#i wish this was longer but i need to wake up early tomorrow and can

[junosartsthetic]

hi hello nsfw if ur ok? sdc joseph using hermit purple in an inappropriate way?? thanks

Warning(s): Joseph being a dirty old man, mentions of sex, age gap, inappropriate use of a stand, afab!reader, pubic hair, voyeurism-ish, Hermit Purple is convenient for teasing

--

You should have known better than to invite your overeager and impatient lover to a fancy formal dinner with a few coworkers. You figured he’d at least be able to wait until after the meal to start teasing you. That was a silly assumption. 

It started with a prickly sensation coiling around your ankle, mimicking the straps of your heels. You looked down, past your long-slitted gown, to spy a familiar purple stand. You narrowed your eyes, hoping it would retreat quickly. You knew he wanted to get out of here, and he’d made it clear before arriving he wanted nothing more than to rip your gown off and take you right there in the entryway, but to resort to such childish actions? To what, get a rise out of you? You weren’t actually that surprised, but still. You told him you’d leave after eight. And it was only seven forty-five. He could wait fifteen minutes. Maybe.

You shook your foot a little, trying to shoo him away. Unfortunately, the vines clung on, slithering higher up your bare leg. You resisted the urge to bend down and grab them. 

“So, how’d a guy like you end up with someone like (Y/N)?” one of your associates teased, laughing. You glanced back up from your slithering situation. She rested a hand on her chin, leaning on it. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’d figured she’d get with someone. . .”

“Younger?” Joseph finished lightheartedly. You felt the vines squeeze you, as if to juxtapose her comment. 

“Oh I didn’t mean to offend you,” she corrected. “I’m just curious as to how you’ve got her wrapped around your finger. She never shuts up about you.” 

You smiled as calmly as possible given the ever heightening purple vines now brushing against your thigh, stifling a laugh at her choice of words. If she only knew just how wrapped up he had you. “I don’t talk that much about him,” you insisted, your hand sneaking under the table to pry the vines from snooping any further. They wouldn’t budge. Your eyes moved to Joseph’s. You glanced at his stand before looking back at him. He played innocent, ignoring your annoyed stare.

“Oh, I have my methods,” he quipped, letting out a laugh. “Nice to hear she talks about me. All good things, I hope. Or not. Depending.”

“Quit it,” you huffed, reaching over to smack his shoulder. “We’re at a formal place, this is no place for a double entendre.” You hoped he’d get the message about his Hermit Purple currently fiddling around with your panty seam.

“It’s fine, (Y/N)! It’s not that formal. Besides, I’ve heard the things you’ve said about him. It’s no secret what you two get up to.”

You wanted to strangle your coworker. Her words fueled the fire that now nestled itself under the soft fabric of your panties. Thorns trailed down your pubic hair, gliding it out of the way to find what it hunted for. 

You sucked in a breath. Bullseye. 

Damn it, Joseph. You win this time.

“Hey, I just remembered I need to let my dog out,” you sputtered out, wrenching yourself out of your seat. “She’ll pee everywhere if she doesn’t go A-S-A-P. Sorry to cut things short but we’ve gotta run! See ya! Thanks for dinner!”

You threw some bills on the table, grabbing Joseph by the wrist as you hurried out the restaurant door. The driver wouldn’t be there for another ten minutes, but you couldn’t sit there a minute longer. You’d wait outside in the cold. Maybe the freezing air would knock some sense into your horny lover. Probably not.

Joseph wheezed hysterically as you pushed him out of your way to sit on the sidewalk curb. “We don’t even have a dog!”

“Shut up! I panicked. You try thinking straight when vines start massaging your clit halfway into dinner,” you whispered harshly. “You’re a dirty old man, you know that?”

“You’re not really mad at me,” he insisted, taking a seat beside you to rest his suit jacket around your shoulders. “If you were, you'd have thrown me across the room with your stand and torn me a new one. You wanted out of there just as much as I did.”

You scoffed. Was he absolutely correct? Yes. Did a masochistic, voyeuristic part of you want him to tease you until you came underneath the dinner table? Yes. Were you currently sitting in an ever-growing wetness staining your panties? Yes. You had no counterclaim. You were frustrated out of your mind. But the only thing you wanted to do was pull Joseph into the nearest alleyway so he could finish what he started.

“Well, maybe so,” you stuttered out, crossing your arms. “But-”

“But what, sweetheart?” he countered, voice condescendingly sweet as he grabbed your chin with his hand, pulling you close enough to smell his cologne. His thumb teased at your bottom lip, pulling it down just enough to see your tongue bit between your teeth. “But you still want me to grab you right here and fuck you on this street corner? But you still want my hands caressing every centimeter of your body as I pound into you? But what, baby? Tell me.” 

Throwing away the last of your restraint, you pulled his hand away, lips crashing into his hard enough to knock him back. Your hands found his tie, pulling him impossibly closer. You could taste the red wine on his lips intermingling with your champagne-tainted tongue. It was intoxicating.

You didn’t bat an eye at the car pulling up beside the two of you, waving off the honking until you had to break away for air. “You’re sleeping on the couch tonight,” you grumbled, pushing yourself off the curb.

“No I’m not,” he replied effortlessly.

“Can you at least pretend to humor me? I’m trying to be in control for once.”

“Just get your ass in the car, sweetheart,” he replied, smacking your ass as you stepped inside. “And when we get home I’ll show you who’s in control.” 

[xeeljii]

i need some long distance! joost phone sex plss i wanna be a cam girl 😩

asfgdhjklss OKAY BUT THIS IS LETTER J on the ns/fw alphabet imma just post it here since no one asked for it but yeah i agree on the personal cam girl stuff i wanna write something longer about it in the future (,,>﹏<,,)

────୨ৎ────

ᯓᡣ𐭩 J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

CW: 18+, f! reader, phone sex, masturbation, softest degradation lol

Joost gets back to his hotel room from the venue of the show, late into the night or early morning he isn't too sure, exhausted but still pumped full of adrenaline. He throws himself onto the bed still on his sweaty clothes, should probably shower, change and go to sleep already but he is too awake for any of that. He has been thinking about you all day, you sent him a cute little selfie in the morning just you laying on the shared bed but what caught his attention was what you were wearing, his shirt and nothing but his shirt, he could see the soft outline of your perked nipples through the worn out fabric. This was the first time he had gone away since you started living together and to see you wearing his clothes while he was gone so you could feel him close, clear proof that you missed him so badly, it took all the strength in his body to not just take the first flight right there and go back to you.

But now he is alone with his thoughts again and you are the only image on his mind repeating over and over again on a loop that has him dizzy, so he grabs his phone from the pocket of his jeans and calls you, it is still early for you so he doesn't worry about waking you up, it only takes a ring to pick up like you had been waiting on him, it makes him feel hot already.

"Hello." You voice sounds a little labored, breathy like it does after he fucks you good and it makes him start twitching in his pants as the memories of all the nights he has had you flood in.

"Hi" He says, barely manages to get it out the heat in his lower body raising already. "What are you doing?" He asks, way too quick, eager to hear more of your sweet voice.

"Working out" You reply with a little tired sigh, he can picture it in his mind so clearly it pains him, you in the living room over your yoga mat stretching as music plays in the background, it is summer so you are probably wearing the tiniest little shorts that show of your legs in a way that has him interrupting you mid routine every time.

His dick twitches happily at his vivid imagination.

"How was your day?" You ask, you wish he was back already the phone calls are not nearly enough, but you don't want to worry him with that.

"Missed you." He admits, hand already flying to his belt buckle.

"Missed you too." You say softly, he pulls his pants and boxers down enough to free his already hardening cock.

"Tell me about your day." He almost begs, just needs to hear your pretty voice to get off, wants you to talk him through it.

You start talking about work and some errands you had to run, what you had for dinner and what you were planning tomorrow and you are about to start on how there will be sale at the supermarket when you hear him groan, it is barely above a whisper and you would have missed if only you weren't so familiar with all of his sounds. A devious smiles spreads on your face as you catch him red handed.

"Is this getting you off?" You ask making your voice all sultry and deep.

He can't reply but a whine escapes his mouth as his fist clenches harder on his poor sensitive dick, you chuckle at the other side of the line.

"Oh" You say so amused. You feel heat start between your own legs at the knowlegde that your voice alone is enough to have him so worked up.

"You are a pervert Joost" He whines against the phone, his hand is moving up and down his shaft almost painfully tight but still unable to recreate the delicious tightness of your cunt.

"You are pathetic." You end the word with a giggle and it gets him even harder, his dick twitches. He keeps quiet waiting for you but you are silent.

"Keep going please." He begs so pretty it is hard to say no.

"You are such a needy dog, cannot even wait." He hears you chuckle on the other side, he should be ashamed but it feels so good even when you are borderline mean it just excites him more specially because he knows you don't mean it, you are only indulging him.

"You are getting off on my voice alone, so easy. " You giggle at the last part bitting your lip.

"Fuck." He whimpers, he feels so close his dick is about to burst, precum covering the tip glistening and if you concentrate enough you could hear the wet sounds his hand is making.

"I bet you are so wet, do you miss me or do you just miss my pussy?"

"Yes, no! Fuck liefde please~" And he doesn't even know what he is asking for, it is not like you could come out of the phone and finish him off on your pretty mouth, but he wishes so badly that you could, he swears to himself he will take you with him anywhere can't even stand the thought of not having you by his side ever again.

"Oh my poor puppy." You sound mocking but still somewhat so sweet, his heart is pumping hard and fast, he hears only the blood rushing on his ears, even when you mock him there is the lingering love, you want to help him no matter how far away he is and it soothes his heart like when you lick over the fresh love bites you leave on his neck.

"It is okay baby."

He groans deeply in response, he feels the familiar burn deep inside his stomach he just needs a little more. You bite your lip, you feel at edge too knowing you have him in the palm of your hand, the high is like no other.

"I miss you too Joost, I humped your pillow yesterday I came all over it."

"Baby fuck!" He almost screams, the phone falls from his hand and ends up resting on the bed close enough where he can hear you, his hips raise from the mattress chasing after his closed fist but the only image on his mind is of you riding him. On the brink of the precipice, your confession sends him over the edge, the thought of your sweet release on his pillow, of you wanting him so bad you couldn't wait either.

"Cum Joost." It is not a plea but an order and he follows, always so obedient only for you.

"Shit." He groans as he cums thick ropes all over his hand, his shirt and even his pants.

You can only hear his heavy breathing at the other side of the line and you don't say anything just drinking on the sounds of his post orgasm bliss.

"You okay there or should i call the ambulance?" You ask sweetly after a long minute when you finally hear him breath a little easier.

He wipes his hand on the bedding before reaching for his phone. "m'kay" He whimpers, he feels all his strength has left his body.

"Was that good for you?" You ask still a little incredulous that he could get off on you talking to him alone.

"Yes, yes, perfetct thank you." He thanks you like it was you who gave him a handjob and not his own doing, it is cute the way you own his pleasure.

"I didn't know you had that type of inclination." You say a smile very present on your tone. "I cannot wait for you to come back."

The promise in the sentence leaves him hungry for more and perhaps a little scared about what door he just opened.

[btsficsandsuch]

Please Don’t Forget About Me

Your husband Jungkook has to leave for tour. Normally it’s not a big deal, but having to leave your newborn daughter is something he’s never had to deal with before.

———————-———————————————————

“She’s the cutest baby ever.”, you said looking over at your husband Jungkook. He nodded not taking his eyes off of off the newborn peacefully sleeping in her bassinet, “She really is Y/N. We did a good job.” You began to walk out of the room, but then you noticed that Jungkook wasn’t following behind you. You waited a few more second before speaking, “Kookie are you coming? She’s not going anywhere I promise.” He chuckled, “I know I just don’t want I miss any time with her.” You gave him a knowing smile and made your way out of the door.

You were able to get some chores done around the house and now you were just sitting on the couch when Jungkook came walking out of the nursery. He dropped another bag over by the front door. You looked over and saw the pile that was starting to grow. Tomorrow he was leaving for a world tour that would take him away from you guys for the next two months. You knew it was hard on him to leave when it was just you and now that your daughter was there you knew it was going to be almost impossible for him to go.

Jungkook walked over to you and laid on the couch so that his head was in your lap. He let out a long sigh. You already knew what was wrong but you thought that if you asked him maybe he’d start to talk about it instead of bottling it up. “Kook what’s wrong? You used to get so excited to go on tour. You get to travel the world and see your fans and do what you love.,” you spoke while slowly running your fingers through his hair. He thought for a moment before responding, “Y/N I do love all of that. I always will. But I love you and I love Y/D/N more than anything. Y/D/N is not even a month old and I already have to leave her.” He was quiet for a couple minutes before continuing, “I’m going to tell them I can’t go on this tour. I have to back out.”

You could tell that he was getting more upset by the minute and was starting to think irrationally. You slowly started to rub his chest trying to remind him to breathe and calm down. “You can’t do that Kookie. Remember what we said when we decided to start a family? We said that this wouldn’t stop you from performing or doing what you love. You don’t want to let down the members or the fans. They need you just as much as we do, sometimes even more. I will send you lots of photos and videos and we can video chat every day.” He nodded in agreement but you could tell that deep down he was still upset. The two of you made your way to the bedroom to get ready to sleep. Jungkook wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close in the bed, “Y/N thank you for being there for me. I love you.” You nestled into his chest, “I love you too.” The two of you drifted off to sleep in each others arms just like that.

You woke up in the early hours of the morning. Looking over at your phone you saw the time said it was 3am. You figured since you were awake you better go feed your daughter as she’ll be waking up any minute anyways. You made your way out of bed not even noticing that Jungkook was no longer wrapped in the beds warmth. You stood in front of the nursery ready to enter when you heard someone talking on the other side of the door. You slowly cracked it open to hear what was being said when you heard Jungkook’s voice, “and that’s how mommy and daddy met and fell in love” you heard him say. Your daughter must’ve woken up and he was telling her a story to get her to go back to sleep. You were about to let yourself in when he continued, “I know you don’t understand what I’m saying to you right not but I really wish you did. It would make this so much easier for me. I love you more than I ever thought possible. I really don’t want to leave you and for two whole months. I’m going to miss so much. But I’m going to think of you every minute of every day. And when I come back I’m not letting you out of my sight. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. So please don’t forget me Y/D/N.” When you heard his sniffles you could feel your heart shattering into a million pieces. You didn’t know if you wanted to run in there and give him the biggest hug, or pack your bags and follow him all over the world with a newborn, or simply just sit there and cry with him. You decided he had everything under control and you didn’t want to interrupt his time with his daughter so you made your way back to bed falling asleep fairly quickly.

You woke up a few hours later to your phone buzzing nonstop. 18 missed calls. Text message after text message,

Joonie: Y/N I’m sure you’ve got a lot going on, but please call me when you get the chance.

Yoongles: Y/N you really need to contact one of us back. It’s urgent.

Tae: You need to speak with him. Management said if he goes through with his then he’s out of the group.

JinJin: Please call one of us or management back. We know this is a difficult time but Jungkook is making a huge mistake.

It went on and on. Your mind was racing with so many thoughts. What did he do? What’s a huge mistake? You jumped out of bed and through on some clothes. You were going to get your daughter fed and changed and then you’d give them a call back. You walked into the nursery and noticed your daughter was nowhere to be found. Your heart started beating a million beats a minute. You felt like you were going to be sick. You started walking, almost running, to the living room to grab your car keys. With shaking hands you were about to call Jungkook when you stopped dead in your tracks.

Sitting on the couch in the living room clutching your newborn daughter to his chest was Jungkook. You felt a huge rush of relief seeing both of them there and safe, but you were also extremely angry at him. You were about to shout when you heard him sniffling and wiping at the tears under his eyes. You pushed your anger aside and made your way over to him. You rested your hand on his thigh, “Kookie what did you do? The boys are blowing up my phone. Jin said you’re making a huge mistake.”

He looked up at you. His eyes watery and red. He’d clearly been crying for a while. “I told the company that I was refusing to go on this tour. I can’t do it Y/N. I can’t leave her. Not now. She doesn’t understand why I’m leaving. What if she thinks I’m never coming back?” The sadness in his voice broke you, “Kookie we talked about this. You can’t give up everything that you’ve worked so hard for. I know it’s difficult and scary right now but it’ll get easier. You can call and talk to her any time so she can hear your voice and I’ll lay her down next to one of your shirts so she’ll be able to smell you. She would never forget her dad. I promise. You have so many people depending on you right now but no matter what Y/D/N and I will always be here waiting. No matter how long.”

He was starting to calm down with your words. It was at this time you felt your phone buzzing in your back pocket. You had completely forgot about everyone trying to contact both of you. You answered not even looking at the ID. It was Namjoon. The two do you spoke for a few minutes. You let him know that Jungkook was at home and safe and that you were trying to fix the situation. He let you know that the boys were already at the airport and that a car was waiting for Jungkook outside. The two of you went back and forth for a little bit. You asked him for ten more minutes to try and convince him to join the tour. Namjoon agreed to stall as long as he could.

You looked over at Jungkook. He was still clutching your daughter, slowly rocking back and forth. “There’s a car waiting for you outside and the boys are already at the airport.”, you said sitting back down next to the two of them. You continued, “Look Kookie I know it’s easy for me to say all this because I’m not the one that has to leave her but the hardest part is going to be walking out that door. Once you get with your members and you start performing and seeing the fans I think it’ll get easier on you. You don’t want to regret this later on and you don’t want our daughter to feel like it was her fault.” He slowly nodded, “I know Y/N. I just didn’t think it would be so hard to leave. I don’t want to let anyone down though. Especially you and Y/D/N.”

He held onto your daughter for a few more minutes before giving her a big kiss on the forehead and placing her down in the bassinet in the corner of the room, “I love you Y/D/N. Be good for your mom. Remember what I said last night.” He walked over to you wiping away the tears that were still falling on his cheeks. The two of you made your way over to the front door where he turned to look at you, “Promise me you’ll send lots of pictures and videos. And promise me you’ll answer when I call. And promise me you’ll keep telling her how amazing and talented and handsome her dad is.” The last line making you chuckle. He leaned in and gave you a kiss, “I love you Y/N. Thank you for supporting me.” You cupped his cheeks and gave him another kiss, “Of course. I love you. I mean you’re just so amazing and talented and handsome so how could I not.”

He gave one last look back at your daughter while he grabbed the last of his bags and made his way out the door. You watched him greet the driver and slowly get in the car. Once the car was out of sight you went back in the house and picked up your daughter who was starting to stir. Sitting on the couch you began to rock her all while telling her everything you had planned for the next couple months, “And then next month we’re going to go visit daddy and spend the last month of the tour with him. Uncle Namjoon just let me know that he is working with management so that the two of us can safely travel to see him. But when daddy calls us we can’t say anything to him. It’s going to be a surprise.”

[imdoingaokay]

Romanced!DAI Companions and Advisors (+ Platonic!Vivienne) when The Inquisitor returns to Skyhold late

(A/N: Heyyyy guys... I've missed you :) This past few months have been awful for me... but I'm back... teeheehee

I think this is gonna be really niche so I feel a need to explain what I was thinking??? Basically, The Inquisitor has been on a mission for a while now and they're returning extremely late at night.

Apologies for the inaccurate lore stuff, I don't think hours exist in Dragon Age because they don't have clocks? Or they do??? I dunno man I got a final tomorrow and I don't know if I'm gonna pass

Just know that the whole reason I got inspired for this was because it was late and I was imagining Vivienne watching The Inquisitor come back and her wrapping her robe around her waist like a mom watching their grown child come home from a rave or something

Once again, no beta we die like men

And happy late dragon age day, love y'all)

TW: Mentions of death

Blackwall/Thom Rainer: Unable to sleep. He’s waiting, whittling at the griffon he keeps. He doesn’t want to sleep anways, who will greet his lover? The wind? No. He’ll stay up, just for a few minutes longer, he tells himself… But soon he finds himself whittling into the early hours of the morning. That’s when there’s a stir of the guards, the whispers, and alerts are quiet, as to not wake up the many souls sleeping, but the message is clear.

His love has returned. And he will wait by the gate, a grin on his face and sleepiness in his eyes. He greedily hopes his lover may wish to sleep a few hours before the rest of Skyhold truly awakens.

Cassandra: She’s in bed, but not sleeping, reading a book. She’s trying to sleep, but her anxieties are getting to her. Somehow, ever since she got the letter saying that her love was returning, she fears even more. Her mind is plagued with images of an assassinated Inquisitor on the way back to her. Maker! Why didn’t that fool just bring her? 

Just as she scoffs, she hears something of a commotion outside. She prays for a moment, the news is good, and she throws on her armor, knowing better than to leave her room without it, and rushes to the gate. This is where her fears are put to rest as she greets her lover, a relieved smile on her face. And it is with this her sleepiness finally settles in. after a quick word, she urges her lover to rest, with or without her. All that matters that they returned.

Cullen Rutherford: He hasn’t slept since his lover left. A few moments where he stares off into space, drifting off before yanking himself back into consciousness. So it feels normal for him as he scribbles away the missives on his desk, being sure to double check each one so he didn’t accidentally write something foolish in his sleep deprived state. Somehow, in this half-dead state of his, he can hear the murmuring of guards outside of his door, and one enters. 

The guard has been ordered to inform Cullen of when they see The Inquisitor, so when they enter, Cullen knows what it’s for. And somehow, the sleepiness Cullen once had disappears, replaced with a drive he always feels when his lover returns. He rushes down the battlement steps, sure to not seem too desperate to his men. And in his excitement, he quickly meets his lover halfway on the bridge. They may be on their horse, but Cullen will happily walk back with them, looking up at them like they hold his whole world in their hands. When his lover gets off their horse, however, that is when he embraces them, a chaste kiss pressed to their cheek. This is when he finally asks them to rest with him, as his exhaustion is coming to bite him in the ass.

Dorian Pavus: Dorian has lied to himself multiple times throughout the night. He lied to himself claiming he didn’t care if he was asleep when his amatus returned from their very dangerous mission. So he lays in his bed for hours, trying to sleep. And when he can’t? He lies to himself, coming up with some excuse as to why his mind will not rest. So he waits in the library, sipping a glass of wine while attempting to read nonchalantly. Of course, he seemingly can’t. So he decides to wait on the battlements, claiming he must need some fresh air. Even though he despises how cold it is that night. 

But, somehow, without meaning to, he notices the small group of people making their way across the bridge. And, without a reason at all, a huge weight is lifted off of Dorian’s shoulders. 

He lets out a sigh and returns to the warmth of the library, happy to wait for his lover to come to him. And when he does, only then does Dorian finally agree to go to sleep. 

Iron Bull: Doesn’t sleep, but this is because he knew his lover was coming back tonight. So he waits patiently in the tavern, a ear out and ready, waiting for murmurs of The Inquisitor’s return. And when he does hear, he happily shoots up from his chair and makes his way to the gate, happy to greet his lover.

Bull was only slightly worried to be away from his lover, he knew they could handle their mission without him, but still, who knows what could happen? But the news that The Inquisitor was coming back? That was enough to settle his nerves. But seeing… and feeling his lover in his arms? That is what truly relaxes him.

Josephine Montilyet: Josephine is the only one who is asleep, she was corralled to his bedroom by Leliana, who told Josephine that she would wake her up when The Inquisitor returned. True to her word, Leliana gently shook awake a sleepy Josephine who, wrapped in a robe, quickly made her way to the empty Great Hall. She situated herself onto Vivienne’s balcony. She happily watched her lover pass the gates a promptly made their way to her, greeting her with a gentle kiss, which Leliana thankfully turned away from. Afterwards she’s happy to lead her lover to bed, as the second the pair’s heads hit the pillow, the pass effortlessly into a dreamless sleep.

Sera: Sera’s mindlessly making arrows, her door is locked, as she grew tired of Cole trying to make his way into the room to encourage Sera to talk about her anxieties surrounding her Inky leaving without her. She doesn’t even know her lover has returned until she hears the door jiggle a bit before her lover’s voice calls, “Sera, I saw the light was on, are you awake?”

This is when Sera happily throws the door open and grabs her Inky and drags them inside her room, into her arms. The two were eventually found the next morning by a messenger, who reported The Inquisitor and Sera were fast asleep in a pile of various blankets and pillows.

Solas: Solas isn’t sleeping much either, somehow he can’t take his mind off of his vhenan. He completely understand why his lover would take another person on their adventure, potentially a different mage than him. But he worries when they’re away! And there’s not much to do in Skyhold when The Inquisitor is gone. Most servants and nobles steer clear from him. He busies himself painting the various frescos in the atrium. He’s just taken a break and decided to walk along the battlements, and that’s of course, when he sees his beloved. He’s happy to walk down the stairs of the battlements and meet his lover at the gate, awaiting them with open arms. He happily leads them away, whether to their bed in their room, where Solas will leave them to rest. Or if they prefer, they can spend a bit of time in the atrium alone, Solas would be happy to hear the stories of his vhenan’s journey. 

Varric Tethras: Varric is rotating between the tavern and The Great Hall. Ever since he first got the letter from his lover, happily informing him of their return, he’s only been more nervous. Like Cassandra, he fears the image of a truly tragic hero, beaten down on the way back to the arms of their lover. 

He thinks he’s been writing too much tragedy when he firsts gets that mental image

Nevertheless, he pushes through the night.

Eventually, he’s sitting at his usual spot near the fire, unhappily grumbling to himself, sounding like a real dwarf. His mind is racing, and he can’t seem to get the thoughts to stop. So, for one last time that evening, he walks out of the hall, preparing to return to the tavern for a drink and a song from Maryden. That’s when he sees his beloved standing by the gate, quietly talking with a solider who leads their horse away. They’ve returned and they’re safe, that’s all he needed to know.

When The Inquisitor finally catches a glimpse of their lover, all they see is a bright grin spread across his face.

Varric is happy to go along with whatever The Inquisitor wants, bed, a drink, a tale by the fire, he’s just relieved they’ve returned.

Vivienne: Vivienne lies to herself. The day that she hears The Inquisitor will be returning that evening, she nods and nonchalantly walks away. Yet she finds herself constantly checking the gate everytime there is movement in that direction. She has no idea why, however. Her friend, whom she doesn’t really call friend, is taking an awful long amount of time to just get back to Skyhold. 

She justifies her musings on The Inquisitor’s safety as rationally as she can. If The Inquisitor dies, Thedas will be lost. If The Inquisitor dies, her position in court may affected. If The Inquisitor dies, she will be sad-

That is what gives her pause. She straightens her back, hands quickly going to her face as if to smooth out her frown that was previously there, and then she turns on her heel and returns to her sofa. She attempts to swallow down her fear the entire day, but as the night swiftly covers Skyhold, she finds herself unable to sleep. The moons is high in the sky when she emerges from her room, robe tightly wrapped around her. She is sure not a single soul will see her in such a… vulnerable state. She quickly makes her way to the balcony again, and stays there for what feels like an entire age. But just as she gets ready to sigh and return to a sleepless night in her bed, she hears a disturbance coming from the gate. That is where she sees The Inquisitor, alive and perhaps wrapped in the arms of lover. And with a sigh of… relief? She quietly returns to her chambers. Never speaking of this again.

[coff33andb00ks]

capture you - GR

summary: let me stay right here just a moment longer, the picture is so clear, please, let this last forever word count: 1k pairing: george russell x photographer!reader (lilli. it's lilli) warnings: just pure fluff a.n.: part two of my I need Lilli to have an amazing birthday series! this is once again for @maxlarens note: painting i describe (badly) is The Day Dream by Dante Rossetti <one of my favorite romanticism pantings>

He always used to see the camera first. It was his first sign that you were around. Then, as time passed, as he grew accustomed to you, he would see the flash of your hair out the corner of his eye and then the camera. He isn't sure when, exactly, but now he notices your perfume before he sees you.

He can smell it now as he chats with Mick and Lewis, and as Mick comments on tires George darts his eyes to his left for a split second. You're there, across the garage, your ever-present camera raised, and he knows he can relax now.

You watch him through the viewfinder, feeling voyeuristic even though it's literally your job. It's not your fault that he's so photogenic. The camera always focuses on him, and the rest of the team has given up teasing you for having more photos of George than anyone else.

Which is silly, because you make sure to take just as many photos of Lewis as you do George.

When you can.

If possible.

If you remember, which you never do.

You blink and he's in front of you. And, because you can, you snap a possibly unflattering photo of him – spoiler alert: it isn't – and lower the camera with a smile.

"We're still on tomorrow, right?" he asks.

You nod. "I've already reserved the passes."

His lips twitch into a fine line for a millisecond. He hates when you spend money on the outings you take together. Not due to some primal he-man must provide for woman instinct, but because—

"Goodness, Lilli, won't you let me spoil you?"

"You can buy me dinner," you say, smiling.

The fine line is gone, replaced by the smile you know and love. The one that makes his eyes crinkle and his rarely seen dimples appear. "Alright."

The rest of the day is hectic and then becomes chaotic, and for the first race weekend in nearly a year you have more photos of Lewis than George. You're gutted for him, for having to retire early at his home race, but you're so happy for Lewis. And George is too – chuffed to bits honestly. You're swept up in the celebrations and are nursing a small hangover in the morning when you climb into the helicopter for the brief ride to London.

George's hand covers yours, but he doesn't say anything, and you smile weakly, staring at your knees to keep your stomach settled. He used to tease you about your nerves when flying, now he offers quiet support.

You love that about him.

The museum is hushed and you stand in awe despite visiting it several times before.

George looks on, a fond smile that you don't notice pulling at his lips. He's been here once or twice before. Not with you, so this is new. He's used to seeing you always in motion, always bouncing and twisting and twirling to get the perfect shot. Even away from the job you're his hummingbird, flitting from one thing to another with boundless energy, leaving traces of ethereal beauty in your wake. But now you're still, your breath hushed as though too harsh an inhale would disturb the masterpieces that surround you.

There's a reverence in each step you take, a gentleness to every movement that he rarely sees. You're not there to look but to view, to study, to learn, to share thoughts. In a respectful murmur you read each placard and in each word he hears your passion for each piece you view together.

He could watch you like this all the days of his life. He wishes you'd brought your camera, wishes he'd thought to bring his.

Wishes he could freeze time so you could study every hall, every corner, every detail in every painting and sculpture while he studied you.

He can't, but he does take out his phone to take a photo of you. Chin tipped up, staring at a painting, your eyes sweeping slowly, and he can see the corner of your mouth tipped up. He doesn't check to make sure the photo comes out – doesn't matter, it'll never encapsulate how he feels in this moment – and lowers his phone.

You're staring at the painting like he stares at you.

George wonders if his love and admiration is so obvious to onlookers. Wonders if the painting – a woman in green, sitting beneath a tree – knows how lucky it is to have your gaze.

He reads the placard. The artist's name is slightly familiar, but—

"He was in love with her," you say, hushed and soft.

George lifts his eyes to the painting. "Was he?"

"They were having an affair, I think. But look at the way the tree shelters her, almost like a secret spot. And the use of green? It evokes a peacefulness, so she may have quieted his mind." You tip your head to study the painting some more. "I think the honeysuckle represented love in Victorian times, and she's holding some."

He takes in each detail as you describe it, the painting coming more to life. "Do you think she loved him? Or vice versa?"

"I like to think it was mutual," you murmur. "I hope she realized how beautiful she was to him."

You stand in silence for several moments before he speaks again.

"I wish I had the talent to capture my love in such a way that people will see it over a hundred years from now."

"Does love need to be broadcast?" you ask softly.

His hand slides over yours and you both sigh as your fingers interlock. "No, I suppose it doesn't," he whispers. "But it would be nice, wouldn’t it, for others to see the object of your adoration as you see it?"

"I don't need a painting, George." You look at him and he turns to look at you.

"I would give you the world if you'd let me, Lilli" he whispers.

"You already do," you promise.

[emberfrostlovesloki]

Hit and Run [Hotch x Reader]

Photo credits: Left (Panic! at the Disco) Center (@hotch-girl) Right (@figdays)

Prompt: The BAU reader gets in a hit-and-run accident on the way to work, and Aaron is forced to confront his growing feelings for her. Those feelings are finally shared as the reader nearly faints on a case and Aaron is there to catch her before she falls. 

Pairing: Hotch x fem reader. The reader uses she/her pronouns 

Category: Hurt/Comfort/fluff 

Word Count: 13.5K 

Content Warnings: Car accident (hit and run [reader]) cuts and bruises, second-degree burns on the legs and feet (and healing of those burns), hospitals, canon typical violence (mention of poisoning and strangulation), fainting (reader) language. 

A/N: Good evening, loves! I’m so happy that this is finally finished. It turned out much longer than I had planned. But somehow I’m not surprised. There isn’t a ton of action in this story, it’s just a lot of emotional build-up that I hope pays off in the end. I hope you enjoy this, and if you do, likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated! I hope you have a great rest of your week! Love Levi ❤️

P.S. This is not as edited as it can be. I'll do that tomorrow.

List with all stories 

_y/f/s_ = your favorite song 

_y/h/l_ = your hair length 

_y/f/f/w_ = your favorite face wash 

_y/f/c_ = your favorite color 

_y/f/f_ = your favorite fruit 

_y/b/f_ = your best friend 

_y/f/s_ = your favorite TV show. 

_y/n_ woke to the lack of oxygen. Her vision was black, and she couldn’t breathe. _y/n_ tried to move, and that was her second mistake. As she tried to shift in what was a very uncomfortable, confined space her body protested. It was also hot, uncomfortably hot. The pain and the heat dragged a ragged breath from _y/n_. That also hurt, her ribs aching against the movement of her lungs expanding in her ribcage. _y/n_’s eyes open and the world swam in front of her. There was something white in her lap. That was all she could make out, as she blinked and saw spots. The heat on her lower legs was becoming unbearable. She groaned in pain. Why was everything hurting? What was going on? She had just been driving to work like every other day for the last two years after joining the bureau. _y/n_’s mind moved back to the early morning. 

She had woken at 5:00 a.m. as normal to an alarm that she was now regretting horribly. _y/n_ could feel the approaching time change, and she knew that it would be even harder to adjust to the shorter days and possibly leave the office in darkness instead of the warmth of the dripping orange five o'clock sun. _y/n_ had set _y/f/s_ as her new alarm. Now that she had woken to it for over a week, _y/n_ realized that she might be ruining her favorite song for herself. _y/n_ had rolled over in bed and for one second, wished she was back in college when the worst thing about an alarm had been the prospect of a dreadful 8:00 a.m. algebra class. In the darkness of her room, _y/n_ finally hit stop on the alarm and got out from under the warm covers of her bed. Once her feet were on the wood floor of her bedroom, _y/n_’s natural routine kicked in. _y/n_ moved to the bathroom and turned on the light by the sink. She had to blink a few times to adjust to the sudden brightness. _y/n_ pulled her _y/h/l_ hair away from her face with a fluffy grey headband. She turned the tap to warm and waited a moment for it to heat up. After thirty seconds, _y/n_ leaned down and began raising her face with the warm water. After her face was wetted, she pumped a small bit of _y/f/fw_ into her palm and began applying and lathering it over her skin. Once _y/n_ was satisfied with the coverage, she rinsed it off completely. Lastly, she turned the knob on the sink to cold and rinsed her face once more. The cold water always had the wanted effect; finally getting her tired brain to wake up. _y/n_ padded into the kitchen and started a cup of coffee before moving back to the bedroom to change. She needed to do laundry but was avoiding it -- putting it off until the weekend. Because of this, her options were scant. She decided on a pair of loser-fitting black pants with a simple white grid pattern. She had picked them up at a thrift shop two weekends ago and thought they were a good find. _y/n_ then went to her closet and picked out a _y/f/c_ turtleneck shirt. She added a grey scarf and pulled out some thick socks and her well-worn Doc. Martins. Once the outfit and boots were on, _y/n_ moved back to the kitchen. She doctored the coffee to her liking and opened the fridge. She pulled out a yogurt cup and a piece of _y/f/f_  from the fridge. She leaned against the counter as she dipped the spoon into the yogurt. She needed to eat quickly as morning traffic was going to be hell on the way to work. It had rained the night before and the temperatures had dropped below freezing which meant slick, icy roads. After burning her tongue on the hot coffee and finishing breakfast, _y/n_ made it out to her car. She didn’t forget to grab her go bag or sidearm from its gun safe, as she locked the door behind her. 

Coming back to herself, the heat on her legs was really starting to hurt and whatever adrenaline had stopped the real pain from kicking in was quickly ebbing away. _y/n_’s eyes cleared, and she came fully to her senses. She let out a cry. The deflated airbag was resting on her lap with fragments of tempered glass from the passenger side door and windshield. _y/n_ could distinctly hear her breathing. _y/n_’s left hand seemed to be pinned between her seat and the plastic padding of the interior of the car. She tried to pull the appendage free but it was struck. _y/n_ could move her fingers at least which was a good sign. _y/n_ was sure there was some sort of fire happening near her feet and legs, and she used her right hand to clumsily push back the airbag. There was black smoke filling the cab now and there was a tongue of flame dancing near her ankles. She tried her best to pull her feet up as she coughed on the noxious fumes. The situation was becoming dire. _y/n_ started to panic as her eyes welled from the smoke. She tried to undo her seatbelt, but it was stuck. Not thinking clearly with all the pain, she tried to open the driver’s side door, but that too seemed jammed. _y/n_ pulled her turtleneck over her lips and nose and tried to undo the seatbelt again. She didn’t even seem to notice as a group of strangers beat on the unbroken glass of her window to get her attention. 

Emily saw the whole thing. Or almost the whole thing, as she made her way to work. The roads were crowded and people driving were either very defensive or just plain bad given the weather. Emily pulled on the main drive to work and saw _y/n_’s car in front of her. Em had considered tapping her horn to say hello but decided against it. They would be together in the office in about ten minutes anyway. As they moved down the road toward the intersection that led to the FBI field office, a car merged into the lane in front of Emily, dangerously. At this, she did honk her horn once and thought, ‘Jerk,’ as the sedan slightly blocked her view of _y/n_’s car. The light, which was notoriously fast, turned green and Emily inched forward. The light was turning yellow as Prentiss approached the intersection, and _y/n_ was halfway through the four-lane street with her blinker on to turn left. There was no way that _y/n_ could see the truck coming from the other side of the intersection. The large vehicle was speeding down the slippery road and ran straight passed the red light and into _y/n_’s car. Emily couldn’t tear her eyes away as the metal collided. Prentiss watched as _y/n_’s body was violently pushed to the side. The sound of the metal crunching and glass breaking had Emily’s nerves standing on end. _y/n_’s car and the truck slid a foot to the edge of the highway curb. There was a moment of silence as if Emily were waiting for something else to happen. The truck didn’t seem that damaged apart from a large dent to the hood, and it roared back to life loudly. The tires squealed against the ice as it backed up and then, very quickly sped down the street. Em memorized the plate number and then pulled forward into the intersection. Prentiss sent up a silent prayer that everyone else on the road had stopped and that another car hadn’t been involved in the crash. Em flicked on her hazards and jumped out of her car. Two other vehicles had done the same thing as her and a large man was already at the door of _y/n_’s car trying to open and free the agent trapped inside. Then there was a petite woman with her phone to her ear speaking to 9-1-1. Em overheard the woman say, “No, we’re trying to get her out of the car now. She’s moving around in there. Yes, yes. It’s the intersection of Neville Road and Barnett Avenue. Because Emily was assured the paramedics were on their way, she moved toward the heavily dented call. She called a number one on speed dial as she got to the wreck. 

Aaron had gotten to the office early. When didn’t he? He was normally the first one in and the last one out. No matter how he cut it, either as he found his job important, or that he hardly had a life outside of work -- apart from Jack -- at least his extended hours at the bureau kept him from his empty apartment. When he was there, and Hailey had Jack during the week, it felt all too still. All too lifeless for his liking. At least he got to do some of the more bureaucratic brain-rotting mundane paperwork the job entailed from the team. He could often be found late at night in his office filling out the basic forms for his team over and over and over again in his neat blocky handwriting. So far it was only he and Mogan in the office, Derek was moving toward his desk, and Aaron turned to do the same. In half an hour he was going to meet with JJ to see about the next case for the team. Just as he settled into his swivel chair that hurt his back if he sat in it too long, he heard Derek shout his name. There was a distress in its tone. A sharp “Aaron!” that he rarely if ever had heard from Morgan before. He was on his feet and out of his office in an instant. He flew down the stairs. Morgan was already on the move toward the elevators and Hotch jogged to make up the distance and asked as he moved down the hall, “Morgan, what is it?” Derek turned to Aaron and said, “_y/n_ got in a hit and run on Barnett. Emily just called me. She’s already there.” Hearing this made Hotch’s stomach feel like it was suddenly being squeezed by an iron fist. His heart dropped as the worst possible scenarios flicked in front of his mind. Aaron hurriedly asked, “Is she okay? What did Emily say!” The urgency in his voice probably gave away that he was incredibly concerned for his younger agent’s safety. Perhaps more concerned than a boss should be about his employees. Hotch could see that Derek had caught what he was thinking, but he couldn’t fucking care. Not when he was imagining _y/n_ bleeding out, or already dead in front of him. He couldn’t bear it, so he repeated his question. Finally, Morgan snapped back to himself and as the elevator moved to the ground floor, he replied, “Em says she’s awake but trapped in the car and there’s a smoke filling the cab.” Hotch gritted his teeth, as he nodded along. Smoke meant fire, and fire meant possible combustion. Aaron wished the damn elevator moved faster. When they got to the bottom floor, he and Morgan sprinted past Spencer, Rossi, and JJ who were waiting to pass through security. Spencer asked, “What’s going on?” Morgan shouted back, “_y/n_’s hurt.” Derek’s car was the closest to the pair, and they both got in. Derek moved out of the lot as quickly as he could without speeding or getting himself and Hotch in an accident of their own with the roads as they were. When they got closer to the intersection, the cars were backed up down the road. Aaron looked at Morgan and Derek could see the desperation in his colleague's face. Morgan said, “Jump out. I’ll pull over and be there in a minute.” Aaron nodded and moved out into the bitterly cold air. Hotch nearly ate it twice on the slick concrete. He couldn’t care, he’d crawl on his hands and knees to get to _y/n_. Hotch could hear the peal of sirens in the distance. When he got to the scene, there was an assembled crowd. He elbowed his way to the front. He was relieved to see _y/n_ was out of her car. But the crumpled wreck of metal didn’t much calm his mind. _y/n_ had been pulled twenty or so feet away from the damaged vehicle. 

Emily saw Hotch ran, and nearly tumbled, as he got a foot away from _y/n_. Prentiss felt better now that he was here. Em knew that _y/n_ and Hotch had something going on, or at least they both wanted to have something going on. The whole team saw it as a matter of fact. The issue was that neither Aaron nor _y/n_ had caught on. Or if they had, both parties weren’t acting on the feelings between the two of them. Hotch fell to his knees next to Emily. Prentiss was holding _y/n_’s hand. Prentiss sort of handed over _y/n_’s hand to him. Aaron didn’t even think as he took it and held it close in both his hands. Subconsciously, he drew _y/n_’s hand close to his chest, his heart. He was leaning over her, trying to ascertain the damage to her body. Her level of pain. When _y/n_ felt a new set of hands, a familiar set of hands resting around hers, she opened her eyes. Everything was bleary, swimming in front of her. But even with her compromised vision, she knew it was Aaron beside her. His broad shoulder and soft touch were all she needed to know that it was him. _y/n_ thought that she’d know him with less information than that. She believed that she could be blinded and deaf and she’d still know it was him if he walked into her room. _y/n_ tried to turn her head to the side to see his face better, but the man that had ended up dragging her body out of the driver’s side window which Emily had shot out with her sidearm, stopped her movement. There was a painfully loud explosion from _y/n_’s car as it finally combusted. The fire had reached the fuel tank and even though they were far enough away from the car to not be burned, the whole group could feel the heat radiate out from the flaming car. At the noise and heat, Hotch protectively moved his body over _y/n_’s. The loud sound had _y/n_ whimper, and Aaron wasn’t sure he could take hearing _y/n_ like this. Aaron didn’t even realize that the fire trucks, police cruisers, and ambulances had arrived. The sound of their siren was not registering to him, as he only had thoughts for _y/n_. Morgan and the firemen telling the assembled crowd to move back finally brought him back to himself.

Aaron shifted up as two EMTs ran over to them. Hotch reluctantly let go of _y/n_’s hand and moved back to make room for the two men who now had taken his and Prentiss’s places. One of the EMTs pulled out a penlight. _y/n_’s eyes didn’t follow the light. They drifted, and her pupils were dilated. Meanwhile, the other, leaner EMT was looking at _y/n_’s legs. The man had pushed up _y/n_’s pants up to her knees. Aaron looked at the angry red skin on her legs. At some point _y/n’s shoes had been taken off and Hotch noticed there was a small hole in her sock near her big toe. All Aaron seemed to be able to do at the moment was notice small details about _y/n_. Like how her watch face was cracked. How _y/n_’s speech was slurred as the paramedic asked her if she remembered what had happened. It seemed that _y/n_ did, just struggled to get the words out as she said, “Hit ‘an run. Big.” She swallowed painfully and continued, “Truck. Grey green… light.” Aaron suddenly became poignant about Emily being near him again as he felt her gaze linger on him. He turned and looked at Prentiss. Aaron asked, “What happened exactly?” Emily swallowed, as she watched _y/n_ squirm under the hand of the leaner paramedic who was pressing down on her blistering legs. Once Em had composed herself a bit, she said, “Well _y/n_ was one car in front of me. The light turned green. She did everything right, obviously. This guy, I’ve got his plate number and everything was driving a Ford F-350. And it was grey. The guy hit her on the driver's side. He was out of control maybe. He just barreled into her. I couldn’t guess the speed he was going. If the dude had been out of control when he crashed into _y/n_, he most certainly intentionally left without getting out and checking on _y/l/n_.” Hotch nodded and said, “Alright. Well, call Pen about the license plate. She’s sure to be in her office right now. I’m sure she’s called all of us at least twenty times by now. She’ll be relieved to hear from any of us.” Prentiss nodded her assent and moved to get her phone from her back pocket. 

Aaron watched the paramedics move _y/n_ onto a waiting stretcher. As they lifted her up, Hotch turned to the larger man and said, “Can I ride with you to the hospital? Where are you taking her?” The man looked at Aaron intently and said, “Rockingham Memorial. Are you her husband? Partner.” Hotch cleared his throat for a moment, as his heart stuttered in his chest, and said, “I’m her boss. She’s a federal agent.” Aaron flashed his badge at the man, and the EMT took a second to look at the badge and Hotch over once. The EMT nodded and said “Alright. We’re going to load her in and then you can sit in the bench seat.” Hotch nodded as the seasoned medical professionals easily transported, wheeled, and lifted _y/n_ into the back of the waiting ambulance. Once the more built man was inside and locking the gurney in place, as well as placing one restraining strap around _y/n_’s waist. Hotch sat on the edge of the small seat. The EMT radiated the other man and said. “We can get moving, Stan.” There was a static and Stan replied, “Roger that. Headed to Rockingman, John.” With that, the large vehicle started moving down the road. John started by pulling out the pressure cuff and placing it around _y/n_’s arm. The man checked in, making sure his patient was still with them, even if not fully present. John asked, “How are you feeling? What’s your pain level on a scale from one to five.” John held up his hands, indicating one and five. Aaron focused in on her, as she said, “I don’t feel anything really. I’m just cold. So cold.” John nodded and moved to the front of the space. The man pulled out an emergency blanket and spread it over _y/n_’s form before he started pumping the pressure cuff to see what her blood pressure was. When the man had taken the reading, he jotted down the number, the EMT looked to Aaron, who was clearly upset, and said, “She’s most likely in shock. Both from the cold and what she’s been through in the last hour. Right now it looks like a mild concussion, some; burns to the legs, lacerations from the glass, and bruising to the body. Given the state of her car and how charred it was, I think we can find _y/n_ very lucky to have so fortunate an outcome. She very well might have died in her car as it caught fire.” Again all Aaron could do was nod along because there was nothing else for him to do but wait to hear more, from the hospital, Garcia, or _y/n_ herself. Hotch knew that he was going to have to think long and hard about what this whole incident meant to him. How he had reacted on pure instinct. How he couldn’t stop himself from seeming composed as he learned that _y/n_ had been hurt. How he had pictured her dead, lifeless body in front of him. How that was the worst thing he could possibly imagine at the moment. But for now, he would wait. Try to be present to _y/n_’s needs. There would be time to think later. Quickly the ambulance rushed to the hospital and when it arrived, Hotch jumped out and made way for the EMTs to lift _y/n_ down and out of the truck. As Hotch watched the men wheel her away to a space he didn’t have access to, John said, “You can go to the front of the hospital and check-in. A nurse will be with you when there’s news on _y/n_’s condition.” 

Once Aaron had checked in at the front desk, he paced around the waiting room. Hotch pulled out his phone for the first time in an hour and found thirsty missed calls from Gacia, and three texts from Derek, Rossi, and Emily asking where _y/n_ had been taken. Hotch told Morgan the name of the hospital and what John’s preliminary assessment of _y/n_ had been in the ambulance. He was sure Derek would spread the word to everyone else. Once he ended the call with Morgan, who assured him he, Emily, and Rossi were headed over once they had finished speaking with the police. Next, to keep himself busy, Hotch called Garica. Penelope picked up on the first ring, and even though she said, “Office of Supreme Intelligence, to whom am I speaking?” Aaron could hear the strain in her voice. Aaron replied, “It’s Hotch. Got a read on that license plate yet?” There was a squeaky sound as Penelope moved in her swivel chair. Her tone was now determined as she stated, “I do. Plate number 7PN-G542 belongs to Mr. Paul Wilson of South Carolina. The man is squeaky clean. It appears he’s done nothing wrong in his life. I’m pretty sure this isn’t the guy we’re looking for.” Hotch asked, “Why’s that?” Penelope was typing away wildly, as she replied, “Well Mr. Wilson is Cuban American and the man Emily described was white. Also, there’s a report out for that truck's plate reporting it being stolen two days ago from a lot in South Carolina. So…” Hotch breathed a sigh and said, “Alright. Well, the report’s out there, at least there’s that.” There was a moment of silence before Garcia asked, “How is _y/n_? Em said she looked pretty bad. Did the paramedics say anything else in the ride to the hospital?” Aaron was still pacing but stopped for a moment. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his left hand. Everything felt like it was happening so fast and yet so slow. He looked at his watch,  it had only been fifteen minutes since he had gotten here. He had no idea how long it would be until someone came to tell him more information about _y/n_. He exhaled and replied to Garcia’s question saying, “There’s not much more to add from what Morgan told you. The EMT said she was most likely in shock, but she stayed conscious the whole ride over. _y/n_ was a bit loopy though, speaking with slurred speech, and long pauses, but the EMTs seemed to think she would be alright. Of course, only time can tell.” Hotch let the last line slip and realized how strange that sounded coming from someone like him. He repeated the line in his head, ‘Only time can tell.’ How cliche he reflected. Time would tell, time was telling right now as _y/n_ was being examined, prodded, and pocked to see the extent of damage her body had taken. Hotch became aware that he hadn’t been speaking for a minute, as Garcia’s breath on the other end of the line came through clearly. Thankfully Aaron was saved from any awkwardness because Prentiss, Rossi, and Morgan all rushed into the room. Hotch said, “Hey, Garcia, most of the team is here now, so I’m going to catch up with them. You can come a join us if you like.” The technical analyst replied, “I’ll be there in a bit. I’m going to see if I can find more info on the APB for the stolen truck, and then I’ll head right over.” Hotch nodded and said, “Garcia, please don’t break any internet or hacking laws trying to find this guy.” There was a pause and he tacked on, “At least not any that you can get caught for.” Hearing this, Penelope chuckled and said, “You got it, boss man. See you in a few.” The call ended, and Aaron approached the rest of the team. 

Thankfully the members of the BAU only had to wait for about another forty minutes before a nurse came out and said, “Party for _y/l/n_?” Just as the middle-aged woman called, Garcia entered the building and all five members moved to the woman. Her nametag had Joan printed on it. Joan smiled and said, “Ms. _y/l/n_ is recovering well. She sustained a second-degree concussion, a hairline fracture to her left wrist, some bruising and lacerations to the face and chest, and second-degree burns to her legs. The whole team seemed to still at the news. Everyone looked around as if silently asking, ‘And how bad is that? What does that mean?’ Joan was helpful enough to answer their unanswered question with, “Miss _y/n_ is recovering well. She’s more fully conscious now. The primary concerns are her concussion and the burns on her feet. She’ll need some aid in getting around for a week or so, and the hospital is going to monitor her for a few more hours to make sure she’s cognitively okay for discharge. The doctor is speaking to her now, but you should all be able to go back and see her in a few minutes. She’ll need someone to stay with for a few days. Everyone nodded along. It was a short wait now that the team knew more, and that _y/n_ wasn’t in any serious danger. This didn’t stop Hotch’s mind from racing. From him wondering what would have happened if it had been worse. If _y/n_ had been seriously hurt. He tried as hard as he could, and yet he couldn’t still those thoughts. This situation reminded him that life was frail. That life, love, could be snuffed out in an instant. Life could be taken and it wouldn’t even have to be on the field, it could happen on a cold Monday morning and it wouldn’t even be his fault. There might not even be anyone to blame. The idea disturbed him deeply. His first were clenched tightly at his sides. He could feel his fingernails digging into the soft skin of his palm. As the nurse indicated it was okay for the team to move and see _y/n_ Hotch thought, ‘This is a problem. 

Inside _y/n_ little curtained-off room, the doctor was just finishing up speaking with her and the grey-haired man moved out of the way to make room for the large group. When everyone shuffled in, _y/n_ almost smiled. She was much more coherent than two hours ago when she had been laid out on the frozen ground, Aaron noticed. _y/n_ didn’t look or feel great. Her body ached all over and her vision was still a bit off. The lights were too bright for one thing. She had to stop herself from squinting as the team all herded in around her. She knew she already looked goofy in a hospital gown. The nurse hadn’t let her look in a mirror, and maybe that was for the best. Not that _y/n_ was a very vain person. She tried her best to be content with her body and how she looked, but it felt like crossing some unspoken personal rule to be this disheveled in front of the team. In front of Hotch. For a second, she wanted to hide her face in her hands, or ask Emily, “How do I look?” But it was all pointless, and it would be such a character shift from the normal, no-nonsense attitude she showed in the field and office. So she mustered up a face that hid some of her pain and said, “You don’t have to look so concerned, guys. I feel like garbage, but I’ll live.”

The team did look very worried, and she thought that maybe she really did look as bad as she felt. The team chuckled at her comment, and immediately she felt better. _y/n_’s gaze found Hotch’s, and she noticed the thin line of his mouth. It was set seriously. She wondered if he was mad at her? But why would he be? She’d never really seen him like this before. It was close to the time that Emily had gotten hurt in a case at Waco. But there was something more to this look, and she was too tired to try and decipher it at the moment. Instead, she flashed him the tiniest of smiles. At this, Aaron’s face seemed to settle to its normal stoic look, so _y/n_ looked to the rest of the team so she didn’t start blushing. Penelope moved toward and gave her a little kiss on the cheek and asked, “How are you feeling, baby girl?” _y/n_ normally bristled at Pen’s pet names, but she accepted it once given the circumstances. _y/n_ replied, “Well, they’ve got me on some pretty good pain meds, so all things considered it could be worse. My feet feel funky though, in a not great kind of way. Penelope squeezed _y/n_’s hand and said, “Well we’re all here to help you out with whatever you need.” Derek agreed, saying, “Exactly what Pen said, _y/n_. You need anything and we’re on it.” As Morgan finished, the nurse moved back in and asked, “Miss _y/n_ have you decided who you’re going to stay with for the next few days?” _y/n_ blushed profusely. She hadn’t had time to ask anyone on the team, and she wasn’t even sure they had been informed that she was going to get some help for the next two days. It was embarrassing really. She liked others to think of her as strong and confident. Someone they could turn to, but now the tables had been turned. She looked up at the team, and she could see in all those assembled that they would be happy to have her. Rossi may be less so, but both she and Dave knew that she wasn’t going to ask him. _y/n_ had to pull herself from looking at Aaron. Because if she did, he would readily nod, and then that would mean that they could spend the night together at her place, or his, and potentially the night after that, and _y/n_ wasn’t sure if she could take that right now with how she was feeling. She might say things and do things that betrayed her feelings for him. In fact, she knew she would do something stupid, given all the meds and endorphins rushing through her body. So she looked up at Emily, and Prentiss beamed at her. They didn’t even need to say anything to understand each other. _y/n_ looked over at the nurse and said, “I’ll stay with Emily.” Prentiss raised her hand as her name was spoken, and the nurse moved toward her to get her contact information for the hospital's systems. As Emily moved with the nurse to the information desk, Rossi stepped forward and patted _y/n_ on the shoulder and said, “Keep your head up, kid.” _y/n_ gave him a smile too and said, “I’ll try Rossi.” There was an awkward silence as _y/n_ looked over at Hotch. _y/n_ wondered if he was ever going to say anything, or just keep standing there looking pained and uncomfortable. 

Finally, Aaron cleared his throat. Garcia and Dave seemed to slide out of the room before _y/n_ could ask them to stay. She flushed again, and _y/n_ knew that Aaron could see her. _y/n_ wasn’t so silly to assume that Hotch didn’t know about her infatuation with him. It had to be clear. It was just awkward that neither of them had admitted it, even in the slightest. Maybe _y/n_ had read into Hotch’s actions around her, but she was pretty sure he cared about her as much as she liked him. The fact that he was her boss was what was a real punch in the gut. But what could she do? The feelings were there, she just had to stifle them. After a minute of silence, Aaron spoke. He used his reassuring voice, but he wasn’t sure who exactly he was giving comfort to, himself or _y/n. He said, “Would you be honest with me? How do you really feel, and what did the doctor say?” _y/n_ let out a sigh. She couldn’t lie to him even if she wanted to, so she said “My head’s all fuzzy, the lights are too bright, and my feet and legs hurt. Not that they're hot, just painful, like pins and needles all over. The doctor has them bandaged all up.” For some reason, she pulled up the blanket covering her legs to show off the medical gauze covering her feet and lower legs. It went up to her mid-calf and Aaron couldn’t help but cringe a little. It looked painful. He waited to see what _y/n_ was going to report about the doctor’s findings. He said her name, “_y/n_?” The woman in the bed came back to herself and said, “Dr. Jenings said I’d be out of the field for a few weeks, maybe three. The concussion and the fact that I can’t really walk sealed that deal pretty easily.” When _y/n_ finished, she bit the inside of her mouth. Aaron looked her over and saw the disappointment in her gaze. He knew that _y/n_ hated when she was out of the field. It had only happened once before when she got the flu very badly in December last year. She had been out for two cases and as badly she had felt, she still had Gacia fill her in on the case and called Emily or Derek once or twice a day. Aaron wanted to reprimand her, but he knew he would have done the same thing if he had been in her position. He had, however, texted her saying, “_y/n_ please take it easy.” Hotch felt the same way now, as he had then. He stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. That really got _y/n_ to look at him, and he said, “This wasn’t your fault, _y/n_. There was nothing you could have done about this, and no one on the team or in the office is going to fault you for having to take a break.” _y/n_ looked a bit crestfallen but nodded anyway. Sometimes Aaron thought that _y/n_ felt like she had to right every wrong the world threw at her. Hotch knew that _y/n_ had a troubled past like every member of the BAU had a complicated past. He didn’t have all the details of her story, but he could sense that she felt pressure to show up. To be there a hundred percent of the time. Aaron knew how that felt. He knew what it meant to think that it was already too late. Hotch didn’t have a lot of time to think about it further as the nurse and Emily moved back into the space. Joan was holding a pair of crutches and for a moment Aaron thought that she must be joking. There was no way that this medical professional expected _y/n_ to get on her feet this soon after what she had been through Not after he and multiple doctors had seen the state of her feet. 

Aaron’s concern was addressed shortly as Joan said, “Miss, _y/n_. This might seem counterintuitive, but we’re going to need you to try and get out and up on your feet as soon as possible. The doctor recommends it so that there isn’t a chance of thrombosis or blood clots. There’s also a chance for tautness of the surrounding skin. It will be incredibly painful, but we need you to try and walk as soon as you can for your well-being.” _y/n_ nodded. Aaron could see that she looked concerned at the request, but was trying to hide it from everyone. Maybe even herself. Joan gave _y/n_ an encouraging smile. The nurse said, “Good, well here are some clothes to change into for your release. Would you like me to stay behind and help you with that?” _y/n_ nodded and Joan asked Aaron and Emily to give them some privacy. As the duo moved outside, the rest of the team was waiting for them. Now Spencer and JJ were there as well and everyone asked Emily and Aaron what had happened. The pair did their best to explain what the nurse had said. It took a bit longer than expected. However, Hotch assumed a lot went into getting someone ready for that much pain. Aaron didn’t even want to think about it. He didn’t have to as a half-strangled sound could be heard coming from _y/n_’s room. The sound took the breath out of Hotch and he could see the rest of the team cringe. Garcia was so upset that she hugged Derek. Morgan took the analyst in his arms and covered her ears for her. There was a shuffling from inside the room and more pained noises. Hotch was biting down so hard on his tongue that he was sure it would bleed soon. The door was opened by Joan, and Aaron’s eyes snapped to _y/n_. She wasn’t even trying to look at any of them. Her brows were pulled so tight in pain that they were nearly touching. _y/n_ was leaning heavily on the crutches, gripping the handles with white knuckles. _y/n_ was taking labored breaths, as she moved unsteadily on her feet. She was looking at the ground only. Just at where her feet were meeting the floor. She had on some special shoes, thick black sandal-type things that accommodated the thick bandaging on her feet. The rest of the team moved to give her space and not have to see how pained she looked. But Aaron moved to her other side. It may hurt him to see _y/n_ this way, but it was clearly nothing to how she was feeling. And if his presence could provide even a modicum of comfort, then he would be there for her. Hotch stood on her right as she moved toward the door toward the check-out desk and the charge nurse. Aaron moved his hand behind _y/n_’s lower back. He didn’t make contact with her skin; his hand simply hovered over _y/n_’s shirt. It was a metaphorical helping hand. For one second, _y/n_ moved her eyes to his, and he could see that all the pain was still there, but there was a small bit of gratitude as well. _y/n_ wouldn’t be able to find the words to thank him. She wasn’t sure if she could for two reasons. First was the fact that even breathing seemed like an impossibility at the moment. The second reason was that the team was still around, even if they weren’t looking at her and Aaron. But _y/n_ had a feeling that if she opened her mouth more than a thank you would tumble out. 

It took what felt like a very long time, though it was just around four minutes, for _y/n_, Joan, and Aaron to make it to the door. The nurse moved and held open the swinging doors for _y/n_ to get out of. Hotch’s train of thought was similar to _y/n_’s as she moved out into the lobby. He wondered if the team was scrutinizing his actions with _y/n_. If they were, and someone brought it up later, he would address it. For now, his attention was solely on _y/n_. Hotch was grateful that the staff at least let _y/n_ sit while she signed a few forms for her discharge. Emily also took on some papers and Joan also gave Prentiss a few file folders for the needed care steps for _y/n_’s recovery. Rossi moved forward and took the papers from Emily. When the paperwork was finished, Aaron looked over to Em and said, “I’ll drive you both to your apartment.” Prentiss nodded and Derek moved forward to get Prentiss's keys to drive her car to the front of the hospital. Aaron bent down and asked, can I give you a hand up?” _y/n_ looked up at him for the first real-time that day. She looked so tired but nodded her head yes. _y/n_ got her crutches ready to support her weight once she was on her feet again. Aaron bent down, placed his hands under her arms, and lifted her up. Once _y/n_’s weight was on her feet again, she made another pained sound, but this one was much smaller, just a little “mhm,” with an exhalation of breath. Hotch, _y/n_ and Em all moved to the sliding doors and out into the cold air. Hotch watched with a keen eye for any slick or ice spots on the sidewalk. Thankfully it was just a few feet from the hospital entrance to the waiting car. Derek got out of the driver's seat and along with Aaron,  helped _y/n_ into the back seat. Hotch noticed the goosebumps from the chilly air on _y/n_’s skin, and he removed his jacket and handed it over as she gave him the crutches that didn’t quite fit in the backseat. Aaron watched with a tiny bit of warmth in him as _y/n_ slipped his oversized jacket over her frame. Em and Derek were talking quietly near the front of the car. Aaron moved to the trunk and placed the crutches there then moved to the front. Morgan stepped forward and asked, “Are you going back to the office after this?” Hotch nodded and said, “Yes. I’ll need to file some paperwork for _y/n_ and reach out to medical and see what timeline they have for time off in the field. However, if you or anyone else on the team needs the rest of the day off, I’d understand. Can you tell anyone else on the BAU team that?” Derek nodded and said, “Will do Hotch.” Morgan gave his arm a sturdy pat and as the built man turned to move back inside, Aaron called out saying, “Please drive safely, Morgan.” Derek looked back and caught his eye before he nodded and then moved back into the hospital. 

Emily moved to sit in the back of the car with _y/n_. Em and took the injured woman’s hand in hers. Prentiss rubbed circles over _y/n_ thumb softly, providing a soft touch to distract and remind _y/n_ that she wasn’t alone. Aaron pulled out out of the crowded parking lot. He looked into the rearview mirror and saw _y/n_ leaning against Emily’s shoulder. Hotch asked, “_y/n_ how’s the temperature? Do you need it warmer?” _y/n_ just barely opened her eyes and said, “I’m good, thanks.” Aaron nodded, feeling bad that there wasn’t more he could do for her. It took about a half hour with traffic to get to Em’s townhouse in the center of the city. Emily got all of the files, and Aaron helped _y/n_ into the elevator, down the hallway, and finally to a seat on Emily’s couch. Emily turned on a single lamp and grabbed a glass of water for _y/n_. Prentiss took a bit longer in the kitchen than she needed, giving Hotch and her guest a few minutes of privacy. Hotch knelt and placed a hand on her left shoulder. He wanted to do so much more, to rub his hands over her arms, or stroke the profile of her face with the pad of this thumb. He wanted to dote on her, pick her up, put her to bed, and make sure there wasn’t any pain. But _y/n_ probably wouldn’t like that. She acted so strong on and off the field that he wasn’t sure that this kind of corporal affection would be appreciated. He also wasn’t sure his romantic feelings would be reciprocated either. It was one of the many reasons that he hadn’t said anything about his feelings for her. He couldn’t deny that he sensed a connection between them. Something physical and beyond. But perhaps he was reading into things. His brain going into hyperdrive in terms of profiler mood. His brain seemed to short-circuit sometimes when he was near _y/n_, but he was composed enough to hide it. Or at least he hoped he hid it. Aaron realized that he wasn’t saying anything, that his hand was lingering on _y/n_’s body. He looked at her, and she was staring at him. Her gaze seemed a bit distant, but _y/n_ was trying to focus on him. She opened her mouth and tried to say, “Hotch. I’m…” but Aaron stopped her saying, “Please don’t say you're fine, _y/n_. You were, are, in real pain, and you also went through something very traumatic. You don’t have to be brave right now. It’s okay.” That was all Aaorn could bring himself to say without it getting out of hand. A noise from the doorway had Hotch standing in an instant. Emily entered the room and placed the glass of water on the table next to the couch. Hotch softly said to _y/n_ alone, “Rest if you can, alright?” _y/n_ nodded and moved to take off his black blazer. Without really thinking about anything, or that Emily was standing right by him, he said, “You keep it for now. You can bring it back when you’re back in the office.” Aaron moved and unclipped his FBI badge that was still attached to his exterior breast pocket. He slipped the plastic into the back pocket of his trousers and moved away from _y/n_ reluctantly. He turned and Prenitss had a look on her face that spoke volumes without having to say a word. Aaron let out a little sigh, and he motioned for Emily to follow him a bit farther away from _y/n_. Hotch wasn’t ready to address whatever Em was thinking. Instead, he said in a steady voice, “Feel free to call me or text if you need me, or _y/n_ needs something. Anything. I’m just a few minutes away.” Prentiss nodded and said, “I’ll let you know. She’s going to be okay, Aaron. _y/n_’s a strong person.” Hotch nodded, not willing to address the look Emily was sending him. He moved out the door before anything else could happen. 

The next morning, _y/n_ who had just changed her bandages and taken her antimicrobial and pain meds got a call from Aaron. _y/n_ picked up and tried not to give a groan of pain, as she raised her legs onto the bed. She answered, “Hey Hotch? What’s up?” There was a brief pause before Aaron said, “Just checking in. I have some news, but I want to hear how you’re feeling first. How was last night?” _y/n_ could hear that Hotch was using his office voice again. The tenderness that he had spoken to her with yesterday was still there, just veiled behind professionalism like normal. _y/n_ could picture him sitting behind his desk. His knees brushed the inside of his desk as it was just a bit too small for his lanky limbs. He wasn’t on his office phone, given he had called her on her cell. The image of him sitting, bathed in the soft lighting of his lamps was one she played out in her head often. He wasn’t exactly stationary in these thoughts, he was doing things other than paperwork or calling her to see if she wasn’t so battered and bruised. _y/n_ had to push those thoughts back. Now was not the time or the place. Even if her wildest fantasies were fulfilled, given the pain in her body was still feeling, none of those blissful ideas would be able to be completed. _y/n_ stifled a sigh, and instead replied, “It was okay given the circumstances. Things are still pretty painful and I understand what the doctor was saying about the long-lasting effects of a concussion now. My head and brain still haven’t seemed to reset to normal yet, but other than that, I feel as good as I can. Now tell me about your news. What did medical say?” _y/n_ was so familiar with the BAU procedures to not know why Hotch had been calling her. The medical board had gotten back to him to let Aaron know how long she medically needed to be out of the field. Hotch let out a big sigh and replied, “Well the med board looked over your files from yesterday and they’ve grounded you for three weeks, minimum. Given the concussion and the physical nature of being on the field, it’s not wise to have you back with us until then. When you get back after the three weeks, you’ll have to see medical to get cleared back to the field. _y/n_ couldn’t stop the long sigh that they let out while hearing the news. _y/n_ understood the need for her physical well-being, but being off gave her time to think. And if she thought too hard, her mind went to bad places, from the past and present. Working for the BAU mercifully kept her mind on other places and horrible scenarios. But now she was grounded and it sucked. There was a small silence before _y/n_ replied, “I understand.” She could hear Hotch click his pen, a habit of his that she noticed when Aaron was in the office. He would click his pen either on his wooden desk or with his thumb. Aaron took in a breath and said, “Try and rest while you can, _y/n_. You can call me or text me if you have any questions about your return to the field. And if you think you need more time, just let me know.” Hotch said the last sentence as a formality. He knew _y/n_ would be going stir-crazy after three days of not being at work. There was another silence, and _y/n_ asked, “Can I come into the office at least? Like after a week?” Aaron sat back and swallowed his emotion of concern for _y/n_. What more could he say than, “I can’t stop you from coming in the building, _y/n_.” They wrapped up the call shortly after that. _y/n_ closed her eyes for a minute and just tried to relax. In a few minutes, she was going to do her exercises to help with her recovery. It would be a long three weeks. 

The team got called away on a case the next day. Thankfully _y/b/f_ was able to help _y/n_ who moved back to her apartment after Emily left for the new case in Vegas. Even though the lights twinkled and shone on the Vegas strip, and there was a highly unique case afoot - an unsub apparently leading people to poison themselves due to bankruptcy and gambling addictions - Hotch found it hard to keep his mind on the case. At the hotel the second night, he tried to find a lead, any lead that would help the team pinpoint more about this unsub. His brain drifted to _y/n_. He wondered what she was doing right now. It was 11:45 p.m. Any sensible person would be asleep given the chance. Maybe she was in her bed. Aaron had to stop himself there. He didn’t have sexual thoughts about _y/n_, at least not yet, but he was so tired that if he kept thinking about her, his brain might idle down that path. This, he would not allow. It was bad enough that he felt that he couldn’t even talk to _y/n_ he would feel infinitely worse if he started getting off to her too. He reflected on these feelings for a moment, how they had come to metastasize in him. From early on during their employment, Aaron could tell that _y/n_ was someone who couldn’t be easily pushed or waived. When _y/n_ had committed to something, they stuck to it. Not that she was one to hang onto an idea or train of thought during a case like Rossi's. _y/n_ tried to be open-minded in that regard. But she had committed fully to the team since the day she signed on. That was the standard, the expectation for him, but _y/n_ sometimes felt over-committed. She would stay up all hours of the night trying to figure a piece of a case out. She relied heavily on his, Rossi's, and Emily’s experience in the field to catch up on facts or training that she might have missed in her previous placement. Aaron sensed that she was running from something given how hard she worked both in the field and the office. He hadn’t asked what that was, but Aaron could sense it. He had hoped that maybe one day she would tell him. But then their feelings toward each other had become more complex. It had happened during a brutal and long case in October last year. It involved kids which was always the worst to deal with for him. The team had been working non-stop until Aaron had essentially ordered them to get some rest. Everyone had moved into their rooms to pretend to sleep and an hour later Aaron was moving down the hall to run a theory by Rossi. He had passed _y/n_’s room and heard crying inside. It wasn’t loud, but he could hear it distinctly. The sobs coming from inside ripped at his heart like a knife. He had knocked and the crying stopped momentarily. _y/n_ had moved to the door, unlocked both bolts, and removed the security chain. Aaron could hear the metal rubbing against each other. When _y/n_ had opened the door, she moved back to let him in. She turned her face as if to hide the pain there from him. Aaron gently took hold of her hand, and she finally looked at him. Softly he asked, “What’s the matter _y/n_? Is it the case? Has something personal happened?” _y/n_ bit the side of her mouth trying to stop the tears from coming again. But she couldn’t, and as she started shaking and crying again Aaron moved forward and took her in his strong arms. She leaned into him; really leaned into him for the first time. He had never seen her so vulnerable before and as he asked, “Please tell me what’s bothering you,” and her enigmatic reply of, “I just can’t Aaron. I can’t;” had changed everything. Because at that moment Hotch would have done just about anything to make _y/n_ feel better. To free her of whatever pain she was feeling. Whatever emotions were plaguing her? And when _y/n_ had stopped crying, and Aaron pulled away, she could see it in his eyes, and she wanted that from him just as badly as he wanted to give it; thus their fates were sealed, because this relationship, or hope at one couldn’t happen, and yet Hotch yearned for it. Thought about it nearly every time he looked at her. 

Thankfully Aaron’s brain did manage to think of something besides _y/n_, and that was Rossi. Whenever he got stuck, he’d go and see Dave to see what the pro had noticed that he might have missed. It was helpful having someone older than him on the team for Hotch to turn to. Aaron pushed himself out of the bed and slipped on his tennis shoes. He padded down the hall and as he moved forward, Emily stepped out of her room in front of him. Prentiss was on the phone and said, “Yeah the team’s okay. I’d love to be spending a week in Vegas just for fun. How’d you feel coming here during Spring Break some year? You, me, Morgan, and Penelope…” There was a pause and Em continued, “You got it, Baby. Sin to Win.” Hearing this, Aaron actually laughed. He tried to disguise it as a cough but didn’t succeed. Prentiss turned on her heel and relaxed when she realized it was just him. She gave him a bit of a joking disapproving glare at him eavesdropping. Hotch could never not laugh when Emily said, “Sin to Win.” He was still unaware of the connotation or story associated with the phrase, but it never failed to make him laugh. It just sounded so strange coming from someone as polite and proper as Em. He pointed at the phone pressed to her ear and whispered, “Who is it?” He already knew, but Emily indulged him and mouthed, “_y/n_.” Aaron nodded and mouthed back, “Tell her to go to bed.” Prentiss rolled her eyes and said into the phone, “Someone has someone has something to say to you, _y/n_.” Without further ado, Em removed the phone from her ear and pressed it into Hotch’s hands. Aaron flushed red and looked at Emily like a deer in headlights, but Em crossed her arms and just looked at him as if saying, “Do it yourself.” After what felt like a bit too long, Aaron pulled the cell to his ear and said in an embarrassed tone, “Hey, _y/n_. Ummm… maybe you should be getting some rest?” The was a beat of silence, and  _y/n_ let out a soft breath at hearing Aaron suddenly on the other end of the line. She replied, “I am resting, I’m in bed right now watching _y/f/s_. I feel so rested that I’m even planning my next vacation. Emily is promising me ‘Sin to Win’ in Vegas in the Spring.” Hotch had to stifle some sort of sound from coming out of his mouth at the rather wild and lurid image his brain came up with in association with _y/n_ and Em’s new favorite phrase. He coughed once and said, “Well good, just don’t get ahead of yourself. Rest well _y/n_.” With that, he quickly handed the phone back to Emily and moved down the hallway, well aware that his agent could see how flustered he was. As Aaron made his retreat, Em pulled the phone back to her ear and said, “It’s me again.” As Prentiss slipped into her room, she smiled. It was fortuitous that she had stepped out of her room when she had. Prentiss, JJ, Rossi, and even Morgan had started waiting for bated breath for something to happen between _y/n_ and Aaron. At this point, Emily was willing to push things in that direction if she had to, and tonight had been a clear, successful first step. 

The case in Nevada wrapped up. Hotch was always glad to be headed home, but in this case, he was especially glad. It meant that he could check up on _y/n_ The team decompressed, and a few days into the next week, _y/n_ stopped by the office. _y/n_ sat next to Spencer and Derek talking about the latest case and what she had missed. Hotch clocked her grabbing at one of Morgan’s files, but he swooped in and took it from her hands, turned it over, and set it firmly back on Derek’s desk. _y/n_ pouted at him slightly, and both Spencer and Derek looked away. Hotch and _y/n_ were acting differently than they had before. Aaron had realized after the accident that life was too short and fickle for him to be playing around. The thought of _y/n_ being in a worse situation than being dragged from her car just in time was something that was going to stay with him for a long time. So even if he couldn’t say anything, he was going to at least act a bit more involved. Hotch viewed this like a soft launch, though to the rest of the team, it looked like ten massive steps forward. No one on the team was going to say anything about it though. They were just grateful that something was happening between them. Hotch also started acting like this to see if _y/n_ wanted this like he assumed she did. If she wasn’t interested in his advances then he would stop instantly. This was only his first day seeing her, and he was trying to still act natural, but he couldn’t deny the rush he felt when she looked at him like this. She feigned disappointment at him taking the file she had, but a genuine happiness to see him again. Aaron’s thoughts were shattered as Penelope's voice cut through his mental fog. Hotch turned to look at the small landing that connected the bullpen to the upper level of the floor the BAU was housed on. Garcia said, “The fam is home, _y/n_ is here, and everything is right with the world.” No one on the team acknowledged that their very jobs meant that the world was a horrible, awful, depraved place. But it was the thought that counted. Aaron moved aside to make room for Garcia in the little huddle of agents. He moved to the edge of the staircase, hesitant to move away. He listened in on the conversation the group was having. He pretended to look over one of his own files, even though he wouldn’t normally do that down in the bullpen. He at least pretended like he was missing a paper as he rifled through his full folder. He listened in on Garcia and asked, “So what’s with you and your friend getting into a fight? What happened there?” _y/n_ gave a small sigh at the question, but replied, “It’s this damn concussion. Some things, like the lights or certain sounds, just seem to set me off. I apologized, profusely, and we made up, but it’s just annoying that such little things are bothering me. It makes me feel like I’m not in control. I hate that.” Aaron actually started moving up the stairs as Spencer started going on a tangent about concussion symptoms and car crashes, while Pen leaned down and kissed the top of _y/n_’s head. 

A full week elapsed and _y/n_ met with medical and took a physical to clear her for the field. _y/n_ was still walking awkwardly, but they were out of the heavy bandaging and her feet and legs had healed well given the care she took with her body and recovery. Aaron was forwarded the medical report from Dr. Sujedia recommending _y/n_ take off a few more days. Aaron had called _y/n_ to his office to discuss the results. _y/n_ sat down and did her best to look tough and undisturbed. Unbothered by the results of the test. Aaron looked over the papers and said, “As you know, Dr. Ramirez recommends another three to four days of rest. I’m prepping a new case with JJ this afternoon and I want your opinions on your condition. How are you feeling?” _y/n_ was honest with Hotch, knowing that was the best guarantee that they would be allowed onto the next case. She said, “My head’s still bothering me, and I don’t think my legs are down for a chase on foot right now, but I can just sit in the background. I can listen to and organize files in the precinct. I can work with JJ and do a geographical profile, or…” Aaron cut her off with a small raise of his hand from his desk. He knew she was trying to prove that she could still be an asset to the team, even if she couldn’t do all of the physically demanding aspects of the job. Hotch thought it over for a moment. He knew that _y/n_ would be upset if he said no. He saw the determined look on her face. Reluctantly he gave a nod. At least if she was with the team he could look over her. Not that she wanted that exactly, but it would make him feel better. He dismissed _y/n_ shortly after he reminded her that she was to take it easy on the case, doing work that would let her rest her body. He watched as she gave him a big smile and walked out the door. She was so happy that she didn’t even try to hide the little limp she had while walking on her tender feet. Once _y/n_ was back in the bullpen talking animatedly to Emily, he moved over to Garcia’s office. He knocked on the door once before he entered the dim space. Penelope looked up from her three monitors and asked, “What’s up Hotch?” Aaron leaned against the door and replied, “How many times did she visit you while we were away?” The ‘she’ in question didn’t need to be named before Pen said, “Just twice, but I didn’t ask her to Hotchy. I swear she came of her own accord.” Hotch’s set into a firm line for a second before he said, “Alright, well don’t encourage it, at least until she’s a bit better.” He added very softly, “She looks worn out.” Pen smiled gently and could see the concern on her supervisor's face. Garcia replied, “Pinky promise. We’ll take care of her.” Aaron nodded ever so slightly and then moved out of the technical den and toward JJ’s office. 

The next case was in North Carolina at the private post-secondary school, High Point University. So far four male students that were all athletes had been found strangled on the school grounds. A panic had set in from the students, faculty, and most annoyingly the donors to the small campus. There was an obvious tie with all of the students being men and athletes. Though different sports had been targeted, not just a single athletic pursuit. There was also the option that scholarships could take a part in the murders as two of the three men killed had been on athletic scholarships that semester. As the team bounced ideas off of each other on the plane ride, _y/n_ said, “There are some wealthy alumni from Highpoint. Maybe this is some wild Operation Varsity Blues type of situation?” As always Spencer took off with this idea and how nepotism could be as real a motivator for murder as rage or shame might be. Aaron looked over his team from his spot near the front of the jet. It felt good to have _y/n_  back, even if in the pit of his stomach he felt concerned about throwing her back in the field like he was. Granted she had asked, but even so, he was still concerned. When they got to the university, JJ immediately started working with the campus media team to get a consistent message out. Hotch moved to speak with the University Police Department and Rossi went to the local station. Hotch took Morgan and _y/n_ with him, while Rossi had Spencer and Emily moved to the downtown police station. Things continued to move quickly as they always did on a case. The team made a basic profile. By the end of the day, due to the unsub clearly being young, or at least mentally young, they had made plenty of mistakes that were easy to pick up on. Unfortunately, the campus's UPD wasn’t used to murder’s happening on their territory and was overwhelmed by the student and parent response. The day unfolded with the team creating a profile and trying to stay as low-key as possible. Because the BAU was the BAU it was clear to the students that something was happening. This meant that the unsub was also likely aware of the presence of the FBI, pulled back, and might stop their killing spree. This would be a good thing except that once the BAU was gone, they could simply start killing again. Therefore, the team started canvassing the campus. Sitting in on big lecture classes and speaking to faculty. The team assumed that the unsub was a student first. Secondly, they assumed that the student was not an athlete, and potentially a student who had to retake a year or even more of coursework at the university. 

_y/n_ was trying to listen to her body and abide by Hotch’s request that she take it easy. She had sat in a large mirco-economics class with Spencer and watched as the genius took so many notes. Covering over twenty pages as Dr. Reid wrote furiously about economic theory, where the Professor was wrong, where the textbook, which Spencer quickly read before class was incorrect. All _y/n_ could think of was that she was glad she was not that professor, or that she would ever have a class with Spencer as the instructor -- she knew she would fail the course on entry. After that, _y/n_ moved to the UPD’s department and went through piles and piles of non-sexual assault claims. If the unsub was a supersenior, there could be over six years' worth of reports to look through. She spent most of the day looking over these reports. The next day, _y/n_ spent a good deal of the morning with JJ, fielding concerns from students, bursars, and faculty members who asked questions. The pair also held some interviews with a few students that had caught the team's interest the day before. Although the interviews didn’t reveal much, but they gave _y/n_ an idea about something she read yesterday in a report. _y/n_ didn’t mind doing this kind of clerical work, but it was harming her current condition. Being under such harsh fluorescent lights was making her head swim. It was also putting their temper on edge. The last interview where a young sophomore had scratched his head incessantly and said, “Um,” “Like,” or “And” every other word had put _y/n_ pushed something in her like an itch that desperately needed to be scratched, but there was no actual, physical place to relieve the annoyance. _y/n_ was desperately looking forward to being cooped up alone in the files room looking for that one folder that she was thinking of. It would be killing two birds with one stone. It could be potentially helpful to the team, and it would give her a moment to decompress and let out her annoyed feelings. Just as _y/n_ was getting ready to leave, Hotch showed up and asked JJ and her about their progress. Mercifully JJ answered for both of them. When Aaron turned his gaze to her, she said, “JJ’s right. We haven’t found much with what we’ve looked at this morning. However, there’s a file I remember standing out at the UPD. I was going to head there now actually.” Aaron nodded. He turned to JJ quickly and said, “Keep up the good work here. Call me if you find anything useful. The smallest scrap of information could be helpful now.” JJ smiled at Hotch and said, “You got it, Hotch.” Next, Aaron turned to _y/n_ and said, “I’ll walk you there.” _y/n_ nodded and followed after him as he opened the door for her. Aaron could tell that something was happening with _y/n_. He couldn’t pin it down yet, but he wanted to make sure she was okay. The day was unimaginably hot given that it was November. The campus was also sprawling and had lots of external stairs. The UPD and the file storage center were almost a mile apart. As the pair moved down yet another set of stairs. _y/n_ felt that she was so hot. The sun felt like it was beating down on her relentlessly. As _y/n_ took another step down, she felt her ankle buckle and her mind went blank as her body swooned toward the concrete steps. 

Aaron could feel that something was wrong as he and _y/n_ moved down yet another set of steps. Halfway down those steps, he looked over to _y/n_. Her breathing was shallowed and despite being in the direct sun, her skin looked shallow. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed and _y/n_’s body crumpled dangerously quickly toward the hard, sharp steps. For a millisecond, Aaron felt like he was back at the scene of the wreck, but this time he could do something in the moment. He wasn’t powerless. So, Aaron moved his left leg down two steps and positioned his body and arms to catch _y/n_’s limp body. When he caught her, she let out an exhalation at the harsh contact of her body colliding with his. Aaron bent down slightly and used his other arm to pull up under _y/n_’s legs. He gave a soft grunt as he took _y/n_’s full weight in his arms. Hotch moved carefully down the steps and glared at any students who threw him an intrigued or concerned look as he held _y/n_ close to his chest. Aaron moved to a flat portion of the path that was covered. He spotted a bench that was shaded by a large tree. Hotch quickly moved in that direction, and _y/n_ started to stir in his arms; her eyes slowly opening. Aaron got to the bench and sat down with _y/n_ nestled in his lap. He brushed a hand over her cheek, as she fully came to her faculties. _y/n_ gave a small groan and asked, “Wha’ happened?” _y/n_’s slurred speech worried him. Hotch replied, “You fainted, _y/n_. You really could have been hurt if you were walking alone.” Aaron couldn’t veil his concern. Not now. He added, “I’m worried about you, _y/n_.” _y/n_ looked up at him, not fully aware that Hotch’s hand was in her hair, and his heart rate was beating out of his chest with concern. _y/n_ tried to get her vision to clear. The pain in her head from the lights and the heat was still causing her pain and she replied in a tone that she wanted to sound exasperated, but it really just came out like a snap, saying, “Why do you even care?” And once the words were out and the tone became apparent, her vision cleared and she saw Aaron fully, and the look of love and care for her overwhelmed her. In a breathy voice, one that was starting to be overcome with tears, she said, “I didn’t mean that, Aa…” Her voice was strangled by tears and Hotch pulled her close to his body. His head rested on top of hers as he said, “I know. I know you didn’t mean it that way. I know.” And as Aaron held her, she did know he knew. That he knew it all. At that moment she wouldn’t fight him. All she wanted was for him to hold her and help with the pain. He had at the hospital. Even being near him made her feel better. They stayed there for a few moments and Aaron said, “I’m taking you back to the hotel. You need rest and don’t even try to fight me on this. You mean too much to me to be having on the field right now.” _y/n_ nodded and shifted to stand, but Aaron stopped her with a large hand, saying, “You’re not walking right now in this heat. I’ll carry you to the SUV.” _y/n_’s mouth fell open slightly and said, “Aaron I can do it.” Hotch nodded his head no, replying, “I’m not having you move down all those stairs again. The car is only two lots, over. Now if I hold you like I did before, will it hurt your legs at all?” _y/n_ swallowed and softly said, “No. It won’t hurt me.” Aaron nodded and readjusted his hands again. Carefully picked her up again. He moved quickly to the SUV. He set _y/n_ down and got pulled out his keys and unlocked the doors. Once _y/n_ was seated and buckled, he turned on the AC. The ride to the motel was short with Aaron just shooting Rossi and Em a text saying that he’d be back in a half hour or so. 

_y/n_ was grateful that Aaron let her walk to her own room. As much as she liked Hotch’s touch and gentle care he had when he had carried her, she had her dignity and desire to still be able to care for herself. In her room, Aaron looked over at her bed. _y/n_ didn’t even care as she pulled off her blazer, slipped off her shoes, and laid back on the bed. While she was doing this, Aaron turned off the overhead light and turned on a lamp instead. He puttered with the air conditioning so that it wasn’t freezing, but not too hot either. He then moved to the window messing with the curtains even though the blackout curtain and decorative curtain were clearly closed. Hotch did this because he didn’t know what to say. Finally, _y/n_ called him. It was a voice she had rarely used with him. It was vulnerable, needy, scared even? When Aaron looked at _y/n_ he saw the desire in her face, a look that must have been the one he had on his own face as he covered her body on the freezing road, and as he carried her to the bench just a few minutes earlier. Aaron was drawn to her and sat on the edge of the bed as _y/n_ said, “Aaron. I like you. I have for a long time. I’m sorry if this fucks everything up between us, and I’m sorry that it took me so long to say anything. But I have to say something.” At this, she stopped and looked at him concerned that she might have ruined everything. Aaron leaned forward, ran his left hand through her hair again, and rested his forehead against hers. He felt such a reprieve at her words. He closed his eyes and said, “I like you too, _y/n_. I’ve been a coward about my feelings and your still here being brave after everything that’s happened to you this month. For a few minutes, I thought I’d lost you and I’m never going to let that happen again. At least where I can. I want to be with you.” _y/n_ gave a little hum and placed a hand on his chest. Knowing that she wasn’t delusional for desiring Aaron suddenly made all her pain seem to fade into the background. His breath on her face was comforting, and she opened her eyes a bit. She shifted up a bit and gave his mouth a peck. At this, Hotch opened his eyes. He gave her a soft smile and moved his mouth more needily over hers. As they shared that kiss, they were both grateful for the other. For the comfort that was to be had now and in the future. There was a lot to be said later, but for now, their love and lips said everything that needed to be at the moment. _y/n_ closed her eyes and let the moment linger. _y/n_’s hand found its way to his chest, placed it over his heart, and felt its steady beat under her palm. _y/n_ closed her eyes and as they continued to kiss, she was certain that she would know anywhere. No matter how they were challenged and pulled, she would always know and love him, and this was just the start of that journey.

______________________________________________________________

Tag list: @criminalskies @tgskitten @geminitapestry

Want to be added to the tag list? Please see this post, CM tag list (linked)

[lily-fics-11]

The Girl Next Door: Chapter 7 (Hazel Callahan, Bottoms)

Fic master post here

Tag list: @avocifera, @academiareid, @fictionalgap @dynsdiary @sndixz @athenalive @lamoobsessions @eloud12

(feel free to comment to be added to taglist)

Sorry this took so long, I just graduated college, was briefly dating a new girl that I hung out with like 5 times in one week, and this chapter is longer than usual. Def not my best work either, but I hope you guys still like it!

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

The Girl Next Door

You hadn't been close with your neighbor Hazel for years. But you find her beat up in the locker room after fight club and all of that changes

Chapter 7

You have some intimate moments with Hazel when you do her makeup, and even go on your first date. 

Word count: 5.3k

CW: Profanities, a little suggestive kind of? Changing clothes in front of each other and sitting on her lap to do her makeup, mentions of counting calories (nothing compared to negative body talk in the movie), not beta read 

A few days after your movie night you start teasing Hazel on the car ride home. “You still haven’t given me one of your sweatshirts like you said you would.”

“Shit, you’re right. You can come over whenever and pick one out.”

“I can pick it out?” You question with curiosity. 

“I’d give you everything you’ve ever wanted if I could.” She murmurs. 

You tuck your hair behind your ear and clear your throat. “Well I will keep that in mind, but for now I think I’m okay with getting to steal one of your sweatshirts.”

You pause for a moment and it’s silent.

“Wait, remember you said we would dress eachother up in our clothes? We should do that, tomorrow.”

Hazel peers over, looking you up and down. “Alright, I’ll come over to your house before school tomorrow so we can get each other ready.”

“Come over at 6:30.”

“6:30?” She groans, “You seriously take that long to get ready in the morning?”

You jokingly roll your eyes. “I’m going to need extra time if I’m going to do my makeup and yours.”

“You can’t wear makeup if you are trying to fully embody Hazel Callahan.”

You gasp dramatically, purely to be dramatic. “How could you do that to me Haze? I don’t want to look like a zombie!”

Hazel punches your arm softly. “Are you saying that I look like a zombie, because I don’t wear makeup?”

“God no, the way you look, it’s literally perfect. I, on the other hand, need it to look like a normal human being.” You bite your lip when you realize what you said. 

“Would you please shut up? If I’m perfect, that makes you extraordinarily flawless. There’s not a single girl at our school that could even try to compare to you. I can’t even think of any girl on this planet that is more beautiful than you are. I just wish that you could see yourself the way that I see you.” She takes a shaky breath, looking straight ahead. 

“I, uh, thank you.” It’s like all the thoughts in your head have been picked up and thrown around by a tornado. 

Hazel clears her throat. “I’ll still come over at 6:30, that way we can spend some extra time together.”

“You are going to wake up that early just to hang out with me?”

“I’ve already lost so much sleep thinking about… well I haven’t been sleeping well anyways. Might as well make the most of that extra time.”

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

The next morning Hazel arrives at your house with your go to coffee order and favorite doughnut from Dunkin’.

“Hazel, you didn’t have to do that.” You could almost cry because she remembered this little detail and went out of her way to do something special for you. 

“I wanted to,” she assures you. 

“You treat me so well,” you murmur, gazing longingly at the girl you are in love with. 

Hazel puts her hands on your shoulders and her blue eyes bear into your soul. “You deserve the best, never settle for anything less than princess treatment.”

Your lip quivers when you whisper, “I hope I don’t have to.”

Hazel pulls away and crosses her arms without breaking eye contact. “I would never treat you… I mean I would never let anyone treat you badly ever again. As long as I’m around no one is going to hurt you.”

Having maintained a cautious mindset for so long, your brain refuses to process what she has said. Responding is completely off the table. “Well I guess we better get started, yeah? Put on whatever music you want. My phone is already connected to the speaker. My passcode is 3900.”

Hazel picks up your phone and scrolls through your music. “You got a text from Isabel, in a group chat with her and Brittany, do you want me to check it for you?”

You are about to say yes, but remember that you were telling them about how excited you were to get to wear Hazel’s clothes today. How it almost makes you feel like you are her girlfriend.

“No!” You shout at her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to..” she stutters, her voice sounding weak and wounded. 

“No no no, that’s not it at all.” You explain more tenderly. “It’s just that- Isabel has been talking about something personal. Just want to respect her privacy.”

Hazel lets out a long breath that she must have been holding in. “Of course.”

She selects a playlist and locks your phone, placing it face down on the. 

“Which one do you want to wear?” You ask her, gesturing to the 3 different ensembles laid out on your bed. Hazel looks over the options and goes for the outfit you assumed that she would. It was the least girly of the 3, and the closest to something she would normally wear. A simple white tank top and some casual khaki shorts. Though the shorts are much shorter than anything she owns, and the tank top is rather tight, the outfit is overall within her comfort zone. You knew she would wear whatever you chose for her without complaint, but you wanted to make sure she was comfortable, while still making it clear that she isn’t in her normal clothes. That she is wearing your clothes, that she is yours. 

Hazel pulls a few articles of clothing out of her backpack. “I didn’t think to bring you options, I hope that’s ok.”

You giggle, “I trust you Haze.”

You turn away and start to pull off your pajama shorts, fully aware of what you are doing. 

Hazel coughs in a way that sounds like she is choking. “Do you want me to leave while you change?”

“Doesn’t matter to me. We used to change in front of each other all the time. If you want to leave though you can.”

“You’re right, I’ll just change here.” Her voice trembles.

You continue to change, but you hear nothing, which means that Hazel has not moved to start changing. Most likely because she was watching you change, just as you had intended. You allow your long t-shirt to cover up just enough while changing the clothes on your bottom half.

When you pull off your top, exposing your bare back, you hear Hazel start to shuffle around and pick up the clothes off your bed. However, you can feel her eyes on you and the thick tension in the air.

When you finish changing and turn around Hazel is already in her clothes and her eyes are glued to you. 

“Haze, you look great!” You smirk at her. She looks down at the clothes she is wearing and laughs. “Yeah I do look good. But not as good as you do.”

You glance at your reflection in the mirror and sigh. A white short sleeve button down under a tan argyle cardigan, paired with some loose fitting jeans. You two wear the same size clothes, but everything Hazel wears is oversized. Your clothes are mostly tight, and you know she is only wearing them because they are yours. “I do not look good, I look like somebody’s grandpa.”

Hazel pretends to be insulted. “Do I look like a grandpa to you?”

“You look good in this stuff, it just works. But me, not so much.”

“You would look good in a paper bag,” she casually throws out and then you watch her wince at what she just said. 

“You need to get your eyes checked.” You giggle, “sit down so I can do your makeup.” You gesture to your desk chair, and Hazel makes herself comfortable while you pick items out of the drawers and off the shelves. 

You stand slightly bent over, hovering above her when you promise her “I am not going to go crazy.” 

The first step is sculpting out Hazel’s dark eyebrows. They are already nice on their own so it wasn’t too difficult.

“For your face I’m going to use blush and highlight, is that ok?” You hum switching out the products in your hands. 

Hazel’s head turns to the side and concentrates for a moment. “I have no idea what that means.”

You smile as you cup her chin in your hand and she stares back in wonder. “The pink stuff and the shiny stuff. I’ll make it look as natural as possible.”

“I trust your judgment,” she mumbles, lost in your eyes. 

The brush delicately adds a sweep of color to her already perfect face. She looks unbearably adorable after dabbing a hint of pink on her nose. When switching out the blush in your hand for highlight you notice a twinge of pain in your lower back from hunching over. You stand straight up and place a hand where you feel the pain as you flex and stretch.

Hazel’s delectable lips curve into a frown. “Are you ok?”

“Bending over, it's just a little uncomfortable. I would move the chair and sit on my bed but i don't want to accidentally get something on my blanket.”

“Sitting down would be better?” Hazel inquires, looking around the room for a solution. 

“Yeah but it's probably easier to just stay over here.”

“You could just sit on my lap, right? Would that help?” She bites her lip, eyes wide and expectant. 

Help. Most definitely. In more ways than she knows.

You nod casually, trying to hide your excitement and play it cool. “That would actually help a lot, are you sure you don't mind?”

The way she looks you up and down hungrily makes you want to check your pulse because it can’t be at a safe level. “Mind? Of course not. It's ideal actually. I prefer to keep you as close as I can.” You nearly pass out when she says that. Scratch that, you nearly drop dead and ascend into another plane of existence. This isn’t a side of Hazel you are used to but damn, you are loving it.

You sit down on Hazel's lap facing her with one leg on each side of her and the chair. You shift a little to balance yourself properly  and she puts her hands on your waist to help steady you. “Don’t worry, I’ve got ya,” she chuckles. 

You bite your lip as your head spins and Hazel just smiles patiently until you tell her “I’m going to to do eyeliner now.” She nods her head along to the music.

You catch her chin in your hand to stop her from moving her head. Hazel’s eyes go soft and flicker between your eyes and lips. Or are you just imagining it?

“Close your eyes,” you tell her and she does. You needed her to do so in order to apply the eyeliner, but not having her beautiful blue eyes looking at you temporarily minimizes the urge to kiss her. 

“I’m just going to do a tiny little wing. I don’t want to bother with your waterline, it’ll be uncomfortable since you’re not used to it. Your eyes don’t really need any help standing out anyways.” Before switching from one eye to the other you stop to admire her divine features. As if she knows that you are watching her, and is trying to make you squirm, she licks her alluring lips. You feel like she’s inviting you into them but that’s not a signal you can risk misreading. You are so shocked that you drop the eyeliner on the floor. Hazel’s eyes open when she hears it hit the ground. You go to reach for it, but Hazel stops you. “I got it.”

She wraps one arm around you while her other reaches to the ground. She passes you the eyeliner and you mumble a thank you. Hazel then wraps her other arm around you and holds you tight around your waist. She closes her eyes again and you draw on the other wing. 

In preparation for her opening her eyes again, you take a deep breath before instructing her to do so. Hazel’s eyes flutter and they are looking right in yours, as if she knew where they were, through the power of your connection. You tell her to look up, so you can apply mascara, but she doesn’t do it right away. Her gaze lingers on your face, like she is studying your features before she has to look away. 

“I know that staying still isn’t usually your thing but I’m going to need you to for about a minute, is that ok?”

She looks over your face one last time before saying, “anything for you.” Then she looks up. 

“I’m going to be super careful. I promise I won’t poke your eye out.”

She runs her hand up and down your back before holding you tighter. “I know, I trust you more than anyone else.”

You carefully apply the mascara, leaving Hazel's dreamy eyes unscathed and well defined. 

“Do you have a lipstick color preference?” You ask, looking over at the vast collection. 

She looks over at the array of colors and she points at one. “That one that you had on that day, with the coffee cup.” Did she remember the color from looking at your lips or her own?

You are extremely familiar with the shape of Hazel’s lips, you spend enough time looking at them, though you wish to become acquainted with them in other ways. You effortlessly trace their shape with lip liner and then swipe the lipstick over top. The addition of color only draws attention to her lips and you hope that they don’t catch anyone else’s eyes. 

Wishing you could ignore it, every queer girl in school notices Hazel in the tight, low cut, tank top. PJ eyes Hazel like a predator stares down its prey. Fortunately, you get the chance to pick first at that afternoon’s meeting. 

“I think I’m finally ready for a rematch, princess,” you coo at PJ. And that was true, this wasn’t an impulsive decision driven by jealousy, though you aren’t above that. It’s been a long time coming. 

However, your rage has you quickly taking the offense. PJ dodges your first punch but your second one hits her square in the jaw and sends her stumbling backwards. Her eyes squint and her lip curls as she regains her balance. You just smile at her and it makes her even more angry. 

PJ charges at you and is met with much more force than she was expecting. Your hands are on each other's shoulders, trying to push down your opponent. You head butt her instead of continuing the power struggle. It hurts, but it’s obvious that it hurt PJ more when she looks dizzy, holding her hand to her head and says “fuck!”

You don’t show her any mercy, she’s pushed to the hard gym floor before she knows what hit her. PJ sits up on her hands like she is about to continue, but she just shakes her head in defeat. You have to bite back a smile as you pull her to her feet and she sneers at you. 

PJ spends the rest of the meeting glaring in your direction and in all honesty, it makes you feel great. 

At the end of the meeting Josie announced that tomorrow is going to be a bonding day. 

“You looked so pissed at PJ today,” Hazel laughs on the car ride home. 

You tuck your hair behind your ear. “I might have been.”

“Did she do something?” She sounds protective and ready to fight. 

Yes. “No. It’s just that she… she’s just PJ.”

“I can’t argue with that,” Hazel laughs, sounding relieved. 

“How do you feel about having a bonding day tomorrow?” You wonder out loud, the question for the both of you. 

“It was actually my idea,” she announces confidently. 

“Josie made it sound like it was her idea. Her and PJ are starting to get popular, well less unpopular, and it’s really starting to go to their heads. Like I get it, they are the ugly, untalented, gays, and never got any positive attention before now, but they need to get their egos in check.”

“I hadn’t really noticed it until you pointed it out,” Hazel mumbles. 

“They also don’t appreciate you enough,” you spat, disgusted by the thought of someone mistreating Hazel. 

“Maybe,” she whispers. 

“You deserve better, Hazel, the best.” The reminder is stern. “You should stay away from people like them. Stay close to the ones who treat you like the special person you are.”

“Well you do,” her puppy dog eyes are looking at you like you make the world turn. 

“Of course!” You put your hand on her thigh. “No one is more important to me than you are.”

“You really know how to make a girl feel like she’s the only one in the world,” Hazel laughs shyly. 

“That’s because you are.”

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

The members of the fight club sit in a circle. You are sitting next to Hazel, and when she isn’t looking Brittany gestures for you to get closer to her.

You slide closer to Hazel and when she notices she moves her knee so that it's touching yours. She smiles at you and you return it, but you know you must be blushing hard. 

The discussion starts off a bit awkward, but it’s not too long before everyone gets comfortable and begins sharing. After Brittany vents, Hazel starts to share. She talks about what she has been going through with her mom and you are surprised, why hasn’t she talked about this with you? As sad as you are to hear about it, she is so cute when she talks about how happy she is to have made a bunch of new friends. Then PJ, being the dick she always is, cuts Hazel off. You keep your anger contained but you will not be forgetting about this. You put your hand on Hazel's leg to show her that you are listening and that you care about what she has to say. 

The meeting gets cut pretty short after an interesting story from Josie about juvie, that for some reason sounded vaguely familiar. You, along with several other girls, didn’t even get to share. 

When you go over to your backpack you pull out your water bottle to take a drink. You notice that PJ’s bag is right next to yours. So you ‘accidentally’ dropped the bottle, spilling out the full contents on PJ’s bag. You quickly grab your own bag and go to find Hazel. By the time you are standing next to her you hear PJ yell “What the hell! My fucking bag is all fucking wet!”

Everybody turns to look and Hazel notices the shit eating grin on your face. “Did you…” she questions and you just laugh. She starts to laugh too, but covers her mouth with her hand so that it isn’t obvious. You can still see it in her eyes though and it’s adorable. 

“We should probably get out of here, right?” You ask her and she just grabs your arm to pull you away, the two of you stifling laughter. 

As you walk towards your car in the parking lot you hear Isabel yell “Hazel! I have something for you!”

She tries to run after you and Hazel, but she ends up shuffling with little steps because of her high heels.

Isabel hands something small to Hazel and it’s a… Chili’s gift card?

“You mentioned craving chips and salsa the other day and I figured I would get-give this to you. Someone, um, gave it to me, but ya know, I’m watching my calories,” Isabel explains.

There is no way that anyone who has ever met Isabel would give her a gift card to a restaurant that didn’t have at least 1 Michelin star. And watching her calories? Yeah her mother was constantly pestering her about it, but she literally just had ice cream the other day. 

Hazel is so endearingly gullible that she buys it all.“Thanks Isabel, that’s so nice of you.”

Isabel can hardly contain herself. “You two should go together, wouldn’t that be like, so fun?”

“That’s a great idea. I think it would be a very fun d-“ Hazel pauses for a moment, “a lot of fun.”

After thanking Isabel again, you and Hazel get into the car. She starts fidgeting with her rings. “Would you maybe want to go out to eat tonight? I know it’s Friday so you might have plans or something but if you’re free…”

Isabel had said she had something fun planned for tonight, but you know now that she must have been referring to this.

“I would love to.”

“How does 7 sound? I can drive.”

You nod with a shy smile, though bubbling with excitement. 

You don’t want to assume anything, but this might actually be a date, so you are treating it like one. Preparing the way you would for any other date, you get started early to make sure everything looks perfect. You lay out a go to date outfit, one that you know you look hot in, and you do your hair and makeup the same way you always do, it looks good but also like you didn’t put too much effort into it. 

You are buzzing with excitement when you walk outside to meet Hazel. She’s already sitting in her car. Her expression makes it look like she feels absolutely defeated, but it melts away into a dreamy daze as soon as she lays eyes on you. 

Hazel puts on a playlist that she says she made just for the two of you, and it makes your heart flutter. 

As Hazel drives you notice her glancing over at you every chance she gets. It makes you wonder if something is wrong with your hair and makeup.

“What?” You ask her nervously.

Hazel raises one eyebrow and tilts her head to one side. “What do you mean?”

“Why do you keep looking at me like that? Did I forget to brush part of my hair or something?” You anxiously bite your lip.

“No!” she yells and it makes you jump a little.

“Not at all!” She says in a softer tone, trying to recover. “You just… you just look, like, amazing.”

You play with your hair to distract from the warm blush you feel creeping across your face. “Awe, thanks Haze. I just wanted to look nice I guess.”

“It’s just Chilli’s.” God, this girl is so oblivious. 

“I know, it’s just that…” you huff and decide maybe you shouldn’t say anything. “Never mind.”

“Cmon, just tell me,” Hazel groans dramatically to make you laugh. Then she pokes your arm. “You can tell me anything.”

“I just wasn’t sure if this was like, I don’t know, this is going to sound absolutely ridiculous, a date?” You cover your face with your hands because you are so embarrassed. 

“Hey, hey, it’s ok.” Hazel’s comforting voice reassures you.”I was scared to call it a date, but I really really want it to be a date.” You uncover your face as your jaw drops all the way to the floor. The anticipation is killing you until she finally says “so if you want this to be… it’s definitely a date.”

“For real?” You are practically bouncing up and down in your seat. 

“Yeah of course babe,” she smiles looking over at you, putting her hand on your leg. It makes you so happy that you aren’t even concerned about how that might make her bad driving even worse. 

You put your hand on top of hers for a reality check, to know that this is actually happening, and not a dream. “I can’t believe this is really a date.”

“Me either. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this?” Hazel really should be looking at the road more but you are enjoying her attention too much. 

“Probably not as long as I have.”

Her face is lit up by her smiling and laughing, she is shining like the sun. “I doubt it. Let’s just say it’s been a really long time. But no need to compete here, right? I know I’m winning either way.”

You nod in agreement. “Very true.”

The rest of the car ride isn't awkward per say, but you're both very nervous, in a cute way. Instead of trying to force a conversation while processing everything,  you take the time to appreciate the playlist that Hazel made, and sing along to the familiar songs. The songs that you don’t know are poetically sweet. 

This is actually happening. You absolutely wanted this to be a date, and you prepared by looking good. But emotionally? You never bothered to hype yourself up for this, like a FOOL. You start nervously picking at your cuticles. 

When the car comes to a stop you finally have the nerve to look back over at Hazel. She’s already looking over at you, her face is excited more than anything else, but she still has a death grip on the steering wheel. 

“Are- are you ready to go inside?” You ask, trying to keep your voice steady, looking at Hazel's white knuckles. She finally realizes what she’s doing and quickly places her hands in her lap and nods enthusiastically. “I’ve been ready for this for a long time.”

Hazel walks a few steps ahead so she can hold the door open for you, and when the hostess brings you to your table she pulls out your chair. 

You start looking down at the menu to see what you want. When looking up at Hazel to ask if she has any ideas, she hasn’t even picked up her menu yet, she’s just watching you, starry eyed.

You giggle and point to the menu “aren’t you going to look at that?”

“I’d rather look at you,” she mumbles and leans her head on her hand. 

You put down your own menu. “Oh come on Hazel, really?”

“I’m totally serious. I’m finally on a date with the most amazing, beautiful, girl in the world. How am I supposed to focus on anything else?”

You study her face, making sure that you can picture her like this from now on and forever. “You really are just the cutest human to ever exist.”

Hazel sits back up and drops both her hands to the table. “Me?”

“Yes you! Just look at you! You are so sweet and funny and compassionate and empathetic, just anything you could ever want in a...” The waitress cuts you off. “Can I get you guys anything to drink?” She asks and sets down a bowl of chips and salsa. 

It’s very difficult to even think about what you want to drink.  You almost called Hazel your girlfriend. No matter how bad you want her to be, you are happy that you didn’t. It’s too scary to say out loud, even though you’ve been married for years in your head. Verbalizing it would make it real, and real things hurt much worse if they don’t work out. 

Hazel is looking at you, clearly hanging on to every word you say, wondering how that sentence was supposed to end. 

“I’ll have a, uh, lemonade,” you tell the waitress without looking away from Hazel, your eyes wide and your lips slightly parted, dying to utter one last word that would change your life forever. 

“And for you?” It doesn’t even seem like Hazel heard that.

You smile awkwardly at the waitress and tell her “sprite.” She nods at you confused, “I’ll have that right out for you.”

When she is walking away Hazel finally notices that the waitress was there at all, and she looks a little embarrassed. 

She starts adjusting the collar of her shirt, even though it looks fine, so you ask, “do you uh, want an appetizer?”

You can tell she is still longing to continue your previous conversation, but you just aren’t ready for that right now. She doesn’t even bother to look at the menu. “I’m good with chips and salsa. But if you want something I’ll share it.”

“I don’t think I’m that hungry right now.” That’s because nerves are fluttering in your stomach. 

“Me neither,” Hazel smiles shyly. 

You shift around the way you are sitting to try and expel some of the nerves. Hazel mirrors you, moving around as well, settling with one knee tucked under her. You start to eat some chips and salsa, trying to collect your thoughts, before looking back at the menu. 

“I can’t decide between the honey chipotle  chicken tenders and the chicken bacon ranch quesadilla,” you sigh. 

“Why don’t you just get both?”

“I’m not hungry enough for an appetizer Haze,” you giggle, “I’m definitely not hungry enough to eat two dinners.”

“I don’t know what I want so we can just get what you want and share it.”

“Hazeeeeee,” you drag out, sounding almost a bit whiny. “Don’t be silly, just order what you want, I can flip a coin or something.”

Hazel slides her menu over towards you and looks away from it. “I just want you to have what you want. Besides, we always like the same things anyways.”

You place your menu on top of hers. “Fine, but you have to pick next time so that we are even.”

“Works for me,” she hums in approval. The two of you are just staring at each other, wondering where to take the conversation from here. 

Next thing you know the waitress is putting down your drinks and taking your dinner order. 

Hazel finally looks like she’s gotten herself together after your earlier conversation. 

“I can’t believe you dumped water on PJ’s bag,” she laughs after the waitress takes the order and walks away. 

“That bitch had it coming. I hate the way her and Josie brush you off, like they are better than you. They take you for granted, who do they think they are?”

Hazel bites her lip and looks down glumly. “I guess I’m just used to being treated that way.”

You cross your arms over your chest and sneer, “Well anyone that treats you like that has to answer to me now.”

Hazel laughs, even though you are very serious. “Are you going to beat up everyone that doesn’t treat me right?”

“Yes, actually.”

“If that’s the case I will punch your ex in the face if I ever get the chance.”

“That’s a deal.”

You wouldn’t call it gossiping, it’s more like discussing, when you start talking about the unfortunate relationship circumstances of other girls in the club. Like how does Isabelle put up with Jeff? Is Brittany single because she is too attached to Isabelle?

The rest of dinner goes well, and you listen to the playlist Hazel made on the car ride home.

She walks you to your front door and gives you a hug. With her arms still wrapped around your waist she pulls the upper part of her body away from you to take a good look at your face. Hey eyes wander over you dreamily until they stop on your lips. As she leans in you close your eyes, only for her to press her soft lips to your cheek. 

[spadesolace]

the idea of yoo - 1.1. alone with yoo (half-written)

previous | next

words: 1.5k

warnings: a bit of homophobia, discussion about religion, implied cheating

the sun shining through a small window, your eyes twitch as the sunlight hits you perfectly. in your line of sight, sight adjusting through the bright yet also dim room. it smells a bit rugged, similar to yeonjun’s perfume he had made you and rei smell before his date, bed is a bit harder than your usual one at home, and you’re still wearing yesterday’s clothes. in the corner of your eye, was the table tennis - you’re at the choi household.

slowly sitting up, looking for your phone that yeonjun had placed on his bedside table, along with some medicine, water, and hangover drink. underneath was a note with messy handwriting.

hey, when you wake up i would be at rehearsals for tomorrow’s dance battle. left some medicine so drink it right away. yeonie

as you hastily drank the medicine and pick up the hangover drink, ready to leave and get some proper meal. the sound of footsteps and chatter was making its way towards your destination. vaguely, you could make up yeonjun’s mom’s voice and yoo jimin.

“yeonjun is at rehearsal, but you can leave that here on his-” his mom sees you by the bed, wearing your coat and getting your stuff, along with hiding some of the letters that you’ve written for yeonjun’s recipe to food critics to try, and letters from jimin.

“yeonjun’s japanese friend, didn’t hear you come in.”

“just dropping off some notes.”

“jimin is also drop-” the faint breaking of glass was heard upstairs, making yeonjun’s mom rush back upstairs.

the last time you were alone with jimin was when you bumped into her in the hallway, the start of it all. it’s a bit awkward, looking like you spent the night - in which you did - but also it seemed like you’re dating yeonjun. deep inside, you’re thinking how pretty jimin is despite it being so early in the morning.

“hi.” she breaks the tension, a small smile plastered on her face.

“hi.” your breath is taken away; standing in front of a girl who you considered could have been sculpted by aphrodite.

“are you and paul-” then you remember, she’s not here for you.

“OH GOSH NO! he is totally 100 percent into you.”

“you know about… us?”

“that’s what the notes and books are for, he wanted to do some extra reading.” jimin seemed amused by it, partially because no one has been that thoughtful to learn more about their interests and hobbies.

the awkward silence slowly crept back, part of you wanted to leave, no longer wishing to take part in this. the girl you developed feelings for is talking to a guy who you helped in writing the letters for, making an image of him in her mind. 

you deceived jimin.

you deceived yeonjun.

they fell in love with the image you had made to deceive both of them.

all you could hear coming out of jimin’s mouth was self-deprecating words regarding her first impression during their first date. nothing made sense anymore, nothing held you back.

“you could never be an idiot. yeonjun wouldn’t think of you that way.” you still held back, not wanting to expose yourself. there is the desire to leave and run away, forget this entire thing happened.

“i should probably get back home.” picking your bag up, noticing jimin was holding onto a piece of paper.

“this- its- its nothing really, something i made during the trip.” still she handed it over to you, lyrics; you assume it to be lyrics of a new song she wrote.

“i like one of the lines from the second verse… lonely yet hopeful.” giving it back to jimin, smiling shyly about to leave her in this man cave that is yeonjun’s room.

“he’ll love it.” i love it.

“yeah…”

“i should get going.”

“can i come with?”

you don’t know how it happened, how you’re walking in the middle of an abandoned train track kicking a stone as you pass by the abandoned cart, no longer filled with writings. there’s another one, not that far off that you and rei go to when you need a change in your routine.

“you’re not scared?” stopping in your tracks, slight confusion evident in your face.

“no, i’m used to this route. a change in scenery.” jimin hummed as the stone you were kicking seemed to have merged with the rest of the pebbles.

“you wanna get out of here?”

it feels surreal, you’re in jimin’s car, listening to the radio mostly 90’s music playing, windows down and the wind blowing your hair. months ago, you couldn’t believe that jimin knew who you were, yet here you are.

“where we going?”

“my favorite secret place.”

you stopped in the middle of a forest, a part of you sort of feared where this was going because who would bring someone to a forest if not to kill them? or maybe you’ve been watching too much true crime that rei has been so adamant in you watching it with her. when you saw the clearing, maybe it wouldn’t be that bad to be killed by the girl you like. it’s just a hot spring, and it worried you when jimin started unpacking her duffel bag, only to pull out a small radio. you’re just stuck in this place with her, turning your back at her when she started removing her sundress. you’re not sure if she removed her undergarments but just the idea that she’s probably skinny dipping makes your face heat up.

jimin turns around as your gaze looks everywhere except for her. you looked at her back for a bit, toned, smooth, and her hair despite being wet already it stil remained smooth and silky. so, you stripped, not fully. she only turned back to face you when she heard a bit of water splashing. an embarrassed smile was evident as jimin takes in what you’re wearing.

“oh i almost forgot.” you thought it was from the heat from the hot spring that made you feel this way but confirming that jimin is indeed naked walking around the area and setting up the small radio. you submerged yourself underwater.

“there’s no cell service here, nothing could reach us here.”

“so if you kill me, completely leave me here to decompose and scream, no one would come to rescue me?”

it was a lighthearted joke, one that made jimin laugh as she dipped back into the spring and you still avoided looking at her body. things were going well, talking about interests, family, religion, everything under the sun as you played around in the water.

“i don’t think i’ve hanged out with a girl and not talk about boys before.”

“oh… sorry.”

“no, no… it’s nice, actually.” you nod to her statement, maybe this could be a way to help yeonjun out.

“yeonjun’s nice.” jimin looks at you, pondering. she can’t put a finger on it but she tries to explain her emotions.

“he’s... confusing.” 

“how?”

”when i’m with him, i feel... safe. he’s a sweet guy, don’t get me wrong. then he writes these things that feel... not so safe.” you tilt your head as you process everything, you wrote those things, the letters, the messages, everything - you wrote it.

“not safe?”

“makes me wonder, think about things - all this time i was set on this idea of marrying jeno but then here comes yeonjun when i asked god for a sign. god doesn’t know either or he’s not telling.”

“i don’t believe in god.”

“that must be so nice.”

“it’s not…” you slowly submerged yourself into the water, jimin still observing you, everything feels weird. “it’s lonely.”

“i wished i knew what i believed in.” you tune everything out, listening to jimin’s rant about jeno already planning their future wedding, her asking a sign to god if that was what love is. simply accept it and be grateful. but the letter appeared the following day, the letter you wrote and what started this whole thing.

“silly, right?” you shake your head as you swim closer to her.

“no, its not.”

“but you know what’s silly?” everything moved so fast that your oversized shirt was removed from you, a triumphant smile but easily replaced by her laughing.

“did you layer?” now, you’re left with your undergarment and a black tank top.

time went by so slowly, you’re talking to her about life, love, religion, while floating on your back next to her listening to a radio playing old songs. the current song playing was your mom’s favorite song, waiting for the best part, the climax as she would say.

“my mom also told us that every song, movie, story has a best part.” patiently waiting, letting it pass and enjoy each other’s presence and the song you heavily associated with your mom. a part of you wants to reach out to jimin and hold her hand as the song continues on. 

“was that it?”

“you asking or stating?”

the best part - is when you actually hold onto jimin’s hand as you float like otters. the song playing in the background as the lyrics perfectly encapsulate what you feel for her. words can’t express your feelings - pain from knowing the girl you like is straight and seeing your only friend but also happiness from getting such a small moment together that you’ll cherish till you leave this little place called kwangya.

you may not believe in god, but if falling in love with yoo jimin is a sin. call me a sinner, then.

taglist [CLOSED]:

@1luvkarina @beawolfbealionbeyou @pandafuriosa60 @txtbrainrot @rinapomu @limbforalimb @yoontoonwhs @noascats @thefckghost @petruchiosstuff

[rinsuniverse]

since your reqs are open, do you have any thoughts on taking care of bf woozi when he's sick? i loved the similar thing you wrote w/ jun, and i thought it would be really sweet to hear about how woozi's s/o might take care of him when he's under the weather. tysm for considering writing, love your work!! ❤️❤️

taking care of sick woozi! ✧˖°.

i cannot believe i haven't done this prompt yet omg !!! thank you for requesting & reminding me

you noticed jihoon was starting to feel under the weather the night before

when he got home late from work, he wouldn't stop sniffling and sneezing

the tip of his nose was pink, along with his cheeks

and every so often, he'd loudly try to clear his throat before responding to you

you suggested that he take it easy for a bit in case it gets worse, but he brushed it off as seasonal allergies

"ji, babe, you should wash up. i'll prepare some cold medicine and some vitamins for tonight and tomorrow before work."

"thanks. i'll take it, but i don't think i'm sick. it's just that time of the year again," he says, shrugging his shoulders

you knew you couldn't get him to call off of work, so why even bother?

so, instead, you called off of your work so you can follow him around and care for him

you woke up extra early to make him some warm breakfast

you set up his food in the dining room before sitting beside him in bed

he wakes up slowly, reaching toward you, trying to pull you closer

he rests his head on your thigh and you gasp

like holy crap, his head is steaming

"ji, honey, you have a fever," you say, brushing through his hair with your fingers. "maybe... we should stay home?"

he shakes his head. "i'll just stay here for a little while longer. is that okay?"

"i took off work to take care of you," you say, resting your head back on the headboard

"you didn't have to"

"i wanted to. i get to hang out with you all day," you say, as cute as possible

you watch him cringe in your lap

"come on, let's go eat. i made you breakfast. you need to eat before you take your meds."

he obeys you quietly and brings you to the studio

you sit on his couch, studying your own thing, but every time you hear him sniffle, you hand him a tissue

you keep tabs on when he needs to take medicine because without you, he'd get so lost in his music and he'd forget to care for himself

you get him to drink lots of water and gatorade to keep him hydrated, keeping him away from his usual colas and sodas

but as he continues working, his head starts to hurt and he can't seem to concentrate or think straight

so he gets up and lazily slugs over to you, laying down on the couch with his head in your lap

he grabs your hand from whatever you were using it for, and he places it on his head quietly

"you okay?" you ask, taking the hint and playing with his hair

"my head hurts," he says quietly. his eyes are closed as he talks to you.

you massage his head gently and enjoy the time you have with a sick jihoon

"do you still have to work?" you ask, checking the time on your phone

"i wish i could"

"maybe we should go home, and when you feel better, you can work on your computer there."

"but-"

"ji, please. you can work extra hard and long tomorrow when you feel better."

he cannot say no to you and it pisses him off sometimes

you bring a sulky jihoon home early, tucking him into your bed

you put on a recent anime that you heard he was interested in, and then get to work to make him some food

as you cook, suddenly some arms wrap around you from behind, and you hear some sniffling by your shoulder

"hmm?"

he pulls you in tighter, not saying anything

you feel your shoulder become wet

was he... crying?

"is it that bad, baby? maybe the medicine isn't working... should we go to the doctor?"

he shakes his head and he quietly cries into your shoulder

you shut off the stove and turn around, cupping his face in your hands

"aww, don't cry, jihoon," you say, a frown on your face. you wipe his tears away with your thumbs

"just come to bed with me, please," he says, sniffling. "this is embarrassing."

you chuckle, quickly finishing the food and putting it to the side before following him to the bedroom

you lay in bed with his head snuggled into your chest as he watches his anime

"i texted your mom," you say

"for what?"

"to ask her for a recipe that i should cook when you're not feeling well."

"no wonder why it smells familiar."

you play with his hair

"should we go eat?"

"no. stay here."

for the rest of the night, he's clinging onto you

he refuses to kiss you in case he makes you sick with whatever he has

but he literally will not let go of you

don't ever mention to anyone about how clingy he gets when he's sick and tired

because he will become a blushing mess and never become clingy like this again

thank you so much for the request, and i'm so sorry it took me so long to respond!! i hope you enjoyed clingy, sick woozi 🫶

(p.s. requests are still open! i specialize in woozi stuff, but i don't mind writing about other svt members! i can also do some nsfw if you want! so request whatever and as much as you want! ς(>‿<.))

[triggerlil]

i bet God heard you coming

It humbles Gale all over again how the world keeps going. When he'd returned home from the war and the horses at the Spencers' stables still nuzzled into his palm, when Marge died and the sun still set pink over the cottonwoods across the fields. Now John was gone, and the birds still trilled excitedly in the early morning mist.

1.9k, also on AO3

It's one of the first warm nights of Spring when Gale looks at John for the last time. Sure, he has photos: the one John gave him that's long since creased from the amount of times Gale's held it, the hoarded newspaper clippings with smudged smirks and group shots around the planes where faces blurred. But this was his last moment seeing him in person, and despite the sadness that claws at his chest and grips his heart, he wants to remember everything. The dark sweep of curls across John's forehead, the crooked part of his nose from an unclean break, the small scars and marks that pepper his skin (which only ever made him more handsome), long still eyelashes the ghosts of which seemed to flutter now against Gale’s cheek. He absentmindedly brushes the sensation away, the raw skin under his eyes stinging, and his hand comes away wet with tears. He would’ve figured he had none left. 

He needed to make this quiet moment count because of all the things he’d never committed to memory. The blue of John’s eyes was already fading, would the tenor of his laugh be next? Would it only be the horror that stayed? The way John looked with blood splattered across his face, the sound of his shouts when he’d woken panting, the smell of gunpowder and death? If nightmares were the only parts of John he could salvage, that was better than nothing. 

He settles a hand over where John’s are folded across his stomach, wedding ring new enough that parts still shine. He knows he’s cold, but Gale sucks in a breath when he touches John’s cheek. It's as cold as when they marched.

“How’d we get here, huh?” He whispers, shaky. He’s going to have to move on soon, let others take their time. No one would interrupt him, but he can’t handle it much longer anyhow. The silence closes in and the overwhelming perfume of flowers starts to make him feel sick. He wants to sit John up and hug him so tightly he breaks his ribs, shake him until his bones fall out so Gale can finally accept the truth. “You weren't supposed to die on me, John.” 

He feels panic start to rise in his throat, bile and tar, he takes one long last look: there are the freckles he’d counted, the strong jaw he’d held, lips he’d ran the pad of his thumb over, broad shoulders and arms that’d wrapped around him, a chest he’d once seen rise and fall. He wrenches himself away before he can choose to stay and walks quickly back through the wake and out to the lawn. He should say something to Josephine, but he doesn’t know how. He hadn’t wanted to be around anyone when Marge died—except John. It’s late, the funeral is tomorrow afternoon, he’ll say something then. Gale sits on the pavement and waits for Esther to say goodbye for the both of them. Not for the first time he wishes he smoked. He settles for taking a toothpick and fiddling it between his teeth. Esther touches his shoulder gently as the crickets start singing, and they drive back to their hotel without talking.

The air is cool the next morning when Gale goes for a jog. The shock has worn off somewhat; he no longer has an excuse to stay indoors and wallow. Regardless it wouldn’t be a good look, grown men don’t grieve like widows over their best friends. Even if said friend should’ve had plenty of time left. It humbles Gale all over again how the world keeps going. When he'd returned home from the war and the horses at the Spencers' stables still nuzzled into his palm, when Marge died and the sun still set pink over the cottonwoods across the fields. Now John is gone, and the birds still trill excitedly in the early morning mist. His feet still strike the ground as his breath turns ragged and he has to bend over at the side of the road to dry heave and swallow hungry gulps of air. He shuffles back to the hotel and into the shower, listens to Esther get up and start dressing, singing under her breath. His wet hair dripping onto the back of her neck, he helps with the clasp on the pearl necklace he’d given her before they left. He wants to feel some part of Marge beside him today. Esther had been hesitant to accept at first, but Gale knew Marge would’ve liked to see it worn again. She would’ve wanted him to be happy. Tough luck, he thinks. She and John had made that pretty difficult. 

A few years older than Gale, Esther had lost someone herself. Her first husband had been shot off one of the beaches in Normandy and swallowed by the ocean. It’s unfortunately part of why they work so well together—they both know this isn’t their one great love, but it’s comforting and safe. They’ve talked a lot about the past, but Esther doesn’t know about John. No one knows about John. No one will ever know about he and John. Esther fastens the buttons on his service dress when his hands start shaking too much and goes on tiptoe to place a kiss under his eye. He wants to tell her she looks beautiful in black, but can’t get the words out, so he just takes her hand and doesn’t let go, even as they drive. 

“He was a good man,” Gale ends up saying. “I’ll always remember him.” It’s lame in comparison to the vastness of both their grief, but Josephine still clasps his hands, hugs Esther, and thanks them for coming all this way. 

Then they’re moving on, and Gale is speaking consoling words he can’t hear to John’s two daughters, who have so much of his playfulness in their features that he can barely stand it. Esther is calmly leading him to their seats, saying something, and he nods despite not understanding anything. The first speech is lost to the rushing of blood in his ears. He’s supposed to get up and say something, he has his speech tucked into his breast pocket, but his vision has tunneled down to nothing but the casket and the knowledge that John is in it. 

Yesterday was the last day he’d ever see John again. Esther squeezes his hand and he realizes it’s his turn. He somehow stands in front of the familiar faces of grief and talks about how John helped him get through the war, as if that’s even half of it. He can’t say he wishes he’d been there when John was five and scraped both knees falling off his bike, just so he could shush and console him, or how he would’ve held ice to every black eye John got fighting after school. He can't say he remembers watching John smoke outside the barracks and the swoop in his stomach when everything clicked. He can’t explain that John is someone he’s always known, that when he died he took a part of Gale with him. His voice cracks only once, and then he’s in his seat and doesn't remember walking back over. Esther takes his hand again, and she will never know just how deep his grief goes. He will never tell her about nights in the Stalag when it was so cold everyone was sharing bunks, but those were also the only nights he actually slept, drifting off to the comforting length of John's body pressed against his. Gale will take to his own grave how John came running after Marge died, sleeping together again—cramped on the couch because Gale couldn’t stand to be in the master bedroom—or the one brief moment they’d had alone before John’s wedding, Gale straightening John’s collar and running his fingers through the scruff of hair at the nape of his neck. They will never have any of that again, and Gale somehow has to find a way to live with it. He has to survive for the both of them, now. 

The air feels muggy with promised rain as guests trickle out of the funeral home. The Egan grandchildren run around on the grass, unaware of what they’ve lost, and their innocent screams carve a hole out of his stomach. He stops to talk to some of the other men from the 100th who were able to come, but he mostly nods and avoids their pitying stares. They invite him out for drinks tonight, in John’s honor. Hotel checkout is at 0900, but  by now he’s used to late nights and early mornings. Esther breaks away from the group of wives that have found themselves huddled around Josephine, and they drive somewhere for a coffee. 

“Are you going out tonight, for John?” She asks him.

He shrugs, wishing his hands would burn to the sides of this chipped diner mug he's holding.

“It’s been so long since any of the girls have seen each other, Josephine wants us over for wine later. You’d figure she’d be too exhausted, but I think she likes the distraction.” 

“Her and John always had that in common.” 

Esther stifles a laugh and pretends to cough. 

“I said I’d only go if I wasn’t leaving you alone.” 

Gale weighs his options. Stay in with Esther and feel guilty and sorry for himself, lie just to be alone, or go out with the men who are the closest to understanding what he and John had. 

“I’ll probably go out, just for a bit.” 

She nods, sipping her coffee. One milk and one sugar as opposed to Gale’s black; Marge liked just milk, and John was always two milk and enough sugar to rot your teeth. The steam tickles his face and the coffee tastes like every funeral he’s attended—bitter yet familiar. They decide to spend what’s left of the day at the cinema, and he runs his thumb along Esther’s wrist as they sit in the dark. He gets absorbed enough in the story he forgets where he is, the repetitive touch lulling him into the past. He’s at the local theatre in Wyoming watching an unbearably sappy romance with Marge, he’s in the barracks next to John smiling slyly around a toothpick while they bump knees and the men shout profanity at the projection. 

He doesn’t drink that night, the first and last time will always be that swig from John’s flask on VE-Day, but when he’s walking home down unfamiliar streets he fishes out a cigarette he got from a stranger at the bar. He exhales slow, lets the cloud of smoke envelope him in the familiar scent he’d come to associate with John. The rush to his head is a bit like flying a plane, the calm reminiscent of the sky stretching out before him, and he understands how people get addicted. He walks past a church and squints in the dark. He’s never been very religious—doesn’t count the desperate prayers to any God listening while enemy territory rushed towards him—wasn’t raised on it and never bothered. He takes a shuddering inhale and watches the embers burning down towards his fingers. He gazes at the cross atop the roof, silhouetted against the starry sky, and asks God for one last favour: if there is a Heaven, can Bucky be there waiting for him? He wants to see him at the pearly gaits, smirk playing on his boyish face, as he asks Gale what took him so long.

[whereianonymouslypostfics]

Don’t Blame Me

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x reader

Word count: ~4k

Summary: You accidentally venture to the bar where Wanda’s working one night. 

A/N: Here’s the drabble about witnessing Wanda’s drug deal, lol. Enjoy. Again 18+ only! 

Warnings: slight angst and smut

Wanda was already in a foul mood before she even got to the bar. She’d been running around all day trying to get the men who work for her to get their shit together. She was supposed to be at home relaxing with you, but her meeting had been pushed back until tonight due to all of the confusion. If this were anything other than an enormously lucrative deal she was closing, she would let someone else handle it. That said, her faith in her employees today was a little shaky. She needed to make sure that things were settled, and if she had to be here and miss out on time with you, she’d be damned if she didn’t leave here with her money.

She had left you at home earlier, and she hated that she couldn’t promise you that she’d be back anytime soon. She knew that things could take time tonight, especially if someone tried to negotiate, but she hoped that this would be relatively painless.

She has Steve with her as usual, but given the stakes she has a few more people hanging around just in case. She and Steve are both tired and hoping this goes quickly, and almost immediately Steve leaves to get them both a drink. She purposely arrived early, and she needed a few minutes to try and improve her mood before she talks to someone who is most likely going to push her buttons.

“Let’s get this over with, shall we?”

You’re at home with Boone and Fletcher reading a book while television is playing in the background. You’re unable to do one thing at a time, and although you’re mostly reading you are also listening to a television show you’ve seen countless times before while you pet your dog. He’s lying on top of you and since he had a bath recently you let him cover you with fur and only minimal amounts of dirt. You wish that Wanda was here with you, but she was busy tonight and had told you not to wait up. You understood that this meant that you might see her in the morning when you wake up, but you also might not.

You don’t have work tomorrow so you’re thinking about what you are going to do for the day. Wanda’s supposed to be working as usual, but depending on what time she’s back, maybe you can convince her to have a late start to the day. After you finish your book an hour or so later you decide to do something else. It’s dark out, so you only take Boone on a quick walk around the house before returning indoors to consider your next move.

It's only 10 pm and you’re not really tired, but you’re also not in the mood to keep watching movies. You start another book, but only read it for about half an hour before deciding to go out. You’re bored and you want to get a drink, so you text Bucky and ask him what he’s doing. You know that he’s probably busy, but if you don’t at least check in with him before leaving Wanda will get mad at you. You are changed and ready to go before Bucky texts you that he is in fact busy and will be for the night.

You contemplate your options carefully before mentioning your plans to him. He texts back quickly and you have to laugh at his predictable response.  

Do you think Wands would be mad if I went out anyway?

At both of us, yes

You think about the places that you were considering going to and you mention them to Bucky. He takes a little longer to respond and you’re downstairs at this point in the kitchen. You tap your phone on the counter impatiently which catches Boone’s attention and he comes to sit down next to you. You consider taking him with you, but then you have to worry about him ‘working’. You don’t want him to have to do that tonight, so you decide that if Bucky ever responds, you’ll go by yourself and leave him here with his sister.

A few minutes later Bucky’s response comes, and you smile as you grab your keys and head to the garage.

Go to the second one.

Wanda tries not to grow frustrated over the fact that she’s having to go over everything all over again. It’s all in writing, and unfortunately, they’re going over everything point by point just to make sure they’re on the same page. This would be fine, tedious, but fine, except for the fact that he has questions for everything. Wanda’s growing impatient, and Steve’s already stopped paying much attention as he looks around the bar. It’s a full house, and he’s not surprised by this at all. He makes sure that the two on watch are still around before his eyes drift over to the bar.

He could use another drink right now.

When you arrive to the bar, you’re only a little on edge about going in alone. You left Boone at home, and Bucky wasn’t with you, but he’d told you it should be fine. You’re not sure what that meant, but you chose to believe that everything was handled. Somehow. You know that both of you would be in deep shit with Wanda if anything happened, so you figure he’s going to make sure all of his bases are covered.

You walk in and immediately realize it’s packed, and that makes you calmer for some reason. You feel that if it’s super busy, people won’t take notice of you which is what you always want. Your brief look around tells you that you recognize no one, and you head to the bar with a sigh.

You end up sitting down in the middle of two people because it’s the only seat, and the bartender greets you with a quick smile and a ‘I’ll be right with you.”

You’re in no hurry and you just nod before considering what you want your first drink to be. You snack on some peanuts while you wait and you stifle a yawn as the bartender comes up to you to take your order.

“What will you have?”

As you give him your order, you notice that he’s a little on edge but you don’t know what to make of it. You order your go to and watch as he leaves to make it with a frown. You don’t put too much thought into it because you’re here to get drunk, not to psychoanalyze anyone. You’re also just interested in drinking and then cuddling with your dog on the couch later. You take your drink with a smile and take a long sip with a sigh.

You’re already feeling a little bit better.

Wanda’s taking a sip of her drink when she spots you and she nearly spits it out. She was so close to sealing this deal and getting to leave, but the sight of you makes her want to finish even faster. She looks over to Steve to see if he’s noticed you, but he’s distracted by something else so she simply turns back to the brunette across from her with a sigh.

“Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”

She waits patiently as he flips through the contract again before he shakes his head. She nearly sighs in relief, but she stops short when she watches him look over his shoulder with a smile.

“Nothing to discuss, but would you share one more celebratory round? On me.”

Wanda can’t say no to this without appearing rude so she just smiles before turning to Steve with a pointed look. She looks to the bar as well, more specifically to where her wife’s sitting, but she doesn’t mention you before she asks Steve to get them drinks. She rarely does this and he immediately realizes that something is off. He agrees without protest and stands up to head for the bar.

“Of course.”

You’re on your second drink by the time Steve comes up behind you. The two people sitting next to you keep glancing at you, but you don’t notice as you continue to drink. You’re dissociating a bit now but you definitely notice when someone comes to stand between you and the blonde on your left. He’d been checking you out, not that you’d noticed, and Steve glared at him before turning to you slightly. He was trying to be subtle, but you were a little too distracted to notice and you turn to him in surprise.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here.”

You close your mouth and bite back the threat on the tip of your tongue when you realize who got too close to you. You frown in confusion before looking at Steve and glancing around for your wife.

“Right back at you. What’s…is Wanda here too?”

Steve just nods over to where your wife is sitting with someone you don’t recognize. She’s not looking at you, but you can also tell that she’s not paying attention to the person who’s talking to her. You look back to Steve as three drinks are set down in front of him. You have a lot of questions, but you don’t get to ask any of them before he speaks up and leaves without waiting for your response.

“We’ll be wrapping up soon.”

He leaves and you smile slightly as you take this opportunity to look at your wife. She’s tense where she sits, but you figure that has to do with whatever she’s talking about. You watch until Steve puts the drinks down on the table and Wanda looks up at him before her gaze shifts to you. She’s smiling and she thanks Steve while looking you over curiously. She takes a few seconds to admire your choice of clothing. She briefly wonders if you knew she’d be here because you’re wearing one of her favorite casual outfits on you.

You hadn’t put a lot of thought into it when you’d gotten dressed to go out. Your goal was always to be as comfortable as possible, and since it was a cooler night, you’d put on a pair of shorts that were just long enough to not show too much. Wanda had a love hate relationship with them because she loved when you wore them for her to see, but not anyone else. They showed off your legs and Wanda finds herself wanting to put her hands on you now.

She takes her drink without looking and drains nearly half of it before she forces herself to look away from you. She doesn’t want to draw attention to you, but she steals another glance at you as you grab your glass and drink some as well. She watches as you lean back against the bar which causes your shirt to ride up a little. Wanda catches a glimpse of skin before she realizes that someone is talking to her.

“To a prosperous relationship.”

As Wanda toasts to her successful deal, you turn back around and grab more peanuts with a smile. You know that you probably will need to leave before Wanda does, but the idea that your wife is here and undoubtedly keeping an eye on you makes you near giddy. You consider acting out but you know that you’ll pay for it later, and maybe not until tomorrow. Given how fond you are of instant gratification you decide to just order another slightly stronger drink to help you relax a little more.

You’re halfway through it when you feel your face start to grow hot. This is an unfortunate side effect of drinking alcohol and you know you need to slow down. You look out of the corner of your eye on both sides to see that your drinking companions are both looking at you. You’re not sure why, but you ignore them as you stretch out your sore back with a groan. You close your eyes so you miss the blonde on the left glancing at your cleavage when you arch your back.

You shake yourself out before resting your arm on the bar with a sigh. You feel your body buzzing from both the alcohol and the sudden need that’s snuck up on you. You glance over your shoulder to see that Wanda’s shaking hands and handing something across the table, but Steve is looking around probably out of boredom. You’re about to turn back around but you jump when you feel something cold fall on your leg.

"Shit."

You jump to your feet as you try to shake off the drink that just spilled on you. You frown as you look to the blonde who’d somehow knocked his drink over and practically onto your lap. He apologizes drunkenly and urgently as the bartender comes over with a towel and a glass of water. You sigh in defeat and annoyance as you realize that there’s now beer in your sock and you shake your head.

“I’m so sorry!”

You offer the man a tight smile before claiming that it’s fine even though it’s not. You’re annoyed but you turn to smile sincerely at the bartender who’d brought you stuff to clean up with, but you shake your head.

“Thanks, but I’ll just go clean up in the bathroom.”

You grab your phone and stick it in your back pocket before you head to the bathroom with an exaggerated sigh. Maybe you should have just stayed at home.

Wanda was wrapping things up when she hears a glass fall and shatter against a table. She frowns as she looks away from the man now getting to his feet to see you’re standing and shaking yourself out. She waits until she and Steve are alone until she sits up slightly and eyes the interaction curiously.

You’re trying to keep from getting soaked as the drunk who spilled on you apologizes and hovers uncertainly. When you leave the bar to head toward the bathrooms, she considers following you. She’s finished up a lot sooner than she thought she would and you might also be ready to go home. Her thoughts are interrupted when she watches the blonde who’s just finished wiping up his mess, hurry after you for some reason. She decides to go check on you as well, and she tells Steve she’ll be back soon. He waits for a few seconds before following after her because he has a feeling he knows what’s going to happen next.

You are just grabbing a few paper towels to try to clean the stickiness from your leg and shoe when the door opens behind you. You aren’t sure who you expected to see, but you frown at the sight of the reason why you’re in here in the first place.

“It’s fine, I got it.”

You say this mostly to get the blonde to explain his presence, but you don’t really need him to when he looks you over with interest that you don’t reciprocate.

“Are you sure I can’t help with anything?”

You’re near glaring at him as the door opens again, but it quickly turns to a smile when you see who it is. Your wife reaches out for the blonde’s shirt and she practically throws him back through the door before slamming it behind him.

“We’re good, thanks.”

Your smile widens as Wanda locks the door behind him before turning to you with a smirk. She steps forward and reaches out for the towels in your hands before walking the short distance to the sink.

“I didn’t expect to see you here tonight, detka.”

You smile slightly as you shrug while meeting your wife’s gaze in the mirror. You didn’t expect it either, but you figured you were just lucky. You reach out to take the towels back but Wanda shakes her head as she decides to take over.

“Right back at you.”

Wanda smiles as she kneels so she can clean the IPA off you. You twitch slightly at the cold towel, but you just hum in thanks as Wanda cleans you up. You reach out to play with Wanda’s hair and you smile widely when she groans under her breath.

“I’m glad you’re here, but I wish you hadn’t worn this.”

You frown in confusion as you note Wanda’s serious look as she stands up and turns to the trash now that she’s finished. You’re not sure what Wanda’s talking about because you were pretty sure your wife liked this outfit. You don’t realize you’re right until she turns back to you and reaches out for your flannel shirt. Wanda sighs at the feeling of the soft fabric in her hand. She swears it even smells comfortable, but she might just be a little drunk.

“It made it difficult for me to concentrate. All I could think about was taking it off.”

You smile at the irony of Wanda’s words despite believing what she says. She looks like she wants to devour you, and the only thing you have to say about this is ‘hurry up’. You lean in to kiss the redhead and you return your hands to her hair with a sigh. You back Wanda up against the locked door as you deepen the kiss and you taste the sweet cocktail you’d had earlier mix with her lighter drink.

Wanda groans against your lips when you tug on her jacket in a half-hearted attempt to take it off.

“You’re one to talk, Wands. You always look so good.”

Wanda’s breathing hard as she drops her hands from your waist to your hips. She tugs on your belt and spins you around before she pushes you back so you fall against the door. She licks her lips as she dives in for another kiss that leaves you both breathless. You curse when Wanda moves to your neck and starts to attack the skin there. She’d only been thinking about having you since she noticed you sitting at the bar with your damn short shorts and too tight shirt. Her hands go to your ass and you jump in surprise before moaning when she gives it a teasing squeeze.

“Never as good as you, Y/n.”

You hiss as she bites down on your neck and your hands return to her shoulders to try and push her jacket off. It’s keeping you from feeling her skin against yours and for that you consider setting it on fire. You’re grateful when Wanda takes matters into her own hands and takes it off before throwing it over toward the sink. You reach out and quickly sneak your hands under her shirt so you can feel her flushed skin. She sighs and brings herself flush against you with a smile. She feels you shudder and she can’t help but groan as she gets to her knees again.

“What are you doing?”

Wanda doesn’t offer a verbal response, but she kisses your inner thigh as she runs her hands up your legs. When you try to arch your back and bring her closer, Wanda pushes you back with a growl that nearly makes you moan.

“Stay still, detka.”

You want to listen to your wife, you really do, but as she continues to bite and suck at your skin you can’t help but squirm. Wanda pushes your shorts up as much as possible, but it’s not far enough for either of you. You’re whining as Wanda finally gives up and starts to undo your belt. She kisses the hickeys she’s left on your inner thighs as she starts to take off your shorts with a smile.

She leaves you completely bare as she pulls them down your legs and you can’t help but shiver from the sudden cold. Wanda’s quick to remedy this however as she comes back and pulls you close. You curse in surprise as she grabs the back of your thighs and lifts you up as she bends low enough to throw your legs over her shoulders.

“Wands-.”

You trail off with a hiss as your wife quickly ducks between your legs. She can’t drag it out any longer because the smell of your arousal is making her impatient and desperate for a taste. You curse and moan as your wife’s tongue parts your slick folds. You bury your hands in Wanda’s hair as she pulls you impossibly closer until all of her senses are filled with you. The way you smell, taste, and sound drives Wanda to work harder to please you both. You bite your lip to stifle a moan as she sucks your clit into her mouth making you shudder violently. She pulls away and you think you might cry until she speaks up.

“None of that. I want to hear you.”

You try not to think too hard about how it’s entirely possible that someone is within ear shot. God forbid someone’s standing right outside waiting to use the bathroom. You only have a second to feel self-conscious before Wanda distracts you again.

“Oh, fuck! God, Wands, please…”

You’re bucking against Wanda’s face as you desperately chase your high. You’re breathing hard and you have a painful grip on your wife’s hair as you start to see stars. She can tell you’re close and she doubles her efforts until she feels you stiffen and a new wave of arousal floods her senses. She doesn’t stop when you reach your orgasm and she continues to devour you as you cry out in pleasure.

“Don’t stop, please! D-don’t--!”

Wanda has no intention of stopping until you’re a puddle on the floor. You are well on your way already when you come a second time barely a minute later. You curse and thrash against Wanda’s tongue that’s still teasing you and you think you’re going to pass out. You try to push her away, but Wanda’s persistent and doesn’t budge an inch as she tries to get you off again. You had no idea that your simple outfit would make her this needy, but you’re eternally grateful. You feel Wanda dig her nails into your skin and you hiss under your breath as you brace yourself against the door.

“One more, detka, okay?”

You don’t have the ability to speak. You can only throw your head against the door behind you and moan loudly as Wanda’s fingers disappear between your legs. You don’t realize she’s only holding you up with one arm, but you’re sure the image would only make you come faster. You’re near delirious as your wife thrusts and curls two fingers inside of you. Your legs shake and you near double over when your third orgasm washes over you. You slump against the door and sense the floor is near when Wanda pulls out of you and helps steady you. Her arms and shoulders ache, but she ignores this along with her sore knees in favor of keeping you from collapsing on the dirty floor.

She gives you time to catch your breath and when the room stops spinning you try to stand.

“Are my legs still there? I can’t feel them at all.”

Wanda laughs at this as she helps you to your feet, and supports you more or less as you lean against the door. You sigh in exhaustion as you reach out for your wife to pull her close. You kiss her and groan slightly in embarrassment at the fact that you quite literally came all over her face.

“Let’s get out of here.”

It’s not a question, but you know you wouldn’t have said no to her either way. You still feel your skin tingling and as you look to your wife again and admire her in her entirety, you smile. You can’t wait for your turn.

Masterlist

[stevesbipanic]

After Steve and Eddie had been a couple for a little while and friends for longer they inevitably talked about their shit childhoods and even shitter dads. They made a promise to each other that if they ever had kids they wouldn't go through that and the kids they did have now would always have good childhoods monsters be damned. But something was still missing inside them, something still broken.

Which is why the list was created. Taming centrestage on their fridge in their little apartment, surrounded by Polaroids and pictures drawn by the kids. A list of all the things they wished they could've done as kids, things they could now do together, to patch that broken part.

It started with simple things, being told I love you, saying you were proud, hugs, soft kisses. It had silly things like bedtime stories and playing catch, and bike races. There were seasonal things, jumping into piles of raked leaves, flower crowns, snow angels.

Which lead them to here.

"Eddie!"

After facing real life monsters, hearing someone yell your name got you moving quickly. Eddie slid into the living room where he had heard Steve call out.

"Fuck, what's wrong Stevie!?"

"It's snowing!"

Eddie took a deep breathe trying to get his panic under control. Outside small flurries were falling.

"Fuck I thought you were dying, baby."

"Sorry, but I got excited. Do you think there will be enough to play in tomorrow?"

Eddie smiled at his boyfriend, the list had certainly helped Steve get excited over small things again.

"I don't know, sweetheart. We should get to bed soon so we can wake up early to check."

Steve had woken Eddie up many different ways since they started dating. Coffee, sound of bacon, breakfast in bed, sweet kisses and some other ways that he'd never tell the kids. All of those things were a lovely way to wake up. This morning was not one of those ways. Steve had gotten up as soon as dawn had broken, getting out bed to check outside, seeing a thick layer of snow. In his excitement he had turned and jumped on top of poor Eddie.

"Oof, angel I love you but I've already had one near death experience and as hot as you are I don't wanted to be crushed to death by you."

"Not what you said last night but sure, but Eddie there's so much snow!"

Eddie let himself be pulled out of bed by his giddy boyfriend and wrapped in warm clothes, being dragged outside into the snow. Steve giggled letting go of his hand turning around and landing in the snow immediately starting a snow angel. The cold was already started to colour their cheeks and Steve had never looked more beautiful to Eddie, completely carefree.

When Steve started shivering from the early morning, Eddie pulled him back inside for a warm breakfast, listening as Steve excitedly called the party over to play in the snow that afternoon.

Together they made more snow angels and staged an epic snowball fight.

"You can't kiss me as a distraction, Eds"

"If that's so then why did it work."

They ended their day with a snowman making competition. The kids were trying to recreate Steve, he'd told them they couldn't steal his sweater but gave them his scarf instead, they were currently trying to find the right sticks and leaves for his hair.

"No no no, we need more leaves it's not swoopy enough!"

"Dustin, those leaves aren't the right colour these sticks are!"

Steve laughed as he finished off his creation.

"Stevie, baby is that me?"

"Does the stick guitar give it away?"

"It's perfect, sweetheart."

Once everyone was too cold to stay out any longer, eventually Steve's mother instincts kicked in worried about them catching a cold, everyone crashed in the little living room. Steve made a big pot of hot cocoa and they all settled down to watch a Christmas movie.

There on the fridge, was one more thing crossed off for two men finally allowed to be boys.

[imaginingaustin]

nyc

summary: surprising austin in new york the night he’s hosting saturday night live.

“i know, i wish i was there too. but you're gonna do amazing, and i’ll be here watching at home and cheering you on.” you said with a smile.

you were on facetime with austin, as he was in new york prepping for saturday night live. you unfortunately couldn’t take the time off work to be with him, and you felt bad, considering how nervous he told you he’d been.

“i don’t doubt that. i just wish i could look out for your during the show.” he said, a small pout pulling on his lips. you talked for a little bit longer as he told you about some of the sketches they had planned for the show.

at the end of day thursday, you were gathering your things to leave the office. just as you were walking out, you ran into a coworker.

“headed to new york?” they asked you.

“no?” you questioned.

“id figure you’d be rushing out of here to get to see austin on snl.”

“its still thursday. we have work tomorrow.”

“please. you have this place functioning like a well oiled machine. you can take a day off to support your man.” they said. you separated in the parking garage going off to your cars. you grabbed your phone and text austin’s sister, ashley, since you knew she was there already.

“what are the odds you think i could pull this off?” you asked her, after explaining your thought of coming to surprise austin in new york.

“please try! austin’s been talking about you all week and how badly he wished you could be here.” she replied. you text back and forth for a bit, putting your plans in motion. she even offered you her frequent flyer miles to help you get a plane ticket.

you spent the night getting your accommodations in order. ashley offered to pick you up from the airport since you ended up finding a room at the same hotel she was staying at.

“okay, flight is good. hotel is booked. now its time to get packed.” you said to ashley over facetime.

“oh im so excited to see you! and i know austin will be too!” she said with a smile. you and ashley had grown quite close over the years youd been with austin. it meant a lot that she was helping you with this.

“im excited too! its been too long since we’ve all been together.” you said, and she nodded in agreement. you shared your goodbyes and you packed your bags for the weekend.

the next morning, you headed to the airport to catch your flight. everything went smoothly, and before you knew it, your flight was taking off.

you managed to take a decent nap during your flight, waking up just as the pilot came on to announce your descent. once inside, you hurried to baggage claim, grabbed all your bags and stepped outside to find ashley.

you spotted her immediately, frantically waving her arms. you ran over to her and embraced her in a tight hug.

“oh, its so good to see you.” you said softly as you swayed each other back and forth. you loaded your bags into her rental and made your way to the hotel. she helped you get checked in and into your room.

since it was friday evening, and you didn’t want austin to know you were here until the next night, you spent the night in your room. you ended up ordering a ton of room service and watching movies all night.

ashley was out with austin, both of them texting you throughout the night. austin about how bad he missed you, and how much he wanted to see you, and ashley about how much austin was talking about you at dinner.

“baby, i know you know how badly i wish you were here. i think i may have to leave early saturday night so i can be home to you by sunday.”

“no, you need to get the full experience. do the show and go to the afterparty. come back to me on monday like we planned. it’s okay.”

“fine. if i must.” he replied. you couldn’t see his face but you knew he was pouting. just then, as if she could read your mind, ashley sent you a photo she snuck of austin frowning down at his phone.

“with the way he always talks about always being in the moment, he sure does have himself glued to his phone.” she wrote along with the picture.

“i’m sorry to be taking his attention away from you.”

“haha, it’s nothing. he loves you, i know it. he just misses you, that’s all. i know he’ll be so excited to see you tomorrow.”

you let them get back to their dinner and felt yourself start to fall asleep.

the next day, you were hanging out with ashley while austin had final rehearsals for snl. as the night and show time rolled around, you and ashley got ready together, and made your way to the studio. you got austin’s publicist to get you a ticket for the show and you and ashley found your way to the seats. you checked your phone and sent some words of encouragement to austin, wishing him good luck and reminding him that he was bound to do well. he sent you back a quick “i love you,” and mentioned that he couldn't wait to hear how you liked the episode.

as the show started, you sat through the opening skit, and waited excitedly as austin was getting closer to come out on stage.

once he stepped through the door, your heart skipped a beat, having seen him in person for the first time in a week. he looked so handsome.

he made his way through his monologue, making jokes about his voice, and his shyness. he talked about his mom, and dedicate the show to her memory, which brought a tear to your eye. he also mentioned something about growing up in california with his sister when he looked up at her, blowing her a kiss. he caught glance of you and you watched as his smile grew wider. he shot you a wink and blew you a kiss as well.

they then began running through the sketches. austin performed flawlessly, and you laughed so hard the entire night. throughout the show, you noticed austin’s gaze keep flicking up to you and ashley in the audience.

as the show concluded, austin came out during the final sketch, and started singing blue christmas to cecily strong, during which would be her final appearance on the show. your felt your heart swell at the sight, as the audience began singing along, as well as the other cast members who had joined them on stage.

after the final goodbyes, and once everyone began to leave, making their way to the afterparty, you and ashley made your way out of the building. you both got a text at the same time, austin letting you know where the afterparty was being held. you and her made your way to the venue and were immediately engulfed in high energy as soon as you walked in. you glanced around the room until your found a familiar mop of hair making it’s way towards you.

“there he is!” you smiled as austin pulled you into his arms, hugging you tight. he peppered kisses all over your cheeks.

“i cannot believe you’re here.” he said, pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

“surprise.” you smiled, kissing him again.

“i’ll give you two a moment.” ashley said before walking off to the bar.

“ashley and i actually conspired together to get me here to surprise you.” you said, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“my girls.” he said with a smile, glancing over at ashley at the bar. “so, what did you think of the show?” he asked you.

“you did so well! i knew you were gonna be great, and i was laughing so hard all night. also, i got to see lizzo perform, which was amazing. she’s so good.” you said. “and getting to hear you sing at the end? perfection.”

“i’m glad you enjoyed, and i’m glad you got to watch it live live. seeing you and ashley up in the audience really helped calm my nerves.” he said, a redness rushing to his cheeks.

“im glad. we’re both so proud of you.” you said as he hugged you again.

throughout the party, you and austin were inseparable. he’d introduced you to lizzo, who he’d made quite good friends with over the week, as well as some of the other cast members. the party ended up being so much fun, and you were glad to be able to celebrate with austin in this capacity.

austin ended up coming back to your hotel to spend the rest of the night with you.

“i still am so surprised that you came all this way just to see me..” austin said as he slid into the bed with you.

“just to see you, please. you are more than worth it. and im so glad i was able to pull this off.” you said rolling over to face him. he wrapped his arms tight around your waist and kissed you softly.

“i love you so much.” he said quietly, his lips barely parting from yours.

“i love you so much.” you repeated. you snuggled tightly into austin’s embrace, his warmth slowly lulling you to sleep.

[shelikesorchids-archive]

Convalescent: Michael Kinsella x F!Reader

Summary: You're nervous about an upcoming medical procedure, but Michael is there for you.

Warnings: Hospitals, surgery, anesthesia, and absolute tooth rotting fluff.

Word Count: Just over 1k.

Author's Note: SUPER SELF INDULGENCE HOURS! I have a consultation with a surgeon coming up for a surgical procedure, and I wish I had a Mikey to cuddle me through it, so HERE YA GO.

“What’s on yer mind, love?” Michael asked softly as he sidled up next to you in bed. 

He knew the answer to the question before he even asked, but he wanted to hear it from you. 

“M’just nervous about the operation tomorrow. The surgeon explained everything to me, and I know they’re good, but there’s still a risk involved,” you replied as you set your book down on the nightstand. 

Michael furrowed his brows in concern and inched closer to you on the bed. 

“C’mere, love,” Michael whispered as he opened his arms for you. 

You scooted closer to him so you could rest your head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around you then dipped his head down to kiss the top of your head. He gently rocked you side to side as you started to softly cry, then he cupped your cheek with his hand so he could wipe away the stray tears with his thumb. His gaze softened as he looked at you with pure adoration, wishing he could somehow take the anxiety from you and shoulder it himself. 

“S’gonna be alright, pet. I’m gonna be there with ya before they wheel ya back, I’ll be there when ya wake up, and I’ll be here to help ya recover. Whatever ya need, I’m at yer beck and call. I’ll even give ya a little bell to ring if ya need me.” 

You laughed as you buried your face further into his chest, and a sweet smile crept across Michael’s face. He hugged you closer, and peppered your face with soft kisses, causing you to squeal, which made him smile even wider. 

“Yer whiskers are ticklin’ me, Mikey!” you laughed. That only made him rub his stubble against your face and kiss you even more, making your peals of laughter echo off the bedroom walls. 

He rolled you over on your back and gently pinned you down to the bed, continuing to attack your face with soft kisses. You laughed and squirmed underneath him, and Michael was just content to see you smiling. Eventually, he stopped and pulled you back into his arms so he could hold you, and you gently kissed him on the lips to show him some appreciation. 

“What did I do to deserve ya, Mikey? Yer so good to me.” 

“Aw, love. Ya deserve the world. I just hope I can give it to ya. Now, how about we try and get some sleep? Birdy’s gonna be here early tomorrow to drive us.” 

“Sounds good, Mikey. Can you hold me for a while longer, though?”

“Anythin’ for ya, pet.” 

—----------------------------------------------------

You hated hospitals, but having Mikey and Birdy by your side eased your anxiety a bit. Since Michael still couldn’t drive, and you were being put under anesthesia, Birdy was kind enough to give you a lift to and from the procedure. Once you and Michael got out at the main entrance, he let Birdy know that he would text her once you were out of surgery, and she would make her way back then. 

“Yer in good hands, love. You’ll be just fine, and I’ll see ya in a few hours, alright?” Birdy said as she gave you a big hug. 

“Thanks again, Birdy. See ya in a bit, yeah?” 

“Of course, love. Look after her Mikey, will ya?” 

“I will Birdy, see ya in a bit,” he said as he hugged her goodbye. 

He held your hand as the two of you walked through the automatic doors and into the lobby. The strong smell of disinfectant stung your nose, and you gripped Michael’s hand for dear life as you both walked towards the admissions desk to get checked in. 

Once you were checked in and given a wristband, it didn’t take long for them to call you back to get prepped for your procedure. Michael wasn’t allowed in the room while you undressed and they got your IV started, but as soon as you were in the gown and back in the bed, you demanded they let him in.  He stayed dutifully by your side until the anesthesiologist gave you a dose of Versed, then they wheeled you back for your procedure. They let him walk with you and hold your hand until you arrived at the operating theater, then he kissed your forehead and told you he’d see you soon. 

—------------------------------------------------

You vaguely remembered them telling you to count backwards from 100, but next thing you knew, you awoke to the sound of beeping machines and excruciating pain. As soon as you opened your mouth to groan from the discomfort, Michael shot up out of the chair next to you and hit the call button on your bed. He knelt down by your bed and took your hand in his as he caressed your hand and softly talked you through it. 

“Hey, s’alright love. You did great. I just called the nurse and they’re gonna give ya somethin’ for the pain, yeah?” 

“Oh, Mikey. What a beautiful sight to wake up to,” you slurred as you cupped his cheek with your other hand. 

“Birdy’s on her way. As soon as they’ll let ya, we’re gonna take ya home.” 

You smiled weakly, then a rather chipper nurse pulled back the curtain to come check on you. 

“Well, hello Sleepin’ Beauty! How’s yer pain, dearie?” 

“Uh, ‘bout an 8. Definitely need somethin’ for it. And some water, I’m parched,” you replied. 

“Comin’ right up, luv. The doctor will be in shortly, and ya should be good ta go after that.” 

The nurse disappeared, and Michael kept a hold of your hand as you slowly re-joined the land of the living. That same look of love he gave you last night was on his face again, and you couldn’t help but admire how handsome he looked. 

“Looks good on ya,” you told him. 

“What looks good on me, pet?” 

“Love. Love looks good on ya, Mikey.” 

“Ah, there’s the drugs talkin’,” he laughed. 

“I mean it! Yer so beautiful, Mikey.” 

“So are you, pet.” 

“Really?! Right now?! I look an absolute mess, Mikey!” 

“Not ta me. Yer the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered before kissing your hand. 

“Hope I’m not interruptin’, but I got some water and a pain pill for ya, dearie!” the nurse chirped as she came behind the curtain again. 

You gladly accepted both, and then the doctor finally came in to go over your discharge instructions and send you on your way home. Michael helped you get dressed, and helped you into the wheelchair so an orderly could wheel you out to Birdy’s car where they both helped you get comfortable in the back seat. As much as you tried to assure him you were fine, Michael insisted he ride with you to keep an eye on you. Birdy thought it was adorable how protective he was over you, and she didn’t even care if she looked like a chauffeur driving you home. 

“We’ll be home soon, love,” Michael told you as you rested your head on his shoulder. 

“Hmmmm, sounds good,” you said as you promptly fell asleep on him.

[changingplumbob]

Villareal Household: Chapter 5, Part 1

An easy Saturday morning with the Villareal's. Luna is moving past her postpartum depression and discuses a change of location with Devin. Rilian and Alfred went and said their first words between rotations the little scamps. Probably my fault for inviting them to so many gatherings but I'm ignoring that.

For ease of reading IF the infants are trying to say real words I'll put the English in brackets, otherwise it's babble. Luna (mummy) and Devin (mama) use some German and Italian.

Schatz (German) meaning treasure Schnucki (German) meaning sweetie but doesn't have an exact translation Bambino/s (Italian) meaning male child/children Amore (Italian) meaning love Piccolo (Italian) meaning little one Caro (Italian) meaning dear

In the suburbs of Del Sol valley are the Villareal’s, all of whom are awake

Devin: Why hello piccolo mio

Alfred: Mama

Devin: Yes, I’m your mama. Can you two bambinos say mummy? Mummy?

Alfred & Rilian: MUMMY

After saying this Rilian snuggles into Luna’s shoulder happily.

Luna: They are cute aren’t they schatz

Devin: Yeah we made some cuties

Devin: Do you want to feed Rilian

Luna: Do I want to feed the one without gas troubles? Yes

Devin: *chuckles* Looks like it’s just you and me caro, drink up

Luna: We got this milk from our friend just for you two, yes we did schnucki

Devin: They love it

Luna: I wish I had been able to give them more of mine

Devin: Not everyone can breastfeed Lu

Luna: I keep trying to remind myself of that

Devin: Let’s deal with the inevitable gas Alfred. Here we-

Alfred spits out all over Devin’s back

Devin: Fine… this is… totally fine. You get that gas out piccolo mio

Luna: Let’s see if Rilian feels like- no it’s just gas bubbles from him

Devin: *laughs* It’s okay Alfred, none of us are perfect, although I’m pretty damn close

Luna: I love how you are just unfailingly confident

Devin: And I love how you know words like unflail-unfailed... It’s 3am, I cannot be literate at this hour

Luna: Bedtime I think. How about it bambinos?

Devin: Night night Alfred, mama and mummy love you

Alfred: fa mama fa goo da mummy

Luna: Good night schnucki. Okay here we go Rilian, down nice and easy. Mummy and mama love you so much

Rilian: ga do lu mummy

Devin: Night night Rilian

Rilian: go da mama

Alfred begins to wail and fuss so Devin gives him extra kisses while Luna turns on the lullabies. Rilian meanwhile sticks his tiny fingers in his mouth and sucks to calm himself. Eventually both boys drift off to sleep.

Devin: All ready to move tomorrow

Luna: You sure it’s a good idea? The Pinnacles are…

Devin: Perfect? Stunning? Home to breath taking views?

Luna: I was going to go with high class but sure

Devin: Lu we’re plenty high class. With the funds from all the savings accounts we can get 100k without even touching the money for the bambinos

Luna: You may almost be a 4 star celeb but what about me? I have no fame whatsoever

Devin: Celebrities have spouses, not all of them are famous

Luna: What if the neighbours think I’ve no right to be up there

Devin: Then we send Kelly to TP their fences

Luna can’t help giggling at the idea of the nose in the air celebs finding their fences bedecked in toilet paper.

Devin: Lu, the Ward’s have moved out. The lot is bulldozed. At 30k it’s a steal

Luna: If you’re sure we can afford it

Devin: I want the best for my family. I’ve already landed another movie role to do, we can do it, so long as it won’t screw up your mental health

Luna: Don’t worry about me

Devin: Promise me you’ll let me know if it gets too much

Luna: I promise schatz, I promise

The weekend dawns and the women wake early.

Luna: I’m sure our hair was longer when we fell asleep

Devin: It’ll just be the watcher, go back to sleep

Luna: Sleep while an invisible made up being controls my life? Nope. Come on schatz, we need to get up

The two head to the kitchen and grab some leftovers for breakfast. Before she can sit down however Devin pulls Luna close and kisses her cheek

Devin: Happy 30th amore

Luna: *laughs* it’s not like it’s an age up birthday Devin

Devin: Maybe but I enjoy celebrating my wife no matter the occasion and 30 seems like a great occasion

Devin: Will you be my date to the Starlight Accolades?

Luna: Is that on this week

Devin: I guess we show up and… see what happens

Luna: How could I say no to the hottest sim in the worlds

Devin: You know it amore *winks*

Luna: Should we get a nanny for the boys

Devin: I think I can convince De and Paris to stay the night, especially if we set a room up for them

Luna: Do they know how to look after infants

Devin: We have to find out some time

Devin: They can’t be worse than the AI

Luna: Are you planning on teaching the twins that the watcher is real

Devin: Let’s see… Are you planning on teaching them the flower bunny is real

Luna: But schatz the flower bunny is real

Devin: Agree to disagree on the watcher, the boys can make their own minds up

Luna: Have you told Joey you’re planning a room for him in this new house

Devin: Not yet, I want to surprise him

After breakfast Devin and Luna wash up before getting on with their morning routines. Alfred and Rilian continue to sleep soundly during this, although they are good at tossing and turning.

Devin: I flew in and boy are my arms tired

Luna: You quite sure you’re level 6 comedy

Devin: 6 and a half, 7 is in my sights! Tell the gnomes I say hi

Luna laughs and goes out to tend the garden. The gnomes from last Harvestfest stand amongst the plants. Today is the last day of winter but Luna has found her plants survived the warmer winters of Del Sol Valley. Back in Windenburg they would have been buried in snow.

Alfred looks around the room and babbles to Rilian who has also woken up.

Devin: Buongiorno bambinos! Mama is here. Who wants a clean diaper

Alfred: Mama te ga he

Devin scoops Alfred up as Rilian pulls himself into a sit

Rilian: Mummy de da

Devin: Yes mama and mummy are here, oh boy this diaper is no good

Luna: Could you-

Devin: Hand him over after he’s clean? Of course. We want you to have positive interactions with them remember

Luna: Thanks for understanding schatz

Devin: No matter what happens, I’m always going to be your number one fan amore. We have a clean diaper people! Clean diaper

Luna: Mama is silly isn’t she Alfred? Yes mama make silly

Alfred: *giggles*

While Devin takes Rilian out of the cot and over to the changing table Luna takes time to snuggle with Alfred.

Luna: Do we need to pack up stuff

Devin: Just the photos later on. The wa- the movers will take care of the rest

Luna: Hear that Alfred? We’re going to have a big adventure today. Can we have an adventure in our pjs?

Devin: Yes!

Luna: Fair point. Let’s get you changed into your day clothes anyway huh? Where is your hat

Devin: Second drawer. Green alert, two clean diapers

Luna: Let’s go feed them before they change that huh

Devin: We won't be a minute. Okay piccolo mio, let’s get your outfit on. Leg through that hole, arm through that one… Perfect, just like me!

Luna: What new food can we explore today schnucki

Alfred: mummy da lo mama

Devin: How about yoghurt, I’ll grab some

Luna: Now Alfred, remember, the food can’t hurt you. And Rilian, try be brave

Devin: He likes to think about his food, don’t you caro

Rilian: mama foo foo (food food) mummy

Alfred: fa na doo loo

Luna: Come on schnucki, try keep it in your mouth

Devin: Here comes the airplane, you ready Rilian

Rilian: foo (food) mama de la

Devin: Open wide! Aww, he grabbed for the spoon again

Luna: We better try some finger food after this

Alfred: ga na mummy foo (food)

Devin: Rilian did you hear mummy? We keep the food in our mouth

Rilian however is very happy to pull it back out and play with it. Devin is admiring him playing away when Alfred begins to fuss and cry.

Luna: *sighs in defeat* The hell did I do this time

Devin: It’s not you Lu, he just mustn’t like yoghurt. Cheer up caro

Alfred: *rages*

Devin: Tell you what Lu, Rilian is just unsure about yoghurt. You want to give him his finger foods and I’ll work on calming down Alfred

Luna: Please

Devin: Listen now piccolo mio, you don’t have to like every food. But crying afterwards won’t achieve anything

Alfred simply pouts.

Luna: Here are some yoghurt melts schnucki

Rilian looks visibly confused. He just tried yoghurt with mama. What does mummy mean when she indicates something different is also yoghurt?

Luna: We can pick them up like this, remember

Devin: Here we go Alfred, try these. See if you feel differently about them

Alfred: Mama foo na doo (not do food)

Devin: Just try it caro

The twins try the yoghurt melts carefully. Rilian remains unsure about the whole thing, not forming an opinion yet. Alfred however perks right up as he discovers he loves yoghurt melts.

Luna: Alright, all the plants have been harvested in case they don’t travel well

Devin: And I’ve scooped up all the photos

Luna: So is the house ready

Devin: It’s… a work in progress

Luna: Devin, is it fit for habitation?

Devin: Of course! It’s just only one storey at the moment so there’s this big empty part where the staircase should go. And the walls are super tall.

Luna: You’ll have to start knitting longer hanging plants

Devin: I know! If we hung the short ones up we would forget they exist

Alfred: Mummy? Mama? do na

Luna: Sorry schnucki, we’re coming back

Rilian: Mummy fa na mama too ra

Luna: How does Alfred get brown on his face when all the food was white

Devin: Because infants are magic

Luna: Obviously

Devin plays a quick game of peek-a-boo with Alfred who doesn’t mind it while Luna keeps talking to Rilian.

Devin: Alfred caro if you’re just going to play with it then I think we’re done

Alfred: Mama ti me lup (pick me up)

Devin: Is me a new word???

Luna: I think so

Devin: Mama is coming caro

Luna: Who wants to play peek-a-boo. Where’s mummy gone Rilian

Devin: Wait Lu he-

Rilian bursts in to tears at the game, feeling very afraid at his mummy just disappearing like that

Luna: Sorry, I forgot

Devin: Don’t worry. Now bambinos, say bye bye house. Bye bye house

Alfred: li li sss (bye bye house)

Devin: Here we are Rilian, home

Rilian: Mama me na boo

Luna: I think someone has been listening to his brother’s words. Hear that Alfred

Alfred: He na mummy

Luna: Does he count as a word

Devin: Depends if he meant he I suppose. Let’s get them to the nursery and work on unpacking huh

Luna: Who wants to go find their toys? Is it you schnucki? Is it you

Alfred: Mummy me da oop

Previous Part (Chopra) ... Next Part

[pbandjesse]

I am so tired right now. I was so social today and while it was nice to have people over, I really could have used a nap.

I went to sleep pretty quickly after I posted last night and I slept pretty well. I wasn't feeling amazing but it was fine.

My internal clock is very good and I woke up 3 minutes before my alarm went off. I would wash my face and got dressed. I wanted to be out of the bathroom so I wasn't holding up Evan and Noelle. Who would wake up soon after me.

I went downstairs to say good morning to James, after greeting our guests. James had gone kayaking this morning and was making us cornbread for breakfast. I was excited for cornbread.

I would pick up some stuff and put things away. And James would start making coffee and things for Evan and Noelle. We had an hour to hang out. Enjoyed James's fabulous cornbread with butter and blackberry jam. They used more butter in the batter this time and it was such a nice consistency.

Evan and Noelle had to leave at 9. They would actually leave a few minutes after that. I was sad to see them go so early but they had to go pick up a roasted pig for a party. I understood. We are all so busy but I really appreciated them making the trip. And I hope we hang out again really soon.

After hugs all around James would walk them out. I laid on the couch for a few minutes. But pretty quickly went outside to sit on the porch swing. I had sat out there for a few minutes first thing this morning but it was just nice to lay down with a pillow and blanket while the sun wasn't on that side of the building yet.

James would come out to give me a kiss. They went to stretch and get themselves ready for a 30 mile bike ride with Beth (from the museum) and her husband. They are training for a longer tour and this was going to be a lot of uphill. I would wish them luck before they headed out.

I would spend the 4 or so hours doing little things. I did some knitting. I laid out a few of my projects today to try and map out what I will need to make to finish them. My puff quilt is still only half way done. I want to finish these two smaller projects ASAP. And I need to get my temperature blanket up to date soon. It's nice to have all these projects going. And it's nice to have a plan to finish them.

I would pull out our Ren fair stuff and started thinking about my costume for this year. I have decided I need a simple linen apron. Something with thin strings. I may end up making it myself but we will see what I can come up with.

I would rest for a while. Sometimes inside. Sometimes outside. Crabcake and Sweetp were enjoying the nice weather. Once the sun came to the backyard I would come back inside. I tried to eat lunch but it hurt my stomach really bad. I would have a popsicle. A grape one. And I just focused really hard on being hydrated today. Putting a coffee lid on my water bottle helped a lot. I think being dehydrated has exacerbated how bad I've felt. So I am making a very big effort, even though I'm finding it very hard.

I would take a bath at 11am. I was feeling weirdly itchy and my skin was very dry. So a nice bath and scrub and nice lotion after made me feel a lot more like a person.

I would spend a little time putting things away and making outfits for the week. I was in a good mood.

Jorge would text me to check in about visiting. I let them know that James was planning to be home around 2 so to aim for then. They said that was perfect. They would do laundry, since they are flying back to Spain tomorrow.

I would rest on the couch. I almost fell asleep but I didn't have enough time to actually nap. And pretty quickly Jorge was knocking on the door.

It was really nice to have him over. I showed him the whole house. And we would hang out on the couch until James got home. James was exhausted. It was a tough ride! But they had fun. And would go clean off.

We would talk about camp and Spain and books and art. Video games. Life. James would pull out the bucket grill and made is hot dogs for lunch.

I was doing really good keeping it together. Eating was very slow. And I was just enjoying the company and chatting. James would show us a trailer for a video game about a detective frog and we would end up buying it. Maybe I'll play that later this week.

Eventually James would leave to go do laundry. Said goodbye to Jorge and wished him luck on his travel home. And then me and Jorge spent the next hour or so talking about AI as a tool, modern and contemporary art and how so often you have to spend time and research to really understand what they were trying to say with their work, and about books and authors we love. I told him about Karen Russel and her short stories and how much they impacted me. It was just really a lovely afternoon.

I was getting tired though and Jorge had a dinner to go to. So after showing him my current knitting stuff he would call an Uber and headed home. Big hugs and well wished all around.

I was proud of myself for not feeling sick but apparently I just held it together until then. I would pretty quickly fall apart.

I took my medicine and drank water and laid down but would just end up quickly crying until James got home.

They would put the laundry away and came and gave me a cuddle. And then went to enjoy their evening in the kitchen.

They need me a potato dish for dinner. And then jumped into Angel food cake and pasta making. Since the angel food cake needs egg whites and the pasta needs the tools, it's kind of perfect to make together. I am very excited for the angel food cakes. They made them for me a lot last year and they are so nice. Way better then the ones from the store, which almost are always to dry or sharp tasting. It will be a really nice treat for tomorrow.

And tomorrow I have work! I'm doing low ropes at camp for the highschool that comes their first week of freshman year and their last week of senior year. I always like working with this group. And the groups are supposed to be really small tomorrow. But I think it'll be fun. And hopefully I feel good and can just be positive. I am going to just really focus on having a good day. And then coming home to take a nap.

I am going to go get ready for sleep now. I hope to just get a lot of rest and feel great tomorrow. I hope you all have a great night. Stay safe, wash your hands. Until tomorrow.