. I’m your actual legal kid,” Steph said. “If Sara is Aunt Sara to anyone, it should be me.”

“Yes,” Laurel said again.

“So why does Shay get all the attention?”

“Do you want to call them Aunt or Uncle So-and-So?” Laurel asked.

Steph paused. “No,” she said slowly, as though discovering it for herself as she spoke.

“Exactly. Though every single one of them has chimed in that they would be honored by the title, so there’s that.” Laurel reached out and squeezed Steph’s shoulder. “You know they consider you their favorite mascot.”

“Ha, ha,” Steph said, but she looked a little pleased as she ducked back to focus on her math homework.

“I’d say that I can’t believe this has led to an argument this big,” Felicity said. “But that’s a lie. I fully believe it.”
 

“Yup,” Laurel said, picking up her phone and walking it on its edges across the table. Felicity could see that she had 72 new messages.

“How is that even an argument?” Felicity asked.

“I don’t know. At one point I saw a message from Sara about ‘blood is thicker than water’ and then Nate, being the twerp he is, pointed out that it’s actually ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.’ Which means friendship bonds are stronger than family bonds. So I learned something, amid all of the inanity. So there’s that.” Laurel twirled her phone around, clutching her coffee in her other hand like a lifeline. “None of them, by the way, have thought to ask either you or me to weigh in on this.”

“You’re in the group chat,” Felicity said. “They probably consider that your giving approval.”

“They don’t know I’m in there. Somebody tried to add Dinah and got the wrong one. Nobody has noticed.”

“Honest mistake. There are like thirty of you now,” Felicity said, grinning when Laurel wrinkled her nose at her.

Shay, gnawing on a strawberry slice, blew bubbles at the both of them.

“This is going to become an all-out war if we don’t do something,” Felicity said.

“Probably.” Laurel handed Shay another strawberry slice.

“So are we going to do something?”

“Honestly? I’m not sure. I’m kind of impressed by the caliber of arguments they’re making for and against their case.” Laurel shrugged. “It’s a little like a busman’s holiday for me.”

“Would it bother you to have them all be Shay’s honorary aunts and uncles?” Steph asked Felicity.

“And with one simple question, she proves herself capable of more logic than an entire group of time travelers,” Laurel said dryly, as Steph and Felicity laughed.

“If they promise to stop blowing up my girlfriend’s phone at all hours of the night, they can try and convince Shay to call them any non-offensive thing they like,” Felicity said. “It’s ultimately up to her.”

“Okay, good.” Steph turned to Laurel. “Can I see your phone?”

“Don’t set it to Thai again, please, that took me over an hour to get it back to English.” But Laurel handed over her phone.

Felicity made a mental note to check in on Steph’s hacking ability, as Laurel hadn’t even unlocked the thing and Steph had the messaging app open in record time. Her thumbs flew over the keyboard for a few seconds before she hit SEND and handed the phone back.

There was a pause and then seventeen messages seemed to come through at once.

“What did you just do?” Felicity asked.

“Oh, nothing much.” Steph buffed her nails on her school blazer and blew on her fingers. “Just ensured that Shayna’s going to have the best birthday presents from now ’til, like, eternity. If they want aunt or uncle status, awesome birthday gifts are the bare minimum. You’re welcome, little sis.”

She leaned across the table, fist extended. Gleefully, Shayna bumped her own strawberry-juice-stained fist against Steph’s knuckles.

Felicity met Laurel’s eyes over her coffee cup, mostly to hide her smile. “Have I mentioned lately that I love our life?” Laurel asked, and Felicity toasted her with her mug.

On the table, now ignored, Laurel’s phone continued to buzz away furiously.

[kiliinstinct]

Smile In The Embers: Prt 4

Rating: PG (or K) - For Now Setting: AU - Time Period Open for Interpretation Pairing: Nalu

{This is a Holiday Story I’ve been planning for a few months now. It’s not necessarily for Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc- but it takes place during these months and has some of those elements. Please enjoy!}

The lonely mansion held many servants and visitors, but the walls were always cold even in the hottest of summers. Lucy Heartfilia dreams of nothing more than to finally feel the warmth of a friend, something beyond the death she feels in her own home.  One-freezing winters night- a secret wish comes true in the most strangest of ways. This is her story, of the Smile She Found Through the Embers.

<– Part Four of Five –->

.The Sealed Wall.

The Holidays came and went with Lucy unable to see Natsu. Waking that first morning was the start of the blonde’s hardest months - witnessing house Maid’s packing away her things. ‘For School.’ They told her. The revelation made her heart freeze like the ice on the Manor windows. Lucy’s father had said Finishing School and his words rang true, already preparing to send her off as soon as possible.

Her nights were lonely. Hoping she could see Natsu, to explain what was about to happen- but finding a servant at her door or even the knob locked tight when she tried. The first nights held panic inside her heart. Would Natsu worry? Did he think she was ignoring him? For the first week, Lucy pounded on the doors each night, sobbing quietly for someone to let her out.  “Please, Natsu will worry! Can’t I tell him goodbye?”

Lucy’s pleas went unanswered.

Winter parties came and went. As her Father hosted a gathering for bringing in the New Year, little Lucy only made one, small appearance. Dressed in golden frills and soft blues. She had been paraded about, greeting her Father’s business associates, before being sent right back to bed. The coming months would be a busy time for her, he told his many guests. Finally going to a school for girls and ready to become a Lady.  No one noticed the way her eyes grew empty with each passing word.

When ushered back to her room, she spared a glance to the fireplace- eyes stinging from unshed tears. There was no wood placed inside it, unable to light and the bricks in the back looked cold. Lonely.  Her sobs put Lucy to sleep that night, with only the maid assisting her to keep her company, soothingly patting her back until she had settled.

As good as his word, the beginning of January was the start of Lucy’s new life. Packed away into a carriage with a small amount of belongings, she was sent away. Magnolia Hall was a fine establishment. A place for young girls turning to women, all learning to be successful women of society. Most of the lessons they taught, Lucy had already learned the basics to.  - but her excitement for each day was a false one.

Little Lucy didn’t have another chance to see home, or Natsu, until the following spring and by then, she feared it might be too late. Coming home to visit for a short period (to Celebrate her birthday.) filled her with hope and dread that mixed together in the pit of her stomach, but she refused to look into the foyer. Not when the servants and her father were watching. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “I trust you’ve been getting along well with the other girls?” Jude had asked the moment she stepped through the main doors. A smile that didn’t reach her eyes pulled across Lucy’s face and she hugged him right down the middle. “They’re all very nice to me.”  Was the answer. Not quite a lie, but not completely the truth either. Her own room for being a member of the Heartfilia Family had left many a jealous girl. Most turned their backs on her or challenged her to prove her knowledge in class. It wasn’t a trouble she would mention. She could handle it. That was the way life was, even if it chipped away at the childish ideals she had held her entire life. Where is Mama to comfort me now?

Lucy pretended to have zero focus on the fireplace. She stayed in her room to rest before dinner, visited with her Father during his time away from his office, and even managed to to hold back asking to help the cook do the dishes. (She had tried once, but was told little girl’s of her station were not supposed to help the household staff. Lucy never did understand why.)

The Spring visit felt short, but she kept her patience, held it in until the very last night. Lucy took her chances and went to the Foyer when everyone slept. It had been her plan from the beginning, and she feared her rushed footsteps would give her away, but luck was on her side. Making it from her unlocked room and down the stairs, her eyes beheld the one place she had yearned to see for months.

There was no fire. The brick wall remained- her heart sank to the depths of her feet and a choked sob escaped her. “Natsu.. Are we not connected anymore?” The quiet question that floated in the air like a gentle sigh.  She approached with staggering steps, as if each movement stole a little strength from her each time. Sinking to the floor, her knees stung from the impact, but her eyes never left the backs of the unlit chimney. “Open.” She pleaded, fingers lifting to run along the sides. “Please. I want, I want to see Natsu!” Why wouldn’t it budge? Did it need a lit flame? Firewood? Eyes glanced back towards the clock. Five past midnight. Where was he? Could she make a flame without notice?

‘Lucy…  ‘ Eyes shot open as she held her breath, freezing in place in an attempt to strain her ears. Was that his voice, she heard? ‘Lucy? Can you hear me?’

“N-natsu?” Hesitation filled her. Lucy whirled her head, glancing about her and back into the fireplace. Leaning in to glance up, peering into the darkened shaft, she scrunched her nose from the bitter scent and leaned away. Burnt and old. Not warm and inviting- “Didn’t I hear him-”

‘Lucy!’ All the breath in her lungs escaped in that moment and she gave a loud cry. That WAS him!

“Natsu! Natsu, I’m right here! I can hear you!” Was she being too loud? Her voice came out in a fluffy, wincing slightly at her own worries while fingers scraped along the floor in her attempt to pound against the scorched brick. “I thought I’d never see you again, but I’m here, I came back!”

Her relief felt like chocolate. The way it elated her body and made her relax all at once. A flicker of a true smile finally tried to appear on the depths of her face. “I’m so sorry it took me so long. I’ve been away from home, you see-”

‘Ah-’ Natsu’s voice interrupted, sounding defeated, rough, echoing from the walls within, yet inside her mind like thumping drums. ‘I don’t get it. My fire is lit, but the wall’s still here. I really miss you, Lucy.’

“I missed you too,” She rushed out, a laugh bubbling up from the pit of her stomach. “Oh I missed you so much!  Listen, I have to tell you where I’ve been-”

‘Please come back, Lucy…’

The laugh cut off and the sprouting happiness crushed itself beneath a hard, leather boot. He wasn’t listening to her. “Natsu? You can’t hear me… can you?”

‘I know it’s probably not your fault.’ His voice continued, sounding off with a defeated sigh. ‘Your dad took you away, didn’t he? I said I’d come save you, but I… I don’t know how. I’m sorry. Does that make me a bad friend?’

Lucy choked, voice wavering, “No. No- I’m.. I’m the bad friend. I left you. Oh Natsu, you’re the best friend I ever had, please hear me!”

He didn’t. The seconds ticked on by and the voice faded. Lucy feared it would be the last she ever heard it. Sniffling, her fingers pressed against the brick, knees, now dirtied by old remnants of coal and ash, pressed hard into the grating and her body quivered in every attempt she made to get the Pink-Haired boy’s attention. It had always seemed to strange to her, but now, Lucy desperately craved to see it again.

“I’m sorry.” She sobbed, forehead pressing against the cold brick, body shivering at the drop in temperature. “I’m so sorry.”

‘Miss Anna doesn’t think I’ll be able to see you for a long time.’ The voice of Natsu rang out, right by her ear. And the empty tone that rang through her bones made Lucy’s sobs all the greater. ‘I really wanted to stay being your friend. I wanted t’find a way through and meet you. I wanted… I wanted us to be together forever. Listenin’ to ya read stories to me, and laugh. It was fun, you know?’

The little girl couldn’t bring herself to plead any further. Voice cracking from the sobs, throat burning as she whimpered, nodding despite knowing he would never see it.

‘I’m keeping your key with me all the time. I don’t care if I never see ya again- ‘ he paused and Lucy held her breath, cheeks swollen by the sliding of her tears. ‘No, no I do care. I’ll ALWAYS care.’

In that moment, his voice cracked too, and with a horrifying clarification, she realized the heartbreaking truth. He was crying too.  ‘Whatever it takes or how long I have to wait. You’re like a Princess t’me and you know what?’

‘I’m GOING to see you again!’

His voice faded.

Lucy’s exhaustion that night was in part to staying up far too late, sobbing into the fireplace, and many other parts emotional. When woken that morning, bags packed once again- her eyes were puffy and red, nose stuffed and face swollen. The vibrancy of life that once exuded from her every step was dimmed and the smile in her eyes was as dark as the chimney shaft.

Her Father didn’t notice. He waved goodbye with a pipe in hand and sent her off with his back turned as he retreated back into the manor. Magnolia Hall became her home once again. It’s warmth a cheap substitute and it’s halls empty each time she left to visit home once more. Time passed and the Fireplace stayed quiet- even when lit. Her brief attempts to hear her friend once more slowly disappeared until her eyes never glanced towards it.

Winters came and went. The little girl learned to be a Lady just as all little girl’s should. Her smile returned, but the light was never as bright as before.  Coming of age was hard and easy. Just follow the rules, nod when prompted, curtsy on time and speak fluently with soft tones.

A perfect little Lady that returned home. Dressed in layered skirts and accented by a tiny crystal hanging on a silver chain. ‘I think I found it in a dream…  ‘ She told many with a teasing smile. Half of her believed it and everyone who came to call swore she was the most fetching thing they ever did see. Heartfilia Manor became full of gifts from suitors and offers of engagement. All denied. Turned away. Not by Little Lucy, no, but from Jude.

“We won’t agree to just ANY man who comes to call, will we?” He told her over the dinner table, Pipe smoke filling the air and suffocating her. She nodded her head, but no reply came. “Exactly. I’ll find you a proper Man in time, perhaps at the annual Holiday Party. You’re old enough to attend for more than an hour now, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” She finally answered, poking delicately at her food. “I always wanted to stay longer. I’m sure it will be a delight.”

Days came and went and Lucy Heartfilia played her part well. The first party she would ever join as a full-grown adult finally arrived and she was sure, like every other day, it would be the same. Dressed in white, silk, feather wings attached to her back- her skirt bustle delicately trailed her dress along with every step she gave into the main hall, a tiny mask upon her face.  Her smile was the same as it had been for years and she greeted everyone with demure grace.

Lady Lucy’s first ever party for adults was a night she wished the snow outside would swallow her up. That the years would disappear and she’d be a little girl once more, paraded back to her room. It was hard to breathe, but she fought through it. Danced with those who asked, but only once, never more- and felt herself go dizzy with the many hands she was passed off to.

One after the other after the other after the other until-

Her gaze met dark eyes, wild pink hair, and a once dead ember slowly flickered in her hollow eyes.