#if someone can come up with a better caption I’m all ears

[egglygreg]

Tearful memories

Uuugh my tablet pen charger is missing, I did this with my fingers- I do NOT recommend it, my hand hurts so much 😭 also low res image since I didn’t want to upload the og

Totk Zelink is just so wonderfully tragic, and when I came across this Tangled concept art I’d forgotten about I couldn’t resist:

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s Nostalgic Memories Date (Eng Translation)

“You’re my first.”

“You’re my first, too.”

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 旧忆之约, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

─  

【Subbed Video】    

[Heads-up]: Read the transcript for reading, but  PLEASE DO WATCH THE VIDEO!! THE BGMS, THE VOICE ACTING, EVERYTHING!! (also, yes, I’ve made my real-time reactions 🤪)

───────

【Transcript Version】

【Chapter 1】

Not long ago, Victor received a commemorative book.

The sender is his alma mater, Loveland Central Elementary School, which is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The book is filled with old photos of his school. With unending excitement, I relentlessly search for that familiar figure among them.

Little Victor holding up his award certificates with a composed demeanor, hoisting the national flag with aplomb, or standing on the winner’s podium during the sports meet… all these are images of him I haven’t seen before.

MC: Model student, flag-raiser, long-distance running gold medalist… how many more surprises does this man have in store that I still don’t know about?

?? (Victor): What are you muttering to yourself this time?

I look up and find that Victor has entered the bedroom without me noticing.

MC: I can’t help but feel sentimental~ After all, you were that “kid from someone else’s family” when we were little.

–

[Tidbits]: The term MC uses here is “别人家的小孩,” I guess you’ll understand this better if you are an Asian/ of Asian descendance/ have Asian parents LOL; it’s often used to describe how parents spur their own kids into working harder by often mentioning “the other kid” as a role model who usually excels in many aspects~ :> And MC playfully follows this with– he belongs to her/ they’re a family now. So, she can take pride that “the prized boy” is all hers 🤣💕 (aside from the obvious knife about MC being regretful of missing out on each other’s lives, which comes later~ 🥲)

–

Victor: Someone else’s family?

Watching his cool and collected expression as he arches an eyebrow, I cheekily walk up to him.

MC: Hehe, but now you’re mine~

As I notice him smiling slightly, I can’t help but be insatiable and pull him along to join me in flipping through the photo album.

We have just flipped through a few photos of the “Campus Singing Competition” when the person beside me seems to have seen something, causing his pupils to quiver ever so slightly.

Following his gaze, I catch a glimpse of a young kid with dramatic stage makeup, sporting a red dot on the space between his brows.

Before I can take a closer look, the commemorative book in front of me is abruptly snapped shut.

MC: Wait!

Hastily, I clutch his hand down and carefully inspect the photo. There is actually a small caption below it that reads–– “Little Victor, photographed by Dad”

Astounded, I snatch the book and examine it closely–– the child’s solemn expression, with furrowed brows, is unmistakably identical to that of a certain someone I know so well.

I stare at Victor in utter disbelief, while he seems to have already resigned himself and closed his eyes.

MC: Hahahaha–– you’re so cute, hahaha!

Victor: …stop laughing, give me back the book.

MC: Alright, but you have to agree to one condition of mine.

Victor: ...you sure know how to make demands.

MC: Don’t want to agree? Well, then I might just turn you into an emoji pack, huh?

Victor takes a deep breath as if he has reached the limit of his patience. He then takes out his phone, quickly taps on the screen, and holds it to his ear.

Victor: I had planned to bring a certain someone along to visit the school when I’d sign the contract to donate to the school building.

Victor: But since the photos seem enough to satisfy you, I think I’m gonna talk to the school about reducing your title to a colleague.

Hearing his words, I immediately grab his arm, displaying a sincere expression.

MC: Why didn’t you tell me about the building donation before? I’m not laughing anymore, I promise!

He arches an eyebrow and moves his phone a few inches away, as if waiting for me to offer a bigger bargaining chip.

I narrow my eyes and steel myself.

MC: I’ll give you three of my embarrassing childhood photos!

Victor: Deal.

Hearing a muffled chuckle in my ears, I suddenly realize what’s going on. I seize his phone and, sure enough, find that the screen is still locked.

MC: …you’re so childish, Victor!

Despite my reproach, he remains composed and raps my head.

Victor: He who touches ink becomes black, you know?

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 2】

Victor: …wish strips?

An old metal box is gently placed on the table, inside of which is stacked with many pieces of weathered papers, tinged with a yellow hue.

After the completion of the donation contract signing, only three people remain in the empty conference room— the two of us and the principal.

Principal: When I learned that you were coming back, I inquired with your homeroom teacher about anything that might have been left behind from back then, and she really found it.

Even as I try hard to focus my attention on their conversation, an inevitably innate urge drives me to reach out and flip through the wish strips with my fingers, looking for a certain one.

Soon, a weathered piece of paper catches my eyes, with meticulously and neatly penned six letters that form the name “Victor.”

However, before I can reach my hand for it, a large hand with slender fingers lands on top of the paper––

Forced by the seriousness of the atmosphere we are in now, I can do nothing but watch helplessly as Victor nonchalantly slips the note into his pocket.

Victor: If there’s anything else you need help with in the future, please feel free to contact me again.

Principal: Thank you, Little Vic. Despite your remarkable achievements in the outside world, you still haven’t forgotten your alma mater.

–

[Tidbits]: I’m freaking crying, haha–– look at his Principal still calling this grown-ass man “小李 (Xiao Li)” aksdknld– the sheer adoration you can’t let go of despite the admiration a person has achieved from you– 🥺 

–

Victor: You’re too kind. On a different note, I wish to take my girlfriend on a tour of the school later. I wonder if it would be convenient?

Principal: Absolutely! You two are welcome to wander around and have a good time.

–

It’s summer vacation, and the campus is absolutely empty.

The continuous symphony of cicadas seems to transport me through countless summers, carrying me to the past that belongs to him.

Hand in hand, we walk beneath the shade of the sycamore tree, retracing the journey captured in old photos, from the faintly plastic-scented crimson athletic track to the library, and eventually arriving at his former classroom.

–

MC: Where would you sit back then?

Seeing him pointing to a seat in the back row, I press against the window frame and peer inside, yearning to glimpse that small figure across the boundaries of time and space.

MC: Do you have any special memory from your elementary school days?

Victor: What do you mean by special?

MC: Copying homework? Not paying attention in class? Or maybe… puppy love?

It seems like he’s heard something that displeased him; a slight frown creeps onto his face, and he gives me a subtle, scrutinizing look.

Victor: [strikes immediately LMFAO]  Your elementary school life was this eventful and colorful? It seems like I underestimated you a little.

MC: Of course not; I didn’t do anything of the sort! I’m just simply curious about your school life~

Victor: It was like any regular elementary school student’s life–– attending classes, doing homework after school, and occasionally playing soccer. Nothing out of the ordinary–– 

Suddenly, the sound of a series of brisk footsteps interrupts his words. Before long, two kids carrying backpacks appear at the far end of our sight.

Little Boy: Did you check? If you forget to bring your homework again, I won’t come with you next time.

Little Girl: I’ve really brought it this time! Where should we go to do our homework today?

Little Boy: The library.

Little Girl: But we need to stay quiet in the library, and I won’t be able to talk with you there.

Little Boy: …let’s go to the burger joint then.

Watching their departing figures from behind, I tug at the corner of Victor’s clothes.

MC: Have you ever done homework together with other kids?

Victor: Might have done some group assignments at some point.

MC: With you sitting next to them, their study efficiency must have gotten a massive boost. I’m really envious of those classmates who had the chance to do homework with you…

Hearing me say this, Victor’s face takes on a curious and contemplative expression.

Victor: Don’t be envious. I’ve got an idea.

MC: What do you have in mind?

Victor: It just so happens that I have to work tonight. You can bring in your unfinished proposal, and we can “do homework” together.

MC: …I’ll pass. Even a dummy can tell the difference between a friendly invitation and being supervised by a capitalist.

As we are talking, I see the kids from earlier run out of the convenience store in front of the school gate.

With delight on their faces, they share a pack of crisp instant noodles. The savory and crispy aroma from afar feels as if it reaches the tip of my teeth as well.

Just like me, Victor turns his head toward the source of the noise. Upon seeing his reaction, I immediately reach out and take his hand.

MC: Wanna go to the convenience store? It’s my treat!

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 3】

The store is not big, but it boasts a diverse selection of snacks arranged on the shelves.

However, my eyes are drawn to a seemingly ordinary pack of candy tucked away in the corner. Memories of my elementary school days rush back, when this candy was all the rage for playing pranks, and I also couldn’t resist tasting it once myself––

Even at this very moment, the fast secretion of saliva in my mouth is a vivid reminder of its “special” flavor.

Filled with curiosity, I pick up the candy and shake it at Victor.

MC: This candy used to be so popular back in the day. Have you ever tried it?

Victor: Nope, I haven’t.

MC: Your childhood is missing just a little something, then.

Victor: If being a glutton is your yardstick, you probably had the most complete childhood in the whole world.

Listening to his playful banter, I silently make up my mind to tease him a little. I grab the candy and settle the bill.

Just imagining the look on his face when he tastes the sourness makes me involuntarily curl my lips into a smile. However, realizing that his gaze is fixed on my face, I hasten to temper my smile.

MC: Victor, may I fill in the missing pieces of your childhood?

Victor: No need.

Ignoring his attempt to decline with a shake of his head, I affectionately bring a candy close to his lips.

MC: Come on, give me some face! I never asked any boy students out for snacks back when I was in school. You’re my first.

Upon hearing my words, his motions pause momentarily, and he stares at me fixedly with downcast eyes.

Just when I think he’s going to reject me again, he softly lets his lips part, lowers his head, and eats the candy from my hand.

I instantly widen my eyes, not wanting to miss any nuance of his expression. But all I see him is chewing the candy nonchalantly without any changes in his demeanor.

This isn’t right… could they have changed the recipe? Puzzled, I pop a candy into my mouth, but as soon as it touches my tongue, I grimace from the sourness.

MC: Sss! So sour!

Victor seems to can’t hold back and bursts into laughter.

Victor: Mmm, it’s indeed sour.

MC: You did that on purpose!

As my indignant glare meets his eyes, he arches an eyebrow in response.

Victor: You sure have a talent for turning the tables. But speaking of doing it on purpose—

Victor: Back when I was in school, I never teased or played with any girl students, either. You’re my first, too.

The candy in my mouth still gives rise to an unending stream of sourness, yet I can distinctly taste a sweet flavor.

Victor: So happy that you’re in a silly daze?

Upon hearing his teasing, I  realize I’ve been rooted to the spot and giggling like a silly person this whole time. I quickly pretend to be composed and divert the topic.

MC: I was thinking that we visited all the locations where each of the old photos was taken, except for one that slipped through the cracks!

MC: Where was that adorable picture of you with the red dot between your brows taken?

Victor: Why do you always apply your surplus obsession in places where it’s not necessary?

MC: Humph, it took me so much effort to get you to bring me here. Even if I have to dig the school three feet deep today, I’ll definitely find it!

Seeing me steadfastly staring at him, he lets out a sigh and helplessly takes my hand.

Victor: My alma mater had to spend so much effort to reach the lifespan of a hundred years. I’m not letting it be dug up by you.

—

We’re obviously supposed to be searching for the location of the photo. However, Victor brings me back to his old family home, which is currently empty.

Before I can even ask anything, my gaze is captivated by a rather extravagant box of jewelry on the foyer table.

As I let out a small gasp of surprise, Victor also glances over, and his expression turns somewhat speechless.

Victor: Aunt Grace purchased these during her trip abroad. She said you might get tired of seeing me in formal attire, so I should occasionally change things up…

MC: Pfftt! Why didn’t she just send them to you directly?

Victor: Because I declined. She probably planned to take a roundabout approach and ask my dad for help.

MC: Well, that works out perfectly. There’s no need to bother Uncle.

I “obligingly” pat my chest as an expression of “taking responsibility” and put the ornaments in my bag.

MC: But you didn’t especially bring me here just to pick this up, right?

Victor shoots me a wordless glance and then points toward the flower house ahead.

–

Victor: Not just the head is slow, the eyes are slow too.

MC: Hey, you meanie…

After a few seconds, I’m suddenly taken aback, my eyes widening. I pull out the photo from the commemorative book and compare it to the flower house before my eyes. To my surprise, it turns out to be exactly the same.

MC: This photo was actually taken at home?

Victor: After I came back from the performance, the teacher notified us that we needed to take a photo.

MC: But I thought you would remove your makeup right after the performance!

Victor: You’re right. I did wipe it off as soon as I got off the stage. But my dad deliberately used a red seal ink paste to reapply that dot.

Seeing the awkward look on his face, I can’t resist the urge to tease him and fish out the lipstick from my bag.

MC: How is it fair if you just make do with a red seal ink paste? Since the other kids have it on, you should too.

Victor: …I should not have told you.

He firmly grasps my unruly hand, but I use my left hand to snatch the lipstick and persistently keep inching closer to him. At this point, I’m practically draped onto his body.

Just as the lipstick is about to touch his forehead, he suddenly looks behind me.

Victor: Dad, you’re back.

I jump off him in a panic, and with my eyes closed, I immediately bow towards the entrance.

MC: Hello, Uncle!

After waiting for quite a considerable amount of time without any response, I’m beginning to feel slightly puzzled when I hear a soft chuckle from above me.

Victor: Turns out that there are still ways to restrain a certain someone’s out-of-control unruliness.

I raise my head and see that there is no one at the entrance.

Seeing the smirk of triumph in his eyes, I let out a “humph” and decide to turn the tables against him. At this moment, I coincidentally spot the wish strip peeking out from his pocket because of our earlier playful fooling around.

But he’s guessed my intentions, and almost simultaneously, he presses his fingertips on the slip of paper along with me. This results in a brief standoff as neither of us releases our hold.

The silent confrontation lasts for a few seconds until I pout, and that’s when I hear him let out a resigned sigh of compromise. I finally have my wish fulfilled and get my hands on his wish strip.

The paper has already yellowed and become brittle, but the carefully and neatly written words haven’t faded even a bit during the overlong passage of time––

“I want to grow up fast so that I can find her.”

Caught off guard by intruding into the “secret” of his past, I somehow feel a mixture of indescribable emotions flooding my heart.

How come he never mentioned to me that he had such a wish before? I can’t help but lift my eyes to look into his.

And he stares at me for a long, long time, as if he too wants to glean something from my expression. His lips twitch, but he doesn’t utter a single word even after a long time passes by.

Seeing him hesitate like this, I decide to be the one to break the silence first.

MC: Haha, I didn’t expect your wish to be so sincere and honest.

MC: But don’t worry, who didn’t have some little secrets in their childhood? I’ll just pretend I didn’t see it!

Victor: Little secret?

He doesn’t seem to have expected me to say this, causing him to evidently be stunned for a moment. But soon, a glint of playfulness sparks in his eyes.

Victor: Well, that’s a shame. I was originally going to share it with you, but since a certain dummy isn’t curious––

Victor: I guess I’ll just have to leave it be.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

He has really done what he said, not uttering a single word of explanation.

He even seems to be in high spirits as he grabs a bottle of whiskey from the liquor cabinet, as if he does not feel my indignant glare fixed on him at all.

Victor: Let’s celebrate together.

MC: Celebrate what?

Victor: I’m really lucky; my wish has come true.

With a hint of tenderness crested between his eyebrows and in his eyes, he uncorks the wine bottle. “Pop”–– the celebration begins, but I feel as if it’s my heart that has begun to deflate.

I push down the bitter feelings in my heart and take a sip of my drink.

MC: Congratulations to you, then.

Victor: Why does this “congratulations” sound a bit like you’re saying it against your will?

Being relentlessly pressed by his step-by-step advances while he is greatly amused, I suddenly feel a mix of embarrassment and anger soaring into my chest.

MC: How should I congratulate you then? Do you want me to take a photo of you for comparison to prove that you’ve grown up properly, just as you wished?

Victor: Sure, how do you plan to take the photo for me?

Originally, it was just an impulsive remark I made out of anger. But his reply suddenly causes me to choke, rendering me momentarily speechless. I can’t help but feel a little itch in my teeth.

However, upon glancing at the extravagant jewelry box in my bag, I narrow my eyes.

The next second, I push him onto the couch and start “hanging” all the jewelry on him without even asking him.

Victor: …are you decorating a Christmas tree?

MC: Since we are taking new photos in the once familiar place, you naturally have to dress up enough like an adult to give them the true value of commemoration.

However, I gradually realize that the ornaments on him don’t look over the top at all; instead, they make him look even more exquisite.

Seeing this, I wickedly pull open a section of his collar, exposing a large expanse of sculpted muscles that charges into my eyes. I can’t help but gulp at the sight.

Victor: Is this how a certain dummy defines an adult?

MC: Why? Can’t I do this?

Hearing his soft chuckle, I huff in anger as I mutter under my breath.

The next second, my wrist is clasped in place, and I find myself falling into his arms. That familiar scent of his hems me tightly.

Victor: Of course you can. But I think there’s still a bit of room for enhancement.

His warm breath grazes my ear now and then, making my heartbeat accelerate involuntarily.

Realizing that my chance to counterattack is slipping through the cracks, I inwardly compose myself and tilt my head slightly, forcefully suppressing my racing heartbeat.

Aiming my gaze at the lipstick on the table, I immediately come up with a plan.

MC: You’re absolutely right; there’s still room for enhancement. It was my bad. I still need to mark you like an adult––

I grab the lipstick and apply several thick coats on my lips, then seal it with a big kiss on his cheek.

The corners of his lips twitch slightly, seemingly evident that he didn’t anticipate my move at all. After a brief moment, he just casually leans back against the couch.

Victor: Have you finished all your preparations for taking the photo?

Looking at his face painted with the mark of my kiss, I nod in satisfaction.

He raises an eyebrow at my reaction, then pulls me closer to him once again.

Victor: Now it’s my turn.

Victor: Photos that hold the true value of commemoration should be taken alongside the witness testimony who made my wish come true.

MC: Witness testimony? Me?

Victor: Is there a third person here?

Victor rubs his temples helplessly, but the smile hanging at the edge of his lips seems to validate the daring conjecture harbored in the depths of my heart.

MC: The “her” you wrote about in your wish strip… it’s me?

Victor: You dummy, who else could it possibly be except you?

Without a moment’s hesitation, he admits it candidly.

In this instant, my heart feels as if it has been drenched.

The mottled wish strip in front of me is akin to the tip of an iceberg I have somehow peered into. It reminds me that in places I’ve never seen, millions of emotions lie buried that I still don’t know about and have yet to fathom.

And those deep eyes of his, which have been fixed on me all along, are so honest and sincere without the slightest concealment, make me surer than ever that––

The impact of our childhood encounter, the bond that forged our destinies together, perhaps runs much deeper than I had ever imagined it to be possible.

It turns out that I have already had my place in his past long ago.

By the time I speak again, my tone has already become joyful.

MC: Ah–– it turns out I had already become your heart’s desire so, so early on. I must have had quite the charm back when I was little, huh~

Victor: …I really underestimated how thick-skinned you can be.

He laughs involuntarily and watches me quietly for a while. The light in his gaze becomes even deeper and more earnest.

Victor: But MC, when I say “I’m lucky,” it’s not because I found the little girl from my past.

Victor: It’s because of the fortunate circumstance–– that little girl turned out to be you.

I instinctively find myself rooted to the spot, feeling a tingling itch sprouting in my heart, as if a wobbly little flower has blossomed within me.

It’s not until he takes hold of my hand that I finally snap out of it. Accompanied by the silky smooth touch of his fingertips, an English word takes form on the glass wall of the flower room –– Morii.

MC: What does it mean?

He lowers his gaze to look at me, his eyes seemingly concealing a subtle smile.

Victor: Originally, for me, those past days were nothing but ordinary moments, days that I would never want to look back on.

Victor: But the moment you stepped inside and looked around, those old times suddenly came to life again.

Victor: Perhaps it’s the gift of a certain dummy; you’ve always made me want to keep holding onto these moments that exist because of you.

His gentle voice is reminiscent of a feather landing in my heart, creating concentric ripples of waves.

I find myself unable to contain my giggle and lean in closer to him.

MC: Then let’s keep holding onto it.

He is slightly stumped for a moment but soon understands the meaning of my words and turns on the camera, aiming it at us. From beginning to end, those eyes of his gazing at me have held a perpetual interplay of tender and fervent glimmers.

Lifting myself up on my toes, I approach the figure that is also drawing closer to me.

Two throbbing hearts appear to have traversed the confines of endless dusty time, seeking solace in each other’s arms time and time again.

Right at this moment, the flash of the camera lights up.

────────

[Tidbits]: Didn’t wanna break the immersion, so kept it for the last here. The word Victor led MC to write together, i.e., “Morii” means the “desire to capture a fleeting moment that cannot be retained.” It’s basically the ephemeral nature of life, the reminder of everything inevitable. It’s like a time in which you expect the least, a time in which that moment spontaneously confronts you, but there is nothing you can do to preserve it— and the desire to do all you can to keep that moment to yourself is “Morii.” And if you know Victor and Victor x MC’s story, I’m sure you understand why it’s so important that they wrote it together, or rather MC instinctively followed his strokes without asking why— (இ﹏இ`｡)❤️

—

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

[Anika’s Long Analysis & Ramblings]

───

[dirtbra1n]

hello! its tashiro anon with another random idea, this time valentine flavoured since its everywhere and i cant escape

i think tashiro would try to make handmade goods for his friends,, maybe not immediately but like after seeing somewhere just how happy it can make someone to receive handmade sweets he would go 'oh i gotta try that' and what better day is it to give them then the chocolate day?

it definitely would take multiple tries to get it good but i can see him presenting them proudly to them. the shape is not perfect and neither is his packaging but his smile alone would be enough to make ones heart feel full i think,,, kuresawa would probably immediately send it to his gf with the caption 'someones trying to give me valentine chocolates'

he would make some to hanzawa too,, although if he would actually manage to give them is debatable, i think it could create a cute scenario

thats all have a great day!

TASHIRO ANON!!! HI!!! I do always love to be brain blasted into the wall

I’m writing this as thoughts develop Went and opened up the second years novel because there’s a chapter about white day. tashiro anon did you know this chapter is crazy There’s some really crazy stuff in here. kuresawa’s always got insanely Something things to say about his friends IIII’m suddenly dizzy okay anyway. kuresawa’s crazy ANYWAY

really really fun thing about tashiro is that he can kind of. do anything he puts his mind to. he sees what kind of expression someone can make when receiving chocolates and goes Oh I can do that. I need to do that. and he does. looks up a recipe at home jots it down and makes a day of going to the grocery store. browses aisles with his hands at the back of his neck. realizes he needs like, a basket at least. helps one of the bathhouse ladies with her stuff when they cross paths. laughs raucously when she jokes a little crassly about how busy her valentine’s day is gonna be.

gets home three hours later with a few bags worth of stuff and things. headband keeping stray hair out of his eyes. squinting at his handwriting. chocolate! some a little lumpy others bigger than he meant them to be. takes a nibble and they taste fine. it’s not like he’s someone’s girlfriend doing this, anyway. a few lumps aren’t gonna kill anyone. except the lump in his throat, maybe, What kind of thought was that even? ha ha ha I have fun

brings them in the next day though, yeah, and kuresawa texts his girlfriend and she replies Reject them. and tashiro’s protests can be heard from the rooftop. miyano almost starts to argue before he looks at tashiro’s face, the barest trace of maidenly anticipation. and he takes them staring at the floor and his ears warm. Fine, he thinks. and he says thank you, and tashiro whoops.

shirahama gets his thrown at him, second he comes through the door. catches them last minute. starts sniffling with damp eyes.

and you’re so right tashiro anon…. some dedicated to hanzawa senpai. when’s he supposed to even give them to him? is the sort of question on his mind. he’s passing the packaging between his two hands, back and forth, on his way out of school. down the street. after practice, so the crisp not-yet-spring air is biting at him a little. downhill to the bathhouse.

serendipitous, hanzawa senpai standing in the middle of the street. it isn’t a steep decline but it feels like one.

Tashiro-kun, hanzawa senpai calls up at him. he looks small from up here but his voice is the same as ever—just a little surprised.

tashiro, eyes wide and earnest, holding his full hand up, calls back down, Chocolate!

[natrogersfics]

Game Plan - Chapter 12: I Almost Do

Artwork by @faith2nyc Read on AO3

“Do we already have the promotional pictures from Clint’s last photoshoot?” Natasha asks, her eyes closed as she sits in the makeup chair and Nikki, the in-house stylist and makeup artist for the team, sweeps eyeshadow across her lid.

“Yep,” she hears Darcy say. “They’ve been captioned and queued up on Hootsuite. First post goes out tomorrow at 10 EST. And yes, before you ask, the hashtags have been selected and cleared as well.”

“I wasn’t going to ask,” she says, peeking one eye open as Nikki reaches for a different eye brush to see Darcy’s subsequent eye roll. She chuckles. “Good to know, though. What about the reels Pietro recorded for StruckerAide?” Her question is met with silence, prompting her to turn her head to see Wanda in the corner, her back to them. “Wanda?”

“Just a second,” Wanda calls back, turning to point towards the phone she’s holding up to her ear before whispering, “Mommy has to go, Tommy, but I’m sure your cleats are in the mud room, all right? Check in there first and call me back if you still can’t find them. Okay. I love you, baby. Bye.” As she places her phone back in her pocket, Wanda looks up, a sheepish smile on her face. “Sorry about that, the boys have soccer practice at four-”

“Wanda,” she says before her coworker can go on. She smiles. “Don’t ever apologize. Your boys come first, always.”

“Thanks,” Wanda says, a grateful smile gracing her lips. “But yes, we recorded enough Reels with Pietro yesterday to space out for the next six weeks.” She shakes her head. “Though I will say, whoever thought giving my already hyperactive brother a deal with an energy drink company clearly has not had to handle him during a shoot.”

“Why do you think we gave his sister the assignment?” she quips, chuckling when Wanda only sticks her tongue out at her. “Okay, but what about-”

“T’Challa’s appearance on Trish Talk?” Darcy supplies, prompting a nod from her. “I already called to confirm that he’ll be in the studio first thing Saturday morning.” Darcy places both of her hands on her shoulders, giving them a squeeze. “Nat, we have everything covered. Relax.”

“She’s right, girl,” Nikki adds. “Seriously, I’ve never seen someone look so tense while in my makeup chair. If I weren’t so sure of my magic glam powers, I might be a teensy bit concerned that you don’t like” – she gestures towards the blush-colored blouse and olive skirt she’s wearing – “all this.”

“Of course not,” she reassures Nikki instantly. “You did a wonderful job, Nikki. Thank you, truly.” The last thing she wants to do is make Nikki feel as though she’s not grateful for pulling together the makeup and wardrobe team for this shoot, but ever since Pepper had informed her that Forbes wanted to profile her for being the youngest woman to make Vice President in the NFL, she’s been a ball of nerves. She’d tried to convince her boss that this time would be better spent with her working than participating in a photoshoot and interview, but Pepper was having none of it, citing the need to celebrate her achievement and the opportunity to convince little girls around the country that this too was a career path they could take. And once the kids were thrown into the argument, she knew there was no use in arguing. She sighs. “I’m just a little nervous. I’m used to being behind the camera, not in front of it.”

“You have nothing to be nervous about,” Nikki says, to which Wanda and Darcy chime in in agreement. “And you better get used to it, because once this cover hits the newsstands and the world gets a load of you? Girl, they won’t be able to get enough!”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Darcy says, eliciting a laugh from everyone in the room.

“Just remember who to call when that happens,” Nikki says, winking.

She chuckles. “You got it.”

It takes a couple of test shots of her behind her desk and Darcy blasting music on set, but eventually, she finds her groove in the photoshoot. While she doesn’t think she’ll ever take to being front and center this way, by the time the photographer asks her to stand by the plaque outside her office, she feels comfortable enough that they’re able to grab a couple of candid shots of her laughing at her team’s antics behind the camera. Upon her insistence that she would have never made it here without the two women causing mayhem in the back, the photographer had even agreed to snap a few shots of her, Wanda, and Darcy. That had resulted in a ruckus, with the three of them failing to keep a straight face for more than one take, but she surmises that the case of champagne Tony and Pepper had sent for the entire crew to enjoy would more than make up for it.

It's when the photographer declares that they have their cover shot that she finally sits down for her interview with Christine Everheart, the editor-in-chief of Forbes Magazine. Christine was the first person to make her interest in profiling her known, and having done Pepper’s profile when she was appointed General Manager of the Avengers way back when, Pepper had assured her that she was the best person for the job.

Not that Pepper would ever steer her wrong, but it only takes a few minutes into her interview with Christine to know that her boss’ glowing recommendation of her is well-merited. As Christine asks her to recount her journey from Executive Assistant to PR associate and now Vice President, she notes that unlike many of the interviewers she’s seen try to bait players into providing a zinging soundbite, Christine’s questions are thoughtful, complex.

“So we talked about how becoming Vice President has always been the apogee of your life goals,” Christine says, “now that you’ve made it, can you say that it’s all it’s cut out to be back when you were only imagining it? Is becoming Vice President for the Avengers everything you’ve dreamed of and more?”

“That’s a great question,” she says, shifting in her seat as she ponders her response. It’s the first time during this interview that a question has truly given her pause, and it’s not because she’s never considered it. As Christine said, this is what she’s been dreaming of her entire career. All these years, she had drilled it in her mind that achieving this feat would bring her the ultimate happiness, but up until this very moment, she hasn’t given herself the opportunity to truly consider how she feels now that her dream is a reality. She wants to say that she’s in nirvana, that she’s over the moon. But while she’s proud of what she’s accomplished and all the hard work she’s put in to get here, she’s not sure why providing Christine a resounding yes feels an awful lot like she’s lying. Even so, she finds herself mustering the best smile that she can as she gives Christine a nod. “Absolutely.”

Christine smiles at her response, but as the reporter moves onto the next question, she finds that for the first time all day, keeping the smile on her face is an arduous effort.

Weeks pass.

Natasha is swept up in her new duties as Vice President. It’s an endless flurry of meetings, events, paperwork, and interviews. In the midst of it all, she manages to have a small dinner celebration with Yelena. Even Loki drops by for a weekend, a bottle of vintage in hand. Her new life is exhausting, but also oh so fulfilling. She has the job of her dreams. Her family and friends are all behind her. Life is perfect.

On a rare night where she manages to make it back to her apartment before midnight, she’s curled up on the couch with a glass of wine when news comes on about the Avengers winning their second straight game. As the camera pans to Steve on the field, the commentators go on about how his improved performance has helped put the team back in good standing. Even as her lips pull in a little smile, she can’t help but feel the little ache in her chest. She’s happy for the team. She’s happy for Steve. But as she looks out into the vast expanse of her apartment, the space illuminated only by the light from her television screen, the quiet feels all too deafening.

Steve is on his way back home from his early morning run. He nods and waves to the occasional fan that recognizes him, even stopping a few times for a quick photo. Since the team has gone on a winning streak, slowly but surely, he’s been winning the supporters back over, and for that he’s glad.

He stops by his regular bodega, glancing at the newspaper headlines on the rack as the attendant, MJ, fills a to-go cup with his coffee. Despite knowing that their sentiments are ever fleeting and only ever as positive as his last performance, part of him is relieved to see that the coverage of the team is positive. He shifts to his left, eyes now roaming over the various magazines when he sees it – on the cover of Forbes Magazine is Natasha, looking like heaven on Earth with her green eyes gleaming and her hair pulled back neatly. He reaches for a copy, smiling as he runs a hand over her picture. A million and one emotions rush through him. Joy rises above all else, but with it is sadness, too. What he would give to be able to run to her right now, to take her in his arms and tell her how proud he is of her.

“One coffee, just as you like it,” MJ announces, breaking him out of his reverie as she sets the cup down on the counter. “Black as my soul.”

Steve chuckles. “Thanks, MJ.” He shows her the magazine in his hand. “I’ll take one of these, too,” he says, reaching for his wallet. He pulls out a bill but pauses as he begins to hand it to her, his gaze going back to the rack holding multiple copies of the magazine. “Actually, I think I’ll take them all.”

The team is gathered in the media room of the facility for a photoshoot. The Avengers partnered with a local dog shelter to create a calendar, with the proceeds going towards the shelter’s upkeep and the medical expenses of their rescues. Steve is standing with a puppy in his arms, watching as Pietro and a large Siberian Husky ham it up for the cameras. As he looks towards the entrance of the media room, he sees Natasha walk in. Though they haven’t spoken much since the press conference – only exchanging a few pleasantries here and there as they’ve passed each other at the facility – he’s been meaning to congratulate her on her recent cover and figures this time’s a good a time as any to break the ice.

With that, he makes his way over to her, and he barely contains his chuckle when he catches the way her eyes widen when she sees the massive tarp of her magazine cover, carefully nailed to the wall. “Jesus Christ.”

“Not a fan, huh?” he asks. His question startles her, prompting him to cringe when she turns to face him. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re good,” Natasha says before gesturing towards the tarp. “I just can’t seem to escape” – she gestures towards the wall – “all this.” She turns back to him, and a smile immediately forms on her lips when she sees the Basset Hound he has in tow. “And who is this handsome fella?”

“This is Humphrey,” he says, raising the pup in his arms. “He’s in search of a forever home.”

“Is that so?” Natasha says, taking Humphrey into her arms and chuckling when the dog proceeds to lick her face. “Well, with a personality like this, I’ll bet you’ll find your home in no time.”

“I concur,” he says, smiling as he watches Humphrey all but melt into Natasha’s arms. “Also, for what it’s worth, I think the cover looks great.”

“Thank you,” she says. “I don’t mean to act ungrateful or anything, it’s just…” She crinkles her nose as she tries to find the words, the way she always does when she’s uncomfortable, and he has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling further. “It’s a bit much, is all I’m going to say.”

“The team’s ecstatic for you,” he says. “As am I. Seriously, Nat. I couldn’t be happier. I know this means everything to you.”

“Yeah…” she says, her tone faltering just a bit. “Yeah, it does.”

An emotion flashes across Natasha’s features then. What it is, he’s not entirely sure, for she blinks it away as quickly as it had appeared on her face. Nevertheless, he catches it all the same. “You okay?”

“Never better,” she says, shaking her head. Her lips turn up in a smile, though he notes the way it doesn’t truly reach her eyes. “Anyway, I actually have to get back upstairs for a meeting soon. I was just dropping something off for Bucky. Have you seen him anywhere?”

He doesn’t get to answer the question, because the man in question appears then, grinning from ear to ear as he approaches. “Congratulations on the promotion, Veep!” Bucky says, wrapping an arm around Natasha. “I’m surprised you even have the time to grace us lowly footballers with your presence these days.”

Natasha rolls her eyes, but smiles nonetheless. “I actually don’t,” she says, shifting to show the paper bag she has in her hand, “but I wanted to drop these off for you before my next meeting.”

Bucky takes the bag, his eyes lighting up. “Aw, thanks, Nat!”

“Don’t mention it,” she says, looking at her watch. “And on that note, I really should go.” She looks back at Steve, offering Humphrey back to him. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” he says, taking the dog back. “See you around?”

Natasha nods, and with a smile, bids the three of them goodbye. It’s as he and Bucky are walking back towards where the rest of the team are gathered that he nods towards the bag. “Get anything good?”

“Only the best plum pastries in the city,” Bucky says, chuckling at the amused expression he shoots his way. “Nat knows I hate photoshoots because I get uncomfortable in front of cameras, so every now and then she brings me my favorite treat for agreeing to do them.”

“Gotcha,” he says, trying and failing to ignore the way his heart pulls in yearning for the thoughtful woman he’s unable to stop thinking about.

Steve visits his mom over the weekend, and though he and Sarah enjoy spending the day together, Sarah notes as the two of them sit on the stairs of her Brooklyn brownstone that despite the mess with Peggy being resolved and the Avengers going back to their winning ways, Steve seems unhappy.

Steve reveals that he misses Natasha terribly, to which Sarah quips that he really should be telling Natasha this, not her. Steve rolls his eyes, earning a playful shove on the shoulder from Sarah. Eventually, he sighs, confiding in his mom that one of the reasons he’s also keeping his distance from Natasha is the fact that he’s realized that he’s the problem. No matter what he does, with him being in the public eye, it’s clear that chaos will always follow him. And though Natasha told him before that she was in this with him come what may, that is also the same thing Peggy told him back then and look how things turned out. Steve admits that he cannot stand the idea of Natasha coming to hate him because of the trouble he brings.

Sarah puts an arm around Steve, saying that while she understands where he’s coming from, she’s not sure she agrees. She goes onto say that in relationships, fit is highly underrated. Sometimes people have this idea that love is supposed to be this all-encompassing force, that it can fix anything and sustain an entire relationship through all the rough patches. That’s not always true. Relationships work out because the people in it fit. Sarah points out that Peggy and Natasha are not the same person. Peggy needed Steve to make her the center of his universe – that doesn’t make Peggy a bad person for wanting that nor does it make him a bad person for not being able to do that for her. All it means is that they didn’t fit. Meanwhile, all Natasha wants is for Steve to let her be there for him. To be his equal. Natasha doesn’t need him to put everything on the line for her or to make himself smaller so she can shine, she just wants them to be a team.

“I don’t know her as well,” Sarah concedes, “but I have a feeling that she’s a lot stronger than you give her credit for.”

The next day, Steve paces the hall outside the locker room, his mind still on his conversation with Sarah. Admittedly, there’s a part of him that wants nothing more than to take his mother’s advice, run to Natasha’s office, and plead for another chance with her. On the other, he knows it would be the height of foolishness to pretend as though he hasn’t already seen this story unfold before.

I have a feeling she’s a lot stronger than you give her credit for.

His mother is right. Natasha is one of the strongest people he has ever had the pleasure of knowing. Then again, so was Peggy. Even after everything, he knows that his ex-wife is tough as nails. But the spotlight on him is heavy, always has been, and as long as he continues to play this game, it’s likely to stay this way. It’s capable of making even the strongest of people bend. He trusted that Peggy could handle it way back when, so he hadn’t protected her from any of it, and look where that got them. Was he willing to take the chance that this time around, he and Natasha would be stronger?

He isn’t sure of the answer. But the second he sees Natasha making her way down the hall with Wanda and Darcy on her flanks, he thinks that while he may not have an answer, maybe he can start by speaking to her.

As Natasha passes by, he asks her if she has a second to talk. She doesn’t, citing that she’s actually rushing for an impromptu meeting in the Executive Box, but that she can find him after the game. Steve agrees, a smile suddenly on his face as he watches her walk away. In any case, he needs to get in the zone. A win today could decide whether or not the Avengers have a shot at making a Wildcard spot for the playoffs. He puts the blinders on. It’s game time.

The game starts as well as he could have hoped for with the team up by a touchdown by the time the whistle blows for halftime. It isn’t until the kickoff for the third quarter that it all changes – as Clint goes for the kick, the defenseman tries to block, only for him to collide full-force with Clint’s knee. It’s a scene right out of every athlete’s worst nightmare, and as he runs to where Clint is flat on the ground, one look at the way his teammate is clutching his knee and his gut drops.

As Clint is carted off the field by the Avengers’ medical staff, Steve has flashbacks to the last time he was injured badly, remembering the fear that coursed through his entire being as he stared at the possibility that his career was over.

The Avengers manage to win the game by a slim margin, but it’s a somber victory for the entire team as they think about Clint.

Steve visits Clint at the hospital. While he himself is shaken, he swallows the feeling down to be there for his teammate. Natasha is already there when Steve enters Clint’s hospital room, and to give them some privacy, she excuses herself by telling Clint that she’ll meet Laura and the kids at the lobby and bring them up. Steve asks Clint how he’s doing, only for Clint to confirm the worst – while it’s still early, the doctor’s doubt there’s a way back for him. In any case, it doesn’t matter, Clint says that he knows it’s time to hang up his cleats. Despite the revelation, Steve notes that Clint doesn’t seem all that sad. Instead, Clint happily says that he’s looking forward to finally spending Thanksgiving with Laura and the kids.

Steve leaves when Clint’s family arrives. As he exits into the hall, he sees Natasha there, seemingly waiting for him. Natasha takes in his forlorn appearance and asks him if he’s okay. Steve insists that he’s fine, that Clint’s the one who just had his career ended by a freak accident. Natasha doesn’t fully believe him, but elects not to pry, reminding him instead that he wanted to talk to her awhile ago. Steve says not to worry about it, it wasn’t important, and leaves.

Steve sits on his couch later that night with the TV on. The talking heads on SHIELD Sports dissect their latest game, but he doesn’t hear a word they say. His mind is zeroed in on Clint’s accident today. He takes the injury as a reminder that he needs to keep his focus on football and football alone. There are no guarantees in this game, and all can be taken away in a single moment. With that, he decides that he can’t spend any more time worrying about his heart.

As if to punctuate his decision, SHIELD Sports moves onto the Soccer portion of the evening just as his attention goes back to the television. The panel discusses Matt Murdock’s latest brace for the Red Devils before one of the commentators infers that his run of form lately may be due to the new lady in his life. Just as the rest of the panel prod for more details, a picture appears on the inset of Matt at a gala with a mystery blonde. It takes a second, but eventually, Steve realizes that it’s Natasha in the photo. He shuts off his TV. Just when he thought his heart couldn’t grow any heavier, it does.

“I was wondering when you’d finally show up.”

Natasha bites back a snort as she walks up the front porch steps of her childhood home to see Melina already leaning against the doorway. She smirks. “I was a little busy making a living.”

“I know,” Melina says, raising the hand she had hidden behind her back to show her a copy of her magazine cover. “I saw.”

She chuckles just as she makes it up the final step and walks straight into Melina’s outstretched arms. As Melina wraps her tightly in her embrace, she lets out a sigh. “Hi, mom.”

“Hi, malyshka,” Melina whispers back, rubbing a soothing hand up and down her back. When they pull away, Melina cups her face between her hands. “Come, let’s go inside.”

After Melina insists on feeding her as though she’s going into hibernation, they end up in the farmhouse out back that Melina had converted into her home lab. As her mother explains her latest research – a genetics study on pot-bellied pigs that sounds promising – she finds herself transported back to her childhood. If she could pinpoint one place where all her dreams began, it would be here, right in the very stool she’s perched on, the one right across from where Melina is standing, a microscope laid out before her.

This is where she had spent many afternoons watching Melina hard at work, scrupulously taking notes on the pad to her right while she examined a plethora of petri dishes and test tubes lined neatly before her. Though she was supposed to be doing her homework all those times, she couldn’t help but find herself entranced by the way her mother got lost in her work and the sheer concentration she placed into it. She can’t say that she’s always understood what Melina was working on, nor has she ever been truly intrigued by the field the way Yelena was and still is, but what she does know is that this where she realized that with hard work and dedication, all her goals could be within reach. After all, she’s watched Melina do it all her life – raise two strong-willed girls on her own, touch the lives of many students as a professor, and work to revolutionize her field day in and day out.

“Your sample preparation could use some work,” Melina says later on, playfully bumping her shoulder with hers. “You want to place the cover slip at an angle so it covers both the slide and the drop.”

“I’m the Communications major, remember?” she says. “If you wanted perfect samples, you should’ve called Yelena.”

“Maybe so,” Melina says, “but when both your daughters are busy bees, you take whichever one shows up at your front door first.”

“Mom…” she says, rising from her seat to stand next to Melina. “We’re really sorry it’s taken this long for at least one of us to come up here. It’s just the last few weeks-”

“Have been really busy, I know,” Melina finishes for her, putting an arm around her and dusting a kiss to her temple. “I was only kidding, malyshka. Well, partly kidding, at least.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m really glad we did this today, mom.”

Though she makes a mental note to prioritize visiting more often, her words aren’t just meant to placate her mother. In the few hours since she’s arrived back here, she finds that the time she’s spent with Melina has been the antidote she’s been searching for all this time. Here, watching her mother go about her work as the both of them recount stories of her childhood, she’s found the much-needed solace she’s been yearning for all these weeks.

“Why did it take so long for you to come here?” Melina asks, turning to face her.

She rolls her lips, contemplating her response. Truth be told, it’s not as though she didn’t want to come here all along. It’s that she knew that if she did, she would inevitably have to tell Melina why she’s been avoiding this very conversation, and she just wasn’t certain she could handle seeing the disappointed look on her mother’s face on top of everything else that’s been on her plate as of late. But she’s here now, and though she still dreads seeing it, she knows she can no longer skirt around the explanation. She sighs. “I didn’t come here because I was ashamed.”

“Ashamed?” Melina says, a V forming between her brows as she ponders the word. “What in the world of?”

“Of… everything, mom,” she admits with a shrug. “I am the Vice President of the New York Avengers. I am the youngest person to achieve this in the industry. This is all I’ve been imaging from the time I got the job, and now…” She lets out a shaky breath. “And now I can’t seem to be happy? And why… because I can’t be with the person I’ve fallen for?” She shakes her head, swallowing the lump that’s formed in her throat. “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

“Oh, malyshka.” Melina reaches out to wipe the tears she hadn’t even realized were rolling down her cheeks. “Hey, look at me,” Melina implores, and the second she looks up to meet her eyes, she smiles. “You have never been a disappointment to me. I am so proud of you.”

She shakes her head. “I’ve made so many mistakes, mom,” she says. “I was in so deep that I almost threw everything away. I wanted to escape the pain I was feeling so badly that I nearly accepted a job from a person I barely knew, and if Steve hadn’t…” She pauses to take a deep breath, unable to finish her sentence as she’s reminded of the consequences that’s kept her up every night since the press conference. She sighs. “That’s why it took me so long to come here. Because I was so ashamed. Ashamed that you taught me and Yelena that pain only makes us stronger and to never lose our hearts, and then here I am, crumbling under the weight of all my actions after serving my heart to someone on a silver platter.”

“Natasha,” Melina coos, pulling her back into her arms.

It’s there, engulfed in the safety of Melina’s embrace and with the admissions she’s been struggling to come to terms with finally out in the open, that she feels a weight lift off her shoulders. For the first time in weeks, it’s as though she’s back on the ground, truly finding her footing. She gives Melina a squeeze, forever grateful for the woman who has never failed to set her right, to keep her going even when she herself couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

When they finally pull away, Melina chuckles quietly. “Oh, my darling, you have always been the most methodic of my girls.”

“Last I checked, that isn’t a bad thing,” she quips even as she swipes away her tears.

“It’s not,” Melina concedes, “but life rarely goes by the book, malyshka.” She shoots Melina a confused stare at that, prompting her mother to smile softly. “I assume you’ve been keeping your distance from Steve?”

“I’ve seen him here and there,” she says. “Hard to avoid someone you work with.” Melina shoots her a withering look, to which she sighs. “Before all of this, I told him that I choose him, come what may, and I meant it. I didn’t care about his past or the firestorm that he was about to get sucked into, regardless of how ugly it was going to get. But then when he told me he couldn’t be with me…” She sighs. “And I know the truth now, I know he only did it to protect me, but… these past few weeks I felt as though I completely lost who I was. As though I didn’t know what to do, how to move forward… I was prepared for the media, and for Peggy, and for everything else that came with loving him… I guess I just didn’t think I’d have to prepare for him breaking my heart.”

Melina nods silently. “I understand,” she says. “It’s difficult, isn’t it? Accepting that the people we love the most can be the ones to bring us the most pain.”

“I thought I knew why you told us way back when not to lose our hearts,” she says. “I suppose I didn’t understand its importance until now.”

“Oh, Natasha, that’s still not why,” Melina says with a shake of her head. “When I told you girls not to lose your heart, I never meant for you to take that as to never give your heart to anyone.”

“You didn’t?”

Melina shakes her head. “Natasha, you will get hurt in this world,” she says. “As much I wish I could protect you from that, I can’t. People will hurt you, even and sometimes most especially, those that love you.” She sighs. “The ones that truly love you, they will never do it on purpose. But sometimes, life… it deviates from the plan, and when that happens…” She moves closer to her, placing a hand over her heart. “Don’t let it harden you, especially not in there.”

It’s the day of the Wildcard game. The stadium is electric – the stands reverberating with the stomps of thousands of fans. Steve stands by the mouth of the tunnel, going through his pre-game ritual when Natasha approaches him. He tries not to dwell on his decision the night before, but the air between them is stiff and they both feel it. When he asks Natasha if there’s anything he can help her with, she concedes that while she knows this isn’t the perfect time to talk given that the game’s about to start, she hopes he can find her after if he has the time. He’s reluctant – afraid of what this conversation might entail – but ultimately tells her that he’ll try to find her after the game. Satisfied with his response, Natasha wishes him luck before making her way to the Executive Box.

The game against the Thunderbolts is intense, with the bad blood from the Pro Bowl still unforgotten. Hoskins, the Thunderbolts’ quarterback is a gun slinger, throwing perfect spiral after perfect spiral. But it’s the intensity with which John Walker plays that’s been sending the game into chaos.

The score is tied in the second when Steve lines up to take the throw, but within seconds from receiving the ball, the pocket collapses and he has no other choice but to run. He makes it a few yards when he sees Walker coming for him, but he doesn’t have enough time to make it out of bounds before the defenseman barrels into him, full force. The ball flies out of Steve’s hand and into the turf as he falls to the ground, but unlike the last time, he’s unable to get up.

Chapter 11 | Chapter 13

Disclaimer: scenes in this chapter have been abbreviated in light of my decision to step away from writing. As such, a shift in writing style from the earlier chapters may be noticed.

[cuprohastes]

Just Apple event things

Not exactly a live blog. But sorta typing this as it goes.

Starting with a roll of how cool it is to walk around with your Apple stuff.

A bit of confirming to all the people watching that they made the right choice.

Lots of captions about how the crash detection worked that one time or how this dude uses his phone to make phone calls… etc.

the best part of these videos is how they nail the presenter’s feet to the floor so they can’t move.

Tim Cook talking about what he’ll be talking about inc. apple Intelligence (Not available in anyone’s area).

Tim’s leaning on Apple Watch and how amazeballs it is to gee up everyone for the tiny updates they actually pushed: Most of Apple Watch’s stuff is software.

Exciting abstract video to tease the new larger screen. The exciting new Series 10 looks like the exciting old series 6.

Over to some guy doing the approved splayed legs and DO NOT MOVE YOUR FEET pose.

Screen is bigger. Five minutes of why ‘bigger screen is better for looking at stuff’

“Please do not turn your display off. We want other people to see you wearing it in ways that are impressive”.

New watch face: Big numbers and a bar chart for seconds, and one that looks like the screen’s shimmering when you waggle your wrist.

Now it’s wider, it can be thinner. Apple love thinner. It now comes in two types of fake gold, sliver, and black. Which you can then cover in a case to stop your screen getting scratched.

Charging is faster, which is good because the battery doesn’t last longer.

CPU’s faster so it can handle all those things it was already doing.

Off to the Health VP. Her shoes have been superglued to the floor.

She gives a quick recap of the features that have been in since v6 and how the new UI will display them to you. Also detect if you snore.

I want to snark about that, but a friend of mine died of it. So.

I’m actually really into sleep tracking, which Apple’s been punting on. They got serious this time, but they haven’t got certification to actually roll that out, but they expect to.

New VP. Her colour co-ordinated trainers are stapled to the dirt road. DID U KNO that a larger screen lets you read the screen easier?

Also, depth gauge for swims. Cool. But my shower might be higher than 50 m depth (I’m not sure), so I should be careful.

No action button, but has noise-cancelling for phone calls.

Ultra time. Someone forgot to zip tie this guy’s feet down. He keeps taking steps.

Blah blah workout crap. Like 90% of Ultras aren’t worn by office limpets whose major exercise is 45 minutes at the gym.

Headline feature: They have a matte black. Ultra watch-face is big numbers with a progress bar for seconds. Shut up, it’s different.

Back to Tim, desperately trying to peel his feet off the pathway. Oh wait, he’s talking about AirPods. They’re magically easy, you know.

Over to Coit Tower. Now, a word about how Apple mapped ears to create AirPods that look like all the other AirPods. Big up on the chip (It’s the AirPods Pro 2 chip). A lot of weaselling — “It’s the greatest most magically best AirPods (in this series (Which has one model (But they’re not as good as the next model up (We took the wrapper off so look, eco friendly)))).

They’re AirPods pro 2s without the rubber tip. Yawn

And now… Airpods MAX! Apple is doing nothing with them apart from new colours and USB-C.

New person talking about software for Airpods Pro: Added hearing aide mode. At last - They could have done this 2 years ago.

$6000 for hearing aides or $240 for ANC AirPods that take and send phone calls? Hmm.

Also digital earplugs (prevents audio volume spikes (Didn’t they already do that?)), hearing tests (You can do that with a website anyway but hey.) - “We expect clearance from the FDA soon”.

iPhone time

I wonder what Tim Cook’s Fursona is? I bet it’s a donkey.

iPhone 16 raises the bar of what an iPhone can do? I hope so or why are you putting it out? O wait. iPhone SE’s a thing, which lowers the bar of what an iPhone can do

Big news: 2 new physical buttons. One macro button and one camera button for camera-ing

Now let us talk about Apple Intelligence (Not available in your area).

Basically it’s an on-board LLM which needs a ton of CPU, NPU and RAM. So the A18 has more CPU, NPU and RAM.

It’s wehkjhs% faster than earlier apple chips! It has a big GPU for GPU stuff (Think photo and video processing (And also games for the three people who are trying to run console class games on a touch screen))

And now over to Hair and Hair’s Craig.

No funny bit about the hairdo this time. Pity. They also let Craig walk around. They don’t let Tim walk.

Anyway… he’s talking about something. I think it’s more about AI… It’s just a rehash of the WWDC thing blah blah our AI’s great, it won’t harvest your queries, so good so amazeballs (Not available in your area).

Type to find images and videos - Handy - And on-demand collage videos - Fun!

Emails and notifications will be summarised by Intelligence (Not available in your area).

Siri getting BETTAR using Intelligence (Not available in your area) - It’ll be FREE! … because some features of Intelligence are planned as subscription models.

The big ticket is the integration with the OS so you can use it as a manual/tutorial.

Huh, back to the new camera button: It’s to use the camera for LLM computer vision e.g. to add event lists, look up restaurants, ID an object… or solve homework.

Craig’s Hair would like you to know this is all completely private.

And now… a word about how Cameras are amazing. The camera button is… ah it’s a touchpad. it launches the camera, takes pics or grabs video and does double press: light press to set the zoom or select other settings and hard to take. I’m there. Camera’s probably the most used feature of an iPhone

A lot about computational photography: Summary - It take good pic.

Back to Cayenne: Did u kno you can play gaemes on ur phone? Apple put a heat sink in to stop your phone melting your fingertips off.

Demo of Raytracing on iPhone. Demo is garbage.

Plug for Tencent. Demo is garbage.

None of these people seem to know what ‘raytracing’ means or that their demo looks exactly like non-raytraced video.

Yada yada, the rest of this is… (not available in your area).

And now a video of people using their iPhones in ways that you will never use your iPhone. Look they’re more exciting than you!

iPhone Pro time. Yawn. It’s same-same but more screen, CPU, RAM, and storage and some extra cameras. Nothing to see here.

Not stated: That the on-board apple intelligence (Not available in your area) which only runs on Pro phones or M series devices, will probably need massive amounts of storage - 32GB or 64Gb.

Back to Sri who’s voice has failed. He’s talking about how the A18 - y’know he covered this earlier, this is a recap.

Look: Triple-A games like… uhhhh Death Stranding. OK cutting edge of 2019.

Why are they making Sri do this with laryngitis? And what is Tim Cookappl’s fursona? I’m starting to think it’s a sheep.

They’re still talking about the software for the pro. It’s software very underwhelming. The basics are, they want you to buy an iPhone pro if you can’t afford a real camera. Which… OK? Fine. Very niche.

OK so the camera button is a touchpad. Can I use it to scroll web pages? Zoom on images? Seek in video and audio?

This was a big bag of nothing. Almost all these features run on older hardware, because they’re all software updates

Good software updates but still.

[castle-dominion]

castle 5x16 hunt

Part two of this plot heavy pair of episodes!

These two ppl look the same

castle chill they are also worried I RECOGNIZE HIM I WATCHED THE EPISODE IN SEASON SIX BABEY! at the MOST castle

you were THERE for her castle. you couldn't be there physically but seeing you helped her

Anwar my man!

Why zoom in like that? you should view the whole scene if u can the glitch effects lol the music noooooo were the el masris in on it or smth..?

Thats right she has TWO murders to solve, well actually the driver who killed the bodygraurd already got shot & caught but now roger henson is also killed

Especkett Kate These two are such a good pair

OH NO CASTLE HIS PASSPORT RC: I’m at the precinct with Beckett. Why? Beckett: *in the loft looking for castle*

Lol greenscreen or smth but it looks good

WHAT is with the LIGHTING rn?

KB: Look, in the state that he’s who knows what he’s capable of. But he says that he knows someone that can help. ryan narc cop

I speak french you bastards! BUT I'M FRICKING DEAF. IF HEARING FROGS CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IS BEING SAID, THEN I WANT THAT ABILITY TOO. thank you. transcript: Merci, Colette. Et si jamais vous quittez votre petit ami – (he turns around) – Richard! Thanks collette, & if u ever quit your boyfriend ; )

The unofficial man... Yeah you don't want to get involved with this sort of person, but as a father you need to do this... Rich novelist

Two young women awaiting organ transplant? sus

THESE PEOPLE STOLE A JET???

The place where the hostage exchange took place hhhh love the angle castle don't site beside someone, they will find you weird to me how he doesn't genuflect Jaque Henri: “Vengeance is mine”, sayeth the Lord. “I will repay.” Sometimes the Lord needs a little help, huh? Castle are you not hiring him to also,, rescue (or recover) her? My man knows things, he has his sources, esp when vetting his clients JH: And then you thank God I’m not the FBI. at least THIS man genuflects oooOOOOOOOHH thre MUSIC I LOVE IT

All these wires & stuff Ah my man is blind. You know, I would have a pretty good ear if I wasn't hard of hearing & suffering from adhd's auditory processing issues. Tendu actually means held or tense, like you're tied up with ropes & can't move or you are holding your shoulders high & your body in suspension.

JH: We call him la taupe – the mole. T/M: Il est tendu, eh? JH: Pas mal, eh.

Nothing for YOU to hear. T/M: Ah, you listen with your eyes. Shh. Me: Uh yeah,,, *uses lipreading to supplement my listening* *watches my fiddle teacher's fingers* *looks around for context clues when I miss what someone said to see if I can deduce what they said* *watches mouths to see who is talking* *turns captions on for most things* *however I listen to audiobooks rather than read myself these days except for fanfic bc podfics aren't as common* Love this mole's soundboard btw I love the music over the top of this Taupe: Hear that? Us: I can hear a lot of stuff but I can't tell what you're talking about THIS MAN CAN TELL WHICH CHURCH BELLS THEY ARE? Lik e my grampa, he used to be able to tell what car smth was based on the sound of the engine Bro go to sleep TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES I love love love this, I wish wish wish my ears were better bc this is the kind of stuff I like

Good for her but my friend's daughter is missing I NEED TO CLIP THIS MOMENT WHEN SHE KICKS THE CHAIR

ryan looks at beckett almost like he's scared Ryan tech man computer

JH: Maybe. Acoustic tiles, office space, close to a rooftop. Might fit the bill. RC, standing: I’m coming. JH: No, no, no. It might not be the place. RC: I don’t care. JH: It might be the place. gives castle a long look

Reminds me of the colonoscopy camera lol How is castle not packing a gun? THIS IS THE ROOM

Castle follow Henri's lead HER HAIR HER LONG ORANGE HAIR

Why is nobody here? Oh bc they left no trace they already left (except for alexis' hair ig) lmao wallpaper like that tbh I thought it was a bullet Why is he speaking english? Also this guy has a really nice chin btw, he is very french & THE PHONE RINGS IMMEDIATELY I LOVE IT JH: Ouai? // Yeah? Phone: [?????], tout en seul, sans le pere // I can't tell, all alone, without the father

you ARE emotionally compromised... This is what you pay me for! (I think last time I watched this I thought maybe he would do exactly what he does but I was also too invested in the story I don't think I realized)

I KNOW WHO THIS IS HEHEHEH Man found his way back to the mole cave & le taupe can still hear! btw how do they split the payment from castle? Ooh today's paper, smart! A forest? Crazy

I think you can tell it is a hard drive u just need to label it with henson Ew pics of alexis creepy (What if this tech one was in on it?) But they just told henri that it was the wrong place wrong time

Woah lots of money scary forest oh dear

I feel like you SHOULD answer except don't want the ransom guys to see u on the phone

Does his phone plan still work in paris???

Safety was off already? bc my man just cocked the gun

Il est voici, comme nous convenu I value my life more than my word Valid Who are these people? Not egyptian radicals?

Attendez! Mon paiement?

Henri un-double-crossed him? Or not. Beckett then?

American accent At least castle went for his gun Yeah castle I don't trust this guy *Shoots his phone* How do I know you're the good guy? Altho ig yeah you ARE still alive Sus man: Given how you’re feeling so bad about your $200 buck phone you might want to pick up that 3 million dollar briefcase. With those gloves I'd be scared of leaving fingerprints RC: Sounds made-up Jackson Hunt: it is

Why do they have lights on her like that? Alexis took french class

WHY DOES HE HAVE ALL THESE PHOTOS MAYBE THIS IS THE GUY WHO NABBED HER IN THE FIRST PLACE-- LIKE THE PHOTOS ON THE HENSON DRIVE HOW & WHEN DID YOU GET A FRICKING COPY OF THE PHONE?

What is this guy's accent?

So dramatic I loooove it OH THIS IS HOW THE RUSSIAN JET WAS INVOLVED Volkov: It’s you. After all these years, it’s finally you. & who ARE you?

THIS IS CASTLE'S DAD? I can see the resemblance but he could be lying that is SO castle. it could totally be him appealing to castle's romantic side, the story

All these years? That's sad but valid WOAH THAT IS ACTUALLY SO SWEET HHHH that book & james bonde SOPHIA WAS RIGHT, HE DID GREASE WHEEL IN THE CIA

Oof, poor anna. that's why they chose paris Ah that makes sense

direct assault with only two of you? (Also, u want to call beckett?) all these sexy blueprints play spy shfdkjhj

Ooh undergrounds third one FROM the bottom or...? Ok castle now run

say "je suis un electricien, pour-quoi vous avez les pistolets?"

Yes they get to see each other!!! He came to get her! All the way in paris! This is the bestest episode everest! Volkov: When a man doubles his wealth, why should he give half of it away? it's ok, castle says, he KNOWS it is ok Dad's dad: Because you’ll be dead.

wdym "don't let them"? Castle just threw the guy with the gun to the ground they RAN all the way to the us embassy? Cover story? sus Probs best to keep away from contact with him after this castle, to prevent this situation again "son" hhh always sdkjfkldjf

You two SHOULD talk, for like trauma purposes Welcome home sign!

I could clip the escape if u want

CASINO ROYALE HE MADE IT OUT

are you ALLOWED to tell her?

jasdkfhasdjlfhjasdfk this was super good but also now we know castle's dad is not the inventor of whipped cream

this was a great pair of episodes. Super intense. & I spent the full hour & a half on it too

[hoetani]

| H E  K N O W S |

warnings: Suggestive, fluff ig

relationship: Rindou Haitani x fem!Reader

At first he was devastated. He remembers you sobbing in the empty living room, face in your hands as you cried about being neglected, how it felt like you were living with a roommate, rather than your husband. He supposes you gave him lots of chances but he somehow squandered them.

But Rindou can’t deny the thrill that zaps through his bones when you tell him you’ve moved on, that you don’t care anymore, because he knows.

He knows that you want to show him what life is like without you. It’s horrible, the lifeless way he comes home after work, ordering dinner for one and then dropping on the bed, not bothering to get under the covers – there’s no point, since you left everything has grown cold.

He knows the way you tease him with your new boyfriends. The expressions you make when you see his jaw tick set him on fire. The way you don’t even question it when they disappear, just ready to find a new one and use him again.

He knows that the things you post on social media are for him, the extra skin you’re showing or the cute new outfit you bought – he laughs at the captions joking about being broke and needing to find a wealthy man, because he knows that you know he’s waiting for you to come back.

He knows the sultry pictures you ‘accidentally’ send him are done with purpose. Even when you send your little message of apology, he can almost see your smile on the other side of the screen, the power going straight to your pretty little head. He knows you’re getting flustered under the prospect of riling him up, getting him so excited he needs to take care of himself.

He knows that you just want his attention, to remember what it’s like to be loved by him. So he dotes on you from afar, flowers every other day, pretty jewels on the others. Every week he buys you a pretty dress with the request to meet him at a fancy restaurant to reconcile – he anticipates that you won’t show up. But he waits patiently nonetheless, it’s only a matter of time after all.

He knows that you dress up all pretty for him, and go to his clubs, dancing like you’re a free woman, like you don’t already have someone waiting on you. He finds it amusing the way you tease everyone, because he knows he’s the only one you’re going home with.

The club is alive, and getting lost in the music isn’t too hard. From what Rindou can tell, you’re already in your own little world. The way you’re moving is like a sirens call and has no doubt caught the eyes of the other slimy men.

Surprisingly, he wasn’t in the mood to make half the people here disappear, so he settles with making a move, the first in a while. The crowd parts like ants, leading him directly to you. You don’t even notice it’s his arm, as you lean in and dance with the stranger.

“You look nice.”

The way you freeze in his hold is comical, he spins you around to see you better. One hand firmly on your lower back and the other tilting your chin up, there’s no escape as your eyes are forced to meet his.

“You don’t get to say that anymore,” you say in a clipped tone, eyes burning. You have the ferocity of a baby kitten but that’s what he admires about you, your ability to remain hard-headed even when you’re guaranteed to lose.

“I can do whatever I want,” he smirks as your temper builds, if it were possible there would be smoke coming out of your ears. He’s missed this, your fiery nature never fails to keep him on his toes.

“I’m not yours anymore,” you say quietly, but your tone wavers and he understands how you’re feeling. The twisting storm of chaos flattens to a halt as he makes one thing clear.

“You never stopped being mine.”

You’re stunned into silence as he strokes your face with a tenderness reserved only for you, his wife. It takes a few minutes for you to come back, and when you do, you nuzzle into his hand like a lost puppy.

Finally the queen was returning back to her castle, his heart sagged in relief at the game finally being over.

“Take me home Rin.”

[scarlettriot]

Stood Up

You (Y/N) get stood up from a date and Kaminari decides to do something about it.

Pairing: Kaminari/F!Reader

Contains: Fluff, Flirty Denki, Established BakuSquad Friendship

Warnings: 18+ Below the cut, Minors DNI! Swearing, Electro-Stim, Overstimulation, use of pet names (cuddle bug & cutie), oral (F receiving), consensual recording

A/N: Well, here we are with the third in my Stood Up series. There is also Bakugo & Kirishima if you're interested. This one took me way too long and it's also my first time writing Kaminari at length. I hope you all like it :)

Word Count Starting Below: 2,461

You slipped your foot into the silver heels you had picked out. Something a little fancier since this was a first date after all and you wanted to make a lasting impression. Not only that but this was your first first date in a while. Being a Pro Hero made life busy and dating difficult.

Practically the entire day leading up to this very moment revolved around you either getting ready or babbling with excitement to your closest friends.

An alert chimed on your phone with a text from your date, a smile sliding onto your face expecting to read some message about how they were on their way and that they'd see you soon, but that wasn't what you were met with.

Instead, it was a screenshot of your Instagram page, multiple of them actually, all of you and the ridiculous photos you took with your friends but mostly with one Denki Kaminari. The most recent of which was from a tea shop he met you at just earlier that day so you could show him the shoes for your date.

The message below was simple and more than enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth, this isn't what I want to see when I'm supposed to be taking you out tonight. What, one date a day isn't enough? Why are you even dating? Does your blonde boyfriend know?

You giggled at what they were implying, quick to explain how these were all your friends, they had been since high school! They are people you spent what little free time you had with. Especially Denki, your best friend since you were 15!

That joy you felt started dissipating within the next few messages. You hadn't even had a first date and they were already jealous, and that was something you didn't have room for in your life. So, you slipped the heels off your feet and put them directly back in the box to return when you had the time. Tight black jeans and fitted top were exchanged with a hoodie and sweats although your makeup and hair stayed done, you didn't have the energy to undo your hard work.

Instead, you slid back into your computer chair, your headset snuggly back on your ears and before you notified everyone you were back online, you took a moment listening to the chatter of your friends.

"Shitty Hair! Fuckin' pay attention!"

"Yeah, man! We're getting slaughtered over here!"

"Less yelling at Kiri! More shooty shooty!"

"All of you are hopeless..."

Eijiro chuckled out an apology that was accompanied by a lighter giggle also coming from his mic. "Think this is gonna be my last round for a bit, guys."

"You're so fuckin' whipped." Bakugo scoffed, before screaming profanities.

"Is it whipped if I'm the one who's wanting to get her into bed though?"

You clicked your mic back on then. "Hey, remember last week when Kats forgot his push to talk so we all heard him getting head and we party whipped because someone couldn't focus?"

"You better shut the hell up right fucking now!"

Everyone else roared with laughter. "Yeah! At least I have the decency to mute myself!"

"Hey, wait a sec, why are you online, Y/N!" Denki noted, "You should have already left!"

You screenshot your messages to the group chat because it was far easier than just explaining the ordeal.

"Cute shoes." Eijiro and Kyoka commented at the same time.

There was a lull as their game ended and the messages were read.

"Ya don't need 'em if they're gonna have their head so far up their ass like this."

"I agree." Hanta chimed in. "They're not worth your time."

"Still, sorry they turned out to be a shit." You could hear the frown on Kyoka's face, "I know how excited you were."

"Right, you doin' okay, Y/N? I can stick around and we can all shoot some things!"

"Thanks, Kiri but I'll be just fine! Go spend time with your girl!"

One by one, everyone signed off. You pulled up Spotify and Stardew Valley, something of a comfort for you to get lost in for the rest of the night.

Less than an hour later, you noticed your phone lighting up with your best friend's familiar smiling face. "What's up, Denki?"

"Open your door! I have my hands full and don't wanna put everything down to get my key!"

You sprang from your desk and rushed to your door. Sure enough, on the other side was Denki with bags in both hands and his phone tucked between his ear and shoulder. You grabbed it and a bag before he had a chance to drop anything like the klutz he was. "What's with all this?"

"I feel bad."

"Why? You didn't stand me up?"

He fiddled with the edge of a paper bag. "Yeah, but, we both read those messages and no one said anything but they didn't just call our group out, they called us out.

"Denks, it doesn't matter to me-"

"But, it does to me! You were so excited about this and I got in the way, unknowingly but, still! So, I gotta make it up to you now!"

He pulled out take-out boxes from your favorite restaurant. Two bottles of your favorite wine. Your top three favorite movies and video games, and a board game you both had been meaning to try. "I mean, if they think I'm your boyfriend I kinda gotta live up to the hype, right?"

You really wanted to insist that none of this was necessary. That just because some person that neither of you really knew that well, assumed something about your relationship that didn't mean he had to blame himself for it.

But, you had to admit, this was really sweet. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to you that he knew everything you liked but it was nice. Instead of sitting across from a stranger, making awkward small talk, and trying to learn about one another, you were barefoot in your kitchen, laughing with your best friend while he plated dinner and you poured the wine.

Formalities were out the window. Both you and Denki were eating dinner in your living room, laughing and drinking just as you'd done a million times before. You snapped a photo of the delicious food on paper plates, toasting good times with your cheap wine, ready to post them to your Instagram.

"Gonna make them more jealous..."

"I think they made it pretty clear they don't want to see me so why should I care?"

He shrugged. "I just thought they might, you know, come to their senses that they obviously lost."

"I don't really care either way." You wandered back into your kitchen, putting away the leftovers, "They can forget I exist or they can stalk my page like a creep. If someones' gonna try and tell me I can't be friends with my friends or just not listen to me, then I don't want them in my life. No matter how good-looking they are."

Denki watched you from the sofa, a bit of a lopsided grin on his face that had butterflies taking flight in your stomach. "What?" Laughing to hide the bit of a crush you always had on the man. It was unavoidable you told yourself. His personality was infectious and had 15 year old you head over heels.

He pushed back bright blonde hair back off his forehead and just shook his head. "Nothin'. Uh, what's next? Video game, board game, or movie?"

You peaked on the counter at the options. "Well, we probably should have checked this but the board game needs at least four people to play... guess we'll have to save that for our next game night. Is a movie okay?"

Of course, it was.

You brought over the DVD with a refill of wine and he pulled a blanket down off the back of your sofa.

It really didn't take long, just fifteen minutes or so, and you were curled up into Denki's side. You'd make grabby hands for your wine glass and he'd pass it over with that damn grin again.

And not long after that, he'd pulled out his phone, angling it to take a picture of the two of you. "What are you doing?" You could see him on his own Instagram, tagging you, with the caption, Check out my cute cuddle bug.

"I thought you didn't want to make them more jealous."

"I decided I don't care either. You're mine tonight, their loss. And since you're mine tonight, I get bragging rights." He snapped another quick picture of you rolling your eyes at him, and then he kept snapping them.

"Denki! Why!"

"Because you're cute, cuddle bug! I like having all the pictures of you that I can!"

Even as you tackled him back down on the sofa, pinning him below you, he still managed a photo. "Bet if I post this one, they'll really get the wrong idea."

You could have moved. You were the one on top of him and you had his arms above his head. You had the power here and yet you just lingered above him.

"Y/N? Not that I'm one to complain about having a beautiful person such as yourself pinning me down, like, it's kinda hot, but..." Looking down into half-lidded golden eyes, you wondered why you had to become best friends with such a damn flirt! "Are you gonna take advantage of this situation we're in or are we just gonna keep dancing around this for another decade or so?"

You couldn't have heard him right? No... no this was your brain playing tricks on you because he certainly hadn't had that much wine tonight. You sat upright on his lap. "Another decade then, Y/N?"

"You- ha- you should stop that, Denki."

He leaned up, moving his arms around you, "Gimme a good reason to and I will."

You didn't have one. And not just because you've been in love with him for ten years but also because he was your best friend. The only reason to not go through with it was the possibility of losing your friendship if something bad were to happen but, you really didn't think anything would.

Denki might have been a serial flirt but he was surprisingly loyal in all the relationships he'd been in, not that there had been all that many serious ones.

"I'm not hearing anything." He teased, his face getting closer to yours. You could count each and every one of the faint freckles that littered the balls of his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. "But, I promise, if you tell me no, I'll stop, won't push this any further."

This whole thing seemed like a frickin' whirlwind, happening faster than your brain could really process the situation but you didn't want it to stop either. You wanted to take it further, didn't want to say no.

Which was why you coiled your arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. There was that small little buzz of electricity that tickled your lips when he'd kiss your nose or cheeks that was now playing on his lips, on his tongue when you welcomed him in.

He leaned back again, pulling you with him until you were both a pile of needy hands and breathy pleas. Everywhere his hands roamed you felt that faint trail of shock against your skin, making the little hairs on your body stand on end.

Clothes were shed, tossed haphazardly around your living room, both of you pausing to laugh when Denki managed to land your hoodie over a lamp. His attention was drawn back to you quickly though, still perched on top of him but now he had your chest on full display since you'd forgone a bra when your date canceled.

Electrifying tongue twirled around your nipples, sensitive normally, now it felt like you knew what it was like when he fried his damn brain. He was eager, relentless even, pulling and sucking, another hand giving your other breast a similar treatment. He had you so focused that you let out a broken moan when slender fingers found their way into your panties.

"Fuckin' hell, Denki."

The bastard winked up at you, nipple still between his lips and before you could retort, he sent another small jolt through you.

You were blatantly grinding down on his hand, reaching behind you, you found him completely solid, barely being contained in the tight black boxers he wore. You had enough sense to tug them down and wrap your hand around him making his teeth sink into your soft flesh, whining when you stroked him.

"Y/N..." He whimpered, his hand momentarily distracted from his ministrations gave you enough time to shift in his lap to scoot forward putting his cock in front of you. In one swift motion, you had his length between your slick. "Oh fuck, cutie!" Golden eyes were squeezed shut while you moved along him, feeling that pleasant curve he had, you could only imagine what it was gonna be like to have him inside you.

"You're being a little tease, ma-makes me wanna do all sorts of things to y-you."

He was kissing your neck, your chest, shoulders, and arms, anywhere on you that he could reach. His hips bucking up into you, just trying to hit that perfect angle.

Strength and agility were something most overlooked when it came to Denki Kaminari but when the man wanted something bad enough, he found a way to get it.

He had your ass rising up in the air with a harsh thrust of his hips and a small squeak from you, giving him exactly enough time to scoot down on the sofa so you were sat atop his face. If you complained, he didn't hear you. Denki already had your thighs around his head and his tongue devouring you completely.

Little shockwaves rocked you while you cried out his name, hands fisting blonde locks just trying to stay upright.

One orgasm from you apparently wasn't enough, neither was two but on the third, Denki finally relented, allowing your heartrate to come back down and your gasping breaths to come in more steadily.

You slid back down his body, his erection now smack against your ass. His hair was recked, face completely flush but he had the biggest grin on his face that you'd ever seen.

Denki kissed both your cheeks, "You are so amazing, cutie!" Kissed your lips, "You taste better than anything I've ever had!" And one more on the tip of your nose. "Doin' okay?"

You nodded, starting to really gather yourself again, and by this point, you really just wanted one thing.

"I wanna... Denks... can I take care of you now?"

"Sure, cutie! How do you want me?" The wiggling eyebrows had you rolling your eyes and pushing him on his back again.

It took little effort for you to position yourself above his cock, and with how slick you were, his bright pink head slipped right inside. He held your hands while you scrunched up your face, sliding all the way down him until he was completely sheathed within.

The curve was immaculate. Hitting in just the right way that had you moaning with just a couple thrusts from him. Before long, you were eagerly bouncing on his cock. Riding him hard so he filled you up each and every time.

You barely registered him reaching for the coffee table, his phone now in his hands. "What're you doin'?" You practically slurred, slowing only slightly. He tapped the camera lens with a wicked grin. "Seriously?"

"We could make 'em really jealous now..."

Somewhere in your brain, you knew your date wouldn't give two shits, in fact, this probably would have only validated their thoughts about your's and Denki's relationship but with his cock stuffed so deeply into you, kissing your cervix in the most beautiful way, you really didn't give a damn.

You and Denki put on the best possible show you could think of. You were overstimulated, sore, and completely elated! He balanced the phone against the wine bottle so neither of you had to try to hold it.

This way he could play with your breasts or squeeze your thighs while you dug half-moons into his chest. Shocked with the playful zaps he sent right to your core.

Your makeup you'd didn't feel like taking off now ran down your cheeks with tears. Your hair was a mess thanks to him pulling at it.

Denki had you howling through another two orgasms, telling you how perfect you were, how nice you felt squeezing him so tightly, your nails felt so good against his skin.

It was only when you collapsed against his chest did he hoist your hips up so he could ram into you, pulling out just at the last second with a strangled cry of your name.

He wiggled himself free, grabbing a towel from your bathroom and cleaning you both up before stopping the recording.

"You're, hey you're gonna send that to me right?" You asked when he handed back your hoodie off the lamp.

He dropped a kiss on your lips, plopping down beside you on the sofa again and you noticed your email already up and the video uploading. "Obviously, we share all our videos and photos. Why would this be different?"

[fairytheo]

enhypen as your boyfriend.

boyfriend!enhypen x gen!reader. fluff. 1.9k. curse words. mention of bugs, food. not requested.

🐈 ⸝⸝ HEESEUNG ˙𐃷˙

super-duper caring !!

he’s so whipped for you — he smiles just by thinking about you

also very giggly around you

LOVES lending you his beanies

(aka. you stealing them..)

+ you steal his earrings as well ! not that he minds

absolutely adores singing for you / he loves singing you to sleep :D

hold up, is being heeseung’s s/o just being his personal ramen cook 🤨🤨

he aaalwaays bugs you to play games with him (especially wii and nintendo switch lmao)

either that or you’re playing animal crossing while eating takeout at your dinner table

you’re the only person in the world who he’ll ever do aegyo for. 

he secretly enjoys it, but shhh you didn’t hear that from me

i think he likes calling you names like cutie, cutiepie or just a shorter version of your name <3 (if there is one !)

booping your nose is on his everyday to do list ☝️

lowkey therapist & boyfriend in one ngl

WAIT he loves making playlists for you two,, 

“y/n! i made another playlist, do you wanna listen to it? i made it while thinking of you.” <//3 

the type to write cheesy lyrics about you, then later cringes at his own writing bUT then leaves it like that because you like it !

you have his cover of lauv’s “i’m so tired” either set as your alarm or play it on loop everyday 

(random but for some reason i can picture him giving you a cassette with his cover on it just for the vintage vibes)

🐈 ⸝⸝ JAY ˙𐃷˙

the mom-and-boyfriend in one ;] 

f a s h i o n  c o u p l e 

you are literally fashion icons. no disagreements. 

you have matching clothes or accessories ! even if it’s really subtle, the gesture behind it is super adorable <//3

cooking pt. 2 :D but this time there’s a gorden ramsay in your relationship

i can just SEE how you both two impersonate gorden ramsay while cooking which makes everything 10 times funnier !! checks every 5 seconds if the food is ready tho because he doesn’t wanna risk anything

never cleans up afterwards, either you do or no one does

since you’re both fashion icons your social media followers are going 📈📈📈

literally couple goals.

he loves taking pictures of you,, but also wants you to take pictures of him 

jay gets flustered easily so please make him flustered with sudden compliments, hugs, kisses, etc. !!

he’s also the only member i can really see calling you babe

confident but shy about pda at the same time ??? he’s both LOL 

you always tease him with his RAS moments and randomly quote them when you’re in the middle of a conversation with him lmao

random and idk if this fits here, but he likes making your lunch — leaves you encouraging notes too <3

last but not least: jokingly gets angry at you when he wants something from you, and you do the same thing back ♡

🐈 ⸝⸝ JAKE ˙𐃷˙

sweetest and softest boyfriend to ever exist. i’m so soft for him JSHSHS

definitely calls you sweetie and darling. 100%. fight me if you think otherwise. 

shows you pics of layla everyday (it’s become routine for him >_<)

a tiny bit cliché BUT lends you his jacket whenever you’re cold (even when you’re inside !!)

random thought: jake puts his hands in your hoodie pockets...

💔💔💔

it’s his personal goal to peck your cheek and forehead at least twice a day — gets pouty if he wasn’t able to do that ))):::

talks in english a lot because you love his accent !!

if you’re an english speaker, you’ll have conversations in english all. the. time.

if you’re not an english speaker, no worries, he’ll teach you !

+ reads you bedtime stories in english (jake’s australian accent >>>) 

dreams of travelling with you to australia <33  

if there’s a bug in the house you better know that jake will NOT be removing them and runs out of the house

WILL stay over at one of the other member’s houses untill that bug is REMOVED . 

so if you’re afraid of bugs as well,,, i’m sorry bae, but it’ll be your task to remove these little... creatures 😐

ngl you have more photos of layla than of him on your phone lol

(spams you with her pictures and captions them with “y/n!!! look!!! layla with a flower!!!! layla with a butterfly!!!!” it’s just so sweet aaa)

we need some “””drama””” so you make jokes about him being a “🥶💸🔥💪” boy a lot in your relationship LMAO

🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNGHOON ˙𐃷˙

ice skating dates.

this has been mentioned in other headcanons a lot already but i just HAD to include it,,

convinces you to eat ice cream after your date LOL even if it IS winter

btw. fashion couple nr. 2 !!! 

MIRROR SELCAS

MIRROR SELCAS 

ugh the visuals and the power you two hold,,,, i can’t,,,,,

has better clothes than you ngl so you share clothes lmao

it started with him lending you his sweatpants, but then you didn’t want to return them forgot to return them and BOOM 💥 here we are

extremely awkward and shy at first — don’t worry though, he becomes much more chaotic in the later phases of your relationship

he teases you SO MUCH. LIKE. SO MUCH.

always has small smile (smirk?) on his face when he’s about to make a cocky remark (so beware)

you tease him back just twice as hard which 1.) results in him in becoming flustered 2.) fails LOL

off-topic but he’d love a s/o that has a similar style to him ??? a more elegant, classy, dark style perhaps

when he’s away / busy he’ll send you some selcas and captions them with “how r u doing??” “did you eat yet?” “cheer up :P” 

kinda shy about pda but likes showing off too ???

i mean,, men... 🙄🙄 /lh

whenever someone mentions your name near him, he’ll just try to hide his smile while biting his lip (yk what i’m talking about???) and you’ll see his dimples and the affectionate look in his eyes and just AAAAA

the type of boyfriend that calls you love~

🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNOO ˙𐃷˙

skin care routines with sunoo 24/7 🤝

he does your hair (if your hair is long enough to do different hairstyles with it ofc !!) 

send you daily weekly skin care products he thinks you two should try out / that’d be good for your skin <3

spa nights every friday at 9pm — he only lets you in if you wear a stylish pyjama LOL

you buy him peach items because they just remind you so much of him (｡•́︿•̀｡)

SELCA TIME !!! his phone is always ready !!! (apart from his storage maybe?)

PARTICIPATES IN SELCA DAYS OF YOUR FAVOURITE IDOLS AAA

loves to go on walks w u

does A LOT of aegyo,, 

and i know that you knew that this point will be in this headcanon.

for eg. instead of saying goodnight or bye he’ll just do aegyo for you not that anyone minds tbh

stages of sunoo flirting (?):

a — tries to compliment you (it sounds more like a flirty remark tbh)

b — realizes then blushes

c — cringes and runs away LMAO

playfully acts jealous, so you know it’s a joke but deep down he’s actually jealous

you two match each others vibes a lot — if one is sad, the other is sad as well

+ tells you your posture is bad when you sit like a banana or tells you to go to sleep early and when you don’t listen to him, he’ll show you an article that proves that (abc) and (xyz) is bad for you and says “i told you so.” 💀

🐈 ⸝⸝ JUNGWON ˙𐃷˙

impresses you by doing kicks (does the kick cap challenge on tiktok and/or you play kick it by nct 127 for the funzies) 

poking his dimple is a MUST . 😩😩

though gets super shy when you kiss him and also if you buy him gifts !!

cheers you up whenever you feel down or are upset

compliments you a ton ))): will randomly come up to you and tell you that your fit is cute or that you look brighter today,,, little does he know it's because of him ;]

HUGS!HUGS!HUGS

poking his dimple comes first, then hugging

the other members tease you two everytime you’re over LOL it’s like there are two koalas clinging onto each other

our yang garden gained another sheep +1

you two randomly play sheep,,,, like,,, everyday ???? sheep cosplays 👍

idk why ig it’s just fun to imitate sheep and go “mmmeEeEeeEhh” to annoy others

talking of that, even THOUGH he is a responsible leader he will not hesitate to do stupid shit with you

“hey how about we ring on that house there and yell “sheep for sale!” do you think they’ll open the door?”

“i don’t know... let’s find out!” 🤝

let’s just say that this didn’t end well..

also kinda bullies you (in a loving way ofc !!) pand teases you nonstop

either calls you asshole or love aHA

in conclusion: a very unpredictable relationship,, would 10/10 recommend.

very random but i feel like his love language is acts of service

🐈 ⸝⸝ NI-KI ˙𐃷˙

oh look it’s our tsundere 😼

can’t go a day without dancing so you two have vibing sessions at 2am everyday ft. the others telling you to go to bed

you’re the only one that can make him soft lol

if you’re older than him, you would definitely take care of him like your own baby !! 

if you are the same age as him or younger it’d be awkward for him at first, because he isn’t used to taking care of someone younger, so he’d treat you as if you were his best friend at the beginning

you love to watch him dance !! it’s so satisfying,, LITERAL asmr.

pranks you 24/7. boy has NO mercy. will not care if the others will scold him later. he will do the prank smoothly (?) — doesn’t care about the consequences LMAO

probably sets your alarm to someone screaming or a cringy aegyo song <//3

wants to film dance covers with you !! you don’t have to be the best dancer either !! as long as you have fun ^__^ 

the other members find you really cute but are also vERY TIRED OF YOU,, two energized teens in a relationship was not a good idea ☝️

likes to randomly hold your hand and swing it around 

probably distant at the beginning of the relationship because a.) he doesn’t want to pressure you/make things awkward b.) he doesn’t really know what to do either ???

(if you’re not japanese or don’t know how to speak japanese) he’ll definitely teach you some japanese phrases and words !! introduce you to his culture as well :DD and he really wants to know more about your culture too <3

teaches you phrases like “sunoo is a dumbass” for the funzies LOL

randomly makes micheal jackson impressions,,, it’s hilarious LMFAO

[frostbittenbucky]

Bruce Wayne

The Batman

The Dark Knight

Worlds Greatest Detective

Had fucked up

Bruce Wayne isn’t a slob, he’s not lazy- he is the complete opposite of his persona “Brucie Wayne”, who is a lazy pampered prince. But Bruce Wayne? Never.

So after Bruce finishes a snack he washes his dishes like any civilized human would do- or else Alfred would have some very choice words and some very petty actions towards him. It’s a simple task, take off his rings, run the water, apply the soap, scrub then rinse.

Simple.

But someone tell Bruce how the hell he managed to drop his ring down the drain? And someone tell Bruce why the didn’t stop for a moment and think before shoving his hand down the drain?

He fucked up. Now he’s stuck. But Bruce Wayne is a genius, he can get himself out of this silly situation. So he tries pulling... and pulling... and pulling. Ok, next option, lubricant. Soap will do. So Bruce proceeds to pour a generous amount of soap around his hand, he moves it around to make sure it’s coated, then he pulls. And pulls. Ok so next move.

What’s the next move?

He groaned loudly, thinking how utterly ridiculous and stupid this situation is. “Ok... dammit,” he muttered to himself. He decided to reach for his phone and-

Shit. It’s on the kitchen island directly behind him, where it’s just out of his reach. Why did he do that? Oh right, because he got water in his speaker last time. Right. Perfect. Wonderful.

“Alfred?” He called out, “Alfred, Damian are you still here?” No response. Shitshitshitshitshitgodammitshitshit.

Maybe he can reach his phone? He thought. So with all his grace he leaned towards to island, swishing at the air in hopes his phone would magically come into his hand. Nah.

Leg, his leg might reach. It’s longer than his arm, and his can get some torso length in there. Lifting his leg and leaning his body out he kicks at the counter, his brows furrowed. Fuck. Bruce is very flexible, but his leg and torso are extended to the fullest human capacity, and fuck why are these countered so spaced out?!

Bruce pulls his body back and lays his forehead on the cold countertop, trying to push down the rage that’s building up in his chest. This is stupid. This is so fucking stupid. “Is anybody home? Stephanie? Jason? Ca- not you, Titus,” He lifted his head from the counter and looked to his right, and there Titus stood in front of Bruce, wanting to investigate the noise. Seeing nothing interesting Titus tilted his head and gave a “boof” before turning out and leaving him to his own demise, “no wait,” Bruce reached out for the dog who already made up his mind.

So there he stood.

Bruce Wayne

The Batman

The Dark Knight

The Worlds Greatest Detective

Dumbass

Knowing he now has to swallow his pride and go into his next move, he groans loudly. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s called when it wasn’t anything life threatening. Sure, it’s rare, but it does happen. Plus, he always understands, and by now he knows the differences between help and help. But Bruce knew there would be consequences... because he isn’t scared of Bruce, all his intimidation tactics fall short, completely on deaf ears around him.

“Clark,” his voice sounded almost like a whine, his voice was a little hoarse from literally forcing the words past his lips, “if you’re not busy I need a hand.”

Just as soon as his finished his sentence Clark was stood in front of him, flannel, glasses, and cowboy boots, “howdy.” Bruce closed his eyes at Clark’s greeting, then opened them to send him a hard glare, “what’s seems to be the problem, Bruce?” A wide and knowing grin spread across Clark’s face. X-ray vision. No explanation needed. Sure friends help friends in their times of need. But best friends? Oh yea, Bruce had to earn his help by paying the high price of humiliation.

“Just hand me my phone, Clark,” pointing at the device just out of reach.

A shocked and confused looked replaced Clark’s smile, “oh, this? This phone right here?” He also pointed, walking to grab the device, “you don’t happen to have Face ID do you?”

“No, I w-“ It was a lie. Clark know had opened his phone just by turning it to Bruce’s face. A sigh left his body, was this price worth his freedom? Probably not.

“Hold on, B, I’m not dressed properly. This is a rescue after all,” and just in a blink of an eye Superman now stood in front of a tired looking Bruce, having no choice of his front vow seat the shit show that was about to unfold. Clark lifted the phone and snapped a couple selfies with Bruce, grinning his charming smile that the world adored him for. Bruce looked like a hungover raccoon, putting it kindly.

“Are your done? Just get me out and I’ll buy you a horse or something.”

“Aw, you do care. I knew you were listening when I told you about that pony farm,” Clark didn’t bother to look up from the phone, tapping away at the screen, “oh Bruce, your groupchat is named ‘family’?”

His eyes widen, “don’t you da-“

“-Isn’t Dick a firefighter? I think that he’s better for this job,” Clark announced, taking a seat on the island that just out of reach, “I hope you understand Mr. Wayne, I’m glad to offer help but them seems like a job for our local emergency service.”

“If you call 911,” Bruce growled, gritting his teeth together, leaning towards the other man and close as possible, “I swear.”

Scoffing, Clark waves him off, “of course not, why would I waste a 911 operators time? There’s people who need real help out there. I’m calling Dick directly.” Once again, is the price of freedom worth it?

————-

“Fireman Dick Grayson reporting for duty!” Cried his oldest child with two other firman following close behind, “hey pops I h- is that Superman?” He faked a gasped, clutching his chest.

The group chat had blown up by now. A series of text and FaceTime calls followed shortly after.

Damian: “Tt. Father this is utterly disappointing”

Bruce: “Sorry to be disappointing, kiddo”

Stephanie: “lmfaoooo I’m coming over. Be there in 10 don’t escape until I get there”

Jason: *screenshot of the photo of Superman and Bruce posted on Twitter with the caption: “when your dad panics and calls Superman”

Jason: *another screenshot of a multitude of replies along the lines, “what are you doing step bro?” “What are your doing Superman?”*

Duke: “the mighty Batman has finally met his match. A kitchen sink”

Cassandra: “😆😆😂🤣😬🤔🧠🤷🏻‍♀️💕💕💗💓💖”

Bruce: “thank you, Cassandra. I think.”

Stephanie: “imma do a live when I get there 🤣”

Tim: “you know we’re not going to let you live this down right b?”

Dick: “dumbasssssss”

Dick: “don’t worry B I’ll be there to rescue you shortly”

Bruce: “I can unadopt all of you.”

Alfred: “master Bruce, please word yourself properly. “Unadopt” isn’t a real word.”

Bruce: “Sorry, Alfred.”

So now that official rescue crew has arrived he expected this to be a quick and professional release. Nah. Dick, his oldest, his light in the dark, his son, his baby boy, is an asshole.

Dick started taking his own selfies with Bruce and Superman. Dick and Clark wore bright smiles, full of perfect teeth and glimmering eyes. Bruce, again, looked like a mess. He was wearing an old shirt, old sweatpants, no makeup on, his hair an untamed, scattered, frizzy mess. He should’ve conditioned, but he wasn’t expecting to go out today or have any photos done today.

The price of freedom is high, but not worth it.



[bloodyhell-lucifer]

Daddy is the devil | Lucifer Morningstar

Pairing: Lucifer Morningstar x fem!reader

Summary: Reader is one of Chloe’s best friends and they haven't seen each other for a long time so the decision was made. Finally a sleepover at Chloe’s house since Chloe has a day off of work and Dan took Trixie with him to have some dad-daughter time. What they didn't know is that Lucifer will come with unexpected visit and reader’s shirt will cause such a mess.

Warning: language, smut, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it), praise kink, daddy kink, +18

Based on this request: Hello, I hope you are doing well, I would like to politely request a one shot (or more if it inspires you, you do you) from Lucifer, you can do whatever you want with it, reader insert, oc, smut, no smut, totally up to you but I would like it to involve Lucifer meeting/seeing the reader/character (preferably female, gender neutral is also fine) wearing that crop top from Blackcraft that says “Satan Is My Daddy” please and thank you

Notes:

Thank you so much for this request sweet anon! I couldn’t wait to write it down because this idea was so cool.

To be honest it’s my first real one request so I’m pretty excited and also this is my first smut so I’m not so proud about it. I think I don’t know how to write them. Someone teach me?

If there are some mistakes let me know because English isn’t my first language so as soon as possible I’ll correct it.

If you would like to send me a message, ask me about something or send me a request about imagine then the link is in my bio so feel free to message me! I would like to know you better and read your ideas and write them down😄

If you guys like my shitty writings you can follow me for more. I’ll be posting new things sooner than you think and thanks for so much activity under my posts and all the follows, it means a lot and I love u so so much xx

You and Chloe had everything planned for tonight. When you were talking on the phone to discuss the details you decided to have a movie night with some alcohol. You bought some wine, chips and sweets for you and your friend to have some snacks. Feeling of excitement was huge about finally seeing your friend after such a long time. You showed up at Chloe’s door about seven pm ringing a bell to her door. After few seconds the door were open and Chloe lean out from behind of it.

“Oh my god hi girl, so good to finally see you.” she enveloped you in a big hug wrapping her hands around your neck.

“Hi Chloe, long time no see.” you hugged her back. With a gesture of her hand she invited you inside and you stepped in.

After two hours you two were slightly drunk and making fun comments over character that was on the screen of tv during the movie.

“So tell me Chloe, some time ago you were taking to me on the phone about that guy you were working with that just have some attitude and always have something to tell and joke about. What was his name again? Lucian?” You asked her taking other sip from glass of wine.

“Lucifer to be exact. His name is Lucifer.” on her face appeared frown and she raised her brows. “Why you asking?”

“Just asking. You like him?” Hint of concern could be felt coming from your lips.

“Of course I like him. I work with him. He’s my partner.” she responded and nervously began to rub her hands against her thighs.

“You know that’s not what I meant. Is he that handsome that it’s bothering you?” you got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen to pour yourself another glass of wine since you finished the last one.

“Please stop. He’s definitely not my type. He’s arrogant, has got a big ego and always have that stupid smile on his face every time we go somewhere.” She folded her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes.

“Oh I hope I’ll meet him someday. I want to know who’s working with my best friend.” you winked at her and laughed along Chloe.

“Some day for sure.” Chloe was praying that this whole Lucifer topic will end with that. “Tell me you have someone?” She tried to change the topic of that conversation.

“Of course not. Some time ago I had a date with this guy named Brian but it didn’t go well and I lost hope for finding someone.” You said going back to couch and putting your glass on the coffee table that was in front of you. “Listen I’m gonna go and change because this jeans are so uncomfortable and I’m losing my shit with them” You grabbed your bag and went to bathroom to change. You picked your normal pjs which were just crop top with caption ‘Satan is my daddy’ on it and black bottoms.

“Oh Jesus Y/N what a shirt” Chloe blurted as soon as she saw you.

“It’s just a crop top Chloe. Can you just chill? We are already drinking a second bottle of wine and you still seem so stressed about something.” You declared after seeing her sitting so tense. One of the movies you’ve chosen was still playing in the room and none of you was watching it so Chloe switched it to music channel.

“Y/N I’m so sorry. I know I screwed this up. I’ve been stressed about work and Trixie and I don’t know what to do. I hoped I will invite you, we will have fun together after long time and this feelings would go away, but I guess it doesn’t go away and I can’t have fun. I messed up” she sighed and got up from the couch to just stand in front of you having her hands on your shoulder.

“We’re all humans after all, Chloe. I get it and I understand. You don’t have to worry. We can talk about it if you want and we still have time to make it fun. Go get change into your pj’s and and I’m expecting you turning back with a smile on your face.” You smirked to her and went up to set new snacks on coffee table.

When Chloe returned she didn’t have time to say anything because the bell from the door rang immediately.

“Did you invite anyone else?” You asked curiously.

“Of course not. Just you and me. No one else.” She added going to the door to check who was that. You were just standing right behind her.

She opened the door and Chloe saw the the last person she wanted to see today.

“What are you doing here?” She hissed and it was obvious that she didn’t want that person’s presence. You still couldn’t see who that person was.

“Oh don’t be so rude detective. I was in the neighbourhood and I thought that I’ll stop by with a visit.” You heard men’s strong deep voice with a British accent.

Chloe was so tired of this. She didn’t have strength to fight with that man and let him in and then you saw him. The man was a lot taller than you, shit he towered over you. You were so shock seeing that handsome man that you though that you were having a hallucinations seeing a Greek god. He had pitch black hair with little stubble. His hazel brown eyes were twisting into yours like he wanted to see every inch of your soul. Of course his devilish smile was there too to give him another hundred points to looking too fuckin’ good. He was dressed in fancy black suit and black button up that hugs his body so perfectly. You could see from distance that under all that suit he must be having a nice, trained body. Is that legal to look that handsome? You though to yourself.

“Bloody hell detective, I didn’t know you were having a company.” He sent you an evil grin and came into your way. Chloe stood there and she was about to say something when that man spoke to you.

“Hi, my name is Lucifer. Lucifer Morningstar.” He stepped closer to you and took your hand in his. He kissed the top of your hand.

“Like the devil?” You asked and you didn’t know if to laugh or to start panicking.

“Don’t bring my dad into this darlin’. Yeah, like the devil.” He still was having that smirk that could knock you off of your feet by any second. “And you are?”

“I’m Y/N” you gulped suddenly feeling naked under Lucifer’s gaze.

“Oh that’s a real beautiful one” he responded and lean in just to be few centimetres away from your figure. He took one of strands of your hair and put them behind your ear whispering to you. “I really like your shirt baby.”

You wanted to say something, anything but you just couldn’t. You didn’t want to believe that is was that guy Lucifer that you were asking Chloe about.

“Okey enough, Lucifer. Leave Y/N alone. What do you want?” Chloe closed the door behind him and asked Lucifer with frown on her face and furrowed brows. She had her hands on her hips and she really looked like she was not in the mood for such things.

“I said loud and clear I came just to check on you, but now as I see your friend I might want something.” He chuckled and looked at you again. You were so intimidated by his presence that you were looking down at the floor in that moment with blush creeping onto your cheeks.

“Can you stop being the perv that you actually are? If you don’t stop you’ll have to leave.” She urged staying in the hallway. Chloe really was pissed off.

“Okey dokey.” Lucifer raised his hands up in a gesture of surrender and he stepped back from you and went to the living room and you and Chloe follow along.

“Okey ladies, let’s start the night properly” Lucifer loud voice echoed through the room and you already had known that you gonna regret it later.

Chloe told you and Lucifer that she had enough of drinking and that’s it. She was not the one to convince so you and Lucifer were left to the alcohol that still was in the house. After another two bottles of wine and another two hours later in the night Chloe’s phone started buzzing and within moments she went to grab it and answered the call leaving the room. You knew you two were pretty drunk but you could still manage with yourself. Lucifer on the other hand after that two hours ended up with his shirt half unbuttoned and messed up hair after you challenged him to do so. You couldn’t get your eyes off of him sitting like that with his legs spread out and your whole body was screaming to straddle his lap. You though you were going to drool yourself at sight of his muscular torso. You felt pretty damn wet in your panties after sights like this.

“Guys I’m leaving for now. I’ll be right back but Dan called me saying that Trixie is burning up and probably having a fever. I’m going to pick her up. I have already ordered a taxi. Please don’t do something stupid. Y/N, I’m counting on you” Chloe shouted to you putting on her shoes, already changed and slumming her front door shut.

“Guess we have some time alone sweetheart.” Black-haired man said to you turning his head towards you. He put one of his massive hands on your thigh and you sighed after his touch touching your sensitive skin. Your knees were touching and you felt shiver running down your spine. His face was millimetres away from yours. The pad of his thumb running across your bottom lip making you tremble. Your breath hitched as Lucifer smirked at you.

“What do you say baby girl? I know you want me.” He seductively admitted. His deep voice echoing through your years. You felt like you were in trance. Thoughts and consequences be damned, you wanted him more than you’d ever wanted anything, and fuck anything that was in your way.

His thumb moving away from your lips as he was leaning in closer to you. His lips ghosting over yours. His hands cupped your face with his two hands caressing your cheeks. Both of you starred at each other. Your eyes fluttered closed as Lucifer laid his lips on yours. He kissed you passionately, your lips moving in sync. Lucifer’s eyes fluttering closed as well. He grabbed a hold of your hair pulling at them causing a moan felt from your lips as the kiss began to got deeper and needer. You decided to make a move and straddle his lap. His fingers moved from your jaw to your hips digging into them harshly. Your fingers quickly unbuttoned the rest of the buttons on his shirt. Your hands didn’t waste time to trail down his muscular torso what made him groan into the kiss. You broke the kiss first moving your head down towards his exposed chest, pressing your lips against it. You trailed wet, sloppy kisses down his chest, then down towards his stomach. Stopping above the waistline of his pants. Lucifer smirked down at you, as you got on your knees. Looking up at him, as you undid the button of his pants, then unzipped the zip pulling his pants down, as well as his boxers, you freed his growing bulge. Lucifer let out a hiss, as his cock sprang up, while you bit your lip. You stared at his big cock in awe making your way back to the couch to sit next to him.

“You like what you see baby girl? Would you like daddy’s cock in your tight, little pussy of yours? He asked grabbing a firm hold of your jaw making you look him straight into his eyes.

“Hell yes, please daddy” you said arching your back to get some friction from your actions.

Lucifer lowered you to the mattress, your back met the rough material of the living room’s couch. It felt so inviting, so intimidating. You wanted that so badly, your entire body screamed for pleasure. You felt air leave your lungs because of the handsome man has begun to kiss your neck. Your chest were heaving, you raised a hand to the base of his neck and held him there as he sucked strong marks onto your skin. Little moan left you, while your body began to surrender to him.

“You’ll be in hell soon darlin’. Sorry baby but this shirt needs to get out with rest of your clothes but it’s so beautiful and welcoming.” He quickly made you get rid of your clothes quickly. When Lucifer bended down while still keeping his brown eyes locked with yours his tongue swiped a lick atop your breast, then immediately took your stiffened tit in his mouth to suck. His other hand worked on massaging your other breast and you forgot about everything around you and let your body take over as your mouth produced another groan. That’s when he decided to pull your nipple lightly in between his teeth.

“Oh, fuck,” you exhaled the curse in ecstasy.

“Naughty girl aren’t you.” Lucifer grinned, but his tone suggested he’s aroused with your language. His hand ran down the plane of your stomach and slipped down to feel your pulsing desire. You could see it in his eyes how pleased he is at the amount of slickness he felt coating his fingers. He toyed with your clit in deliberately slow circles, and you whined at his touch while moving your hips to receive more stimulation. But Lucifer’s fingers went on to explore further inside you, and you couldn’t hold back the gasp that left your lips as he began to stretch you. He bended down again so that his face is above yours, cologne so strong yet soothing. Lucifer’s kisses were hot and needy. His tongue made a reappearance and became acquainted with yours. Your next gasp bled into a groan into his mouth when he added another finger.

“Yeah, please daddy, I want your cock so bad inside me.” you practically begged.

His fingers may be removed from your sopping heat, but in their place, Lucifer’s bending cock slided between your legs to coat it with your wet pussy. Dark haired man finally entered you. Your back lifted off the bed as you let out a lust-filled cry. It was a tight and delicious fit with your muscles constricting around his eager girth. The man’s lips twisted up at the sound and creates his own unbridled groan.

“Spread your legs wide, babydoll. Take the devil all in.” He was so big you didn’t even know how you can adjust, but your body found a way to relax enough for Lucifer to slide in deeper.

Your eyes squeezed shut at how he stretched you fully, but your voice begged him to move, to give you more. He went on to create a steady rhythm with his hips and all with that filthy comments on how tight and perfect you felt around him. You made another desperate noise as you continue your ascent, which prompts him to ask between grunts, “Speak, love. What do you need from daddy?”

“Your big hands with your fingers daddy” you somehow told with filling voice your need amidst your hedonistic sounds.

“It’s going to the direction I didn’t know it’s going” Lucifer laughed with devilish smirk upon his face.

It was what you need after all, the extra stimulation to bring you closer and closer to what could be the strongest orgasm of your life. In a series of ‘yes’s and curses, you reached another plane of existence. Flashes of white light grew behind your eyes while your mouth widened. Lucifer, in turn, exhaled a shaky and pleasurable moan as your body repeatedly constricted and pulled around his cock.

“Oh shit, doll, just right there.” He came inside you, hot and fast, and you feel the descent of your high flow through you. Every part of you was warm and exhilarated and thoroughly pleased. When Lucifer pulled out from you, he rolled over back onto the couch. His grin read that his own desires have been fulfilled. You knew you got yourself into a deep shit and there’s no way going back.

[allfourthefoxes]

things kevaaron have posted about each other on their stories

hell yeah you know what time it is

Things Kevin has posted about Aaron:

a picture of Aaron hunched over a textbook, glasses on, squinting at his notebook in the light of a lamp. the words ‘Someone tell him to stop studying and come to bed’ go across the screen.

Aaron in 3D glasses, scowling at the camera. ‘He has no idea how stupid he looks right now’

Aaron asleep, wrapped around a body pillow. ‘Dumbass’ (little do they know right after that was taken Kevin climbed into the bed and took the pillows place)

Aaron in the backseat of the mas, frowning at being stuck in between Kevin and nicky.

a video of Aaron with a butterfly on his finger. He looks very confused but stays still and tries to block the butterfly from the wind. ‘Why did a butterfly just fly over and land on him? It’s not like he’s sweet.’

Aaron lying on a pool chair, leaned all the way back, reading a textbook. ‘We’re at the pool and he’s reading his textbook… for fun.’

Aaron playing skee ball. ‘He doesn’t miss-‘

Aaron collapsed on the floor of the locker room after a particularly difficult game. ‘I’m proud of you. We wouldn’t have pulled out the win without you.’

Aaron coming down an escalator at the airport. ‘Never knew I could be so relived to have someone in my sight. despite my better judgment I missed this guy.’

Aaron in a suit at a podium, he seems to be very passionate about what he’s saying. ‘I never had any interest in going to a medical conference but when your husband is the main speaker is turns out they’re very interesting.’

Things Aaron has posted about Kevin:

Kevin in a black tank top and grey sweatpants making a green smoothie, illuminated solely by the morning light. ‘tell this guy to come back to bed’

Allison posted it and tagged them but both of them reposted it. the picture is Kevin in a beautifully fitted suit, Aaron on the tips of his toes tying Kevin’s tie. they’re looking at the other like they single handedly hung the stars in the sky. Allison says ‘disgusting’ Aaron reposts it and says ‘i know right’.

Kevin in a crowd, he’s smiling, it’s not an ear to ear grin, it’s mostly just a small content smile. He looks absolutely amazed and completely sucked into whatever he’s looking it. ‘It’s his first concert. I think it’s safe to say they’ll be many more.’

Kevin in his cap and gown. he’s standing next to wymack, they both have an arm over the others shoulder and a smile on their face.

Kevin standing in the airport with a paper sign that says Aaron Minyard. ‘He’s one of three people here… so dramatic.’

Kevin with a coupon for one free pizza every month for a year. ‘Turns out he’s good for something. He’s a damn good trivia partner.’

Kevin behind the wheel of his car, he has sunglasses on, the sun is low in the sky, he seems to be quiet happy. in the bottom of the picture you can see Aaron holding Kevin’s hand. the story has the location marker of somewhere in nevada. ‘almost there’ he tags Jeremy and Jean in the story.

a video of Kevin in a museum, they’re in a tour group but Kevin keeps correcting the tour guide who looks just about ready to quit. Aaron, Jeremy, and Jean can be heard trying not to laugh in the background.

there’s approximately a million pictures of Kevin with their kids.

Kevin and Aaron cuddled up together on a bus, they’re sharing earbuds and they’re both out cold. it’s easy to tell from Kevin’s attire this was during the olympics. Aaron captions it ‘who the hell took this picture on my phone?’ Allison shamelessly admits it was her

[fruitcoops]

Hi, I hope you’re having a spectacular day!! I was wondering if you could maybe do one of Remus and Sirius just out on a date in town being all in love and like people on the street take pics of them being adorable and post it on social media and its just all these random fans post’s like captioned

“THEY’RE SO IN LOVE”

“I wish someone looked at me like that”

Like they are absolutely worshiping how in love they are and sirius and remus see one pop up on their insta feed or something?

I don’t know I hope you get what I’m saying, if not thats okay!❤️

Did someone call for sickly-sweet Coops fluff? SW credit goes to @lumosinlove!

“Baby, look at this.”

Sirius raised his head and shifted around under Remus’ arm until he could snuggle against his shoulder to get a better view of the screen. “Quoi?”

“Someone took a picture of us at the park.” Remus pressed an absent kiss to his forehead and tilted his phone down so Sirius could squint at it in the low light.

I’M IN TEARS, the caption read. ACTUAL TEARS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST CAPTAIN IN THE LEAGUE AND HIS CUTE-ASS BF. It had received thousands of likes in mere hours. Sirius pouted slightly. “You’re not my boyfriend, you’re my fiancé.”

“That’s the part you’re focused on?” Remus laughed. “Come on, we’re adorable!”

For a basic phone camera, the picture quality was surprisingly good. It caught Sirius mid-motion, his legs extended and gloved hands gripping the chains on either side of swing seat; his cheeks were pink from the cold, but his face was alight with laughter as he turned to look over his shoulder. Behind him, Remus’ arms were still out from pushing him, and his beanie was almost in his eyes. Sirius hummed and cuddled closer. “We are.”

“These comments are so nice,” Remus murmured, tapping away from the picture to read.

What kind of love is this and where can I get it, said one.

I’ll have what they’re having please and thanks, read another.

Get yourself someone who still pushes you on the swingset at age 26.

Okay but these two are the LITERAL DEFINITION of love.

Soulmates bitches!!! They’re fucking soulmates!!

Cap’s little smile is killing me. I’m in physical pain. Sir please control your cuteness.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAP I HOPE U ENJOYED THE SWINGS

Seven BILLION people on earth and I still don’t have a Remus. Smh.

They’re so happy wtf!! That’s happiness!! Right there!!

Do you guys think I can get an extension on my homework if my heart literally explodes from joy

“I want an extension on my homework,” Sirius muttered into the soft fabric of Remus’ sleep shirt.

Remus glanced down at him, pausing his scrolling. “You don’t have homework.”

With a groan, Sirius buried his face in Remus chest and blew out a slow breath. “I don’t want to look over tape tonight. I want to stay right here.”

“Is that so?”

“Mhmm. The world is cold and hard but your belly is soft and warm, so I’m not moving.”

“Okay, baby,” Remus said with a laugh, stroking a hand through the hair at the back of his head. “People think you look really cute with your new beanie.”

“You’re still looking through comments?”

“Maybe I just like seeing people appreciate how wonderful, and fantastic, and handsome, and adorable you are,” Remus teased, dropping a kiss to his ear for each adjective. Sirius made a grumpy sound when his abdomen tensed and Remus leaned back again with a smile in his voice. “Barnacle.”

“Perhaps.”

“Did you have a good birthday?”

Sirius sighed through his nose, letting the tension flood from his muscles and leave him a puddle of goo stuck to his fiancé’s torso. Remus had made the worst attempts at croissants Sirius had ever seen for breakfast, but the powdered sugar coating his nose and cheeks had been far too much fun to kiss away; they had gone out to the aquarium before hitting the park, where they spent endless hours letting the cold November air whip their faces on the swingsets and the frozen pond. Dumo had hosted his birthday party as he always did—Celeste’s cake tasted like pure heaven, and five different children decided to use him as a jungle gym.

And now they were home, curled up in bed while complete strangers took to the internet to wish him a happy birthday mere months after the same platform had been his most hated place. He took his phone off the nightstand and quickly found the post. Thank you for the birthday wishes, he typed. That is a wonderful picture.

“Le meilleur,” Sirius said, tilting his face up for a soft kiss as he put his phone away again. There were much more important things to focus on. “The best.”

[englishstrawbie]

Serendipity (29/?)

Fandom: Station 19, Grey’s Anatomy

Characters: Maya Bishop & Carina DeLuca

Summary: A chance meeting at a bar leads to these two idiots falling in love. Follows canon and fills in the gaps of their relationship that we didn’t get to see on screen.

Content warning: another difficult case for Carina.

Also @ AO3.

* * * * *

Weather The Storm

I don’t need magic, I need your arms around me at 3:29am. When the dark is too much, I need you to be real when nothing else is. - A.R. Asher

When her alarm goes off at six-thirty a.m., Carina hits the snooze button and rolls over, burying her face into the pillow. She has never been one to jump out of bed, but the desire to stay under the covers is bigger than it has ever been.

“I love my job, I love my job,” she mumbles to herself as she extends her arms and legs, stretching her muscles and feeling them pop as they wake up.

It’s true, she loves being a doctor and seeing the joy in her patients’ faces as their families grow, but every day feels hard right now. Every day she walks into the hospital hoping that it will be different – better – than the day before, that she won’t have a patient who isn’t getting the care they deserve because of Covid restrictions and protocols.

Every day is a disappointment. Every day she is angry and frustrated.

Yet, every day she gets up and goes to work and does her job, because she knows that, despite all of the fear and sadness in the world right now, she can make a difference to someone’s life. When a baby is delivered, the pandemic falls away, and she gets to share their joy, just for a moment.

Her eyes start to drop and she hauls herself out of bed, heading straight to the shower to wake herself up. She stays under the hot water for longer than she usually would, letting it cleanse her of the negative feelings she wakes up with. She doesn’t want to become a person who drags herself into work, she knows she has to stay positive otherwise she won’t survive this.

She emerges just as her phone pings and she picks it up from its spot on her bedside table, opening the message waiting for her. It is a photo from Maya, a selfie showing off the sweat and glow caused by her early morning run. She looks at the text that accompanies it.

Woke up missing you a lot. Went for a run to try and work off some of that energy but I still miss you. A LOT.

Carina smirks. There used to be mornings when Maya would wake her up with wandering hands and keen lips, and she would willingly be Maya’s ‘exercise’ for the day. There is only so much that sex toys and video calls can satisfy them while they are apart, and as her eyes sweep over Maya’s glistening skin, she feels her body tingle. If only Maya was here, she thinks to herself.

She takes a photo, letting the towel slip down just enough to tease, and sends it to Maya without a caption. She gets a reply within seconds.

MEAN!

Carina chuckles. She sends another quick message.

I miss you too. Talk to you later?

She watches the three dots flash.

Definitely. I’ll Facetime you when I get to work. I want to see you.

Carina tosses her phone on the bed. Her mood is a little lighter than it had been just a few minutes ago and she gets ready for work with a small spring in her step.

An hour later and she is settled at her desk, scrolling through her appointment schedule, when there is a knock at her door.

“Come in,” she calls out, as she grabs a mask and hooks it over her ears.

Her heart lifts when her baby brother walks through the door.

“Andrea!” she greets him. “I haven’t seen you for a few days, is everything okay?”

He can see her looking him over, as if checking for signs of mania or depression or lack of sleep. It has been a couple of weeks now since he moved out of her house and he is doing well, but he knows that doesn’t stop Carina from worrying about him.

“I’m fine, Carina,” he says pointedly. “Are you?”

She flinches at his question, knowing the answer and wondering how honest she should be with him about how hard she has been finding it. She doesn’t want to burden him, so she simply shrugs. “I’m okay.”

“Really? Because I heard you yelled at an intern yesterday and that’s not like you.”

Carina rolls her eyes. “He’s an idiota! He didn’t know the difference between his Elliott forceps and Piper forceps!”

Despite the surgical mask he wears, Andrew’s face twitches as if he is trying not to smile. “Carina, I don’t know the difference between Elliott forceps and Piper forceps.”

“Well, you’re an idiota too!”

Despite trying to make light of it, she sighs. She knows she was too hard on the young doctor yesterday and she plans to apologise the next time she sees him. She sinks back in her chair.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Andrew asks solemnly, not letting her off the hook easily.

“I’m just tired,” Carina admits.

Tired of the pandemic, tired of the horror and loss she sees every day, tired of going home to an empty house and eating alone every night, tired of going to bed without another body to hold. Except she doesn’t know how to convey all this in words, so she doesn’t.

“Have you spoken to Maya lately?” Andrew asks, knowing how happier she makes Carina.

“We talked last night,” Carina says. He has a look on his face that is usually followed by a lecture and she cuts him off before he has chance to say anything. “We’re fine. Being apart sucks, but we’re doing okay.”

Andrew doesn’t look convinced. “I just think you’d be doing better if you quarantined together.”

It is not the first time that he has said it and every time he does, Carina feels more and more tempted. But then she remembers all the sacrifices that people are making every day to keep safe, including Doctor Bailey, and she puts a stop to the thought.

Her pager starts to beep and she is grateful for the distraction from this conversation.

“I have to go,” she says, grabbing her lab coat from the back of her chair as she stands up.

“Lunch later?” Andrew suggests. “Socially distanced, of course.”

They have done it a couple of times – Carina at her desk, Andrew on the sofa on the other side of the room. It is the closest thing to normal she has in this strange world, even if one of them usually gets interrupted by another emergency.

“Si, if we have time,” Carina says.

She wants to hug him, to feel the force of having someone’s arms around her, but she can’t – so she slips out of the room and makes her way to the triage area outside, where she is greeted by Owen.

“Nicola Penn, thirty-two years old. Thirty-six weeks’ pregnant, complaining of stomach cramps,” he says.

Carina frowns. “And you didn’t bring her inside?”

Owen nods towards the hospital’s parking lot. “She won’t get out the car. This is baby number four and she’s pretty sure it’s Braxton Hicks, but it’s baby number one for her wife and she insisted they come in to get her checked out.”

Carina smiles. Chilled mamas-to-be with fussy partners are usually fun (barring any complications). “Okay, thanks.” She looks over her shoulder and spots Taryn. “Helm, can you grab me a wheelchair please?”

It is easy to spot her patient – or, rather, her patient’s wife, who is hopping up and down impatiently for Carina to arrive. She manages to persuade the mama to come inside for a quick check up and, once she is settled on a bed, agrees that they are Braxton Hicks contractions.

“Nothing to worry about,” Carina tells them. “I recommend you go home and try to relax, take a bath. If it’s uncomfortable to sit for too long, try walking around a little bit. They’ll probably ease off after a few hours.”

“Are you sure?” the patient’s wife asks.

“Chloe, honey, Doctor Deluca knows what she’s talking about,” Nicola says gently, shooting Carina an apologetic look at the same time.

Carina gives her a little nod, standing back and watching as Chloe helps Nicola off the bed and back into the wheelchair. She watches the tenderness with which the wives treat each other and she can’t help but think of Maya again.

“Helm, will you take Nicola back to her car, please?”

“Of course, Doctor Deluca,” Taryn says obediently.

Carina reaches for her cell phone as she steps away from them, bringing up Maya’s name and hitting the call button. She doesn’t care that she’s walking through the hospital, the need to see her girlfriend too strong.

“Hey. You beat me to it!” she says.

Carina can see her sat at her desk. “I was feeling impatient,” she admits.

Maya’s eyebrows shoot upwards. “Oh yeah?” She stands and walks over to the captain’s bunk, placing the iPad on the desk. “Impatient for what?”

Carina is glad that her smirk is hidden by her mask. “To see your face.”

“Just my face?” Maya teases. She pulls open the buttons of her shirt to her naval, exposing her toned abs and the lacy red bra she has purposely worn today knowing they would be video calling each other at some point. “And what if I did that?” she says, laughing.

Carina takes off her goggles to shamelessly get a better look. “You are a very mean fire captain, you know that, right?”

“I mean, you could come in and visit me at work,” Maya points out.

“It’s not safe,” Carina reminds her. “Think about all the people we’re both interacting with.”

“Okay, well, this is torture,” Maya says, her sexual frustration spilling out into grumpiness. “It’s been three weeks now!”

“I know, but if my boss is not seeing her husband, I’m not gonna see my girlfriend,” Carina says.

“What about just a super short little visit?” Maya says. “No kissing on the mouth.”

“Not safe and, I suspect, imposible.” There is no way she would be able to keep her hands off Maya if they were in the privacy of her office.

Maya opens up her shirt wider. “I mean, aren’t you just a little curious?” Before Carina can respond, there is a knock on Maya’s office door. “Crap! I have to go do my job now. My other job,” she says, annoyed but laughing too.

“Okay,” Carina says, grinning despite being disappointed that their call is over so quickly. “It is a little wrong how happy you make me when I'm at work, in a hospital, in the middle of a pandemic.”

“You're welcome,” Maya says gleefully, before ending the call.

Carina shoves her phone back in her pocket, trying to hide the wide smile she wears under her PPE. She doesn’t get very far towards her office when another page comes in, causing her to turn on her heel and head back to the triage area outside. She treats a mama-to-be with Covid who is panicking about what will happen to her baby after reading too many unsubstantiated reports on the internet. It takes her half an hour to calm her down, more worried about her high blood pressure than her Covid diagnosis.

Her morning is brightened by another message from Maya, this time in a sleeveless top and baseball cap, sat on an exercise bike in the station’s gym – accompanied by another message grumbling about her sexual frustrations that Carina isn’t there to satisfy. She can’t deny that there isn’t a big part of her that wishes she was, she misses Maya more than she thought she would – not just the sexy times, but the small moments too, when it is just the two of them, alone in her house or Maya’s apartment. Although she has been practising Maya’s trick of closing her eyes and imagining her physical presence, sometimes it is just not enough.  

Andrew joins her for lunch and they enjoy each other’s company for nearly twenty minutes before he is called away to another emergency. Carina uses the time alone to catch up on some paperwork, until she is called away to the pit. Her patient is already in a trauma room, where Andrew waits for her. A nurse squeezes a dollop of gel onto the young woman’s belly.

“What do we have?” she asks as she steps into the room.

“Heather Noakes, nineteen years old, twenty-eight weeks’ pregnant. She’s been spotting for the last couple of weeks, on and off, but this morning it was worse.”

Carina greets her patient. “Hello Heather, I’m Doctor Deluca…”

“Wait, isn’t he Doctor Deluca?” Heather says, confused.

“Yes, he’s my little brother,” Carina says, shooting Andrew a smile.

“Not so little,” Andrew objects.

Heather smiles, despite her obvious nerves. “Is my baby okay?”

“Let’s have a look,” Carina says calmly, nodding at Andrew to carry out the scan.

Andrew moves the doppler, spreading the gel over the patient’s bump, and Carina watches the screen as the image appears. A small frown crinkles her forehead that Andrew catches. Her studies the screen himself.

“Placenta previa?”

“Si,” Carina says with a nod.

“Placenta what?” Heather asks. “What does that mean?”

“Placenta previa,” Carina repeats. “It means that your placenta is covering the opening of your uterus, when it shouldn’t be. It’s what is causing the bleeding.”

“Is it hurting my baby?” Heather asks.

“It can cause complications,” Carina says. “It didn’t get picked up on your last scan?”

Heather blushes, her cheeks turning a light pink. “I… uh, didn’t go to my last scan. Covid, you know? My neighbour went into hospital and caught it while he was there. I didn’t want that to happen to me, I didn’t want to do anything that might hurt my baby.”

She is not the first person to have done so, and Carina knows she won’t be the last.

“Have you felt any contractions or tightening around your belly?”

“Um, some, last night,” Heather admits.

That worries her, but she hides it. “Okay. I’d like to do a different kind of ultrasound, where we check you inside, and then I’d like to admit you so that we can monitor you.”

“What? Why?” Heather asks, shuffling up the bed and looking like she is going to try and swing her legs off the bed, clearly agitated by the idea.

“Because we need to make sure that you and your baby are okay, and that the little bambina stays where she is,” Carina says. “With placenta previa, there is a risk of early labour and we don’t want that.”

Heather looks terrified and Carina places a hand on her arm, placating her. “It’ll be okay, we’ve got you now,” she assures her. “Are you here by yourself?”

“The baby’s dad didn’t want to know. My mom’s outside, her name’s Barbara. She’s wearing a green jacket,” Heather says. “Can she come with me?”

“No, Heather, I’m sorry, she can’t,” Carina says, feeling guilty. “I’m going to go and see her, and let her know what’s going on. The other Doctor Deluca will take you upstairs to the OB ward and I’ll meet you there, okay?”

The small team of nurses start to roll the bed out into the pit and towards the elevators.

“You’re really good with her,” Andrew says, his eyes shining with pride from behind his face shield.

Carina returns his smile, touched by her brother’s words. They both step out of the room and Carina walks in the opposite direction to her patient, heading towards the triage point outside. She is almost at the door when she suddenly hears her name being called.

“Carina!” Andrew yells. “We need you!”

Carina turns to see them rushing Heather back into the trauma room. Her body is slumped and dark red blood stains the sheet that covers her.

Carina’s chest tightens.

Not another one. Not again.

“She’s haemorrhaging,” Andrew says as she walks into the room.

Realising quickly that she needs to stop the bleeding, and without any time to spare, Carina grabs a scalpel and opens up Heather’s bump, barking orders at the team. They jump to her commands, except it is no good. The baby is delivered three months’ early and Nurse Bokhee holds her for the seven minutes she breathes, while Carina and Andrew work together to try and save their patient.

They fail.

Another life lost.

“Time of death, fifteen forty-nine,” Andrew says glumly.

Carina feels the anger rising up inside of her and lets out a low growl.

“Carina?” Andrew asks.

She shakes her head. “I… I can’t do this,” is all Carina says before she rushes out the room. She ignores everyone around her as she heads out the nearest door, escaping into the fresh air just as Helm is moving a patient inside. She rips her mask from her face and cries out, as if vocalising her feelings will help expel them from her body.

It doesn’t work.

She sees Warren walk up to her.

“I lost another mom,” she says before he has chance to ask her if she is okay. “That's three in the past month. That's three more than I've ever lost in my entire career until this year.” She barely takes a breath as she rants. “Porca miseria. I got into O.B. to bring new life into this world, not to call time of death on mothers, and babies.”

She sighs, heavy with grief, and paces up and down, trying to calm herself. Ben watches her and she realises the poor guy didn’t ask to be a sounding board for her frustrations.

“I'm sorry,” she says woefully.

“No, it's okay,” Ben says sympathetically.

Except they both know that’s not true.

“No,” Carina says. “It's not okay.” Her voice trembles. “It's just… it's not. She was nineteen. She had placenta previa. She was skipping her hospital check-ups because she was afraid.” It is a common theme for her right now. “So she got here too late, and her mom…” She has to take a deep breath. “Because of Covid protocols, her mom couldn't come in with her, so… she died alone.”

Her voice breaks.

“And her baby died alone,” she says through her tears. “And now I have to go and tell her parents. And after that, I'm gonna be alone.”

Carina has been alone for most of her life and that isn’t the problem. The problem is that, this time, she feels lonely, and she doesn’t know what to do with that feeling. It is not something she used to feel, until Maya took up space in her life.

“Oh, I hate this. I hate this disease. I hate this year. I ha- I hate being alone. I...”

It is at that point that Ben interrupts her. “Wait, wait... why can't you and Maya be together?” he asks, as if it is a simple solution.

“Because you and Chief Bailey, you quarantine apart. I don't… -

“Wait, wait, wait,” Ben says, taken aback by the admission. “You're staying apart because Miranda and I are staying apart?”

Carina nods. “Yeah.”

“Oh, Carina,” Ben says gently. “Look, if it were only up to me, my wife and I would be braving this thing together, 'cause I miss her so bad my body aches.” He looks away wistfully and it is easy to believe how much he loves and misses his wife. “I mean, literally. My chest gets tight and my breathing gets heavy.”

She knows that feeling.

“And then I think I got Covid 19! But, you know, hey, if I get sick, I can go to the hospital and see my wife. But you and Bishop, you don't have kids. Or a heart condition, or OCD,” Ben points out. “You should be together. I mean, God knows it's a messed-up time in all of our lives, but what the hell is the point of finding your person if you don't get to weather the storms together?”

He is right. Andrew is right. And she is an idiot for fighting it for so long.  

To Ben, she simply nods.

“Go get your girl,” Ben encourages her, before rolling the empty gurney back towards the Aid Car.  

“Thank you,” Carina says, then heads back into the hospital where Andrew is waiting for her.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I need to tell Heather’s mom what’s happened,” Carina says, her body full of dread about having to have another heartbreaking conversation.

“I can do that,” Andrew offers, but Carina shakes her head.

“I don’t need you to do it for me,” Carina says.

“Carina,” Andrew scolds her, “I’m offering. And you need to learn to accept my help.”

He’s not so little after all, she realises, and she concedes with a nod of her head.

“I need to go, will you cover for me?”

“Of course,” Andrew says. “Where are you going?”

“To the fire station.”

Andrew looks puzzled for a moment, until he realises what she means. His face widens into a smile. “You’re finally going to stop being an idiot and move in with Maya,” he guesses.

Carina reaches out and grabs his arm, squeezing it tightly before heading back to her office. She shreds herself of her scrubs and pulls on her clothes, then grabs her bag and heads out to her car. She only stops to pick up a couple of Covid tests on her way.

It is a short drive to the station and she hopes that Maya will be there, and not out on a call, when she arrives. She pulls into an empty space and takes a deep breath. The sadness she has been feeling is buried underneath the excitement she feels at seeing Maya, of taking the step they should have taken at the start of this thing. Once she is in control of her emotions, she steps out of the car and heads inside.

She slips in through the front door, ignoring whatever it is that has got everyone’s attention, and follows Maya into her office. She is engrossed in a phone call and doesn’t notice her at first, until she pushes the door closed. The click of the lock grabs her attention and she turns, a look of surprise crossing her face when she sees Carina standing there.

“Bye,” she says to whoever is on the other end of the call, hanging up and placing her phone on the table, then grabbing a mask to place over her mouth and nose.

“Are you real- really here or am I just really tired?” she asks.

Underneath her mask, Carina smiles. “Uh, both I’m guessing.”

Maya is still dumbfounded by her presence. “What?”

“I missed you,” Carina says. “And I brought you something.”

Maya takes a few steps backwards, holding out a hand, a barrier between them. “Okay, I’m walking away from you now before I start breaking all the rules.”

“Good,” Carina says, a teasing lilt to her voice. To hell with the rules right now. She has been adamant about following them and for what? All it has done is bring her more pain, by denying her the chance to be with the woman she loves.

Maya stares at her for a moment and Carina can see she has something on her mind. She watches as Maya removes the mask from her face, her heart pummelling her chest as she sees Maya’s face for the first time in weeks without a mask or screen between them. It takes every ounce of self-restraint not to charge across the office and kiss her.

“Move in with me.”

“What?” Carina asks incredulously, taking off her own mask. Did Maya really just beat her to it?

“Quarantining is basically just moving in together, but I don’t want to just basically do anything with you,” Maya says. “I want to do everything – for real. And I know that…” She stumbles a little, as she brings up a painful memory. “…that we have barely spent three days together since I broke your trust. But I’m hoping that me asking you to move in with me is a sign that I am all the way in.”

Carina studies her for a moment. The heartbreak from Maya’s betrayal is starting to feel like a distant memory, and she doesn’t know if it’s because of the pandemic or the family losses she has suffered or the tragedies she has seen – or maybe it is all of it – but she knows that, whatever their past is, she wants and needs her present and future to be with the woman she loves.

“Actually, um – I came here to ask you the exact same thing.” Maya’s eyebrows lift with surprise, as Carina brings her hands out from behind her back to show her the Covid tests she has been holding this whole time. “I’ll do yours if you do mine.”

“How do you make even nasal swabbing sound sexy?” Maya says, her face a picture of wonder and delight.

Carina laughs, the first joyous laugh that she has experienced in weeks.

“God, I want to kiss you right now.” The words fall out of her mouth before she can stop them.

Maya smirks as she lifts her foot to step forward, but Carina shakes her head. “We should test first. Just in case.”

“I tested this morning,” Maya says.

Carina narrows her eyes. “I tested this morning too.”

A smile spreads across her face as she tosses the two Covid tests to one side. Her heart thumps in her chest as Maya walks across the room towards her. She feels like she is watching her in slow motion – and then Maya is in front of her, her hands slipping around her waist and tugging her hips closer, leaving no space between their bodies. Her breath catches in her throat as Maya looks up at her, her blue eyes bright and wanting, her breath hot on her neck. She takes her time, teasing her a little, when all Carina wants is her lips on hers.  

“What is it you always say to me?” Maya murmurs.

“Baciami,” Carina says softly.

She watches as Maya runs her tongue along her bottom lip.

“Baciami,” Maya repeats.

Carina dips her head and catches Maya’s top lip between hers. The kiss is light and tentative at first, but Carina quickly deepens it, one hand resting on Maya’s back while the other gets caught in her hair. Maya welcomes the kiss, opening her mouth and letting Carina’s tongue slide against hers. She tastes of coffee and chocolate, and it is new and familiar all at the same time.

Carina moans into the kiss, heat coursing through her, and she takes a small step forwards, shuffling Maya backwards, until she hits the desk. She is so caught up in the moment that she doesn’t care that the rest of nineteen are hanging out by the front desk, all she can think of is Maya and how good it feels to be in her arms, to be kissing her. It has only been three weeks but, oh, it has been a horrible three weeks and Carina feels all the tension in her body fall away as Maya sucks and nips at her bottom lip.

Carina lifts her hands to cup Maya’s face, pulling her lips away for a moment so that she can look at her. Her hair has grown quickly and sits in a cute bob, her blue eyes flare with desire, and her lips invite her in for another kiss.

“I really have missed you,” Carina says, her voice breaking a little.

Maya hears the emotion in her voice and her brow furrows with concern. “Bad day?”

Carina gives her a small nod. “But it’s better now. With you.”

Maya lifts one hand and tucks Carina’s hair behind her ears, stroking her soft skin as she runs her finger along her jawline and hooks it under her chin. She leans in and kisses her softly, the most tender touch that Carina has felt in weeks, and a warmth spreads through her chest. She drops her hands to Maya’s hips and curls them around the top of her thighs, lifting her up so that she perches on the desk. She pulls her knees apart and steps between them, pushing her body up against her and drawing her in to another kiss.

Maya hooks her ankles around the back of Carina’s legs and drags her hips closer. Carina’s hands tug at her shirt, searching for skin, battling with her as Maya tries to push her jacket off her shoulders. Carina claims dominance as she tears her lips away from Maya’s – ignoring her grumbles – and trails them down her neck, knowing that finding that sweet spot just below her ear will cause her to surrender. Maya sighs happily, her grasp on Carina’s jacket loosening.

Carina is just about win the fight against the buttons of Maya’s shirt when there is a knock on the door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Maya mumbles.

Carina turns her head and Maya peeks out from behind her as the door opens and Travis’s face appears.

“Oh shit, sorry Cap,” he says, blushing as he shoots them an apologetic look. “Animal control are about to leave.”

With a heavy sigh, Maya extracts herself from Carina’s arms and drops her feet to the floor. “Give me five minutes,” she says to her girlfriend, “ I just need to make sure everything is sorted with the tiger.”

Carina’s face clouds with confusion. “The what?”

Maya’s lips curl into a smile as she tucks her shirt back into her pants. “You didn’t notice the big cat in the barn as you walked in?”

Carina shrugs. She’d only had eyes for Maya once she arrived at the station. Securing the last button, Maya walks across the office and pauses at the door, looking back over her shoulder.

“Don’t go anywhere,” she says, as if she is scared that she’ll come back and find out that she really is dreaming.

Carina smiles. It’s a promise that is easy to make.

“I won’t.”

[intercoursefluids]

Marry Me Part 1

Dick cracks the kitchen door open and takes a picture of the scene.

Marinette kneading dough with a focused look on her face, Damian sitting at the counter occasionally looking up at Marinette before continuing to sketch.

Dick turns to the side, noticing Alfred coming his way and scrambles to hide the evidence of his snooping.

Alfred looks at him, raising an eyebrow before walking in the door.

Dick waits around 6 minutes for Alfred to walk out and away before creeping back over to the door.

Soft instrumental music now fills the air, Marinette humming along as Damian watches her with a soft smile.

Marinette's soft humming fills the air accompanied by Damian's pencil strokes.

Dick pulls out his phone taking a small video and posting it to his personal twitter with the caption “It’s so Domestic!” followed with a crying emoji.

Marinette finishes kneading the dough and starts to form them into little rolls, placing them on the pan as she sways to the music.

Jason arrives just as she finishes.

Dick waves like crazy, signaling him to be quiet, and for once Jason listens.

He comes over peeking through the door with Dick before breaking out into a wide grin, pulling his phone out as Marinette places the pan in the oven, turning on the timer before washing her hands of the flour.

They watch as she hums swaying to the music as she dries her hand with a dish towel when the unexpected happens.

Now to understand their shock, you’ll need some background information.

Damian Wayne would rather gouge out his own eyes before dancing with someone.

So imagine their surprise when their little brother stands up and walks over to an oblivious Marinette, humming softly with her.

He taps her on the shoulder to get her attention before bowing at the waist and holding out his hand to her.

“May I have this dance?”

Marinette smiles blindingly bright before placing her hand in his.

He guides her around the room, spinning her periodically with the softest look any of them have ever seen on his face.

He starts to hum louder than before as he spins her before pulling her close again with a hand on her face.

Dick has to put a hand over his mouth and pass his phone to Jason because he's shaking so much. Tears stream freely down his face as he stifles his sobs.

“This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Neither brother even jumps at Selinas sudden voice, instead mutely nodding their agreements.

Dick leans back against his step-mom, sniffling at the display of affection playing out in front of them.

“It’s okay Dick, me and Selina are crying too.”

One look at Jason and Selina confirms that they are both in fact crying as they record. Well in Jason's case his eyes are a little shiny.

The song comes to an end as a timer rings.

They break away and Dick takes back his phone, stopping the video as Marinette checks and something in a pot on the stove.

Dick is about to step away when he notices Selina still filming and Tim walking towards them.

“What are you all doing? And why is Selina recording?”

Thankfully Tim seems to notice the secretive atmosphere and whispers not giving away their position to the two inside the kitchen.

“Your little brother is being sweet and I have a feeling that he’s not done being affectionate yet.”

Tim raises an eyebrow crouching down next to the rest of them and pulls out his phone before pointing it through the gap.

“Blackmail kinda sweet or make me cry kinda sweet?”

He turns back to the rest and sees Dicks face before pulling out a handkerchief that Marinette made him.

“Nevermind.”

They turn back in time to see Marinette finish stirring whatever is in the pot and move it off the heat before turning back to Damian.

Hugging him she rests her head on his chest with a smile as a new song starts up.

“Do you want to dance?”

Marinette looks up at Damian with a confused smile on her face.

“I thought we already did, mon chou?”

Damian chuckles softly tucking some of the hair that fell from her bun behind her ear.

“That we did, Habibiti. But against my better judgment I can’t help but find that dancing with you is one of the finer things in life.”

Marinette smirks at him, her hand coming up to grasp the wrist of the hand still cupping her cheek.

“Well then maybe we shouldn’t dance, afterall too much of something you enjoy can lead to an addiction.”

Damian smiles, swooping down to kiss her softly before pulling away.

“Indulge me just this once?”

Marinette sighs heavily, before speaking.

“Oh alright, but just this once.”

Behind the door there isn’t a dry eye in sight, even Jason shed a tear or two.

They start dancing again but not quite how they were before.

Before they were doing proper ballroom dances, now they just hold each other close and sway. Marinette's arms around his neck and her head resting on his chest, meanwhile Damians arms wrap around her waist, pulling her flush against him with his chin resting on top of her head, both of their eyes closed. The perfect picture of contentment.

Dick snaps a picture before immediately posting it to his twitter with an attempt at a caption that looks more like a keyboard smash since he can’t see very well through his tears.

They sway together for a long while before a second timer sounds.

They break apart, albeit reluctantly, and Marinette pulls the tray from the oven before carrying it over to the counter and switching the now golden brown buns to a cooling rack.

Since she is now facing the door the brothers plus Selina have a perfect view of Damians face from where he stands behind her.

Dick, now coherent enough to take pictures without them being blurry, lets the others film as he takes another picture. Posting it again to his private twitter so the rest of the family can see.

His face is full of pure adoration and love for the girl working in front of him.

“Mon Chou? Can you grab the glaze from the fridge? I need it.”

Damian immediately snaps out of his daze to do as she asks. He places the bowl by her hand before wrapping her up in a hug from behind, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

“I love you, Marinette.”

Dick immediately takes two pictures, one with just the hug and Marinette working and another of her smiling after he says he loves her. And just like the rest, he immediately uploads them.

She smiles, stepping away to untie her apron and walking away. Effectively breaking the hug much to their 4 spectators disappointment.

“I love you too, Damian.”

She walks around the counter to hang up her apron, leaving only a few feet between her and the people who are filming them.

She doesn’t make it.

“I think I want to marry you.”

The 4 sharp inhales go unnoticed by the two teens as Marinette drops her apron, spinning around to face Damian with a bright blush.

“What?”

Marinette's voice is barely a whisper, as Damian rounds the island to come stand next to her, taking her hands and accidentally angling them in the perfect view to show both of their faces to the cameras.

“Let me reword that. Marinette, I know I want to marry you.”

Tears start to form in her eyes as Damian gets down on one knee, pressing a kiss to each of her hands before he starts to speak again.

“Marinette, you are so incredibly phenomenal. Ever since the first day I met you I knew I was doomed to fall for you, I just wasn’t prepared for how hard I would actually fall.”

Dick snaps another picture managing to type out a simple “OMFG” before posting.

“You are the only one I have ever been able to see myself spending the rest of my life with, the only one I have ever wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

Tears stream down Marinette's face as Damian looks into her eyes.

“I know that you have been hurt by the people you trusted most, you’ve told me how the people who were supposed to stay by your side turned you back on you.”

Damian sighs, turning her hands up and kissing her palms.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, I vow from this day forward that in any way I may accidentally hurt you, even when I try my damndest to prevent it, that I will allow it to be done onto myself tenfold. I will stand by your side but I will never force you to remain by mine. When you want to take the lead I will cover your blind spots and protect you from those who try to blindside you. When you can’t think of a plan right away, or are too overwhelmed to take the lead I will stand front and center to cover you till we make it to safety. My sword arm, my strength, and my knowledge are at your disposal. And my heart and love are yours to take.”

Selina reaches over dick to Jason and Tim, putting her hands on their shoulders as they both cry freely.

“I know I’m not the best at expressing or even understanding my emotions.”

Marinette opens her mouth at his self deprecating tone, but Damian rushes to catch her off guard.

“Even so, the one thing I am sure of is that there will never be enough words to tell you just how much I love you. I will happily spend everyday for the rest of my life, trying to show you just how much you mean to me. And even then it won’t be enough.”

Damian pauses giving Marinette time to let out her thoughts before he continues.

“Oh Damian, I-, but what will everyone think? We’re 16! No one even knows I am with you outside of friends and family. What will we do when people call me a gold digger? I- people in France already don’t like me. I don’t want to drag you through the mud with me by agreeing to marry you Damian.”

Marinette winces, slowly pulling her hands away from Damians. He just grips them tighter.

“Marinette.” His serious tone makes everything go quiet, silencing even his brothers and stepmom's soft sobs.

“There are only two things in existence that could stop me from marrying you and one of them is if you say ‘No’. If the people in France believe that they have any say in what you do or don’t do just because they believe the words of a liar over you, it just proves that they are even dumber than I thought. As for our age? We can be engaged for the two years it takes us to turn 18, or if you want, we can wait longer. I don’t mind. And I’m pretty sure that if someone called you a ‘gold digger’ Jason, Dick, and Tim would put a stop to it before word even got to us.”

He gently pulls her hands back again, kissing her palms as she speaks.

“What's the other thing?”

He hums in question, meeting her eyes.

“You said that there were only two things that could stop you from marrying me, one was me saying ‘No’. What’s the other?”

Damian straightens slightly making sure she knows just how serious he is.

“Death.”

It's silent for a minute, no one daring to breathe.

“Yes.”

It's barely a whisper, hardly more than a breath, and yet it holds more worth than anything else in the world.

“Yes I will marry you, Damian.”

Damian immediately jumps up wrapping Marinette in a hug and spinning around with the before dropping to the ground again.

“I can’t believe you said yes.”

Marinette laughs at Damian, happy tears flowing down her face.

“You asked me!”

“I didn’t think that I was lucky enough for you to actually say yes!”

Marinette giggles again pulling Damian into a kiss that he happily returns, at least before he groans loudly and breaks, instead resting his forehead against hers.

“What's wrong?”

Damian sighs his shoulders lumping before answering.

“I have to tell my brothers and Selina by tomorrow. At least Dick and Selina so they can help me-”

He cuts off, paling severely.

“Dicks gonna kill me. I proposed to you without a ring, and he will skin me alive for it.”

Marinette laughs again.

“I’ll ask him to spare you. Besides, he can’t have me as his sister-in-law if he kills my husband.”

Marinette blushes at him as he smiles.

“Tomorrow, I’ll get the ring tomorrow. I don’t think I could wait any longer than that to finally put a ring on your finger.”

They cuddle up together, relishing in each other's presence.

Dick is the first to stand up, followed by Jason, Tim, and then Selina.

They walk down to the cave, all staying silent as their phones save the videos they were lucky enough to take.

Once they make it the tears start up again, full volume wails coming from dick and sniffles from Jason.

“That was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life!”

Dick cries into his stepmother's hair. His brothers following suit.

All of a sudden Dicks phone starts going off like crazy.

He pulls it out annoyed ready to tell whoever is on the other end off for interrupting his cry sesh.

467 notifications and climbing from twitter.

He opens it to the picture he snapped when Damian started swinging Marinette through the air with the caption ‘She said yes! BRB gonna go cry my eyes out’.

He looks at his username with horror, paling considerably as he looks at his family.

“I fucked up.”

[itstheimpossibledream]

Only A Play

Part 5 

Word Count: 2213

Pairing: AU Henry x FemBlack!Reader

Warning:  Smut, Angst, Some fluff

Summary:  Can reader & Henry work out their differences or will they be better apart? Breakup sex? Idk it’s the finale let me know what you think!

“ and that’s when I packed my things and came to New York.” Henry finishes.

 You’d been looking down at your hands, trying not to get lost in his features while he spoke, knowing the tabloids would make a day out of it. Angling the photograph and captioning it something cheesy about ‘love being in the air’ or the fact that you’re ‘just in time for Valentine’s Day’. The dating speculations you could take but, the photographic evidence that made your mom ask questions was a different story entirely.Since the show had opened the two of you toured from interview to interview and then performed at night. The day usually culminating in a needy fuck at his apartment or in your dressing room if he couldn’t wait. You stayed at his place often and while it was still mostly in booty-call  territory, (despite the previous year of apartment crashing and drunk declarations of love) the dinners and breakfasts remained consistent. You answered the interviewer’s questions calmly but,nothing could have prepared you for the final follow up. He turns to Henry, “And so aside from your new relationship(he motions to you),have you made any other friends during your time in New York?” He only hesitated slightly,before answering. He smirks but,the curve of his lip is gone before you know it. “I have really enjoyed working with her, and I hope our artistic relationship will flourish long after this production has ended.” he smiles diplomatically while reaching for your hand.“As far as new friends I believe my doorman Jason and I have gotten pretty close.” he laughs. When he laughs, the whole world laughs with him and the audience is no exception.Eventually , the hours of embarrassment have passed and you’re being rushed back into a cab to Henry’s apartment. 

“So what was that?” you say as he closes the door, sliding into the car behind you. 

“What?” he asks blissfully unaware of your annoyance. 

“That whole continuing relationship thing?”you push.

“I said artistic relationship.” he corrected sternly.

 “ You gave them ammo.” you cut back quickly.

“And so what? Two people in a romantic play together are speculated to date?How awful.” He grumbles. 

“You don’t get to make a choice like that before talking to me about it.”

“It wasn’t a choice, it was the truth.” he quips back sternly.

“A truth that will put the tabloids on my ass.It’s been bad since we opened the show but, you and I both know this is only going to make it worse.” you mirrored his tone, clearly losing your cool at the idea of being followed to your apartment by cameras. 

“Well you can stay with me as long as you need.” He says, firmly setting his jaw.You roll your eyes towards the window, Watching the people who pass by. 

“So, this is what it was about? control ?”

“Please!” He scoffs “I don’t need the paparazzi holding your apartment hostage,to get you to stay at my place.You’re practically there every night anyway.” It comes out sounding like more of a complaint than he had meant for it to. Your blood boils with resentment of his comfortability.You can feel the heaviness in your eyes when the car pulls up to his ‘flat’. A term you had started using sarcastically but had slowly begun to stick. Even now, you despised that while being a convenient fuck , he had permeated your subconscious enough to make you even think to refer to it as a flat. 

“What’s on your mind?” he finally asked, breaking the silence that had been holding court in the elevator. He didn’t sound like he really wanted to know, infact he seemed like he was solely asking for courteous purposes and that was it. You turned your entire body to face him, you could feel that no matter how hard you were trying your face had begun to break. 

“You know, you were right. There’s no reason for me to be here.” your lips upturned in a smile as you saw the glassyness of your eyes reflected in his face. It was an odd pain , not one you could name but, one you knew without a doubt was real. You had shared something special, he knew that. But, anyone could see that the lack of compatibility outside of the bedroom left the relationship forever doomed.He rolled his tongue between his lips and you couldn’t help but think of how blissful the silence was between you two. Someone had to say it, and in true fashion Henry was not strong enough. 

“ What are you talking about?!” He followed behind you into the hallway as you fled the elevator, opening the door to the apartment.

“We aren’t compatible Henry. You don’t get me. My lifestyle, my friends,my choices; you think it’s all a fucking joke or something. Well, it’s not,It’s not a fucking joke.It’s my real life. I know we play and talk about how much money you make but when it comes down to it I’ve never seen you put a red cent to helping anyone else. But, you watch me tithe everything I earn to give back to the communities that raised me. If you wanted to be with me, like really wanted to be with me,you would have already invested yourself in the things I find important. Instead, what you do is stand on red carpet at a black, trans fundraising gala and steal the attention once again.”

“I thought you were mad about the interview, now you’re mad about the gala?!?”

“I’m mad about all of it!” you screamed directly into his beautifully manicured face. Not an eyelash out of place and yet he still couldn’t contend with the neatening of his moral compass. 

“I’m mad because you center yourself in any safe space for people of color I take you to.I’m mad because you don’t ask for my opinion or consent before doing anything, because you don’t care.Actually, I’m not even mad anymore.I just see it for what it is.”The tears had started to slowly flow now, and while your pride kept you from full on sobs,a total breakdown was on it’s way without a doubt. You removed your bag from your shoulder,sitting it in the chair by the door and headed to your bedroom. You had graduated from the guest bedroom, to mostly staying in Henry’s bed with him, a convenience thing really. 

“And what is it?” he asked , finally unable to continue being berated by you.

“A mistake.” you said calmly, what had to be mere minutes felt like passing hours, the two of you standing there, looking at eachother, seeing the relationship for what it was. 

He spoke first.

“I love you.” his baritone timbre you had become so accustomed to sounded far away, you questioned if you had even heard him clearly.

“I love you, does that not matter to you at all?”he sounded stern, almost scolding you for not immediately reciprocating his affection.

“It’s not real Hen.” you said between tears “Someone who loves me, wouldn’t need me to explain all the ways his privilege consistently harms me. I wouldn’t have to ask him to donate to causes I’m passionate about, causes I’ve devoted my whole life to getting fundraising for. Someone who loves me would not make party conversation about how their black girlfriend has to sleep with a bonnet on.” He was silent,now. He stepped towards you, closing the void of misunderstanding.

“I'm sorry that I ever made you feel as though you aren’t the most important thing in the world to me.” He kissed your forehead, and then on the top of your head. 

He whispered into your hair but, you could feel his voice reverberating  through your curls.

“Can we not fight tonight ?” You exhaled, relaxing the weight of your body into his. You didn’t have to fight anymore because you heard his answer loud and clear. He didn’t want to fight because he couldn’t.  He could not think of something important enough to cause him discomfort,couldn’t think of anything worth his unhappiness. He placed his hands on either side of your face, pulling you in for a kiss. You kissed him back slowly, making up your mind to give in to your emotions for one last time. A spark went through your body as you felt his hands trail their way over your curves. You tugged at the bottom of his t-shirt and he quickly obliged,pulling it over his head. He lightly pushes you towards the bed and when he rolls ontop of you it feels more like a safety net than a sexual maneuver. Even as he undresses you, slowly, kissing over your body. He touches you so gently,assigning value to every square inch of your skin.Before long he’s looking into your eyes as he thrusts into you, rutting his way  inside you of.Your breath hitches as you begin to synchronize your breathing with his, becoming one, breathing as one whole. He held the backs of your knees, pushing them up further into your chest.You cried out at the depth of the new angle and he smiled, moving a hand from the back of your knee to your neck, lightly applying pressure. You loved his hand around your throat, the way his veins looked, the muscles in his arm , all of it. And he knew that, he was pulling out all of his best moves tonight. 

“You’re so bloody beautiful right now.so tight for me.” He murmured close, into your ear. 

His dirty talk alone sent you over the edge but, the added view, from this angle of his body was everything a partner could want. He moaned as he pushed into you , the result of your walls tightening around him. Your spasms brought him over the edge,as he came into you.You latched your nails onto the skin of his back, clawing for safety in his embrace. 

“I love you. I love you.”he said in between kisses as he came down from the high of physical contact. “I love you too.” you returned the words, because they were true and in that moment, nothing could have been more honest.He rolled over onto his back and you snuggled up next to him.

“I do love you” he whispers into your hair. The room is dark,aside from a sliver of light where the moon shone through the blinds. He slowly runs a hand over your hair and down your back.

“Then why haven’t I met your parents yet?” you sighed,turning your head upwards to face him.

The loudest silence of the night fell over the room, that was what made it real to him. He couldn’t deny it anymore. Even he knew, he had never invited you to visit his family, or even out to dinner when they were visiting in the states. You didn’t know if it was that he was embarrassed , or that he just didn’t know how to tell them. You weren’t even upset anymore, as much as you were resigned to the fact that you had to begin putting yourself first, to choose your needs first. And whether you wanted to admit it or not, if you were honest with yourself you knew he wasn’t the one. His brows furrowed and you could tell he was running through every possible response. His hand smoothed it’s way over your hair again and while you had resigned to the fact that it was over you couldn’t help but allow a piece of your heart to break as you saw his eyes become glassy. 

Before long he was fast asleep above you. Henry would be leaving the show, for another movie gig in two weeks but, since the  first rehearsal you hadn’t spent a day without Henry, or Kal for that matter. Sun peeked through the shades as you redressed yourself in the dark , you couldn’t be sure if this was something you wanted, or simply something you knew you had to do. You looked back at that beautiful apartment one more time,and then finally closed the door behind you. You recall the first time you entered the building, that day you had been instructed to bond as you step into the elevator. Watching the city below through the glass,a flicker of light catches your attention, then another and you realize it’s snowing. It had been a full year since the first time you had actually spoken to him. The doorman held the door for you,as you sparked your lighter. Touching the flame to the end of your cig as you stroll down the street.