#i've been waiting and watching it in my shopping cart for a year before finally buying it when i saw the opportunity and man.

[zhongrin]

disastrous presentation aside, that was absolutely delicious 🤤

also this is a reminder for you 🫵🏻 to eat your breakfast/lunch/dinner!! and to drink water!! and to take care of yourself in general!! otherwise i'll.... i'll barge into your room and cook for you (taste not guaranteed)!!!!!!

[dxwnfxll]

can I rq anything with Mikell, theres barely anything for him sob

like,, maybe dating hc? idk

Yippee! I luv writing about my fav cowboy!!

(As always Amar replaces Bright/shaw)

Mikell x Reader (a bit of everything)

Meeting you

-you and Mikell met during his teen years, he was always busy trying to raise his siblings. He never had time for school which eventually led him to drop out.

-He went to the store one day, TJ in the baby carrier and Jack holding onto the cart like kids do. He had a list and was constantly telling Jack to 'put shit back' as they couldn't get it.

-then he saw you shopping with your own family, he paused a second seeing you then quickly looked away like the awkward teen he was when you looked back

-this happened for a lil while to, after all you all lived in a small town so y'all were bound to bump into each other again

-Mikell being the reckless teen he was started just leaving Jack at home with TJ while he hung around the store all day waiting to see if you'd pop up

-and eventually you did, he was smoking as you spotted him. Walking over with your hands in your pockets (just go with it pls) "hey, i've seen you around here but um never at school"

-Mikell nodded trying to be cool "oh yeah, i'm homeschooled." He said taking another drag from his cigarette before blowing it away from you

-you smiled "names Y/n, yours?"

-he looked at you "Mikell"

Confession

-a couple years later, Mikell is now 19 and so are you. You've both been friends for awhile, whenever Mikell needed a shoulder you were always there

-Mikell eventually decided to take all this to the next level, He's had a crush on you since about a year ago. He just never did anything because of how his life is, he didn't really want to drag you into it

-but he was a selfish man.

-and so he appeared on your doorstep knocking and waiting for you, this was probably the most he's ever been nervous.

-he wasn't even this nervous when Claire had been born and of course having the responsibility thrown onto him since he was the eldest.

-when you opened the door looking up at him, he couldn't even think of any words. You were in your PJs and so was he, hell he had decided to confess to you in the middle of the damn night

-his confession didn't have any words, he leaned into you and kissed you immediately.

-you of course kissed back, which led to one of his arms wrapped around your back and him kicking the door closed ;)

Dating

-after that night you two started seeing each other, you'd come over to the Amar ranch often and even sometimes help with his siblings

-you knew about his family problems and you of course wanted to help your partner in any way you could

-he'd try to not over stress you though, so he'd just ask you to do simple things like 'hey babe can you go to the store for me' or 'honey can you help Jack with his homework?'

-he loves to sit on the couch with you, beer in one hand and his arm around your shoulder as you both watch something. Sometimes his siblings may watch something with y'all..it almost looked like a lil family

-and that's something Mikell definitely craved, a normal family where he could come home from work and not have to worry about what illegal trouble Jack got into or worry about his siblings becoming anomalies.

-he loves when you stay over, he likes having you in his arms when he sleeps. Sadly he cannot stay over at your place but every once in a blue moon due to just how his siblings are.

-He's a 'bastard' but he really is the glue that holds his family together.

Proposal

-you both are 21 now finally, you've been dating for a couple years. You've both seen a lot of shit together and Mikell has finally decided you two should become..more.

-with his new job and everything he was able to afford a pretty good ring for you, and he took you out to a pretty nice place way out of his comfort zone

-he was pretty awkward during the date and uh sweaty

-he wasn't the type to hide anything or shit like that so he just grabbed your hand, put the ring in it and bluntly asked "marry me"

-and of course you said yes <33

Marriage

-He went all out with the wedding, again thanks to his salary he was able to do so. Sadly no one on his side came to his wedding which he was pretty..upset about

-but he still went on with the wedding, the chairs in his side were all mainly empty except for a couple which were filled by his friends

-the wedding was actually really nice, he had it at the ranch him and his friends setting everything up

-he was a liiiil nervous but when he saw you all his worries flooded away

-you two said 'I do' and kissed rehehhe

Having a kid

-of course the next thing that happened in y'alls life was having a kid

-whether you carried the kid or some sort of surrogacy/adoption was put in place is up to you

-if you were pregnant he tried his best to be super attentive and caring towards you, sadly his job usually kept him away for days and even weeks at a time

-but he did try his best to be there, he really did. He'd come back with lil surprises for you (which he totally didn't steal from his targets homes)

-and once lil David was born, he wasn't there for the birth. Your birth was a lil early, and you had to be under for an emergency C-section

-but once you woke up there was Mikell sitting in a chair, one arm crossed over the other, a lil rag over his shoulder as he held your baby boy in his arms staring down at him

-when he noticed you awake he smiled at you "mornin' darlin'.." He got up before walking over and bending down so he could hand off David to you "sorry for not being there..but i'm here now" and he kissed the side of your temple as lil David cooed

-if you two adopted or went through a surrogate he'd again try to he there for the process at least

-and similar to the pregnancy situation he'd probably not be there when you get the kid, but he'd be at home once you get back with lil David

-he'd be holding a bag of toys and clothes he totally didn't steal for the baby as a 'sorry'

Parenthood

-Similar to you and him going through the process of having a kid he wasn't really there much

-which he definitely regrets, he tries to be there for important events like birthday parties and school events

-but his job keeps him away, once he becomes an 05 though he's able to be home more often

-but life as a hand sinister has definitely changed him..

-He's become more distant as a father and a partner, but again he does try his best to be a good father and partner

-you notice his changes and try to help him but he just pushes you and the kids away

-sadly though the Ambrose curse comes to wreck you all, your family eventually falls apart..but at least he has you..right?

Hope you enjoyed rehehehe

as always requests open!

[magician-kitty]

The Great Wall Race

"Once a year, this city becomes more than a city. Once a year, these streets...become more than streets. This year, the winner will shall become...Immortal!"

The screen cuts and zooms out to a giant trophy shaped as a Peach of Immortality before fading to a television screen and the two girls gasped.

"A Peach of Immortality!~" The two girls gasped, eyes sparkling in awe, faces nearly touching the TV screen.

"A peach of what now?" Pigsy asked, confused as to what the two were talking about, causing the duo to gasp in shock and horror.

"Pigsy, seriously?!" MK and Mei started off on a rant, but due to the fact that they were both talking over each other, nothing registered in the pig demon's head.

"Ahem," Tang spoke up, everyone turning to where the scholar sat, book open in one hand. "If you'll allow me. Legend says, there is a scared field of trees which grows in the Heavenly Realm, protected by the gods themselves," Tang reads aloud, the girls listening intently, "Every few thousand years, these trees bring forth the Peaches of Immortality. Against the wishes of the heavenly host, the Monkey King took them all. Making himself immortal!"

"Hold up," Pigsy interrupts, a look of confusion displayed on his face, the others turning to him. "I thought the Monkey King was already immortal?"

"Pigsy, you're missing the point!" Mei scowls at the demon. "Whoever wins this race will become immortal!~"

MK and Mei rush out the store, The dragon girl walks over to her bike, taking out the spare toolkit in MK's Noodle Cart, and doing some last minute repairs to the bike.

"This is huge!~" MK gushes, light brown eyes sparkling in excitement. "Those other racers won't stand a chance!~"

"Right?" Mei joins in, looking up from where she was cleaning off the bike's frame, a confident smirk painted on her face. "I know the track like the back of my hand! The back alleys, the front alleys, the sideways alleys...all the alleys!~" It appeared like the girl was holding up an imaginary trophy, given the pose she took. "I was made for this!~"

"Yeah! I'm totally gonna win this thing."

"Wait, what?" Mei said in disbelief, looking at MK. "What do you mean?" She asked.

"I'm gonna be racing too!" MK said cheerfully. Mei on the other hand, didn't seem all to happy with her response.

"Wha-But- I'm racing!" Mei shouts angrily, hopping off her bike. "You've been watching me train for months! this should not be a surprise!"

"Oh! I know...I just thought you were doing all that stuff for me." MK gave an innocent looking smile. Mei grits her teeth, glaring down at her menacingly.

"But, you know...upon reflection, yep, that doesn't make much sense." She chuckled nervously.

Mei sighs in frustration, rubbing her forehead before crossing her arms. "MK, I really don't think you should race. Racing and Delivering Noodles are two different things. You could get seriously hurt."

"Don't be crazy, Mei I could beat you! I'm a delivery girl, I'm pretty sure I know how to drive real good." MK protests. Mei only blew a raspberry, puffing her cheeks as Tang walked out of the shop, holding a flag with Mei's face on it.

Mei and MK noticed him, sliding up on either side of him, grinning at him.  "Hey Mr. Tang, who's the better driver? Mei or Me?" She asked. She gasped, noticing the flag Tang was holding.

"Hm, I'm sensing hostility and it's very uncomfortable." and with that, Tang ran off as MK grunts in frustration.

Mei smirking at her. "Whatever! I'm absolutely gonna win!"

"How exactly!? You know you need a vehicle to race, right?" Mei asked, raised a brow.

"Oh! I've got a vehicle!" MK grinned. Mei huffed and finished working on her bike.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We're now just minutes away from the start of the race, as the drivers make their final preparations!~" The announcer says over the intercom, as Mei frantically checked over her cycle, looking to see if she'd missed any last minute fixes to the bike. The girl was starting to panic, thinking she'd missed something.

Suddenly, MK's Tuk-Tuk came crashing into the rails, landing in the spot next to Mei. "Oh, wussup Mei, I didn't see you there." She grinned, teasing.

Mei frowned at her bestie's attempt. "You're really gonna do this? You're really gonna try and race me?" MK opened her her to answer her, but then a familiar voice interrupted her.

"Will you two please be quiet?!" Shouted Red Son in his racecar huffing at MK's sheepish look. "I'm trying to get in the zone."

MK looked shocked that the fire demon of all people would be here, what even shocked her that his parents were here as well.

"You got this, sweetie!" Princess Iron Fan's voice called out from the stand across the race track, the racers all turning to see the Demon Bull Family sitting in a booth, surrounded by Bull Clone bodyguards. "Annihilate the competition!"

"Show the fools no mercy!" DBK roared, shaking the earth. Red Son face turned red from embarrassment. "Oh no.." he grumbled, pink eyes in his cheeks.

MK couldn't help but giggle at the fire demon's embarrassment. She did a quick turn to the viewers.

"Don't you just love it when your parents support you?~"

"On that note," Shouted a familiar voice, making MK groan in annoyance. "You have got to be kidding me."

it was Jin and Yin. The two assholes that trapped her in the Calabash, she had yet to pay them back for that horrific experience. "We're the new commentators!"

"And, to spice things up," Jin announced from the booth. "We've gone ahead and altered the race track!"

"What!?" They yelling in surprise.

"That's right," Yin smirked, everyone looking up at the TV, and watching the silver demon pointing at the start and finish. "Here's your start line, here's your finish line, get there any way you like!"

"On your marks..."

"Wait, Hold on!"

"Get set..."

"Wait, what?"

"Go!!"

Red Son revs up his car, zooming past Mei and MK. "Sorry ladies! I'll see you at the finish line!" Red Son called out before letting out a cackle.

"Yeah, see you at the finish line!" called MK, imitating his laugh, following after him.

Mei grits her teeth, hopping onto her bike and zooming after MK and Red Son. "Get back here!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Get out of my way Dragon Girl!" Red Son shouted, trying to pass Mei to no avail, the girl swerving in front of him each time he tried to pass her.

"Nice try Red Baby!~" Mei called after her with a laugh. "But I'm winning this thing!"

Red Son growled in frustration, MK suddenly appears, landing in front of Red Son with a scream as she swerves.

"And It's becoming majorly apparent that some drivers are better than others! Oh! That's is a very sharp turn!"

A sharp turn is seen up ahead, MK struggling to keep control of the cart as the others pass her.  MK, Mei and Red Son were neck and neck.

"Get out of my way, Noodle Girl!" Red yelled.

"Never!" While the two were distracted, Mei zips past them, driving on ahead. Red son follows after her, zipping past MK.

"Hey! no fair!" MK cried, cranking the gas of the cart. "Here...comes...Monkie kid!" the cart doesn't get too far before sputtering and toppling over.

"I'm so stupid! ah, I've got Monkey King powers! I think I'll be fine!" She stopped before realization suddenly hits her. "Oh, wait!"

She pulls out the staff from his ear, powering up the cart. "I'm the greatest racer ever!" She spun the staff, plunging it into the road, flinging the cart over.

Up ahead, Mei zips down the road, green light behind her. She laughs, making it through the track.

"And at this point, the only way Mei's not gonna win." Yin stated.

"is if some sort of flying fool were to crash into her from above!" Said Jin.

All of a sudden, Mei looks up to see the cart, flying towards her. "Ah! Look out!" Mei screams as the cart crashes into her.

At the shop, Pigsy and Tang stare wide eyed as they watch the race. Pigsy had his hands over his eyes, while Tang covered his mouth in shock. "My baby!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh. yep, as I said that is just really...really unlucky." Jin groaned. MK groans, falling off the tattered cart. Red Son came driving down the road, swerving and spinning his car, leaving dust as he drove off. "Victory is mine, ladies!"

"MK! what did you do?" Mei yelled. she looks around, her eyes widening as she gasps. "My bike!" She growled, glaring at MK as she walks over to her. "What is wrong with you, MK! You could have been seriously hurt! And you wrecked my bike, I thought you were my friend?"

"I-I'm sorry Mei, I didn't-I just..." she sighed, rubbing the back of her head. "I really wanted to win that peach and I guess I got carried away, You know how much I love stone fruit. I was never gonna actually win, though." She sighed, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "You're the greatest racer in the world Mei, not me. I'm so sorry."

Mei's eyes softened ah her bestie's words. Aww she couldn't really stay mad at her. Mei sighed, punching MK's arm. "Yeah, I know. Just... don't be dumb next time, okay?"

"All I can do is try!" MK grins before sighing again. "Can't believe Red Son is gonna win."

Mei looks at the rubble, grinning as she looks back at MK. "Um, you do have Monkey King powers?"

"Yeah!" MK pulls the staff out her ear. "Here comes Monkie kid!" She spun the staff over her head, slamming it into the ground, as golden light erupts from below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Red Son has the commanding lead now!" Jin exclaimed.

"Yeah! It looks like he's is going to win!" Yin chimes in.

Red Son laughs, only for the earth to shake as he looks behind him. A cloud of dust was seen and bursting from the top of the hill was a red and gold car.

It was Mei and MK.

"Oh! looks like Mei and MK are back in the race!"

Inside the car, Mei and MK were screaming at the top of their lungs. They simultaneously slam their feet on the accelerator, crashing into Red Son's car. MK flails her arms, grabbing her staff, rebuilding the car. Inside, She, Mei and Red Son were squished together.

Red son's eyes blaze into flames, Mei and MK screaming, losing control of the car. Red Son is then thrown out of the car, crashing into a wall as Mei and MK make the finish line.

"It's all over!" shouts Yin.

"Mei and MK win!" Jin exclaimed.

Tang and Pigsy cheers, embracing each other. "Way to go kids!" Pigsy cheered.

"That's my baby girl!" Tang exclaimed.

Mei and MK were presented with the golden peach trophy as the crowd cheered. "Here Mei, you deserve this more." MK pushed the trophy in her hands. The dragon girl shook her head. "We both won, girl. I couldn't have done it without you." Mei gave her a bright smile. MK smiled right back.

"Noodle Girl!" there was a loud explosion, Red Son stomped over to the duo in anger. "You are insufferable! that peach should be mine!"

MK glared at him, alongside Mei. "Buddha, what is wrong with you! We won fair and swear!"

Red Son growled, clenched his fists. "As if! The peach of immortality will be mine, and my family will reign supreme!" He yelled, flailing his arms around.

MK stared at the whiny demon with a deadpanned expression, she glanced at Mei, and then to the viewers.

"I don't think he knows..."

"Um, Red Boy, it's just a trophy, you know We don't really get a peach of immortality." Mei stated, MK nodded.

"SAY WHAT!?" Red Son said in disbelief. "Bu-but the poster says-It says it right here on the poster, I-"

He turned hearing Mei and MK laughing, hands on their stomachs, legs flailing in the air.  "D-Did you actually thought- it says you get immortality by having your picture projected on the great wall! Duh!"

A picture is seen of MK holding up the trophy, Mei laughing behind her, with Red Son in the background.

'So the peach was just a metaphor?' Red thought, He hisses flails angrily, but hides his embarrassment. "I knew that! you both think you're so.." He teleports himself away with his flame tornado, but only lands a few feet away.

"Peasants!" He turned to walk away, a voice stopped him.

"Wait, Red Son!" He turns to see MK walking up to him. "Look, full disclosure...I had to admit, you were pretty awesome back there." She smiled.

Red Son blushed at her compliment, coughs looking away. "Thank you, I-I suppose you were good out there too Noodle girl. Even though the trophy turned out to be bogus."

MK giggled, Red Son blushed more from the sound of her laughter. "Say, why don't I treat you to some noodles?" She offered.

Red Son stared at her, wanting to protest but just scoffed.

"I'll take that as a yes." MK grinned, taking his hand leading him back to the shop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at the shop MK walks out of the kitchen, placing a bowl of noodles in front of Red Son. "Here you go, enjoy!"

"Noodles?" He stared at the bowl, looking back at MK "You made this...for me?"

"Uh huh! Something to cheer you up after the race," MK smiled, rubbing the back of her head. "I made sure they were extra spicy just for you!"

"Wait, how did you..?" He trailed off.

"Call it a hunch," She grinned widely. "I hope you like them!"

Red son turned his attention back to the bowl, picking up his chopsticks, hesitantly taking a bit. His eyes widened, cheeks coloring a red hue.

MK panicked for a bit, did he not like them? "Oh no! Did I make them too spicy?! I can make you another one if-" He cuts her off.

"Don't patronize me, noodle girl!" Red Son yelled, he sighed wiping his lips "It's...actually very good. Thank you."

MK hadn't noticed his cheeks turning red as he smiled. "Really? Thank you! I can make you more if you like!" She smiled brightly.

Mei smiled, watching the two interact before eating her own bowl of noodles, she eyed the viewers.

"Im starting to think he's her secret admirer." She muttered with her mouth full.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at Flower Fruit Mountain, it turns out that the Immortal Peaches are with him. Monkey King rested on his cloud, Bai-He napping soundly next to him. He plucked a peach from a branch. "Stone fruit...if these didn't make me immortal," he takes another bite.

They'd literally kill me." He burped, indicating his stomach was full and winking at the readers.

"Stay tuned for more Tales of the Monkey Princess!"

"Bába, who are you talking too?" Bai-He asked, yawning.

[bbyheedeungie]

Fluttering Machinery | Robot! Sunghoon AU

Genre: Fluff, mild angst

Pairings: Robot! Sunghoon x Reader

Warnings: Character death, little suggestive content

Synopsis: Sunghoon was a humanoid built by your father, with the sole purpose of taking care of you once he passes away. But it seems like taking care of you came with discovering emotions that wasn't necessary for cooking, cleaning, and keeping you safe. What is this warm fuzzy feeling that resonates deep inside Sunghoon's mechanism?

It's been months. 6 dreadful months since your father has passed away. The doctors have warned you that he didn't have much time left, but that didn't make the goodbyes hurt any less.

You were 4 years old when your mom left you and your father for another guy. A more successful guy. Your father was bright, with an insatiable hunger for discovery and invention. But his field of work didn't always bring food to the table. And so on most days you had to, well, compromise.

But you loved your father so much, and still do. Although you didn't grow up to be a scientist like him, you knew the basics on automation and robotics. You were 11 years old when you first saw it, the humanoid that he worked on for years came to life before your own very eyes.

He had no skin nor face that made him look human yet. Just a chunk of metal with a head, arms and legs that moved mechanically. Nevertheless, you will never forget the joy and pride in your fathers' face as he watched his creation. The humanoid was a work in progress and you knew one day he's going to change the world. Unbeknownst to you, he was going to change your world.

And now here you are, years into the present as you stood infront of the humanoid who had his eyes shut. Yep, he's a he now. He is Humanoid SH-1282. Your father made him for the purpose of serving the community, to help people. But when he discovered his illness, he started making alterations to his design. He made SH-1282 to serve as the perfect companion, but only to you.

He filled the humanoid's hard drive with everything that he'll need to help you and take care of you. He input cooking, cleaning, and even martial arts. You sighed, remembering your father's last words.

"I'm gonna leave him in your care now, err leave you in his care or whatever. Take good care of each other okay? I love you both so much."

You were such a crybaby, holding on to your father's arm as the nurses were ushering you to wait outside because the doctors are about to perform surgery.

"You'll be okay." Your father mouthed as he smiled knowingly in content.

You reach for the humanoid's neck to find the power button, finally deciding to activate him after holding it off for months.

You held your breath as his eyes open, immediately scanning his surroundings. His eyes land on you, a smile forms on his lips.

"Hi, I'm SH-1282. It's nice to finally meet you, Y/N." He said naturally, offering his hand. If you didn't know any better, you would think he was a normal boy.

You let out a shaky breath as you accept his hand. He frowns, it seems like he is studying your facial expression and posture.

"You seem like you are in distress. Are you alright?" He asks in concern.

"Yeah, I am." You reply weakly.

"Will a hug improve your mood?" He asks. He was programmed to know about the benefits of physical intimacy, but he was also programmed to know consent and so he will not do anything unless you want to.

You contemplated, biting your lip.

"No, thank you." He simply nods, stepping out of his charging port.

"Will you show me around the house?" He asks and you nod.

"Damn this feels so awkward." You think to yourself.

"So here's the living room." You say as SH-1282 takes a good look around the area, his eyes falling to the dirty coffee table with tons of papers stacked messily. The couch looked greasy, with breadcrumbs stuck to the sides of the couch cushions. He scrunches his nose, involuntarily adding a new emotion to his database: disgust.

And as you led him to the kitchen, this emotion intensifies as he sees the containers of Chinese takeouts and cup ramen littered around the counter. He walks to the fridge and finds it empty except for a carton of milk that you put into your cereal for breakfast.

This awakens another emotion for the humanoid, frustration. He pinches the bridge of his nose as he contemplates on what to do with the mess, aka you.

"This won't do. You have been living unhealthily which may reduce your chances of living a long life."

You scoff, "Excuse me?" He gives you a dead stare, an eyebrow raised.

"No, excuse me while I clean up all this. I'll leave you to your own devices, thank you for showing me around today." He says sassily as he goes to find where you hide your cleaning utensils. You stood there dumbfounded.

"Unbelievable." But you let him be anyway. He wasn't wrong, you've been a total mess this past few months but that was all because of the grief. You basically had no family now.

And so for the rest of the day, you lock yourself in your room and do homework. About 5pm, you hear a soft knock at your door.

"Hello, it's me. Can you spare me a minute? I have something to ask of you." You inwardly groan, not really wanting to face the humanoid.

"Can you accompany me to get groceries? I swear this will only happen one time. It is only because I am not yet accustomed to my location. But after I mentally note the directions, you won't have to come with me next time." He didn't really want to bother you, but he knew that going out by himself and getting lost will be much more bothersome for you.

"Sure thing, just let me change into— oh no, you have no other clothes. It's kinda chilly outside today." You mentally facepalm yourself. Why didn't I go shopping for men clothes first before activating him?

"That is fine, I am immune to any temperature." He says as-a-matter-of-fact. You roll your eyes.

"I know that but people will probably get suspicious to see a man walking around in a shirt and jeans when everybody else has coats on. We need you to fit in as much as possible."

You search for your father's old coat that you refused to throw away even months after he's passed.

"Sorry dad, but he kinda needs this right now." And so you dress the humanoid in your oversized university sweatshirt (which surprisingly fits him perfectly) and your father's old coat.

"How do I look? Will I fit in now?" He asks as he scans his appearance in the mirror.

"You look—" absolutely breathtaking. You had every urge to slap yourself. Your father really didn't play around when he made the humanoid's face. He could pass up as an idol. And the cute little mole on his nose was a good addition to his features that made him even more realistic.

"Great. People won't suspect a thing."

The two of you head out. Contrary to your expectations that he would marvel at everything he sees outside, he just casually looks around. You ride the bus together, and the humanoid processes everything that you do, noting how everything works.

What caught you by surprise though, is how he immediately stands up in instinct to let an old lady sit down in his place. He sure was programmed with manners and chivalry. You smiled at the thought.

You made your way inside the grocery store, only intended to grab a basket but the humanoid insisted on a push cart.

"We have so much to buy, I've taken a mental note of everything we'll need." You simply roll your eyes and let him push the cart around as you wandered behind him. You look around as he reads the nutritional facts of every single thing he sees.

"This is definitely going to take a while." You muttered.

"Y/N? Is that you?" A voice squealed. You hissed and attempted to turn away, pretending you didn't see her. The humanoid saw how you reacted and swiftly rushed to your side in a protective stance. The stranger eyes the humanoid, her eyes sparkling at the sight of such a gorgeous man.

"Why hello there. Y/N you didn't tell me you've been busy with your boyfriend, we haven't hung out in a while." Both of your eyes widened at the misunderstanding.

"Oh, no he's not— we aren't—" You tried to explain but she just laughed out loud.

"Look how flustered you are. You know what, it's okay. But we have a lot of catching up to do!" She said, squishing your cheeks in a playful manner.

"So what's your name, handsome stranger?" She asks, turning to the confused humanoid.

"I'm S—"

"Sunghoon! His name is Sunghoon." You blurted out. Sunghoon was the name of your childhood crush when you were like 7 but that'll have to do. Unfortunately, it seems that the humanoid got even more confused.

"I am Y/N's—"

"Neighbor. He lives next door to my apartment. I was just showing him around because he just recently moved into the city." You say quickly. She can't know that you're living with a guy. Even if said guy wasn't human.

"Awww how sweet of you to go shopping with your neighbor." She said, winking at you. She's definitely not convinced.

"I'm Yeonmi, Y/N's friend." She introduced, offering her hand to Sunghoon. He took her hand reluctantly.

"You mean my super obnoxious friend." You roll your eyes.

"Shut up, you love me." She teased. Admittedly, you've been avoiding her for months now. Ever since your father passed, it was as if you didn't want to deal with anyone anymore, with the fear of being left behind again. So you shut everyone out. You know it was a very selfish move and must've made everyone worry, but you have yet to figure out how to fix things back to how it is.

You said your goodbyes not without a long, tight hug from Yeonmi and Sunghoon noticed from his scanners how your vitals greatly improved from it. This made him feel another new emotion: relief. He was very thankful for your friend who made you feel better.

You continue venturing down the aisle of food, and you find the humanoid smiling to himself. He notices your attention on him and he shakes his head, as if shrugging his thoughts off.

"What?" You asked.

"You gave me a name. Although I'm unsure if it is necessary, thank you." He says genuinely as he smiles at you, your heart skipping a beat.

"You're welcome, Sunghoon." You smiled back.

He picked up lots of fruits and vegetables, with you whining the whole time. Your whines unlocked another emotion of his; annoyance.

"No wonder her father thought she is in need of taking care of, she acts like a child." He concludes, running his fingers through his hair as he lets you get an ice cream of your choice. Oddly, seeing a bright smile on your face as you show him what flavor you got seems to put him at ease.

The two of you got home at dawn, with quickly stacking up the groceries into the cabinets and fridge, with you slumping down on the now squeaky clean couch.

It had been quite a long day and you found yourself dozing off. You woke up from the light tap on your shoulder, eyes fixating on Sunghoon with your apron wrapped around his torso.

"I could get used to this." You thought, admiring how adorable the humanoid looked but quickly pushing the thoughts away.

"Sorry to wake you, it's time for dinner." He announces and you lazily nodded, not before yawning and stretching your arms.

"Uhh, what is this?" You asked, eyeing your plate.

"It's your dinner." He says nonchalantly, expecting you to start eating. Your face shows utter disgust at the plate of vegetables.

"Please don't make me eat that." You begged. Sunghoon rolls his eyes; a trait he adapted from spending just a day with you.

"Don't be dramatic, vegetables are good for you." He states, taking the plate from you and attempting to feed you.

"Come on, say ah." He says playfully. After realizing how much you acted like a child, he researched on how to take care of children and downloaded it into his database. You scrunch your nose, leaning away from the food and shooting him a glare.

"Sunghoon, I'm not a kid." You deadpanned.

"Oh, but you won't get your ice cream if you don't eat this." He says, pouting at you teasingly. He's really good at this. With a sigh, you open wide and allow him to feed you.

"Yep, definitely a kid." He thinks to himself as he smiles in satisfaction, another emotion unlocked.

That night, you decided to move his charging port (with his help) from the lab into the spare room of the apartment.

"You know, I'm completely okay with staying at the lab." He reasoned but you quickly hush him.

"Nope. That is no way to treat a person. You deserve your own room, okay? A room that you can fill with your own stuff and decorate with your own preferences. End of discussion." You sassed as you fix his charging port into place. Sunghoon blinked at you, unable to express how grateful he is of how kind you are to him.

"She wants to treat me like a real human being." He thinks, his mechanical heart overwhelmed with gratitude.

Days went on with a routine, with him cleaning all day and you attending online classes. There were occasional bumps in the road, with you getting annoyed with how much of a neat freak he is and him getting irritated with how lazy you are at taking care of yourself. You've also taught him how to watch tv, deciding not to let him use the internet yet because he might gain too much unnecessary information online.

And so on a saturday night, you sat together on the couch as you watched figure skating competitions. Sunghoon was at complete awe the whole time, studying how the skaters moved through the ice.

"I want to skate too." He states absentmindedly, attention still on the television. You smiled, thinking how it was the first time he actually said he wanted something.

"Then let's do it, let's go skating tomorrow." You say, his head immediately shot to you.

"What, really?" Sunghoon asks in disbelief, his eyes widening.

"Yes, really. Although I'm warning you, I don't know how to skate." You laughed, with him chuckling as well.

"Then we'll learn together." He promises.

What a total lie that is. He didn't need to learn, as you watched him move swiftly against the ice, the wind in his hair as he circled around, his focused eyes twinkling in the fairy lights. He looked ethereal. You could have sworn there were tears there as you cheered him on like a proud momma. Ah, they grew up so fast.

People at the park also stopped to watch Sunghoon, whispering about how talented the young man is. His eyes caught yours, and you weren't sure if you were seeing things but you thought you saw him send you a wink and smile.

"The TV been teaching him things." You muttered, blushing but not from the cold. Sunghoon skates towards you, pulling you with him. You're eyes widened in fear.

"N-no Sunghoon I can't—" but he was already leading you through the ice, eyes never leaving yours.

"You can." He whispers, taking you by the waist as he spun you around. You giddily laughed as you threw your arms out, savouring the chilly air. You didn't even notice the people watching and cooing at you as some joined in as well.

That night, Sunghoon felt something he never felt before, and you in a long time. You felt happy.

"Say aaaah~" Sunghoon said as he fed you chicken soup. You caught a cold from skating yesterday and now you're wrapped in a super cozy blanket with Sunghoon worrying about you.

"You know I can feed myself right?" You said, swallowing the food.

"I know, but I just feel responsible because I was the one who wanted to skate. You got sick because of me, and that kinda defeats my purpose because I'm supposed to be keeping you healthy." He rambled. You roll your eyes at him.

"Colds are normal, okay? Besides, I haven't had that much fun in a while. Thank you for that, Sunghoon." You say, reaching up to tussle his hair playfully. He froze, cogs in his mind unable to process as something inside him stirred, but in a pleasant way.

--

"So you dance while rubbing your body on a stranger?" Sunghoon questions, but he's not sure if he wants to know the answer. Tonight, you wore a simple black dress that teasingly showed a little bit of cleavage and a decent length of fabric that hugged tightly around your upper thighs but had a daringly high slit. Sunghoon approves and disapproves at the same time.

"Yeah, it's kinda like that. But don't worry, I won't be doing that. I'll just stay by the bar the whole time." You reassured as you struggled to put on your strappy heels. Sunghoon kneels down infront of you and helps you clasp the straps around your ankles, handling it very delicately. Your heart thumps as he looks up at you.

"Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you?" He asks for the fifth time as he follows you around the house like a puppy. You sigh, actually considering it. Although it was supposed to be a girl's night according to Yeonmi, you thought maybe having Sunghoon tag along wouldn't do harm.

But it did. It did harm to you, alright. And you wanted to harm those girls who kept on grinding their asses onto Sunghoon as slow, sexy music played. You were fuming, regretting dressing Sunghoon in such fashion that screamed big D energy. Why am I being so possessive? But then again, Sunghoon does look uncomfortable. I should go save him. Yeah, I'll do that.

"Hold my drink." You tell Yeonmi as you made your way to Sunghoon.

"You go girl! Get your man!" Yeonmi cheered drunkly.

Your train of thoughts were blurred by the alcohol as you struggled to walk straight. You had only one clear thought in mind: Sunghoon. I need to get to Sunghoon.

Sunghoon stood uncomfortably, eyeing the girls who rubbed their bossoms and derriere all over him. Is this supposed to be fun? He thinks innocently. He sees you walking towards him, swaying your hips side by side as you strode towards him like a predator.

Girls hovering around him going unnoticed as you were the only one he could see.

Stunning, beautiful. He thought.

"Hey handsome, care to dance?" You asked, pulling him to you before he could even answer. The girls spat at you, telling you to 'get in line' but you just shot them a smug look.

"Sorry ladies." Sunghoon apologized, but his smile told otherwise as he let you pull him away from them.

"You don't know how badly I wanted to get away from—" He froze in his spot as you wrap your arms around his neck, inching closer than ever before. You felt bold, but maybe that was just the alcohol in your system. And as you started moving your body against Sunghoon, you knew it wasn't just you who felt the heat. His large palms go down south, resting on your swaying hips as both of you moved to the sultry rhythm.

His mechanism was going nuts, threatening to malfunction as his sensors detected your very close proximity to him. Whatever you were playing, it was dangerous. But Sunghoon couldn't help but to want more, to desire more.

"Y/N." He whispers, and you look up at him with half lidded eyes. And damn did he find you so sexy right there, under the strobe lights. No girl in the club could ever compare.

"Home?" You suggested.

"Home." He agrees.

As you got in the cab, you immediately find yourself half straddling Sunghoon's lap as you attempt to kiss him. Luckily, Sunghoon can think clearer now and concludes that a drunk Y/N is a very horny Y/N. And though the thought that it was only the alcohol that made you want him made him feel sad, he knew it was wrong to demand such things from you.

And so with your futile attempts to get into his pants, he gently lays your head on his shoulder and hugs you to keep you still. But even that couldn't stop you from squirming to get away from his hold, trying to get some action. He chuckles as he held your hand tightly in his to prevent it from landing into his crotch.

"Now now, you have to stay put. I won't be taking advantage of your state." He scolds gently. And by the time the cab had stopped in front of the building of your apartment, you were fast asleep in Sunghoon's arms.

Times like these were when Sunghoon is glad he was made of aluminum. He scooped you up in his arms like a pillow as he walked up to your apartment. You snuggled up into his chest, looking so innocent as you soaked up his warmth. Sunghoon cooed about how adorable you are, talking to you in your sleep.

He placed you delicately on your bed, contemplating whether to change your clothes or not. He decided not to, noting how your privacy is important to you. You're too drunk and asleep to give him permission right now anyway. He took off your heels and wiped your makeup off very gently, and tucked you in properly.

Long minutes pass as he studies your face, stroking your hair softly as the corners of his mouth lift up unconsciously. He really loves taking care of you. He loves you.

This realization hits him like a truck of overwhelming emotions, but it all makes sense to him now.

"I love you, Y/N." He whispers, leaving a soft kiss on your forehead before retiring to his own room.

[reds-ramblings]

I wrote three versions of this chapter, spent weeks deciding which one to post, decided I hated them all, and then wrote this one. I'm still not happy with it, but I decided to leave it be. I just hope I didn't ruin it with all the rewrites.

Apple Doesn't Fall Far - Part 8

Gracie's P.O.V.

Three weeks later:

"Well, after spending the last five weeks there, is it still your dream school?" Mom asks as she merges onto the freeway.

"Yes! It's even more amazing than I had imagined. I didn't want to leave. Six years just seems so far away." I say, pressing my forehead to the window and watching as the city passes by. We are on our way back home and back to my boring life.

"Maybe you can do the program again next summer."

"Really?" I ask, surprised. It was so hard to convince her to let me come this time.

"Yes, if this is the path you really want to take in life, then I should be doing everything I can to make sure you're successful."

"Wait, who are you, and what have you done with my mother? Five weeks ago, you were totally against my future goals."

"I wasn't totally against them; I was just worried. After seeing how happy the program made you, I decided I may have been overreacting. So much has changed in the last five weeks." She says, and I look over at her confused. Changed for who? My goals are still the same as they were before, and I still plan on doing everything I can to fulfill them.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You'll understand eventually. We need to stop at the store and buy some stuff for tomorrow. We are having a special guest over." She says, changing the subject as she always does when she wants to avoid telling me something.

"Who is this special guest?"

"It's a surprise." She smiles at me.

"Mom, you know I hate surprises!" I whine.

"Trust me, Gracie, you're going to love this one."

After the three-hour drive, we pull into the supermarket. Mom grabs a cart and begins to grab all the basics: milk, eggs, butter, and flour.

"Do we really need all of this? Don't we have some stuff at home?" I ask.

"No, I haven't been grocery shopping in quite a while. What do you think we should cook for our guest?"

"I don't know anything about the person. Why are you asking me?"

"Well," she let out a sigh. "What would you want if you were coming to someone's house to visit?"

"Baked spaghetti!" I answer excitedly.

"Really? You always want baked spaghetti." She says.

"Well, you asked." I say, rolling my eyes.

"I was thinking roasted chicken and potatoes, maybe with asparagus?"

"Wow, you're trying hard to impress this person."

"No, I just want to have a nice meal." She says.

After mom practically bought the whole store, we finally make it back home. I help her put the groceries away as she's rambling on and on about how important this guest is, what she's going to cook, and how special tomorrow is going to be.

"Alright, I'm going to bed." I tell her and start to walk out of the kitchen.

"Goodnight. You need to get your rest tomorrow, which is going to be a big day." She grabs me and hugs me. What has gotten into her?

I walk up the stairs to my room and get ready for bed. After brushing my teeth and changing into my pajamas, I throw myself backward on the bed. I stare at the ceiling, thinking back on the last five weeks. I met so many incredible people and made so many friends. I've never felt such a sense of belonging before. I pull out my phone and begin to flip through all the pictures I took while there. I stop at a picture of Jay and me. I can't stop thinking of the instant connection I felt to him, and I don't mean in a weird or creepy way. He just gets me. I'm different; I've always been different. I've never fit in anywhere, and it was nice to finally fit in and to have someone who understood the stuff I've been dealing with. I put the phone down, and as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder if I'll ever see him again.

I wake up to the light from the window shining in my face through the crack in the curtains. I look at the clock and see 10:42. Wow, Mom actually let me sleep in. Without even changing out of my pajamas, I begin to make my way down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." Mom greets me.

"Good morning," I say, walking to the cabinet and pulling out a box of cocoa pebbles and a bowl.

"How was it sleeping in your own bed again?" She asks.

"Amazing, dorm beds are not comfy." I turn around to grab the milk out of the fridge and see Anna walk in. "So, are you the special guest?" I ask her.

"Yeah, I would say I'm pretty special." Anna says back.

"No, she's not." She turns to Anna. "You shouldn't even be here!"

I grab my cereal and walk out of the kitchen into the living room. I sit down on the couch and flip through the TV channels as they continue to argue. After about 10 minutes later, Anna walks by and leaves without saying a word.

"I need to talk to you for a minute." Mom says as she walks into the room and sits on the couch beside me. I turn off the TV and turn toward her. She takes the bowl of cereal out of my hand and sits on the coffee table. She takes both of my hands and holds them in hers.

"Are you ok?" I ask.

"Yes, but things are going to change today. I want you to know that no matter what happens, I am still your mother, and I still love you more than anything. You are my little girl, and you always will be." She starts to tear up.

"Mom, you're scaring me." I say on the verge of panic.

"Don't worry, Gracie, everything is fine. I'm afraid you're going to hate me after today and I just want you to know that I love you and I've done everything I could to make sure you had the best life and even if you hate me that doesn't change."

"I love you, Mom. We may not always get along, but I don't hate you." I give her a big hug.

"Ok," she says, pulling away from me and wiping her tears. "You need to go get ready. He's going to be here soon."

"Wait, he? Are you getting married, and you want me to meet and approve of the guy first? Is that why you think I'm gonna hate you?" I ask, although I'm afraid of her answer.

"Hannah Grace! Absolutely not! There is a prerequisite to marriage. I haven't dated anyone since your father and I really didn't even date him either."

"Ok, good because I don't want a stepdad." I laugh.

"Not going to happen, now go get ready." She says.

After getting ready, I hear the doorbell ring, and I rush down the stairs to see who it is. I hear Mom yell from the other room for me to get the door. I walk over and open the door and, to my surprise, see Jay standing there with a bouquet of flowers.

"Jay?" I ask, confused.

"Hey, Gracie."

Oh no, no, no, no. She said she wasn't getting married, but she didn't say if she was going to be dating anyone.

"No... I'm not okay with this. I didn't even think you liked each other." I start to mumble.

"What?" He asks.

"You and my mom? Seriously? I'm not okay with you dating."

"What are you talking about?" He asks with a confused look.

"Well, is that not what this is? You brought her flowers."

"Actually, the flowers are for you."

"Umm, I'm too young for you, Jay." I joke.

Just then, mom comes up behind me. "Are you not going to let him in?" She asks before grabbing the door and opening it wider. "Come in, Jay. Apparently, Gracie forgot her manners."

I look between the two of them. Is she wearing makeup? She never wears makeup. I cross my arms over my chest and continue to look between them. They look guilty of something; I just haven't figured out what they've done yet. "This is suspicious." I say, and they look at each other like they're trying to come up with an excuse. Mom takes the flowers from Jay and hands them to me.

"Here why don't you go into the kitchen and put these into some water?" She says. I walk off, and as I get to the kitchen, I turn and step into the hallway instead where I can listen, but they can't see me. I hear Jay start to ask if this is a good idea, but he's suddenly cut off.

"Gracie kitchen now!" Mom yells at me.

Ugh, I don't know how she does that. I stomp off into the kitchen, find a vase, and fill it with water.

After a few minutes, mom calls for me to come back into the living room. I walk back in to find them both seated on the couch, and Jay looks really nervous. Mom pats the couch between them and motions for me to come sit, and I oblige.

"I know you've been asking questions lately about your father, and I know you've had a hard time not having him in your life."

"Yeah." I say not really sure what any of this has to do with Jay being here.

"Well, I finally decided it was time to meet him and put the pieces together that you've been missing."

She continued talking, but I didn't really hear any of it. I was too focused on the fact that I was actually going to be able to meet my dad. I'll finally get the answers to all the questions I've had, but what if he doesn't like me or want to be a part of my life?

"Gracie," Jay says, snapping his fingers in front of my face. "Did you hear anything I just said?"

"No, sorry, I kind of zoned out after I heard that I would get to meet my dad." I say, and they all just stare blankly at me. "Wait, what if he doesn't like me or doesn't want anything to do with me?" I start to panic. Jay puts his hands on my shoulders.

"Gracie, calm down, I would never do that to you."

"What?" I ask, confused.

"Gracie, I'm your father. I found out when I saw you and your mom on campus for the first time. That's why I got so angry. I put the pieces together and realized you were mine. I was angry at your mother for keeping it from me, not about you being my daughter."

"You're my dad?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes, Gracie, I'm your dad, and I could not ask for a better person to be my daughter."

"Oh my God, you're my dad!" I squeal when the realization finally hits me. I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. "I've been waiting for this moment my entire life! I think I have the coolest dad ever! Wait, weren't you a wanted criminal or something? Are the police still after you? That's why Mom said she couldn't tell you about me." I ask as a whole new fear sets in. I just found out about him that I don't want to lose him.

"I was a wanted criminal, but I spent six years in prison. I did my time, and I am free now. You have nothing to worry about."

"Oh, thank goodness, I don't want to lose you."

"That's never going to happen, Gracie."

"I want to know everything. Tell me about your family. Am I really named after your sister? Can I meet her? Did you tell her about me?" I ask every question that pops into my mind.

"Woah Woah Woah. I can only answer so many questions at a time. I have two sisters, Lily and Hannah. Yes, you were named after Hannah."

"We actually met because of Hannah. I decided to name you after her because if it hadn't been for her, you wouldn't be here." Mom adds.

"So, how exactly did you guys meet? I thought you met at the diner?" I'm finally able to ask without getting shut down.

"That was our first time meeting face to face, but we knew each other before then." Jay says.

"Remember when I told you I was having dinner with some friends, and I saw him there in the back corner? Well, those friends were his sisters and another friend, Jessy."

"Hannah was kidnapped and accidentally sent your mom's number to her boyfriend Thomas, to who she is now married. Being a hacker, I was able to see the text and get her number and contact her."

"Oh, that's awful." I say.

"He texted me and I thought he was kind of creepy at first but" she sighs and looks up at Jay before quickly looking back down to me, "it didn't take long before I had completely fallen in love with him."

I look over at Jay to see his reaction. Maybe they could be together again, and we can be a family. He was looking down like he was purposely avoiding eye contact with her.

"What happened then?" I ask.

"Well, thanks to Marabella and their friends, Hannah was rescued. I knew they were going to East View to meet her, so I decided I would take a chance and show up and watch from a distance. I never intended to actually meet her that night." He says.

"I saw this hooded man in the back corner with his laptop, and I immediately knew it was him. After dinner was over, and we said our goodbyes, I walked back to his table and just sat down."

"She caught me completely off guard. I didn't expect her to know it was me much less actually come sit at my table and attempt to make small talk with me." He says, smiling at her.

"It was awful. He was never good at small talk, and he was even worse in person. Once I got him to talk, though we never stopped, we talked about everything and eventually ended up back at my apartment. We talked about the future and even made plans to run away together."

"She promised to never leave me." He said bitterly.

"And I had no intention of ever breaking that promise, but then I found out I was pregnant. I had no choice." She looks up at him, and it's easy to see how sad she is. I came along and messed up their happy ending.

"Was there really no other choice?" I ask.

"No, there wasn't." Jay answers instead of Mom. "There were some really bad people after me, and they wouldn't have hesitated to hurt you or worse just to get to me. As much as it hurt and as much as I would give anything to have known about you sooner, her running away was the best thing she could have done for you at the time."

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

Jake's P.O.V.

"She promised never to leave me." I say bitterly. I wasn't trying to let my emotions show, but hearing her talk about how she supposedly loved me made it hurt all over again.

"And I had no intention of ever breaking that promise, but then I found out I was pregnant. I had no choice." She looks up at me, and if I didn't know any better, I would think it hurts her too.

"Was there really no other choice?" Gracie asks.

"No, there wasn't." I find myself defending her. "There were some really bad people after me, and they wouldn't have hesitated to hurt you or worse just to get to me. As much as it hurt and as much as I would give anything to have known about you sooner, her running away was the best thing she could have done for you at the time." I look over and see both Marabella and Gracie looking at me as if they were surprised I agreed. Honestly, I'm surprised myself.

"Looking back on it now, maybe I could have found a better way, but at the time, it didn't seem like it. I was wrong for leaving the way I did without saying anything to anybody. I turned my back on everyone that day, and I hope someday they can all forgive me." Marabella says. Her words cut my heart like a knife. It's hard to describe the way I feel listening to her talk about the past and hearing the pain in her voice. I would be lying if I said I wasn't starting to realize why I fell for her all those years ago, but I'm a different person now. I'm incapable of having those feelings again, especially for the woman who broke my heart into a million pieces.

"So have you not dated anyone since then, either?" Gracie asks, taking me by surprise.

"Gracie!" Marabella scolds her.

"What?" Gracie asks innocently.

"You haven't dated anyone since then?" I ask Marabella, and instantly, her face turns red.

"I'm sorry. Gracie has such a big mouth!" She says without actually answering the question. Before I can say anything, she stands up. "Well, you two have some talking to do. I'm going to go into the kitchen and get stuff ready for dinner later." She turns and quickly disappears into the kitchen. Gracie lets out a soft giggle, and something tells me she asked that question to purposely embarrass her.

After a few hours of chatting with Gracie and hearing all about her life and answering a ton of questions about mine, Marabella comes out of the kitchen to tell us dinner is ready. We all move to the dining room to eat. Marabella has already set the plates of food on the table, and we sit down to eat.

"You know, I do have a birthday coming up in just a few months," Gracie says.

"You do?" I ask.

"Yes, I will be 13." She says.

"What do you want for your 13th birthday?"

"Well, I would like some upgrades to my computer, new clothes, and well the new Playstation did just come out a few months ago." She says with a big smile.

"Wow, that's a lot for a birthday." I joke.

"Well, you have 12 to make up for." She says, making us all laugh.

"You can't just expect to get 13 years' worth of presents in one day." Marabella says.

"Well, I have to at least try." Gracie laughs.

After we have all finished eating, I help Marabella clean up and put the dishes away.

"It's probably time to start heading home." I tell them.

"No, you can stay here tonight." Gracie says before turning to Marabella. "Please, can dad stay here just for the night?" Her words almost caused me to tear up. She actually called me Dad.

"Dad?" Marabella asks, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Yes, he is my dad, or do you want me to start calling you by your first name, too?" She says defensively.

"Hey," I kneel down to the same level as Gracie and pull her around to face me. "I don't think she meant that the way you're thinking. I just don't think either one of us were expecting you to start calling me dad this soon." I say, and we both look up at Marabella.

"Exactly." She says, and Gracie turns back to me.

"You can call me whatever you want to, whether that be dad, Jay, or something else. What I don't want is for you to call me something you're uncomfortable with because you feel obligated."

"I've spent my whole life wishing I had someone to call Dad, and now that you're here, I don't want to wait anymore."

"Ok, then Dad, it is." I give her a big hug. "Now, is Mom going to let me stay here? I don't want to be a bother." I say, and we both look at Marabella expectantly.

"Of course, you can stay here tonight. You two have a lot of time to make up for."

"Come on," Gracie grabs my hand. "I'll show you to the guest room."

[myhockeyworld87]

Favorite Season - Jonathan Toews

Word Count: 8,690

POV: Jon’s

Notes: So this is me in my sad bitch hours, so let me apologize in advance to everyone. This story just sort of popped into my head when I listened to Mariah Carey’s Miss You Most at Christmas Time and so I decided to put it down on paper so to speak. Sorry I haven’t been on much lately, but hopefully that will change with the new year. Guess I needed a little cleanse, but I’ll post more on that later. Happy Reading and Happy New Year! I hope you are spending it with friends or family or both. May 2021 bring you peace, joy, health and happiness!

Sidenote: This is not my gif

Second Sidenote: Wishing Jon the best and hoping that he is able to be back on the ice soon!

People always assumed when you talked about what season you loved the most, that you meant hockey, for obvious reasons of course; it was your profession, but once you'd met (Y/N), the word season took on a whole new meaning. You'd kindly respond and tell them no, that wasn't the season you were talking about. They then assumed that you'd meant spring, for that's when (Y/N) walked into your life. Well, ran into was more like it. She'd been rushing to the United Center for an interview for a summer internship program, while you were on your way out. Neither one of you had been paying attention, which is how you'd ended up holding her in your arms that first time. You knew from that first moment that you never wanted to let her go.

 "Oh, I'm so sorry," (Y/N) said as she tried to regain her footing.

 "No, it's my fault. I should've been watching where I was going." She stepped out of your arms to pick up the strewn contents of her bag and being the gentlemen that you were, you knelt down to help her. "Here let me help you." You picked up a small paperback book and glanced at the title. "Alors tu apprends le Francais?"

 "Oh geez, this is so embarrassing," she admitted, a blush staining her cheeks. "I just bought this book a week ago, in hopes to learn French but I'm afraid I don't know a word of what you said…well, other than French." She laughed softly to cover up her embarrassment, but the sound was like a melody that you wanted to play over and over again.

 "I just asked if you were learning French." You handed the book back to her with a smile, as you both stood up off the ground.

 "Well, don't I feel stupid." She placed the book back in the bag, then placed it on her shoulder. "But yes, I'm trying to learn French. I'm hoping to go to Paris after graduation. Which gives me approximately one year to learn the language, you so eloquently speak."

 "Thank you, but I grew up speaking it, so it comes naturally."

 "Ah, well, you're lucky." She took a step away. "I've got to run. Again, so sorry for bumping into you."

 "It really wasn't your fault."

 "We'll call it a draw," she said with a lift of her shoulder as she turned and walked away. It was then you noticed a small snowflake charm on the ground.

 "Wait, you forgot this." She turned back around, meeting you halfway.

 "Oh, this must have fallen off my keychain again. Thank you, I would've been devasted had I lost this. I owe you one."

 You weren't sure if they were just words spoken or if she truly meant them, but you decided to take a gamble. "How about dinner?"

 Her beautiful eyes got even larger, at your poor attempt to ask her out, and you thought you'd just made an idiot of yourself. "Um…sure." She dug into her bag pulled out a pen, then tore a page of her learn to speak French book out. She scribbled down her name and number, then handed it over to you. "Call me." Then she turned and took off again. "Sorry, I'm really late." She was halfway down the hall as you stood there glancing between her name and her. "Hey what's your name?" she called out.

 "It's Jon."

 "Make sure you bring my page to dinner. I expect you to teach me how to say whatever's on that." The words were no sooner out of her mouth than she disappeared down the hall. You called her later that night, and then the following day and every day after that. By the end of spring her French had improved, but not to the point where the two of you could have full conversations without her questioning words here and there. Yes, that spring had been magical and if someone would've asked you as summer started, you probably would've said that it was your favorite season. But then summer did start, and well that meant you got to see (Y/N) lounging by the lake in a bikini. Your twenty-year-old self thought there was no better season than this. Again though, that wasn't the season that would stand out in your mind. Nor would it be fall, when just after six months of dating her you told her you loved her.

 It hadn't been some grand gesture like you see in the movie. Rather it was really quite simple. You'd just lost the season opener to the Nashville Predators. It was your first season as captain of the team and you'd really felt the pressure; more from yourself than anyone else. You were the last to come out of the locker room, and you were feeling pretty defeated, but there stood (Y/N) leaning against the wall, holding a piece of paper which read, 'Tu Les Auras La Prochaine fois.' But it wasn't the sign saying that you'll get them next time that made your heart skip a beat, it was seeing her smiling face holding it that did it for you. "Je t'aime." The words were out of your mouth before you could think about it, and you didn't want to take them back. She looked a bit startled and unsure of what to say. "It means I love you, silly. Man, I really thought your French was getting better."

 "I…I know what you said. I just want to make sure, you meant it."

 "Je t'aime, Te Quiero, Ti Amo, they all mean the same, (Y/N). I love you. I probably should've said it the day I met you, but…" She still didn't say anything and suddenly you were starting to wonder if maybe today was too soon. "You don't have to say it back."

 "No…I mean…Yes…" She closed her eyes then, gathering her thoughts. "Damn, I said that all wrong. I love you too, Jon. Je t'aime." Her lips were on yours then, the kiss was like so many you shared these last few months, only there was more heat, more passion as you poured all your love for her into it. "Let's go home," she softly whispered when you broke apart, a glint in her eye that told you she wanted to show you how much she really loved you.

 Your lips quirked up into a smile. "Anything you want, mon amour."

 Yes, fall definitely was one of your favorite times, but it was Christmas that always held a special meaning.

 That first Christmas would always hold a special place in your heart. You could remember it like it was yesterday.

 You'd just come home from a quick road trip to Detriot. You dropped your bags off at your place and then headed over to (Y/N)'s apartment. When you got there, caricatures of her and her two roommates were drawn on the door, all three dressed for Christmas and around a cartoon tree. You had a hard time knowing where to knock for all the decorations on the door. (Y/N) came scurrying to the door. "You're back," she said jumping into your arms and kissing you soundly. Your lips never left hers as you stepped into the apartment.

 "Mmm, I see someone missed me."

 "I always miss you, but I'm glad you're back. You're just in time to help me hang the rest of these decorations. I could use your height."

 "Oh, so now you only want me because I'm tall." She released you then swatted you on the arm.

 "No, but it doesn't hurt. Here can you help me string these lights up?"

 You took the strand and hung them up per her instructions. "Boy, you really go all out for Christmas."

 "But of course, don't you?"

 "Not really. I don't even have a tree."

 "Wait, what? You don't have a tree?" She repeated your exact words as if the thought was impossible.

 "It's not really a huge deal in my family, besides I'm usually never home because of hockey," you told her as you finished hanging the lights. (Y/N) walked over to the closet, grabbed her shoes, and put on her coat, as soon as you were done. "Uh, babe, where are you going?"

 "To go get you some Christmas decorations." She opened the door, then looked back when you didn't follow. "Are you coming?" You had no choice but to follow her.

 The rest of the afternoon was spent picking out lights, ornaments, a tree, and more decorations than you could fit in your shopping cart, but you didn't mind being dragged from store to store as (Y/N)'s face lit up in every one of them. "Ok, star or angel?" she asked you holding up two tree toppers, but before you could answer she kept going. "I mean part of me thinks that we should go with the star. It's pretty traditional and well they always sing about hanging the star on top of the tree, but I like the symbolism of the angel."

 You looked both of them over when she finally decided to take a breath. "Angel, definitely." She turned the figurine towards her looking it over, while you walked behind her, letting your hands slide around her waist so you could pull her close. When she turned back to look at you, questioning your choice, you simply said, "You're my angel and she reminds me of you." She kissed you then, right there in aisle C8, amidst the Christmas decorations.

 "Angel it is then." She set the tree topper in the cart and the two of you headed to the checkout. On the way there, you spotted a sprig of mistletoe and tossed it in the cart unbeknownst to (Y/N). It wasn't until the tree was up that night, that she found it. "I don't remember putting this in the cart."

 "You didn't. I did." You took the mistletoe out of her hand and went to hang it up in the archway. "If we're going for full-on Christmas, we can't forget the best part." Grabbing her hand, you lead her over to where you'd just hung the little green sprig.

 "You really think you need this, to get me to make out with you?" Your hands encircled her waist as she spoke the words, and you drew her in close to you.

 "Well, no. This is just an excuse." You pecked her lips quickly. "Besides, this is my first time decorating for this holiday, I might as well go all out."

 She returned the kiss, only it was more heated as you slid your tongue inside her. She moaned into your mouth before pulling back. "In that case, let's make it a little more memorable." She stepped out of your embrace, her fingers trailing down to the button on your pants. It slipped out of the buttonhole easily, before she slid the zipper down. You sucked in a breath, as her hands snuck inside the waistband of your boxers and she slid them and your pants all the way to the ground. (Y/N) fell to her knees, her hands skating up your thighs as you felt her warm breath fan across your cock. It twitched before you felt her lips place a kiss right on the head. Her lips trailed all the way up and down the length of your shaft, teasing you.

 "Babe, you're killing me." A wicked glint in her eye was her answer back, as she placed her puckered lips on the head one last time before she finally took you inside her mouth. Your hands threaded through her hair as she sunk down to take most of you in. She took her free hand and wrapped it around the length that didn't fit inside and gave it a gentle squeeze, then her mouth started to work its own little bit of Christmas magic as she hollowed out her cheeks and sucked on your cock. "Damn, baby that feels so good," you hissed out, your hips rocking a bit into her mouth. If this was (Y/N)'s idea of Christmas traditions you were all for it, and mistletoe was definitely going to be a staple to your decorating every year.

 (Y/N)'s free hand slipped down to your balls where she cupped them and you felt yourself close to bursting. Your body tingled as she hummed around your cock. With her mouth and hands on you it felt like there was enough electricity coursing through your body that you could light up a million strand of Christmas lights at the moment. "(Y/N), I'm going to…" she didn't stop though just took your cock deeper until you swore you hit the back of her throat. It was that move, that pushed you over as you spilled your seed in her mouth. She swallowed as much as she could, though some dribbled out and you thought it was hot as hell.

 That night would forever live in your mind, as you returned the favor by making her cum not once but twice under that same mistletoe. Even though, it was one of your favorite memories from that first Christmas. It wasn't that, that made Christmas your favorite season. It was the way that (Y/N) embraced the joy of the season in everything she did. Even the simplest things were a little brighter with her around. She made everyone around sparkle and shine just like tinsel on a Christmas tree. Not that she wasn't always that way, but there was just something special about (Y/N) and Christmas and thus it became your favorite time of year.

 There had been no Christmas break that year in the NHL, meaning you had no time to head back home, so (Y/N) had invited you to her house to be with her family. They had welcomed you with open arms and you had found out, why she'd loved Christmas so much. Her family went all out, decorations were everywhere and presents were piled high. They'd included you in all their traditions, from frosting to cookies to playing Christmas charades. They even had you cut a piece of wheat for Baby Jesus's manager, as was their annual custom to do before opening presents Christmas morning. That first Christmas had set the tone for all those to follow after it.

 As Christmas drew to a close that year, you knew one thing for sure. That you never wanted to spend another one without her. It was an easy decision to ask her to move in with you, once she graduated college, and right before that Christmas that year, the two of you bought your first place together. To commemorate the event, (Y/N) had a special ornament made in the shape of a key.

 Hockey took precedence the following year, as you won the Stanley Cup and it seemed like the summer and fall flew by. One thing was for sure though, and that was that (Y/N) was with you every step of the way. You knew you had to make that Christmas extra special. It was the first time your family flew in for the holiday. (Y/N)'s family all came to your place as well that year. The house was filled with love and laughter and was about to get a little more exciting.

 All the presents had been unwrapped and everyone was lounging in the great room. "I think there's one more present here," you pointed to a box you had hidden off in the corner. "Looks like it has your name on it, babe."

 (Y/N) took the gift and looked at the tag. "It doesn't say who it's from."

 "Well, that happens from time to time. You know Santa's elves are really busy this time of year," her mom chimed in, giving you a little wink. "Go ahead and open it."

 She tore through the layer of paper to the box, then lifted the lid, which happened to reveal a smaller box. "Oh my god," she exclaimed, laughing as she took that wrapped package out and removed the paper again. Lifting the lid, she found yet another box. "You've got to be kidding me. Did you do this?" She was staring straight at you because she knew this was totally out of your character.  All you could do was simply shrug. The unwrapping went on for another six layers until she finally revealed a small black velvet box. All your family gasped as she went to open it. Her eyes were fixated on the container, as she slowly pulled back the lid. The look of excitement on her face was almost too much for you, and then her face fell, exactly like you thought it would. "There's nothing in it." She whispered, her voice small as she lifted her eyes to you. You could feel her family and yours glaring at you for pulling a stunt like this. You decided now would be a good time to put everyone out of their misery.

 Dropping down to one knee in front of her, you reached into your pocket and pulled out the extravagant ring that you'd had made for her. The gasp from everyone this time was probably heard down the street as they took in their first glimpse of the engagement ring. (Y/N) covered her mouth with her hands and you saw one lone tear slip down her cheek; a happy one, you hoped. "(Y/N), I was going to leave this in the last box, but then I couldn't. For your real present isn't this ring. It's me. That is if you'll have me." She was already shaking her head yes before you even had a chance to ask her the question. "I guess what I'm asking is if you'll spend every Christmas from now until the end of time with me?" Another tear slid down her cheek and this time you knew for sure it was a joyful one. "(Y/FN), will you be my wife?"

 "Yes, Jon, yes!" She was down on the ground in your arms kissing you before you could blink. She almost tackled you to the carpet, but your hand reached out and steadied you both on the end table beside you. That's when you realized the ring popped out of your hand and had fallen somewhere amongst the pile of wrapping paper.

 You broke from the kiss immediately. "Shit, I dropped the ring."

 "I don't care. You're my present and apparently my future as well." She locked her lips with yours again. The two of you were so caught up in each other, you forgot about the rest of your family in the room; who had now gone on a search for the engagement ring.

 "Found it," your mom said breathing a sigh of relief. You took it and slipped it on (Y/N)'s finger making it official. That Christmas was definitely one of the most memorable.

 The following summer you married. Most people expected the two of you to have this big grand wedding, which would've taken another year or more to plan, but neither you nor (Y/N) wanted that. Instead, it was a quiet ceremony with just family and close friends, exactly what you wanted, as you couldn't wait for her to be your wife. That Christmas was your first as husband and wife, and there was more than one Mr. and Mrs. Toews ornament hanging off the tree.

 Payback came your second Christmas as a married couple. There you were opening box after box. "Really babe? I would've expected this last year."

 "Gotta keep you on your toes, Mr. Toews."

 You unwrapped yet another box. "So is the Rolex we looked at a couple weeks ago in here?" She mimicked your shrug from two years ago. It had to be the watch, for the shrug was always (Y/N)'s go to move when she didn't want to tell you that you were right. Sure enough, as you peeled back the paper on the last package, there was the signature green box of the famous company. "Nice try babe, but I guess I outsmarted you this time." The hinge creaked as you opened the box, but you were shocked when there wasn't a watch inside, but a positive pregnancy test. "Are you…?"

 Your eyes locked with hers and she was nodding her head. "Yes, yes we are." Your lips were on hers in an instant, as this time you were the one with tears in your eyes.

 "I don't get the big deal over a watch." You heard your brother say in French in the background.

 "They're having a baby you idiot," your dad told him, cuffing him upside the head.

 Levi Abram Toews was born on July twenty-fifth of the following year, giving you a little bit of Christmas midway through the following year. His first Christmas was probably one of your favorites. At six months old, he was sitting up and just starting to crawl. (Y/N) had to move all the floor decorations up, because he started to chew on all the snowmen that he could grab. Levi's little eyes sparkled as he was mesmerized by all the twinkling lights and bulbs. You thought you couldn't love Christmas anymore, but seeing it through your son's eyes made the holiday even more joyous.

 When 2013 Christmas rolled around it had you hanging another Stanley cup ornament on the tree as the Hawks had won yet another one. It seemed as though the moment (Y/N) stepped into your life all the pieces just fell into place. She truly was the angel on top of the tree.

 You didn't think anything remarkable happened the Christmas of 2014 but by Valentine's day it became clear that your wife was pregnant again, and your new little one had to have been conceived on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. It too would always hold special meaning whenever you looked at your baby girl. Elizabeth or Lizzie as you liked to call her, joined your little family on September 25th, 2015. Making her the cherry on the cake to winning your third Stanley cup. Lizzie was daddy's girl and everyone knew it, even your wife. Of course, there were a few ornaments on the Christmas tree that year. One with Lizzie's picture in the cup, along with her first Christmas ornament, all got hung alongside the three Stanley Cup ornaments and Levi's bulb. Your tree was getting quite full.

 As were your wife's hands apparently, as you could see (Y/N) getting more and more tired as Christmas 2016 rolled around. Oh, she was still her fun-loving and joyful self, but she also looked completely exhausted most days. She would dust off any concerns and tell you that was the price she paid for having two kids under the age of four. "Babe, why don't you come and sit down," you told her having just gotten back from your last road trip before Christmas, which was only three days away.

 "I can't. I still need to finish wrapping the gifts, then I've got cookies to bake, and get the food prepped for Christmas Eve dinner."

 "What can I do to help?" You asked rubbing her shoulders as she worked in the dining room wrapping the presents since the kids were finally in bad.

 "You could…" She spun around to talk to you and that's when your heart fell out of your chest as she collapsed right into your arms. Your blood ran cold as you saw color draining from her face. Gently as you could, you laid her down on the floor, calling out her name. "(Y/N)…baby…(Y/N) please wake up." You ran and grabbed your bag knowing that you had smelling salts in there that the team used every now and then. Breaking it open, you wafted the scent over her nose, praying the whole time for her to wake back up. It took a bit, but eventually, she did rouse. "Oh thank god."

 "What happened?"

 "I was going to ask you. You just fainted in my arms." She made a move to get up but you could see that another bout of something had hit her again. "No just stay there. I'm calling the team doctor."

 "Jon, don't. I'm sure I'm just tired. I'll be fine."

 It was too late for her to try to change your mind as you already had the doctor dialed up. He asked a few questions, basically checking to see if she could be pregnant, but that wasn't an option as she'd just finished her period two days ago. He recommended that you head to the hospital and get (Y/N) checked out. It was a fight to get her there, especially so close to Christmas, but eventually, she gave in and once her parents came to watch the kids, the two of you were on your way.

 You rushed into the emergency room, where (Y/N) went through a series of tests. You hadn't realized until that moment, when (Y/N) was laying in the hospital bed, that she'd lost some weight and seemed very fatigued. Your wife was always this strong and unmovable force, yet right then she looked so frail. Mentally, you kicked yourself for not noticing these things earlier.  After hours of testing, the emergency room doctor came in to speak to you both. He told you that there was definitely something off in her blood work and that he wanted to admit her for further testing. (Y/N) put up a fight, not wanting to be in the hospital another minute. She insisted she had way too many things to do than just laying around waiting for them to tell her she would be fine.

 "You're staying and that's final." She argued with you, but in the end, you won out again.

 Thankfully, she was out of the hospital by Christmas Eve and when she came home, her parents and yours had most everything done so that it was a perfect Christmas for your children. It was two days after Christmas that you received the worst news of your life. (Y/N) had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. The doctor wasn't sure what stage it was in but wanted her for more testing before they would try and figure out treatment. It couldn't have come at a worse time, as you were just gearing up for a ten-day road trip.

 "I'm not leaving you."

 "Damnit Jon, you are going. You're the captain of the team and they need you," she shouted back to you. The two of you had been arguing since you put the kids in bed. Your parents were still there, they had decided to stay a little longer with (Y/N) being sick to help out with the kids and her parents were only minutes away, but none of that mattered.

 "I'm also the captain of THIS team," you said pointing back and forth between the two of you. "And right now, that's more important."

 "It's just some testing at this point. If there's anything more serious, you can be on the next plane back here." Her voice was quieter now, and you couldn't tell if she was just weak from cancer or tired of fighting, but you could see the determination in her eyes not to lose this battle. You needed her to keep that same look for whatever was to come and it was for that reason alone that you found yourself agreeing to go on the trip.

 She was right, you were only a phone call away, and she could facetime you in on all her appointments, which she did. It was not the way you wanted to find out that her biopsy showed her having stage two stomach cancer and that her chance of survival was thirty-five percent.

 You could see her crumbling on the screen, her mom and dad beside her for support, but it wasn't enough. You should've been there damnit. Why in the hell had you listened to her? You wanted to scream through the phone but couldn't; you needed to stay calm and be there for her. "Baby, look at me," you said in a gentle yet reassuring voice, and her tearstained eyes locked with yours. "We're going to beat this." She sniffled loudly, then straightened her back, that steely determination taking over.

 "Of course, we will." What you didn't know, was that she cried the entire ride home in the backseat of her parents' car, or how she made her dad ride around the block several times before going inside to see your children. All the while, you were on the phone with the team doctor finding out everything you could to help your wife. The two of you found the best specialist in North America and had her records sent there. A week later, you were by (Y/N)'s side at UPMC Medical Center in Pittsburgh determining the best course of treatment.

 She would do several rounds of pinpointed radiation to shrink the tumor before they would go in and remove it. It would all be followed up with some intense chemotherapy. The doctor told her she would more than likely lose her hair, and that it would make her extremely weak. They could set everything up to happen in Chicago so that she wouldn't have to leave your home.

 The surgery, which took place in February and caused you to miss a few games, went very well. The two of you stayed in Pittsburgh five days before flying back on a private plane home to your children. Who didn't seem to understand why mommy couldn't pick them up and carry them around anymore. Your parents and (Y/N)'s were godsends, as (Y/N) insisted you go back to hockey. You hated being away from her, though with every day that past you could see her strength building up. That was until the chemotherapy started.

 There were to be six to eight rounds of chemotherapy that (Y/N) was going to have to take. They would fall in four-week intervals. You were there the day she got her first one. It took over eight hours for her to receive the treatment through her port that the surgeon had put in. She seemed to take it really well or so you thought until you found her hunched over the toilet a couple days later throwing up. She tried to shake it off, act like it was nothing new, telling you it was just like being pregnant again, but you knew better. You could hear the tremble in her voice, see the tears she fought so hard to hold back, while you held back your own. You'd give anything to take this pain away from her, but you couldn't.

 It wasn't until round three that her hair started falling out in clumps. She was sitting at the breakfast table, the kids at her parents when she brushed it back to pull it out of her face. Strands of hair covered her fingers, a look of horror covering her face. "It's ok baby, we knew this would happen."

 She swallowed hard past the lump in her throat. "I just thought that I made it this far with it, that maybe they were wrong." You were at her side in a minute, holding her as she started to shake from head to toe.

 "Let it out (Y/N). It's ok to be sad or mad or anything. I'm right here." It was the first time that she'd cried about it, at least in front of you.

 "It's not fair Jon," she sobbed into your chest. "I want to be there to watch my kids grow up."

 "And you will, mon amour. We're going to fight this every step of the way." She cried for a solid hour, as you held back tears of your own, telling her in a calming voice that she was going to beat this. All the while being scared as hell that she might not.

 Later that day, you helped her shave every strand of hair from her head. It was the hardest thing you'd had to do in your life. You'd rather take a ninety mile an hour puck to your face then to see your wife this broken and defeated. In the end, she took a deep breath as she looked herself in the mirror, eyes still glassy from tears. "You will not beat me," she told her reflection, then looked at your reflection. "I will fight this with every breath I have." Your lip trembled as you fought back the river of tears that threatened to spill over at her strength. Your wife was a fighter, and you knew she would conquer this disease and you'd be beside her every step of the way.

 That summer you spent every available second with (Y/N) and the kids. Treatments became a normal part of your routine. The problem was with everyone, you saw your wife getting weaker and weaker. She was practically skin and bones, even though she would force herself to eat. When she took her final round of chemotherapy in October, you breathed a sigh of relief. The doctors said they wouldn't know if the chemo had worked for a few weeks and so you waited. Praying every night that her cancer was gone once and for all, and your wife would no longer have to suffer.

 A month later, you were back in Pittsburgh, sitting in front of the doctor who held your entire fate in his hands. "I'm afraid it's not good news," he started to say, and your face drained, while (Y/N) gripped your hand tightly. "The chemotherapy hasn't responded as we'd like." Everything he said after that was a garbled mess. Your mind clouded over and there was a loud ringing in your ears. You wanted to grab this man by the throat and tell him to make your wife better. That was his job, wasn't it? He was supposed to heal people, and damn it he should've done that for (Y/N). "I'm not giving up hope yet." It was those words that finally drug you out of the blinding rage that was coursing through your veins. He proceeded to say that there was an experimental drug and that they had no way of knowing if it would work, but it might be something the two of you would be interested in trying. He handed you a bunch of paperwork to go home and read before making any decisions.

 "I think you should take it," you told her the minute you got in the car.

 "Maybe we should read what he gave us first."

 "It doesn't matter what that says (Y/N) if it means that you get to stay here with me and the kids; I think we should do it."

 "It's not a 'we' Jon. It's me who has to do this. What if it has some long-term effects or…" she started to list scenarios, that meant nothing to you.

 "The only long-term thing here is that you're dead. Do you want that? Because I don't." You were yelling at her, and you didn't want to, but couldn't she see that this drug was your only option. "I need you (Y/N). The kids need you." This time you couldn't hold back the tears as they started to fall hard and fast down your cheeks. "Damn it, I love you and I'm not willing to lose you. Do you understand me?"

 You could barely see her swallow hard as tears flooded your vision, and while you knew you needed to be strong for her; you were finally breaking. "Ok," she whispered softly, and you grabbed her holding her to your body as close as you could with the console in the middle of the car. "I'll do it."

 "You will?" you mumbled into the crook of her neck. You could feel the dampness of her shirt from your tears but all that mattered was that she agreed to take the treatment.

 "Yes," she answered pulling you back so she could look in your eyes. "I'd do anything for you, my love." You kissed her then pouring every ounce of love you had for her into it.

 The following day, after reading through all the paperwork, (Y/N) called the doctor and got set up to take the new drug. Once you were back in Chicago, she started treatments right away. The drug was aggressive, even more so than her first round of chemotherapy and within two weeks she wound up in the hospital, her immune system so compromised that you had to suit up in a gown and mask every time you went to see her. The kids weren't allowed in, which killed her, but you had them facetime her every day.

 As Christmas grew near your spirits were low. (Y/N) insisted that you put up all the decorations just as you had every year. She ordered the kids' gifts online so that they wouldn't miss out on a single thing. Her only term for taking the new treatment was that you continue to play hockey. Her parents stepped up and watched the kids while you were away. You were just returning home from a road trip, about a week before Christmas when you stopped in at the hospital to see (Y/N) before heading home. When you walked into her room, you barely recognized her. Her frail form looked almost lifeless as she lay in the hospital bed, so much so that you had to check the rise and fall of her chest to make sure she was still breathing. Thankfully she was.

 "Salut mon amour," you said in a soft gentle voice, wanting her to know that you were there but at the same time not wanting to wake her if she was asleep. She turned her head to the side to see you, a weak smile gracing her chapped lips.

 A scratchy "hi," was all she was able to muster back. You took your gloved hand and held hers in it. God, what you wouldn't give to just touch her skin and feel her once again. But since you couldn't, you stroked your thumb back and forth over her palm, hoping that she could somehow draw from your strength.

 "How are you feeling today?"

 The smile dropped, and so did your heart. "I don't think this is working Jon." It was too soon to tell. Even the doctors had said that. She just needed to hang on, give the drug more time to work. "I think we need to start preparing for the worst." Her hand squeezed yours, whether it was for support or to support you, you weren't sure.

 "No, baby, I'm not ready for you to give up yet."

 "I know Jon, and I'm fighting I really am. But it's just so hard...Hard to breathe…Hard to move. I don't feel like me anymore." A tear slipped out and though you had a glove on your hand, you reached up and wiped it away.

 "You've just gotta fight (Y/N). You've got to do it for Levi, and Lizzie, and god baby please do it for me." You were begging now, both her and god. You couldn't lose her, you weren't ready to live your life without her yet.

 "I will my love…..but Jon, there may come a day when I can't fight anymore and I need you to support me on that." You knew what she was talking about, that if the doctors wanted to put her on a ventilator, she didn't want that. Though if it could save her…you weren't sure you could follow her wishes.

 You nodded your head not willing to put in words something you couldn't promise just yet. You stayed there with her for a while; until she basically kicked you and told you to go home and get some sleep. The moment you walked in the door of your house, you screamed in anger. There were all the decorations that (Y/N) made you hang with the kids and you hated every one of them. They were torturous reminders that your wife wasn't there this Christmas, that she couldn't be with you and the kids. You grabbed the strand of garland that hung on the archway into the living room and ripped it down, throwing the ball of mistletoe across the room. It felt good, and so you tore down some more, just letting all your anger and frustrations out. It was a side of you that hardly ever came out even on the ice. Oh, you'd definitely dropped the gloves a time or two but only when someone really deserved it. Only now there was no one to fight. It was a disease and you couldn't throw it up against the boards or punch it in the jaw. So instead, you took it out on the decorations. Every wreath that hung on the wall you ripped it apart with your bare hands. Every Santa figurine that sat on the table, you smashed against the floor. You were just about the tear the stockings off the fireplace when you stopped. It was seeing your wife's name knitted into the fabric that got you and instead you carefully took it off the hook and brought it to your face as if it were her and you could simply hold her that close once again.

 "Please (Y/N), please don't leave me," you called out to the void that was your house, as you dropped to your knees, tears freely flowing down your face. It was all too much. You'd finally reached that breaking point and just laid on the flooring sobbing and praying to God to save your wife. It was the only Christmas wish you had. Sure, you'd prayed when you were younger asking god to make you a better hockey player and then that you would be drafted in the NHL, but never in your life had you wanted anything like you wanted this, for your wife to be fine, for her to live a happy healthy life with you and your children. You'd trade everything you had if you could.

 At some point, you picked yourself up and looked at the disaster that you'd made in what was once a storybook Christmas home. (Y/N) would be so disappointed in what you had done, not to the house, but to the mess that your kids would walk into when they would come home. You cleaned up the broken shards of glass, restrung the garland, and tried to salvage what you could of the other decorations you'd destroyed yet somehow the house still seemed to be missing something. There were tons of extra decorations in the closet, as your wife seemed to always buy more and more every year, well you couldn't really blame (Y/N) as you tended to help as well. So, you dragged yourself upstairs to see what else might try and make the place a bit more festive.

 It was in rummaging through the closet that you stumbled upon it. It was a simple container, not very big with the word "Love," written in script on the top. You peered inside and were stunned to find dozens of envelopes, each marked with either yours or your children's name on them. It was then that you realized they were goodbye letters from your wife, as some were addressed to Levi and Lizzie on their eighteenth birthdays or their graduations. There was even one for each of them on their wedding day. A gasp left your mouth at the realization that she didn't plan on being around for any of these occasions. You weren't sure what hurt more, the fact that she was giving up or that you'd be facing a life without her.

 All that anger and hurt from moments ago came surfacing back and you had the urge to punch your fist through the wall this time, though you fought it for the sake of your kids. Flipping through the envelopes you saw different ones with your name on them. You picked up the one that was on top of the pile marked 'To Jon on Christmas Eve.' It was heavier than what you thought and you realized that it wasn't a letter but a video. Taking the box, you headed downstairs to see what your wife had to say.

 Somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew you shouldn't be watching this, as you hit the play button on the remote control, yet you couldn't stop yourself. Maybe there would be something on here that could help you convince her to fight harder. It took a second for (Y/N) to come on the screen. She looked weak, yet still as beautiful as ever as she sat in the chair up in your bedroom. Her wig was on, probably in hopes that you'd remember her like she once was and not the sickly cancer patient she feared everyone saw.

 "Bonjour, mon amour." God, you loved how she spoke French to you. She'd been so earnest in her studies those early days and now was rather good at it. "I'm not sure where to start with this. I want you to know that this is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I hope that you're watching this after the kids' are in bed and you've put all the presents under the tree. God, how I'll miss doing that with you, but I know that you will make this Christmas and every one after special for our two little angels. They are so lucky to have a dad like you, just like I was so lucky to have you as my husband." Tears were streaming down (Y/N)'s face as she spoke to you on the screen, just as they were flooding your eyes.

 "I love you so much," she swallowed hard, the movement visible as her body was frail. "Even more than I love Christmas." It was a small attempt at humor on her part, and you wish that you could smile at it, but at the moment all you had were tears of sadness. "Remember that first Christmas when we bought the tree topper together. You told me then that I was your angel. Well, now I truly am. I hope that when you place her on top of the tree, you'll know that I'm smiling down at you and our babies." Your eyes automatically went to the angel on the tree. Her soft smiling eyes shining right into yours. A sob broke from you then, as you realized how much the angel looked like your wife. She had the same eyes, the same hair, and the same soft easy smile that melted your heart.

 "I'm going to miss this time of year with you; the laughter, the joy, the mistletoe. It was always my favorite season with you, though you made everyday special." You knew how she felt, for you had a feeling you'd miss her most at Christmas time. "Jon, I'd give anything to be with you right now. Just know that if I had to do it all again, I would. I'd go through every treatment, every needle, every single bit of it, if it meant one more Christmas with you…hell, even if it was one more day with you." She wiped away the tears then, visibly collecting herself to continue on with what she had to say.

 "But I want you to be happy, Jon. I want you to love again. I want you to find joy in not only Christmas but every day, even if I'm not there. And I can see you sitting there, shaking your head and telling me it's not going to happen, and maybe it won't tomorrow or the next day, but I hope it does someday. I love you too much to not want you to love again. Be happy, you deserve it." You weren't sure how she could ask this of you, there was no way that it would ever happen if she wasn't in your life.

 "Bumping into you was the best thing that ever happened to me. You were the best thing to happen to me, Jonathan Toews and for that I thank you. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, husband, or father. You will always be the love of my life...and what a life we had." There was still more of it to be had, you just knew there had to be. "I love you, Jon. Merry Christmas, my love." It took another second and then the screen went blank.

 "I love you, (Y/N)," you whispered up the angel smiling down at you. Tears clouded your vision until all the lights just seemed to melt into one giant one. This was not how things were meant to end. You laid your head back against the sofa and closed your eyes and just prayed. Even though you'd just done that hours ago, you asked God to do the impossible, to give you a Christmas miracle.

 At some point, you must have fallen asleep, for you woke up sometime later to a gentle hand on your shoulder. "Jon, sweetie, wake up, my love." You could swear that was your wife's voice. It took your eyes a minute to regain focus, but it was your wife standing over you, in Christmas pajamas, her hair tied back in a ponytail. Her hair, you thought vaguely, not some wig because she'd lost all hers, and she looked healthy, strong in fact.

 "You're here? You're ok," you said jumping up and running your hands down her arms.

 Her smile told you then that it hadn't been a dream like you thought, and you looked over to the screen on the tv, to see the Christmas message she'd sent you back up on the screen. "You were watching it again, weren't you?" she asked.

 You had to shake yourself to get the cobwebs out of your brain. It was six years ago that you found the video, though you've replayed it every year since. That first time watching it you'd wanted to run to the hospital and shake some sense into your wife, but something stopped you. Maybe deep down you knew she had never truly given up, for she had called you Christmas Eve saying that she was feeling much better. The kids had gotten to see her on Christmas day, though there were still precautions taken. It was a week later that she was home and with you as her strength continually improved. She grew stronger every day after that as well. It was months later that her cancer was declared gone by the doctors, the new treatment having saved her life and yours in the process. She was a survivor and you thanked God every day for giving you that miracle you'd asked for so long ago. "I still don't know how you found them," she said to you. "Or why you continue to watch that video every year."

 "I watch it because it reminds me of how close I was to losing you." Your arms encircled her waist now, drawing her closer to you. "And how magical the Christmas season is as it brought you back to me." You gazed into her loving eyes, yours shining with that same love you saw in hers. "And to hold you a little tighter each day." You did exactly as you said, squeezing her so that no space was between either of you, before dropping a kiss to her lips.

 "I'm not sure it was the Christmas season that helped me find the strength to fight. I'm pretty sure it was you, Mr. Toews." Her lips found yours in a soul-stealing kiss, as she poured all her love for you into it.

 You maneuvered the two of you under the archway where the sprig of mistletoe always hung. "Well, Mrs. Toews, Christmas will always be my favorite time of year, though I treasure every day with you. Joyeux Noel, mon amour."

 "Merry Christmas, Jon."  

.

[evanoracronwell]

Sunrise

Malex Cupid 2021 by @malex-cupid​

Day 3: “Do you know what today is?”

Also on ao3

__________________________________________________________

It is the sound of the phone ringing that awakens him.

With a grunt, he rolls over the bed until he reaches the nightstand and picks up the device, when he sees the notification on the screen the smile opens on his lips, and any irritation at being woken up disappears.

I'm already on my way home.

I can't wait to see you.

Love you.

Alex.

Alex, his beautiful and irresistible boyfriend.

And fuck if Michael would ever get tired of that word.

Smiling like a teenager, Michael answered the message, and as soon as he pressed to send he heard the growl coming from his feet on the bed. Wrinkling his nose, he looked at the beagle spread on the bed with his face completely mashed from sleeping.

"What is it, girl? It's not that early, it was almost time to get up anyway. We have a lot of things to take care of today"

With an excitement that made Buffy snort indignantly, Michael got out of bed and goes straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower and finish waking up.

Today was a very important day.

It was the first Valentine's Day that he and Alex would spend together, as a couple.

And well, honestly speaking, it was the first Valentine's Day that Michael would celebrate at all. He had no idea how to make it work. But it had to be perfect.

Because Alex deserved nothing but perfection.

So he changed his clothes and get ready to start the day.

He took Buffy for a walk even though the dog was clearly outraged about getting out of bed so early on Sunday morning.

He cleaned the whole cabin, feeling extremely proud of the home he built with Alex.

Now completely renovated, the cabin barely resembled that house that Alex had inherited from old Jim.

The couple's bedroom had been painted a light color, the bed replaced by a king bed, the wardrobe custom-made by Michael himself. The chair in the corner where Buffy always took refuge to sleep when she wasn't in bed with them.

The bathroom had been enlarged and adapted to Alex's needs, the treat they had done to themselves by buying a hot tub, and that they spent hours and hours in the water relaxing after a tiring day.

The living room now has a huge and comfortable sofa, armchairs and a television.

The kitchen had been renovated and modernized.

Everything was so perfect, so ... theirs.

The photos were scattered around the rooms. Showing captured moments of happiness between him, Alex, and the whole gang.

After so many years, Michael finally had a home to call his own.

And most importantly, a home with Alex. What made it even more special

With the house clean it was Buffy's turn to face the terrible shower, and the cowboy could only laugh while the dog whimpered as if she were suffering the worst torture at the hand of one of her fathers. But there she was, bathed and smelling the baby scent of the products they bought at the pet store, and with a pretty red bow that Isobel had made to buy for the dog.

And that was exactly why today had to be just perfect.

Because after eight months of living together, he would finally ask the hand of that beautiful man in marriage.

"Okay girl, now you behave yourself because Dad needs to go out and buy things to make dinner. Your daddy will be here tonight." He smiled when he saw how Buffy immediately reacted to Alex's mention. "That's right, girl, he'll be back today."

Michael had also changed a lot, months ago he had opened his own mechanical garage after old Sander decided to retire, the place had undergone a major renovation and was nowhere near the old Junkyard. Michael even had employees working with him, well ... just two kids that Michael was still training and teaching everything. But they were good kids and above all, hardworking, and after all, Michael never even imagined that he would have his own business.

As he drove to the market downtown, Michael found himself thinking about how much life had changed.

After Alex finally left the air force, he got a job at a private security company in Washington, but luckily he could work remotely, they paid extremely well and it made the job too perfect for Alex to turn down, so now taking the few trips he took to personally attend a few customers, Alex was always at home.

When parking the truck in front of the market, the cowboy smiled when he saw his sister standing at the front door waiting for him.

"You know when I said I was coming to the market when you called me, it wasn't an invitation for you to join me." Michael grunted, rolling his eyes as he grabbed a shopping cart and Isobel joined him in the aisles.

"Please, as if you could keep me away. Now tell me, how are the preparations for the big night?"

"I already cleaned the whole cabin and bathed Buffy and yes, I put on the bow you brought her yesterday."

"Great, my niece has to be beautiful. The candles?"

"I have already spread some of those aromatic candles around the house, I will light them as soon as I hear his car pull over. The delivery man left the flowers for me just before I left the house, they are already in the water and I will finish fixing them when I return home."

"Your clothes?"

"Washed and ironed."

"The ring?"

"On my nightstand."

"Your heart?"

"Coming out from my mouth."

Isobel laughed out loud at her brother's terrified look and hugged him around the waist, laying her head on his shoulder as she watched Michael go putting all the items in the cart.

"Michael, he loves you. Nothing is going to go wrong tonight, trust me. He will say yes. There is no couple in the world more perfect for each other than the two of you."

"We really are perfect together, aren't we?"

Isobel laughed again at her brother's silly passionate look, but she still agreed, because in fact there was no couple more in love and more perfect for each other than Michael and Alex.

"So, what's the menu going to be?"

The small box in his trouser pocket seemed to weigh a ton, making Michael's nervousness increase by the second.

Well, it turns out that cooking seems a lot easier in the videos he had seen on the internet than in practice. Not that Michael was not a good cook, he was, but he understood a lot more about cooking typical daily foods, yet he couldn't deny that he did an excellent job.

A few hours later and he had a perfect gorgonzola risotto, a rare grilled steak with a sauce of herbs and vegetables sautéed in butter. The table was already prepared with candles and a flower arrangement, beautiful, but small so that it wouldn't disturb them to look each other in the eye.

With a shower already taken and perfumed Michael looked in the mirror, that was not the kind of clothes he used to wear, dark gray trousers and a light blue shirt, but it was worth it, especially when he knew how turned on gets seeing him like that.

Perfect.

Tonight had to be perfect.

When Alex parked in front of the cabin all he could think about was how much he missed Michael, after four days away, all he wanted to hug his boyfriend and get into the hot tub for hours.

Upon opening the door, however, Alex felt his heart skip a beat.

"Do you know what today is?”

The room was lit only by two lamps that barely gave any light, leaving the rest of the lighting responsible for some candles. And flowers, white roses because Michael knew it was Alex's favorite, scattered as buds and petals everywhere. And right there, in the middle of the room, the most beautiful of all men.

Michael looked at him with a smile on his lips and his eyes were already watering.

"Michael ...?" Alex asked confused but thrilled as he dropped his backpack at the entrance to the cabin and took a step closer to Michael.

"It's Valentine's Day Alex, our first Valentine's Day together. And I've spent a lifetime wishing for this day, but never really believing that it could truly happen. Thirteen years ago you gave me a place to spend the cold nights, a guitar, and one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen in my life. " Michael started talking, staring at Alex, who was still a little confused, walking towards his boyfriend until he stopped in front of him. "You showed me that there was good in people and that there was a place for me here, on Roswell. On this planet. You gave me hope, Alex, hope that I could be happy, hope that there was more to people than just cruelty and second intentions. You taught me what it is to love and be loved in such a pure and intense way that it stayed with me, saved in my heart for more than a decade. Nurturing and comforting me every time I felt alone and lost. "

The cowboy smiled and touched Alex's face, who was looking at him so beautifully, his eyes already wet and shedding silent tears, both of them barely moving in fear of breaking that moment so sublime. Michael, speaking in a whisper as if he was afraid to wake up from that dream he felt he was living.

"There hasn't been a single day in my life that I haven't missed you, that I haven't thought of you, and most of all, that I haven't loved you. I'm yours, Alex, totally and completely yours, body, soul, and heart. I am yours to do anything you want. I always have been and will continue to be until my last breath, and beyond that too. I waited more than a decade to finally have you in my arms, and here we are living a life that I never even dared to dream of being possible. But we're here, celebrating our first Valentine's Day together. But I want more. "

With a beautiful smile, Michael took the box out of his pocket and saw how Alex immediately choked and sobbed as Michael went down on one knee showing him a beautiful and delicate silver band.

"I want to celebrate every Valentine's day with you, I want to start a family and see kids running around in our backyard, I want to adopt more dogs, I want to grow old by your side Alex. So please, could you make me the happiest man in the world and accept being my husband?"

Feeling completely overwhelmed with all the emotions he felt at that moment, Alex felt unable to even breathe for a few seconds while looking at Michael.

The beautiful and irresistible, Michael.

The eternal love of his life, Michael.

Kneeling at his feet asking Alex to be his forever.

"There is nothing in this world that I want more than to be your husband."

It was Buffy's bark that woke him, the small, plump beagle was lying on the sofa and Alex laughed when he saw her adorned with a red bow with the words "be my valentine" in white. Looking back at the man kneeling in front of him, Alex smiled so delighted and in love that Michael didn't even dare to blink for fear of losing that vision.

Alex never thought it possible to love that man more than he already did, but here was Michael proving him wrong.

Alex answered in a hoarse and choked voice and then threw himself into Michael's arms causing them to fall on the carpet in the middle of the room, between tears and laughter they kissed in love while Buffy barked and mumbled as if she were also celebrating the news.

"I love you, Michael." Alex murmured against Michael's already red and swollen lips after exchanging long, passionate kisses.

"I love you, too, Alex."

When the next day dawned, Michael grunted when he felt the light coming through the window waking him up. But the sigh coming from the man between his arms made him open his eyes and smile.

Last night had been perfect, much more than he had imagined.

Alex had accepted his proposal, they had eaten dinner while talking and listening to the soft melody that Michael had selected to play, and then they had spent a long time immersed in the hot tub where Michael sank into Alex's body, loving every bit of skin that he could touch. Only later, they went to bed and it was the cowboy's turn to ride Alex passionately, taking all the beautiful moans out of that mouth that he loved to kiss.

Now, holding the most important person in his life in his arms, Michael sighed contentedly as he brought his body closer to Alex, wrapping him tighter in his arms, and then smiled seeing the ring adorning that beautiful man's finger.

Alex, his fiance.

Alex, his future husband.

Yes, Michael smiled feeling his heart overflowing with love and happiness.

He smiled feeling the warmth of a new sunrise touching his skin and bringing all the promise of a long and happy life with Alex

Life couldn't be more perfect.

[thatiranianphantom]

I've read your take on the new season. I do believe that Betty and Jughead will eventually be back together, but it seems it will take a while. B*rchie will be explored and Jughead will apparently date Tabitha. Do you think the writers could wait until the end of the season to reunite Bughead?

Thank you for sending me this! I purposely left it till the end because this may get long. 

I made that post awhile ago, and I am still basically sticking to it, but some small things have changed. First of all, when did we hear that Jughead will date Tabitha? You may be right but I’d also be skeptical. Jughead’s romantic plate is a bit full. Actually, his plate, in general, is quite full with the season’s mystery and both Betty and Jessica. We know Riverdale doesn’t delegate well, and it doesn’t stop to take a breath in between plotlines. This has been accused of being the Jughead Jones show, but the reality is we can’t spend the entire time on Jughead and he's already quite busy. 

As to where the season will go, my guess is the following, accompanied by gifs from Dr. Horrible:

☞ The first episode, it has been said, is not bughead-heavy. The bed scene isn’t in this episode and it features very little prom. Likely, what happens here is Veronica sings Archie’s song and she finds out about the kiss. 

☞ In 5x02 and 5x03, they reveal the (*deep sigh*) auteur. It’s likely Charles and/or Chic, because Wyatt Nash’s last filmed episodes were these two. Likely, Jughead finds out here, and it is where the bed scene occurs. This is also when Bret comes back and I am hype. I literally cannot wait to see him stare longingly at Jughead again. I want to see the shrine to Jughead we all know Bret has, or the lock of Jughead’s hair that Bret strokes lovingly every night. Sean Depner, the love of my life, would agree with this. FP leaves in this episode, and what I’m getting is that he has carte blanche to come back, and he and Alice will probably not break up. Best for everyone. Can’t imagine Skeet’s phone is ringing off the hook. My money, frankly, is on Varchie breaking up here, but Bughead staying together. They will time jump at the end after graduation, so you’ll likely see a few minutes at the end of 5x03 that take place after the time jump. Long-ponytail Betty is likely from here, and we will see Jughead with someone who is *gasp* not Betty. 

☞ I would guess that 5x04 is all setup. They will introduce us to where the Core 4 are seven years later. Jughead’s (ex?) girlfriend, Veronica’s husband, Archie in the army, Betty working for the FBI. Exposition all over the place. TBF, I am oddly excited for this episode. I want to see adult Core 4. I think, despite how fast Riverdale moves through things, setup is needed here. They’re putting the show in a completely different place. That needs some time. Jughead is apparently an alcoholic now? Awesome. I am sure they’ll handle that with all the sensitivity they do everything with. 

They’d be called back to Riverdale (maybe Jughead and Toni are still there?) at the end of this episode. I swear to god Riverdale, if you tell me that any of these kids didn’t graduate, I will finally take this shitshow out of your hands. We may see the Core 4 reunite at the end of this episode. We’ll also see that Toni is pregnant now. My bet’s on surrogacy. You guys ever watched Hamilton? Remember “...and Peggy?” Well, “...and Kevin!” 

☞ Actual reunions start in 5x05. It’ll likely be super awkward. I’ve said it before, I hope there’s not actual anger. It’s been seven years. I get being hurt, I get it being awkward, but it’s been nigh on a decade, so I hope there’s not active anger, since that’s childish as hell. If speculation is right, though, Betty will spend time with both Jughead (case) and Archie (we’ll get there.) We can expect pining. I love pining. Longing looks? Bring it on. We got so few scenes before Bughead got together, and I thrive off the auto shop scene in 5x06. It’s so angsty. I die. Anyway, this is when we introduce the new Biggie Baddie. Mothmen, apparently. This is our first villain that is not an organic Riverdale villain. I miss villains like Buffy wrote them, but god, I sat through some S2 Evil-Hiram plotline and it made me long for stupid shit like mothmen because that plot was boring. 

☞  Look, I ain’t going to lie to you. I have no idea how they’ll tie in the mothmen plotline since like, mothmen don’t murder? But we all know that’s just secondary to the romantic stuff. I’m going to reiterate that regardless of how this shakes out, I could not be less interested in a full season of drama. However, in 5x06/5x07, we’ll likely see some Barchie. If there is sad!Dating, it’ll likely happen here, paired with some Bughead angst. Spoilers also tell us that Chad comes to Riverdale and is jealous of Varchie’s “friendship?” That requires at least a few scenes of them together, so we’ll likely see Varchie pining too. 

☞ I’m going to go out on a limb and say they’d probably currently be filming episodes 8 and 9. Chad is already there, as is Tabitha. The recent casting spoilers that came out will probably be in this episode, up to episode 10. I am going to say it’s likely that this’ll be about mid-season, which means the explosive action for the couples will probably happen here. Most indications of people I’ve spoken to say the couples will likely be back by mid-season(ish). So by the time the casting spoilers role is in the show, Barchie will be on its way out. This seems very mid-seasony to me. It’s usually right before a break and it entices people to come back for the back 9. So around episodes 8-10, expect rising action. 

☞ I very much doubt that Barchie will last past episode 12. The back 9 of the season will be pretty standard Riverdale fare - mystery and couple drama, but likely nothing as dramatic as the end of S4 or beginning of S5. As I said, Riverdale doesn’t delegate well. They do not breathe between plotlines. They grab the bit between their teeth and run. 

☞ Few stray observations: Veronica is married, and still tied to her family. That’s not as easy to leave behind as a short-term relationship. I would say I wonder how they’re going to get her out of that, but like, it’s Riverdale. Do also wonder if they’re going to forget about the alcoholism plotline. I would like to link the writer’s to the TVTropes page on Chekhov’s Gun. If it’s not essential, Riverdale, don’t include it. Also a bit curious to see how Choni reunite, since they inevitably will. And how they’ll write the baby out. 

(this is a wonderful interpretation of my relationship with this show. The show is Captain Hammer. I am Dr. Horrible.) 

[idkhyuck]

Fireflies- NCT DREAM Fanfic pt1 

I couldn’t shake the happy, freeing feeling this song gave me. So here’s the result of that

Y/N Goes on a camping trip with her best friends to celebrate their last year as teenagers

DREAM OT6 !BestfriendREADER with hints of romances.No warnings other than swearing as it’s really fluffy. A/N I don’t really know the Dream Timeline too well yet so in this they’re idols and it includes things from their careers but I've kind of created my own timeline. I Kind of want to continue this if anyone likes it. Feedback is appreciated. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you sure this is all we’ll need?” I asked looking at Jaemin and Jeno loading up our cart with a few sleeping bags. They both turned to me and nodded

“My dad’s got some stuff in the garage I can use. We can spend more money on food this way.” Jaemin said confidently as he pushed the cart down the aisle “maybe we should grab this just in case.” he said reaching for a tarp. I sighed knowing we’d end up back in this aisle before we left the store. Jeno nodded and followed behind him grabbing a few packs of the rope. and followed him, I rolled my eyes and grabbed the tent pegs they both walked passed. I’m so excited they have the weekend off. We’re going camping to celebrate our last summer being teenagers. Chenle and Jisung still had a some time left but it wouldn’t be the same without them with us so we’re bringing them along. We continued our shopping trip. I spent most of my teenage years with these boys. I stuck with them all through their trainee days after meeting in middle school, They’re my best friends and will forever have my support.

“I need swim shorts!.” Jeno said freezing in place as he turned to look for a sign to tell him where to go, he was such a lost puppy at times. I grabbed him and pointed him in the right direction. We made our way to the men’s wear section. I felt the stares of the girls that passed as they watched me walk with them. I wondered if they knew who they were or if they were just amazed at the beauty of the two of them like I am continually. I’ll probably never end up dating any of them but that didn’t stop my heart from noticing how handsome they’ve gotten over the years. I’ve literally had a legit crush on all of them at least once in the past 7 years, except Jisung he’s my baby and he hates it. the worst was Haechan at 17. They all knew except Haechan and it drove me nuts. You know when you have a crush for so long and it just grows into a content love. That’s what I have with each of them. They’ve seen me at my worst, and vice versa. We grew up together basically and at the end of this year We’d be adults. Man times flies when you’re having fun. “My mom said yes to taking her van, she’ll be here with it later.” Chenle said as he walked into the practice room throwing his bag at me in the corner.

“hey!” I yelled as the bag landed a little too close to me with a thud,

“Oh. Hi.” he said indifferently as he started stretching. Haechan sat up laughing from across the room.

“Great to see you too.” I added sourly as I pulled his bag over and laid on it. We were supposed to leave for our camping trip after practice which is why I’m here so god damn early. Renjun walked in he looked so incredibly tired.

“Renjunie. did you even sleep?” I asked him as he sat on the floor beside me

“Kind of.” he said sheepishly meaning he was up all night playing games. I sighed as he changed his shoes beside me.

“You can sleep in the van on the way out.” I said as the staff came in to the room. They were filming a dance practice today. That would be fun to watch. I had all of my things for the weekend in a backpack. Jaemin and Jisung hauled all of our camping gear in here last night. The boys went on practicing hard for a little bit. the hours flew by fast as I watched them perfect the choreo enough to film it. They started filming takes for the video. After the first take chenle came over

“Call my mom please. She can bring the van now.” he said taking a sip of water before running back into formation. I went out into the hall to make my phone call. Chenle’s mom as already on her way with the van when I reached her. I thought I’d take this time to haul our stuff to the doors so it would be easy to load up. I started with the tent, I made a few trips back and forth. The guys at varying degree of choreography each time not even noticing me coming or going. I saw one of the execs in the lobby as I carried Mine and Jisung’s bag to my growing pile.

“Those boys treating you good?” he asked me. I nodded politely bowing. “Have fun this weekend.”

“Thank you.” I said. It was still so scary knowing that everyone here knew me. I’d pass other idols in the halls and they’d greet me like any other. Most people would die to be in my position and I thought about that often. Like they’re just 6 boys that became my friends. Mark and the other NCT boys too. Mark was gone on a work trip or else he’d be here camping with us. I missed him a lot, He’s always so busy, He’s such a hard worker. We barely saw any other the other boys. We were so busy with graduation and other things. The older boys were busy with tour prep and comeback scheduling.

“Wow!” Jisung said as he saw all the stuff loaded into the van. His hair freshly showered and extra soft looking. The smell of their shampoo radiating off of them as we all loaded into van.

“FOUR DAYS OFF!” Chenle yelled as he closed the door behind him and sat beside me. All the other boys started cheering. Jaemin started the van and we pulled out as Haechan sat in the passenger seat fixing the radio with the playlist he made just for this weekend.

“We have enough food?” Renjun asked as he settled in with the cooler between him and Jisung in the back seat. I was stuck in the middle between Chenle and Jeno.

‘Yeah. Me and my mom packed it all last night.” I said “There’s all kinds of good things in there.” I added. “As long as we have a fire. We’re set.” I said

“okay.” Renjun quietly said from behind me I didn’t even have to see I could already tell he was drifting off to sleep. I looked as we passed all familiar places in Seoul. Soon enough we’d be entering the country side. It was early afternoon. The sun high and shining brightly. I couldn’t wait to be at our campsite. I’m so glad that we get to be completely off the grid, no body guards, no staff, no cameras. Although I planned on taking tons of pictures and videos of our time together. The windows being open brought in just the right amount of breeze so we weren’t hot. Jeno was playing on his phone or responding to emails, he was always working. Chenle was listening to the music playing with his eyes closed. Haechan was texting on his phone. And Jaemin quietly sung along with the radio. Jisung and Renjun were passed out in the backseat, i could hear them both snoring softly. This was already so relaxing, I felt myself getting sleepy. I yawned and laid my head back. I felt jeno’s arm wrap around me “lean on me. you’ll be sore.” He said quietly

Jeno was my first crush out of all the boys I’ve ever known. He was tallest in our grade and strong and so so handsome. I couldn’t help but feel things for him. I hated myself for it. We were really good friends, and I wasn’t the only girl that had a crush on him. I WAS the only girl that got to see the real him. the soft boy who loved games and singing and dancing and sports. He was so passionate about his work, he worked so hard to get where he is. He’s kind of goofy despite being called NoJam and I loved that side of him. He looked so tough and hot but he was so soft and that’s what got me. This was pre-debut. I struggled to hide my feelings around him because I didn’t want him or anything between us to change. Or worse they’d think I only liked him because he was going to debut. I spent a whole year crushing on him and then I saw him one night late at the studio it was just us because he was my ride home. He was very frustrated with himself, There was new choreo he couldn’t get and and he’d been working for hours and we were supposed to go hang out at the river before we had to be home but we were already late. He misstepped and fell to the floor in frustration, I ran over and saw him slump over in defeat. He was so exhausted, they’d been working non stop since their debut a few months prior. I sat on the floor beside him.

“Hey. its okay.” i said trying to keep things bright. it was when I saw the tears fall to the floor as he refused to look up at me that I knew he wasn’t okay. “Hey no, Jeno.” I said reaching out to touch his arm. “You’ll get it. You have time.” I said trying my best to reassure him. “Lets go home. You’ve worked hard.” I said as I watched the tears mix with sweat and fall off the tip of his nose. “Don’t be to hard on yourself.” I said “You’ve been working so hard, You’ve done so good. So good!” I said ‘I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as you.” I added “You should be proud of yourself and celebrating. You guys are the best rookie group out there right now. It’ll be okay.” I said reaching down to wipe his face. His eyes finally met mine and I saw how upset he really was. I immediately wrapped my arms around him and held him close, a few tears escaping me “Jeno.” I said my voice cracking “I mean it. You’re doing amazing. You don’t need to be perfect.” I said trying to keep my voice even. He was breathing hard against my shoulder “We’ll be okay.” I said “You’ve got this.” I added as I rubbed his back. He finally pulled away and started wiping his face.

“I’m sorry.” he said “I didn’t mean too here.” he said wiping at his nose gesturing around with his hand.

“No. It’s fine” I said smiling at him “It’s why I’m here.” I said “We’re best friends you can always tell me anything. I’ll always be here.” I said and in the moment I realized I meant it, I couldn’t imagine my life without Jeno in it. I woke up to Chenle pulling me out of the van, catching me as I fell out only to let me go and go running “WE’RE HERE!” He said as he ran to the other side of the campsite. it took me a second to adjust my eye sight to how bright it was. I turned and ran into Haechan, he just laughed as he slid me over to the side to start unloading. I yawned and made my way over to the back where the rest of the boys were unloading bit by bit

“Tent first.” Renjun said as he pour the contents out of our tent bag. I went over to help him. We bought the biggest tent we could find. It was an 8 person tent. Renjun and I slid the poles in. as Jisung and Jaemin set up the rest of our campsite with our chairs and our coolers and bags. I smiled at Rejun as our poles met in the middle Renjun was my second crush, it had only lasted about three months. He was helping me learn Mandarin and I longed for the time we spent together at the building when he was on breaks. It was just the two of us and I really got to know him then. I lived for the late night phone calls we shared. They’d start off as study calls and then it’d turn into him getting distracted and he’d tell me about aliens and ghosts and his theories and whatever else he was reading at the time, he was so incredibly real and honest. He was so confident in the way he carried himself even though, He was tiny, I loved his tiny features. He was almost delicate but still such a strong, handsome boy I was sure I was in love with.Then he admitted his crush on a girl in our class and my feelings for him died instantly. We all let out a sighs of relief as we settled into ours chairs, Haechan and Chenle spent the past hour setting up our fire pit with rocks and sticks and grass and leaves. We had our food and extra supplies set up in a make shift lean to with the tarps we bought. Jaemin’s dad had a bunch of chairs and sleeping bags and a cool fire starting kit. The sun was a a low place in the sky right now. it wasn’t quite twilight but everything was getting glowy. I took out my phone.

“Smile!” i yelled as I started taking pictures of them. I wanted to remember these moments forever. They all laughed pretending to hide their faces. haechan hid behind his hoodie. I stopped to focus on him. He was reaching for my phone blindly before he got up and started chasing me. We ran around the camp screaming and laughing as i took pictures of them as best as I could while running . it wasn’t long before chenle and jisung joined in trying to intercept me. It was chenle that grabbed me and wrapped his arms around me. I was giggling hysterically by now. I felt his chest heaving against my back as my own breath and heartbeat drummed in my ears. He picked me up and carried me over to the chairs, he threw me in to my chair laughing.

“Better sell those to the fansites, you’ll be rich.” he said with a laugh. I stuck my tongue out at him as I snuck one more of him

“Just when you think you escaped the cameras.” Jaemin said with a wink as he drug the cooler over.

Jaemin was the my third crush. I developed it while he was on time off. He spent as lot of time at my house because being at the dorms or at his house depressed him. He couldn’t do what he wanted to do and it was eating away at him. We’d spend hours watching movies, He’d leave for appointments only to come back for a few more hours. Usually bringing food. He trusted me with all his worries, We’d talk for hours about what his future looked like with the band and we’d cry and then we’d laugh at ourselves and eat some food. We watched and cried together as NCT dream got their first win. I honestly thought he might have liked me too. the rest of the boys would tease him about being with me all the time. We didn’t care we were having fun.it wasn’t until I went to the SM Christmas party with the boys and people started asking us if we were dating then he’d deny it. it kind of hurt me but I was just grateful to have that connection with him. to this day he’s one of my BEST friends in the world. There’s honestly no one I trust more than Jaemin, I’ll always go to him first with anything. “Of course you know how to start a fire.” I said as Chenle was hard at work starting our fire. He just turned and gave me his signature Chenle smile. I hoped to god I wasn’t blushing I was still getting over that crush on him It was the first day back at school from winter break. I hadn’t seen my friends much over the holidays so I was scanning the room for them. Specifically Renjun and Chenle, They went back to china for almost a whole month. The last time I saw either of them was at the SM christmas party. Chenle and I shared three dances that night. Jeno and I two and the rest I had to beg to dance with me at least once. I even danced with Mark and Jungwoo. I was having the time of my life. Chenle and I we’re just about to go out to the dance floor when the song changed to a slower one. I froze with his hand in mine, He just shrugged his shoulders and continued dragging me out to the dance floor. Once we got there he carefully placed his hands on my waist. it was a foreign feeling. this was my first slow dance with a boy but I’d never admit it to anyone except maybe Jaemin. I thought to myself as I enjoyed the feeling of being whisked around the dance floor. The music from some drama I never finished blasting through the speakers. I was looking around at other people dancing some of the couples I’d begun to recognize in the media were here. dancing to this song and here I am holding on to Chenle. I went to look up at him and realized I had look a bit further up.

“When did you get so tall?” I asked looking at him in the eyes as I now began to realize just how high up my arms were on his shoulders.

“I can’t be short forever.” He said pushing me out for a spin. I laughed as he pulled me into him. Why was he so good at slow dancing. Was there anything he can’t do. The song was over and he dragged me back to the table. The next day he left for china and we barely got to talk because he was busy with family. I couldn’t tell if I was developing feelings for him, it was like I was seeing him in a new light after the party and I dwelled on it the whole winter break. I was hoping he’d be here early like he usually was so we could hang out. I texted him to no avail. I felt a hand tap me scaring me as i waited in the hall

“What are you doing?” I jumped and screamed at the sound of his voice, only to turn and see he had died his hair light and that he was at least another two centimeters taller causing me to scream again causing him to jump back and lift his hands up “GOD what the hell is wrong with you?” he said “I don’t look that scary.” he added as he clutched his chest. The adrenaline running through my veins at the scare, and the sight of him caused my heart to race and i started laughing uncontrollably.  Jeno and Jaemin came over to see the commotion.

“What’d you do?” Jaemin asked Chenle as he stood there confused out of his mind

“No I’m fine.” i said “Not you.” I managed to muster between giggles “You scared me.” I said gaining composure breathless I looked up to see all three boys staring at me confused out out of their minds. I looked at Chenle and immediately felt my cheeks get hot again. I looked away before they could notice. “I was looking for you guys. I never gave you these.” I said digging out bracelets I made for them as apart of their Christmas gifts. They were green with all our initials on it. Jeno rolled his eyes as I tied it on him. Jaemin excitedly accepted his and when I got to chenle I almost dropped the bracelet as he bumped me while pulling up his sleeve. good lord I’m already awkward around him I thought to myself as i\I fumbled to tie it around his wrist. The bell rang and I bowed to them and ran off to my class before I made things worse. The last thing on my mind was the lesson we were reviewing that day from last unit.

That day at lunch I met with the rest of the guys and gave them their bracelets. Jisung and I qucikly ran to the convenience store to get food for the rest of us. When we got back we spent  the rest of our lunch hour discussing what we did over break. Renjun and Chenle distributing all the Chinese candy they brought back for us. We had fun like normal, I couldn’t help but sneak a few glances at Chenle. Jesus christ I thought I was done with this after Haechan. Speaking of Haechan he was no where to be seen because of his injury. and I missed him. I’d gone to see him at his place so many times over the break. I sent him an “I miss you” text. only to have him reply with a ugly seflie of him in bed. “If only i could be so lucky to lay in bed all day.” I replied

“Come join me then.” he replied. He didn’t mean it, he never did. That didn’t stop me from smiling like an idiot.

“Y/N! come on!! we’re gonna be late. Flirt with Haechan later!” Chenle was yelling at me from across the lunch room. I yelled at him and chased after him. He was running through the hall, I was so close to catching him when he suddenly stopped causing me to run straight into him. He caught me as I fell and placed me straight up while bowing to the teacher that passed and gave us a dirty look. I scrambled to bow quickly at her. I turned to Chenle

“You brat!” I whispered loudly while hitting his chest.

“How about I make it up to you?” He asked quietly looking around leaning in. My heart nearly jumped out of my throat. before I could even say anything he had his hand around mine and placing something in my hand closing it, while pretending to make sure no one was looking “i knew how much you loved these last time so I brought some extra for you.” He winked at me and then left. “Don’t tell the guys.” He mouthed to me as he walked into his classroom. I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until the room started spinning. I looked down at my hand and saw a whole bag of the jelly candy i loved. I blushed as I opened one and ate it and made my way into my class. Jeno seated at his seat behind me

“You still have some?”he asked he watched me eat the candy.

“Oh. O didn’t eat mine at lunch.” i said quietly putting them in my bag and opening my books. I played with the candy wrapper for the rest of the afternoon with that sickening feeling you get when you know you’re gonna like someone. shit I didn’t want to have a crush on Chenle yet here i am already head over heels. it’ll pass it always does. I said to myself. And I continued to say that over the next six months. I said that as Jaemin and I were on the phone one night and he confronted me about it about a month and a half ago.

“So Chenle?”

“what about Chenle?” I asked him

“Why are you drooling all over him all of a sudden?” he asked

“I’m not!” i said trying to sound offended

“y/n….” he said flatly

“I KNOW! OKAY I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. HE LIKE GOT TALLER AND HE BROUGHT ME CANDY, AND HE BUYS ME LUNCH. AND HE’S GETTING SO GOOD AT DANCING AND LIKE DUDE. he’s such an amazing singer.” i said taking a deep breath “like it’s like one second he’s an annoying little brother then he’s swaying me around the floor at the Christmas party and he’s not so annoying anymore.” I said

“christmas? That’s how long this has been going on?” he asked shock in his voice

“I know.” i sighed “It’s fine. you know how I am. So shallow. It’ll pass.” I said in a light tone, but it really wasn’t anywhere near passing. I tried so hard since then to push the feelings away and it was working.

“First Haechan now Chenle. Are the rest of us not good enough.” he joked.

“Shut up.” I said. As I got over my crushes on them I made sure to make it seem like I had a crush on another guy or an idol or something so it didn’t seem like I wasn’t crushing on someone. Haechan was the first one out of them that the found out about and intended to keep it that way. “Hey uh don’t tell anyone okay?” I asked him serious

“”I won’t.” Se said I could hear the sincere smile in his voice. He then proceeded spending the next month telling me to tell chenle despite me telling him I was getting over him and I really felt like I was getting over him. I hoped this camping trip wouldn’t help that.

The campfire glowing as the sun set around us. It as absolutely perfect.

“is this what fireflies are like?” Jisung asked as he watched the embers of the flames rise and float off into the night.

“i imagine so.” Jeno said as he turned his stick over. He was currently burning his hot dogs but refused to listen when we told him to take them out. Jisung went over to the cooler and brought back marshmallows. He took a pile and tossed the bag to Jaemin. who took some, this continued until the bag got to me. I said

“Wait is this the first time for everyone?” I asked and looked around as everyone nodded “Let’s do a marshmallow toast!” I said excited grabbing my stick to put them on. I stood up ignoring their protests and watched excitedly as they all stood up reluctantly. “To being twenty.” I said sticking my marshmallow high above the fire

“to graduating.” Jeno said “to being friends.” Jaemin said earning a shove from Haechan and Jisung on either side of him. “To being friends forever.” I added “To being us!” Renjun said finally before shoving his marshmallow in the centre we all did that and roasted our marshmallows. I looked around the fire at each of them all unique in their own ways, all meaning different things to me, it made me sad, We’ll be adults next year. What if things change. I’ll be off in college all by myself while they’re enrolled online. Lord knows what the future holds for them career wise. I don’t even want to know how Jisung and Chenle feel. There’s talks of Renjun joining WayV in china. The other boys don’t know their future yet, Everything changes and all of this feels so final. I looked around at them laughing and having fun and living in the moment. The way Jaemin and Jeno fought as their marshmallows stuck together. Chenle and haechan fighting trying to knock each others marshmallows into the fire. Renjun sitting in the back eating his burnt marshmallow laughing and Jisung trying his best to roast more than one at once. They were still the same boys I met back in middle school but not at the same time. I sat back in my chair and tried my best not to cry. Haechan noticed my quietness and came over to sit beside me. I loved the way his skin glowed, I hated when he wore makeup on stage. He was so absolutely stunning and it hurt me. I had a crush on Haechan for 4 months now. It was getting worse with each day. NCT 127 had just released a new album and this all started as I watched Haechan practice his parts in studio. His voice was so angelic I literally sat there blushing the whole time he was singing. He didn’t notice, he never did. I bought that album, first album I bought myself only so I could listen to him singing on it. His parts had such an effect on me and I hated it. I thought I was doing good at hiding my crush on him. I wasn’t awkward around him. We teased non stop like always, only it was driving me nuts, and had no effect on him. We’re always cuddling or holding hands because that’s haechan, but at least it was something right. I was sitting outside during lunch on the front steps listening to my CD. 127 was doing promo so Haechan was away from school for awhile and I missed him. it was the first time he was really away from us and I was going through it. Jisung was the first to find out.

“Who are you listening to like this?” he asked pulling my headphones out as he sat down beside me with his face in his hands and batting his eyes  

“I’m not like that.” i said shoving him

“Like what?” Jaemin said sitting on the other side of me.

“She’s in love with someone.” He said reaching for my old CD player I got from my mom. as I pulled away from him Renjun came from behind and grabbed it.

“Give it back.” i whined. looking up at him to no avail he opened it

“Oh my god 127 hyungs!” he said with a gasp. all the boys looked at me “It is johnny?” Jisung asked “i bet its johnny.”

“No it’s Taeyong.” Rejun said said

“Is it Jungwoo? He’s your type” Jeno asked as he sat beside Jisung. they continued this game as I denied all of them.

“Ten hyung!” Jisung said beside me

“NOOO” i said annoyed with them

“Then who? Renjun asked confused “the only one we didn’t name was…” they suddenly all yelled “HAECHANNIE!” “Arghhh! ” I said beyond annoyed with them  

“Oh my god it is.” Jisung said hanging his head with disbelief. Renjun tsked as he handed me back my CD player. I sighed as Jaemin looked at me trying to get an answer.

“What’d I miss?” chenle asked as he approached us out of breath. We all looked up at him. then they all started talking all at once telling various versions of what just happened. Chenle choked on his drink

“Haechan?!” he asked “Why?!” he was the first person to ask anything. “I don’t know.” I said still annoyed with them. “Ah, you should have seen her sitting there.” Jisung said as I shot him a dirty look. “Are you going to tell him?” Jaemin asked a concerned look on his face and I could tell why, he was just as scared as I was of things changing

“Noooo. God no. He can never know.” I said panicking “Why?” renjun asked “Because it’ll make things weird and like it’s just a stupid crush anyway. I’ll get over it.” i said matter of factly. I didn’t get over it for a whole year… He was just so handsome and he seemed so more mature compared to the rest of the boys. He wasn’t and still isn’t but like The fact that he was out in the world touring and working on music and like he just seemed like he was on a different level then the rest of us here. Like he was still the same old haechannie who liked to tease me but like I just saw him differently and he was so incredibly untouchable it hurt. Like I think it’s his passion that drew me in. He practiced so hard, He worked on his singing so hard. Watching him at a piano was a treat. I still love him and would date him in the drop of a hat to be honest but like I know he doesn’t see me that way, I’m still the same ol me to him and I don’t think that will ever changed and that’s how I eventually got over him enough to be here normally. The boys didn’t help either. They’d constantly tease me about it behind his back I’m honestly surprised he never found out. “What’s wrong Y/N?” Haechan asked sitting down beside me

“I’m just thinking.” i said hoping to keep my voice even.

“About?” Jaemin asked from across the fire.

“Life.” i said my voice sounding smaller than I wanted it to. I now had all their attention. “Ah shit. Here we go.” i said looking down “We’re almost adults. 20 years old in 6 months. doesn’t that scare you?” I asked “not just at work but here. and in real life too. I get anxiety thinking about what will happen to you guys at work honestly. We barely see mark.” I said “And like it’s just all gonna change.” I said my voice finally cracking I looked down as my eyes welled up “I’m so grateful to know you guys as stupid as you are.” I said trying to laugh. “We’re so lucky to have met how we did because I honestly can’t imagine my life with out you guys and idk if you feel that same way or I’m just some dumb girl but like you’re all gonna be there when I get married and I hope when I have kids and like I just want to be friends forever. and I don’t want to lose you guys.” I turned to Renjun “I don’t want to lose you.” he knew what I meant and I was full on crying at this point “Not yet anyway.” I sighed in my seat and I looked up at all of them. They were all so quiet and somber I thought I had ruined the trip  then Haechan spoke up

“We’ll always be friends no matter what.” he said and all the others nodded. He said it with such a finality that he didn’t need to say anything else. It was when I looked around and saw each of them looking at me with concern and worry that I knew. They really did care for me.

“lets have some more marshmallows.” i laughed “I’m sorry.” i said wiping my nose with my hoodie sleeve

“No. it’s understandable.” Jeno said “We’ve been so busy. life catches up with you.”

“let’s play truth or dare!” Jisung said hating all the sad stuff. i smiled a knowing smile at him and nodded

“Yeah!” i said. We all stood up again and played rock paper scissors to decide who would go first. Jisung would go first and we’d go around the circle asking to our left. Renjun chose truth so Jisung asked him

“what’s one thing you can’t live without?”

“easy. Headphones.” Renjun replied quickly “truth or dare?” he asked Jaemin who said Dare “I dare you to do karaoke for us. one song WE PICK.” He said motioning for Haechan to come over with his phone and speaker.

“Argh not this one!” Jaemin said as the most popular song in korea rn started playing “I’ve heard it a thousand times.”

“sing! or we’ll throw you in the lake!” Jeno said as the song started into the melody we’d all heard at least 1000 times. Jaemin started singing his voice cracking here and there because it wasn’t in his key. The guys laughing at him as he turned various shades of pink. it was a sexy song and he hated it

“choreo! come on!” rejun said as the chorus started soon enough they were all up dancing various stages of the song.

“you guys are a mess.” i said in between laughing. the song came to an end and they all sat down. “Thanks for the show.” i laughed. they all threw marshmallows at me. “okay next.”

“Jeno! truth or Dare?” Jaemin yelled as he opened his water.

“truth.” Jeno said

“Favourite idol you’ve met.” Jaemin asked

“EXO hyungs.” Jeno said easily

“boring.” chenle asked “I pick truth.” He said taking a bite of a hotdog he had cooked himself

“Favorite place we’ve been so far.” he asked stiffling a yawn

“Brazil.” he said “truth or dare?” he said turning to me.

“truth.” i said pondering how bad it could be they were doing easy questions i should be safe

“first crush.” Chenle said i wasn’t safe.

“um. like first first crush? or first real crush?” I asked

“first real crush.” he said “we all know about you’re crush on Goku.” he said rolling his eyes

“hmmm.” i said pretending to think while looking across the fire at Jeno .”No names BUT we were 15.” I said looking away from Jeno as our eyes met i could tell he knew immediately. “First time I’d ever noticed a boy in this way that was my age. wanna guess?” I said looking around at the boys as they all have puzzled looked on their faces.

“We met already?” Renjun asked

“yup, you guys were in training. He was the only boy in our grade that was this tall and handsome.” i said looking down as I could practically all hear them whip their heads towards Jeno.”it was short lived but this boy will forever remain as the boy I liked first.

“Is he still as handsome?” Jeno asked looking at me from across the fire with a small smile, i could feel the rest of the boys eyes peering into me.

“Other girls seem to think so.” i said smiling back at him. Haechan laughed beside me

“AWWW! LITTLE Y/N’s FIRST CRUSH IS JENO!” He said roaring with laughter, which caused all the other boys to start laughing.

“WHAT?! i wasn’t the only one to crush on him that year!” i said defending myself “not my fault the rest of you refused to go through puberty.” i said they all took that so well. I was kind of shocked

“Hey! my voice was dropping already.” Jisung said defensively

“it’s still dropping!” I said to him “girls go crazy for it online.” i said “if they only knew what a baby you are.” i said laughing. He shot me a dirty look. “Okay if you are all done.” i said turning to Haechan

“Dare.” he said looking me in the eye.

“I dare you to finish that bottle of juice in 30 seconds.” i said pointing to the full bottle beside him

“Easy.” he said picking it up “timer!” he said

“Go!” Jisung said. We all watched as he chugged the juice quickly “he’s done that before.” Jisung said as he watched. He finished the bottle with 7 seconds left and wiped his lips while looking at me

“Told you.” he said. I sat there pouting. The game went on for two hours. We had tons of fun. Chenle made me do their choreo in front of everyone while they filmed it. I wanted to die. We all sat around the campfire just talking about the past school year and how much fun we had. Jeno yawned first.

“we should go to bed.” i said stretching my legs out. “How are we all sleeping?” I  asked standing up a shiver went down my spine as the wind brushed my hair across my neck. “it’s getting chilly.” I said I went over to my bag and dug out my comfy clothes. sweats and a long t-shirt.”I’m changing in the tent!” I said running into our tent. I could hear then all fumbling around outside the tent, yelling at each other, beating each other up from the sounds of things.

“y/n hurry upppp.” Haechan whined from just outside the tent pulling at the zipper.

“Stop it! or you’re all sleeping outside.” i said as I slipped into my sweats. I changed from my real bra to my sports bra and slipped my shirt over. I sat down and washed up my face.

“What are you doing??” Jisung asked

“Washing up.” I said as I went over my forehead a few times.

“Washing up on a camping trip.” Jeno said flatly.

“Don’t come for me when you’re all breaking out when we get back.” I said as I packed up my things “Come in.” I said shoving my bag in the corner. The zipper  opened they’re all came piling in carrying sleeping bags and pillows and blankets. They were all kind of hunched over and bumping into each other shoving and i’m backed against the back wall of the tent “GUYS! wait!” everyone back out!” they all practically fell out of the tent I followed suit and grabbed my sleeping bag and pillow from the pile they abandoned it in. I looked at them all varying stages of bickering with each other.

“Oldest to youngest.” Renjun said.

“Fine.” Jaemin said knowing he had a chance at a good spot being fourth, the rest of us all groaned and nodded in agreement. My birthday was in November.so I was third last. This was my first time sleeping over with all of them. over the years i’d spend the night at one of their houses or one of them mine but never all of us at once. I sometimes wonder what other stuff I missed out on having no girlfriends I grabbed my headphones and my blanket. I was waiting. Renjun went into the tent first and set up his bed along the back wall.

“HEY! wait!” I  said as Jeno started walking into the tent! “There’s enough room for me to sleep along that back wall too. Renjun and I Horizontal and the rest of you guys spread out vertical along us.” I said looking at all of them hopeful “look at you guys if any of you try and fit there it’ll never work.” I said gesturing at how tall they were. “Renjun is JUST short enough that I’ll fit and it’ll create more room!”

“wow! she’s a genius!” Jaemin said as he looked at the room they’d all have. they all nodded and i made my way into the tent. I rolled out my sleeping bag and sat on it. the rest started coming in and rolling out their things. Jaemin and Chenle slept on myside. Jeno and Haechan on Renjun’s side and Jisung planted himself straight in the middle. “I can’t believe it.” Jaemin said laying down starfishing on his sleeping bag “so much room.”

“We don’t get to cuddle.” I said pretending to sound sad.

“What are you talking about. i’m gonna cuddle Jeno all night.” i heard Haechan say from the other side of the tent.

“YOU BETTER NOT!” Jeno said. and then they started fighting. At least I think, my eyes were closed i was so comfy.it was warm in the tent, it was really getting cold outside. “First to sleep has to build the fire and cook in the morning.” Renjun announced as he sat up and took out a deck of cards. We started our uno Marathon. It was already kind of late. The first few rounds were fun and exciting, then I started losing and getting tired.

“Look! y/n’s getting sleepy.” Jeno teased as I dozed off.

“I’m not.” I whined opening my eyes.

“I can go all night.” Haechan said excitedly

“We know!” we all said in varying stages of annoyance. Haechan was really a work of science, the boy barely slept and was still so energetic.

“I’ll have that food ready when you guys get up.” I said grumpily as I slid back into my corner of the tent. I faced towards the window so the glow of the lantern we had on wasn’t as bright. I put on my headphones and fell asleep listening to my favourite songs. I woke the next morning to see the sunlight coming through the crack in the window cover. I blindly rolled over and let my eyes adjust to the glow. I saw Jaemin sleeping right in front of me, at least I think it was jaemin, his head was covered. I looked and saw jisung beside him rolled up like a burrito and down to see chenle all spread out half off his sleeping bag. I heard Renjun lightly snoring above me. I couldn’t see where jeno and Haechan ended up. I reached around for my phone it was around 10. Perfect time to get up on a day off I thought. I tried my best to quietly get up, I was actually so warm in that tent. The sun shining warmed everything up. I quietly made my way out of the tent trying really hard not to step on anyone. I saw a glimpse of Jeno and Haechan in the back corner of the tent. Haechan clinging onto jeno for dear life. I couldn’t help the giggle the escaped. Jeno would die if he knew. I went and dug a bottle of water out of the cooler, I chugged half of it and started digging for our food. I took out the eggs, and instant rice we bought. I grabbed the kettle and filled it with some of our water. I walked back over to the fire and wondered how I would start it. I saw chenle doing it last night but did he make the sticks a certain way, did he use a match? why did he need that paper? I sat down on a chair trying to think back to how he did it. I heard rustling in the tent then as if on cue Chenle popped his head out and sleepily made his way over to our bathroom bushes. I waited for him to come back 

“You going back to bed?” I asked him as he sleepily approached me 

“Nah I’m up.” he said walking over to me, his morning voice something I’ve never heard before. 

“Good.” I said. “I need help.” I said looking up at him batting my eyes holding the matches out to him. he laughed as he took them. 

“You wanna learn?” He asked as he crouched down rubbing his eyes with one hand sliding the matches out of the box with the other, He pushed up his hoodie sleeves I noticed the bracelet I gave him at christmas still tied on his wrist. I nodded then crouched down beside him. “okay.” he said clearing his throat. “First we make the wood pile nothing too crazy, just enough to burn for a while. He said “then we take something small to burn first. In this case.” He said holding up the newspaper i had brought along “it’s paper, you take a small bit of this and then crumple it so then you light it and throw it into the smaller sticks underneath and then slowly the rest of the wood catches fire.” he said as he lit the newspaper.and threw it in. Sure enough there was smoke and small flames growing. 

“Wow.” I said and he turned to me and smiled. “Thank you.” I said he nodded then sat on the chair behind him. I stood up, I went over to get him a water bottle. I brought it back to him he looked up at me thankfully. he opened it and chugged all of it. “thirsty?” I asked he nodded. He was so sweet when it was just the two of us. I loved that he was this comfortable around me to let his little guard down. He’s told me all of his worries in the past. stuff only Jisung and I would probably ever know. He wasn’t just a spoiled rich kid. He lets people believe that about him sometimes. “It’s easier that way.” he said to me. He’s so incredibly passionate about everything he does but it seems like it all comes easy to him. Every one goes on about Haechan’s sunny demeanor but no one ever notices Chenle’s. I used to wonder it if was an act for him to be this happy and fun all the time. Then I realized he really loves what he does and who hes with. He wears his heart on his sleeve. These are all the things I’ve loved and will continue to love about him once I get over my phyisical attraction to him. don’t even get me started on that. I looked over at him as the fire grew before us. His hair catching the light just right, His face a little puffy from sleeping but that just made him cuter. his facial features delicate in a way. The way his hoodie hung on him slightly as it was too big for his growing frame. His little sweater paws. i smiled. He looked over at me 

“What?” He asked with a shy smile looking away 

“Nothing.” I said “You’re just a cutie.” I added teasing him. he blushed ten shades deep and looked away swatting his hand at me. I laughed “Thank you for the fire. i would have never done it.” I admitted 

“It’s no problem.” he said “I learned years ago.” He laughed as he thought back “my mom wanted me to know. you’re wife will thank you later in life.” she would tell me.” He laughed looking up at me through his eyelashes 

“lets’ hope your wife is as good a chef as me.” I said teasingly and he blushed again. He was so fun to tease. I went over to my pile of food and started getting it ready. I put the kettle on the fire and took out a frying pan. I started scrambling the egg’s in a big bowl. “you think they’ll get up anytime soon?” I asked him, he shrugged “this is enough for the two of us?” I asked him holding my bowl. He nodded. I poured them into the pan and cooked them til they were perfect. As if on cue the kettle slowly started it’s crescendo into screaming but Chenle stopped it before it could go full volume. i smiled a thanks at him. I took the eggs off and put them onto a paper plate. I Then opened two rice cups and poured the water in. I put the kettle off to the side.

“I’m starving” He said as we waited for the Rice to cook. I separated our eggs and got us cups of juice. Chenle and I sat beside each other sharing a small table between us. “let’s eat.” He said holding up his rice cup to me then digging in. It was so peaceful, the birds we’re chirping, The sun was shining but not beating down on us too hard that it was unbearable. The fresh air now mixed with the smell of our food. I looked up at Chenle between bites as he ate his food.”this is so good.” He said smiling at me. We slowly started talking about what he plans to do next time he goes to china, We talked about how much fun it would be if we all went out with him. He told me of all the places he wanted to show me. It was honestly so much fun just sitting and talking with him, He lit up when he talked about things he loved and that made me happy. I forgot it wasn’t a camping trip with just the two of us until Jaemin was suddenly behind Chenle. 

“Morning.” he smiled at me a huge smile and thumbs up from behind Chenle 

“Morning.” I said looking down

“Anything left for me?” He asked looking at our empty containers

“Yeah. coming right up.” I said, getting up to gather my cooking items. So much time had passed I put the kettle back on 

“I wasn’t interrupting was I?” he asked sitting down across from us pointing between Chenle and I yawning.

“we finished awhile ago.” I said trying to discreetly give him a dirty look. 

“Ah.” he said sitting back as Chenle tossed him a water bottle. I cooked him a bunch of scrambled eggs and let the kettle scream this time so everyone could wake up. After I took it off I heard a bunch of grumbling coming from the tent. I couldn’t help but laugh as one by one they all crawled out of the tent. 

“So are we swimming today?” Jisung asked excitedly as he ate.

“Yeah!” renjun said “The lake isn’t far from here.” 

“okay. Eat up then we’ll go.” I said. I had been saving a two piece suit forever, I always wore a one piece around them and they wore t-shirts too but i was almost an adult now I could wear what i wanted. I was too scared to wear it in actual public. “You guys go to the lake and change there i’ll come after.” I said as they all finished eating “I’ll clean up then meet you in like 15.” they all nodded and and gathered their things I could hear their banter slowly fade as I cleaned up all of our breakfast. I threw some water on the fire and went to change in the tent. I wasn’t as revealing as I had previously thought. The bottoms were almost shorts and the top was almost like a sports bra but it had cute little lacing up the middle. it would be perfect for the lake. I grabbed my towel and wrapped it around me, I felt self conscious as the breeze his all my exposed skin. I grabbed Haechan’s speaker and some bottles of water and made my way in the direction they had left. I  wasn’t walking long before I could hear them all playing around screaming. I walked closer and closer to the sound then I finally smelled the freshness of the lake. I could see it in the distance all of their heads floating around. 

“HEY!” I yelled out. they all turned and waved, only their heads poking out. I waved back “is it cold?” U asked 

“No! Just get in here!” Haechan said. I put my things down and laid my towel out. I turned to see all of them staring at me. Different unreadable expressions Jisung looking down and anywhere but at me, I sighed, Teenage boys. of all times for them to notice me it’s now. 

“You bought that when we went to the mall?” Jeno asked confused

“No” i said making way towards the water and jumping in “I’ve had this for years.” I said popping up and pushing my hair back “I’ve been too scared to wear it but it’s just us.” I said 

“In that case.” Jaemin said making his way to the shore. He got out to about his knees then flung the t-shirt the clung to him off and made his way back in 

“He didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Jisung said floating on his back

”Jaemin make me uncomfortable?” I laughed as he came over and shoved me over. I splashed him back but ended up hitting Haechan behind the head he then came over and shoved me under the water. I came back out and then we started chasing each other all over the water. We played around for a few hours before I was exhausted and needed a drink. I went over to the shore and laid out my towel. I sat on it bringing my knees close to my chest as I drank some water. I looked out at the boys. Chenle and jisung  and Haechan we’re still playing with each other. Renjun was floating around living his best life and Jaemin and Jeno made their way towards me. 

“You brought the speaker!” Jeno said excitedly as he sat beside me splashing me in the process. I protested and shoved him over as he shook his hair at me. “Give me your phone!” he said as he fiddled around with the speaker. it wasn’t long before he had songs playing on the speaker for all to hear. They all turned in our direction and started making their way over to us. It wasn’t long before we were all laying on the lake shore, music blasting, The shade of the tree above protecting us from the hot sun that shone down.We lazed around on the shore all afternoon. It was late afternoon, We should be heading back for food sooner or later. I sat up 

“Anyone hungry?” i asked. They all said no. 

“i want to go back in the water, We should have brought a ball or something.” Jisung said. as they all agreed in varying stages of laziness. 

“Lets go then!” I said standing up and running into the water. Jisung followed suit. the were a few rocks so we were chasing each other back and forth to those seeing who could swim faster then that brought everyone else into the water. I washed away all of my impending worries in those moments. Living in the moment as the summer faded around us. Times I will remember for the rest of my life. The smiles of each of these boys that mean the world to me. The time where all we had was each other and we knew we’d be okay. I sat up on a rock and looked out at them. The same boys i knew at 14 now almost adults. So much we’ve been through but so much to go through yet. So many feelings and experiences to explore. So much life to live and i’m grateful to live it with them.  

[iplaydrake]

FULL CIRCLE - CHAPTER 5 - DRUNK HIM CAN’T GET OVER HER

Catch Up Here :

CHAPTER 4 - WE’RE BROKE... SEND HELP!

Author’s Note : This story is gonna get a little dark. Talk of Suicide, Assault (both physical and sexual), Gun Violence, Blood, Swearing. Please read with caution. Positive feedback, constructive criticism, and reblogging are always welcome. I own nothing except the storyline of my MC. Everything else belongs to Pixelberry. I also don't own Tiffany’s or Berta Bridal (just putting it out there!)

Pairing : (Eventually) Drake x MC

Tag List : @likethetailofacomet @carabeth @rhymesmenagerie @speedyoperarascalparty @butindeed @wannabemc2 @client-327 @jovialyouthmusic @be-still-my-aching-heart @riseandshinelittleblossom @lodberg @drakesensworld @alj4890 @rainbowsinthestorm @ao719 @andy-loves-corgis @drakewalkerisreal @whenyourheartskipsabeat @furiousherringoperatortoad @silentcoyotesong @choicesmacmakes @ladyangel70 @lady-alex-keith

*** FLASHBACK – 2 WEEKS BEFORE SWEET 16 ***

The door to her limo opened and she immediately spotted him, leaning against the archway of her Estate with a smile on his face. She couldn’t help it as she ran and jumped into his waiting arms, hugging him tight as he lifted her off the ground.

“Hey, Duck! How was Paris?”

She rolled her eyes and laughed at her nickname as he lowered her down. “Drake, it was unbelievable!”

He smiled and grabbed her hand, walking himself backwards. “You wanna go have lunch and tell me all about it?” She smiled back at him and allowed him to lead her away to their spot.

He'd found her there a few months before, upset over a comment Madeline had made and without even thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried. Slowly, and without either realizing it, they’d found their way back there more and more, spending any extra time they had together, an unspoken claim that it had become theirs. They’d sit for hours on end, whether it was talking about everything and nothing all at once, or just enjoying a companionable silence, each doing their own thing, but still together. 

They had somehow managed to become each other’s best friend, confiding in each other things they were afraid to tell others, including their friendship. For Drake, she was the only girl who had ever accepted him for him; not even Kiara had made him feel like he was good enough to be in the company of the nobles at court. But to Remi, the fact that he was a commoner had meant nothing and it had allowed him to see her in a completely different light instead of just being Maxwell’s little sister. 

It was no secret that she was head over heels for him, but because she was younger, Drake had always been careful to keep her at arm’s length, never going further than a hug or a kiss on her cheek. She’d brought it up to him once, asking if he ever thought that one day, there was a chance for them to be together. After a few tense moments for Remi, he had finally admitted that he’d been thinking about it more and more. From then on, it'd become a regular part of their conversations and he'd even gone so far as to tell her that the minute she turned 18, he’d be her very first kiss.

And there they sat, on a blanket under the trees near the riverbank; Remi with her legs stretched out and Drake laying flat with his head resting in her lap. She couldn't help but play with his shaggy hair as they talked, both completely relaxed after eating what he had prepared for them.

“But I thought this trip was supposed to be so you and your dad could spend some time together. You didn’t see him at all?”

“No… He was just really busy I guess with business meetings and stuff. It was still an amazing trip! I walked along the Seine, saw the Eiffel Tower, went shopping…”

Drake looked upside down at her, his head still in her lap. “By yourself?”

“Yeah… But oh my goodness, I walked past this store and I saw this bracelet... Oh Drake, it was so pretty! But I guess it was too much money for just plain silver, at least that’s was he said… I’m hoping they’ll surprise me with it for my birthday, though!”

He closed his eyes, and smiled at her excitement, “I’m sure they will, Duck.” before slowly drifting off to sleep as Remi continued stroking his hair.

*** END FLASHBACK ***

Remi stared at the bracelet in her hand as the memory slowly faded. She'd recognized it immediately and couldn't help but wonder how he'd managed it. She was still crying as she linked it around her wrist, letting it come to rest over her tattoo, and it was almost as if the significance of each slowly began to heal the other. She slid off the counter and made her way back to her room, the weight of the entire day suddenly overwhelming her.

*****

As soon as Drake put his truck in park, he opened the bottle of whiskey he'd taken from Ramsford. He was reeling after his conversation with Remi. His hope was to numb the pain he felt as the image of her crying to him replayed in his head over and over. 'Just tell me why, Drake... Why would you do that to me?... Why would you make me believe-... Did I mean nothing to you?' After finishing the bottle and realizing the pain was still there, he slowly slid out of his truck and stumbled towards the entrance of the palace. 

As he made his way through the halls, the anger and sadness overtook him all at once and after making it to his room, he immediately stepped to the bar cart and picked up a glass, throwing it against the wall. He picked up another and soon he was throwing anything he could find across the room, cursing Kiara and Madeline with each one.

As Liam made his way to his quarters, he heard the sounds of screaming and things being broken and he immediately took off in a run down the hall. He skidded to a stop in front of the doorway to Drake's room, seeing Bastien already inside trying to console a clearly drunk, teary-eyed Drake.

"You should have seen the way she looked at me... She thought it was me. She thought I... I would have never..."

"Shhh... It's okay... She's been through a lot. You can fix it. You just have to explain what happened and-"

"She was my best friend... How could she think-?... Bastien, I loved her..." Liam's eyes went wide as he heard Drake's admission. He watched his best friend break down fully in tears, as Bastien gently and slowly led him to the bed, Drake not putting up a fight at all.

"I know... I know, son."

"I love her and she left me... She was the one, Bas... She was the only one."

Bastien slowly lowered him down before turning to see Liam in the doorway, a confused look on his face. Liam waited to see if Bastien would explain what he'd walked in on.

"It's not my place, Your Highness." Liam nodded his head in understanding and watched Bastien walk out and down the hall back to his post. He turned back to see Drake draped across his bed, already asleep and snoring softly, and he couldn't help but wonder if he hadn’t been the only one hiding his relationship with Remi.

*****

Early the next morning, everyone made their way to the palace for the start of the social season. The first event was that night and it was a ball to formally introduce all the suitors for Liam. Remi slowly walked the halls reading and responding to Liam's messages that they had been sending back and forth since she'd left Ramsford.

Remi double checked the time and took off in a sprint towards the boutique. After a long appointment, she'd finally found the perfect dress but she found herself beginning to feel sick as she tried to mentally prepare herself for the evening ahead. She made her way out of the palace and walked through the garden's maze to the center where a simple swing hung from an old tree. She sat, taking some time to herself before the chaos began.

“Hey Beautiful!” She turned to see Liam walking towards her. She couldn't help her smile as he walked up behind her and grabbed the ropes of the swing, slowly pushing her back and forth. “Did you get a dress?”

“Yes. Thank you again so much. You didn't have to do that.” Liam leaned forward and kissed her temple before speaking. “I wanted to. So...” He hesitated, unsure how to broach the topic with her. “I was wondering if I could talk to you about something. Drake as a matter of fact.” She felt nervous all over again but stayed silent as she waited for him to continue. “I'm assuming that he finally was able to talk to you after I left yesterday.”

She turned to look at him. “What makes you say that? I mean, we did but...”

“I don't know, maybe the fact that he was completely drunk and upset and said some things...” Remi's eyes widened and Liam caught the look of surprise on her face. 

She was hesitant to, but after a few moments, she finally spoke. “There's so much about me and Drake that you don't know, Li... That no one knows.” He looked down at her waiting for her to continue. She nodded as she took a deep breath and sighed. “A few months before my birthday, we started hanging out more, by ourselves. I mean, every extra moment we had, we spent it together, talking about everything and anything. He'd tell me that we just had to wait until I turned 18. Once I turned 18, we were gonna be together. I honestly thought I was gonna marry him, Li... Ugh, and then my fucking birthday happened and... Well, let's just say it was implied that he was involved. I guess with everything that happened that night and the fact that he didn't come for me at all, I believed it... So I've spent the last 6 years hating him. Last night, he wanted to talk and I... I called him out on it and he- I don't know, Liam... I want to believe him but I just..."

He moved in front of her, crouching down to get her to look at him. “Remi, even if I hadn't known Drake all my life, after seeing how he was last night there's no way I would believe he had anything to do with hurting you... And I think you know it too.” Remi didn't say anything as she let Liam's words sink in. Deep down, she knew he wouldn't have hurt her, much less let anyone else hurt her. “Listen, it would be so easy for me not to say anything about this and maybe see what you and I could be. I mean, we've been talking for the last 6 years and I'd be lying if I said that, after all this time, there's not SOME feelings there, at least on my end because there are, Rem. There are definitely feelings and I'm not even sure exactly what they are, but Drake is my best friend and I know that the way he was last night, he's still upset over you.” 

Remi looked up at him with tears in her eyes, “Liam, I... I don't know what I feel for him anymore, but I do know that I have feelings for you too. I just... I had no intention of ever figuring out what they meant. All I know is that I would never want to hurt you.”

He grabbed her hand and helped her to stand. He put his hand to her chin and slowly leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. She was caught off guard for a split second before completely giving in to him. They got lost in each other for another moment before he pulled back, his hands falling down to hold hers.

“Remington, I'm here for you no matter what, but only you can decide what is best for you. I think you need to talk to Drake before you do, though. If you talk to him and feel nothing? Hey, great for me!” He smiled at her before continuing “But you guys clearly have some unresolved issues and it's not fair for any of us for you to make a decision without having all of the facts. It may change the way you're feeling now..." He glanced down at his watch, "I, uh, I should probably head inside and start preparing for tonight... Just think about what I said, okay?” He walked past her, holding her hand as long as he could, and when he disappeared from her view, she sat back down and closed her eyes as she laid her head against the rope. She allowed herself a few more minutes before she stood back up to head inside and get ready herself, resolving that she would talk to Drake that night, before anyone else could get hurt.

Want to continue? Click below for the next chapter :

CHAPTER 6 - THE RIGHT AND WRONG (AND RIGHT AGAIN) WAY TO BE A STUNNER - PART 1

[lordofthebigtimesupernatural]

Man, it's been so long since I've came here! Here's my new prompt: Shiro and Keith shopping for school supplies(since August is Back to School Month), it can happen anytime like for elementary, middle, high school or college. You decide or choose them all!

Ha. Ha. Ha. So this is like 2 months late but I hope you still enjoy it! This was so cute and fluffy to write. Keith and Shiro are both excited for back to school shopping! Thank you for sending in the sweet prompt! Enjoy!

x.V.x

Four

              “Alright honey, let’s see what we need to get.” Shiro grinned, shifting Keith in one arm. At the moment, he could only single-handedly carry Keith or do his day to day activities. His robotic prosthetic was currently updating and Shiro wouldn’t be allowed to use it until tomorrow. However, he and Keith were doing just fine with three hands total between both of them.

              Keith was perched on his dad’s arm, focused entirely on the pieces of papers in his small hands. He ignored the rest of the crowds around them despite all of the noise and sights happening.

              “Pencils,” Keith said quietly. Shiro used his hip and the stump of his other arm to maneuver the cart through several aisles of people Many of which cooed at Keith and Shiro or got out of the way once they saw Shiro’s arm.

              “Alright. I’m guessing we should get erasers and pens too?” Shiro asked once the two of them had stopped in front of the School Supply aisle.

              It was that time of year. The first of many for Shiro and Keith. School was starting up in just two weeks and this would be the first of many school years for Keith and Shiro. Keith was only just starting daycare at Altea, with Allura but it was still exciting for Shiro to be doing school shopping. Especially when it was just him and Keith.

              Kuro and Shiro’s parents had tried to tag along with them, after learning that Shiro’s prosthetic was out of commission, but Keith had managed to persuade them to leave the two of them alone with big blue eyes.

              “Yes,” Keith nodded before glancing down at the paper. “But only blue pens. No black.”

              “Oh, I’m sure we can get any colored pens,” Shiro chuckled, maneuvering Keith on the handle of the cart so that he could grab several supplies. “We could even get a rainbow of colored pens.”

              “No. Blue pens. It only says blue pens.” Keith said firmly. The little pout on his face made Shiro coo and rub his cheek against Keith’s. However, he grabbed a pack of blue pens and put them in the cart with the rest of the supplies. Keith beamed, satisfied and Shiro felt his heart melting all over again. “Okay. Check!” Keith scribbled a vague-looking checkmark next to the pens, pencils, and erasers on the list. “Hm, daddy what’s this?” Keith shoved the paper into his father’s face quickly. Shiro blinked, trying to crane his neck back so he could clearly see what Keith was pointing at. It took a bit of struggling but eventually, Shiro could see the paper and he smiled.

              “Oh, that says optional. It means we don’t have to buy it and the school will supply it, but we can buy it if we want to.” Shiro explained softly. Eventually, Keith pulled the paper away from Shiro’s face and he frowned thoughtfully. Shiro quickly skimmed the rest of the line and his eyes widened.

              Glue.

              For a second, Shiro’s mind was brought back to a dark memory of a time when Keith had been allowed to use glue for a Father’s day craft project with his family. Shiro had come home to a baby Keith covered in peeling glue. It was on his hands, on his cheeks, and in his hair. Shiro had been forced to cut off several chunks of Keith’s hair, sending Keith into a fit of tears for days.

              Glue is not our friend.

              “I know for a fact that your daycare teacher will be providing you with glue so we don’t have to buy that!” Shiro said quickly, practically sprinting away from the glue in the aisle. Keith blinked somberly before waving at the disappearing glue. Feeling his heart twist at the saddened expression on Keith’s face, Shiro stopped the cart right in front of rows of backpacks.

              “Look! This is the best part of school shopping. You get to pick your very own backpack to wear!” Shiro cheered suddenly and Keith’s entire attention was now on the backpacks. His eyes lit up and a wide smile graced his face. Shiro chuckled, relieved that a crisis had been averted, and set Keith down on the ground when he felt Keith begin to wiggle in his arms. As soon as his light-up sneakers had hit the floor, Keith was running back and forth along the rows of backpacks.

              “Daddy! Daddy! Look, there’s so many!” Keith bounced excitedly, clapping his hands. Shiro chuckled, smiling warmly as Keith ran back and forth between serval different backpacks.

              “Is this his first time going to school?”

              Shiro turned around to see a woman with her own shopping cart behind him. Shiro could see two other kids walking down the aisle, both were probably two or so years older than Keith. He watched them warily as they made their way to the backpacks, where Keith was still looking at backpacks. Keith eyed the two kids warily who were trying to compare backpacks with him, but he wasn’t yelling or running away yet. Instead, he was clutching onto one particular backpack while the other two kids pointed out other backpacks.

              “Yeah. Well, it’s a daycare school because he’s only four but he’s still very excited.” Shiro smiled and the woman beamed.

              “And I bet you’re just as excited as he is. Look at that smile.” She pointed out the grin on Shiro’s face and Shiro couldn’t help but nod.

              “Yeah. I’m anxious to leave him alone. We’ve never really been apart this long.” Shiro admitted softly, watching as Keith grabbed a hold of another backpack that the older girl had given him.

              “It’s hard, especially with the oldest or your only child.” The woman said quietly. “It’s hard to see them growing up, and it feels like it’s going by so fast,” Shiro nodded at this and breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn’t the only parent feeling this. “However, I promise you it’s only going to get more and more exciting after this. Watching them grow up is one of the best feelings in the world, especially when you see the person they’ve become.”

              Shiro thought his face was going to split in half from smiling so much. He nodded at the woman, grateful for her kind words before Keith was sprinting back to him. Quickly, Shiro opened his arms and pulled Keith up into one arm, while holding onto his with the stump of his other arm. Keith’s eyes were sparkling with absolute joy and his cheeks were rosy from excitement.

              Suddenly, Keith shoved a backpack in Shiro’s face. “Look. Look. It’s perfect! It has stars and moons and planets!” Keith babbled excitedly as he proudly showed off the backpack. All the while, Shiro was smiling warmly at Keith, listening with rapt attention.

              Sure, he was excited to watch Keith grow up.

              Especially if there were going to be more moments like this.

x.V.x

              Twenty-three

              “I’m gonna go grab some supplies for school,” Keith said, eyes trained down on his phone. Shiro looked away from the Deli menu where he was deciding if fried chicken was considered a “cheat day” or not. He blinked as Keith walked away and sighed.

              Shopping for school supplies had been fun, for about seven years. However, once Keith had reached seventh grade, supply shopping had just become an ordinary shopping trip and by high school, Keith didn’t need or want Shiro shopping with him like they used to. Keith loved his father, and he always did, but even he had admitted that it was slightly embarrassing to be picking out backpacks like a little kid.

              So ever since then, Keith had done his shopping while Shiro had done other shopping and the two of them met in the middle. Shiro was a bit sad to see the tradition of school shopping had lost its magic. He knew that as Keith grew up some things would change.

              However, his baby was all grown up now. He was home from the military for good and now he was finally starting his very first year of college. Where he was going to be living in the dorms and away from Shiro yet again. Thankfully the campus wasn’t too far and Keith could come home every weekend without hassle but still, Shiro had just gotten used to Keith being around all the time.

              The silence was hard.

              Shiro sighed, going through the motions and deciding that chicken was what he was in the mood for. As he was heading towards the checkout lines, Shiro saw Keith returning with a bag of school supplies around his arms. He wasn’t on his phone any longer and he waved upon seeing Shiro.

              “Got everything you need?” Shiro asked when they arrived near a check-out line.

              “Yeah. I’m not going to overload on supplies until I know what I definitely need.” Keith nodded, helping to load the groceries on the conveyor belt. Shiro smiled at his son. “Besides, I can always get you to do a supply run for me and drop them off at my door. I know you’ll look for any reason to visit.” Keith teased lightly, causing Shiro to snort.

              “Brat.” Shiro swatted at Keith, who playfully ducked away. “What about a backpack? You haven’t had one since high school and I’m pretty sure I got rid of it.”

              “I’ll get a plain black one or something cheap.” Keith shrugged, not upset at all.

              Shiro bit his lip, resisting the urge to sigh. “You don’t want ninja-turtles or stars?”

              “I’m not a kid anymore.” Keith laughed quietly. Shiro felt his heart twinge for a second before he was smiling again. He’s not. The two of them finished paying for everything before loading it all into Shiro’s car. Shiro’s mind wandered to something he had seen in the store and he bit his lip.

              “You finish loading. I forgot something, just wait in the car when you’re done!” Shiro suddenly called over his shoulder as he made his way back into the store. Keith rolled his eyes playfully, but nodded and continued to load up the car.

              It only took Shiro a few minutes to find what he was looking for and another minute of debating whether it would be a good idea to get it. However, he made up his mind and bought the item, hiding it in a bag in the back of his car. Keith asked what it was but Shiro kept his mouth shut and simply smiled.

              It was three weeks later when Keith was unloading the last box in his dorm. His roommate was a good guy, a family friend of Allura’s, and kinda cute. After Shiro had finally left, and Keith had been on his own once again for a few days, the longing for home built in Keith’s chest. He missed Shiro and home again.

              As Keith unloaded the last of his box, he came across a grocery bag at the bottom of the box. Frowning, Keith pulled the bag out as he tried to think of what it could be. He didn’t remember buying any other supplies. However, once Keith had pulled the item out of the bag, he couldn’t help but smile tearfully. Inside the bag, was a galaxy themed backpack, meant for adults. Keith kept the tears at bay but he ran his fingers along the stars stitched into the backpack when a note fell onto the floor.

              Picking it up, Keith felt a large smile gracing his lips and he laughed out loud.        

              No matter how old you think you are, you will always be my Star. Shoot for the moon and back and I know you’ll do great in school. Love you,

Dad

[illyriantremors]

When were you going to tell me that you're pregnant? +Feysand I've also been greatly enjoying all the little fics you've been writing :)

Thank you, friend!! This is probably not exactly what you were asking for, but for whatever dumb reason, this popped in my head reading the prompt. Hope you like!

BTW peeps: I’m still doing these, just working through them slowly. Feel free to keep sending them and I’ll try to do them when I can. Link to prompt list is at the end.

–

When Feyre rounds the corner into the produce section of the grocery store, the last thing she expects to see is Cassian shoving a watermelon under her husband’s shirt amid a choir of snickers from the pair of them. Cassian has his phone out and is just about to Snapchat a pic when Feyre clears her throat. The boys freeze, Rhys blushing just a tad.

“When were you going to tell me that you’re pregnant?” Feyre asks Rhys pointedly, stifling a smirk.

“Just getting a feel for things,” Rhys says cooly. “We can never be too prepared.”

“Man, don’t drop it!” Cass barks suddenly, seeing the huge melon begin to slip. Rhys removes it without a problem and replaces it on the shelf.

“You two are going to get us kicked out of here if you keep goofing off. We still have a lot of shopping to do and Nesta’s already bit my head off about the right kind of cheese to go with the appetizers.”

Only Nesta could make cheese and crackers feel unbearably stuffy. And as much as Feyre really does trust Nesta’s expert opinion that brie will be best, she’s not going into this dinner without a hunk of good old fashioned cheddar to see her through.

At the mention of Nesta, Cassian’s eyes spark. How he could have forgotten for even one minute that Nesta was within a five miles radius after she’d let the shopping cart slip against his shins is beyond Feyre. “Don’t worry,” Cass says walking swiftly past Feyre and patting her on the shoulder the way he does when ‘the bro’ is winning, as Azriel likes to call it. “I’ve got this.”

Feyre feels Rhys pull up even with her as she watches her friend strut off to face the horrors waiting for him in Dairy.

“I love Cassian,” Rhys says, and Feyre turns back round to face him, “but I think he has a death wish.”

Feyre tisks and pushes the cart toward the lettuce. “Stop, Nesta isn’t that bad.”

“The fact that you need to specify-”

“Rhys.”

He holds his hands up in surrender and promptly plucks an apple from a nearby stand, juggling it in a way that’s supposed to seem impressive - never mind that it’s only one apple.

Romaine… baby greens… organic… iceberg… Ugh, nobody even likes iceberg. Classic Cesar will do, Feyre decides. Or possibly… The baby greens stare up at her.

She looks back at the watermelon crate Rhys and Cassian had been messing with and feels her stomach tighten. She and Rhys have been together for nearly five years now, if you count the three years they dated before getting hitched. She knows he wouldn’t pressure her. Not ever. But sometimes he makes an offhand comment and she wonders if Rhys might not be considering beyond her present wishes.

Feyre clears her throat. “Rhys?”

“Yes dah-ling,” he says. Neither of them turn around from their respective produce. Feyre’s not sure she could if she tried.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?”

She chances a peek over her shoulder and finds Rhys has swapped his one-apple juggling act for a rather thorough examination of the differences between Fuji and Granny Smith that has his brows knit together. “What’s that?” Rhys asks, and Feyre whips her head back to the salad options.

“About… not being too prepared.”

“Too prepared?”

The misters switch on unexpectedly, dousing the lettuce and Feyre’s outstretched hand with a fine layer of mist that take her by surprise. “Oh!” she yelps and jumps back, some combination of shock and nerves forcing her into motion. Rhys chuckles and slinks over to lean on the cart.

“Don’t worry,” he says with a cheeky grin. “Last I checked, water is actually good for you.”

“Very funny,” Feyre says, the humor not entirely making it past her lips. She feels rather than sees Rhys’s face twitch.

“What’s wrong? If this about Nesta again and whether or not you thinks she’s going to throw a tantrum over your choice of rabbit food, I promise I’ll protect you.”

“Do you want to have a baby?” Feyre blurts out before she can help herself. Her stomach does a back flip just asking the question. They’ve never talked about it before. Not since they were just starting out dating and trying to decide if this was even a good fit. She knows they both want kids. Maybe just a kid. But there’s something terrifying about the idea that Rhys might want one now.

“Feyre,” Rhys says, leaning forward and dropping to a whisper, “you know I enjoy making love to you at all hours of the day, but if you think me shoving a watermelon up my shirt is gonna piss the employees off, I don’t think they’ll appreciate us-”

“I’m serious,” Feyre says, cutting Rhys off. He blinks at her a few times, mouth parted open slightly. But Feyre wants to know. Is determined to know. “Do you want to have a baby?”

Rhys backs up a step. “Do you want to have a baby?”

“I asked you first.” A small flash of intrigue in those deep blue eyes searches her making her feel known and exposed in ways only he’s ever managed.

“Alright,” Rhys says, folding his arms and seeming to sense that she means business. Feyre draws a deep breath waiting. “You know I want to have a kid - eventually. If you’re asking, do I want one right now?” Feyre nods. “No. I don’t think so. I mean, shoot, if it happens, then great. I’ll welcome it with open arms and shove a watermelon up my shirt for nine months so you don’t feel so bad.” Feyre releases a small chuckle at that and Rhys smiles. “Why so curious about kids all of a sudden?”

Feyre rolls her eyes, more at herself than him, and tosses a hand up. “I don’t know. I saw you joking around with Cassian, but then you made that comment and you’ve said stuff in the past, that I just wondered if maybe you were…” She pauses, catches Rhys watching her intently with his brow raised in amusement, and lets out a shaky laugh. “I’m being ridiculous, aren’t I?”

Rhys pulls Feyre into his arms with his own chuckle and it feels like she can finally stop fretting. “No, you’re not. It’s good that we talk about these things. I just don’t understand why you’re so concerned with it? You know we can take our time. And if overgrown melons are all we end up with, we’ll be well fed.”

Feyre snorts. “Now you’re being ridiculous.”

“Yeah, but you can’t deny it’s a good idea.”

“No, I really can’t-”

“Get that out of your nose!”

Both Feyre’s and Rhys’s heads snap to the side where Nesta has found the produce section along with Cassian… who has shoved a small wedge of brie up his nose much to Nesta’s chagrin.

Feyre grimaces. “At least it’s shrink wrapped?” Rhys offers, and then laughs when Feyre smacks her head into his chest with a groan. “Come on,” he says, rubbing up her arms a few times for confidence. “Let’s go sort them out.”

“Go on. I just have to grab some lettuce first.” Rhys nods, heading off.

Feyre looks back down at her options and decides, maybe the baby greens aren’t so bad after all. A nice watermelon salad could be good for spring.

–

Send me a prompt + otp or brotp and I’ll write a drabble!