#i’m actually so excited this means he’s got that emmy in the bag

[kaiscumsock]

EVAN PETERS WILL BE LIVE AT THE DEADLINE CONTENDERS EVENT

[emmyhem]

always (l.r.h)

a/n: hi everyone! this is a lil angsty piece i wanted to get up. i just want to say again how sorry i am for not getting anything up for the past two weeks, i’ve just been overwhelmed with some stuff for my classes, but i am starting to get back in the swing of things now. also, this is unedited as i was rushing to get it up in time. i do plan on posting something else tomorrow night and hopefully i’ll be posting pretty consistently from now on. also this does end kind of abruptly but i wanted to leave it like that because i’m a sucker for angst, with that being said i would be happy to write a part two if that’s something you’d be interested in. anyway, feedback and comments are appreciated as always and i hope you’re all having an amazing day/night. enjoy! - emmy <33

pairing: luke hemmings x fem!reader 

summary: luke recounts his mistake and hopes he can patch things up with his always. 

warnings:  very brief mention of sex, cursing, mentions of alcohol, luke’s being an asshole, mention of pinching (idk), slight insecurity from the reader, lots of angst :( 

word count: 2.6k

Luke had always hated the quiet. That’s when his thoughts were the loudest. That must be why he had never really liked being alone with himself. 

Tonight in particular, his thoughts were practically screaming, one word over and over again. 

“Y/n”

For the past two years that name had acted as his most favorite word, one that he would utter whenever he had gotten the chance. Whether it be to brag about your recent accomplishments to his friends, to catch your attention from another room, or falling from his lips with a sigh of pleasure as he reached completion with you laying breathlessly beneath him. 

Now the word seemed torturous, the last time he uttered it replaying on a relentless loop in his head. 

It was your 2nd anniversary. Dinner had been laid out on the table for an hour. Two glasses of wine sat untouched in front of a vase of roses you had picked out at the florist earlier that morning, and there was no sign of Luke. 

You were wracking through your brain as you watched a petal fall from a rose and land lightly in one of the glasses. 

Had you gotten the time wrong? 

But you were sure that the two of you had agreed on 8:00 for dinner, that way you had time to get everything ready after getting home from work, and Luke wouldn’t have to rush to leave the studio. 

Yet somehow you found yourself staring at the now cold dinner at 9:30, with absolutely no word from Luke. You wanted to call, if for no other reason than to check he was still alive and breathing, but your nerves stopped you from doing that, not wanting to take on the role of the overbearing girlfriend. 

Your stomach growled hungrily over the light music that was playing through the house speakers. So, begrudgingly you took a bite of the pasta on your plate before downing your entire glass of wine. 

Luke arrived home about 2 hours later, a bouquet of your favorite flowers in hand. He caught sight of the table, with one setting completely untouched as he hung up his coat, causing guilt to pang in his chest. 

“Baby,” he called out, carrying himself to your shared bedroom.

When no response came his heart rate sped up in fear that you had left. 

“Y/n” he called, louder this time with a sense of urgency clear in his voice.  

That’s when he spotted a person sized lump underneath the duvet. Releasing a sigh of relief he moved towards you, peeling the blankets off and leaving a soft kiss on your shoulder. 

This caused you to stir a bit, eyes fluttering open to meet him. 

“Hi, my love.” he cooed. 

A frown was prominent on your face, and a crease separated your eyebrows as they furrowed angrily. 

“I’m sorry I’m late. We got a bit carried away in the studio, but in good news the album is coming along great. M’so excited for you to hear it” 

You had always tried to be understanding of Luke’s job for many reasons. One being that you both reaped the benefit of his success, you wanted for essentially nothing, had a nice house, the opportunity to travel, and Luke often spoiled you with gifts even if you asked him not to. Another being how happy it made your boyfriend. Music truly was his passion, and he was so talented that you wouldn’t want for him to ever put his work on the back burner for you. 

With that being said, you made a point to take time off to spend time with him whenever you were able to. You had even changed jobs because your last one hadn’t allowed you to go on tour with him, which he had been adamant about, insisting, “There’s no way I can be away from you for that long.” 

And you were happy to do all of those things, because you were in love, and  you felt incredibly lucky to even be a part of his world. But you did start to question things as your relationship went on. It felt like Luke didn’t even consider your job. He only saw it as something that took you away from him. 

You had worked hard to get where you were in the occupational field. Without your job all you would have to do is sit around and wait for Luke to be ready for you, and you just couldn’t live like that. 

Luke turned on the lamp on your nightstand as you slowly sat up in bed. 

“2 weeks Luke, we’ve had these plans for two weeks.” 

“I know baby I tried, but you know how it is when inspiration strikes.” he dismissed while sitting the flowers on the ground. 

“No, I don’t. Do you not think that I have things I could be doing for work? Cause I do, and I choose this over all of that.” you huffed in frustration. 

Luke took a deep breath while subtly rolling his eyes. 

“Y/n, I’m sorry for missing dinner, but you don’t understand the pressure I’m under, from the fans, the label, management, and the band.” 

“I know that you work hard and I know how important this is to you, and I’m so proud of you, but I’m proud of us too and I would’ve liked to have a night for just us.” you tried to explain. “Not to mention the fact that I’m under pressure in my job too and I always find time for you, no matter what.” 

“Yea, you have pressure from a job that you don’t need.” his voice rising in anger with each word as he paced around the room. 

“How many times do I have to tell you Luke? It’s my job, it’s a part of my life and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.” you shouted. 

“Great.” he replied sarcastically. “Then you should understand that I won’t give up my job anytime soon.” 

“I’m not asking you to, I’m just asking for a bit of consideration, and just a sliver of your time.” 

“I’m working to make us more money.” he stated.

“Luke, we don’t need any more money. You should be working because you enjoy it and because it’s your passion.”

He let out a condescending laugh before turning to look in your eyes. 

“Yea, well you don’t seem to mind all the money when you're sitting at home in the house that I bought, and leeching off of my bank account on the daily. D’ya think you could afford all the shit you have just based on your salary?” he spat crudely. 

You physically leaned back as if the words had just actually been thrown at you. They must’ve, because the pain they caused felt far too real to just be emotional. You opened your mouth to fight back, to scream, to do something but the lump in your throat prevented anything to come out other than a sad, and pathetic squeak. 

Was that what he thought about you? 

This had caught you completely off guard. Sure, you were expecting an argument, you’d even say you were expecting a big one, but you would’ve never guessed he would throw this in your face. 

You felt betrayed. It had always made you insecure that you were making such little money compared to your boyfriend. 

Some days after receiving your paycheck you would go out and spend it all on Luke, solely because you wanted to know that you could contribute too. You would do that whenever you got the chance, to reassure that your work was important, and valid. And mainly to show Luke that you appreciated all he did for you. 

He would always reply, “You don’t have to do this, love. I like spoiling my girl.” 

Yeah right. 

“I wasn’t, I m-mean I don’t try to lee-,” you paused, the word feeling too gross to repeat back. 

“Well, you do whether you're trying or not so the least you can do is give me a break occasionally.” he spoke casually, while changing into sweats as if he wasn’t ripping you apart with every word. 

You kept a blank stare at the bedroom door, your eyes already stinging with unshed tears. You wished you could be angrier but his words left you questioning and feeling guilty. 

As hard as you’d tried to provide for yourself and make your own way you couldn’t help but wonder if you had subconsciously started leaning on him, more than you had ever wanted. 

Luke continued getting ready for bed, not taking a second look at you since hitting you with his harsh words. 

“I-I’m sorry.” you croaked. 

“It’s fine, Y/n I just wish you could’ve been slightly more understanding.” he continued, still not facing you. 

“I think that maybe, I mean, um I gotta go.” you were speaking through tears, as you abruptly stood from the bed and hurried to leave the room. 

This caught Luke’s attention causing him to spin in your direction at lightning speed, finally taking in your emotional state.

“Going? Going where? I-what are you talking about?” 

You didn’t reply, grabbing your keys, bag, and shoes as you continued to speed to the front door. 

“Y/n!” he continued, following closely behind you. 

You paused at the front door and turned to meet his eyes. His stressed appearance subsided as you allowed him the opportunity to talk. 

“You’re upset.” he concluded, reaching a hand out to hold your cheek.

You leaned away from his touch and shook your head lightly, “M’not.” 

His features softened and he took another step closer to you, “You are. I’m sorry, I was harsh.” 

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” 

“Didn’t know?” 

“I don’t want t-to leech” you stuttered out. 

This rendered Luke speechless, realizing how cruel his words had been. You had taken this as an opportunity to exit the house, quickly running to your car. Luke made it to the driveway just in time to see you drive away. 

“Fuck” he snapped, jogging back towards the house to get his phone and call you in hopes of convincing you to come back. 

After calling you at least 20 times with no response he conceded and decided he should try and get some sleep, that way he was rested enough to get you to forgive him in the morning. 

His body fell naturally to his side of the bed, but his eyes lingered on where you typically laid. 

Rolling onto his back, eyes finding the ceiling he muttered to himself, “I’m an idiot.” 

Eventually he was tiring out, the bedroom ceiling growing extremely boring after staring for so long. He turned on his side to hug your pillow to his chest. As his hand slid under the pillow it came into contact with an envelope that had been hidden underneath. 

He sat up and flicked on a lamp to read the front, “To my Lu” 

He could tell that you had taken your time penciling on your words, each letter was flawless and written delicately. Before ripping it open he hesitated, questioning whether or not he even deserved to see what was inside after the way he spoke to you. The selfish part of his brain won for the second time that night. 

The first thing he saw after opening was two airline tickets situated just in front of a folded piece of notebook paper. 

He held his breath as he brought them into the light, two roundtrip business tickets to Sydney. 

He rushed to read the note you had left with them, unfolding it quickly. 

“Lu, 

Happy two years, my love. I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to call you mine for this long. Not a day goes by where I’m not in complete and utter awe of you and everything you do for me. I know how hard you work and how much you miss home and your family while you continue to grow in your music, and in yourself everyday. I know these aren’t the best tickets you’ve ever had by any means or the most extravagant vacation you’ve taken, but I wanted to show you how much I love you and how much I know you deserve, and need a break. We have 2 weeks, we leave tomorrow. I’ve worked it all out with the guys and your label. I know this is just a small way to repay you for the way you’ve taken care of me and the way you’ve loved me so selflessly for so long but I hope it shows you just a sliver of how much I love you. 

Yours always, 

               Y/n” 

He traced the letters of your name repeatedly as he blinked back a few stinging tears, before falling asleep, the note clutched tightly to his chest. 

That was a week, and about 100 missed calls ago.

About two days after you left, your friend had called to let him know that you were safe and staying with her for the time being. It had slightly lessened his worry, but the guilt he felt grew exponentially each day he had no reason to say your name.

He had claimed your side of the bed as his own in hopes that it would bring you closer to him. When he had finally dragged himself out of bed to shower he used your body wash and as embarrassing as it sounds nearly cried when the room was flooded with the familiar rose scented steam. And tonight while scouring through the liquor cabinet and feeling completely sorry for himself he had come across a bottle of tequila that you had purchased on your most recent vacation. 

Luke had put a serious dent in it by the time he was done scrolling through all of his pictures of you, and his finger began to itch with the need to call you. 

Through blurry and clouded eyes he located your contact, a breath hitching in his throat when he clicked the call button. 

With each unanswered ring he pinched his wrist, willing himself to wake up and discover this was all just some horrible nightmare, that he would just roll over and see you curled up next to him, warm, and sweet, and perfect. So fucking perfect. 

“You’ve reached y/n. Sorry I can’t get to the phone, leave a message and I’ll get back to you. Thanks” 

But it’s not his nightmare that got him here, it’s his mistake. 

“Y/n,” he croaked, his voice hoarse and scratchy as he hasn’t used it much in the past couple of days. 

“I don’t know what to do anymore, I miss you and I’m sorry. I-” his heart was pounding and his intoxication numbed him from the feeling of  the hot tears that streamed down his face as he continued. “M’selfish baby. I’m so selfish and I was talking out of my ass that night, of course you’re not leeching. That’s fucking ridiculous, you couldn’t be, I give you nothing compared to what you give me. I just don’t know how to admit I’m wrong and the money is bullshit, it doesn’t matter, we could both live without it.”  his chest felt tight as he took a large gulp of air. “I-I can’t live without you, really I don’t think I can. I need you and I love you. I love you so much. Just please come home to me, please baby. I need you with me, and I want to fucking give you the world and I know you don’t need me to give it to you. I want to. I just-I want to give you everything, anything. You can have it all. It’s yours. I’m yours, alwa-”  his pleads were cut off by the dial tone. 

“Always.” he repeated, staring at the black screen. 

pt. 2

[barbasbodaciousbeard]

Down a Sitter

Just a thing based off @teamsladsandgents​ ask earlier tonight

Sonny has to go to court with his newborn daughter in a carrier. Pretty short and fluffy.

Dominick Carisi Jr. was nothing if not a hands on father. Ever since Emilia was born, he never hesitated to step up. His wife was able to work from home, and he’d take over as soon as he walked in the door. Today, however, she was on a girl’s trip through Sunday, and Thursday’s arraignment court appearances started with a panicked phone call from the sitter. Allison had broken her arm tripping over her dog and was on her way to the hospital. With his family at work, he was delighted and appalled to realize his daughter would be accompanying him to court. He had four cases on the docket, and while he wasn’t sure he wanted her exposed to the kind of crimes he prosecuted, reminding himself in the mirror she was three months old made him remember she wouldn’t understand. It also wasn’t the actual trial where there would be witnesses and photographs and accusations. Once he did, he was excited for everyone to see her, even if he was suddenly aware that maybe Amanda or Liv could have watched her long enough for him to hurry into the court room.

Carefully, he dressed them both. He knew it was a little sentimental, but he made sure his tie went with the flowers on the leggings he pulled over her onesie. Would anyone else notice? No. Would he know? Yes. Besides,  Olivia would be there, and he was certain he couldn’t resist showing her off, probably freeing her from the carrier afterwards to be passed around the squad room or the office. When he stopped at Hogan Place, one of the newer assistants was the first to stop him. 

“I thought you had arraignment?” she asked, brow raised as she looked at the top of Emilia’s sleeping head. 

“I do. The sitter broke her arm and Mrs. Carisi’s on a girls’ trip.” He contorted a little more than he normally would, tugging at the carrier and resting his hand on the back of Emilia’s head with a dimpled grin. “She’s the cutest thing in the world though, ain’t she? Arraignment should only be the morning and then I’ll be working in the office.”

“She is pretty cute,” she chuckled. “I’ll cover you if you need a long lunch.”

“I appreciate it. You can meet her better when we’re back. I gotta hurry or I’d show her off better now.”

He dropped the diaper bag in his office, opening his briefcase to consolidate it. He managed to fit a few diapers and the wipes, scooting a file over to add a bottle. Once it was shut again, he placed a hand on her head as they walked. With each person who noticed him walking through offices and by his usual coffee stands- how could they not? The carrier was pink- he gave a little wave, tilting his lanky torso to show her face. She was sound asleep, and he guessed she’d wake up during the walk and fall back asleep within an hour. That should give him time. As if on cue, she woke in the sun and babbled softly up at him.

“Oh yeah, Emmie?” he asked, putting his briefcase into the xray and stepping through the metal detector. “That’s pretty cool.”

“Taking your baby to work today, counsellor?” the security guard asked, chuckling at the sight. He figured it was probably funny, a pink carrier and little legs in floral leggings and little pink shoes on her feet. There was also the way the carrier seemed wider than Sonny’s slim frame or the little hands balled into fists that found there way to his chest.

“Yeah. Sitter cancelled. Means a daddy daughter day, work or no work.”

He continued as he normally would, only he stopped to talk to everyone he could while Emilia was awake. When they couldn’t talk, he’d lift her little arm in a wave to the people he saw during each trip. Sonny Carisi was also nothing if not friendly. He spotted Olivia, letting out a laugh at the look he got. The squad had all come to the hospital, but this was her first time seeing Emilia since she’d gone home. The little girl held his index fingers tightly as he stepped beside the lieutenant.

“Say hi to Lieu,” he grinned, moving so that Olivia could see her and she could see Olivia. Emilia looked at her with wide eyes, babbling softly.

“Hi Emmie,” she cooed, hand going to the little girl’s back. “As great as it is to see her, why is she here?”

“Y’know our sitter? She broke her arm. With my misses still on her trip, I figured Emmie could sleep through court. You wanna go to lunch after? You can hold her. I’m sure she’d love cuddles. The baby smell is the best. My new favorite way to go through court.”

“That sounds great, Carisi.”

He was, of course, correct, and Emilia was asleep again just before time for him to stand up in court and arraign the four cases he had. They’d been placed in a row on the docket, and he had chosen not to acknowledge the fact there was a sleeping girl so content against his chest. His face maintained his usual courtroom composure, and the hand on Emilia’s back as he leaned to transfer the stack of files from his briefcase to the lectern before him. 

“And who is your co counsel?” the judge asked, and Sonny could hear the amusement in her voice. 

“Emilia Carisi,” he said plainly, rolling his neck to pop it as he reviewed the file in front of him. 

“Is she going to be an attorney then?”

“If she decides to. But, I believe we’re here about the charges against Mr. Thomas.”

As they went through each case, he ignored comments from the defense. If his hand hadn’t been resting delicately on the back of Emilia’s head, the carrier and baby could be removed easily, and he would look like he did any other day. His thumb brushed back and forth over the wisps of hair, as he explained the charges and asked for bail. Only Benson could see the barely there tensing of his jaw when the defense treated Emilia as proof he wasn’t taking the proceedings seriously.

“Childcare fell through, and I felt it was more important your client be arraigned in a timely matter instead of pushing the matter off another day. We can do that, if you feel it would be more to his benefit than being able to make bail in an hour.”

That stopped the commentary, and he was able to finish all four cases, hand only leaving the top of her head to let her hold his fingers when she woke. As soon as he left the courtroom, he smiled again, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.  “Let’s go find Lieu so that we can go to lunch,” he whispered to her. “Thank you for not crying.” Emilia babbled back to him happily as he spotted Olivia and they made their way out. Before they’d started down the steps, he’d unstrapped the carrier, beaming at Olivia.

“You gotta hold her Lieu. I helped make her.”

Also tagging @cycat4077​ because our boy

[emmythespacecowgirl]

@rebeccapearson here's the 2nd part of your @hbowardaily Secret Santa gift! I'm doing some writing on my blog this year for Holiday HCs with the Easy Boys, so I thought I'd give you some HCs with a surprise Easy Co. Boy since I feel like I write better in HCs. Your pairing was with Lewis Nixon, so please enjoy!

You and Lewis Nixon had been the best of friends ever since meeting in basic training.

You both stayed up late on hot Georgia evenings, talking about life

You both jumped into Normandy on the same day and he looked high and low until he located you and made sure that you were safe.

Sharing a flask of Vat-69 is what got you two through Holland.

When Christmas came, Easy Company found themselves in the middle of the Bois Jacques.

Nix came to find you; his body language told you that he was excited about something.

“Using my scrounging abilities,” he winked at you, “I was able to dig up two passes to Paris on Christmas Eve; what do ya say? You in?”

As much as you’ve always wanted to visit Paris, you start making excuses as to why you wouldn’t be able to go.

But Nix says that he’s already cleared it up with your superiors and to get your bag ready.

When you arrive in Paris, you find that Nix has already procured two adjoining rooms for you both at one of the swankiest hotels in Paris.

“Crazy to think it wasn’t even a year ago that the Nazis were all camped out here.” Nix quips as you unpack.

As Christmas Eve progresses, you and Nix decide to explore Paris in style.

You put on the dress you bought back in Aldbourne

Nix drinks you in without you noticing and smiles to himself

You can’t help but notice how handsome he looks in a suit when he meets you in the lobby

It’s as you’re walking down the Champs de Elysee that a funny idea hits you.

“What if,” you ask Nix curiously, “what if we pretended that we’re dating? Just for one night?”

Nix cocks an eyebrow at you mischievously.

“I mean, I don’t mind a bit of fun if you don’t. It’ll be part of the whole adventure.”

You both walk down the street hand and hand.

At least now you both could make it through a meal or go to a dance hall without at least two people asking if you were a couple.

It’s not like it hadn’t happened before.

As you finish a lovely Parisian Christmas dinner and sip down the last taste from your wine glass, you notice Nix looking at you from across the table.

“What?” you giggle.

“Nothing,” he smiles. “Just want the best for Mr. Lewis Nixon’s ‘baby girl’.”

He winks at you and you almost die laughing because the line sounds so cheesy.

You spend some time bar hopping before you drag Nix to a crowded dance hall.

The host greets you and in broken English tells you both that you make a stunning couple.

You feel Nix grip your hand tighter.

You lead the way out onto the packed dance floor and find yourselves almost being forcibly squeezed together.

With almost no room to move, Nix shouts to you, “We’re going to have to get closer.”

He pulls you to him and places his hand on the small of your back.

“People who are dating usually dance like this.”

Your eyes meet and your palms start to get sweaty.

You shuffle together to a few songs before the band moves on to a slow Christmas song.

You rest your head on Nix’s shoulder as he slow dances with you.

“I think I’m actually falling in love with you,” Nix whispers in your ear. “And that really scares me.”

You raise your head to examine his face.

“Really?” you ask. “Because I think I’ve loved you since the first week we met.”

Nix smiles down at you.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we should turn this game into a reality.”

Taking your hand, he leads you outside to the sidewalk.

Taking your face in his hands, he kisses you whole-heartedly.

In fact, it’s the only thing keeping you both warm as a light snow starts to fall on Paris.

I hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! <3

xoxo,

Emmy

[rachaelswrites]

Girl’s Trip

Matthew Gray Gubler x daughter!reader/ Platonic! Aubrey Plaza

Word Count: 1,400

Requested By: Anonymous

what about mgg daughter and aubrey plaza hanging out? idk why i thought of this. you don’t have to write it you don’t want to :)

 Your dad was very close to Aubrey, so naturally you were too. Ever since you were little, you and her were like best friends. She always set aside time in her schedule to spend time with you. This year, she was planning on taking you on a road trip. Your dad begged to come along but you and Aubrey told him it was for girls only. The plan was to start in Los Angeles and then go to Vegas, making a stop at Yosemite as well. It wasn’t the most conventional or the longest trip, but you were still happy to go. 

You’ve always wanted to go on a road trip but your dad was always way too busy to take you on one. You were excited that your first one would be with Aubrey, who you considered your number one best friend. 

The morning that you were leaving, you were too excited to sleep so you woke up at five. You were double checking your packing list and made sure everything was in your bag. Apparently you were making too much noise and woke your dad up. 

“Y/n? What are you doing? It’s too early for you to be making this much noise,” he stood at your doorway and rubbed his eyes. 

“Sorry, I’m just too excited,” you zipped your bag up and threw it on the bed, “I’ll be quieter.”

“No it’s fine. I’m already awake. Do you want coffee?”

“Please,” you followed your dad into the kitchen. 

He grabbed two mugs from the cupboards as you sat down at the counter. Your laptop was still out and there were pieces of paper scattered around it. As Matthew handed you your coffee, he motioned to the mess in front of him, “Late night homework session?”

“Nope! I was just doing some extra planning for our trip,” you grabbed the papers and looked over the notes you made. 

“Thought you two were being spontaneous about this?” he took a sip of his drink and sat down next to you, looking over the papers as well, “How can you even read your writing?”

You rolled your eyes and snatched the paper from his hands, “I know but, I like to have things somewhat planned. This is just a rough draft.”

“Mmm, I see,” he kissed the side of your head, “I’m going to miss you,” he stood up and ruffled your hair, “What am I going to do without you?”

“You’ll be fine without me. It's just for a few days,” you stood up, making your way to your room, “Maybe Rumple can keep you company,” you ran upstairs before he could answer back. 

A few hours later, the doorbell rang and you raced downstairs, almost knocking your dad over. You opened the door and greeted Aubrey with a hug. 

“Wow, you must be really excited,” she teased, returning the hug.

“You have no idea,” Matthew called from inside the house. 

“Well, I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with you for the next few days,” you jabbed at him. You dragged Aubrey inside. 

Her and Matthew caught up while you went upstairs to grab your things. You walked downstairs and set your bag at your feet, “I’m ready.” 

Your dad walked over to you and hugged you, “Be good,” he said pulling away from you. He turned to Aubrey, “No matter how many times she begs, don’t let her drive.”

“Don’t listen to him,” you said, stepping away from him, “Dad we’ll be fine.”

“Yeah. We’re gonna be safe and have fun,” she said as she pulled you into a side hug. 

“Fine. Just don’t break my daughter,” he tossed your bag back at you and watched as you two left. 

It was only four and a half hours to your first stop in Yosemite. For that time, you and her talked about anything and everything. The topic landed on boys, “Anyone catching your eye recently?” she asked. You didn’t answer, you just blushed, giving her the answer she needed, “So there is someone? Who is it?”

“Mmm you can’t tell my dad but me and Finn have gone on a few dates,” your face was fifty shades of red now.

She gasped, “Wolfhard? Lucky duck.”

You punched her in the arm lightly, “Just don’t tell my dad. He will freak.”

“Don’t worry I won’t. It’ll be our secret.”

Your first stop at the park was a hike to one of the falls. Once at the top you took pictures and sent them to your dad, making him jealous. He really wished he was allowed to go. You hiked back down and it was getting late. You two decided to camp out for the night. 

You picked out a camp spot and helped Aubrey set up the tent. By the time you finished setting it up, it was dark. 

She started a fire and you pulled out some logs for you two to sit on.

“Do you wanna tell ghost stories?” she asked you. 

“Sure,” you knew she told great stories, just like your dad. You were just worried that you might not be able to sleep after hearing hers. 

“Ok, ok. So you know Bigfoot right?”

You nodded, “Yeah but isn’t he more in like the Pacific Northwest? Like in the mountains?”

“Yes but there’s variations like the Yeti, that’s not the point.”

“Continue then.” 

She leaned in closer to you, “Well, there’s rumors that there’s a similar creature here in the park.”

“Really? Are we in danger?”

“Mmm, no. He only goes after men,” she stood up and patted your shoulder, “We really have to watch out for the other one. She’s smaller but stronger.”

“Wait? You said we were safe!” you jumped up from your spot on the log.

“As long as you’re over twenty-one she won’t go after you.”

“But I’m sixteen! Aubrey! You can’t leave me hanging like this!”

She just shrugged, “I’m sure you’ll be ok. Yell if you need anything,” she went into the tent and started getting ready for bed. 

Sometimes, suspense like this was worse than hearing an actual story. There wasn’t enough service for you to google to see if this was real or not. You stayed outside by the fire for a bit until it started to die down and it got cold. You got into the tent and saw Aubrey was already asleep. You changed into pajamas and got into your sleeping bag, “I’ll kill you if you scare me in the middle of the night,” you whispered. 

Morning came and you didn’t get eaten by a monster lurking in the woods. 

“See? You were fine,” Aubrey said as she was finishing shoving the tent back into the car. 

“Because I was up all night,” you flopped into the passenger seat. Aubrey closed the trunk and got into the driver’s seat.

“If it makes you feel better, we can get coffee?”

Aubrey drove you to a small café. Before your food even came, you had downed two cups of coffee. 

“You really are your father’s daughter. You drink so much coffee. Both of you,” she said in between her own sips of coffee. 

“I mean, where do you think I got it from? I’m pretty sure I was born holding a coffee cup.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” she responded. The waitress brought your food, “So, tell me more about Finn. What’s up with you two?”

“Mmm, nothing,” you shoved a forkful of French toast into your mouth. 

“Come on Y/n,” she leaned closer to you, “I won’t tell your dad.”

“Only if you let me drive. I won’t crash,” you held your hand out for the keys, waiting for her to hand them over. 

She thought about it for a minute before answering, “Deal,” she tossed them to you, “Now spill.”

“Ok, ok,” you started, “It’s nothing serious. We’ve just hung out a few times.”

“Really? That’s it?”

“Yup,” you stood up, keys in hand, “We better get going,” you quickly ran out of the café. 

“Y/n!” she called out but you were already out the door and in the car. She paid the bill and followed you out the door, “We are not done talking about this,” she muttered to herself. 

A few hours later, you finally arrived in Vegas. You managed to get both of you there safely (and quite quickly.)

Taglist

@ssebstann @peachyprincessss @emmy-writes-sometimes @dudele @kerrswriting @laura-naruto-fan1998

[simonsrosebud]

Alright — this is very important — what’s the wedding party look like? Do either of them get walked down the aisle? What do the bachelor parties look like? What’s the first dance like? The cake cutting? OR! Do they just elope?

Either way, the most important thing of all — what are their vows?

i’m going to warn you:  i’m afraid this is going to be a very long post.

the wedding is in january, before playoffs have the chance to start up.  it’s easier that way also, because most of their friends either play exy or coach it, so they’re all off too.  and dalton’s professor friends are off for winter break.

that being said, they’re on a time crunch for bachelor parties.  and since kevin doesn’t drink or anything, the idea of the “typical bachelor” party is out of question.  kevin doesn’t care for a bachelor party for himself, anyway.

however, when andrew is added to a groupchat with the whole wedding party, he sends two texts.  not to the group, but to allison.  she’s the one handling it, anyway.

the first text is a link to elton john at madison square garden, the second is a text.  

hamilton on broadway friday the 14th, concert 15th.

(ik the timelines don’t technically match up, but since this is all fictional who cares)

it’s perfect.  allison checks with dalton to be sure, and he lights up.  apparently kevin has gotten really into hamilton because duh it’s history, and elton john is one of his favorite artists, especially after dalton introduced him to “your song” in college.

dalton goes with him because they know kevin would want him there, unlike normal bachelor parties where you spend it without your fiancé.

as for dalton’s, he gets taken to florida (it’s only like a 5 hour drive i think but they could fly also) and his friends, who for the most part are straight besides emmie, a blazing proud lesbian, take him to gay bars on gay bars, and then go to star wars land in disney world for a day- kevin’s idea.  dalton is very excited about this because in this ask dalton reveals he’s a star wars fan and says he’d like to go see it someday.  they also get drunk in disney, don’t worry.

they both have good sized wedding parties.  for dalton, it’s carmen, bella, and his best friends jenna, reid, and sam.

for kevin, it’s andrew, neil, and dan.  if anyone asked kevin in college if he’d thought she would be in his wedding party- or even if they’d leave college being friends, he would have said no, but he was stupid to think the foxes would ever lose touch.  if anything, he got closer.

he’s also gotten closer than he ever would have probably wished to allison.  there’s something to be said for the both of them having good taste.  all it took was one trip of clothes shopping for a banquet for them to realize they’d had a lot more in common.

the only reason they never realized it was because they’ve both got the same level of stubbornness.

which is why she somehow ends up being asked to be in his wedding party, too.

kevin isn’t worried about asking neil.  a little about andrew, but he can always get neil to talk him into it.  he stops them both from leaving after practice, one day.  “will you be my groomsmen?  both of you?”

neil really doesn’t look surprised.  not even phased.  he’d been matt’s best man, after all.  “yeah, sure.”

kevin looks to andrew, who hasn’t moved a muscle.

when he does, it’s to swing his bag around his shoulder.  "no speeches.”  and before he gets to the door.  “and no one’s wrapping their arm around mine down the aisle.”  and that’s more than okay with kevin.  he doesn’t really want them speaking, anyway.

and then there’s dan and allison.  he isn’t worried about them, so all he does is text them and they agree.

there’s no more than 70 people there.  the actual ceremony only about 30.  it’s not big by any means, but they didn’t want it big anyway.  plus, kevin doesn’t have a whole group of family to invite like dalton does in the first place.  he doesn’t mind, though, because he’s grown to consider dalton’s family his own.

kevin doesn’t get walked down the aisle.  he never saw himself doing that with a woman before he realized he was bi and could potentially marry a man, so he’s never cared for it.

wymack, however, officiates the wedding.  he’s very proud of it, too.  he never seems to show nerves, and he doesn’t let kevin know, but this is something that causes him great stress.  he can’t fuck it up.

he doesn’t, of course.

he’s standing beside kevin when dalton gets walked down the aisle by his mother, and kevin told himself he wouldn’t get emotional.

he lets out a breath and a soft laugh, then looks up at the ceiling to blink away the sudden wetness in his eyes.

when anne hands him off, she kisses kevin on the cheek and whispers.  “all yours now, love.”

kevin wants to kiss dalton so bad.  so so bad.  but he has to wait.  instead he gives him a wink and takes his hands.  he expects them to be a tiny bit sweaty like they sometimes are when he gets nervous, but they’re not.  dalton’s grip is firm, and the only thing kevin can see on him is glee.

kevin feels he barely can pay attention to the words his father is saying until it’s time for the vows.  he’s first.  he takes a deep breath.pays attention to what his father is saying, too busy staring at his fiancé.  until they get to the vows, that is.

kevin is first, and his heart has never beat this fast.  he memorized his vows, but just in case, he unfolds the paper from his pocket and takes the microphone.  “i’ve made plenty of bad decisions in my life.  going to the club the night before a game, trying to fix the kitchen sink by myself.”  he smiles when dalton laughs at the memory.  “d, i knew from the moment i told you about my demons and you stayed, that choosing you was the best decision i’ve made in my entire life.  your are the strength i didn't know i needed, and the joy that i didn't know i lacked.”  dalton mouths i love you.  “thank you, for supporting and loving me unconditionally, i know i haven’t always made it easy.”

dalton gives the slightest shake of his head at that one.  loving kevin comes as easy as breathing.

“thank you for showing me how to accept myself, and showing me what it’s like to find peace, to know what it’s like to feel wanted and loved.  thank you for helping me to better myself as a man and a partner.  you make me a better person in every single way, and i promise to put it all to use and give back every single day of our lives.  i promise to love you through every hardship, to love you for who you are and who you are yet to become.  i promise to support and help you in every new adventure, and to always be at your side.  i promise to be patient and loyal.  i promise to remember to show you every day how deeply i care for you.  i promise to share my whole heart with you, to love you fiercely— for the rest of my life.  as long as you’ll have me.”

dalton blinks away tears, and after taking a moment, he accepts the microphone.  "kev,” he whispers, and takes a breath.  kevin knows he has his written down, but he doesn’t take it out.  he doesn’t need it.  “i used to think that i just got lucky that some random hot kid asked me for help with his homework.”  kevin grins.

“but i’ve realized now that the universe put you in front of me for a reason.  you have filled my life with happiness and have given me a sense of peace that i’ve never known.  you are my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the best co-pilot in life that i could’ve ever wished for.”  he smiles.  “today marks the start to the rest of our lives, whether we’re ready or not.  i will not take our time together for granted. and because words can’t do it, i promise to show you, for the rest of my life, how much i love you.  i promise to encourage you to follow your dreams.  to support you through any of life’s obstacles.  i promise to make you laugh when you’re taking yourself too seriously.  i promise to hold your hand through the good and the bad, to keep you afloat when you feel you’re drowning.  i promise to share the weight on your shoulders like it’s my own.”

a tear drops from kevin’s eye, and dalton reaches to gently wipe it with his thumb before grabbing his hand.  “i promise to never stop making up my own lyrics to songs i don’t know. although, i know you wish i would.  i promise to look back on our lives when we’re old and gray and have no regrets.  i promise, from this day forward, kevin day, that you will never walk alone.”  he lowers the microphone, whispering.  “as long as you’ll have me.”

it’s a very emotional ceremony, that’s for sure, but they’re grinning by the time the rings go on, and dalton barely holds back from jumping kevin before he can say, “you may now kiss.”

kevin has his arms around dalton’s waist and dalton’s hands on his cheek and the back of his neck, and they’re both smiling into the kiss less than two seconds in.  but kevin doesn’t care.  dalton’s laugh is the best thing he’s ever heard and he relishes in it as he crushes him in a hug before tearing back down the aisle.

their first dance is to “your song” by elton john.  is it probably overused?  sure, but kevin isn’t into music enough to know or care about that.  it’s the song that

it’s always been dalton’s go to song to sing in the car, and whenever he does he tends to just kind of grab onto kevin’s hand while he sings.  he’s no harry styles but he can hold a tune just fine.

it then turned into a song kevin listened to on bus or plane rides, and when he entered the pros dalton started sending him voice memos on text of him singing like two lines from the song before his every flight.

kevin also played it in the car back to the cabin after he proposed.

it’s their song.

dalton pulls kevin to him for the first dance, with one hand holding kevin’s and the other pressed against the small of his back.  and dalton’s singing along just loud enough for kevin to hear.  it makes him smile at his dork of a husband, and halfway through the song kevin lays his head on dalton’s shoulder and slides his arms around his neck.  he closes his eyes and ever so quietly sings along.  

dalton kisses the side of his head and wraps his arms around kevin’s waist.

when the song is coming to an end, dalton kisses kevin and smiles as he sings the last lines to him.  “how wonderful life is while you’re in the world”

kevin smiles.  “sweetheart,” he whispers.

but then the song ends, and kevin leans back against their table as dalton takes the floor with anne for the mother son dance.  he sends a thought up to kayleigh.

“i’m incredibly proud of you.”  it’s abby at his side, sliding her arm around his waist.  she kisses his cheek.  “i know you know this already, that you foxes are family to us.  but... you have always been like a son to me.  and you always will, even if not by blood.”

kevin is looking at his feet, but eventually he meets her gaze.  “you’re the closest thing i’ve ever had to a mother.”  he squeezes her hand, and, “do you want to do the dance with me?”  he doesn’t know how he hadn’t thought of it before.

abby’s a little teary, but nods.

dan rests her head on wymack’s shoulder.  “he’s done good.”

wymack nods.  he doesn’t respond, because he’s got… something… stuck in his throat.  not emotions, definitely not emotions.

kevin smears cake all over dalton’s lips when they cut the cake, and in return he presses a messy kiss to his cheek.  it’s sickenly sweet.  the whole thing is, especially compared to the kevin day that some people know, and the one they see on television.

i can’t think of other things i may have missed, but please please let me know if there is anything else you guys want more insight on, or prompts regarding these!

oh yeah, kevin throws one of the bridesmaids little bouquets as a joke.

and carmen catches it.

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Ch50- I Got My Second Chance Right Here

Intro: After talking with Scott, Steve and Katie find themselves facing the possibility that there may be a way to undo Thanos’ actions and bring everyone they lost back. Only Tony isn’t on board with the idea and once more Katie finds herself in the middle of the two most important men in her life...

Warnings: Bad Language words

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

A/N: As always, huge shout out to my reposting partner- @angrybirdcr​

Chapter 49​

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

“Man am I glad to see you.” Scott clasped Steve’s hand in his as soon as the gate was open, pumping it up and down furiously.

“We thought you’d been snapped.” Steve took a deep breath, frowning as he looked the man up and down. “You are really here right? This isn’t’ some kind of weird mind trick or…” “Yeah, I am now. I mean, not that I wasn’t, but well, no I kinda wasn’t.” Scott took a deep breath. “It’s really hard to explain but…”

“Well we got time to listen.” Steve smiled, reassuringly “Come on.”

Scott nodded, fired up his van and drove through the gates whilst Steve locked them again, before he climbed in his car, spun it round and drove, Scott following, round to the parking area. Steve led Scott through the facility and into the room they had been sat in where Katie was settling Jamie on the sofa at the other end of the room.

“You stay here, okay?” Katie smoothed Jamie’s hair softly with her hand. He nodded and pulled on his headphones, tablet clamped in his hand as he began to watch Dumbo for what must have been the nine-hundredth time. Casting one more look at him over her shoulder, Katie walked over to where Steve and Natasha were stood, watching a very distressed Scott pacing in front of them, mumbling to himself.

Steve and Natasha shared a look, before Steve looked to his wife and she nodded her head in Scott’s direction, encouraging him to open the dialogue.

“Scott?” Steve spoke.“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine” Scott said in a tone that indicated he was anything but. He opened his mouth to speak but shut it again, before he pressed his fingers into his eye sockets clearly struggling with what it was he needed to say. Eventually he took a deep breath and looked around the room.  "Have you ever studied quantum physics?”

Katie shook her head, as did Steve.

"Only to make conversation,” Natasha shrugged.

Scott pointed to Natasha. “Alright, so, five years ago, right before…Thanos, I was in a place called the Quantum Realm. The Quantum Realm is like its own microscopic universe. To get in there, you have to be incredibly small. Hope, she’s my… she was my…” He took a deep breath, struggling to quell the emotion that was brewing in his voice. “And then Thanos happened, and I got stuck in there.”

“I’m sorry.” Katie shook her head, sympathetically. “That must have been a very long five years

"Yeah, but that’s just it. It wasn’t. For me it was five hours.”

Steve frowned. 

“See, the rules of the Quantum Realm aren’t like they are up here. Everything’s unpredictable.” Scott continued as Steve looked from Katie to Natasha, both of them wearing expressions which were a cross between curiosity and contemplation.

“Is that anybody’s sandwich?” Scott asked, pointing at the plate on the table “I’m starving.” As he strode over to pick up the remainder of Nat’s peanut butter sandwich, Steve shook his head slightly, still not understanding what this had to do with anything.

"Scott, what are you talking about?” he asked, prompting him to get back on track.

“What I’m saying is, time works differently in the Quantum Realm.” Scott spoke trough a mouthful of peanut butter and bread before he hastily swallowed “The only problem is right now, we don’t have a way to navigate it. But what if we did?”

He began to pace again and Katie cocked her head to the side slightly, watching him as he gestured wildly with the hand holding the peanut butter sandwich.

“I can’t stop thinking about it. What if we could somehow control the chaos, and we could navigate it? What if there was a way that we could enter the Quantum Realm at a certain point in time but then exit at another point in time? Like…” He paused taking a breath as he looked at the 3 faces in front of him. “Like before Thanos.”

"Wait.” Katie held up a hand to stop him, her voice laced with scepticism. “Are you talking about a time machine?”

“No. No of course not. No, not a time machine, it’s more like a…” Scott trailed off and looked down before he shrugged. “Yeah like a time machine.”

Steve took a deep breath and shared a glance with Katie, both of them raising an eyebrow. Steve let out a small sigh as he had been hoping Scott had something that they could actually use.

“I know, it’s crazy, but I can’t stop thinking about it. There’s gotta be some way. There’s got to be some-” Scott looked at Steve’s face and sighed. “It’s crazy..I know, yeah…”

"Scott,” Natasha cut him off, “I get emails from a raccoon. Nothing sounds crazy anymore.”

Steve looked at her and had to concede maybe she had a point. The things they had seen over the past eleven years, none of it he would have ever believed possible. So who was to say this wasn’t? But time travel? Really? Was he stood there, actually thinking it could be a possibility?

“So who do we talk to about this?” Scott asked, looking between the three people stood in front of him.

Natasha looked at Katie meaningfully and she shook her head, instantly understanding.

“Uh-uh. He’s done with all this, there’s no way he’ll help.”

“Who?” Scott asked.

“My brother.”

“We should at least try.” Natasha implored, her eyes bright at the possibility that there could be a way to undo everything. Katie really wanted to feel the same level of excitement but all she could feel at that point was a horrible sense of foreboding. And she had no idea why.

“Nat’s right.” Steve looked to Katie. “We should talk to him.”  

Before Katie could respond she saw out of the corner of her eye that Jamie was sliding off the sofa and walking towards them. Scott who hadn’t noticed the small boy up until that point gave a start of surprise before he watched him hurry over to Katie.

“Momma.” He asked and she crouched down next to him.

“You okay?”

“When’s dinner?”

“I’m gonna make it soon, sorry baby.” She kissed his cheek as she picked him up, turning back to Scott. “Jamie this is momma, daddy and Auntie Nat-Nat’s friend, Scott. Wanna say hello?”

Jamie looked over, smiling, not a shy bone in his body, as he waved his little hand. “Hi Scott.”  

“This…you…” Scott was looking between Katie and Steve and Steve gave him a small smile. “Wow, that’s great. It’s nice to meet you, Jamie.” Jamie held out his hand for a hi-five and Scott let out a laugh, obliging. “So, you guys just got the one, or…”

“No, we also have an older daughter.” Steve smiled, as he watched Jamie in his wife’s arms.

“Older?”

“She’s adopted.” Katie explained. “Currently away with friends.”

Scott nodded, swallowing a little as his gaze dropped to the floor. The room fell into silence and Katie took a deep breath.

“I’m gonna go make dinner.” She smiled, before looking at Scott then to Natasha.“See if we can do better than a peanut butter sandwich.” “Scott, why don’t you go with Natasha and she can fill you in on anything you need to know.” Steve offered. “And vice versa of course.”

“Okay.”

Natasha gestured with her head for Scott to follow her as Katie placed Jamie on the floor and looked up at Steve.

“Do you really think there’s anything in this?” Steve sighed. “I dunno, Sweetheart. I mean it sounds crazy, a time machine, but then so does a mad man wiping out fifty percent of all living creatures on the planet with a click of his fingers thanks to some cosmic stones.”

“Just promise me something.” Katie looked at him, “if Tony refuses to help, you won’t go kicking off and falling out again. Because if he does say no, he has his reasons for doing so.” “I promise.” Steve assured her.

Satisfied, Katie smiled and looked down at Jamie. “Wanna come help me make dinner or go with Daddy and talk to Scott and Auntie Nat-Nat.” Jamie pondered and Steve smiled at his face. The three year old was torn, and Steve knew why. Part of him wanted to go and talk to his Auntie and the new man he had met a few minutes ago because he was naturally inquisitive, or a “nosey parker” as Emmy called him. But the other part of him knew that if he went to help his Mom he’d be getting sneaky little tit-bits along the way.

Eventually, the curiosity part won out and he grabbed Steve’s hand. “I go with you Daddy.” Katie rolled her eyes good naturedly. “Traitor.”

Jamie grinned as Steve picked him up, leaning over in his Father’s arms to place a sloppy kiss on Katie’s cheek.

“Love you Momma.” He beamed as Steve smiled at his wife. She stuck her tongue out at her son making him giggle and do the same, then she picked up the bag off the table and headed down to the kitchen.

******

Tony smiled headed out of the house and across the lawn towards Morgan’s little tent. He clapped his hands along to a well-known famous beat.

“Chow time! Morgoona.”

No answer. Tony rolled his eyes, it was just like dad trying to deal with Katie when she had been that age. She’d ignore everyone unless she decided paying attention was of any benefit, well, almost everyone. She’d always come running when it was him who called. Something Tony had always been secretly smug about.  

He sat on the small chair by the side of the tent and looked around him, taking in the gentle breeze coming off the lake.

“Morgan H Stark, you want some lunch?”

“Define lunch or be disintegrated.” She spoke, her voice slightly distorted as she emerged from the tent and he felt his breath catch. She was wearing the silver and blue helmet that belonged to the suit he had been working on in the garage, and she had the play Iron-Man glove that he had made sets of for her and Jamie on her hand, holding it up as if firing a repulsor beam.  

“You should not be wearing that, okay? That is part of a special anniversary gift I’m making for Mom.” He pressed a kiss to the side of the helmet before he took it off. His daughter’s face emerged, smiling mischievously.

“Okay.” She grinned as Tony brushed the hair back off her face and smoothed down the fly-away strands that had risen up.

“There you go. Are you thinking about lunch? I can give you a handful of crickets on a bed of lettuce.”

“No.” Morgan giggled

“That’s what you want.” He teased before he glanced at the helmet in his hand. “How did you find this?”

“The garage” She said simply, as if it was obvious. Which in fairness, it was, because that’s where he had left it.

“Really?” Tony looked at her, narrowing his eyes slightly in suspicion. “Were you looking for it?”

“No.” She said, but the look on her face that told Tony she had totally been looking for it. “I found it, though.”

“You like going to the garage, huh? So does daddy” Tony stood, picking her up in one arm, the helmet still held in the other, heading to the house. He glanced down at it again and chuckled to himself. “It’s fine, actually. Your mom never wears anything I buy her.”

He had just reached the top of the steps to the porch when his attention was caught by the sound of a car heading up the drive. He turned round to see Kiddo’s grey Audi pulling to a stop a few meters away. He paused for a moment, because he hadn’t been expecting them, but then he smiled and waved before he frowned a little. There were other people in the back seat of the car, but he couldn’t quite make out who.

Katie was out of the car first, opening one of the back doors and Jamie barrelled out of the vehicle, running over to his Uncle.

“Uncle Nee!” He called gleefully as he ran up the steps to the porch. 

“Hey!” Tony placed Morgan down and bent to give his nephew’s head a kiss. “I wasn’t expecting to see you guys to-“

He trailed off as he caught sight of exactly who it had been in the back. Natasha raised her head in a greeting which he returned and he then glanced at the man, Scott Lang, who he had last seen in The Raft

A man who had been snapped was now stood on his driveway. 

What the fuck was going on?

“Morgan,” Tony looked down, “take Jamie inside will you? Tell your mom we have visitors, I’ll be in in a moment.” “Okay.” Morgan said, and Jamie took her hand, the two of them heading off round the porch.

“Hey.” Katie greeted her brother as she walked up the steps. “Sorry to spring this on you but…”

He gave her a hug and when she stepped back he looked over her shoulder.  “S’Up Lang? Thought you got turned to dust?”

Steve winced slightly at Tony’s blasé tone, but he could tell from his brother-in-law’s face, he was anything but. His eyes were burning with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

“It’s a really, really long story.” Scott nodded as he rounded the car, looking at Tony

“Which is why we’re here.” Steve slipped his hands into his pockets as he stopped at the porch steps. “Tony, there might be a way we can bring everyone back.” Tony took a deep breath. Five years. Five years it had been and still they couldn’t simply let things lie. Did he want to get involved? No, absolutely not. But he should at least hear them out, right? It could be simple. Maybe not dangerous, either. Maybe.

He looked at his sister and she shrugged, and he could tell by her expression she was torn. Probably from the same fears he had.

“Take a seat.” He gestured to the chairs and sofa on the porch area. “I’ll grab us a drink.”

Katie looked at Steve and jerked her head towards the house and Steve nodded, understanding she was going with him. She followed Tony inside and greeted Pepper who had seen the gang outside the house.

“What the hell?” Tony frowned and Katie sighed.

“He turned up at the compound last night. Apparently he was in something called the Quantum Realm when the Snap happened. He re-emerged a few days ago and drove over.” Katie bit her lip. “The thing is Tony, for him it was a matter of hours not years.”

Tony took a deep breath and reached into the fridge for the tall jug of iced coffee and placed it on the counter before pouring in a generous helping of vanilla syrup. Still without a word being spoke he pulled five glass tumblers from the cabinet, and handed them to his sister. “We’ll be outside.” He said, giving Pepper a kiss. “How many should I expect for lunch?” She asked, giving him a small smile “Set it for eight.” He shrugged, walking away. “I’ll decide whether they can stay or not after I’ve heard what hair-brained scheme Rogers has come up with this time.”

Katie rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “In his defence, this isn’t his idea.”

“No but I bet it was to come here.”

“Wrong again.” Katie arched an eyebrow as Tony opened the door. “That one’s on Nat.” “Pain in my ass.” he mumbled, as he walked back to the porch. 

He placed the jug down on the small coffee table and plonked into a chair to the right of it, looking up at Steve who was leaning against the wooden rails of the porch, Nat to his right. 

“Alright,” He watched as Scott sat in the chair at the other side of the small table, Katie leaning up against the side of the house. “Explain.”  

So Scott did. About where he had been, how long for, and his theory about how they could, potentially, use the Quantum Realm to navigate time. Tony listened, and for the most Steve was surprised to see the man’s face was passive, no sarcastic quirk of the eyebrow or quip. Nothing. Instead, he reached over and began pouring the drinks into the glasses.

“Now, we know what it sounds like.” Scott stammered out before Steve cut him off, keen to understand what was going on in the Inventor’s head.

“Tony, after everything you’ve seen, is anything like this really possible?”

Tony looked up from pouring the drinks, handing one to Katie who smiled a thanks to him.

“Quantum fluctuation messes with the Planck scale, which then triggers the Deutsch proposition, can we agree on that?”

Scott, Steve and Natasha all looked blankly back at him. Steve had no idea what he was talking about but he saw Katie out of the corner of her eye stiffen slightly.

“As in David Deutsch?” She asked. “The Fabric of Reality?”

Tony nodded before he handed Steve a glass. “Thank-you.” Steve said, he quite liked Tony’s iced coffee, he had certainly drunk enough of it whilst sat in the spot that Scott now occupied over the past few years.

"In layman’s terms, it means you’re not coming home.” Tony finished, and Steve let out a sigh.

“I did.” Scott said almost immediately.

“No, you accidentally survived. It’s a billion to one cosmic fluke.” Tony shook his head, his voice even “And now you want to pull off a, what do you call it?”

Scott shrugged, searching for a term to describe what he had been thinking of doing. “A…time…heist?”

“Yeah, a time heist. Of course, why didn’t we think of this before?” Tony asked, looking up at Steve “Oh, because it’s laughable? Because it’s a pipedream.”

"The stones are in the past.”  Steve spoke softly. The fact that Tony hadn’t dismissed the fact that it was a possibility to time travel was spurring him on, there had to be a way they could do this safely, Scott was living proof of that. “We could go back and we could get them.”

“We can snap our own fingers. We can bring everybody back.” Natasha added.

“Or screw it up worse than he already has.” Tony instantly replied.

“I don’t think we would.” Steve shook his head.

“Got to say, sometimes I miss that giddy optimism.” Tony shot, and Steve took a deep breath, raising his eyebrows. “However, high hopes won’t help if there’s no logical, tangible way for me to safely execute said time heist.” Tony leaned back further in his chair. “I believe the most likely outcome will be our collective demise.”

Natasha walked from where she had been stood leaning against the wall of the house besides Katie to the rails of the porch, looking out over the grounds for a moment as Scott spoke again.

“Not if we strictly follow the rules of time travel.” He said, almost eagerly, “No talking to our past selves, no betting on sporting events-”

“I’m going to stop you right there, Scott.” Tony raised his hand and leaned forward. “Are you seriously telling me that your plan to save the universe is based on Back to the Future?”

“No?” Scott said, embarrassment flooding his tone.

“Good you had me worried there, because that’s not how quantum physics works.”

“Tony, we have to take a stand.”  Natasha spoke, turning to face him, her voice sad, almost pleading. Katie watched her for a second, before she looked to her brother. Tony stared up at Nat, almost apologetically but Katie could see his mind was made up, and his answer was just what she had suspected it would be.

“We did stand.” Tony’s voice was soft “And yet, here we are.”

“I know you got a lot on the line,” Scott spoke again, “you got a wife, a daughter. But I lost someone very important to me. A lot of people did.” His voice began to gather pace and volume as he tried to sell his desperation to Tony “We have a chance to bring her back, bring everyone back. And you’re telling me you won’t even-”

“That’s right Scott. I won’t even. I got a kid.” Tony cut him off with absolute irrevocability as Scott stared at him in disbelief.

Steve took a deep breath and glanced at Katie, who had remained silent pretty much all through the discussions. She was looking down at her hands, twisting her engagement ring around her finger, the way she always did when she was worried or thinking. But before he could say anything, the door to the house opened and two sets of small footsteps clattered across the wood. Morgan ran up to Tony, who picked her up as she placed her arms round his neck and Jamie ran to his mother, who swept him up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Mommy told us to come save you.” Morgan said to her dad. Katie gave a soft chuckle as Tony looked at her, grinning.

"Good job. I’m saved.” Tony told his daughter as he gave her head a kiss before he stood up, Morgan in his arms. He turned to look at Steve, Nat and Scott. “I wish you’d come here to ask me something else. Anything else.” He sighed, before looking directly at Nat. “Honestly, I missed you.” She gave a small smile as he turned to head to the house. “Oh, and the table’s set for eight-“

As he went to pass by Steve, the Soldier gently stopped him with a hand on his arm and Katie watched, Jamie perched on her hip, his small hand playing with the diamond studded star shaped necklace she wore, a gift from Steve many Christmases ago.

"Tony, I get it, I really do, but this, this is a second chance.”

“I got my second chance right here, Cap.” Tony looked at his brother-in-law before he nodded over to where Katie was stood holding Jamie. “You did too. And I can’t roll the dice again, and frankly neither should you.”

Steve took a deep breath, bristling slightly. Was Tony seriously implying that he thought he was going to gamble with his kids’ lives? That was the whole point of them coming to talk to him, so that they didn’t do anything that would jeopardise what they had.

“If you don’t talk shop, you can stay for lunch.” Tony headed towards the door.

“I think we should be getting back.” Steve spoke, his words coming out a little harsher than he had meant. Tony turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

“Suit yourself.” He shrugged, before heading into the house. Katie watched her brother go and then turned to Steve as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked at her and she stared straight back, her face stony. She’d warned him how this would turn out and he’d promised her he wouldn’t get mad at Tony. And whilst he hadn’t got mad per-se, he had to concede that his last comment had been said with a bit of a shitty tone.

“Momma?” Jamie spoke and Katie’s attention turned to her son. “I want lunch. Auntie Pepper was making meatballs.” “Your favourite?” Katie smiled at her son “Wow!”

Jamie giggled and Katie turned back to her husband “You go, we’re gonna stay.” Her statement was accompanied with a look to say that this wasn’t up for negotiation so Steve took a deep breath and nodded.

“Okay, give me a call and I’ll come get you later.” He dropped a kiss to her cheek, before he did the same to his son and then gestured for Scott and Natasha to follow him back to the car.

“He’s scared.” Natasha turned to Steve once they were clear of the porch steps.

“Well, he’s not wrong."  Steve sighed because, despite his disappointment, he understood Tony’s fear and reticence, he really did because he felt it too. They couldn’t do anything that would undo the events of the past five years. But there had to be a way to make sure they didn’t. He looked back at the house where he could just see Katie was stood inside the kitchen, smiling at Pepper.

"Yeah, but I mean what are we gonna do?” Scott asked, his tone desperate again. “We need him, are we gonna stop?”

“No, but I wanna do it right,” Steve said thoughtfully, as an idea suddenly came to him. He opened the driver’s side door and glanced over at Natasha “We’re gonna need a really big brain.”

"Bigger than his?” Scott asked incredulously, pointing to Tony’s house.

Natasha quirked an eyebrow as she understood what Steve meant and she smiled gently before turning to Scott.

“Good job we know exactly where we can find one.”

****

Inside the house, Katie watched the car pull away before she turned and accepted the glass of wine Tony was offering.

“Lunchtime drinking?” She quirked an eyebrow and he shrugged.

“Figured you might need it after that, I do.”

Katie sighed and made her way over to the table, where Pepper was sat dishing out the food onto the kid’s plates.

“Fankoo Auntie Pep.” Jamie said, grinning and she beamed at him.

“You’re welcome, Sweetie.” They ate together, making general conversation about anything other than ‘time heists’ and two helpings of meatballs and spaghetti later, Jamie and Morgan asked if they could go outside to play. Tony headed out to supervise them whilst Katie helped Pepper clear the table before she went to find her brother.

“So we gonna talk about the elephant in the room, or on the lawn?” Tony asked, looking at her.

Katie shrugged. “That’s not why I stayed, Tone.” She sighed, her green eyes locking onto his. “You know, I told them you wouldn’t want to help.” “It isn’t a case of not wanting to, Kiddo.” He sighed. “I just can’t…”

“I get it.” She nodded with a sad smile. “There’s a lot at stake…”

"So why doesn’t Spangles see that?”

“He does. He just wants to see if there’s any possible way we can do it. You know, bring everyone back.” “And what about you?”

“Honestly?” Katie looked at Tony and shrugged. “If you told me there was a way we could do it, and not change anything out of the last five years I’d jump at the chance, because that’s what we do, we’re the A-vengers remember, not the Pre-vengers.”

“Used to be.” Tony corrected her with the glimmer of a smile.

“Well, I don’t remember quitting.” Katie looked at her brother. “We just kinda…stopped.” “Say there is.”  Tony sighed. “Say you suddenly find a way that guarantees that nothing from the last five years will change, and you do it. You pull off the Time Heist, reverse the snap…Kiddo, you open up a whole can of other worms. People have moved on in the past five years, and suddenly you’re bringing back husbands, wives, daughters, sons, mothers, fathers who were long gone and-”

“I know.” Katie cut him off, nodding. “It would be extremely naïve to think things could just simply go back to how they were. There would be a lot of other issues and shit to deal with, I get that, but at least everyone would be alive.”

Tony sighed “I can’t gamble on this.”  He gestured to the kids who were now playing

“Like I said Tony, I’m not trying to change your mind.” Katie shrugged. “And I won’t be gambling on anything either.”

******

It was getting late, and Steve still hadn’t heard from Katie. He was just about to give her a call when he heard the security system announcing the gate had been unlocked. Frowning, he made his way to the door, opening it to see Tony’s car pulling onto the driveway. He stopped not far from the door and Katie stepped out of the passenger seat.

“He’s fast asleep.” She nodded to the rear as Steve headed out to greet her, peering into the back of the car. He gave his wife a quick peck on the lips before he reached into the rear, and gently picked Jamie out of the back, the child only stirring long enough press his face into Steve’s shoulder, grabbing a handful of his sweater in his fist.

“Thanks Tony.” Katie leaned back into the car over the passenger seat to give her brother a kiss on the cheek.

“No problem, Kiddo.” As his sister stepped back, Tony hesitated for a moment and then climbed out of the car, looking over the roof at Steve who was heading back up the steps to the house.

“Cap.” He called. Steve stopped and turned to his brother-in-law. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear.”

Steve took a deep breath and shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. We’re meeting Banner tomorrow.” “Banner?” Katie frowned.

“Yeah.” Steve nodded. “Nat called him before, he’s gonna hear us out. See if he can help.”

Tony remained silent, his mind whirring. “Just promise me one thing, please.” He sighed. “You can’t, the kids, I mean…”

Steve frowned. “Tony, if you think I’d gamble with our children’s lives, then you really don’t know me at all.”

“I guess not.” Tony’s mouth set into a thin line and at that point Katie shook her head.

“Stop it, please.” She sighed. “I can’t cope with you at each other’s throats, not again.”

Steve licked his lips and turned to his wife. “Sorry.”

“Just take Jamie inside, I’ll be with you in a moment.” She looked at him, Nodding, Steve turned and headed inside. Katie glared at her brother who held his hands up, palms open.

“Like I said before, I get why you’re scared, but Steve’s right. All we’re doing at the moment is gathering facts, maybe understanding what we’re looking at a little more. If by doing that we come to the conclusion that we can’t guarantee what we have isn’t safe then we stop.” Tony took a deep breath, before he nodded back to the house. “Just make sure he understands that.”

Before Katie could reply he hopped back in his car, reversed slightly before he spun round and headed off through the gates. Katie walked straight into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine, grabbing a beer for Steve before she sat down at the table, head in her hands, she was exhausted.

The problem was, she could see this from both sides. Whilst the possibility of being able to bring everyone back was simply too good to not explore, the chance that they could lose either of their kids if something didn’t got to plan was enough to put the fear of God into her.  She looked up as Steve returned having settled Jamie in bed, and she slid the beer across the table to him as he sat in the seat next to her.

“You okay?”  He asked, and she looked at him.

“I’m scared Steve. Tony is right. We can’t risk what we have.”

“We won’t.”

“You don’t know that for sure, none of us do.” She sniffed, and Steve wasn’t surprised to see the tears in her eyes. “Tony before, when he talked about the Deutsch proposition, that was a reference to a guy called David Deutsch. He wrote a book called The Fabric of Reality and one of the chapters talks about how time travel would really work if it proves possible.”

Steve nodded, telling her to continue. He knew when she was on a roll explaining something like this he had to let her finish, plus he wanted to understand her concerns.

“His view of time travel is that if you went back in time and killed your Grandfather, say, you’d simply create an alternate universe and timeline in which you are not born. But the version of yourself that went back in time came from a different universe, so you wouldn’t suddenly cease to exist, like in Back To The Future or whatever, you’d still be there in that new universe.” “Okay, so, according to this Deutsch guy, Scott’s theory about simply not changing anything in the past isn’t quite right?” Steve frowned, thinking he understood. She smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, which to be fair is only what everyone believes because of films anyway. They depict time travel in a single universe. But, if you accept that there are actually many universes that are constantly branching off of one another, then…” She sighed.

“But surely that’s a good thing?” Steve implored. “Iwf hat you’re saying is that we can’t alter our future by changing the past then…” “What I’m saying is, that none of us know for sure.” She corrected, her voice almost a whisper. “And even if we successfully navigate the whole going back in time think, what if when we undo the Snap we jump back five years in our own time line and…”

She trailed off and Steve reached up to wipe away the stray tears that had fallen down her cheek. “Baby, look at me.”

She obliged, and he held her gaze. “Nothing scares me more than losing our kids, or you. Which is why we need to do this right. I get why Tony doesn’t want to help, he’s scared too, but….” he trailed off. “I’m doing this for Jamie, for Emmy. I want Emmy to be able to see all the things she knew before the snap, and Jamie to see things he never has.”

“Like whales in the Hudson?”

“Like whales in the Hudson.” Steve nodded with a smile. “Although I’d never seen that before either, but the point still remains. I want them to have the best possible life that we can give them.”

Katie looked at him, and sniffed. “You swear to me, right now, that the moment we start to see things going sideways, if we can’t be certain that we won’t impact anything that’s happened in the last five years, we stop.”

“Hand on heart, I swear to you.” Steve took her face in his hands, driving his message home “Kitten, I’d die before I let anything happen to any of you.”

“Yeah, that kinda worries me a little too.” She sniffed and he chuckled slightly, before dropping a soft kiss to her lips.

“Let’s see what Bruce has to say tomorrow.” Steve said gently, his thumbs skating over her cheekbones. “If he doesn’t believe we can control the outcome then, we give up. It was a stab in the dark, but nothing more.”

Katie nodded, and he pressed his lips to hers again, this time the kiss slightly deeper.

“I love you.” He moved his hands to lace into hers before he raised her left to his lips and placed a soft kiss over the top of her rings. 

*****

Bruce was already waiting for them at the diner the next morning. Scott’s shocked and puzzled reaction to seeing the Hulk-Sized Bruce Banner was understandable, after all it was the same reaction Katie, Steve and Natasha had all had when they had seen him like this for the first time a few months back. In fact, the only person that hadn’t batted an eyelid was Jamie.

“Hi Dr Brucie!” Jamie grinned, reaching over Katie to hi-five the man, Banner grinning a the boy’s nick name for him.

“You’re getting big, tiny person!” He boomed as the simply ridiculous amounts of food started to arrive. Brue wasn’t shy about digging in, and neither was Jamie, as always. Katie dished out some eggs, sausages and bacon onto his plate and poured him a small glass of the orange juice whilst, in turn, Steve poured her and Natasha some water.

“Come on, I feel like I’m the only one eating!” Bruce pushed a plate forward. “Apart from Jamie that is. Try some of that. Have some eggs.”

“I’m so confused.” Scott looked at Bruce, his face blank as he shook his head.

“These are confusing times.” Bruce nodded with a serious smile on his face.

“Right, no, no that’s not what I meant…”

“No, I get it I’m kidding.” Bruce grinned, dropping the act. “I know, it’s crazy! I’m wearing shirts now!”

“Yeah…wh…how, why?” Scott stuttered, his eyes wide as he looked at Bruce.

“Five years ago, we got our asses beaten. Except it was worse for me. Because I lost twice. First, Hulk lost, then Banner lost. Then, we all lost.”

“No one blamed you, Bruce.” Natasha said softly.

“I did.” Bruce stated simply “For years, I’ve been treating the Hulk like he’s some kind of disease, something to get rid of. But then I started looking at him as the cure. Eighteen months in a gamma lab. I put the brains and the brawn together. And now look at me. Best of both worlds…”

He was cut off by a group of three children, one of which tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Mr. Hulk?

"Yes?” Bruce asked, turning to face them.

“Can we get a photo?” the little girl beamed at him.

“100%, little person. Come on, step up.” Bruce said, taking the phone which was handed to him and leaning across Natasha to pass it to Scott. “You mind?

“Oh, yeah.” Scott shook himself out of his thoughts, accepting the phone.

“Thanks,” he said before he turned to the kids. “Say ‘green’!” “Greeeeen!” came the collective chant before Bruce looked at Scott “Did you get that?”

Scott leaned forward and held the phone out, before he gestured at himself, “Don’t you wanna grab one with me? I’m Ant-Man.”

Nothing.

Katie hastily picked up her glass of water and locked eyes with Natasha, the red head trying also not to laugh.

“It’s alright they’re Hulk fans, they don’t know Ant-Man. Nobody does.” Scott shook his head.

"Wait, no, no, he feels bad. No, he wants you to…he wants to.” Bruce looked at one of the boys “You want to take a picture with him, right?” The boy shook his had vigorously.

“He’s even saying 'no’ he doesn’t.” Scott snapped. “I get it. I don’t want it either.”

Katie looked at Steve who was now staring down at the glass of water in his hand, his fingers trailing round the top. He was getting frustrated, Katie could tell. She reached behind Jamie, who was nestled in-between his parents and gently gave his neck a soft tickle with her fingers and he looked at her, smiling softly.

“Just take the goddamn phone.” Scott called time on the ridiculous exchange that had been going on, and Steve took a long drink of his water.

“Thank you very much!” Banner called smiling “Hulk out!”

“Bruce.” Steve looked at him, deciding to bring him back to the subject in hand. Bruce ignored him.

“Dab!”  he grinned, making the action as the kids all laughed.

“Bruce.” Steve spoke this time again in his Captains voice, but to no avail. He rolled his eyes as the man continued.

“Listen to your mom. She knows better.”

“About what we were saying?” Steve tried once more as Bruce finally, and Katie suspected rather reluctantly, turned back to them.

“Right, the whole time travel do-over.” Bruce leaned back in his chair. “Guys, it’s outside my area of expertise.”

“Well, you pulled this off.” Natasha looked him up and down before she smiled.“I remember a time when that seemed pretty impossible too.”

Bruce nodded slightly, before he took a deep breath.

“In suppose, in theory you could do it.” He scratched at his chin. “You could go back in time, get the stones and come back without changing anything that’s happened in the past five years.”

“How?” Katie looked at him, her arm dropping round Jamie’s shoulders as he continued to scribble on the colouring pad they’d brought for him.

“Well,” Bruce said, looking at her. “Thanos was already on his murder mission way before he got the stones. He harnessed their power and got them to work together to do exactly what he wanted.”

“So,” Steve looked at Bruce, “if we tell the stones what we want, exactly what we want…”

Bruce nodded. “Everyone comes home, and the past five years remain untouched.”

Katie and Steve looked at one another, before they glanced over the table and Scott and Natasha smiled.

Everyone comes home…

**** Chapter 51

 **Original Posting**

[what-is-your-plan-today]

What The Stark Spangled F**k?

Drabble- Fuck Off, Clown

Summary: It’s Halloween, and Jamie’s outfit isn’t quite to Steve’s liking. Warnings: Non- some bad language...some almost smut, but nothing major...and a Super Soldier with coulrophobia... A/N: So if you all remember in Phobias, Steve admits to Katie he has a fear of clowns. I do as well, so this came out of a little fun chat with my Evangers (you know who you are girls) as a further expansion on the incident referred to in The Devil Wears Nada. Takes place during the 5 years post Snap. Hope you enjoy!

October 2022

“All set?” Katie asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs as Steve walked back into the hall having loaded their bags into the car. They were heading off to Tony’s lake-house for a few days where he was throwing a bit of a Halloween party, nothing major but it was a chance for the kids to get dressed up in costumes and eat a load of candy whilst the adults could kick back and drink. Katie was looking forward to it for two reasons. Firstly, it was always nice to gather together with friends and family, well those of them that were left post snap-it made her feel normal, and she could push that persistent feeling of sadness that seemed to manifest on a daily basis, back down into the depth of her mind. And secondly, she was a little excited because she had no idea what Emmy or Jamie’s outfits were going to be. Emmy had asked a month or so ago if she could be in charge of getting the pair of them costumes and Katie had agreed, simply handing over her card when she wanted to order whatever it was off the internet. She’d even resisted the urge to check her statement to see what it was as Emmy had demanded she didn’t try and find out. Katie had a sneaking suspicion that Tony had also been involved in these costume choices, as the last time her brother had been over a few weeks ago, the pair of them had been huddled on the large arm chair, sniggering as they looked at something on Tony’s phone. With that in mind she was expecting Jamie to come down in some form of Iron Man or Captain America costume and she had every intention of filming Steve’s response.

“Yup. Locked and loaded.” Steve nodded, dropping a kiss to her cheek. As soon as the kids are ready we can go.”

“No rush.” Katie shrugged, looking at her watch as they walked into the kitchen. “We don’t need to be there for a few hours.” She wrinkled her nose and slapped at Steve’s hand as he went to peek under the foil wrapped plate on the side. He sharply withdrew it and grinned at her.

“Tell me that’s a pie.”

“Apple and pumpkin, but it’s for the party.”

Steve pouted and she laughed and jerked her head behind her “There’s another there as I knew you wouldn’t be able to wait.”

“You-” Steve pecked her lips “-are” another peck “-the best.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere Captain.” She smirked as his lips hovered over hers, before he deepened the kiss slightly, both his hands sliding down to give her ass a playful squeeze before he stepped back and walked over to his coveted prize. Steve peeled back the little cloth that was over the top and gave a little groan that was positively sinful as he inhaled the smell.

“Don’t eat that straight out of the pie dish.” Katie warned him as he made his way to the freezer for the ice cream, “I was gonna cut a few slices for the kids to munch on the way.”

“Then they can get their own.” Steve grumbled a little, but he grabbed a plate none the less.

“Oh yeah, where from?” Katie asked, her hands on her hips.

“Don’t know, don’t care…” Steve muttered as he cut himself a huge slice of the coveted pie. He ladled a generous amount of vanilla ice cream on top then carried it over to the breakfast bar, sitting down as Katie gathered the rest of the food items she had said she would bring which included a huge dish of Mac and Cheese that she’d coloured green with food colouring, spaghetti and meatballs that were supposed to be worms,  cinnamon and apple cookies in the shape of pumpkins and a batch of home-made raspberry and cherry gin which had been done using the raspberries and cherries from the brambles and trees in their small orchard at the bottom of the garden. She began packing it all into a hamper as Steve took the first bit of his pie and gave another groan.

“You know…” he swallowed, waving his fork at her as he gave her a playful grin “I think this pie is actually better than sex.”

Katie looked at him, arching her eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“It’s a very close call.” He nodded.

“Well maybe I should make you a pie once a week instead of letting you get me on my back.” Katie looked at him, closing the lid on the basket and pushing it to one side, leaning over the breakfast bar.

“Ok, first off we have sex way more than once a week.” Steve pointed his fork at her “and second-“ his eyes glinted cheekily “-you’re not always on your back.”

“True.” Katie pursed her lips and reached for his fork, snatching it from his hand “But if you think I’m baking a pie more than once a week you’ve got another thing coming.” She used the fork to take a piece of the sweet treat along with a large blog of ice cream and shoved it in her mouth, closing her eyes. She moaned a little, ensuring that the noise that left her throat was as sinful as she could make it, before she opened her eyes and used her thumb to wipe at a little trickle of ice cream in the corner of her mouth. With her eyes locked on Steve she sucked her thumb clean and smirked a little at the familiar glint of dark in his eyes that he always got when he was turned on.

“You’re lucky you’re the other side of the breakfast bar.” He leaned forward a little, elbows resting on the marble surface, his voice a low timbre that sent those familiar sparks up Katie’s spine.

“Yeah? Why’s that?” Katie asked innocently, ignoring the sudden flutter she’d felt between her legs at his tone.

“Because if you weren’t you be in my lap right now testing my theory.”

“Shame…” she nodded, looking around. “I mean it’s not like you could reach and drag me over it or anything.”

“Well I could…” Steve agreed “But there’s a piece of pie in the way. And it’s too good to waste.”

“You’re a jerk!” Katie shook her head as Steve laughed, before he leaned back in the stool and patted his right thigh

“C’mere pretty girl.”

Katie grinned, the sound of him calling her pretty girl always did things to her, as did the soft instruction to ‘come here’ in his Brooklyn accent. She rounded the bar and he reached out, easily pulling her onto his lap so she was perched sideways, legs hanging over the side of his right thigh as he curled his left arm around her waist, right gently resting on her thigh. Katie’s right arm slid round his neck and he titled his face to look at her.

“Just for the record you taste far better than any pie you make.” He grinned and Katie’s mouth fell open at his dirty comment.

“Steven Grant Rogers!” she snorted, slapping his shoulder slightly and he laughed, his hand on her thigh tightening its grip slightly, fingers curling round the toned muscles which were evident once again due to Katie having started training again. Steve actually kind of missed the softness that she’d had since having Jamie but he was damned if he was going to tell her that. As long as she was comfortable in her body that was fine by him. He leaned towards her slightly, his nose bumping hers a little as she gently trailed her hand over the nape of his neck, nails scratching just below his hair line above the collar of his black sweater.

“Love you.” He said gently, his lips brushing hers and she smiled, her fingers tanging in the hair at the back of his head.

“More than apple pie?” she teased and he chuckled.

“Infinitely Mrs Rogers.”

“More than Mac and Cheese?” Steve hesitated and Katie scoffed “Rude.” Before he laughed again and pressed his lips to hers.

“For the record I love you more than anything.” He smiled “Well, apart from the kids.”

“I’ll accept that exception.” Katie chuckled, he mouth finding his again. The kiss deepened, Katie letting out a soft sigh as his tongue brushed against hers, tasting the apple pie and Ice Cream he had been eating before. Steve’s hand skated up the outside of her thigh coming to rest on her hip, finger tips brushing the strip of skin where her top had ridden up slightly as her own hand fisted slightly in his hair. Completely lost in one another they almost missed the little footsteps coming down the stairs and the giggles in the hallway. Almost, that is. Steve’s tuned hearing heard it first and he pulled back, looking at Katie who grinned.

“Play your cards right we can finish this later.”

“At Tony’s?”

“Yeah.” She shrugged “Won’t be the first time we fucked in his spare room.”

Steve snorted at her and patted her ass as she hopped off his lap.

“Mom, Dad!” Emmy called “We’re ready for you to see us!”

“We heard!” Katie called back as Steve stood up, grabbing his plate of pie. He took another bite before he wandered into the hallway where he collided with Katie who had stopped dead just outside the door. Frowning he looked up and stopped dead.

A clown.

His 2 year old son was dressed as a fucking clown. And not just any clown, which would have been bad enough, but that bastard clown from IT. The film he refused time and time again to watch because of said bastard clown…which was now stood on the bottom step of the stairs holding a red balloon.

And suddenly, all he could see was that damned clown at Coney Island chasing him through the stalls, Bucky’s laughter echoing in his ears…and then that fucking mirror maze where he’d had the panic attack as he was surrounded by them.

The plate holding his precious pie slipped from his hand and dropped to the tiled floor, where it broke into 3 pieces, its contents splattering all over the grey slate.

“Woah, Dad…didn’t think it would be that scary!” Emmy grinned from behind Jamie as she stood in her outfit, which was a superb replica of the Wicked Witch of the West complete with full green face-paint and a broomstick.

Katie looked over her shoulder at Steve and she could see from his face that he was really struggling to keep it together. Trying not to laugh at the expression of sheer horror on his handsome features, she clamped her lips together and turned to Emmy.

“Your dad’s…” she took a deep breath, trying not to laugh “He’s scared of clowns.”

“Oh…” Emmy frowned “Uncle Tony said he would love it.”

“I bet he did.” Steve bit out a little harshly and Emmy looked at him.

“Are you mad?” she asked and seeing the look on her face Steve inwardly cursed his phobia and his damned brother in law.

“No, honey…” he shook his head “Not at all…you both look…” he trailed off.

“Daddy, look!” Jamie grinned, and he jumped off the bottom step “Balloon!”

He toddled over towards Steve who automatically took a few steps back and Jamie stopped in front of him, right by Katie’s side, a confused expression crossing his painted face. “Daddy?”

“Yeah, pal…I gotta…” Steve exhaled “I gotta put some stuff in the car so we can to go to Uncle Nee’s ok?”

“Kay…” Jamie said a little quietly.

Katie watched, her shoulders shaking in silent laughter as Steve went to move round Jamie, turning sideways so he could keep his eyes on him, before he pushed past Emmy and bolted up the stairs taking them 3 at a time.

The hallway was silent bar the sounds Lucky was making as he cleaned up the remnants of the pie on the floor, not wanting to miss a single crumb of his human food treasure.

“Em, why don’t you two take Lucky and go get in the car, we’ll be out in a little moment.”

“Ok. Come on Jay!” Em said. She grabbed his hand but Jamie, clearly now finding the reaction his dad had as amusing, turned to his mom and made a little growling noise at her. Katie gave a fake scream and jolted back, causing Jamie to cackle a little, tilting his head back in mirth before he toddled after his sister.

As soon as they were out of sight and earshot Katie started to laugh. She laughed so hard that she had to retreat to the kitchen to sit at a chair. She doubled over, clutching at her stomach, trying to gather her breath as the tears poured down her face. Try as she might, she couldn’t get the image of Steve fighting the urge to punt his own son into another room out of her head.

Eventually she managed to sort herself out enough to grab her phone and swiped over to the number she wanted.

“Hey Kiddo.” Tony greeted

“Tony, you…” she started to laugh again “You better be able to run fast because Steve…he’s…”

Tony chuckled “he liked the costume then…”

“Tony he freaked.” She laughed “Like, seriously…poor Steve. I expected like a full Captain America outfit, not that!”

“Well, on this occasion the Spangles just weren’t enough”

“You’re a little shit, you know that?”

“It’s been said.” He conceded “Did you get it on video?”

“No.” Katie sighed “I was going to but when I saw Pennywise on my damned stairs I knew what was gonna happen so…”

“Shame.” Tony sighed, “We could have played that back later. For science.”

At that point Katie looked up as Steve walked into the kitchen, glancing round.

“He’s not in here…” She chuckled and Steve glared at her, before he gestured to the phone.

“That Tony?”

She nodded.

He reached out and snatched the phone off her, “You’re a dead man.” He growled down the handset, and Katie could hear her brother’s roar of laughter before Steve hung up and tossed the phone down onto the table.

“Calm down!” Katie laughed, standing up “Steve, it’s just a costume.” “Katie, they freak me the hell out!” he shook his head “You don’t…” his hands dropped to his hips and his head dropped “Did you see his face when I backed away?”

“Oh, he’s fine!” Katie said, rubbing Steve’s arms “He couldn’t care less.” Steve took a deep breath and she looked at him “Do you want me to get him to change?”

Steve shook his head “No, he was so pleased with himself…plus, I don’t fancy that particular tantrum now do you?”

“Not really no.”

Steve shrugged “Then I guess I’m stuck with it. Come on, let’s get gone. Sooner we get there the sooner I can carry out my threat to kill your asshole brother.”

Steve grabbed the food hamper and headed out to the car with it, settling it onto the trunk of the car as Katie got into the passenger side. Once Steve finished his usual checks to ensure the door was locked, he climbed into the driver’s seat ant they set off.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah buddy?” Steve asked, glancing in the mirror automatically and once more was confronted by that fucking clown. He swallowed and turned his eyes to the front.

“No scared, daddy. I not real clown.”

Katie chuckled as Steve pulled out of the drive onto the road. “I know pal, but it’s Halloween. Everyone gets scared at some point.”

Jamie nodded, accepting his answer and turned to look out of the window. As they approached a junction, Steve checked the mirror again and then sighed, shaking his head.

“You’re gonna hafta drive.” He looked at Katie.

“What?”

“I can’t do it.” He shrugged “Every time I check the mirror, all I can see is…” “Are you being serious?” Katie looked at him.

“Absolutely.” Steve unclipped the seatbelt and climbed out of the car.

And right then Katie vowed that if Steve didn’t kill Tony, she was gonna.

[stxrrywildflower]

wine

pairing - emily prentiss x reader

summary - you, emily, and rossi all bond over your mutual love for wine

warnings - drinking, fluff

word count - ?

rossi was the first one to notice a change in emily’s attitude as she was practically like a daughter to him.

sure, emily had already come out to the team and all were more than supportive but the change was obvious. the profiler was more happy, looked overall healthier, and was taking less risks out in the field.

“so, when can i meet her?” rossi asked as him and the other agent exited one of the suspects houses.

“meet who?” emily responded, playing dumb.

“come on emily, it’s obvious you’re dating someone,” the eldest profiler commented.

emily stopped just before the car, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes slightly. “maybe i am dating someone. i’m just not sure if she’s ready to meet everyone yet,” emily started, “but i’m sure she’d be willing to meet someone who loves wine just as me.”

the two agents smiled slightly at each other before climbing into the car.

____

“hey em,” you greeted, voice raspy as it was one in the morning on the east coast.

“oh shoot y/n, i didn’t mean to wake you. forgot about the time difference for a minute,” your girlfriend replied.

you sat up in your bed, rubbing your eyes as you listened to her voice. “it’s fine. how’s the case going?” you asked. “we caught the unsub a few hours ago. after some further questioning tomorrow, we’re flying back. i’ll be home by the evening.”

“i know you weren’t just calling to chat,” you spoke, an amused tone to your voice.

a slight sigh was heard ikon the other end. “one of the agents on my team wants to meet you. he profiled me based off of my behavior and i might have spilled,” emily revealed.

“it’s okay emily, which one?” you asked. “david rossi,” emily replied.

“oh, i have his book on my shelf. never actually read it. isn’t he the rich one with the killer wine cellar?” from a laugh on the other end, you knew you were right. “that’s the one.”

“alright well i’m free saturday if we wanted to do dinner which i’m assuming you were suggesting,” you offered.

further plans were discussed between the two of you. “alright well get some sleep, sorry again for waking you,” emily apologized. “it’s totally okay,” you started, “goodnight sweetheart, i love you.”

“i love you too,” emily replied.

emily arrived at your apartment the following day around dinner time. you were in the kitchen, cooking dinner for the two of you. at the time, you were unsure of when she would be home but ultimately decided to make enough for both of you.

you jumped slightly when the front door of your apartment opened. your girlfriend placed her gun and badge in the bowl by the door before meeting you in the kitchen. you leaned into emily’s touch as she placed a kiss to your cheek.

“why don’t you go and shower. dinner will be ready when you get out,” you offered.

emily nodded, “perfect, pour me a glass of wine?” you smile softly. “of course.”

during dinner, the two of you talked about everything besides the case. thankfully, emily had the weekend off to spencer with you. it was then decided that the two of you would head over on saturday night.

saturday night finally rolled around. you dressed in a slightly nice attire consisting of a black floral dress with a v-neck and short sleeves. to dress it down, however, you slipped on a pair of doc martens. emily exited your bedroom in her own personal clothing. her gun, however, still remained on her waist.

“are you ready to go?” emily asked.

you nodded before grabbing your bag. emily took your hand in hers and lead you out of the apartment and to the car.

the drive itself didn’t take a super long time. once pulling into the driveway, you observed the house. rossi’s mansion was honestly breathtaking. as emily unbuckled her seatbelt, she turned to your now frozen figure.

your hands were running up your leg as a slightly uneasy expression made its way to your face. “nervous?” emily spoke even though she already knew the answer. “yeah i am,” you admitted.

emily shifted so she was now facing you, one leg tucked under the other. “it will be fine, love. rossi is really nice. once you meet him, it will be a lot easier to meet everyone else.”

after seeing you calm down slightly at her words, emily leaned forward and kissed your cheek. you blushed before unbuckling your seatbelt. “let’s go.”

your girlfriend held your hand the entire walk up to the house. after knocking on the door, emily stepped back and eased into your side. only moments laterc the door opened to reveal and older italian man.

“ah welcome welcome!” the man first greeted, “you must be y/n. you can call me dave.” a warm smile made it’s way to your face as you were ushered into the house.

“i figured we could start with a quick tour while dinner cooks and then we can eat,” dave suggested.

the three of you began to walk through the house. emily already knew her way around as team dinners at rossi’s were incredible common. you, however, were slightly amazed at the structures and decorations of the home. finally, rossi stopped in front of a door.

“and this is my pride and joy,” rossi stated before opening the door and leading you two down the stairs into the wine cellar

you audibly gasped at the room presented to you. gorgeous wooden walls and shelves made up one of the nicest wine cellars you had ever seen. without even thinking, you ran your hands along the designs carved into the wood as well as the corks stuffed in the wine bottle.

“it’s beautiful,” you spoke up. “we met at a wine festival,” emily informed the older agent. with a wide smile on your face, you turned back around to the two. “wine kinda has a special part in our relationship.”

____

about a month later, the team was all gathered at rossi’s for a team dinner. this time, however, you would be in attendence to meet everyone.

rossi was out at the store as he had forgotten to grab one of the ingredients for the dish he was making leaving you and emily to greet the team when they arrived. on his way out, rossi had told you to “pick whatever wine you want.” naturally, you were more than excited to have the freedom to chose.

while you were down in the wine cellar, pretty much everyone on the team had arrived. emily had greeted them before leading them into the kitchen.

“hey where’s your girl?” morgan asked.

emily was about to respond but was cut off by a shout from the other room. “hey emmy!” you called, your voice echoing off of the cellar walls. j.j. smirked at her friends new nickname. emily went to go find you but before she could, you were already walking into the kitchen.

“dave said we could drink anything. do you think he would be mad if we opened the riesling?” you asked, still reading the label. due to this, you didn’t realize the presence of emily’s team until you looked up.

emily took the bottle out of your hand and placed it on the counter before wrapping her arm around your waist. “y/n,” she started, “this is my team.”

sure the meeting was slightly unconventional but the ahead was filled with nothing but laughs and joy as you got to know emily’s best friends.

[kait4073]

As the sun sets around us

Chapter 2

Previously:

HOLY SHIT! YOUR GOING FOR TEA WITH TOM HOLLAND!

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

Tom's POV:

After dropping off Emmi's folder, I started making my way out of the building. I didn't live far off from here and since I had no more meetings till tomorrow, so I started to make my way towards home. The busy streets of Kingston moved around me, but my mind was somewhere else. 'I'm Emmi' the way the dark shadows under her eyes contrasted against her pale skin.  She looked...tired, Like she hasn't slept in ages. Yet at the same time it was like she was a beaming ray of sunshine.

I finally reach my flat and reach in my pocket for my keys. Opening the door I hear little paws rushing towards me.  Then a little blue staffy meets me face to face, and my smile begins to grow. 

" Hey Tess, what are you doing here eh?"

I close the door behind me, bending down to meet her. Petting and kissing her head before moving to the living room. Harry, Haz, Sam, and Tuwaine sitting on the Sofa watching new episodes of Love Island.

" Really Mates! Without me!" Their heads snap towards me In fear and embarresment as if I had caught them wanking or something. Harry was the first to speakthe others not far behind. " SORRY mate we can go back for ya!"

" YEAH!!!" They chimed in.

" thanks mates! So what did I miss!"

I laughed as I made my way to the couch.

Haz looked at me seriously and stated " where do we begin"

Also, what's Tessa down here?" I asked quickly

" ahh right. We're dog sitting for a day or two while mom and day take Paddy to a modeling gig" Harry responds

As the episode is being restarted  I make sure I turned on my notifications, so that if Emmi called I wouldn't miss it. It would be nice to get to know someone new.

" ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION!" Sam cried

Putting my phone down I tuned toward the screen and prepared for what was to come.

" yes, yes. Sorry!" I replied

" Better be, we went back for ya!" Tuwaine responded jokingly.

"Alright, alright. I am paying attention. Now you can press play."

As Sam pressed play I suddenly felt the world outside of the flat sliding away. All that matred was this, me and my mates having a good time.

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

" Bloody hell Haz, you were right about not knowing where to begin." I cried. After the episode we all sat there hurt from who was just sent home.

" I know, he didn't even get a chance. Poor bloke." Harry chimed in solomy,

as you all talked about how badly he was done wrong. Thats when it happend, my phone went off..I know it could have been anyone but I really wanted it to be her. You jumped from you spot on the couch to the wall where it was now charging.

And that's when I read it.

Emmi: Hey Tom, it's Emmi.

Tom: Hey! I was wondering if you were going to message me.  Are we still on for tea?

Emmi: definitely! I need to thank you for today, if you didn't bring that folder I would have lost my roster.

Tom: No need to thank me, lol. Meet you at the school?

Emmi: Out front?

Tom: yup!

Emmi: see ya there

Tom: see ya x

" YES!" I cheered, unable to suppress my excitement,Forgetting I was in a room of people. Their heads turn to me in confusion waiting for an explanation.

" Yes what mate?" Haz ask. My cheeks brighten as I realize they have no idea about anything that happened today.

How am I going to explain this to them with out them forever making fun of me?

" well, you see...I met this girl today."

I stated shyly. I can see smirks making their way onto each of their faces.

" a girl eh. Tommy boy has got himself a girlfriend!" Harry laughs, patting on the back.

" finally mate. It's been ages since you've had a good one." Added Sam with a giggle.

" congrats Tommy boy, you always were a romantic, Love at first sight kinda guy" Haz joked.

" Alright you guys, just because Tommy here got himself a girlfriend, who her just met. Doesn't mean we can go around making fun of him to his face" Tuwaine starts "sternly"

" thank you twaine,but I will have you know that-" I speak before being cut off.

" WE JUST GOTTA DO WHEN HES NOT HERE!" Tuwaine laughs hysterically, the boys followed quickly after.  I knew the boys were joking, that's just how we were with each other. Although I want to actually tell them what's going on, if they can manage to let me speak.  I can feel the anger in me quickly growing.

"WILL YOU LADS SHUT IT! WERE NOT DATING!" I bellowed, red in the face. The room went quiet and the boys all started to stare at me.

" we might be going for tea as a thank you, since I brought her a folder she dropped in the street. I just want to meet someone knew, someone that won't look at me and  think they know because of my name or they watch my movies, and somehow I felt that with her, even if it was only for a few minutes." I ramble.

The boys eyes widening, as they had no idea what to say.

" Tom, we had no idea you felt that way...we're sorry mate!" Haz apologized.

" its alright. Just let me finish what I was saying before you go nuts will ya's?" I laughed. As I made my way off the couch and towards the door, popping my sneakers on. I quickly turned to Tessa who had followed me.

" Hey girl, I'll be back soon. Don't worry "

As I scratched behind her ear and gave her a kiss goodbye.

"I'll see you guys later!" I called out to the lads in the living room, closing the door behind me.

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

The walk back to the school would have been short and sweet, but the argument with the boys made me 20 mins, late.. The brisk London air hitting my face, and making the heat a little more bearable. As I came upon the school tonmy relief I saw still Emmi sitting on the stairs reading a book. Her bag looked less heavy than before and she had no folders with her. I quicked my pace again , and soon I was at the bottom of the stairs.

" Hello again." I said, catching her attention. A smile grew on her face as she saw it was me. " Hey yourself" she laughed. She stated making her way down the stairs while putting her book in her bag, then zipping it.

" Ready?" I asked holding out my hand towards the street.

" Yes sir" she mocked. She followed me to the small Cafe near my flat. It was cozy and quiet inside. You get hit with the warmth from the steam, and the smell from the drinks as soon as you walk in. A smile grew on Emmi's face. 'I knew she would love it here. ' I though to myself

" Oh Tom, this place is wonderful. This is an amazing place to sit and get away from the world and it's chaos, with a book and some tea." Emmi dreamily stated.

I laughed before guiding her to the empty table so she can put her bag down.

" let's order, it's on me since you saved me today!" Emmi laughed.

"What do you want? Before I go go there." Emmi asked

I thought for a second before making my decision.

" Earl Grey, lots of milk, 2 sugar. Please and thank you. " I made sure to thank her since she didn't have to do this and even threw in a smile. I sat at the table while she went to get the drinks. A few moments later she returned with both of our drinks in hand.

" Here you go, Earl Grey with lots of milk and 2 sugar.  You didn't specify size so I got you a medium. I hope that's okay?!" She says shyly. Handing me my drink.

" More than okay, thank you again." I smiled at her.

Taking a sip of her drink, she blushes momentarily.

" So what did you get?" I asked intrigued, leaning closer. She laughed at my actions before sitting back in her chair.

" Vanilla Chai latte, been dying to try on and I thought why not today." She shrugged and I nodded at her answer.

" Okayyy so, how long have you been in Kingston. Your obviously not from here." I asked. I saw all color.drain from her face. But she quickly covored it up. ' Am I missing something?  Did I say something wrong? ' I though beginig to worry I had ruined any chances of being her friend.

" I came here 2 years ago to finish school. I mean if you couldn't tell from this morning I work in a school. I am starting my first year as a full time teacher."  Emmi explains confidentiality.

" Anyways, enough about me. What do you do? Other than acting I mean?" Emmi said changing the subject. ' holy shit, I rarely ever get asked this. '  I thought slightly amazed. A smile grew on my face as I started.

" well I lived with my Mates, and we all have this obsession with Love Island. I know it's dumb but for some reason we just can't get enough. I have a dog named Tessa and she's my baby. I work with my brothers on our Brothers trust stuff. I mean I do a lot now that I think about it. Sorry I am rambling I don't get asked this a lot." I rambled on till I came to my senses. Emmi laughed and shook her head.

" no need to feel embarrassed I find it endearing. And besides I want to know more, Mr. Holland." She smiled

" I like to be able to go out with my Mates and have a drink, with out being followed by paparazzi. Clubs are always fun, and inlove to travel. What about you?" I asked

" well In my free time I love to read and bake. I love to be able to try new things, and go new places. Although with new teacher salary that may take a while." She joked

" Anyways, I am not the most social person, I prefer to keep to myself. Which may explain why in 2 years I still don't have any friends here. " she talked, she began to mumble the last part but I was close enough to still hear her.

" well now that's not exactly all true. You and I ate friends now." I comforted her, holding her hand across the table. She smiled at me. We finished drinking our tea and talked for hours. 

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

" which way do you walk home?" I asked  as the night had come to an end.

Emmi turned to me before responding.

" I go left, you?" She asked.

" I got north but I go left till the school. So I can walk you to the school." I offered.

Yeah that's great thanks. As we walked in the dark, we stuck closer together, chatting and laughing some more. Little did I know that the entire time we were being watched and our little hang out was about to bite us in the ass.

[emily-strange]

Growing Pains...

So this is a bit of a long one! I hope you bear with me haha also I apologise for the slooow burn....kind of ;)

Summary: Emmy has been with the gang since she was a little girl. Her mother moved on, leaving her to be raised by Dutch, Hosea and Susan. Arthur and John are her brothers (argue and she will fight you). Becoming a woman is hard when everyone still sees you as a child. Since the Blackwater mess she’s trying to find her feet while dealing with her new feelings for the gangs resident douchebag.

Tagging @strwxberrymilk @porkchop-ao3 @arthursgirl and @angelsjudge but if you’d like to stop being tagged just let me know! :) Also if anyone else would like to be tagged just say the word xx

Pairing: Slow burn Micah x female OC.

Warnings: Swearing (I think...), comments alluding to abuse, sexual themes

Chapter 14

And so, life went back to normal.

For about three days.

I started helping Hosea forge some legal documents that’ll hopefully put some decent cash in the box. Dutch was smart enough not to come to me himself.

So, life goes on and here I am bored out of my mind. Again.

It’s early evening and everyone’s finishing up their day. I’m pouring out the water I’d used to scrub some clothes when the sound of hooves gets my attention.

I dump the bucket in time to see Micah lighting up a cigarette and sauntering his way over to me. I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s being all mysterious but I just wait with my arms crossed. I can’t, however, help the smile that pulls at my cheeks. He’s been out of camp for the last few days, as have Javier and Sean who’re yet to return.

Hence why I’ve been so bored.

“Hello there darlin’” he drawls once he reaches me and I can see Arthur’s scowl from all the way over by the camp fire.

“Micah. How goes it?” I reply as I walk over to my tent. I can see John’s joined Arthur now and both keep glancing my way. I was actually quite thankful that Micah was gone by the time me and Arthur got back from our shooting practice. He didn’t push me any further about wearing Micah’s shirt but I just knew Micah would take any chance to wind him up.

“Ohhh not bad at all miss” Micah answers while reaching into his pocket and fanning himself with a large stack of dollar bills, “Had quite a good time actually.”

I stop when I get to my tent and pick up his black shirt.

“Well look at that. Make sure the camp gets its cut.” I say handing back the shirt.

Instead of waiting outside like most men in the camp would, Micah waltzed right in behind me. We’re now shielded by the surrounding canvas and as Micah goes to take the shirt, he tugs hard and I lose my footing. Sending me crashing into his chest.

He looks me square in the eye while he whispers, “Why don’t we keep this our little secret eh? Maybe, go out into town. I’ve been awful lonely out there these past few nights.”

I manage to catch my breath without making it obvious that his advances have caught me off-guard. I’ve spent every night thinking about Micah since the morning at his little camp but now he’s here I just can’t help but want to tease. To see him squirm.

So I lean in close. Our lips barely touching. And I whisper.

“Same here Mr Bell. Been awful lonely. And bored. I may have taken to wearing your shirt to bed. See, it still smells that little bit of you…..just enough to get a girl where she needs to be in the late, late hours of the night. Alone in her tent…”

After my hushed confession, I can see Micah’s eyes dilate and his tongue darts from his mouth to wet his lower lip. The very tip of it grazing my own lips.

I lean in as if I mean to bridge the gap.

Then at the last second, I pull back and walk over to my cot, sitting down and crossing my legs like the lady I’m pretending to be.

It happens so quickly; I can almost see the cogs turning in Micah’s head. And the strained crotch of his riding pants.

He clears his throat and slings the shirt onto his shoulder.

“Mmm and to think I came all the way back here with a gift. And all you do it torture a poor fella.” He says putting on his best fake pout.

I lean my hands back on the cot making sure to push my upper body out towards him.

“Money isn’t a gift Micah. You know you won’t get to keep it all.” I scoff and Micah takes a long drag of his cigarette before discarding it out of the tent.

“The gift is information little miss. Information about some very bad men, who do some very bad things, to very innocent people.” Micah says nonchalantly but he knows he has my attention.

“You found the men my father was running with?” I ask as I shoot up from the cot.

He chuckles, “Oooh now she’s interested.” And I roll my eyes.

“How’s about this. I tell you where they are, I may even help you kill a couple of ‘em and you….” He continues while lifting my chin with his finger, “….you come with me into town and get room.”

For a moment I just look into his eyes. He’s daring me to react.

So, I do.

I glance round his head to see if anyone’s near us and once I see no one in sight, I place my hands on either side of his face.

With one hand I push into the hair at the back of his head, shifting his hat a bit and gently scratching my nails on his scalp. Using that and the hand on his face, I finally bring his lips to mine.

He lets me take control. I think he actually likes that.

I nibble on his bottom lip and our tongues meet. He tastes like cigarettes and whiskey. Normal for Micah. Probably for most men around here.

He takes my waist and pulls my centre closer to his and I moan into his mouth. I’d like to say it’s for show but we both know it’s not.

Before we go too far in the middle of camp, I tear my lips from his and he smirks.

“Micah” I say quietly and after a moment he visually softens. Dropping our little game completely.

I take a step back and he adjusts his hat, not looking directly at me.

“They’re holed up in some ranch house past Strawberry.” He says after clearing his throat.

“When do we leave?” I say probably a bit too excitably and I find myself clutching at the bit of shirt covering his stomach, making him look at me properly again.

He smiles that almost, sadistic, smile he has and under these circumstances, it’s thrilling.

“Whenever you want darlin’” he answers.

I turn around and grab some string to tie my hair back with and grab my satchel and gun.

As I breeze past Micah, I crash straight into the wall that is Arthur Morgan.

“Woah there” he says and looks at Micah then back to me, “What’s goin’ on ovah here?”.

Micah just can’t miss the opportunity and answers before I can, “Whatta you think cowpoke?” he says with a wink.

Before Arthur can lunge at Micah, I push back against his chest and almost shout, “Arthur! Will you ride with me?”

Arthur and Micah both answer at the same time.

“What!?” they yell, both confused.

I roll my eyes and walk past both of them to the ammunition wagon. They both follow.

“Micah, Arthur’s the best gun in camp and we don’t know how many men will be there. And Arthur, I’m asking you. Will. You. Ride. With. Me?” I say bluntly stuffing my bag with ammo. Before Arthur can answer, John appears.

“Wats this?” he asks and I turn just in time for Arthur to send him a concerned look before approaching me.

“Men? Emmy what’s goin’ on?” Arthur asks cautiously.

“Micah found the men my father was running with. Men who…..are like him. I didn’t get to put a bullet between his eyes so I’ll put one in theirs.” I say smiling. Micah seems to appreciate that.

I find myself getting increasingly annoyed by Arthur’s blank stare.

“What?!” I ask maybe a bit too harshly.

John jumps in saving, saving Arthur who seems speechless.

“Micah found ‘em?” he asks and I nod like it’s the most natural occurrence.

“Yeah. He found them for me.” I say bluntly and Micah pushes his way into the fray.

“Ho, hey, never said it was for you. I just enjoy a bit of…..excitement” he scoffs trying to distance himself from me. I just roll my eyes.

“Fine Micah, either way, he’s found them and I’m going. Arthur, John, will you ride with me?” I ask them getting increasingly frustrated.

“Wait a minute now!” I hear behind me and Abigail comes into sight from behind the wagon.

“For God’s sake!” I shout throwing my hands up.

“John’s not going on some, some, wild goose chase, wandering into lord know’s what with MICAH of all people” she screeches and Micah makes me laugh by covering his heart with his hand, as if wounded.

“You ain’t going John Marston.” She says pointing a finger at him and he tries to calm her by gently saying her name but she just responds with, “You’re my husband and you ain’t goin’.”

“I’m sorry Abigail” I say turning to her properly, keeping my voice deadly calm but no less biting, “but he was my brother before he was your husband. And I’m asking him. Not you.”

As Abigail gears up to begin a slinging match, Arthur finds his voice.

“Okay, okay!” he starts, holding his hands up between up, “Okay. I think, we need a minute.”

Arthur grabs my arms and drags me away from the other three.

“Look” he says with a hushed, gruff voice, “I know you wanna do this. But Emmy, it ain’t safe. We don’t do stuff like this.”

“Stuff like what Arthur?” I ask pointedly.

“Revenge killin’s” he hisses.

And my blood boils.

“No, Arthur. Dutch doesn’t do revenge killings. Unless they benefit him directly of course. But I very much do. When I’ve got revenge that needs taking and heinous men that need putting down.” And with that I walk to the camp’s table, full of rage and high on adrenaline.

I push myself onto the table and whistle loudly.

“Hey!” I say getting everyone’s attention.

The camp members begin to gather and I can already see Susan seething because I’m on the table with my dirty boots.

“We all know what’s been going on these past few days. Let’s not pretend…..” I start, stopping briefly when I see Dutch emerge from his tent.

“But I have a chance to put this to rest once and for all. Not far from here are men. Bad men. Men that like to hurt young girls and children. Men who, along with my own father, were willing to sneak into this camp….OUR camp….and take me. They would of taken me….and….” not being able to finish, I look from my brothers to Dutch, “For all we know that’s what they’re doing to some poor young thing as we speak.”

I take a breath and find myself looking for Micah. He’s smiling. But not his trademark smirk. A real, albeit small, genuine smile. And it gives me the push I need.

“I need guns. Well, maybe I don’t” and I can’t help but laugh at my own awkward speech, “I don’t really know what I’m walking into but despite that, I’m going. And I would feel a hell of a lot better having my family with me…I….I need you to ask yourselves what kind of men you are.”

I find Dutch’s eyes in the early evening darkness and keep the connection.

“Are you cowards?” I ask and his nostrils flare.

I then look at Arthur.

“Or are you outlaws? Men who run and live free? Men who…sometimes….do what’s right. Even without the promise of a payoff.”

It’s quiet for a very brief moment until:

“You have my gun” Charles says and I can’t help but smile, throwing myself into his arms from the table. He holds me tight for a second before lowering me to the ground.

“Why the hell not” Lenny shouts, grabbing his rifle.

I see Abigail pulling John’s arm but he gently moves her hands away. He approaches me slowly and kisses my forehead before walking off to grab his things. I don’t have it in me to worry about Abigail right now. I just hope deep down she understands.

“I hope you understand why I won’t be joining you on this, this crusade” Hosea says, struggling to stand from his seat. I help him up and smile. I know if he could, he would.

And that’s when Dutch appears in front of me for the first time in over a week.

“I hope you understand the enormity of what you’re asking these men to do. If something goes wrong, that’s on you Emmeline. It’s hard being the leader.” He says in a stern voice to me.

“They make their own choices Dutch. I just appealed to their humanity, not their wallets.” I say just as sternly before I make my way towards Arthur. I can hear Bill asking Dutch what he should do. “Just stay home Bill. Don’t want to get in trouble with daddy Dutch now would you.” I shout over my shoulder.

Before I can approach Arthur, Sadie appears in front of me.

“I assume that little speech was directed at the women as well?” she says while leaning on her left leg, popping out her hip. Looking every bit the picture of a perfect gunslinger.

“You know it does Mrs Adler” I say smiling. She winks at me walks over to Lenny patting him on the back and joining in the conversation with him and Charles.

I finally get to Arthur who’s checking over his guns.

“Do you hate me?” I find myself asking timidly before my brain has time to think it over.

Arthur holsters his guns slowly and puts his hands on my shoulders.

“I’m very proud you wanna do some good Emmy but I’m also shit scared of what’s happening with you. I think….I think maybe you need to….talk to someone after all this is done with.” He whispers, shaking his head.

“What….a priest!?” I ask incredulously while glancing to Reverend Swanson who’s tapped out under his lean-to with Uncle. Both snoring.

“What!? No!” he laughs and it catches, “I just mean….”

“I know.” Is all I can manage to say in reply. Because I really do. I do know.

“You stay behind me. And if not me, Charles.” Arthur says sternly and I hear John shout “Hey!”.

We laugh for a second and I hug him while I promise.

Everyone makes their way over to a horse and I join them once I finish getting told off by Susan and given some ‘good lucks’ from the girls. Mary-Beth is way too hyped up from my little speech, going on about how it was like something a hero in one of her books would do. I can already see Karen and Tilly getting annoyed.

I mount Jett and tie back my hair.

“Let’s move out!” Arthur shouts and we file out of the camp one by one.

As I’m trotting out, Micah sidles up next to me and pushes me to get my attention.

“Sooo. The speech.” He drawls and I laugh.

“Bit much?” I ask and he makes a small measurement between his thumb and index finger. I laugh harder.

“What can I say. I’m a natural.” I say winking at him.

“Oooh don’t go doin’ things like that before a gunfight miss. The excitement does somethin’ to a man.” He smirks before wetting his lower lip.

“Well, I look forward to seeing you in action Mr Bell.” I reply quietly.

“Ohhh, it’ll be my genuine pleasure Miss Grace.” he says, voice dripping with sin.

Thankfully he spurs Baylock into a gallop before the blush reaches my cheeks.

I’m in trouble.

[fanfiction27878]

Sleepy

Pairing - Harry Hook x Reader

Rating - PG

Warning - None

“Your an egotistical, self centered, moron.” “Well your a prissy brat.” Harry yelled back at me. “You did not just call my a prissy brat, pirate.” I yelled back. Me and Harry roomed together. Him and his friends came to Auradon 3 weeks ago. As you see we don’t get along well. Wait I forgot to tell you my name. Well I’m (Y/N) daughter of Peter Pan.

It was currently 7 am. I have not slept since he’s gotten here because he only sleeps with the sounds of waves and the light on. At this point I think it’s in spite of me. He also gets up at ungodly hours of the morning and is very loud. I let out a sound of annoyance and went to get dressed. Throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a loose shirt. I put my hair up in a messy bun grabbing my backpack.

Harry already left. I go to Evie and Mal’s room barging in. “What are you doing up so early?” Evie asks quietly. I ignore her and go to wake up a sleeping Mal. “What?” She asks opening her eyes to a scary face, a sleepy (Y/N). “Why’d you wake me up?” Mal asks sitting up. “Why did you tell Ben to room Harry with me because I have not slept a wink in 3 weeks.” I practically spit out. All she did was smirk. “Well go get dressed, we’re going to get coffee.” I tell her pulling her out of bed.

“What about (Y/N) shouldn’t you get dressed?” Evie questions. “I am dressed.” I tell her. “No your not.” She says. “Yes, I am. I’m not wearing a dress or anything like that. I’m way to tired.” I say, laying down on Mal’s bed. “Why don’t you just sleep with us tonight?” Evie asks. “Evie your a genius. I will.” I tell her excited that I might actually get to sleep.

We go down to the cafeteria. I get some weird stares for my clothes but I just glare and they look away. When we get there there the first thing I do is grab coffee. Evie and Mal go to get breakfast. I’m walking over to them when someone comes and takes my coffee. “Hook, give me back my coffee.” I say with a glare. “Hi (Y/N)” Gil says from my other side very chipper.

I put on a smile because Gil is always nice, “Hi.” I tell him. I turn back to Harry Emmy glare returning. “What’s with the glare, love? It’s like you like Gil more than me.” Harry says with a smirk. “Just give me back my coffee.” I say done with Harry already. Harry takes a sip making sure to lick it before handing it back.

I’m so tired I just walk away still drinking my coffee. I sit down next to Evie and Mal in an even worse mood. “I’m going to fall asleep during my test.” I tell them. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Evie says even though I doubt she means it. Soon the other VKs and there partners join us and finally the bell rings ready for me to start my day.

———Harry POV———

I’m in first period we have a test. I look over and across the room (Y/N)s sleeping. I kind of feel bad. Jane is trying to wake her up even though there not near each other. After the period I go up to Fairy Godmother, the teacher and say, “Ma’am, I was wondering if you could let (Y/N) redo her test.” I ask. “I’m sorry Harry but you know the rules, if you fall asleep what ever you turn in is counted.” She explains. “I know but it’s not her fault she fell asleep, it’s mine. We room together and I made it impossible for her to fall asleep.” I told her. “I guess I can make an exception.” She says wearily. “Thank you, and could you do me a favor and not tell her I ask you to let her retake the test.” I say and then I left the room.

At the end of the day I head outside since my free period happens to be the last class of the day. I just wanted to walk around when I saw (Y/N) had fallen asleep doing homework outside. It’s a little chilly out and if she stays out for too long she’ll get sick. I put her homework in her bag. Now I just have to carry her. The problem is the only way to get to our dorm is to go through the school. I personally don’t want everyone to see me being nice but I have to do this.

I sling her backpack over my shoulder and put my Hook on my belt. I pick her up careful not to wake her. She snuggles her head in the crook on my neck. She’s freezing even if she’s in sweatpants. I walk into school with my head held high. I get some weird looks but I ignore them. When we pass one of the classrooms I see Mal watching us from the corner of my eye. She’s smirking but I ignore her. Finally we get to our room.

I open the door and lay her in her bed putting a blanket over her. I lay (Y/N)s backpack next to her. With a quick check to make sure she’s ok, I slip out of the room.

———3rd POV———

Mal and Evie are sitting in there room doing homework when Mal speaks up, “Did you see Harry carrying (Y/N) back to her dorm.” Mal asks. Suddenly the door opens and in Come the other VKs and Ben. “Hey guys we’re everyone else?” Mal asks noticing the other partners and (Y/N) we’re missing. “I think (Y/N) is still sleeping.” Carlos says.

“So you saw what happened?” Mal questions. “Yeah they walked right past my room.” Carlos answers. “What happened?” Evie asks. “It’s the latest gossip. Today (Y/N) fell asleep outside and Harry carried her in. Didn’t even try to hide it just walked right to their dorm with his head held high in front of everyone.” Mal says. “Yeah and now the whole school thinks there secretly dating.” Carlos adds.

———(Y/N) POV———

I wake up and look around. I’m in my bed but the last thing I remember is being outside, weird. I look to the clock next to me and it says 7. Great so I missed dinner. Suddenly the door opens and Harry walks in. “Oh, hey sleepy. I brought you some chips since I figured you would sleep through dinner.” Harry says tossing me chips. “Thanks.” I say openin them.

After a few minutes I finished my chips. “I’m going.” I tell Harry who’s currently reading on his bed. “Where are ya goin’?” He asks. “Having a sleepover at Mal and Evies.” I tell him grabbing a bag. I’m out the door before he could say anything else. The sleepovers uneventful other than the great night of sleep I got.

I wake up at 9 with Mal. I get up and dressed ready to start the day. We go down to breakfast them getting cereal while I go straight to the coffee maker. Gil says ‘hi’, although Harry is no where insight. He didn’t try to steal my coffee or tease me. I look around and see Harry at the farthest table by himself. His head is in his hand and he looks tired. I lol to the other side to see my friends beckoning me over. I make a split second desision.

Before I can change my mind I’m heading over to Harry. I sit right across from him and after a second he looks up. “Hi.” I say simply. When he doesn’t respond I continue, “Here have my coffee. You need it more than I do.” I tell him pushing my coffee towards him. He has a confused look on my face so I say, “I didn’t spit in it or anything. I’m just being nice.” After a few more seconds he takes a sip and by the end of breakfast it’s done. We didn’t talk at all just sat.

I had a great day. Fairy Godmother said I could retake the test. I aced it. I got another test back that I got an 100 on. Mal and Evie even said I could sleep there again. The only thing is Harry didn’t tease me or anything. All the classes we had together he just sat in the back and kept quiet. It was just weird.

I go to my room and grab my stuff at like 8. “I’m going to Mal and Evies.” I inform Harry he barely nods. I’m asleep by 9.

———3rd POV———

Evie wakes up to pounding on the door. She quickly gets up so this person wouldn’t wake up (Y/N) or Mal. As shes walking Mal wakes. “What is that?” She asks Evie just shrugs her shoulders and then open the door. Standing there is Harry. His eyes have bags under them and it doesn’t look like he slept. “Harry?” Evie asks confused. At the name of the pirate Mal gets out of bed. “What are you doing here?” Mal asks.

“I’m here for my roommate.” He says. Evie and Mal make eye contact each thinking the same thing. They move aside so Harry can go inside. He goes to we’re (Y/N) was sleeping on the couch and picks her up. He slings her over his shoulder and goes to leave. (Y/N) wakes up from being moved. “What?” She asks confused. Harry’s halfway down the hall when (Y/N) realizes Harry is carrying her.

“Harry. What are you doing? Put me down.” She says. “The dorm was too quiet without you.” Harry says. When they get to the room Harry puts (Y/N) down. “What are you doing?” She whispers so she doesn’t wake up her neighbors. The lights are all on and there’s ocean sounds in the background. Suddenly all the electricity goes out.

“Well looks like a power outage. You know I will just sleep here tonight but in the morning I’m going to yell at you.” She says going to her bed.

———(Y/N) POV———

I wake up to quiet sniffling. I slowly open my eyes. On the end of my bed Harry is facing me sitting criss cross. There are tears running down his face but he’s trying to be quiet. “Oh, honey. What’s wrong?” I ask. He looks towards me. I get up and sit next to him. I look at his face and his eyes are full of pain.

“Harry what’s wrong?” I ask him. “Nothing.” He says trying to get up. I grab his hand and pull him back down. “Harry, just tell me. It’s ok.” I try to soothe him. “I get nightmares, OK?” Harry says raising his voice at the end. “That’s why you sleep with the lights on and the sound of the ocean.” I say putting the pieces together. “And that’s why I brought you back here because I can’t sleep alone. I need someone here to let me know I’m not alone. When I was younger me and my sister shared a room and on the ship me and Gil did.” He explained.

“Harry, you could have told me. I can help you.” I tell him wrapping my arms around him. “I was scared you would laugh at me.” He whispers quietly. “I would never. I get nightmares also.” I tell him. “Thank you.” Harry says before we both fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

[truthbeetoldmedia]

Shameless 9x14 “Found” Review

It’s the end of an era, Shameless fans. After nine hilarious, gut-punching, heart-wrenching seasons, Emmy Rossum has left the show for good. For the past eight years, her portrayal of the eldest Gallagher daughter has left viewers in fits of laughter, fits of tears, and everything in between. In her send off episode, she reminds us and her siblings just how much she will be missed.

In her penultimate episode, Fiona came into a large sum of money, $100,000 to be exact. Just as she had accepted her fate and gotten a job at the local gas station working nights, she was lifted from rock bottom and given the chance to start anew. So now, she must decide what she wants her future to look like. This is understandably difficult for Fiona because, well, she’s never really had that choice before.

She decides not to tell any of her siblings at first, but observes what their lives would look like without her in it. She’s raised each of them as best she could, and as she watches them get ready for their day the next morning, she realizes she’s done a better job than she ever knew. As nice as this is, it’s a bit of a gut punch when she begins to see that they don’t need her anymore. Debbie even asks if they can switch rooms so that she has more space for her and Franny, and asks Fiona what her future plans are. It’s as if they’re giving her a reason to leave without even knowing it.

And then there’s Lip, who kicked Fiona out of the house a few episodes back. While Fiona has cleaned her act up and gotten Lip off her back, it’s likely that his threat still lingers in her mind. It’s not just about if Fiona is needed in the Gallagher house, but does anyone want her there anymore?

As Fiona tries to decide what to do, the rest of the gang are up to their own shenanigans. Frank has been released from the hospital and is camping out on the couch. He needs around the clock care and complains relentlessly about need more Oxy, causing the family to consider dumping him under a bridge. Realizing they could get in serious legal trouble for that, given Frank’s age and poor health, they instead discuss getting him a caretaker. After all, their lives are too busy to be dealing with Frank, of all people.

Across town, Fiona’s hearing actually goes well. Her public defender tells her she must pay a few thousand dollars in fines, which she definitely has now. While out, she goes to visit Ian in prison to ask for his advice. After telling him she’s thinking about leaving, going someplace warm, he tells her to do it, that he’ll always be there for her. Fiona is a bit taken aback, but takes her brother’s words to heart. She knows she can’t stay in the Southside forever.

Ian also briefly mentions what’s going on in his life, how he’s working in the infirmary, got lice, and, oh yeah, is bunking with none other than Mickey Milkovich who works in the laundry room (Is anyone else getting serious Alex Vause vibes?).

Fiona supports her brother, and it’s clear that he supports her too. It seems like this is just what she needed — to be really, truly heard. And perhaps because Ian has spent some time away from his family, he knows how trapped one can feel in the Gallagher house. So with that, Fiona’s mind is made up.

While Fiona plans to distance herself from her siblings, Debbie and Carl grow closer. After butting heads over Kelly and both having their hearts broken by her, they bond (and vandalize her truck). So when Carl accepts a job as the manager of a nearby Captain Bob’s location, Debbie refuses to let him give up on military school. Unable to get through to him, she calls in Kelly for help, blaming her for her brother’s sudden lack of confidence. Together, the pair are able to snap Carl out of it. And after a brief time apart, Kelly and Carl get back together.

Continuing her maternal streak, Debbie goes to get Liam and bring him home. When she finds him at his friend’s house, he reminds her that he asked the whole family the previous night if he could move in, and they said yes. Liam, not willing to be ignored anymore, gives Debbie a list of demands the Gallaghers must meet if they want him back in the house. Most notably, he wants to be surrounded by black culture, which he feels he’s been robbed of living in an entirely white household.

Across town, Lip once again goes on a wild goose chase when Tammi’s BRCA test comes back positive. She has the “baby good” kind, leading us to assume she’ll want to have the baby, but Tammi is hesitant to bring a child into the world when she knows she may still die of cancer at a young age. While Lip tries to tell her he’ll stick around, Tammi refuses to believe he’ll be a good father. She jumps back and forth between decisions about the unborn baby’s fate, first wanting to have an abortion, then deciding she’ll have the baby, then opting to put it up for adoption. In the end, we’re left wondering right alongside Lip what she’s going to do.

When Lip finally gets home, he finds Fiona packing her stuff. She reveals to him that she’s leaving and asks that he take care of everyone for her, metaphorically passing the baton. Lip agrees but insists they throw her a going away party. Fiona knows that if she stays for the party, she’ll never leave. And so, when everyone has left the house again, she sneaks out to the train station and then onto a plane, bags in tow. The scene beautifully parallels the Season 1 finale, in which Fiona almost left Chicago with then boyfriend Jimmy/Steve. The only difference is that this time, she goes through with it (and sadly, Jimmy/Steve is nowhere to be found).

Back at the house, the party goes on. As everyone drinks and dances, celebrating Fiona and the role she had in their lives, Debbie finds an envelope stuck to the fridge. In it is $50,000, half of the money Max gave Fiona, and a note that simply reads, “Love you.” And Veronica says it best when she reminds Debbie, “Yeah, she does.”

Looking back at this season, I realize I expected it to be like the earlier seasons — more outrageous, more dramatic. What I failed to realize is that Shameless can never be what it once was because the characters are no longer the same. They’re still Gallaghers at heart, yes, but they’re adults now and while they’re the same people, they aren’t the same family.

I think we started to see this shift in dynamics when Ian, played by Cameron Monaghan, went to prison and was no longer a regular on the show. He was barely mentioned by his siblings, and it seemed as if his sentencing had little to no effect on them — because it didn’t. I’m not saying that the Gallaghers are inherently selfish people, but they have their own separate lives. If it wasn’t for their monetary hardships, I think they’d all be living on their own right now, not in a shared house. As Fiona realized in this episode, they just don’t need each other anymore.

However, this doesn’t take away my frustration with the way Fiona has been treated for the entire second half of this season. Because in this episode alone, Debbie noticed Carl getting down on himself and refused to let him be upset for more than a day. And mind you, Carl was going through heartbreak, not being cheated on, cut out of a huge business deal, and a sudden alcohol dependency. The more I think about it, I feel like Fiona turned to alcohol because she couldn’t lean on anyone in her family.

This is why Fiona’s send off is so bittersweet to me. I’m ecstatic that she’s finally getting out and making a life for herself, but I’m heartbroken that she was pushed to do it because her family seemingly didn’t want her around anymore. Too bad she didn’t take Liam with her — he sure knows how she feels.

I hoped that this finale would be something unexpected and jaw dropping, but as I said previously, Shameless just isn’t that show anymore. Instead, Fiona left with a quiet and understated notion that this is her happy ending. She doesn’t need all the chaos and the trouble she thought she was addicted to. You can take the girl out of the Southside, and maybe, just maybe, you can take the Southside out of the girl too.

So what is Season 10 going to look like? Well, Fiona left half her money to her siblings. So maybe they’ll use it to get far away from each other and start their own lives too, as best they can manage with a little over 10K each at least. With no mention of Xan and Tammi constantly changing her mind about the baby, it’s hard to tell where Lip’s storyline is going. Debbie and Carl were left in relatively stable places at the end of the finale, and while Frank needs to be off his feet for the next few months, we all know that being the cockroach he is, he’ll come out the other side just fine (as fine as Frank can be, that is).

Perhaps the only promising aspect of the coming season is that Cameron Monaghan is set to return as a series regular, after only half a season being gone. Whether this means we’ll see him in prison with Mickey is yet to be revealed, but either way, I’m excited to see where his story goes.

For now though, I’d like to appreciate Emmy Rossum and her beautiful portrayal of the delightfully complex woman that is Fiona Gallagher. I’ve never seen a character quite like her, and I’ll forever be thankful for the smiles, laughs and tears she caused me while watching her on my screen. Truthfully, I’m nervous to see where this show goes without her. But regardless, there’s nine seasons telling the captivating story of Fiona to look back on. And though its on-screen end was quiet, I’d like to think it wouldn’t stay like that for long.

After all, if there’s anything we know about Fiona, it’s that she brings the party with her wherever she goes.

Jessica’s episode rating: 🐝🐝🐝.5

[turtle-steverogers]

Christmas is for Family

chaotic dads on christmas!!!  happy holidays, everyone

warnings: none

ships: ralbert, jatherine

editing: hnnnnnng

“Daddy, can you do my hair?”

“Papa, where’s my red tie?”

As per usual, things were hectic in the Dasilva-Higgins household as they rushed to get out the door.  They were to be at the Kelly’s in an hour for their annual Christmas festivities and the drive from their little apartment in Brooklyn was a good forty minutes from the former’s in Washington Heights.

Race and Albert exchanged stressed glances as they finished slipping on their button down shirts and in Albert’s case, fixing his hair.

“Coming, sweet pea,” Albert called, abandoning his custom made hair dryer and grabbing a few ponytail holders from behind the mirror for Emelia.

Race smoothed down his shirt, adjusting his belt one more time before toeing on his dress shoes and hurrying down the hallway before Andrew could work himself into a frenzy.

“Bud, it’s right here,” He said, plucking Andrew’s child sized tie from the doorknob and holding it up for his son to see.  

“Oh, phew!” Andrew wiped his forehead dramatically, before taking the tie from his father and wrapping it carefully around his neck, making a few random knots before turning to his father, grinning triumphantly.

“Look, Papa,” He exclaimed, “I tied it all by myself!”

“You sure did, dude,” Race said, biting back laughter at the mess of knots and kneeling in front of Andrew, “And you did a great job, but I think we’re going for something a little different,” he gently untied the tie and expertly knotted it in a double windsor, securing it neatly under Andrew’s collar, “There you go, bud,” he said, standing and ruffling his son’s hair, “All set.”

Emelia came sliding in a moment later, her newly done french braid flying behind her.  She knelt by her bed, rifling around underneath for a few moments before extracting her new pair of Mary-Janes.  

“Daddy!” She shouted, placing the shoes on the floor in front of her.  When Albert didn’t come, she screamed again, “DADDY!”

“Peanut,” Race said, kneeling in front of his daughter, “What’s wrong?  Daddy might be busy, is it something I can help with?”

“I needa put on my shoes,” Emelia pouted, “But I want Daddy’s help.”

Race raised his eyebrows, but before he could respond, Albert peeked in head in, “Did someone call?”

“Yeah,” Emelia said, jumping ot her feet and barreling over Race to get to Albert, “Help me with my shoes.”

Albert bent down on one knee, taking the shoes from her and giving her a pointed look, “Help you with your shoes, what?”

Emelia scrunched her nose for a moment, before adding, “Please?”

“That’s better,” Albert praised, helping her sit down so her could slip on her shoes.

Five minutes later, they were out the door, Race and Albert each carrying large bags filled with presents for everyone.  The ride to the Kelly’s was spent playing Christmas music obnoxiously loud, while Andrew and Emelia attempted to sing along to lyrics they didn’t know.  As Race belted along, he couldn’t help but feel slightly bad for Albert, who was never the biggest fan of Christmas nor Christmas music, but as he cast a look at his husband, he could make out the beginnings of a smile on his face.

“Why if it isn’t my favorite niece and nephew!” Jack Kelly greeted Emelia and Andrew and they ran to hug his legs, “Are you guys having a good Christmas so far?”

“Yeah!” Emelia squealed, pulling away to hug Katherine instead, Andrew following suit.

“That’s very good to hear,” Katherine smiled, “I think Teddy and Cynthia are in the playroom if you two want to go play with them.”

Andrew and Emelia exchanged excited grins before running off in the direction of their cousins.  

“Still never understood why you named your kid Cynthia,” Albert mumbled as he shrugged off his jacket.

“Babe,” Race scolded, lightly thumping Albert on the arm, “Have some tact.”

“I’ll have you know,” Jack said, defensively, “Cynthia was my mother’s name before she died.”

Albert had the decency to look a little ashamed as he shrugged, “You do you, I guess.”

“Anyway,” Race interjected, holding up the bags he was carrying, “We brought presents and food.”

“Oh, I’ll take the dishes from you,” Katherine said, taking one of the bags from Race, “You can go ahead and put the presents under the tree.”

“Thanks, Kathy,” Race said, “Merry Christmas.”

Twenty minutes later, Davey, Crutchie, and Spot had arrived and the seven adults were lounging around in the living room, passing around a bottle of wine.

“Yeah,” Jack said, taking Crutchie’s offer for more wine, “Teddy got in a fight the other day.  Some sucker was picking on Cynthia and he soaked ‘em right in the eye.”

“Damn, Kelly,” Crutchie scoffed, “Sure is your kid.”

“We tried really hard to be mad at him,” Katherine sighed, “But we honestly were proud more than anything.”

“I mean, yeah,” Albert said, stretching his arm across the back of the couch, “First thing we taught Andrew and Em was to stand up for themselves.  Don’t take shit from no one.”

“Speak of the devils,” Race muttered as four pairs of footsteps could be heard pattering down the hallway.

Sure enough, all four kids came bursting into the living room, skidding to a halt when they saw all the adults gathered.

“Heya, kiddos,” Spot said, eyeing them in amusement, “Ya need something?”

“Uh,” Andrew, who was at the front of their little parade, glanced behind him at the others, “We just wanted to look at the presents.”

“You can look,” Race said, gesturing to the tree, “But no opening any until after dinner.”

No one missed the way the kids’ shoulders slumped in defeat, but none of them argued.  They slid to their knees in front of the tree, passing around boxes to one another and taking guesses of the contents.  Race and Katherine disappeared into the kitchen at one point to finish dinner, while Jack and Spot carried the craft table in from the playroom to set up for the kids.  

“Daddy,” Andrew whined, laying himself across Albert’s lap, “Is dinner almost ready?”

“Soon, champ,” Albert said, stroking a hand through Andrew’s blond locks, “Have you and your sister washed your hands yet?”

“Oh!” Andrew leapt up, launching himself off of Albert’s stomach, “C’mon, Emmy, we gotta go wash our hands!”

Albert groaned, rubbing his gut where Andrew had pushed himself from, “My god, they’re gonna be the death of me.”

Davey laughed, clapping him on the back as he stood to help Race and Katherine take food out from the kitchen, “That’s life, daddy.”

“Okay, it’s cute coming from my kids, but you?” Albert stood, too, casting a disgusted look at Davey, “No.”

“Yeah,” Race said, materializing next to them, holding a pan of mac and cheese, “Only three people that can call him ‘Daddy’ are me, Em, and Andrew.”

“Gross, Higgins,” Crutchie called from his chair.

“I wish he were lying,” Albert murmured as Race cackled.

“What?” Davey asked.

“Hm?” Albert countered, fixing Davey with an innocent smile.

“You just,” Davey trailed off, looking between Race and Albert, “you know what? Nevermind.”

Race grinned, sticking his tongue between his teeth as he set the macaroni down on the table, just in time for the kids to come running back.

“Papa!” Emelia said, making grabby hands at Race, who hoisted her onto his hip, “My hands are squeaky clean, look!” She shoved her tiny hands into Race’s face.  He flinched, rearing back a little at the sudden movement.

“I see, darling,” He laughed, placing her down in one of the chairs at the kids’ table, “good job.”

Teddy and Cynthia joined them a moment later, calling for their own parents to help them with food.  Once they were situated, the adults settled at the larger table and begun passing around the various dishes.

“My god,” Spot moaned through a mouthful of lasagna, “I always forget how goddamn-”

“Language, Conlon.”

“Shit, sorry, Kelly, FUCK.”

“Take your time.”

Spot took a deep breath as the others laughed around him, “I always forget how good of a cook you are, Racer.”

“Thanks, man,” Race said, shoving an entire roll into his mouth.

Katherine studied him with a smirk, “You haven’t changed one bit since college.”

Race let out an offended smirk through his mouthful of bread, making him look like an upset chipmunk, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Papa!” Andrew called from his seat, “no speaking with your mouth full!”

Race blushed and swallowed as the adults all laughed, “Sorry, bambino, you’re right.”

XXX

“Present time!” Cynthia shouted, launching from her place on the couch and onto her father’s back.  They had long since finished and the adults had tricked the kids into playing several rounds of Twister while they relaxed off their food comas.

But now the temptation had seemingly returned and all the children were gathered eagerly around the tree, waiting to open gifts.

Jack let out a soft ‘oof’ as he maneuvered his daughter into his arms securely, “Aight, sweetie, we can open presents now.”

All of the kids cheered loudly and Andrew rushed off to find his fathers.  He returned a moment later, pulling Race and Albert behind him.

“Alright, dude,” Race said, nudging Andrew back over to the tree, “Dig in.”

Andrew, Emelia, Cynthia, and Teddy crawled around the perimeter of the tree, ripping open present after present.

“Oh my gosh, Daddy! Papa! Look!” Emelia scrambled over to Race and Albert, holding up a shoe box, “I got dance shoes!”

“Lookit that, sweet pea,” Race beamed, “you know what that means?”

“I can start taking you and Daddy’s classes?” She asked, hopefully.

“Yep!” Albert said, “You can start taking classes, love.”

“Yay!” Emelia shrieked, running over to Andrew, who had also opened a new pair of dance shoes, “We get to take Daddy and Papa’s classes!”

“Didn’t know if they’d actually be interested,” Albert said, leaning his head on Race’s shoulders.

“Yeah, I’m a little surprised they’re this excited,” Race said, “I didn’t realize they paid so much attention to the classes we’ve brought them to.”

“Me neither.”

“Not complaining, though,” Race yawned, “Imagine: The Dasilva-Higgins- a family of dancers.”

Albert leaned up, brushing a kiss to Race’s jaw, “You tired?”

Race shrugged, casting his gaze back towards their children, who were now comparing new DS games, “A little.”

“We can corral the squirts soon.”

“Soon,” Race agreed.

XXX

“Alright, bud,” Albert said, plucking a half-asleep Andrew out of the pile of wrapping paper that surrounded the tree, “Time for us to go.”

Race had already extracted Emelia from the mess and was carefully putting her presents into a small garbage bag, paying mind to her sleeping form in his other arm.

Andrew nodded sleepily, resting his head on his father’s shoulder and dozing off again.  Race and Albert took the kids out to the car, strapping them in their booster seats and placing their present bags securely under their seats before going back inside to bid the others goodbye.

The ride back home seemed shorter than the commute to the Kelly’s and they arrived a half-hour later in front of their apartment complex.  Careful not to wake either of the children, Race and Albert carried Andrew and Emelia up to their apartment, opting to take their presents in in the morning.

They helped the still sleeping children into their pajamas, then carefully tucked them into bed.

“Daddy?” Emelia asked, opening her eyes halfway.

“Hey, sweetie,” Albert said, kneeling by her bed, “Did you have a good Christmas?”

Emelia nodded, tucking herself deeper into her pillow and closing her eyes again.

“I’m glad,” Albert smiled, kissing her on the forehead, “Merry Christmas, sweet pea.”

“Merry Christmas, Daddy,” a pause, “Merry Christmas, Papa.”

Race ran a hand through her hair, which was wavy from the french braid, “Merry Christmas, baby.”

“Andrew asleep?” Albert asked as he stood, nodding to the lump in his son’s bed.

“Out like a light.”

Albert grinned fondly, calling out anway, “Night, Andrew.”

There was no response and Race snickered, “Heavy sleeper,” he commented, “Just like you.”

They left the room, closing the door softly as they did so.  Albert showered as Race washed up and they climbed into their bed, cuddling into each other immediately.

“Another successful Christmas,” Albert said, contentedly into Race’s chest.

“Yup,” Race said, “Another one for the books.”

Albert hummed, “Merry Christmas, Racer.”

“Merry Christmas, Albie.”

-

awwww cute dads and cute kids

back to angst tomorrow sorrryyy

thanks for reading, chiefs

hmu to be added to my tag

TAG LIST: @bencookisagod @we-dont-sell-papes @suddenly-im-respecsable

@aw-jus-let-em-try @well-the-kids-do-too @spot-conlon-king-of-brooklyn @thatpoorguysheadisspinning @spec-s-pecs

@andthewoildwillknow @the-newsies-justice-for-zas-blog @sunshine-e-cigarettes

@have-we-got-news-for-you @musical-shitposts @thebroadwayaesthetic

@thomasbeingthomas

@irondad-spiderson-duo

@snakesarenonexistent

@i-got-no-clue-what-im-doing

@kpop-kk

@mentallytiredgoat

@yxseminx

@be-more-chill-evan-hansen

@stopthe-presses

@elmers-half-a-cup

@and-i-lostmy-shoe

@spot-me50-papes

@honeynutpoptarts

@newsies-ensemble

@bennie-badeend

@auspicioustarantula

@faithmil

[fluidityandgiggles]

Sleep Is For The Weak - Chapter 15

Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 5, Chapter 10, Last Chapter

Writing Masterlist - for previous chapters not otherwise linked, Read on AO3

Notes (I guess): Two months. It took me two months to write this chapter. I... I’m honestly kinda surprised at myself...

Umm... I didn’t intend on writing this chapter so early, it was meant to be dragged on for a while more and has kind of a big time jump in it (for plot reasons, trust me), but I mean... the fuck with it. The world deserves some BAMF Emile, we need some cuddles, and the subject of the first... three fourths of this chapter is one that I went to friends from a discord server with and told them I’m trying to make it really subtle and one of them just went, “This isn’t subtle at all, this shit is jumping off the walls and doing somersaults in front of me.”

So I mean... let’s get this over with! Let’s let the cat halfway out of the bag and have the first Emile-centered chapter of many, many others planned.

Thanks as always go to @whatwashernameagain for KHS and for not geting super extra frustrated with all my weird questions, to @broadwaytheanimatedseries for being my guinea pig most of the time and for the original idea, and to @winglessnymph and @asleepybisexual and @anony-phangirl for sticking with me and my insane ideas from the beginning (and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you shit about this chapter, but y’all knew it was coming).

Tag list (sort of): @bunny222, @ab-artist, @sweet-and-sour-shadowling, @your-username-is-unavailable, @virgilcrofters, @ilovemygaydad, @violetblossem, @maybe-i-like-the-misery, @book-of-charlie, @thatsanswitch, @thatrandomautist

Trigger warning: period appropriate transphobia (the early 00s were not exactly trans-friendly). Not as much in here, actually in this chapter it’s pretty non-existent, but this trigger warning goes in every chapter. This chapter also includes Holocaust mentions, discussion of mental health, and that’s honestly about it I think but please let me know if there’s anything I missed.

—————

Wednesday, March 19th, 2003

"Do you understand why I asked you to come here today?" Gilliam asked, clicking a pen.

Emile was frozen in his seat.

"Umm…" Emile's leg started shaking. "Is it about my last project…? I swear I really did read everything I said I—"

"Look…" Gilliam sighed. "You're a fantastic student. Really, Emile. You are one of my best students. But… I gotta say, you remind me of myself, and not in a good way."

"What do you mean…?"

"Do you mind if we went over your last test?" Emile nodded, feeling the heavy sensation in his stomach get even stronger.

"The last test I took was the implicit…"

"Your last written test," Gilliam clarified. "The one in December." He pulled out a folder labeled and decorated with a mint green marker.

‘Emile Picani - 2002/3'

"Your answers were great," Gilliam said with a sad smile as he pulled out the last test from the back of the folder. "They just didn't fit the questions. Look here, define four of the following five Gestalt Laws of Organization."

"I defined four of the following five Gestalt Laws—"

"You explained them, Emile. Define and explain are two very different instructions. I've been there too, kid. I know it's confusing." Emile wanted to vanish right then and there. It wasn't… he was trying his best! "Also, question eight, part c, why do we dream?" The doctor started underlining the question with his pen, thankfully closed. "Take one of the proposed theories and provide one way in which this may be supported."

"But… but I did—"

"Part d, take the same theory from part c and provide a way in which it might be refuted."

Well… they were going to kick him out, weren't they.

"You're a very smart kid, Emile Picani. I'll bet you so many people told you you have such potential and all that… I know it's very frustrating." Gilliam pushed Emile's glasses up, wiping his eyes from unshed tears in the process. It was… somewhat calming. "Did anyone ever suggest that you might have ADHD?"

Emile shook his head. That possibility… well, he didn't want it to be a possibility! Sure, it wasn't the end of the world if he did, but… his parents didn't have to pay for more adderall than necessary, their neighbors didn't need any more reasons to call his mom a drug addict! And… the counselor at his high school had to be right. He was stupid… wasn't he? Learning disabilities just made you stupid…

He was useless. Regardless of what his professor thought.

"Getting into university at seventeen years old is no easy fit," Gilliam kept rambling. "I remember Walter reading your essay to me—"

"Walter?"

"...oh, right! Professor Freeman." Emile's eyes darkened a bit, as if he already knew what was about to be said. Gilliam just laughed. "Yeah, he immigrated from Germany in the late forties I think… poor guy. Changed his last name and everything! Yeah… so anyway, he read your essay to me. We fought a lot of people to have you accepted! I just… I have to ask you. Have you ever had issues like that in school?"

Emile nodded.

"And not in school?"

"I… I guess, yeah… why?"

Gilliam just pulled a light purple post-it note, scribbled something on it, scribbled the same thing again after opening his pen, and handed it to the very confused Emile.

"I said it before, but this time I mean it even more than last time. Go to the psych clinic. I'll write you a referral if you find it hard to talk to them, just let me know, but in my opinion you really should get evaluated for ADHD."

As Emile got up to leave, he fiddled with the note in his hands. It was… he was…

Was he really going to do that…?

"Austria," he mumbled as he reached the door.

"Excuse me?"

"Dr. Freeman is Austrian, not German. It can be confusing, I know. His family immigrated in 1947. And his last name is Landau. He never changed it, he just goes by Freeman for teaching because nobody liked the ‘Germans' post-Holocaust."

"Did he tell you that…?"

"You said he read you my essay, I thought you guessed already."

He was sure he left Gilliam baffled. But it didn't help the sinking feeling in his stomach any.

————

"I can't have it," Emile mumbled against Remy's chest, the note semi-safely in his pocket. "I don't want to!"

"Emmy, gurl, you realize you're making a huge deal out of nothing, right?" Remy laughed. "It's ADHD. It's not terminal cancer."

That made Emile cry even harder.

"No, no… Emile, it's gonna be alright. I promise. Okay? You trust me?"

"My uncle would be so disappointed," Emile whispered. "He's the reason I'm here! And… and I'm disappointing him so much!"

"You're a legacy, sweets?"

"Kinda… I guess." He sniffled. Remy felt his heart break even more, and for what? A mental disorder, a learning disability, a small neurological difference that only made him (in Remy's opinion) even more awesome? "I don't want him to… to lose his status... especially not because of me! He worked so hard to get a teaching position and I don't want to be his downfall!"

"Who's this uncle, sweetie? If you having ADHD will be his downfall he's probably not such a good—"

"Doctor Landau— Umm, Doctor Freeman. He's my mom's uncle."

Remy was… needless to say he was speechless.

"Which Freeman are we talking about, love?"

"Head of psychology, Doctor Walter Freeman."

...his name is LANDAU?!

"...so after about six months of knowing you, you finally decide to tell me that you're the great-nephew of the head of department?!" Emile giggled against Remy's chest. He couldn't believe it! "Scandalous! Preposterous! Un-be-fucking-lievable! Emile!"

"I swear that's not how I got in," Emile muttered happily. "I wrote an essay, I swear I did!"

"Okay, but still, gurl, that's not a secret! It's too big to be called a secret."

"There's no such a thing as too big a secret," Emile said in a near-perfect imitation of Freeman's accent, and then giggled again. "And besides, it wasn't a secret. You never asked!"

"My love, when I die, I want you to tell my dad that I loved him," Remy said in an overly dramatic tone, pretending to faint right there on the couch. "Give all my possessions to Leah—"

"Stop it, you drama queen!"

"Oh, I'm a queen, alright."

The conversation was interrupted by Katherine doing as Katherine does - which today meant running from her room to the kitchen, grabbing an orange and running right back, as if not to be seen - but as soon as she disappeared, Emile broke into an even bigger giggle fit.

"My aunt would be so disappointed if she knew I was crying over this," he said at last, calming down from his laughing fit. "Caroline is the harsher one of them, and… and she used to visit Evanston every couple months when my mom was in university to help her get through her degree and raise my sister. My mom had my sister really young, you know? She and my dad were nineteen, and… okay, sorry, I'm getting sidetracked…"

"Please keep talking, love," Remy told him gently, with a soft smile and a pat on the head. "I can go make you some more tea if you'd like before we continue?"

"No, that's alright! Maybe later!" The blond almost threw himself off the couch in excitement. "I actually think… I think I should talk to them about this… I mean, Caroline would almost certainly get mad at me for thinking it'll ruin his career, and Walter would help me through the whole diagnosis thing… he did the same with Julie before we knew what she had is narcolepsy, you know? So…"

"So is there really anything to be scared of?"

Emile shook his head. Remy wiped his tear-streaked cheeks with gentle fingers, fixing his glasses right after that.

"I… I'm gonna do it. Okay? I'm gonna do it."

He was so proud of himself. It was so cute.

—————

Friday, March 21st, 2003; 15:43 p.m.

"Doctor," the resident student-psychiatrist (Thelma Grinberg, an overly boring MS student Emile already knew) called as she stretched her hand to shake his uncle's hand. "That's a surprise."

"Since Emile is still a minor, I had to accompany him," he explained sharply. "Neither of his parents could come here today."

"Caroline could've come too," Emile mumbled.

"Your aunt has a busy schedule today, Emile."

"You do too…"

Thelma seemed incredibly confused, but kept going anyway. And it took her longer than was probably necessary to get through all the questions.

Emile hated people like that. (And so did his uncle.)

He was dropped off at his dorm before his uncle had to leave, and that probably spooked Remy more than it should have. The kind "Mr. Harris, nice to see you" didn't help any.

"How did it go?" Remy asked, looking almost straight at Emile.

"Quite well, I would say." The smile looked incredibly weird on the older man's face. "Call your mother for me. Tell her everything that happened today, ja?" Emile nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Emile."

"I didn't ask—"

And with a strict "I expect to see you at my office on Monday, Mr. Harris", the professor left the dorm building, leaving behind a happy blond and his flustered best friend.

"...what was that?!"

"I have to go there again a couple days before spring break for another test, and then after Passover for a TOVA," Emile explained, rather excitedly. "You know what a TOVA is, don't y—"

"It's that test where you click a button according to instructions, I know. Mueller explained it to everyone three days ago, Emmy."

"Oh right! And… and I guess that after those tests I'll know if I have anything!"

After a long moment of awkward silence, Emile tapped Remy's shoulder again. "Care to come over for the holidays? You didn't for Hanukkah and now my parents really want you to! I mean… I do too, but my parents haven't really met you yet and they think you're pretty cool and—"

"Sure, I'll come."

Emile had to do a bit of a double take. "Seriously? Remy, I don't think you understand what you're signing up for here, it's all my cousins from three different countries, most of them don't speak English, my grandparents, uncle Walter and aunt Caroline, maybe even mom's cousins if they'd be so grateful as to—"

"No, I get it, sweetie. I have, like, twenty cousins on Linda's side alone, more or less. I'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

Remy may have known before that he'll do anything to see Emile smile, but… he's never realized it until now. Probably? Maybe? But as Emile started bouncing happily and jumped in to hug him, Remy finally accepted the reality.

Coming over to Emile's during spring break was no trouble, but… in the long run, he would do anything to see him smile.

—————

Wednesday, April 16th, 2003

This was… definitely not spring break anymore. Remy was pretty sure that the higher ups in administration would rip him a new nonexistent one when they found out why he took a week's vacation in the middle of the spring semester…

Then again, so did a lot of the other students, and some of the staff. So maybe he was exaggerating…?

Eh. Finals start the week after that and end in May. He can allow himself a week off.

And yet he still had no idea how he ended up like this, watching Prince of Egypt with his best friend and said friend's three-year old niece at nine in the morning, as said friend's mom was overworking herself in the kitchen trying to make space and food for over thirty people…

Oh, and there was a dog too. She was currently playing with a squeaky toy, but she was there.

He only processed that this is the situation he's in once Emile started trying to get his niece singing. He had no idea what was going on on screen, but… something was.

"Mom, where's everyone?" Emile called to the kitchen after failing - for the hundredth time - to engage Analiese.

"Where could everyone possibly be, Emile?"

"Walter and Caroline are in town for the things you forgot to buy, grandma and grandpa are probably at their connection…" he started mumbling, counting on his fingers in an odd fashion. "I don't know!"

"You just said so yourself," Remy laughed quietly, grabbing Emile's hands gently. "Let's go over this again. Walter and Caroline are in town, your grandparents are at their connection…"

"Yeah, I know that," he groaned, slightly frustrated. "I just… everyone… here. That's what… that's what I'm confused about. Where's everyone here."

"...where everyone is seated?" Emile nodded. "Oh gurl… do you wanna make place holders, organize the seating, do you want to…"

"I just want to make sure nobody wants to sit on both my sides. One is okay, but you have to sit on my other side and I'm worried about that."

Oh…

"Well, we're gonna make sure that nobody takes my seat, okay?" Remy asked, kissing Emile's cheek afterwards.

"I sit with Emile!" Analiese declared, her attention now directed at the boys. Emile started laughing and leaned over to pinch her chubby cheek.

"We will read together, and sing together, and if mom complains we're gonna tell her off, right Ana?"

The toddler nodded, extremely determined, and Remy felt his heart melt all over again.

This was too good to be true, and not even seeing his most feared professor walk through the door and sit down next to them in the living room could shake this feeling. For once, Remy wasn't scared of this man. Through some odd change of fate, or something like that.

"So this is your first time doing such a thing?" Doctor La— Doctor Freeman asked, smiling gently as Analiese bounced in his lap and rambled about everything she's done this week. "Participating in Passover?"

"Yes, sir."

"He's my uncle now, not our professor," Emile laughed, squeezing Remy's hand. "You don't have to be so scared of him."

It didn't work as instantly as he wanted it to, but as the night went on, Remy actually… found that he wasn't that scared of him anymore.

As he said, this was too good to be true. And nothing could ever seem to be able to shake this good feeling.

[littlej097]

The Heart of Christmas - Day 1: Snowman

Hey guys! I am back to do the Klaine Advent 2018 Challenge! This year instead of doing drabbles I am planning to write a AU multi-chapter fic! I already have the main concept of the story in my head so I will do my best to fit in the words of the day! They will probably be more like little tidbits unless I’m super inspired by them. But, I am so excited to write this fic and I hope you all enjoy! 

Summary: Kurt is a single father just trying to make it through the Christmas season. However, when he meets, celebrity, Blaine Anderson, his world is turned upside down. If one thing is for sure, this Christmas season will change both of their lives forever.

Christmas music filled the apartment of Kurt Hummel and his five-year-old daughter, Clara. It was December 1st and that meant one thing. It was time to get ready for Christmas! They had even invited Kurt’s best friend and Clara’s godmother, Rachel over to join in on the Christmas fun.

“Daddy, do we have any more ornaments?” five year old, Clara asked as she bounced happily around the living room.

“Just a few more honey,” Kurt replied. “I think we’ve just about covered this tree,” he added with a laugh. Their Christmas tree was filled with ornaments of all kinds and this year, Clara had insisted on multi-colored lights and red and gold tinsel. It was quite gaudy if Kurt was being honest but he’d do anything to make his little girl happy.

“Here Clara, we’ve still got the star. You can place it on top of the tree.” Rachel said as she held the golden star out to the little girl. Clara’s face lit up as she ran over to her aunt.

“Daddy! Daddy! Lift me up!” She squealed. Kurt grinned at his daughter and lifted the little girl up onto his shoulders. He walked closer to the tree and Clara reached as far as she could until the bottom of the tree topper connected with the top of the tree.

“There! Perfect!” Rachel said. Kurt lifted Clara from his shoulders and placed her back on the living room floor.

“It’s so pretty!” Clara said. “Daddy, can we watch “Frosty the Snowman” now!” she asked.

“Sure honey, but we can’t stay up too late. You have school tomorrow and I have to be at the hospital pretty early.” Kurt told her.

“Okay. Can we have popcorn and hot chocolate though?” Clara begged. “Please, please, pretty please!” Kurt rolled his eyes. His little girl had him wrapped around her little finger and he simply couldn’t say no.

“Sure.”

“Yay!” Clara exclaimed.

“You find the DVD and Aunt Rachel and I will go get the snacks,” Kurt replied before walking into the kitchen with Rachel following close behind. He grabbed a bag of popcorn and popped it into the microwave. Then he grabbed his tea kettle to begin warming up water for the hot chocolate.

“So, Kurt… have you been talking to anyone lately.” Rachel probed.

“You mean a guy?” Kurt asked with a suspicious look on his face. Rachel was always trying to set him up with someone.  Rachel nodded. “And when would I have time to do that? I’m a single father with a five-year-old and I’m a  nurse working crazy hours. What guy is going to want to come into that?”

“Oh Kurt! You’re just making excuses. I’m sure that there are plenty of guys that would love to go on a date with you. You just won’t give them a chance.”

“That is not true!”

“Prove it!” Rachel retorted before snatching Kurt’s phone off the countertop.

“Rachel, what are you doing?”

“I’m signing you up for Tinder.”

“No! No! Absolutely no!” Kurt said before trying to grab his phone back from Rachel’s hands. To get out of his reach, Rachel ran to the other side of the kitchen. “Rachel, no one meets anyone decent on Tinder. That app is purely a site to find hookups.”

“Would that be so bad?”

“Yes!” Kurt exclaimed. “I am not a hookup and never talk to a guy kind of person. Rachel, please, stop.”

“Too late. Already posted. You’re officially a tinder man.” Rachel replied, finally handing the phone over to Kurt.

“I am deleting this.”

“Just give it a chance. At least look at a few guys.” Rachel pleaded. Kurt sighed and made a face at his friend.

“Fine.”

“Yay!” Rachel squealed before running to Kurt’s side. “Okay, so if you don’t like a guy, you swipe left. And if you do, swipe right.”  The first picture came up.

“Too old,” Kurt said, swiping left.

“Too young.”

“Too hairy.” Kurt grimaced looking at the picture of the man on his phone and swiping left once again. Then the fourth picture appeared. The man had beautiful golden honey brown eyes and curly dark brown hair. He had a beautiful smile and was really quite attractive. He looked somewhat familiar but Kurt couldn’t put his finger on where he had seen the man.

“OH...MY… GOD!” Rachel exclaimed looking at the picture.

“What?”

“That’s my co-star!” Rachel said. Rachel had recently landed the role of Elphaba in a revival show of Wicked. “That’s Blaine Anderson. He’s playing Fiyero.”

“Wait, like Emmy award-winning, Blaine Anderson?” Kurt asked in disbelief.  Rachel nodded. Now, Kurt had figured out where he knew the man from. Blaine had been an up and coming star. He had guest starred on a bunch of shows before landing a lead role in a limited series and winning an Emmy for his work. Kurt had seen an interview where Blaine admitted he had always wanted to be on Broadway so getting the role of Fiyero was like a dream come true.

“I don’t know why I didn’t think of him before.” Rachel said. “He’s so nice and he’s single.”

“He’s also famous,” Kurt said. “There’s no way that a celebrity is going to want to date me.”

“You won’t know that for sure unless you try.” Rachel prompted. She took Kurt’s phone from his hands and looked at the profile.

“Kurt, he already super liked you.” Rachel said in disbelief. “We made this profile like five minutes ago. This is a sign. I’m swiping right.”

“Rachel-!”

“Too late!” She said with a smirk. Kurt looked at his phone and on the screen were both his and Blaine’s pictures. The top read “It’s a Match!” 

“This is going to be a good thing,” Rachel reassured him. “Now come on. We’ve planted the seed and now we wait. Come on, We have a very inpatient five-year-old waiting for us and I personally am ready to see a snowman come to life.” Rachel said. She grabbed the popcorn and headed into the living room, leaving Kurt in the kitchen. He couldn’t stop staring at the screen. Blaine was attractive, but there was no way that he’d actually want to date a single father. Kurt already knew that this Tinder match was as far as this relationship would go...he was sure of it...well pretty sure anyway.