#im visiting my dad for a while too i have to get on a plane tonight for the first time since 2015 and im scared for my life

[granitxhka]

i think i need to leave lmao

[kirosnleo]

Pulled through time Leo and Oc fic part 1

Leo gets a letter about a mysterious half sibling that he's sent to find

If you’re a demigod you get used to the idea of not knowing many of your half siblings if their gods or demigods, I probably have like a thousand alive right now. So when I got a letter from my dad personally about a half sister I was intrigued. ‘Your sister, she's in the Uk, she needs you to fly discreetly to the enclosed address, bring her this necklace’.

The hundred dollars for a international trip showed how long its been since the god flew on a regular airline. I had to borrow money for a sudden mission from Chiron to cover for the rest of the damn ticket for a drop off. ‘Why couldn't she come get the necklace or better yet why couldn't he send her the necklace, was she too busy drinking tea or whatever British people do?’. I hated airplanes on the Argo. I could bring whatever I wanted. I could lay down all my tinkering tools and just sit and do what I want but on a plane I felt confined and like I couldn't breathe. My mom said that one time when she took me on a plane that i was the best behaved baby there I feel like it was lie she told it after i got suspended with the principal saying i was a bad kid for starting a food fight, She probably wanted to raise my spirits and make me believe i wasn't a lost cause or maybe i was a well behaved baby cause I could actually move my baby legs on a airplane without hitting my knee on the front chair.

But whatever I got in the taxi cab “Hey im Leo”, The taxi driver ignored me as he drove in silence leaving me with my own worries I met my half siblings before, I live with them at camp but being sent across the globe to visit them, it made it feel more like i was meeting a actual half siblings like in soap dramas where they find out their father had an affair and they play it up for drama. I kept imagining how it would play out, maybe she's lost and needs guidance to camp, Maybe a quest left her stranded, or maybe she's the key to saving the world but doesnt know it, I felt like I was getting a little sister! But without having to take care of a baby. It kept me busy till I finally got to the airport.

I got in no problem tsa don't really check lone kids, usually they were just flying to visit parents after a divorce. The plane ride was “fun” . I wasn't sitting with anyone annoying, thank the gods, just some other People who wanted to get to the Uk for business or personal reasons and weren't interested in chatting his ears off or snoring and thankfully crying.

But now I was finally here, the address wasn't too far off. I was able to walk and actually move my legs instead of staying still like a statue where my legs lost all feelings and felt like a thousand needles.

The British Museum, the address was for a museum I dont think most demigods willfully just went into one or the ones I know anyway. The Greek Section made the most sense so I found the closest bench and just sat down to wait while staring at the bronze statue infront of me.

[vodika-vibes]

Vod, Vod hold my hand I’m scared. I have to get on a plane to go home for the holidays tomorrow afternoon which is fine I’ve done solo travel before but my panic disorder got me up at 3am to nervous vomit and I know now the rest of the week I’m going to be miserable soothing myself back to normal because it takes weeks to fully stop freaking out. All I want is the nulls +Echo and Wrecker to just sit by me and talk and distract me and make me feel safe mostly from myself and anything life can throw at me, like my mother and cunt ass sister and my shitty old best friend and that old ass house I spent my entire life smothering in and canceled flights. Rn I’m wrapped in 2 soft blankets and a weighted one for security listening to asmr trying to fight the demons while praying to the good drug gods to take me away to heaven on a soft pillowy cloud, take me to the light Ethel I’m ready. Hhhhhh SOMEBODY SEDATE ME, JUST GET ME TO THE AIRPORT AND PUT ME ON A PLANE HIRRY HURRY HURRY BEFORE I GO INSANE I CANT CONTROL MY FINGERS I CANT CONTROL MY BRAIN OH NOOOO I WANNA BE SEDATED I finally understand the emotions behind that song, somebody hold my hand im scared, id call for my momma but she’d tell me to quit being a little bitch ToT oh god I have to see my entire dads side of the family immediately and their redneck bring squirrel stew to the function, love t*ump, smoke indoors and ruin a funeral crazy

Wow. That's a lot.

So, I'm gonna start by saying you don't have to get on that plane. No one at the airport is going to force you to get on, though I know it's not so easy to cut off toxic family.

Then I'm gonna add thay, statistically speaking, you're more likely to get into a car crash than a plane crash but that probably won't help if it's just flying itself that freaks you out. I can't really help with this. Flying has never bothered me. Which is kinda funny since I have a height phobia.

The Nulls would probably put their foot down and talk you out of going. If it distresses you so much, then they don't want you to go.

Echo and Wrecker, however, would go with you. They'll have to grit their teeth the whole time, but if it's important to you, then it's important to them.

Hopefully, it'll go by quickly, and the visit won't give you too much psychic damage. (In my experience, keeping your mouth shut around racist relatives is better than trying to pick fights) Good Luck! ❤️

[ghost-proofbaby]

hi it's 🎸 anon i just got back from hanging out with the guy!! He loved the hat and the guitar i got a hug ☺️ and we were hanging out in his dining room building my Lego set (I got this flower bouquet set and let me tell you driving it home was NOT FUN) and his mom was chatting with us for a while. But we got into the legos and we were sitting with our legs touching the whole time and I am aware this is very innocent but it made me very soft inside. Any time one of us moved away or got up we would go right back to it and it wasn't just me initiating it. He kept making jokes about stuff id say about the Legos like I said I can't get it in and he just giggled at me and I was like 🙄 or I said now it's too small and he was like you said it I didn't 🙄 and I discovered I do not mind inappropriate jokes if it is coming from a cute boy and not my weirdo coworker. And he kept looking over at me and watching me while we were building the Legos it kept making me blush. Once we finished building it (and his mom gave me a cup to put them in. His parents are really nice they've both given me things like his dad gave me yarn they randomly had?) we went to his room and he played his guitar for a while and I was very brave about it and didn't melt into the floor. And his dad came in and this is when he gave me yarn and the guy seemed very ticked off that his dad came in while I was there it was kinda cute. Oh and he made me tell his mom about the coworker and she was rightly appalled. but then we went back out after that and his parents were arguing about dinner like hardcore arguing and it was very awkward for 🎸 anon bc the guy was having trouble with his ear I guess he had surgery when he was younger and it like acts up sometimes so he wasn't hearing very well so I don't even think he heard much of the arguing but i didn't know what to do with myself so when he went out to try to befriend cinnamon (this stray cat they're trying to tame) I ran out after him like SAVE ME IM AWKWARD and we sat out there for a while making friends with the cat. And we came back in and his parents were still arguing and his mom just went to bed and I was like 🫠🫠🫠 But anyway we hung out with cinnamon more and I threw cat treats at him 😂 and then he went into their garage and he laser engraved me a keychain with a cat on it and he kept bumping into me on purpose. But I stayed a little longer and then when I left he walked me to my car and I was telling him I think he needed to go up and down the mountain to pop his ear maybe cause that finally fixed my ear from the plane and then I blurted out and you can visit me! and he was like oh I see what you're doing and I was like what ☺️ I'm not doing anything and he was like maybe and I said okay and he said possibly and I said I'll take it and he said maybe possibly probably and I said I'll take that 😂 and then he hugged me and he was like thanks for hanging out and I said thanks for helping me with the Legos and I went to let go and he DIDNT and he grabbed me closer and I literally think he was trying to pick me up or something cause I stumbled and like fell into him and we like stared at each other for a second and I got into my car and he was like okay tell me when you get home and I said okay and I really wanted him to kiss me and im debating on texting him that 🤔

JUST READ ALL THIS AND IM YEARNING BUT I MUST SOLDIER ON TO THE NEXT UPDATE FUCK NONNIE.

also yeah it’s innocent but sometimes those are the things that just get you, you know? like. the innocence punches you in the gut. it’s the same feeling as realizing you’ve found someone you want by your side no matter how mundane that life may be. see the quote, “in another life, i would have really enjoyed doing taxes with you” (i believe that’s how the quote goes aaaa)

[restapesta]

hi emina! happy last week of no school ♥♥

15. “Finally. Missed you so much.” but make it sort of in front of other people??🙏🙏🙏 if u want. it's okay if not, too!

MONDAY

---

ian (1:11 AM): it's hot as fuck here. can't sleep.

ian (1:12 AM): also, lip snores

mickey (1:12 AM): that's what you get for leaving me

ian (1:13 AM): drama queen, i only left this morning. be back in just a week.

ian (1:13 AM): why are YOU awake?

mickey (1:14 AM): fuck you, just a week. 🖕🖕🖕

ian (1:14 AM): 🙄

ian (1:14 AM): go to sleep

mickey (1:15 AM): you woke me up???

ian (1:15 AM): doesn't matter. just go to sleep.

mickey (1:15 AM): probably not

ian (1:16 AM): ???

mickey (1:17 AM): can't sleep without you

incoming call from ian (1:17 AM)

---

TUESDAY

---

mickey (11:22 AM): college bitch still pissed at us for waking him up?

ian (11:25 AM): isn't speaking to me. bitched about it to fiona the entire morning.

ian (11:25 AM): "can't go a night without him." blah blah

mickey (11:25 AM): fuck him. wyd right now?

ian (11:27 AM): helping Fi with the moving shit.

ian (11:27 AM): you?

mickey (11:28 AM): lunch with tami. bitching about lip.

ian (11:29 AM): 😌

ian (11.29 AM): that same lip is currently screaming my ear off to get off the phone.

ian (11:29 AM): keep bitching, my love

mickey (11:30 AM): tell him to fuck off.

mickey (11:30 AM): also, call me when you're done

ian (11:31 AM): 😘

mickey (11:31 AM): 🙄🖤

(12:57 PM) incoming call from ian

(16:44 PM): incoming call from mickey

(21:44 PM) incoming call from ian

---

WEDNESDAY

---

mickey (09:06 AM): come back home, im bored.

mickey (09:06 AM): Fiona doesn't need you for an entire fucking week.

ian (09:10 AM): 😬 just five more days

ian (09:10 AM): Fiona says hi!

mickey (09:11 AM): I'm horny, this is stupid.

ian (09:12 AM): handy-dandy hand 😁

mickey (09:12 AM): 🖕🖕🖕🖕

mickey (09:13 AM): ...something to work with?

ian sent a link (09:14 AM)

mickey (09:15 AM): you did not just send me the benefits of a cold shower, you bitch.

ian (09:16 AM): loveeeeee youuuuuu

mickey (09:16 AM): 🙂🔪

incoming call from ian (12:33 PM)

incoming call from ian (17:29 PM)

incoming call from mickey (00:12 AM)

---

THURSDAY

---

ian (08:12 AM): I'm horny.

ian (08:13 AM): mickey

ian (08:13 AM): mickey

ian (08:13 AM): mickey

ian (08:13 AM): MICKEY

ian (08:14 AM): babyyyyyy

ian (08:14 AM): pleaseeeeee come on, you're not sleeping rn

mickey sent a link (08:16 AM)

ian (08:16 AM): i deserved that.

mickey (08:17 AM): handy-dandy 🤛

ian (08:17 AM): hate myself at this moment 🙂

mickey (08:17 AM): 🤭😘

-

ian (09:44 AM): coffee on facetime?

incoming call from mickey (09:45 AM)

---

FRIDAY

---

ian (14:22 PM): sorry for the ghosting

ian (14:22 PM): Fiona's been killing me with the whole apartment cleaning shit

ian (14:23 PM): And Lip's hiding from her so he's always with me.

ian (14:23 PM): i know it's been a day.

mickey (14:25 PM): well, well, look who decided to text their husband finally

mickey (14:25 PM): it's been a whole day, ian.

mickey (14:26 PM): we are no longer on speaking terms.

ian (14:26 PM): 😲😨

ian (14:26 PM): i'm sorry.

ian (14:26 PM): i miss having breakfast with you.

ian (14:27 PM): i miss sleeping with you

ian (14:27 PM): i miss kissing you

ian (14:28 PM): and doing other things with you 😏

ian (14:28 PM): miss you so fucking much.

ian (14:28 PM): mick?

mickey (14:30 PM): ugh fine, you sap

mickey (14:30 PM): call me

incoming call from ian (14:31 PM)

---

SATURDAY

---

incoming call from mickey (18:55 PM)

ian (19:24 PM): phone sex is cool, but we should try sexting 😳

mickey (19:26 PM): i don't need a reminder of your disgusting ass dick anywhere on my phone.

ian (19:26 PM): hm? 🤔 not what you were saying ten minutes ago.

ian (19:27 PM): you sure you ain't ready for round two? 😏

ian (19:27 PM): bet facetime sex is even better.

incoming call from mickey (19:28 PM)

-

ian (02:22 AM): i miss you. i really fucking miss you.

---

SUNDAY

---

ian (08:02 AM): flight is at 10

mickey (08:04 AM): i'll be waiting for you when you land.

---

It had only been a week. A week filled with phone calls and text messages and a whole bunch of facetime—but, fuck, it had been a week.

Did Ian really have to go on and visit Fiona alone with Lip? Was it really that necessary for him to travel all the way to the alligator land just so they could help Fiona switch apartments? Mickey didn't see the point of the long-ass trip to Florida just so Ian could complain about how humid it was and how it was a blessing he didn't share a room with Lip anymore.

Mickey missed him. He missed him a lot more than he thought he would, and he really should've considered the fact that he and Ian spent most of their time together. They may have been apart before for long periods of time, but it was hard to tear them away from each other nowadays.

So maybe it wasn't that much of a surprise he'd had a hard time adjusting to the empty space of their apartment and the coldness of their bed. The lack of dad jokes during their long rides at work and the unmistakable scent of Ian that had been slowly fading and was almost gone now.

That was Mickey's excuse for not doing laundry. He didn't wanna lose Ian's smell from their home. The sappy excuse would probably work with Ian, he thought.

And even if it didn't, Mickey could distract him from his annoyance in other ways.

Airports sucked.

Being in an airport, waiting on Ian and Lip with their family of twenty thousand—or six, whatever—sucked even more.

But the plane had already landed and it would be just another couple minutes before Mickey saw his husband for the first time in a week. Before he wrapped his arms around him in a bone-crushing hug. He didn't even give a shit if anybody saw him and thought how big of a fag he was.

Husband. That was the only thing on his mind currently.

"They should be here already," Tami said, bouncing Fred up on her hip.

Debbie shrugged from beside Mickey, one hand tightly holding onto the redheaded girl between them. She was fisting the fabric of Mickey's jacket, and it made Mickey smile. It eased the anticipation a little.

Who was he kidding? There were swarms of bees in his stomach, poking and stinging. He felt slightly nauseous.

"I think I see Lip!" It was Liam who exclaimed.

Mickey didn't see Lip.

But he did see the redhead trailing right behind him, a suitcase in his right hand, recently bought for the trip. His hair was ruffled, and his eyes were sleepy, the jet lag probably hitting him in full swing.

Still, the green orbs Mickey missed so much lit up the moment he noticed Mickey, the corners of his mouth twisting up into a wide smile.

Mickey wasn't any better. He could feel the grin stretching across his face involuntary, yet he did nothing to hide it. Nothing to stop it from spreading. He didn't care to hide the excitement he was feeling upon seeing Ian for the first time in a week.

A week.

His legs moved on their own accord, and in what felt like no time at all, he was engulfed into a hug, Ian's long arms circling him—it was familiar; comfortable, and warm.

"Fucking finally," Ian choked out against Mickey's hair, his lips pressed to the top of his head, cradling his body gently. "I missed you so much."

Mickey tilted his chin up and their lips connected in a brief kiss. Just a peck that turned into a couple more, all loud on the pullback, their limbs still wrapped up in each other.

"Missed you more."

They stared into each other's eyes longingly for a couple of moments—it was probably too soft and sappy for them, but who gave a shit? They hadn't seen each other in a week.

What interrupted them eventually were a few short coughs, as if somebody was clearing their throat.

Mickey glared at Lip, practically forcing himself to tear his eyes away from the man he was holding.

"We done with the reunion or you guys wanna continue making out in the middle of the airport...?"

Ian was the one who flipped him off, finally disentangling himself from Mickey so he could greet his siblings properly and pick Franny up into a long hug. It made Mickey frown, the loss of contact. He forced himself to endure it, though—half an hour of a ride longer and they'd be home alone, free to do whatever the fuck.

Still, as soon as they were done with the obligated reunions and the questions about Florida and Fiona, Ian found himself next to Mickey again, gripping Mickey's palm and intertwining the fingers with his own.

Who gave a shit if anybody was looking? Who gave a shit if Lip was rolling his eyes at the obvious display of affection or if Carl was making obnoxious kissy faces at them as if they haven't been married for a while now—Mickey saw none of that shit.

All Mickey saw was Ian.

[clementinesjourney]

Old feelings, new beginnings..

A.N.: Hi guys! Thank you for loving my first series " I'm not crazy" so much. It means a lot! <3 I thought I'll write something else for a bit, just until i figure out the storyline of the series that i'm happy with. Let me know if you like these kind of stories, or if there's anything in particular that you wanna read about. My Asks and inbox are always open! :)

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT.

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: cheating (ex-fiancé); smoking; fluff; oral sex (f recieving); sex, aaaand a whole lot of fluff.

Words: 4,3 k

Summary: You are the daughter of Steve. You worked abroad for years after college, and now, when you hit rock bottom you move back to his house, figuring out yourself. You meet an old friend along the way. bringing back old memories and feelings.

-Dad, could you please help me with these boxes? - you shouted from the van.

-Hurry, i don't wanna fall and break my neck the first day im back...

-I'm coming, i'm coming... I just had a phonecall..

-Who's more important than your precious little girl moving back from Europe? - you said jokingly with a chuckle... God, you missed being near family.

-Nobody.. but actually yo remember Barnes? He's coming over, he offered to help with the furniture we'll buy for your room.

-Wait, i don't have any furniture yet?

He doesn't answered, just took the box with a part of your books and headed upstairs to put them in your room. You followed with two of your plants. While setting them down you heard a loud growl, as a silent reminder that from the moment you got back from the airport you and your dad didn't ate just unloaded the truck non-stop. You chuckled.

-We should stop for a bit and eat something. Do you want me to cook something or should we go out to Magdalene's? - You asked.

-Hmm... I could go for a pizza at Magdalene's.. Let me get my keys.

Soon enough you were sitting on the terrace looking at the ocean while sipping your drinks and waiting for the pizza.

-You know... i never thought i'll admit but i really missed this city, and you dad..

-I know sweetheart i missed you too... You know you could've visit more. I mean.. i'm glad that Sam and Bucky is still here... but i really missed my little girl.

-I think it was the best idea to move back. After being fired, and finding out that my fiancé was sleeping with my boss really ruined me. I don't think i can go back to being an accountant. I want a fresh start. New city, new carreer... I mean, i'm only 27.. i can always start over.

-Maybe.. I had a hard time not getting on a plane and showing your ex-fiancé how the captain would deal with rats like him... I still can't believe i let that man into my house for so many years....

-It's okay dad.. It's over.. i just need to rebuild myself and all will be fine. I'm pretty sure you won't have to deal with any new men any soon..

With a sad chuckle you sipped your cold lemonade and looked out to the sea. The sun begin to set. It was so calm.. just a few people walking their dogs silently... Soon your foods arrived and you started to dig in, stopping sometimes to laugh on old memories..

Bucky was walking his dog on the beach when he heard Steve's and a woman's laugh. He searched the perimeters with his eyes for his best friend, hoping he's finally having a date. He knew how lonely he was without his late wife and his daughter living abroad with that sorry excuse of a man as her fiancé. He was always very protective of (Y/n), being his best friend's daughter, but as the years passed Bucky started to have feelings for the girl which he couldn't really explain. He never told this to Steve though... He didn't know how he would react to his best friend being helplessly in love with his daughter... He decided to just shove these feelings deep down, hoping he can somehow forget them. He tried to date many women in the meantime.. None of them stayed... hell he wouldn't even take them home most of the time, because he would've felt guilty.

When he got closer he saw that Steve wasnt having a date, but instead having dinner with his daugther.. There were only two drinks and two sets of utensils on the two empty plates. She didn't bring her fiancé.. Bucky wondered why.

-Bucky! Hey.. Do yo remember my daughter (Y/n)? She just arrived today, she's moving back to her old man. Do you wanna join us for drinks later?

-Hey Steve... Welcome back (Y/n). -He said shaking Steve's hand and hugging you lazily, giving a peck on your left cheek. - Sure, i'm free anyways. Do you need me to bring something?

-No, no just come, maybe invite Sam if he doesn't have anything else to do. It would be nice to have a little welcome party for my little girl.. - Smiled Steve at his best friend.

-HEEEY... i'm not that little anymore.. But getting wasted on my first night with old men sound like a good time.. Maybe it will help with sleeping on the couch since someone forgot to buy me a bed... - you said, rolling your eyes at your dad, then catch the smirk on Bucky's handsome face.. You always had the hots for him.. You just never told anyone, let alone your dad... He was so protective he might've took his head just for being this insanely handsome...

-Sure i'll invite him too. See you later then. -He waved at you two, leaving, searching for his phone in his pocket to call Sam.

*dial-tone*

Sam: Hey man, whats up?

Bucky: Hey Sam. Steve wanted me to invite you to (Y/n)'s welcome back party.

Sam: Oooh.. Lover-boy is in danger. I wouldn't wanna miss that. Count me in.

Bucky: I promise i'll tear your tongue out if you joke with that in front of Steve... I'm in huge trouble without that too... She got even prettier, regardless of the dark circles.. I wonder why she moved back here..

Sam: Shooot, old man Stevie didn't tell you huh?

Bucky: Didn't tell me what? What happened?

Sam: The dear fiancé was playing with her boss behind her back for like a year, and when the boss got tired of being in the shadows, she fired (y/n) the same day her fiancé broke it off..

Bucky: Jesus... i'm gonna kill that bastard..

Sam: Not trying to imply anything but i'd rather you try to help (Y/n) put herself together...

Bucky: See you tonight then...

Bucky got so angry hearing what that asshole did to you.. That explains the dark circles and that hopeless sadness in your green eyes...

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

You were currently putting on your terracotta colored sundress when you heard the doorbell.

-Dad, could you get it? i'm nearly done here.

Steve opened the door, letting his bestfriends in. Setting the drinks and snacks they brought on the counter. Thats when you emerged from your room. Bucky's breath cought in his throat, he gulped trying not to drool at the sight. You weren't a little girl anymore, you were a woman.. Prettier by every passing minute.

Sam elbowed him before Steve could see the look on his face. Stepping forward and swirling you around.

-I heard the princess is back in town, i had to come and see for myself.. Damn girl you grew big.

-Put me down Sam, put me down. -you chuckled, gently hitting his shoulders. With a big bear hug he let you go.

-There guys, have a beer.- you smiled while handing them their beers.

While they were laughing and talking with your dad, you sneaked out to the garden, lighting a cigarette, sipping your beer. When Bucky realized you werent inside, he looked for you.

-Want some? - you held up the pack of cigarettes.

-Does your dad know you smoke? - he asked while taking one, lighting it.

-No, and i'd like to keep it that way.. I just.. It's a coping mechanism. I know it's bad.. it just makes me feel like i can get past this.

-I get that.. i started cause of that too. How do you feel?

-Pretty shitty still.. but being back here helps a bit.

- If you don't wanna sleep on the couch till your bed arrives you can crash at my place. I have a guest bedroom, you wouldn't even have to share a bathroom with me you know.

-Are you sure? I don't wanna intrude. Your girlfriend probably wouldn't be too happy with me staying there either.

-What girlfriend princess?

- Oh come on i saw how all the single moms looked at you all the time. I'm pretty sure a man like you can find a woman for each his fingers, metal or not. - you said lifting an eyebrow, smirking. Slowly blowing out the smoke of the cigarette with a sigh. You hoped the smoke will hide your sad sigh. You knew just how dangerous staying at his place would be. So tempting, yet the thought of him sharing his bed with anyone saddened you probably even more than your betraying ex-fiancé.

-No, doll.. I don't have anyone. Perhaps you could say i'm waiting for the one.. - He told you straight. Looking at your face to the side, hoping to find any clues that you might feel something, that you might be slightly happier after hearing it. And there it was.. a small smile before a sip of your drink. You tried to hide it, he thought but nothing can escape the eyes of Bucky.

-I'll stay there then.. just until i'll have my furniture.. which at this pace will be the day when i buy a house and buy my own furniture.. But you'll tell dad.. your voice is deeper. - you chuckled.

-Fine, fine.. But if he'll kill me please take care of my dog...

Putting out your cigarettes you headed in, laughing on an old joke about your dad and Sam.

-Hey, Steve, we had an idea. - said Bucky upon entering.

- You two having ideas... that has never meant any good..

-Its okay, we just thought why won't (y/n) stay at my place until her bed arrives? You wouldn't wanna hurt herself by sleeping on the couch and i have a guest bedroom with its own bathroom.. it's just practical.

- If that's what she wants then sure, i mean sure i am she's overprotective father, but she's also a grown woman. What do you think honey?

-Yea it seems practical, it will only be a few days anyway. - you said, sending a little smile towards Bucky. and Oh what a trouble you were in.

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

It was around midnight when you all decided it was time to sleep. You were currently walking beside Bucky on the sidewalk. The street was empty. You were smoking and just silently walking. But Bucky didn't miss how your eyes glistened with the unshed tears. You were probably trying not to cry. And he just had to help somehow.

-Hug it out?

You let out a chuckle while sniffing, letting one single teardrop fall.

-Is it that obvious?

-No, but i've seen you enough to know. You can talk to me if you want, i'm here..

-Can i get that hug then? - you stopped, and looked at him. Maybe you were just that tipsy, but he was even more handsome now under the streetlights. He had that soft look, his icy blue eyes told you everything you needed to know. You will be safe and you will be alright as long as you have him there. He had one hand on your waits, and another held your head to his chest. You felt a small kiss on the top of your head. You silently started to cry into his button-down. He held you even tighter when he felt your hot tears seeping onto his skin through the shirt.

-I'm s-sorry... *sniffing* i didn't mean to.. Y-you didn't signed up for babysitting... i'm alright.. i'm alright. - you said, slightly pushing him away. You see a bit of hurt flashing in his eyes, but he masks it immediately.

-It's not babysitting.. You are just as much as my friend as your dad or Sam is. I'm here if you want to talk, or just want a shoulder to cry on. Not because we're tipsy, but because thats how friendships are.

-Friends huh? - you said chuckling, wiping the tears from your face.

With that you continued to walk towards his house. Upon entering, the house was perfectly clean and organized, you saw a few pictures of Bucky, Sam and your dad, some had you too when you were little. You smiled at the memories.

- I didn't know you kept these.

- Why wouldn't i? These are some of my best memories. - He said while handing you a pair of shorts and a tshirt, because of course you forgot to bring your bag of clothes.

- Oh thank you.. I appreciate it. I won't bother you anymore. - you started to retreat to your room, when suddenly he cought your forearm, swinging you straight to his arms. You looked up to his icy blue eyes in the dark room, only illuminated by the light of the moon.

-You'd never bother me (y/n). If anything i'd kill for having you in this house everyday, being able to see you, smell you.. You don't realize but your ex-fiancé was the world's most stupid man to ever hurt you and let you go..

Thats when the tears crept up and into your eyes once again. You didn't know if it was just pity, or the drinks that made him say these... but god you hoped it would be real. You tried to say words, to protest what he said.. but they just didn't came. You stood there in the middle of his livingroom, in Bucky's arms, looking in his eyes.

-I'm sorry.. i-i shouldn't have say this. It's not my place.. he said, feeling suddenly quilty. Cursing the last few beers that gave him the courage to confess..

-No it's um.. okay. - perhaps you both were too drunk to make good decisions, but you got on your tiptoes and gave a small peck on his lips. His hands tightened around you as he kept his lips unmoving, just feeling yours on it. It was something he was waiting for for the past 5 years, since he realized his feelings. And as little as it was, this was perfect. Your lips fit on his like they were made for him and him only. He hoped it wasn't a dream, and you wouldn't storm out a second after.

- Goodnight Bucky. -You said, ending the kiss, not waiting for his answer, practically running to his guestroom, shutting the door.

Bucky stood there dumbfounded, touching his lips, trying to calm down his heart.

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

Sleep came hard to you that night. The feeling of Bucky's lips on yours haunted your thoughts. You didn't regret the kiss, you just wish it was under different circumstances. When you finally fell asleep, it was already dawn.

In the early afternoon you went to the kitchen. You smelled coffee not too long ago, but you hoped it was long enough so you won't meet Bucky. You weren't ready to face the events of yesterday yet. But there he was, messy hair, comfy clothes, and that damn half smile that could kill you any day.

-Coffee?

-Yes please. - you smiled at him, but it didn't reach your eyes.

-Do you wanna talk about it?

-No. - you said with another small smile, then left for the balcony to smoke.

Bucky followed you stood far enough to give you space if you needed. You silently scooted closer, until your head was resing on his left shoulder. He gave a little kiss on the top of your head. Thats when he knew you two were okay. You won't run away, maybe you'll even stay.

That's how you spent the afternoon sipping coffee, smoking, and taking in his scent and warmth.

- you up for a movie? - he asked

- only if you have snacks too. - you chuckled heading in.

You were still wearing his shirt, but since it went down to the middle of your thighs so you didn't bother to wear the shorts. Bucky felt happy for the first time since forever. This is the sight he wanted to see for the rest of his life. You, in his shirt, with your messy bun, without makeup... On his couch waiting for him to choose a movie.

It was perfect.

He knew he was in trouble.

You started the movie on the sides of the couch, slowly inching closer, as if you needed to touch to survive. Soon enough his hands were on the back of the couch, you under them, snuggling up to his side, both under a blanket. His fingers drew small circles on your shoulder. You only hoped he couldn't hear how fast your heart was beating from him being this close.. And you didn't know, but he hoped the same.

*thump thump*

You looked up finding those blue eyes already looking at you. He didn't have to say anything... it was all in his eyes... And the way he looked at you, the way his eyes flickered down to your lips. How his free hand came to your chin to make you come closer.. He slowly kissed the tip of your nose, then your lips. It was careful at first. He didn't know if he can do this.. But when you put your hand on his hand near you chin, and actually responded to the kiss, let it deepen did he let himself really feel it. When you both were out of breath, you were blushing hard, not believing what just happened, you hide your face in his chest. He just held you tighter. You could practically hear the smile on his face.

- You don't know how long i was waiting to be able to do that... - he said, - i always dreamt that you'll someday let me.

- Bucky... i-i... do you?.. really?

- Doll.. i wouldn't be saying any of this if i wasn't... Ever since i realized that you weren't just Steve's daughter anymore, i tried to somehow forget you, to bury these feelings deep, cause i knew you wouldn't want 100 year old man, the best friend of your father to ....

-Shhh.. I do want this old man. I wanted him for years... I... I don't think i ever even loved my ex.. i just... i just tried to forget you.. Thinking you wouldn't want anything to do with me... i'm just a kid, and you need a woman... who can make you happy. I never thought...

He didn't let you finish. He kissed you again, this time it was full of passion, as if he wanted to show you that you weren't a kid, that you were all he needed and more.

- i only need you (y/n). - he said between kisses.

- will you stay?

-I want to Bucky.. but isn't it too soon? what will i say to my dad?

- We'll figure something out.. and no, we've waited years. I don't want to wait any longer. I want to wake up to the sight of you next to me, to fall asleep together.. All that jazz. I can't imagine a day without you in it.

That night you fall asleep next to him. Cuddling all night, not letting go of eachother. For the first time in forever he didn't had any nightmares, and slept peacefully.

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

The next morning you woke up to light kisses on the back of your neck.

-Mmmm... what are you doing James?

-*kiss* just enjoying this.. us. *kiss-kiss*

You turned around, kissing him softly then lightly bit his lips, earning a low growl. His hand tightened on your waist, slowly inching down, grabbing your thigh, taking it over his side, making it easier for you to roll on top of him.

-I need to shower... - you said with a smirk, as you slowly walked towards his bathroom. Taking off his shirt, revealing that you only wore a par of black lace panties underneath. With a giggle you shut the door leaving Bucky murmuring something, biting his own lips at the sight of you. You were washing your hair so you didn't hear the door open. Suddenly you felt two hands on your waist bringing you closer to his body. It wasn't hart do know what he had in mind. He kissed you hungrly and whispered in your ear:

-Teasing me huh? such a bad girl... i hope you know that you won't ever get away with it... with that he kissed just under your ear, earning a soft whimper.

You closed your eyes as he kissed you again, more hungry this time. His flesh hand slowly inching down caressing your inner thigh, the sides of your folds, leaving out the aching little nub that wanted the most attention. You moaned a little Please into the kiss, earning a smirk from him. But it did do the work, he finally gave attention to the places you wanted the most. You had goosebumps all over already and he wast even a finger inside you yet. You cling to him desperately, moving your hips ever so slightly to get some more friction.

- needy huh? want me to make you feel good doll?

-yes James, plea....

You couldn't even finish your sentence as he added a finger, slowly pushing it inside you, earning a sinful moan right to his ear. He started to push his finger in and out, slowly addig another, curving just the right way, hitting all the right spots. He took one of your nipples into his mouth, circling it with his tongue, pinching with his teeth... You were so close.. He knew this too, your moans let him know. He suddenly stopped, with drawing his fingers. You whimpered at the loss of the contact.

- Don't worry sweetheart... i just wanna have a taste.

He got on his knees in front of you, putting one of your legs on his shoulder looking you in the eyes as he licked up your slit, straight to your clit. That was alone nearly enough to make you cum. He didn't stop... it was just a beginning. He circled your clit, while adding back the fingers, he started to curl them just the right way, as if he already knew how your body worked, how he could make you feel good..

-James.. i-im gonna..... Thats when your first orgasm hit you, you started to shake but he caught you in his arms, lifting you up, making you snake your legs around him. He lined himself up at your etrance, slowly sinking you lower and lower on his member. When he was fully inside, he stopped and kissed you hard, letting you adjust to his size. With a little nod of your head he started to move slow at first, but gradually speeding up earning moans from you... They were so sinful yet so angelic, he couldn't get enough of them.

-God, you're so pretty... So perfect... so thight... i never wanna leave this pussy ever again...

He earned a little giggle between your moans, you decided to leave little lovebites on his neck and shoulder, finally marking him as yours...

He managed to find sports that you didn't even know existed, taking you higher in your bliss than anybody ever have. You strated to clench down on him as your second orgasm hit you, making him lose control as well, releasing his hot seed inside you.

He didn't pull out. He just held you there, kissing you softly being happy and content that you were finally his, and his only.. and he would be damned if he'd ever let you go.

When both of your breathings slowed, he help you wash yourself, then put a fluffy towel around you, all while giving kisses anywhere he could. You could never in a million years guess that he had this tooth rotting sweet side to him, but you absolutely loved it, knowing that it was only for you.

You put on his button-down, while he made coffee, then you went out to the balcony to smoke. Now you didn't wait to scoot closer, you sat on his lap, earning another few kisses from him. Now you smoked one cigarette together. You hoped this would last forever.

-I should speak with your dad.

-Can't we just enjoy this a bit more? Its so peaceful..

-I know honey, but sooner or later we will have to talk to him... i mean, your new bed will arrive in days...

- Okay.. we have to talk to him..

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

-Hey dad we're home!

-Hey princess. How was your stay? Did he take good care of you?

-That he did...- you said with a smirk towards Bucky. - I'll go upstairs and pick up some things.

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

-So? You told her Bucky?

-Told her what exactly?

-How you feel.. I'm not stupid i saw the way you were looking at her for years, i saw the jealousy when she brought that asshole home for christmas, and i never saw you look at that way at anybody since the 40-s...

-And you are okay with it?

- If that is what makes her happy, then yes. I know you, and i know her. You would never hurt eachother, and you would keep her safe.

-I... i don't know what to say Steve.. i'm surprised you reacted this way, i mean.. you were always so protective of her, i thought you'll have my head one day just for looking at her the wrong way..

-Bucky... We were friends for over 100 years. I know you better than myself. I know if that's what she wants, you'd make the perfect old man - in- law i could ask for.. I want you both to be as happy as you can. If it's by eachothers side i won't mind. Just promise to never break her heart.

-That i can promise anytime Steve.

Thats when you jumped at them, hugging them tight. Tears in your eyes.

- i love you so much. both of you.. -you you said not letting either of them go.

-so i guess... we'll have to move my stuff again...

[weeb-writor]

Bittersweet Arguments

Heyo! Today I have a Cove x Reader! He is from a visual novel called Our Life: Beginning and always. Its available on Steam and itch.io for free! But I do encourage you all to get the dlc is it is more than worth it. It is inclusive of all race, sexual orientation and pronouns/gender. Also all the characters are just amazing and loveable. I could go on and on about this game but let me shut up so you all can read^^

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Cove Holden x GN!Reader

You and cove get into a bad argument and picking up the pieces is hard.

Word Count: 2.4k(not beta read)

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“Cove hasn't talked to you…yeah I’m just worried, they haven't gone more than a week without speaking since they met. They’re going on week 3 soon… yeah I know… yeah… alright I let you know what I can find out.” Ma said, hanging up with a sigh. You rounded the corner glancing at her as you plopped down on the sofa.

“We're not 8 any more, you don't have to call Cliff anytime we get in a fight.” you said with a chuckle.

“Honey, that's the thing, you and cove have never fought. We called about Lizzie plenty of times but you… it's just parents being parents. We're just worried.” She said stroking your hair. You grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze before you got up.

“Don’t be.” You said as you went up to your room. Well you were packing so really it was just a room with a bed. You plopped down face first into it. You just laid there mind racing a mile a minute. The fight, the disagreements, the tears played over and over again. It was simple at first and then it wasn't. Then it was yelling, arms flailing, and angry tears. What would happen next? It was a fear you thought that was already put to rest but it came again, and again, and again. Each time it was more and more muddled. What would happen to you both? How would long distance work? Were you supposed to tell your parents about your engagement? Who would come visit who? How often? No matter what question it was, the answer always resulted in more questions. 

To you it was like Cove didn't trust you, like he didn't believe you loved him enough to do anything to make it work. For Cove you were… well you don't know. He was silent about the issue of the future. It was like you were discussing it with yourself as if there isn't another person in the relationship. It was frustrating, it made you angry at him and at yourself for being angry at him. You grabbed your pillow which had become a bucket for your tears and you cried and screamed into it. Over time your tears and screams died down and you drifted into not a peaceful sleep but a painful one. When you woke up you stumbled down stairs in a trance and nearly rounded the corner before you heard it. You stopped in your tracks immediately and sunk to the floor. It was him, your love, the neighborhood boy, Cove Holden.

“How are they?” He spoke quietly.

“I can't lie to you and say they're fine but they are resting right now.” Mom said with a sigh.

“Tha… T-That’s fine but what about eating, drinking, packing, and leaving the house?” He stuttered nervously. You wanted to laugh. It was so Cove to still be nervous talking to someone he knew essentially his whole life.

“Yes, of course. We’ve made sure, nothing to worry about.” At that you heard a sigh of relief come from the green haired boy.

“Okay, okay good. Um could you just let me know if they need anything.” His voice was shaky like he wanted to cry.

“They need you, kid.” Your mom said slowly. There was a long silence at this. Was it actually long or were you just anxious you weren’t sure.

“...I need them more.” He said in a barely intelligible whisper. Goodbyes were said and stayed on the floor even as you heard mom coming your way. When she was in your sight her eyes widened but more in worry than surprised. You tilted your head at her and that’s when you felt it. Tears were cascading from your eyes. You wiped them away in surprise and rose to your feet.

“Im fine.” You said before jogging to your room where you curled into a ball as if to shield you from the impending doom. From this position you watched the sunset and the moon rise, almost unblinking. You felt tears soak your pillow, you had begun crying without realizing again.

This couldn't go on, you had to talk to Cove.

Muscle memory had kicked in from the one time you had snuck into Cove’s room and boom. You were sitting on his bedside stroking his hair as he slept. Just like you it seemed his sleep was anything but peaceful. His brow was creased and you couldn’t help but thumb along it prompting him to wake up. His eyes shot open and he blinked a while before he sighed. 

“Are you gonna be a dream or a nightmare.” he said softly.

“I'm in your nightmares?” You said glancing to the side. At this he shot up. Tears pulled in his eyes as he held his hand out to you. As soon as his fingers brushed your face he let out a quiet sob.

“So dream or nightmare then?” You said with watery eyes.

“An absolute dream.” He said with a firmness in him that was rare.

“Cove I don't want to talk about it right now, can we sleep...together.”

“Yes!” he shouted quietly, immediately making space for you under his blankets. You moved with equal amount of eagerness and soon for the first time in a while you felt truly at peace.

“Can...can I hold you.” You didn't say anything to his request, just moved closer and grabbed onto his nightshirt. Instantly you both fall into a deep peaceful sleep.

“Hey kid, I wanna talk…” Cliff trailed off awkwardly as he locked eyes with you. Cove was fast asleep, head in your lap and arms squeezing you. You smiled and put your finger to your lips. Cliff got the signal and walked out with a smile. Cove slept for 30 minutes more before his icy blue eyes met yours.

“Uh, wanna eat? I got all the ingredients for…” he didn’t need to finish the red flush of his face said enough. He was eating your favorite and you were eating his. You let off a quiet laugh.

“I’m feeling more peanut butter, honey, and banana sandwiches. Maybe some fruit.” You smiled down at him. His eyes lit up and you were dragged into the kitchen and now you both were about done making the sandwiches.

“What are you glaring at my sandwiches for?” You jokingly accused him.

“There isn’t enough honey on it, honey.” He said poking your forehead. You laughed and he laughed and then you both went to sit at the table. Mr. Holden was there too and made moves to get up but was stopped by the both of you shouting no. Awkwardly he sat back down.

“So, how’s packing coming? Coves been putting it off, so much.” He asked you gently.

“I’m pretty much done! Nothing in my room but a bed now.” You said with a smile.

“That’s great, still planning on leaving for college?” He asked with caution.

“Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m going to miss having you around.” You said with a small smile. The impromptu breakfast was over soon after this and you were left alone with cove again. Questions about the future loomed over you and this time you were going to get answers.

“Can... we talk?” You said staring at him with determination.

“Yes..” he trailed off

“No Cove, can we really talk? Like talk things out, like argue and come to a consensus.”

“Yes but I just don’t... want us to fight” he said playing with his hands.

“Arguments are normal cove, hell they’re healthy even. The unhealthy part is what you do during the argument and what you do after. Of course, we could try just talking first.” You smiled at him hoping to ease his nervousness.

“So you mean to say storming off to your son's room and pacing isn't a healthy way of closing an argument?” He said with a joking tone.

“Well if we ever get to the talk about the future, maybe one day you could see just how healthy it is…” You trailed off looking at him hopefully. Cove let out one of his cute squeaks as he flushed red. He raked his fingers through his hair before he grabbed your hand and pulled you to the sofa.

“Let's… talk then.” he said, glancing at you and then away.

“Alright, Cove, I'm going far away. What you are asking to do is impractical, I'm asking you not to do it.” You said seriously.

“It's 36 hours by car on the fastest route and 3 hours and 29 minutes by plane, it's not impractical, it's totally possible.” He said with unusually fierce eyes.

“Sure but you want to do it every two weeks, twice a month! It's not safe for you to drive that long. Think of the money it’ll cost to fly or put gas in your car. Also you'll have your own bills now, your own place. It's not all that possible.” You spoke firmly.

“Doesn't matter… i'll make it possible and safe. If I need to, I'll stay with my dad for a while. Moving out isn’t that big of a deal” He said not backing down

“No Cove, do you hear yourself? You’ve wanted to move out and be in your own place for a while. What happened to the boy who wanted to do everything the way he wanted without listening to set rules or a predetermined plan?”

“This isn't someone's predetermined plan for me, it's what I want.”

“What about what I want?” you said softly

“Is what you want… not to be around me? Or am I too.. too clingy for you? Cause if so I promise I won't intrude too much.. And I’ll give you space-”

“No! Its nothing like that! You are never gonna be too clingy for me, you could get clinger if you wanted. I just want you to be safe, okay?” You said cutting that thought off immediately

“I promise I will be then.” He said hesitantly.

“Baby, the whole action of it isn't safe physically or financially for either of us right now. I'm not saying you can't come but what about once every month or even better ill come back here every break I have. They aren't frequent but I'd be with you for a while.”

“It's not enough!” He said, raising his voice at you. It's the first time he’d ever done it but you didn't respond, you just blinked at him and waited for him to continue.

“I need to see you more than that.. I just have to.” He said, looking away from you.

“Why? We’ve spent weeks apart before. Every summer you leave and we come out of it fine, it's the same.”

“No its not the same, at all.” He spoke firmly as his eyes got misty but he pressed on. “When I went with my mom I knew where you were, what you were most likely doing. It was routine, sunset bird is our place. Even if something new comes along I'm never out of the loop… but when you leave you’ll be in a new place with different people and new things you can experience. You’ll be in a place with all four seasons, they get snow! I won't know what you're doing any more and we might not even be on the same wavelength any more. You’ll make new friends and meet people who won't be afraid to lay in bed with you or stutter a lot or make weird noises. You’ll be changing and I’ll still be the same 8 year old cry baby you met on the poppy hill… you’ll leave and then you’ll disappear.” He said scrubbing at his tears. You stared at him before you started to laugh. You laughed so hard you started to cry.

“Let me get this straight, you want to come visit me so often because you're afraid I'll become this social butterfly and find better people than you, Miranda, and Terri? Me?” You were overcome with laughter again and paused to catch your breath. “I’m overly honest, pushy, a little demanding, and have “strange” interests. When have you ever known me to be easy to make friends with or be sociable with any other than you? You know I knew I was gonna marry you from the moment I laid eyes on you at the ripe age of 8? I wish some dumb college kid would try to change my plans i’d kill them… nothing is gonna take me away from you and I will always come home. Home, cove holden, is wherever you are.” Cove was hugging you in a second crying into your neck.

“I quite like your squeaks and weird noises by the way.” You could feel his face heat up in your neck as he laughed.

“Every break?”

“Every break longer than 2 days.”

“At my place… the whole time?”

“Duh I said I was going home.”

“Alright then, we agree. I want to come spend a break with you though, want to see your place.” He said squeezing you tighter.

“Of course… Also one last thing we need to put to bed.” Cove let out a groan at your words.

“Nothing bad at all. Just this.” You reached into your back pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. You handed it to cove as his eyes watered again.

“I know I already proposed but I wanted to get you something regardless. Its also so all these single people keep their grubby little paws off my love.” He blushed at you and whispered your name the way he always did when he was feeling embarrassed or overwhelmed. He opened it as tears fell down his face.

“Theres two?” 

“Yeah look at the inside of the bands.” Each one was engraved with your respective nicknames for each other.

“Were engaged we minus well look the part. This way everybody at my college knows I managed to lockdown the most amazing guy to ever grace sunset bird.” You said kissing his nose. He wasted no time putting his on and handing you yours.

“I love you.” He said, eyes no longer misty.

“I love you so much, Cove.” You echoed his sentiment.

“Wanna go to our hill, we have a lot to make up for. I’ve missed you so much.” He said, grabbing your hand. You nodded and you both turned to leave. You both quickly made eye contact with Clifford Holden who was misty eyed. You gathered he had been there for a while.

“Sho...Should I pretend i didn't just see or hear that as well?” He said his hand on his neck.

[angloie]

Beach Trips and I'm Falling in Love 1/2

When Annabeth meets a strange boy on vacation, she doesn't expect for their relationship to grow much. He's... terribly sarcastic. Cocky. A not-so great match for her witty self. But after learning he visits the same beach every year she does, their strange friendship blooms into something more.

Their realtionship isn't the only thing that blooms over the yearsー that meaning a certain raven-haired boy.

genre ; childhood friends to lovers, fluff, strangers(?) to lovers, exchanging letters au, percabeth mortal au, 6.5k words.

warnings ; swearing, suggestive(?) themes.

Annabeth first falls in love with the beach at age seven during a vacation.

The airport was a little scary truth be told; new people and big security dogs. Though, the dogs are the things she likes most of the whole expirience. The plane there was much, much worseー she had never liked being so high up for so long. That's why Annabeth slept for most of it. (more like passed out.)

But now that she's woken up in a whole new setting, (that being her parent's cabin) her heart beats fastly with excitement. The unfamiliar aroma of saltwater and sand wafts into the bedroom, making her sniff deepy. The patched quilt that once layed on her is tossed to the wooden planked floors. Everything here is unfamiliar, whether it's the bedroom or the whole place itself.

Annabeth kicks her feet off the bed, rushing to the hallway. She practically bounces off the walls like a rubber ball. New, sights, new place, new people... She'll get the hang of it sooner or later.

Annabeth skids to a halt. "Can I go out?" She asks excitedly to the emptiness of the cabin, her voice echoing off the sparsely decorated walls. There's a pause. Then:

A voice pipes from somewhereー maybe the kitchen? "I dunno about that honey, we just-" Dad!

"Please! Just for a while!" Annabeth cuts him off and begs.

She can hear a sigh emit from him "Well, arlright..." There's a pause; most likely Helen shaking her head and laughing lightly. "But don't go too far! We don't know this place that well."

"Thank you!"

It only takes a second before Annabeth is already sliding her sandals on when she gets the ok to go, grabbing her sand castle building bucket and lathering on her sunscreen.

She beams brightly.

A vast blue sky, yellow sun, and glimmering sand. It's all so beautiful. Gorgeous. Alluring- though the seven year old doesn't quite understand what the new word means. She dashes somewhere, anywhere, excited to go see more. Meet more people! Collect sea shells! And it's fun. Fun with peeking under shells looking for crabs, getting her shorts wet from the water, getting tanned in the beating sun.

Annabeth loses track of time at one point or another. All she knows that the collection of shells in her bright red bucket are just so pretty, so why not collect some more?

'Don't go too far,' She can clearly recall her father's voice, 'We don't know this place all that well.'

That was maybe... three hours ago.

Now, the sun isn't hung that high in the sky. It's starting to dip beneath the ocean, red and orange staining the sky. The pale moon isn't visibleー but Annabeth knows that it might come out sooner or later.

Just a few more shells, she thinks, touge sticking from her lips as she struggles to carry the full bucket, Until I go back.

Where is 'back', anyways?

Annabeth doesn't know where she is right now. At all. Save for the patch of palm trees she had rested under for a while, far behind her.

Oh well. Right now, she tries to focus on collecting more shells. Now, where did that blue shell-

"Uh... What're you doing?"

The question comes as a shock to her, making Annabeth jolt slightly. She whips around.

To her left, there's, well... the ocean. To her right: A cluster of palm tress nestled in the sand. She does a full turn. Than another.

"What-" Annabeth starts in confusion, "Who's there?"

"Up here," The voice (slightly extageratted she might add) chides. It comes straight from the-

-The palm trees?

She comes face to face with blinking sea green eyes. Raven hair splays across the kids' forehead, hiding the tips of his eyes. The kids' legs swinging back and forth on one of the branches, palm leaves shaking slightly with him. Annabeth blinks owlishly in response.

"What're you doing up there?" Is all she can blurt out.

"Sitting," He says matter-of-factly. As if Annabeth couldn't already see that. "What are you doing?" The boy parrots, climbing down the wide trunk.

She steps back when he stands in front of her. He looks about her age, if she's correct. "Collecting shells?" Annabeth burries her sandal-clad heel in the sand. She picks up the blue sea shell she's had her eye on.

"Look, this ones-"

"That's mine!" The boy springs forward suddenly, taking the object from her hands. His eyes are wide like saucers. "You found my lucky shell!"

Annabeth falters. "A lucky shell? What's that?" She tilts her head in confusion. To be honest, that's one of the most ridiculous things that she has ever heard. Not that Annabeth would tell that to the person's face. That would be pretty rude.

When he doesn't respond from being too enveloped in the shine of the shell's blue coat, she grumbles.

"That isn't yours!" She says more loudly. It can't be, it can't! Shells don't belong to people; they're natural things! Aren't they? Plus, what even is a lucky shell?

He scoffs. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah!" Annabeth stares fully at the shell. "If it's yours, then prove it."

The boy huffs as he flips the shell over, shoving it right in her face. She has to take another step back to see it properly. More like to see the small letters properly. It's small, black, and messy, but Annabeth can make out the nearly unreadable scribbles.

PERCY . J

"You're Percy?" She looks back at him.

"Mhm!" The boyー Percyー beams. "So yeah. That's my lucky shell. I was looking for it for a while."

Her eyebrow twitches. "Oh..." Annabeth trails off, dissapointed. She wanted that shell. Dang it. "Are you sure?" He nods affirmatively, making her face droop. They both stay silent for a second, letting the sound of crashing against the shore take over.

Percy turns around. "I'm gonna go back to my cabin now."

Annabeth, as if breaking out from a trance, grabs his wrist. "Wait!" She yelps, pouting.

He turns back around quickly with a grumble. "What?

"D-do you..." She lets go of his wrist once she see's the judging look on the boy's face. "Do you know where the cabins are, by any chance?"

It's a weird question out of context, really, and Annabeth isn't sure why she asks him of all people. He probably doesn't know his way around either, not to mention that she doesn't expect him to answer.

It's comes as a surprise to her when he asks: "Which ones?"

Annabeth's lips tug upwards in a hopeful smile. "Uh..." She tries to remember where it is. "The ones with the really tall palm trees beside the shore?"

Percy pauses; his eyes look up into space as if he's looking for an answer from the gods. "Oh!" He looks over behind him, "Where there's this weird blue-roofed cabin to the right?"

"Yeah! That's The one!" She exclaims. Her face lights up with memory, thinking of the exact location.

"Oh," He looks directly at her now, "That's where I'm staying, too."

"Oh." Annabeth repeats.

"Yeah."

"Huh."

The Walk back is... Normal. They bicker back and forth, throwing subtle insults. At one point Annabeth bargains to take the blue sea shell back for three of the pink ones, but Percy refuses. She huffs.

"Where'd you get your lucky shell anyways?" Annabeth asks as her feet pads onto the slightly damp sand.

"My mom," He grins, holding it high above his head. "We found it here last year, and I just kept it! She said that it would be a nice souvenir." Percy says proudly.

She wants to ask more, prod more, but it seems like they're already at their detination. The tall palm trees. The weird blue-roofed cabin. Annabeth looks over to him, as it seems like the last time they'll ever see each other. Percy, however, looks surprised.

"You're my-" He freezes, looking back and forth at the two cabins in front of them. One is Annabeth's. And the other is...

"What?" Annabeth asks. "Something wrong?"

"You're my neighbor!?" Percy gasps, horror striking his face. He takes a disgusted shudder and steps away from the blonde.

"Don't act that disgusted!" She jokingly pushes his shoulderー with a little less than just 'jokingly' in the shove. "But this actually sucks. I don't really like you," Annabeth admits.

"Me neither!" Percy rolls his eyes. "Im going inside!"

She crosses her arms as she looks away. "Me too!"

"Goodnight!"

Annabeth doesn't know howー or whenー it happens, but their friendship blooms sometime along with way.

"Whatever!"

Scratch that. Friendship is too much of a strong word. For now, the two can settle on frenemies.

Plus, their frenemieship doesn't exactly happen umpormpted; it takes the parents to force them together. Aparently, Percy had told his mom about the whole scenario. Whispers come to talk, and there they are, sitting on the steps of Percy's cabin while the two's parents talk inside. Annabeth can hear the laughs coming from inside. It makes her seethe.

"Why'd you tell?" Is all she can mutter.

"My mom asked me where I was," Percy simply says, "So I did!"

"I had to thank you ten times because of that, and now look where we are!" Annabeth glared pointedly. "They're all buddies now. Ew."

He reels. "Shut up."

"No."

"Shut up!"

"I said no!"

The door creaks open, and they both freeze.

"Annabeth!" Frederick calls out, stepping onto the wooden deck. "Oh, it looks like you two have already bonded! How nice," He smiles, looking at the two of them who sit side to side. It looks like they had just had a deep convorsationー except not the one you'd expect. Percy's mom, who Annabeth heard her name was Sally, steps beside him with her own smile.

It's weird. This nice-looking, kind woman who is related to such a loser like Percy? Even being his mom? She can't see the resemblance.

"Aw, you two look like best buds!" Sally pats the two of them on the shoulder, warm smile etched across her face. Annabeth smilies in response, despite her thoughts: She has got to ditch Percy as soon as possible.

"Why don't you two go visit downtown?" She looks over to Percy. His scowl is wiped away once she does it, replaced with a forced grin. "It'd be nice for you two to hang out, wouldn't it?"

No, it would not, Annabeth wants to say. I dislike this dude very much.

But as her life goes, she never gets what she wants.

"Okay!" Percy smiles, standing up. He makes an attempt to leave Annabeth in the dust by walking as fast as he can, his actions being immediately noticed by her. All Sally and Frederick do is confuse it with excitement.

Downtown is a sunshiney place with colourful chalk on the shop walls that line the roadsides. There's a white marble fountain in the middle of the square, and a small grass filed where people play frisbee. Ice cream, pizza, ramen, you name it. The smells make both of their mouths water with hunger. Annabeth looks over to the hotdog stand with wantful eyes.

Percy's stomach grumbles.

"What?" He asks, embarassed, when Annabeth looks over at him. She looks away, rummaging through the pockets of her jean jacket. After pulling out a few green bills, she shuffles her feet.

"Here." Annabeth stuffs two of them in Percy's hands. "Let's go buy something."

He falters. "Wha- Thanks, but why?"

"My dad always tells me to be polite," She says formaly, head held high. "And I'm trying to do it. What? You think I actually like you? Please." Annabeth won't admit it, but she doesn't actually mean it.

Percy frowns. "Whatever."

It's bland as they eat, quietness shared between the two children. Annabeth chews dryly. Percy swallows thickly. They find a spot to sit; a colorful bench in the heart of all the comotion.

"No!" Annabeth groans when her half-eaten ice popsicle falls to the concrete ground. She pouts. "Aw, come on." The biker (the reason she accidentally let it fall) is long gone without as much of a glance.

Percy, on the other hand, eyes the red popsicle. He hasn't eaten his own yetー it being still wrapped up in it's yellow wrapper.

He offers it to her.

"Huh?" She takes it suddenly, eyes slightly shocked. Her mouth waters with hunger. "I-is this for me?" Annabeth asks. She peels the wrapper off begrudgingly, the sticky texture on her fingertips. It's blueberry flavoured. One of her favourites.

"Who else?" Percy rolls his eyes.

Annabeth scoffs. "I thought you were hungry."

"Yeah, but you seem pretty hungry too."

There's two sticks in the treat, meaning that they can split it. She does so, splitting it apart with a crack, and hands it back to him while looking away. "Here. Take this."

"Aw, you like me after all!" He nudges her, smiling widely and instantly popping it in his mouth.

"Its politeness!" Annabeth can manage for the word.

Percy isn't such a loser. And neither is she.

The stars twinkle brightly by the time they head back, cicadas and crickets back again to sing their songs. Percy looks at Annabeth while she enters her cabin. Her stares at her from his own doorway.

"Goodnight." Is all he says.

Annabeth doesn't know howー or whenー it happens, but their friendship blooms sometime along with way.

This time, Annabeth replies properly. "Goodnight."

The next week goes a lot like this: Percy comes over to her room, (Frederick and Helen has already taken a liking to him) beach ball in hand and sunscreen slathered on.

"Let's go swim!" He yanks the blanket from her half-asleep figure with a snicker.

"Leave me alone, doofus!"

She always complains, but goes with him anyways.

Some days it was Annabeth who woke him up. Some days she works up at the crack of dawn just to haul him to the beach where they swam for hours. Those days, she never complains.

But today, Percy accompanies Annabeth at the airport.

"You better write back to me," He crosses his arms and huffs as she gives a lopsided smirk. Her luggage, decorated with patches she had collected, stands at her side. Her Parents chat with Percy's with hugs exchanged and sad smiles. "Or else I'm not your friend anymore."

That's the first time Percy says she's a friend.

Despite that, she remains a steady face. Her heart is racing. "You can write?" Annabeth gasps, a fake look of shock on her face. When the boy gives her a dirty look, she chuckles. "Don't worry. I'm coming back here soon."

"When?" He asks instantly.

"Next year. Maybe longer." She replies, rocking back and forth on her heels. Her feet are replaced with her green sneakers, a change from a week of wearing nothing but sandals. There's a certain sadness lacing her tone.

"That's too long."

"I know."

They seem to be acting tough, possibly for their own sakes, but it all crumbles to the ground when they both tear up. They hug each other, tightly, as if they won't be seeing each other for an eternity. Maybe they will.

"I'll write to you everyday!" Annabeth promises, pulling away. Her eyes are puffy and her nose is running.

"You better!" Percy wipes his nose on his shirt. "And I will too!"

Annabeth can't quite keep the promise of sending letters every day, that being the reason of school and other things, but she and Percy can settle on every week.

It takes both their parents to pull them away from each other when the time finally comes.

Percy's letters always has his signature blue envelope. It's bright in her hands when she opens her mailbox a week after seeing him as she reads the front. Her name is misspelled three times, and the envelope is clumsily sealed. It's exactly what she had imagined. His mom must've written it for him, because the writing is ten times more neater. The words make her smile.

That night, she reads it again.

Annabeth sends her own letters, envelope and papers with owl prints drawn on. Like Percy, her own hand writing is messy. So she has Helen write most of it for her.

Back and forth through the four seasons. They both start to send little trinkets to the other, too: dried up flowers, favourite pens, even some of Percy's favourite candiesー blue Jolly Ranchers, but they seem to taste better when he sends it.

I seriously hate school, Percy writes in a letter one week, Everyone here sucks.

Well, not a few people, but a lot of people do. They're all rude. And suck ups. Even the teachers are like that! They all just act all better than me, just because. I don't really know why.

The next part is written in his own handwriting.

But of course, they're not! I beat them in dodgeball today, but i got a bruise on my cheek when I fell flat on my face. Nothing I can't handle!

Annabeth rolls her eyes at that, pen in hand while she reads the remians of it. She notes that there's a picture attached at the bottom with a obnoxious green paperclip. Taking it off, she stares at it.

Percy beams at her; er, the camera, a noticeable bruise square on his left cheek. A band-aid is stuck onto his forehead. Annabeth can only assume where it's from. For some reason the boy is smiling toothily. He looks exactly like he had been only a while ago, tanned skin and scrawny arms. His uncureable case of bedhead has also somehow stayed intact.

She sends her own picture: A amuture snap taken by her dad, standing in the sun at the park near her house. Her lips pull upwards into a wide, bright smile.

"Say cheese!" Frederick points the lenses to her.

Annabeth beams. "Cheeeese!" She giggles.

Percy doesn't want to admit it, but he'd spent more time than he liked staring at the picture.

Annabeth and Percy are right when they next meet again; though Annabeth likes to say that she's eight and three quarters.

The girl had arrived in the middle of the night while she was still snoring. Like last time, she had woken up in a bedー the same one as of today. Though she can't quite notice. Her body still radiates tiredness, mucsles sore and limbs unmoving.

"Annabeth!" Percy shakes the blonde awake, her hair messy hair shaking back and forth. She groans through her lips.

"Wha-" She flips over, looking at him. "Its- Percy!?" Annabeth jolts upwards, eyes wide and fully awake.

He smirks at her. "Hey." Percy stands up straight now, taking a step back. "Its been a while-"

Annabeth pulls him in for a hug. "i missed you!" She says, hugging him even more tightly. "So much!" Percy, after a second, hugs back with just as much happiness. His face burries in her shoulder.

"Me too," Percy replies, voice muffled. "So much."

It might be a long minute when they finally pull away.

"I-I was just being polite," Annabeth turns away with embarassment. "Don't think too much about it."

"Y-yeah, same."

They both know that they're lying.

After a while, it almost becomes routine. They spend a blissful week together playing on the beach. Both Percy and Annabeth cry their eyeballs out when they have to leave. The rest of the year is spent exchanging letters.

Summer of when they're twelve, Annabeth says something that makes Percy frown immediately.

"We won't be able to come back here for a while," She says, laying on the sand.

"Oh." Percy says. "That's what you always say. "So... You'll be here next year."

She sighs, looking at the waves lapping across the sandy shores. People swim happily in the cool waters, unlike them, who sit under the shade of a tall palm tree.

"...Right?" He repeats slowly, carefully, when she doesn't respond.

"No." Annabeth burries her face in her hands. "We won't be coming next year. Or the year after that."

"What!?" Percy''s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "And why not?"

"Helen, she... You know that the twins will be born soon. And my dad wants to take a break from vacations for a while." She grumbles.

"And that means-"

"We won't be coming back for a very, very long time."

Dread dawns onto Percy like a spotlight.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

Then it truly settles in.

"Oh, no."

The next night is what Percy assumes to be the last night spent with Annabeth in a few years. That sentence makes him sick to the stomach, so he avoids thinking about it.

If he stops thinking about it, will it never happen? If he somehow begs Annabeth's parents, will she come again next year? If Percy, someway, hopes hard enough, will she be here next year, and the next?

His thoughts gnaw at him like rats. Laying awake in his messy bed, chapped lips and ruffled hair.

There's really only one thing that can help him now.

"Hey." Percy manages to sneak into Annabeth's room via window. Her room is chilly. He feels like scolding her for keeping her window unlocked, but then Percy would just sound like his mom. He nudges her softly. "Wake up."

Annabeth, groggy and sleep deprived, opens one of her eyes. "Hm? Oh..." Hse tries to keep her eyes open. "Percy?"

It's a small whisper. Her mouth is dry and her limbs are sore. Annabeth's pillow is dampened; she had just cried only hours prior before she passed out fron exhaustion. Its a bleak memory that A Annabeth cringes upon. She chews her lip.

"C'mon," Percy says, "Let's go to our spot."

Annabeth doesn't put up a arguement. She knows that he wants to spend the most time together as possible, and the feeling is mutual. She feels her own sort of sadness: An icky feeling that leaves her feeling all scummy when she remembers she wont see Percy for a very long time.

So she goes with him, cotton sweater flimsy flip-flops hastily threwn on. Their footsteps make the old wood creak, but thankfully, no one wakes from the noises.

Their 'Spot' is a hill, high above the rising tides. Its where they go every year. Its where they made memories. Its a place that they can't imagine ever staying away from.

The nightly wind is gone this particular night. It only leaves comfortable silence.

"So how long will you be away for?" Percy asks, pulling his knees to his chest. Hus eyes droop down.

Annabeth fiddles with a stick she found on the grassy ground. "I don't wanna say it. Its too long."

But after she hesitates, Annabeth gives in. "...Six years."

"What?"

"Six years," She repeats, more strongly this time, "That's my estimate."

Percy's breath hitches in his throat. Six years? Six years without her?

"That's forever." Percy comes to the horrible conclusion. No, no- there must be somesort of mistake! Annabethwill be here next year, and that's that. "Are you sure?"

Annabeth nods grimly. Her eyes are screwed shut, as if she cant see it, it won't happen. If she cant see, then maybe it'll all be a bad dream.

She's just like him.

They both know its futile to do anything else. To do something, one last thing, one last visit down, one more. Its bitterly cold. Saltwater invades their senses, and to be honestー they're both exhausted. From a week of long playing in the sun. From a lot of things.

For now, each others company is enough. To know that they're there, in person, is enough. Being together is enough.

So they lay there.

Hand in hand, shoulders pressed up together. The moonlight is the only thing helping Annabeth see in the dark, while Percy grips her hand tighter. The stars above... They're bright. Tiny, miniscule, but they're bright and shining. Like yesterday. Today. And forever. He sniffs. The sky is incoming and unchanging. That's how both Percy and Annabeth want it to beー unchanging between them.

The next morning is bland. Annabeth wakes up with a large amount of dread looming over her, like a heavy cloud of muck. From the clock on her nightstand she can read 5:02 AM; a time in which Percy is most likely fast asleep.

That doesn't really matter. They're goodbyes are said, long done, and that's that. Annabeth already had a bittersweet moment with Percy. Why ruin with a tearful goodbye?

It hurts to not say one last goodbye to him.

The airport. Even at such a early time, it still hums with livelyness and people's chattering. Well, you know what they say. The airport never really does stop working. Not for anyone.

If Percy was here now, what would he say? Give a last cocky smirk and throw a snarky insult? Annabeth would just laugh it off and hug him, as per usual, as per every year. It's a shame.

her parents have already entered the airport, leaving Annabeth standing in front of the huge terminal. She lets out a sigh and clutches her luggage closer. Well. this is it for-

"Annabeth!"

Is that- No. It can't be. Annabeth grips the metal handle of her luggage harder. It makes her knuckles turn into a sickly shade of pale, resembling a sheet of paper. He's not here. He's asleep, gone, and I'm imagining things. He can't possibly be-

"Wisegirl!"

When the voice calls out again, Annabeth knows for sure that it's him.

Percy.

The boy instantly engulfs her in a hug. It's warm, soft, familiar. All the qualities Annabeth likes most about him.

Great, she's tearing up.

"Don't forget me." Percy mumbles into her shoulder. "Please don't forget me." His voice is watery and wavering: He's crying. She can feel is tears dampening her sweater-clad shoulder, and all she can think is how she's doing the same.

"Never," Annabeth says, squeezing her eyes shut. "I promise."

Percy wants to say so much. How he woke up through his tiredness. How he biked here, all one hour of it, to find her, and how he couldn't sleep because he needed to hear her voice. Childish or immature as it be, its true.

He pulls away slowly and rummages through his pockets as he sniffs. "Here. Take this."

Annabeth's eyes widen. "You're" She grips it, mouth going dry. His shell, still blue as ever and pristine, tilts in her hands. "You're gonna give me this?"

She knows it's his favourite thing in the world, save for blue cookies and his small whale plushie. He never leaves it unattended, never dirties it, either. Annabeth knows that Percy never lends it to anyone, and keeps it like it's his life's worth. So why is he giving it to her? His eyes are teary and foggy as tears spill from his eyes, but she can't see any regret or remorse on his face. That's means he's giving it to her with no qualms, whatsoeverー But why?

"You better make sure to return it!" Percy sniffles again, wiping his runny nose on his shirt. "I'll be waiting!"

"I will."

Annabeth thinks that's the most she's cried ever.

The years pass like clockwork, because really, it is.

It's happens like any other year. She goes to school, gets good grades and live like any other day. She sends letters to Percy consistently. They're all sent with souvenirs, trinkets, little notes and scraps. It helps in a theraputic way.

Annabeth doesn't really blame her parents for taking a break. She tries to understand. And it's hard. The twins are lovely. Lovely as newborns can get, at least, they're smiley and bright. Matthew and Bobby, that's their names. They don't cry much. Annabeth likes that. They throw food at her sometimes. Annabeth doesn't like that.

Summer thirteen passes slowly. She tries to pass it with friends, but none of them can really compare to Percy.

Summer fourteen Annabeth enters Highschool. She keeps Percy's lucky she'll on her bedside table, stacked upon a cluster of books. She spends that summer inside, reading books about architecture. They can distact her from the dread of missing him.

Summer fifteen and she sends a package to Percy. There's the usual letter, one of her favourite books, and notes for the new math curriculum that they both happen to be on. She knows that he seriously hates reading, but Annabeth doesn't really expect him to read it.

(He spends all night reading it.)

Summer sixteen, and Percy sends the recipe for his mom's famous blue cookies. That makes her smile uncontrollably. Percy never trusts anyone that much to send one of his favorite recipes; much less the one for his most prized blue cookies. Annabeth is sure to send a recipe of her own for her favorite apple pie.

(Percy can't really stop eating it. Somehow, it reminds him if her.)

Summer seventeen Annabeth makes new friends. They make her mind forget about Percy more, but when she's laying awake at night, she can't really stop thinking about him. He's grown. His smile is as warm and bright as ever, and his hair which was once ruffles in a messy way had become endearing. Annabeth thinks it suits him.

She sends her own pictures. Annabeth thinks that she hasn't grown very much compared to Percy, but she's grown in height. Her hair reaches a length's past her shoulders, and her curls have become more tameable. It's easier to style.

Percy can write much better now, too. His writing is somewhat readable. His letters are still cocky and sarcastic as ever, but his words can clearly shows that he misses her. Annabeth does too. He's learned how to surf. Percy promises to teach her when she visits again. Not to mention he got a dogー a huge, massive ball of black fluff named Mrs. O'Leary. Apparently she's a rescue from one of his neighbours. Annabeth has her own dog as well; a lanky Doberman that she calls cerberus. She swears to introduce him to Mrs. o'leary.

(He looks forward to that.)

Still summer seventeen, and Annabeth learns that Percy has gotten close with someone.

She's supportive of him, of course, but Annabeth can't really say that when she frowns at the news. Rachel. That's her name. Rich, red-haired and pretty, she's probably a good fit for him. Annabeth sees her in the pictures he sends. Beach trips together, days spent in each other's company. She tries as hard as she can not to say something about it.

Rachel is pretty. Rachel is kind. She donates to homeless shelters and fundraises to help the rainforest, Rachel is the daughter of some rich buisness owner.

Rachel is everything Annabeth is not.

Laying on her bed that night, she comes to a horrible realization.

Those feelings of jealousy... They’re more than that, aren't they? It's more, so much more, it's the feeling of desire. Wanting. Because after years, Annabeth learns that she likes Percy.

And Percy likes someone else.

Summer eighteen and Annabeth is on the plane to her family’s cabin. She's eighteen years old now; it's been six years.

Six, long years of waiting, six summers spent wasting, six years of exchanging letters. Six years of waiting and longing.

Her leg bounces up and down erratically as the plane nears it's destination, the window passing blinding white clouds. The airport was just as busy as Annabeth remembered. The sights, smells, sounds... It's been a while since she's experienced this. It makes her mind race.

"You excited?" Helen gives a small smile towards her. The twins snore loudly beside her. "I bet you are. It's been a while since you've seen him, right?"

"Mhm," Annabeth hums, grinning to herself. Somehow, she already knows who Helen is talking about. "Six years."

"Hm?"

"Its been six years," She says, leaning her cheek on her palm. "Six years since I've last seen him."

Percy.

Annabeth is eighteen when she falls in love with the beach for the second time.

The cabin looks just like it was before. Dark brown wood, potted plants littering the windowsills, metal and glass chimes hanging from the ceilings. Nostalgia runs through Annabeth's mind.

So, with her hair flying behind her and parents chuckling behind her from the car, she bursts open the doors with laboured breaths. The humidity is at a level so high it gets Annabeth's hair all frizzyー but she doesn't mind one bit. She takes a deep inhale.

Fresh saltwater. Driftwood, the sweet smell of vanilla, the alluring scent of coral.

"Can I go out?" Annabeth practically jumps the whole way to the living room, parents unpacking. She runs her hands on the walls; she knows the place like a book from all the previous years spent there.

Annabeth's heart drops when they shake their heads. "Sorry, sweetie," Frederick sighs. "Could you wait until dinner? The twins would probably follow you everywhere; they're pretty energetic right now."

She frowns. "But-" Annabeth exhales, and her shoulders slump. "...Alright."

As the blonde walks back to her room, she can't help but think: Where even is Percy? At the beach? In his room? It's been a while since she last sent a letterー but Annabeth thought he would be expecting her. Maybe not. Maybe, he's busy spending time with Rachel. Not that she really blames him.

So she lays there, staring at the white ceiling. It's smooth unlike her popcorned ceilings back at her house. Annabeth can imagine what Percy's doing right now; most likely teaching Rachel how to surf, like he wrote in his most previous letter. That was... A month ago, right? She's learned how to surf, too.

Annabeth eats dinner with a small frown on her face.

What's the point? She thinks to herself, shoving the plate of noodles in her mouth. She slurps it up. What's the point in seeing him, anyways?

Well, let's see. One: I haven't seen him in six years. That's true. Annabeth's heart aches to see him again, but she can't really bring up the courage to see him.

Two: I have to return his lucky sea shell. She thinks of the shell that stands on her bedside table. It's coat is blue and chipped at that point from all the years.

Three: I really, really want to see him again. Annabeth agrees to herself to that, but there's something lacking. Something that's stopping her from seeing him.

What if Percy doesn't want to see me?

It's stupid, sure, after everything they went through, why would Percy not want to see her? The airport visit from six years ago was enough to proove her wrong, but... The doubt still lingers on Annabeth's head. Rachel was probably fine. She doesn't even know the girl for goodness sakeー why would Annabeth ever hate her in any way?

So, stepping out of the cabin with a determined look, she starts off to find Percy.

The cabin next to hers has no occupants. There's people living in there of course, the light inside gives it away. But there's none inside.

Okay. Next, the beach. The sure is setting, so only a few last minute stragglers are there. The waves are just as beautiful as Annabeth imagined. She chews on her bottom lip, where could he be? Downtown. The ice cream shop. Even the boardwalk. Annabeth has no luck in finding the raven haired boy.

Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

She walks up to their spot.

It's like a walk to memory lane, really, the trees stretch even farther and the grass is way outgrown. The old log that she and Percy used to sit on is now covered with moss and growing mushrooms. Annabeth smiles to herself. It's been a while.

Have those bags always been here? She thinks to herself. She eyes the bags: Two of them, one black and one a vibrant splash of colors. They must belong to someone else.

When Annabeth sees a familiar figure, she practically beams, because holy shit, it's Percy!

His shoulders are broader than she remembered. His hair is gorgeously fluffy and volumous, and his voice is more richer than Annabeth thought. But, wait- why is he talking to himself?

"Seaweed br-"

That when Annabeth sees her.

A head of red hair sits beside him, laughing to spend joke of his. Or at least that's what Annabeth thinks is happening. Oh, her face falls. That must be Rachel. She fit the description she has had in her head for a while now: Pretty. Laid back.

Annabeth thought their spot was a spot for themー a spot where their memories were made, a spot where Percy introduced her to, a spot where only Annabeth knew.

Her arm slowly drops to her side when Rachel pecks him on the cheek.

Walking back, she thinks she's a fool. How could she be the only person who knew of that place? Such an idiot! Of course Percy would find someone else, like someone else, kiss someone else. Annabeth can't blame him. She can't blame Rachel, or anyone else, because how could she?

That night, Annabeth can't fall asleep.

(Percy can't either, because he can't stop thinking about Annabeth and how he thinks he saw her back there.)

[floralseokjin]

;cyber sex (m)

FIRST LOVE, LAST LOVE

⟨gif credit⟩

You want to partake in some “cyber” sex...

pairing; jeon jungkook x reader  genre/warnings;  smut, fluff, skype sex, or as oc puts it, cybersex, sex toy usage (here 😘) words; 3,038

more﹆chapter index

“Are your parents in bed?” 

On the screen, Jungkook looked a little on edge, jittery almost. Like he was doing something illegal. 

“My dad is. Mom’s downstairs catching up on soap operas.” 

He still looked a little unsure. “How was your day?” 

You shifted on your bed, crossing your legs, your laptop jumped slightly, pixelated Jungkook bouncing around for a second. Internet at your parents’ house had always been shitty but he still made a bunch of cute pixels. 

“I’d love to small talk, Jungkook, I really would, but I woke up wanting sex and have been horny ever since.” 

You were expecting him to log on all eager and possibly already halfway to naked, but he’d appeared in sweats, back against the headboard of your shared bed, legs stretched out where laptop you was placed on his thighs. 

You watched him hesitate and grew annoyed. “What happened to being up for this?” 

This afternoon he’d been eager, possibly even cocky when you’d texted him over lunch. Your mom gossiping in your ear about her co-worker’s so called affair while you passively listened and arranged sex plans with your boyfriend...

There had been a time you were too embarrassed to even think about masturbating in your family home, but like Jungkook kept saying, you were a grown ass woman now, not still in high school or even in college. Those days had long past you by. You were a hot blooded female with needs. Needs for your super hot, super sweet boyfriend. There was really no need to be ashamed. You were going to participate in some cyber sex, no matter how much Jungkook laughed at your awkward phrasing. 

[You: 01:34pm]  Are you busy tonight? 

[JK: 01:36pm]  if eating cheetos in bed by 8 is busy then yes 

[You: 01:37pm]  Don’t you dare bitch 

[JK: 01:37pm]  why do you want to know if im busy? 

[You: 01:38pm]  cybersex 2300 hours 

[JK: 01:38pm]  Cybersex 😭😭 no one calls it that weirdo  but see you there my morning wood misses yoir ass 

Here right now, Jungkook made a noise, arguing with you. “I am up for this. It’s just your parents...” 

You rolled your eyes. He was a grown ass man and he was afraid of your parents. More so your dad. He’d taken a while to warm up to Jungkook—you blame the tattoos. But that was years ago when you’d first started dating. Your dad liked Jungkook now. Honest. 

“My dad’s asleep. I can hear him snoring,” you commented, giggling. 

Jungkook groaned. Way to ruin the mood, he was probably thinking. “That doesn’t help.” 

“Come ooonnn,” you whined, leaning into the screen. You knew your robe was dipping in the middle, already tied deliberately lose. He had a great view of your cleavage, however muted because of the shitty lamp lighting. “I miss youuuu.” 

Jungkook scoffed quietly. “And you’re making it worse. I wanna touch you for real.” He was speaking low, pouting really, but you caught his hand that slid across the front of his sweatpants. Was that some inconspicuous rubbing you’d spotted? Naughty. 

You leant back again and tried not to grin in triumph. Jungkook 0, your tits 1 once again. 

He carried on his rant. “I want you in this bed. In this house. I can’t wait 4 more days!” 

Diddums. He was a child, you swore. “Should’ve come with me then.” 

He was rubbing his crotch again, you didn’t think he realised he was doing it. “You know that’s only reserved for a Christmas every two years.” 

Yeah, like you said, he was terrified of your father. It was probably why he hadn’t proposed yet, too scared to ask for your dad’s blessing. Not that you would say that to his face. And not like you wanted to get married anytime soon, it was just only natural to think of those things. You had been together for years after all. 

You didn’t reply, instead shifting on the bed once more to spread your legs a little. You hiked one up, robe falling open to reveal the triangle of skin between your legs. You meant business.

“What’re you doing?” He practically stuttered, sitting up straighter against the headboard.

“I’m not wearing any underwear.” 

“I can see that.” 

You began to rub the pad of your index finger across your clit. Sensitivity shocking your body and you fought with yourself not to snap your legs closed. You softened the impact, slowly circling before slipping down your folds and collecting the moisture to drag back up to your clit. Agonisingly slow now because you wanted to tease the hell out of your boyfriend. Despite the near darkness, he had eyes like a hawk. “You’re wet already.” Maybe he could see it glistening through the camera. Or maybe he was just starting his descent…

“Like I said, I’ve been horny since this morning.” You ever so slightly dipped the tip of your finger inside yourself. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d played with yourself like this in front of him. It was fun. Especially because he was hanging onto each movement like his life depended on it. 

“Jungkook,” you nudged. 

“Mm?” It was just one sound, too far gone now. 

You murmured the next part, voice low and heavy, laced with a desperateness you’d felt all day. “Get your dick out.”

He didn’t argue. You let yourself grin in victory, ogling him as pushed a hand into his sweatpants and pulled out that thick, hot cock you’d been fantasising about since 7am. 

He ran his fist along it, definitely not lazily. Tugging at the head, his thumb rubbed the drops of precum across his slit. You clenched and pulsed down below. Unfair move. Your image of him was grainy and unlit but he looked just as hot as he always did. Maybe it was time to unveil your secret weapon... 

“Goodnight, love.” 

You jumped immediately at the sound of your mom’s voice, hand jerking away from between your legs. You’d been so distracted you hadn’t even heard her coming up the stairs. 

Your took a quick breath and tried to sound normal, praying you could keep your voice level. “Goodnight mom!” You succeeded, but only just you were sure of it. 

You heard the click of the bathroom door and turned your attention back to Jungkook, eyes wide. His were too. “Jesus christ,” he muttered, sounding annoyed. “This was a dumb idea.” He was sat forward, dick back in his pants, tops of his cheeks rosy, either from the jerking off or the near close call. Probably both. 

You tried to refrain from giggling but failed. “She wasn’t going to just barge in here.” 

Both waiting a few seconds, it wasn’t long before your mom exited the bathroom and shut the door to her bedroom. You untied your robe, relaxing into the bed instantly. You weren’t losing this moment. 

Jungkook groaned slightly, eyes apprehensively raking over your practically naked body. “This is so wrong.” 

“Relax, we’re alone,” you insisted. “Just remember to be quiet.” You’d use your earphones but you’d forgotten them, remembering as soon as you’d boarded the plane. 

“I’m alone.” He corrected, now sounding sorry for himself. Jeez, it was as if you weren’t spread out like a human buffet. “I miss you. Can’t you come home right now?”

Jungkook did not do well at being alone at all. It was cute. You smiled at him softly, running your hand down your stomach and between your legs. “But I wanna cum right nowww.” 

“Fine.” His stare hardened, watching the way you rubbed at the bundle of nerves. “You cum and then come home. Then I fuck you. Properly. None of this Skype shit.” 

You laughed, genuinely amused. He was such a baby. You watched him lift his t-shirt over his head. Taking initiative, you liked that. His hair fell in his eyes and he shook it away. He’d finally had a haircut a few weeks ago, but it grows fast, which was possibly a good thing because you really, really missed that long hair of his. 

Your eyes fell down to his chest and across his shoulders. He had a few tattoos that decorated his torso, amongst other places, but they mainly covered his arms. Speaking of which you clenched and pulsed again, just imagining those arms wrapped around you, squeezing you tight, hands pinning you to the bed... Shit. You really wanted to fuck him for real. 

You splayed around against the bedsheets, arching your back a little and Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Take your robe off. Keep your bra on.” He sounded demanding, it wasn’t intentional, lost to the urge right now as usual, but you loved it when he ordered you about, even more so when he didn’t realise he was doing it. 

You quickly got to it, snapping at your bra straps as you lied back down, propped up by your elbows. “Is this actually sexy?” You’d done this a handful of times but that was back in college. Now older, it seemed more daunting. 

“Of course it is, babe,” Jungkook reassured. On cue he got his cock out again. He was still hard. 

You watched him rake his hand along himself a few times and then grinned. “I have something.” 

He raised an eyebrow again, curious but also clueless, and watched you pull something out from under the sheets. A glittery, rubbery thing that made his eyes light up. 

“You brought a dildo to your parents’ house?” He asked after a split second of silence. You nodded, biting down on your lip, holding the specimen up to the screen. He caught the look on your face and chuckled. “You planned this?” He sounded impressed. 

“Thought it would be fun.” You tried to sound casual but maybe you were a little nervous? Embarrassed? There was no need to be. You’d had a sexual fantasy and had acted on it... Jungkook was just as into it. Hm, maybe it was the being naked over cam that was making you feel so jittery? 

Jungkook eyed Miss Jessica Rabbit and laughed again. “Only you would arrange a visit to your parents’ place just so we could participate in some ‘cybersex’.” 

Joking aside, he was eager to begin. You could tell by the look in his eyes and by the way he’d straightened his back, leaning in closer for a better look. You didn’t feel nervy anymore. You were back in the zone. 

“Cybersex sounds cool, I don’t know why you find it so funny.” 

Jungkook rolled his eyes affectionately. “You’re adorable, that’s why I find it so funny.” 

“Lameee.” You sang. But now you were running the head of the vibrator along your slit, spreading your legs in the process.

Jungkook watched you carefully, still stroking his dick with leisure. “I’m surprised you didn’t get caught at security with that thing.” He was making casual conversation but his voice sounded strained. He kept having to swallow. “Hiding a giant vibrator in your clothing.” 

“Can you imagine?” You’d die of embarrassment right there on the spot. 

“I‘d come bail you out, don’t worry.” 

You giggled at his silliness. Who was going to tell him you couldn’t get arrested for carrying a vibrator in your luggage? 

However, soon the mood for small talk was over, only distracting at this point. Or maybe what was distracting was now the vibrator beginning to stretch out your insides. It was a little uncomfortable at first, maybe you were just too well aware your parents were a few feet away, or maybe you were just out of practice when it came to fucking yourself. 

Jungkook helped though, whispering encouragements and giving you useful tips, which only made you wetter; so yes, a huge help. It wasn’t long before you got a rhythm going, not long before your breathing quickened and you were trying really hard not to moan out loud. 

Jungkook matched your movements, now jerking himself off with vigour. You watched one another, fully at ease and lost in your own little world. 

“This is so unfairrr,” he grunted soon enough, burning a hole between your legs. His newly sworn enemy, Miss Jessica Rabbit. “I want my dick inside you, not some phoney.” 

You moaned quietly, agreeing of course. Nothing felt as good as Jungkook inside you. Nothing ever had. You clicked a button on the toy and the first level of vibrations started. 

You lifted your head a little, trying to gauge the sound. “Is that too loud?” 

He shook his head. “I think you’re good. Fuck.” He cursed because you were now grinding up against the ears of the bunny, vibrations against your clit sending you all gooey and warm. “Go faster.” 

You listened, the length of the vibrator now slipping in fully as your insides finally loosened up, no longer tense. You rolled to your side a little and like that you found your g-spot. Pleasure began to burst behind your eyes and you almost forgot Jungkook was there because now you’d remembered how to use this damn thing and there was no going back. 

You clicked another button, powering up the shaft as the pearls inside the rubber began to rotate. You bit down on your lip, desperate not to make a sound and you cursed yourself. Why did you think this was a good idea? Pleasure screamed at you but you must keep quiet. 

“Babe... Baby,” Jungkook was trying to get your attention. “Baby, get on your back again. I wanna see.” 

You slowly listened, knowing you had been restricting his view and try to fuck yourself on your back. You planted your feet on the bed, kicking the laptop to the centre in the process and hoped now that he had a good view. 

Whatever he saw, he liked, moaning maybe a little bit too loudly. You’d turn the volume down if you could move, but you can’t, too paralysed with pleasure. “This is so fucking hot.” He was legit growling, it sent a fire through your veins. 

He watched you buck your hips into the vibrator over and over again, struggling a little to keep thrusting the shaft inside of you, but you think he found that hot. You were close. You knew it. Lips spread apart, your clit was swollen and greedy for pleasure, sensitive to the titillating vibrations and your walls squeezed and began to spasm around the thick rubber, the rotating sensation you felt making you tremble all over. Your wrist hurt but it was a good kind of pain, burning, making you work hard for your release. 

“Wish you were here to fuck me better, baby,” you purred, because despite how amazing this felt Jungkook could make you feel a pleasure ten times greater. “Does your hand feel good?“

You couldn’t see him, flat on your back, eyes shut, face directed at the ceiling, but you could hear the sound of skin on skin. His palm raking up and down the rock hard flesh of his cock. 

“Don’t rub it in,” he chided, voice low. Ha. Because that was exactly what he was doing. Luckily you were too out of breath to drop a shit pun. 

Your lower half suddenly spasmed and you stifled a cry. You couldn’t hold on any longer. “Shit,” you gasped. “I forgot how strong this thing was.” 

“Yeah? I’ll cum if you cum.” 

That’s all you needed to hear. It wasn’t even five seconds later before you were coming. Like an explosion, thigh and vagina muscles clenching, toes curling into the sheets and your chest heaving, sweat beading at your hairline. Miraculously you managed to stay silent. Albeit your breathing. You ceased movement immediately, removing the pressure against your clit before turning the vibrations off. The shaft was still rotating inside you, nerves twitching in your thigh before you ended those too and slid the vibrator out with a silent pop. You threw it to your side. Your whole body tingled but you urged yourself to come to, to open your eyes and lean up on your elbows. Jungkook still needed to cum and you wanted to watch. Just like he watched you. 

“Good, baby?” He asked. His eyes were black, breathing shallow. His fist still tugged at his dick, desperate now. 

“Mm hm,” you nodded, feeling a little chilly now the thrill had worn off. 

Jungkook grunted a command. “Spread your legs a little. I’m close.” You listened without question, giving him what he wanted. 

You watched the veins protrude from his forearms, some painted black with the ink of his tattoos. The hand not wrapped around his cock cupped his balls ever so slightly, tugging on them a little before he tensed and groaned. The first spurt of cum shot out and landed on his stomach, then another, it slipped into the lines of his abs. The third load slowed and he tugged his fingers tight across the tip, over and over again, draining each drop. It thickened in the air and slid down his length, getting on his fingers too. You observed all this greedily. What a sight to behold. 

A couple of tissues later for him and your robe tied back around your body, you were both grinning and giggling like a pair of idiots together, still on a high. 

“We need to incorporate that into the real deal more,” Jungkook said, referring to the vibrator now stood on your bedside table. “Let me be in charge.” 

“It’s got to make its way back home first,” you joked. 

You had climbed into bed by now, welcoming the warmth and annoyingly your eyes started to feel heavy. 

“You tired?” Jungkook noticed straight away. 

“I can stay up a little longer,” you insisted, wanting to chat with him before you fell asleep. A text or a phone call just wasn’t the same, and even though it’s only been a few days, you missed him like crazy. “What did you eat for dinner?” You asked, making small talk. 

He raised both eyebrows, eyes wide. “Do you really want me to answer that?” 

No, probably not. You knew the answer already. 

It was always a ramen diet for Jungkook when you were away...  

Written 2020. Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2020

[freebooter4ever]

I called my grandma while i was on the hill today watching the sunset. We chit chatted for a while and then she brought up grandpa - and i'll always be honored that im one of the few she can talk to about this stuff - she doesn't like to discuss serious things but after going through grandpa's whole hospitalization and deterioration and the aftermath together mostly just her and i, i think she feels like she can be open with me.

I also havent changed my book of face photos since 2018 (my grandpa died dec 31 2017), i rarely go on the site anymore i set up insta so that it auto posts the main things, but yeah i cant bring myself to make my profile photo not grandpa and i when we 'snuck' the 63 mustang out of the garage and went on a cruise to mt rainier (Grandma definitely knew lol)(lucky for us we didnt have any issues or break down or run out of gas bc i dont know if she would have come rescued us haha). The 'cover photo' i put up to go along with this is a photo of them that started out as a joke - grandma is terrified of flying but grandpa's passion has always been flying/space. And its a photo of the two of them walking through a 70's era plane holding hands with the joke being that the only way we can get grandma on a plane is when it's parked in a museum.

Grandma told me tonight when she goes to the grocery store or out walking with my aunt, and she sees older couples who are just sort of existing near each other or walking at different speeds or whatever...that she remembers how she and grandpa would always hold hands. How grandpa would always come find her in a room if they were seperated for longer than an hr. Just that connection - really truly a couple. They never did anything without each other. And they actually enjoyed it. Grandma once told me that everything even the little day to day things were always exciting with grandpa, and that lasted for over 60 yrs of marriage.

Its a small miracle that grandma has lived this long without grandpa, i still feel like im waiting for the other shoe to drop. She seems happy, but there is something missing. I mailed her a bunch of photos i printed for her of them and the house and things - i was always taking photos of them and they would laugh at me because they didnt like having their photo taken at the time. And initially i sent printed photos to my aunt, hoping she would tell me which ones were the best and if grandma would like any. And of course grandma was visiting when my aunt got them, so i was immediately ratted out and grandma requested the photos for herself too.

There was one photo of grandpa and grandma on a 'christmas boat' in lake union - which was one of THE most magical christmas's i've ever had - just me, grandma, grandpa, my aunt and her family. And we had a heck of a time convincing grandma the boat was safe, but she relented and she enjoyed it because she got to sit inside and listen to a live choir. And that was where i took the photo, just them sitting in the very middle of this medium sized boat so grandma couldn't see out the windows, and grandpa was smiling. And grandma says this photo is now her favorite because there are so few photos of him smiling, and she apparently keeps the print framed by her bed and tells him good morning/goodnight every day.

The boat was actually one of the times i got the feeling that grandpa understood that his son was kind of falling down on the dad job - there were a lot of things grandpa stepped in for: he taught me how to drive, he was the one who came to my high school graduation, he was the one who heard all about my first career woes when i lost my job. My dad did a lot too, obviously, but grandpa understood how lonely i was during that time, how much work my dad and brother could be. Though i dont think it was till the year he died, when i spent more time with him living in their house, that grandpa realized my ambition and drive was equal to his own when he was my age.

I miss grandpa, both in that big abstract grief way. But also in the day to day silly way where i just miss being able to make him and grandma laugh - whether through my stories and antics while i was living with them for that year. Or before that largely through the photos and posts i would make for them to read (i lived in pittsburgh for 10 yrs, they were in seattle so i only saw them twice a year during my vacation days). (my grandma's current request is that i 'explain' my photos more nowadays, apparently lately my posts have been too vague and mysterious. She was REALLY confused about the cairn city dinosaurs and the photo i took of buster keaton's lamp)

The ghost feeling i got after grandpa's death is starting to lift. I still feel a little seperate from actual existence, and the pandemic certainly pushed me back into that unexpectedly, but i think despite the setback getting more of a 'normal' life will be easier this year. Yesterday was actually a good start - i met a bunch of people i dont think i was a complete social reject it was the first time ive done anything on the anniversary of grandpa's death and i only had a few moments during the night where i was worried i'd break down in tears. Overall decent.

One of the weirdest things, considering how quiet and simple my grandparents preferred life, is to think how even with grandpa gone. There is still a part of him - the biggest part of his intellect really - that will go on, maybe forever. And that's the lunar rover still out there on the moon. Only one part of his space contribution but a part that is physical and enduring.

[marvels-agents100]

in the hands of tyche

“for those who believe, no proof is necessary. for those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.” stuart chase

pairing: aaron hotchner x gender neutral ! reader

warnings: slight swearing

word count: 4,603

author’s note: thank you for your patience with this request! it is such a cool concept and it was so, so fun to write. also, im putting together a lil ~thing~ in celebration of hitting 100 followers, so stay tuned :)

“Some psychic this guy is,” Rossi muttered, “this place is as far from a rocky shoreline as you can get.”

Hotch pulled back the blue plastic tarp that was draped in front of the window, revealing a view of lighthouse perched upon a rocky shoreline. Of course, it was a mural painted onto the brick wall of the neighboring building, but it was still a rocky shoreline, nonetheless.

“Dave,” Hotch said, the amusement not lost in his voice. The ghost of a smile danced on his lips as he turned back to his friend, more entertained by the legendary David Rossi being wrong than a psychic being right.

Meanwhile, at the local police department, you were placing Aaron’s files into his briefcase, hoping to have the station cleaned up for him and Dave before they returned. You set the files before you, biting onto your cheek as you tried to picture how Hotch would order them himself. Pensive thoughts brought about your fidgeting with the silver band that wound around your third finger. It was something you did whenever you got lost in your mind, playing with the engraved ring Jack had insisted Aaron purchase for you when they visited Disneyland the autumn before. Small sparkles and fireworks were etched into the metal, a small reminder of happiness when the days seemed dark.

You remember the day you received it, waiting at the airport terminal for the Hotchner boys. The moment you locked eyes with Jack, his smile had lit up the room and he began to sprint towards you, arms open and insistent. You knelt to catch him, his small body colliding with yours, your laugh filling the air.

It was short lived, the hug he gave you, because he quickly ripped himself away and ran back towards his dad. Jack’s tiny hand grabbed into his father’s first two fingers (his small palms were unable to fully grasp Aaron’s hand), desperately pulling the two of them towards you.

“Dad! We have to give them the present!” His little feet were skidding on the tile in excitement, sneakers jumping erratically against the linoleum. A giggle accompanied Aaron’s wide smile, his own feet moving at a purposefully slow pace, just to savor the unbridled excitement his son displayed.

“Present?” You questioned as the boys finally reached you, your eyebrow raising in Aaron’s direction.

“I picked it out all by myself!” Jack exclaimed, pointing a finger at his chest. The small lisp on his tongue only made his pride more endearing.

“He did,” Aaron agreed, his usually serious tone abandoned, “he refused to let me have any involvement in the choosing of presents.”

When you did finally receive the ring- back at Aaron’s apartment, where he could comfortably dig through his luggage- Jack also had to show you the other presents he had chosen for the rest of the team. The line-up included a Stitch bobble head for Auntie Penny and a Genie stuffie for Uncle Dave, to name a few.

Ever since that day, that ring was permanently placed on your finger- the sweet, innocent smile of Jack Hotchner calming your mind whenever you saw it. It had become a grounding mechanism during particularly difficult cases.

You decided to order the files by date, starting with the earliest murders. However, before you could even begin, your instincts froze your movements. The hairs along the base of your neck straightened, a slight shiver circling around your spine. Your eyes scanned the room subtly, meeting the gaze of none other than Stanley Usher, a resident psychic that was involved on the case, who was standing beside an officer across the room.

Abandoning your organizational pursuits, you walked the length of the room towards him.

“I have a feeling you haven’t heard this,” you began, “but thank you for helping on this case.” You decided to start politely, rather than confronting him for his obvious staring problem.

You held your hand in front of you, offering him a handshake.

“You believe I helped?” He questioned, smile never faltering as his palm shook yours briefly.

“I think it doesn’t matter what I believe,” you shrugged, “you gave someone hope when all was lost, and contributed to helping find a missing woman. I thank you for you intentions, whether your predictions came true or not.”

His eyes narrowed at you slightly, but that might have just been from his widening smile.

“I appreciate that,” his voice had a gentleness to it- you could see how he was so successful in his line of work. Anyone with a comforting timbre to their words would be easy to believe.

You nodded curtly, spinning on your heel to return to your work.

“And, Agent?”

You looked over your shoulder, pausing your stride momentarily.

“Chase him,” his lifted his hand, his thumb pointing to the base of his middle finger. Your eyes flickered to the silver ring on your own.

“When the summer rain falls, you’ll know he’s chasing you, too.”

You stared back at him for a moment longer, eyebrow raised in question. Then, wordlessly, you turned forward and moved to the aforementioned table, shaking away the completely ridiculous thoughts Stanley Usher had placed into your mind.

‘Chase him’? 

Yes, it was vague, and your skeptical mind told you that there was absolutely no logic behind it, but the certain Supervisory Special Agent that immediately popped into your thoughts was far from vague. Aaron Hotchner had occupied your conscious (and subconscious) mind rent-free, and his tenancy was a fact you did your best to ignore. But, despite your best effort, his deep, honey eyes and velvet voice never left you alone, even when you tried so hard to escape them.

There wasn’t a single soul who knew of your infatuation with your Unit Chief, and there was no way in hell Stanley Usher would know.

***

The jet was quiet on the trip home. You were sat beside Hotch- as per usual- while he read a book, his chin resting in his palm, elbow perched on the armrest of his seat. Mind somewhere between conscious and asleep, you lulled your head towards him.

“Hey, Hotch,” you spoke lowly, in order to not disturb everyone else on the plane, “guess what?”

A chuckle slipped past his lips, your obviously sleepy demeanor amusing him, “What?”

“Usher, the psychic guy, gave me a prediction.” You bit back a smile on your bottom lip, your slightly delirious state missing the way Aaron’s eyes flickered to your lips momentarily.

“Really?” A small grin- a shit-eating grin- settled on his features, (he always smiled so damn much when it came to you),  “Alright, I’ll bite. What did he say?”

“He basically told me that we’re gonna fall in love- something about summer rain?” you chuckled, lifting your hand, “And he got all of that from this ring.”

The falter in Hotch’s smile lasted only a millisecond, but the way his pulse raced was something he was sure would last for a few hours.

“I think that just confirms my theory,” Hotch relaxed further into his chair, eyes moving back to the novel in his lap, “that guy is a complete fraud.”

The back of your hand met his shoulder in a playful smack, “You’re an ass,” you settled into your own seat as well, closing your eyes as you began your first attempt at sleeping, “It would be a privilege to love me.”

And you were far into your own dreamland before he could even think about replying, but even if you were awake and alert, his honest reply would’ve died on his tongue before he even spoke the words.

Yes, he thought, it would.

***

There were no more discussions of a potential love, or Stanley Usher, following that late-night jet conversation. Life was nothing short of normal and wonderful, with the days spent in the BAU full of cases and paperwork, and the days off spent with Jack and Aaron, (since Hailey let Aaron take Jack on his days off), or in the comfort of your own home. That’s not to say your feelings had disappeared, but rather you had never broken your routine of completely burying them.

Little did you know, the words you shared with Aaron that night had yet to leave his mind. It was a terrible and abrupt realization, how much he truly cared for you. It was a subject he had never fully confronted within himself- whether it was out of fear or avoidance, he didn’t know. But, since your sleep-induced thoughts spilled from your lips, they had wormed their way into the forefront of his memory and had given little respite to the anxious worry they brought with them. It was entirely stressful, trying to figure out his own emotions.

There was only one thing he was certain of: he had wondered how your lips would taste on far too many occasions to call it normal daydreaming.

He found himself struggling with his self control when you were around Jack. There was something about the way his son smiled at you, that made him want to hold you for an eternity. The swell in his chest brought a warm fullness that he hadn’t known he was missing, but the feeling of it’s presence became addicting. He found himself yearning for you, missing your company, wishing to hear your voice.

“Watch out!” You had yelled to him, running from the giggling Jack Hotchner, “It’s the baby monster!”

Jack squealed in delight, hands held in front of him like an adorable, undead zombie, feet pattering on the hardwood flooring as he chased you.

Ah, there it is.

Like a breath of fresh air, the feeling returned. The weightlessness it brought made Aaron float.

***

The sun shone brightly as you entered the BAU, and while the bright weather is something you usually praised, the lingering pain of the previous night’s bad decisions was keeping you from basking in the light. Damn Emily and her affinity for whiskey.

The travel mug of coffee in your hand made a satisfying clink against the wood of your desk, your half lidded eyes reaching a file that hadn’t been there when you left yesterday. In fact, it was a file you had turned in a few days prior. On top of the manilla was an orange sticky note, the unmistakably messy writing of none other than Aaron Hotchner scrawled on it.

MISSING ME’S TOXICOLOGY SCREEN- SECOND VICTIM

AH.

You sighed as you settled into your seat, picking up the landline to call in for the report.

He subtly watched you from his office, almost chuckling at the slump in your shoulders. You were never able to say no to Emily, regardless of how many shots she brought to you. A smile tilted at his lips, but was quickly gone as a knock sounded from the door.

“Come in,” he called. JJ’s head poked in, a sizable stack of files in her arm.

“Good morning,” she greeted, “I just wanted to let you know, they’re postponing maintenance repairs on the jet until tomorrow.”

He shuffled papers around, eyes following his work’s movement, “Are there any cases you’re considering? Should we start looking at commercial?”

“Thankfully, no,” there was hint of a laugh in her words, “which is good. I’ve never liked flying in the rain.”

His actions stopped momentarily, gaze snapping up to the woman in his doorway. Desperately, he tried to keep his features from displaying how his heart had dropped from his chest.

“That is good,” he agreed, his voice surprisingly strong, “keep me updated.”

“Yes, sir,” she smiled, the door clicking shut as she retreated back to her office.

He let out a long, drawn out breath as soon as she left, suddenly feeling dizzy and very, very warm. The intensity of his pulse was something that echoed in his ears, which became red at the very ends to match his cheeks. He had put his best efforts into keeping the words of Stanley Usher from his mind, but it was a lost cause as soon as JJ had mentioned the rain.

Eyes moving back to you, he felt the nerves begin to eat away at his gut. You were obviously miserable, but somehow, someway, the slight frown on your features and the (mildly) disheveled state of your hair was enough to lift the very corner of his lips into a minuscule smile. Even on one of your worst days- which is beyond understandable, from your choice of a drinking partner- you were, in Hotch’s eyes, the most beautiful being he had ever seen.

***

It took a little over an hour to get the toxicology screening faxed to the unit, machine sputtering as it printed. You slipped the paper into the file, the soles of your shoes clicking against the floor as you made your way to Aaron’s office. Knuckles tapping lightly on the wooden door, you poked your head in.

“I have that file completed,” you smiled, holding up said file in the doorway.

“Come in,” he didn’t look up from the papers below his pen.

You didn’t think much of his focus, moving into the office and putting your revised work on top of the tower of manila that sat on his desk.

“Anything you need?” You offered, fingers twisting the ring on your finger, “Coffee? Food? A break?”

He finally looked up at you, eyes flickering to your fidgeting hands.

“No,” his voice was soft, “but thank you.”

You nodded shortly, a polite smile on your lips before you turned and left, suppressing a shiver that ran down your spine. There was something that was bothering him, you knew. His whole demeanor was slightly shifted, slightly wrong. Even if you didn’t know the reason, you sure as hell didn’t want to deal with an oddly behaved Hotch for the remainder of your day.

You popped two Advil into your mouth at your desk, willing your headache to leave you as you began plotting.

***

Your final decision was that of the edible route. If there was anything in the world that could create a smile on Aaron Hotchner’s face, it was a blueberry scone from the hole-in-the-wall cafe three blocks north of the BAU. Your lunch break was spent walking to, and dining at said cafe, enjoying a scone and coffee yourself, the second round of caffeine helping to ease the remnants of your hangover.

Emily hadn’t stopped teasing you since the moment you had clocked in that morning. She was as chipper as ever, acting as if she had gotten a full eight hours of sleep and didn’t touch a single drop of alcohol the night before. The way she seemed invincible to the source of your destruction only further proved your point that God is a woman, and her name is Emily Prentiss.

But, despite the jokes and jabs from your close friend, the BAU had been oddly quiet. Any day spent without a case was something to be marveled at in and of itself, but the tense atmosphere extended further than that. Specifically, into the Unit Chief’s office. Derek had talked to you about it briefly, the way Hotch was acting. 

“I know that office is his home, but the closed door is a bit concerning.”

You agreed, but neither of you knew how to go about a solution. Eventually, you had retreated back to your desk and subsequent mountain of paperwork. It was while you were finishing a file on the cop-killer in Phoenix, Arizona, that the famous blueberry scone made an appearance in your mind.

It was quickly followed with a mental image of Aaron Hotchner’s smile, but you elected to ignore that. (You also ignored the way your heart was beating because of it).

You were one block away from the Quantico Headquarters when the sunny sky split,  unleashing a rain that was just heavy enough to soak you thoroughly.

Water dripping off your clothes, you stepped into a nearby clothing shop, heading straight to the clerk.

“Do you sell umbrellas?” You asked, arms crossed and fist still gripping onto the scone-filled plastic bag. 

“Back corner over there,” he said politely as he pointed, obvious sympathy in his eyes.

Nodding, you turned and followed his direction, tugging a new shirt and slacks from their hangers as you walked. A bucket of umbrellas sat exactly where he said they would be, all patterned differently.

Naturally, you took the plain, black one, moving towards the front of the store once again.

“Is it okay if I change into these clothes after?” You questioned, placing your items on the counter.

“Of course,” he replied with a smile, “dressing rooms are just around that corner.”

Paying him quickly, you grinned, “thank you.” 

You sent the polite retail worker one last smile as you exited the store, wet clothes in the plastic bag the scone was previously in, the treat protected only by the paper pastry bag the baker had placed it in. Everything was better- since you were armed with an umbrella and fresh clothes- until you glanced down to your watch. You were, without a doubt, late.

The sprint you took off into was that of complete panic, knowing the team was sure to be questioning your absence. You were always so punctual- any deviation longer than five minutes (which was tripled, at the time), was noticed immediately. 

Shoes splashing in the pavement’s puddles, the FBI building finally came into view. You huffed as you walked up to the secured, employee-entrance door, reaching for the ID card that always sat at the hem of your shirt.

The dread that filled you when you grasped air was nothing short of terrible.

Your eyes moved to your hip, and there was empty space where that card, adorned with that terrible ID photo, should have been. Frantically, your hand patted at your pockets, only to find them empty. Your other hand was occupied with the umbrella, bag of clothes, and blueberry scone.

As your self-pat down turned up fruitless, your frustration took over, causing you to close and abandon the umbrella for the sake of using both of your hands. The rain soaked you quickly, which only added to the tension. And, as if you hadn’t suffered enough, the stress had begun your alcohol induced headache once again.

It wasn’t until your smiling face, next to the title ‘Supervisory Special Agent’, shone through the plastic bag that your erratic search stopped. 

Of course, you thought, a wave of relief rushing over you, of course it’s still on my other shirt.

In reality, opening that plastic bag should’ve been an easy enough task, but the shakiness of your post-drunken fingers and the slickness that came with the rain proved it to be the complete opposite.

To say you could cry from the pure frustration with the entirety of your situation was an understatement.

“Damn it!” You exclaimed, letting the bag drop to the concrete. It landed next to the now soaked scone- the entire reason you had left the building in the first place.

You had half the mind to call Emily and beg her to let you in quietly before the entrance’s door swung open.

“Good God,” you groaned, “this day just keeps getting better.”

Hotch stood in the doorway, eyebrows furrowed as the took in your outfit change, your dripping hair, and the umbrella, plastic bag, and paper bag at your feet. Honestly, it was a lot to process.

“Should I ask?” He questioned, one eyebrow lifting. It took everything in him to fight off his smile.

“I mean it with complete sincerity when I say: I will kill you if you do,” you threatened.

“Noted,” he chuckled, stepping into the rain and picking up the previously discarded umbrella. He opened it swiftly, holding over his and your head. “Are you okay?”

And his voice was so soft and so damn tender, you almost lost it then. It didn’t help that he was entirely too close to you.

“I went to get you a scone,” your eyes peeled from his and landed on the pastry bag, sure to be containing the soggy remnants of said scone at that point, “It started raining, and it all went downhill from there.”

He followed the trail of your eyes, looking at the sad, saturated brown bag, “Why did you do that, sweetheart?”

Ignoring the feeling the pet name gave you, you met his gaze once again, “You’ve been in a funk today. Thought I’d try to cheer you up.”

He sighed, eyes jumping between yours, “I appreciate it, even if it didn’t survive the trip here.”

“Yeah,” you cracked a smile, “what a short, sad life.”

“Very sad,” he agreed, his own smile widening with yours. 

You stared at him for a moment, before realizing your stupor and quickly saying, “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“You’re alright,” he shook his head with his words, denying your need for an apology.

“I figured someone would notice I was gone,” you chuckled, “I left my ID on my first pair of clothes, then had a disagreement with the bag.”

“I definitely saw all of it,” he smirked.

“Dick,” you nudged him, still trying to calm your pulse.

“I know,” only a couple steps closer and you would be pressed against him, “but yes, I noticed you were gone.”

What he didn’t say was how hesitant he had been to retrieve you. It was summer, rain was falling from the sky, and the predictions of some small-town psychic were weighting heavily on his mind. Despite his skeptic nature, the mere thought of standing with you in the rain was enough to bundle his stomach into a nervous knot. There were very little things he couldn’t control about himself, and his ability to restrain his feelings while standing beside you in a soft rain was something he was absolutely sure he couldn’t control.

And you know, sometimes he was so annoyed with how right he was.

Because, as he stood before you- small water droplet stains on his charcoal grey shoulders and little drips falling from the ends of his hair- he could feel every ounce of self control slip from his grasp. In all honesty, he wasn’t sure if he was holding on very tightly to begin with.

It was completely your fault, he had decided. It was your fault because you had walked in the rain, almost got into an altercation with a plastic bag, were still fighting off a whiskey hangover- and yet, you managed to be just as radiant and beautiful as you had always been. It was your fault because you made him feel warm as he stood in a chilled rain. It was your fault because he was standing so close to you and wanted nothing more than to reach out and hold you.

If you weren’t so damn perfect, he wouldn’t be at war with himself.

“Hotch?” You asked, your eyebrows creased together, “You okay?”

He broke from his thoughts, blinking at you. There was a moment before he spoke, words tumbling from his lips before he could stop them.

“Stanley Usher.”

“Stanley Usher?” You repeated.

“What did he say?” He questioned, “About the summer rain?”

“You can’t be serious-“

“Please.”

“Why?” You interrogated, “What does he have to do with- oh.”

You met his eyes with your own, allowing yourself to read him- which was usually off limits. He looked desperate, almost yearning, for an answer. It was almost laughable, the thought of him believing the words of Stanley Usher. You hadn’t forgotten them, but you were far more spiritual than Aaron. He was the one who was supposed to be completely level headed and realistic.

“Aaron, be honest with me,” you began, “are you asking me because you want to justify your feelings?”

Maybe it was too bold, but you needed the answer, and were far too frustrated with the day to dance around the subject.

The way he immediately looked to the ground was answer enough. You sighed, saddened by the fact that he felt ashamed. It was expected, his embarrassment with himself. Anyone who had feelings for a subordinate would act the same.

You sighed before speaking.

“It reminds me of you, the rain,” you said softly. His eyes flickered up to you, looking through his lashes.

“It’s a little cold, but it’s soft and refreshing,” you continued, reaching up and tracing your fingertips on his temple, “I would dance in it all day, if I could.”

He knew what you were saying, and it took his breath away.

Your hand dropped to your side, your head tilting slightly to get a better look at him, “Would you?”

And all at once, he couldn’t hold himself back anymore. The umbrella clattered onto the pavement, his large hands holding your face instead, pulling you to him and connecting your lips to his. You let out a surprised squeak, but quickly relaxed into his touch, winding your arms around his neck.

He kissed you desperately, like the rain would wash you away as soon as he let go. You let yourself get lost in him, throwing every reservation and hesitation to the wolves. He seemed to do the same, hands finding your waist and pulling you closer. He wanted no empty space between you. Happily obliging, you tightened your grip around him.

You wanted desperately to learn every detail of him, to feel his breath with yours, to match the beating of his heart. You wanted to know every flaw, every weakness- every portion of him, no matter how small. He had become your everything, and you were content with that first kiss being your last first kiss.

Even as the rain relentlessly fell upon the two of you, no complaints were heard. The raindrops were simply an audience to the resolution of an unspoken love.

You were the first to break away, unable to ignore your empty lungs. Neither of you moved to untangle from each other.

“Aaron,” you breathed, your words brushing against his lips, “we’re gonna have a lot of explaining to do,” your eyes flickered to the cameras lining the federal building before you.

He rolled his eyes, chuckling, “Forgive me if I don’t care.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” you pressed a chaste peck to his lips.

“Mm,” he hummed as you pulled away, “I have been waiting to do that for a while.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to do that for a while.”

Your teasing tone was not lost on him as he bumped your nose with his, “We are both going to get sick from this rain.”

“Worth it,” you sighed, connecting his lips with your own once again.

And he couldn’t agree more. Even when you both caught a nasty cold, even when Strauss confronted you about your ‘romantic endeavors’, even when the team teased the living hell out of both of you- it was all worth it.

You were worth it.

***

Stanley Usher sat in his living room, flipping through channels before landing on the news, the local weather man flashing on the screen.

“-and, as the weekends come, we expect precipitation on the west coast-“

And he felt it, the phantom metal around his middle finger, the overwhelming warmth in his chest. He looked to the ceiling, almost able to hear the soft patter of rain on pavement. His thumb brushed the coolness away from his finger, and he settled into his couch cushions, a smile never leaving his face.

taglist:

@quillvine​ @winterscaptain​ @agenthotchner​ @davidrossi-ismydad​ @misskirkstark​ @good-heavens-chris-evans​ @vintagecaptainspidey​

[ironwoman18]

Garvez Moments Part 11

Chapter 11: Hurricane Andrew

“Where is Luke?!” asked Penelope in between contractions “he promised to be here when our baby arrives”

“He’s still in Florida” said Max “there’s a hurricane”

24 hours earlier

“Ok I will order the food while you pick the movie” said Penelope from the couch and with a big baby bump. Her doctor was worry because she developed a high risk pregnancy so the last month will be at home.

Luke took care of her as much as he could due to his job, and when he cannot, Max and her sisters helped. The art teacher and now member of the Smithsonian’s team had more free times than Luke or Spencer so she was there for the former TA of the BAU.

But this last week Luke asked for a few days off to watch over her. And now they will have a relaxing Tuesday afternoon.

“Sounds perfect, I think I will pick a nice movie so Andrew learn what he should be watching”

Penelope rolled her eyes “you mean Richard? Because that will be his name” they decided to know the gender of their baby so they could have the perfect bedroom for him or her.

They gave the letter to Dave and Krystal so they organized the baby shower and let them know. When the blue cupcake was revealing… the battle began.

Penelope wanted her dad’s name and Luke wanted his, so when they talked about the baby, they used the name they wanted and that started fights between them.

“Whatever… I will find the perfect movie” Luke said irritated but did not want to continue because it might put him and his beloved wife in a fight.

Penelope ordered their favorite Thai food, they had been together for a year and a half and he learned to love her food choices and she still has struggles with his, because of the meat products but respect him.

His phone started to ring “oh hell no… I told Emily I will be busy with you and I can’t answer”

“Babe… your job needs you and I’m sure a poor woman is in need because a horrible man is hurting her”

He sighed but answered “hey Emily”

“Oh hey Luke… I’m soo sorry, I know you asked me for a few days off and I know Penelope needs to be in bed for the rest of the ninth month but I really need you here”

“Why? You have JJ, Spencer, Dave, Tara and Matt”

“Actually Matt is sick and JJ sons are sick and Will is in New Orleans” he sighed “and Tara is visiting her father… So I will need you”

“Ok I will be there in a few minutes” he said and hung up “I will ask Max if she can come here while I’m out”

“It’s ok honey. I will call her while you are getting ready” he nodded and kissed his cheek then she got out her phone and call Spencer’s wife. They talked for a while. And Max accepted to be there in ten minutes.

When Luke was ready, he walked out of their room “did you talk to Max?”

“Yes, she accepted to come. It will take her some minutes to be here so you can go to catch the bad boys” she smiled at him “Call me please” he nodded and leaned in to kiss her.

“I love you”

“I love you too” he smiled and left the house.

Present day

“A hurricane?!” almost screamed Penelope “I shouldn’t let him go!” she said a little frustrated.

“I know the feeling, I’m worry about Spence too but we have to wait” said Max holding her hand “trust him, he will be here as soon as he can”

15 hours earlier

“Ok so the unsub is killing black men?” Luke asked and the policeman nodded,

“They are all in good shape and they are young, maybe in their 20s or 30s” commented him “according to the forensic doctor he killed this men with a knife”

“And when did this start?” asked Spencer.

“Two weeks ago”

Spencer’s brain started to work; if you paid close attention to the boy genius you could see and hear it working. He looked at his coworker and the policeman “the hurricane started two weeks ago according to the weather channel”

Luke started to realize what his partner meant “you think this man is doing this because of the hurricanes?”

“In the past the Aztecs, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Incas thought that there was a god that can control weather. So to ask for their good will they used sacrifices to please him. Maybe this man thinks he’s doing the same”

“Maybe it’s time to give the profile” he said looking at the dead man in front of them.

They said that the unsub could be a man in his 20s or 30s, he could be in good shape and very athletic like his victims. He could have polytheistic cultures knowledge and think he is saving Florida because of the sacrifices he is doing. When he realized that they are not working, he will scale and kill more people. They had to stop him sooner.

Present day.

JJ arrived at the hospital, they gave Penelope a room and they are waiting for her time to give birth. She found Max outside with her phone.

“Hey Max, thankfully Will arrived and I could come here” she said to her “where are my godson and goddaughter?”

She smiled “with their grandfather and aunt. They accepted to watch them while I was with Penelope. But now im worry. Spencer doesn’t answer and neither does Emily nor Luke”

“I called Ashley, you know the new TA and she said they were having trouble with their phones due to the hurricane but thankfully they capture the bad guy so they are waiting for the hurricane to move away so they can return”

“Oh thank God…” said the brunette smiling “how are Henry and Michael?”

“Better… they had a cold but I always am worry with Michael especially since Henry had a convulsion when he was about Michael age”

“Oh my… but I’m happy they are better” the blonde smiled.

“I will go see Penelope, you see if you can call Ashley to ask her for them” she nodded and JJ left to talk to her female best friend.

5 hours earlier

The hurricane was getting worse and the unsub had his last victim, this time he captured a woman, younger and beautiful “I’m sure this time the gods will forgive us! I was wrong about using men” he had a crazy look in his eyes.

Before he moved his knife to her throat the team arrived. Spencer was next to Luke holding his gun. He could not help but went to the field to help. He looked at the knife; it was clearly a sacrificial one.

“Back off! I have to save us with this sacrifice!” said him holding the knife.

“Enrique Diaz, I can’t let you kill this woman, it won’t stop the storm” said Spencer with a calm voice “she isn’t the solution”

“How do you know?”

Spencer thought quickly “Because I saw a prophecy” he said putting down the gun, playing along with the unsub “the storm will stop in 6 hours…”

“Because that’s the time a soul takes to arrive to the gods’ palace”

“No, this woman will take longer because she isn’t as pure as you think” he looked at the scared woman, she was confused but decided to remain silence “if you stop killing it will prove them you are committed to let them do their judgement”

“Their judgement?” Spencer nodded “so they won’t stop…”

“No” the man had some tears and dropped the knife. Luke immediately ran to capture the man and spencer helped the victim.

Dave and Emily were at the other door as backup if the killer got crazy.

The rest of the time they stayed at the hotel waiting for the hurricane to past that part of the city.

When it happened the team was able to fly back to Washington DC as fast as the plane could. After the plane touched the land they all left to the hospital just in time to see Luke find out his son was about to arrive into this world.

The nervousness started to run thru his veins. Will be him a good father? Will he be a good support for his wife and son?

“babe you are here” said Penelope after he walked in and sat next to her.

“Yes… I’m sorry chica… a hurricane didn’t let me to be here earlier” he said with a smile “I wish it didn’t happen so I can be here with you”

“its ok my love” she kissed him softly then the doctor started to order her to push. The all peace and love Penelope disappeared and the angry and aggressive one started to treat him to dead for leaving her almost 7 hours in labor while he was in Florida.

Luke knew this was not his chica so he ignored it, she calmed and asked for forgiveness, she was just in so much pain.

A new contraction started and the aggressive woman reappeared “New guy!! You ruined my life… I won’t have another kid with you!”

“You are doing good Penelope. One more and your baby will be here” the doctor said. The couple nodded.

A few seconds later Penelope pushed one more time and they could hear a new kind of cry, the cry of a new person in the world, the cry of their baby boy.

The nurse cleaned him and covered him with a blanked. Then they checked his weight and size.

“You did it great chica, I’m very proud of you” he kissed her forehead.

“Thank you for be here and for helping me with this” she smiled and kissed his cheek then the nurse arrived with the baby.

“Here’s your baby, does he have a name?”

They nodded and when Luke was about to talk Penelope did it first “Andrew Ricardo Alvez Garcia” she smiled and looked at the nurse who smiled and left.

“Andrew? I thought you wanted a different name”

“Yes but you sacrificed a day off to work and you are our hero so that’s your price for doing the right thing, even if that means you weren’t around for a day”

He had some tears and but smiled “I received a lot of recognitions but this is the best I ever get” he kissed his son head “hey buddy. Daddy is here” he smiled big and enjoy his time with his family.

After some more minutes he walked out of the room, all the team and some member of their families were there.

“A new baby boy joined the BAU family. Andrew Ricardo Alvez Garcia” they all smiled and hugged the new father. Kristin handed him a present for the baby and so did the rest of the team.

“You know what is curious?” said Spencer to him “I just heard that the storm we were in its path a few hours ago was named Andrew as well”

“Well my son will be a hurricane then” he laughed and hugged the family he made in the last few years. The members of the BAU were his family in DC.

OOooOOooOO

I hope you liked it. I wasn’t sure what to do exactly for this baby, I had the idea of the hurricane but didn’t want to repeat a case like the one where the unsub was building a body.

This idea of the “old gods” came to me as I was writing; I hope it’s a good M.O. and a “good” reason to kill during a hurricane.

Suggestions are open. Also my stories post season 15 are connected so in this interconnected world The Worst Third Date Ever, Our Most Wanted Date, Double dates and this one are connected and details of Maxcer and the new TA are in the first story, and the evolution of Garvez are in the rest of the stories.

[keshetchai]

personal posting / alcoholic parent mention / medical 

first mentioning that im furious at my primary care for not referring me for a covid vaccine because she can’t...prove i have asthma, because ??? “just because i prescribed an inhaler doesn’t mean you have asthma.” like, ...okay, whatever. thanks.

unfortunately, i do not feel excited for pesach. I actually love pesach. but I love it in person, face to face, at a table of people. i can’t have that. that’s probably for the best because as much as I love pesach, I don’t love a holiday with four cups of wine as a central ritual when my low-contact/estranged father has been an alcoholic for 10+ years now and his poison of choice is red wine. he’s hit the stage where he is dying slowly, but that could last years or months. I don’t know. 

late december he was formally diagnosed with covid-19, when we thought he’d already caught it early on. then after recovering he had a stomach surgery scheduled for a separate issue, and basically the hospital had to stop operating because he was bleeding too heavily as a result of his enlarged liver. they stopped with only a small percent of surgery done, and stabilized him a bit, and then he got transported back to the US. because he basically hit his healthcare limit from private insurance in another country. now he’s on VA stuff. i think they recently discharged him, or will discharge him in san diego. 

his kidneys and liver are failing, in addition to major intestinal issues, his gallbladder needing removing, etc. i mean, he will absolutely die of liver failure if he drinks any more. but relapse is almost an inevitability after forced sobriety while hospitalized. 

his siblings - my aunts and uncle - all finally realize truly how bad it is. my aunt karen is close enough we were able to talk (masked, in person) about why I am extremely low contact with my dad, why I was frustrated my aunts and uncle kept asking me if I’d heard from my dad...etc. because like, I don’t. we talk on birthdays, father’s day, maybe new years, maybe once about my brother. 

i showed her my texts history where it was literally just 

2020 - my birthday, his birthday, question about my brother. 

before that was 2019, i think an exchange about getting me off of his cell phone plan formally. 

i gave her all the sordid details, about his drinking when he had custody visitation with me and my brother, about telling my high school teachers he was not my custodial parent/an alcoholic/unreliable, how there were a serious of fracture points in our relationship that broke it bit by bit until finally in college he spent father’s day weekend trying to convince me to volunteer to kick myself out of his apartment where i’d been sleeping on an air mattress and working as a temp because his second wife decided to rant to him how much she hated me and wanted me gone. how i sent him an email calculating his alcohol expenses weekly and told him he owed me money. a million other little things... and she listened and understood and sympathized and was mad on my behalf. 

but i sent an email informing her siblings also of some of this stuff, about my feeling that my dad needs rehab and that we can’t force him to go, and neither of them responded. and i know it got sent, because karen replied to my email too. 

the other two have been silent. what hurts is that of course, my other aunt A did text me the other day, asking if i could join a family zoom meeting saturday night, with my dad, to check in on him. no response to anything I said about how I feel about my parent who is an addict and slowly dying, lmao. just join a zoom meeting. I had to pry to ask if it was like, going to be an ~intervention~ or something. 

i was so relieved to be able to say “sorry, not this weekend. those are the first two nights of passover, I won’t be available.” i told her i could be there some other evening, but not to hold up everything on my account, even if my dad did ask if i would attend. i pity him, i do. but i can’t help but resent everything done, and what i learned when karen told me he inherited about $40,000 in early 2018? I think? and he’s spent it all. he was working and he still spent it. i know when my mom sued for back owed child support, he settled. I don’t think he paid up in full - which that inheritance might’ve done. 

when my grandmother had lost an eye due to cancer, she also funded his trip to the ukraine to meet some woman. she needed that money to get a glass eye. but delayed it for her son. he ran out of money on this pointless trip and his siblings bailed him out. they’ve been paying for his plane tickets. he continued to ask his dying mother for money, until karen intervened a little, and even then... 

he ran through forty thousand dollars after my grandma died. and didn’t think about anyone but himself with that money. my aunt basically - i mean in nicer words - explained i won’t inherit anything most likely, he probably doesn’t have assets anymore, and i was like, well, yeah. 

...this sounds cold and awful but i have assumed for awhile my dad will die young and also that his siblings will have to pay for the funeral. even if i felt obligated to do something as his first born child -- I don’t have the money for funeral expenses, mostly because of him! 

anyways i’m disappointed my family didn’t acknowledge anything i said, i’m sad pesach is going to be isolated again, i’ve been stressed about dealing with expectations about how i should feel about my dad dying, with digging up old resentment and hurt and having to think about him more than i ever normally do... 

i finally submitted an intake form for the local jewish fam services therapy offerings and they were like “we don’t have openings now, we may in spring” today and i emailed back like “i’m fine waiting, it’s already spring....” time isn’t real anyways!

maybe i should look for other therapists right now but i wanted to go with jfs first lol. just. sigh. 

[xeo-kunsatan]

Beast Choices Chapter 2. Woman Tears

Betrayus and Muriel have passed a lot of time together in their department next to Yūu, as well their works were too hard for them, living them completely tired.

The Summer was starting and Muriel and Betrayus really needed vacations.

Muriel: God damnit... I'm so tired...

Betrayus: me too... Ugh...dude, don't think we need vacations?

Muriel: that's so obvious....

Betrayus: y-yeah.. but sadly we don't have any fucking money to pay for a trip....

Muriel: yeah...

Someone knocks the door.

Muriel: i'll go..

She opens the door and finds that it was the delivery man with a letter for Muriel.

Kevin: Are you the Ms Muriel Plizetxki?

Muriel: ahm yes.

Kevin: this is a letter for you, it was send by the Mr Marlos Plizetxki, *gives the letter to Muriel*.

Muriel: ... Thank you sir..*holds the letter tightly*...

Kevin: have a good day *he leaves*

Muriel:*closes the door*... Dad....

Betrayus: Hey Mury, what is it?.

Muriel: *Opens the letter and takes a million dollars from it*...It's Money... A lot of money.

Betrayus: Wow, really!? Let me see.

He takes a look to the letter without noticing Muriel's shocked expression.

Betrayus: Holy shit! a Million dollars!? This is enough to all a travel around the world or to buy a own house, oh this has a note too!, seriously..Who send this to you Muriel!?? *notices Muriel*

Uhm... Mury? Are you okay?...

Muriel; It's nothing.. my father send this money for me.

Betrayus: that's a good thing Muriel but why are you so blue?.

Muriel: it's just.... My Dad and me we had a hard relationship..

Betrayus: Ow... Ahm you want to talk about it?..

Muriel: it's okay.. at least We have money to our Cool Ass vacations!

She said it with a brilliant tone hiding something strange inside her, Betrayus knew that something was wrong with Muriel but he didn't wanted to force her to speak.

Betrayus: well, if you say so.. what place we can visit?

Muriel: i don't know...

Betrayus: hmm... I would like to visit a country with variety of weather.

Muriel: hmm... I don't know..

Betrayus: what about.. Pac Mexico? I heard in a paper about traveling and tourist places that Mexico has a lot of wonderful places to visit like the island of Dolls in Xochimilco, Mazamitla forest with their cabins, Cancun Beach, a More.

Muriel: Hmm? Mexico? that sounds interesting, that's it i want to go there

Betrayus: Me too ^^.

The next day, Betrayus and Muriel next to Yūu went to the airport to take the plane to Pac Mexico. The plane have arrived in Pac Guadalajara Jalisco Airport.

Muriel: oh damn.. are you okay Yūu?

Yūu: *she is dizzy*

Betrayus: Poor little girl.

Muriel: don't worry girl.. *flees Yūu from the box and puts a strap in her collar* c'mon let's get going!

Betrayus: Oh yeah girl!

Muriel: Hey Taxi!

The 3 taked the Taxi and left the airport.

Taxi Girl: A dónde los llevo jóvenes?

Betrayus; Excuse me?

Muriel: ehh.. No Espaniol..

Taxi Girl: Heh i was jocking with you, where do you want to go?

Muriel: Hehehe, we want to go to Mazamitla, please

Taxi Girl: Mazamitla, all right.

Yūu: D,:<

During the travel Betrayus and Muriel we're watching the wonders of mexico since the windshields as well they ended having a good conversation with the Taxi Girl, while that Yūu was sleeping on Betrayus'lap.

Taxi Girl: You Know, Jalisco is a really beautiful state of the country, without speaking of the shootings and other dangerous stuff here, but hey don't be Scared, with just stay away of suspicious places and people everything will be alright, the most important for tourists like you is have fun in this place with all the activities you can do, we care a lot of our visits.

Betrayus: Wow, that sounds cool, we we're looking for a place to spend our vacations, and Mazamitla sounded like a nice place for us.

Taxi Girl: It is, Mazamitla is so cool, and their cabins are so relaxing and warm, well there are more cool places you can go, like walking around the town and appreciate the beautiful details of the traditional houses, the Enchanted Garden, The forest "La Zanja" we're you can make a picnic there, and other more stuff, you want me to take you to the Cabins?.

Muriel: Yes Please.

Betrayus: i can't wait to go there, Thank you Miss-.

Roxy: Roxana, but you can call me Roxy.

After a long travel, Roxy have taked Muriel, Betrayus and a Dizzy again Yūu

Roxy: Here we are.

Betrayus: Oh my Gosh.. this place is even more cool in person, thank you Ms Roxy *pays Roxy*

Roxy: your welcome, it was a pleasure.

Muriel: I really love it!.

Roxy: oh yeah, you guys most be hungry and tired right now.

Muriel: Uff yeah..

Betrayus: Even more the dog.

Yūu: <:(...

Roxy: Aww no.. poor little big thing, *takes a bag with Dog Cookies* Take this ones girl.

Yūu: :D! *Eats them all quickly as she is waving her tail*.

Roxy: *knocks a little store next to her* Quiero! [Quiero: is a way to call for the Person In charge of a little store]

A Old woman of the Store arrived to attend Roxy.

Roxy: Como anda Doña Petra?,

[How are you Miss Petra?]

Ms Petra: Rosy que bueno verla de nuevo, como están tu y tus papás?

[Rosy, thanks God to see you again, how are you and your parents?]

Roxy: Pues ya ve Seño, echandole ganas al trabajo para pagar los estudios y apoyar a la familia.

[Well Miss, as you can see, I'm working hard to pay my studies and support my family].

Ms Petra: Ay que bueno mija, así debe de ser, y en qué anda?

[Aww That's so good dear, as it had to be, and what are you doing?]

Roxy: Pues ando trayendo a estos turistas gringos por la zona, están muy emocionados pero también apachurrados por el largo viaje, y pues ya andan hambriados.

[Well, I'm taking this american tourists around the Zone, they are so excited but tired and hungry at the same time]

Ms Petra: Ay pobrecitos [Aww poor things]

The old woman starts talking to Muriel and Betrayus wich seemed confused because they didn't understand spanish.

Ms Petra: Oh my bad, Welcome to Mazamitla, are you looking for a Cabin to spend your days?

Betrayus: Yes miss.

Ms Petra: Alright *gives Muriel the keys of their cabin* here you are, you would love this cabin.

Muriel: Thank you so much Miss.

Ms Petra: I'll prepare you some instant noodles for you to at least cushion your hungry *puts hot water in 2 instant noodles boxes*

Both: Thank you Miss.

Roxy: Órale.. Doña Petra, no sabía que usted sabía hablar inglés.

[Wow.. Ms Petra, i didn't know you can spoke english]

Ms Petra: Mi nieto Jorgito cuando vino de de Inglaterra me enseñó a hablar inglés, bueno mija ayuda a estos jóvenes a llevar sus maletas, porfavor

[My Grandson Jorgito when he came from England, he teached me to speak english, but well dear, please help this young to take their suitcases to their cabin]

Roxy: Alright guys, let me help you with this.

Betrayus: you two are so kind, thank you *Carries his suitcase*

Muriel: seriously thank you so much you both. *Gives Roxy the Dog's Suitcase while she holds her own Suitcase*

Ms Petra: you have nothing Thank us, the most important thing to you is enjoying your vacations.

Roxy: Alright, I'll take you to the cabin, nos vemos al rato doña Petra [See you later Ms Petra].

Betrayus and Muriel: Thank you so much Miss Petra!

Ms Petra: Mijos olvidan su Maruchan!

[Darlings, you forgot your Noodles (Maruchan=Instant noodles in mexico)

Betrayus and Muriel: Oh yeah, sorry sorry

Both takes their instant noodles and left grating Ms Petra again,

Roxy have taked Muriel, Betrayus and Yūu to the Cabin, Yūu was so happy to finally walk.

Betrayus: *Opens the Door* Oh Man.. This Cabin is so cool

Muriel: Seriously, how can I pay you?

Roxy: nah, it's okay, it's own me.

Betrayus: thank you very much Miss Roxy.

Roxy: you're welcome, you had a very long travel, for now you need to rest to recharge energies for tomorrow,

Betrayus: we will do it

Roxy: Alright first, you already knew where is doña Petra's to leave your cabin keys with her and buy some snacks, near her there's a restaurant with the most tasty food wich opens at 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, well see you tomorrow!

M&B: Goodbye and thank you!

Roxy have left the cabin, Betrayus and Muriel where looking around the cabin to meet up with the Bedrooms, both start eating their instant noodles and resting in the beds.

Betrayus: Ufff this is so comfy *eating slowly his Soup*

Muriel: Yeah~, hmmm~ the ambient feels so good~

At ending their noodles they fell asleep.

2 days later have passed and This 3 had a lot of adventures with Roxy guiding them.

They both were having fun, but Betrayus still had the doubt about Muriel's behavior at the letter with money.

all the whole year Muriel was hearing all Betrayus's problems and insecurities and helping him to use them to grow as person and supported him in the bad and good moments, He knew it so well but..

"Who is hearing Muriel's Problems?".

Betrayus more than ever wanted to know better Muriel and help her as she did for him, all he knew was just her mother was dead, and her living family members were her father and Older sisters and that Muriel left her home.

Tuesday 9:00 pm

Betrayus and Muriel where relaxing in the couch watching the fire of the fireplace, the radio was sounding some wholesome rock songs.

Betrayus: Mury, can i make you a question?

Muriel: Sure.

Betrayus: First, thank you very much for everything you did for me, nobody else have worried for me like you did.

Muriel: You have nothing to thank me, i really wanted to help you, Heh you're my Patient number 1 and my best friend After all.

Betrayus: and I'm still so grateful about what you did for me, but... Mury.. you listen everyone's problems... What about yours?..

Muriel: ..w-ell... I.. uhmm...i have no problems, im Fine.

Betrayus: C'mon Mury, you did a lot for me, i want to give it to you back.

Muriel: i don't want to bother you Betrayus..

Betrayus: C'mon Mury, you're my best friend, i want to help you.

Muriel: *Sighs*... W-ell....

When I was younger...

I was too close to my mother Yoong since my birthday,..she used to take me to visit the wolves to gave them food, and ice skating in family, I used to do many figures in the snow with my sisters... *Sighs*

Betrayus: and What happened?..

Muriel: everything was so great... But it ended when that snow storm happened,

I was playing with my mom in the snow and it suddenly happened, my mother acted quickly and hold me running from the storm, it was kinda close to us so... M-my Mom.. had to threw me to the other side to keep me safe,.. she was running to the same place but... The storm smashed *sobs* smashed my mom in front my eyes...

Betrayus: Oh... No...

Muriel: I was innocent at that scene..*sob*...my father and sister.. have saw that... My Father was looking for my mom and my sisters.. they just yelled to me.. blaming me of her death...

Betrayus: T-thats terrible...

Muriel: After Her death... The things in my family changed a lot.... My Father just gave all his attention to my sisters... Rejecting every of my acts, while my sisters... Yoona was the one who repeated me that it was my fault that mother died, Yeena just stared at me to then try to ignore...

When I cried my father and Yoona just shat me up... telling me "stop playing the victim, you're the parasite of this family"...

I grew in that cold and toxic ambient... But in my birthday 19th I got tired.. and I stole a part of the money of my dad to pay a plane to then left Pac-Arctic...*tries to not cry*

Betrayus: Mury... *Hugs her tightly*... Don't suppress your feelings.. you can cry

Muriel just taked air and started crying on Betrayus's arms.

Betrayus: you don't have to suffer for that again Mury... I'm here for you..

Muriel:*she is crying*

Betrayus: shh shh... Now i understand..

Muriel: W-What is it? *sob*.

Betrayus: we both are the parasites for our families.

Muriel:....

Betrayus: oh.. uhm sorry.. i didn't mean to.

Muriel:...*starts chuckling* it's true.

Betrayus:..heheh.. you're not mad?

Muriel: of course not dummy..

Betrayus: Heheh.. Heeeeyy!!

Muriel: Heeeeeyy!!

Both started laughing and drinking beer while in the radio sounded the song

"Jenny (i wanna ruin our friendship)"

Muriel: heheh...*hip*.. Oh gad.. it hurted.. but i learned that it wasn't my problem.. they are the Assholes!

Betrayus: Exactly!.. *hip*..

Muriel:*hugs Betrayus* thank you~

Betrayus: *hugs back* thank you too Muriel...*Suddenly he Kisses Muriel on lips*

Muriel: *blushes*... B-Betrayus!...

Betrayus: I-i-im s-s-sorry.. i..i don't know what i.. did.. just...

Muriel: Don't worry..Heh..*Kisses Betrayus back* i also.. i wanna Ruin our friendship~♪..

Betrayus: We should be lovers instead~♪

M&B: Heheh..

They both singing along the song to end the song with a kiss between them, to then other things together.

To be continued..

Wednesday 8:39 Pm

Betrayus was reading a book about occultism but he noticed that Muriel haven't came back with the wood for the fireplace, he got Worried and left the cabin to look for her in the forest holding his flashlight.

Everything was dark and the singing of the owls were sounding around the forest.

Betrayus: M-Muriel!... Where are you?

Betrayus suddenly saw something strange in the woods.

Betrayus: Muriel?...

???: Grrrrhh...

Betrayus: !!!!

Yep the chapter 2 is here as also a celebration of Muriel's Birthday

April 4th, i hope you loved this chapter.

[talkfastromance4]

this is for mama as much as it is for lily but can we please get a blurb where he takes them to aus and they meet his family? and mama is nervous that his parents aren’t actually happy about him dating a single mom but they absolutely love her and lily esp because liz only had sons and adores having a little girl around the house even if it’s just for a short few weeks ❤️❤️- 🌸

love love love this!

• • • •

Luke had been bouncing around the house the entire week before the three of you were to fly off to Australia for 2 1/2 weeks to visit his family. You were an excited type of nervous but with the nerves overpowering by a landslide. Luke is a big help in preparing everything you’d need for Lily.

An 18+ hour flight with a three year old isn’t going to be an easy task. Lily’s fantastic overall but you know how restless she can get. Thankfully the flight was at 4 in the morning so she’d be sleeping for a while. 

For the first half of the flight she was in Luke’s lap, clutching onto his shirt along with her bunny and snuffy. She’s never been on a plane before and the loud noises frightened her but with Luke talking and singing to her quietly, it seemed to ease her fear. 

You, on the other hand was experiencing a different kind of fear. You’re worried about what his family will think of Luke dating a single mom. Would they think you’re with him for his fame? That you need him to take care of you and Lily. 

“Hey,” Luke’s voice snapped you out of your reverie after the flight. He rented a car that came equipped with a car seat for Lily who was happily kicking her legs freely. “Stop worrying that pretty little head over there.”

“I’m not,” you say too quickly and he smiles at your obvious lie. He reaches over to stroke your cheek then take your hand, pressing his lips to your knuckles. 

“They’re so excited to meet you, especially mum. She told me all the presents she’s bought Lily already,” he laughs. 

***

When you finally arrive at his parents’ house, there’s other cars there as well that you’re assuming belong to his brothers. 

“She’ll probably want to be by me for a while,” you warn Luke as he pulls Lily from her seat. 

“I know, you’re both each other’s comforts,” he smiles then kisses Lily’s nose who giggles. “Okay, go by mama my sweet.”

Lily settles into your arms naturally and you follow Luke up to the house where his parents are already waiting by the door, Liz has a huge smile on her face when she opens it. 

“Hello my darlings!” she exclaims already reaching for Luke for a hug. 

“Hi mum,” he greets hugging her back and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Uh, there’s two people I’d like you to meet.”

You take that as your cue to step forward with Lily holding tightly to your neck. You smile nervously and take Luke’s hand which helps anchor you back to earth, he makes you feel solid and steady. 

“Mum, dad, this is Y/N and her amazing little girl, Lily,” Luke smiles proudly, dimple showing and all. 

“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Hemmings,” you smile nervously.

“Oh, call me Liz,” she waves it off and smiles kindly at Lily. “I’ve seen pictures from Luke but she’s definitely more beautiful in person. Both of you are.”

“Oh, thank you,” you blush then rub Lily’s head. “She’s very shy,” you tell his parents who nod.

“Hello miss Lily,” Liz says gently.

“Can you say hi to Lu’s mama, baby?” you ask her rubbing the back of her head.

“Lu?” she asks and her head perks up a little. She looks to Luke who moves closer to his mom. 

“This is my mama,” he says putting his arm around her, “and this is my dad.”

“Hi Lu mama,” Lily says quietly then quickly buries her head in your neck. You all laugh at her cuteness and you kiss her head. 

“She’ll warm up to you eventually,” Luke smiles.

When you all head inside, Ben and Jack are waiting by the couch, small gifts of their own in their hands. You give Luke a knowing glare but he just shrugs it off and kisses your temple. 

***

For the rest of the trip, Lily really opens up to Luke’s family. She absolutely adores Liz and always wants to cuddle her when you’re all together. Everyone has fallen in love with Lily and Liz, a mother herself, paid very close attention to how you and Luke worked as a unit with Lily. 

She noticed how Lily would go to both you and Luke equally if she hurt herself or if she wanted to show you something. She noticed how Luke’s face lit up when Lily would call him ‘dada’ and you explained that Cory is ‘daddy.’ She noticed how much Luke absolutely adored you and Lily.

She remembers how torn up he was when you’d broken up for those three months. His voice was void of life whenever he’d answer her calls. She loves how happy you all seem and can’t wait to see what’s in store for your future.

• • • •

Taglist: @galcalirwin @cashtonasff5sos @wokeupinjapanisabop @myloverboyash  @rotten-kandy @tea4sykes @jannimoeller3 @loveroflrh @iovehemmings @cxddlyash @princesslrh @here-for-the-uproars @katiaw2 @g-l-pierce @fairyintheglass @gosh-im-short @banditocth @dezzym17 @wildflowerxcth @lukeisbaby @spicycal @mysticalhood @thesubtweeter @wastedheartcth @atlcalm @itjustkindahappenedreally

[emeraldwaves]

Title: What We Lack Part 21 Pairing:  Kacchako, Deku/Melissa, Todomomo Rating: T Word Count: 4,381 Read on Ao3 Summary:  

Quirkless.

They’re the last people anyone expects to have a child without a quirk.

Neither of them can fully wrap their heads around it, but Ochako knows Katsuki is struggling far more than her.

Thank you to  @amaisenshi for reading this over and letting me freak out always. I KNOW IT’S BEEN MONTHS BUT IM BACK XD

Covering her face, Momo peaked between her fingertips, barely able to watch her two sons. Arata wasn't holding back at all, not that she expected either of them to, but Arata looked especially enraged.

He swung at his brother and Yuuta fell backwards, landing on his back out of the ring.

"Yuuta!" Momo gasped. Standing up, she gripped the railing in front of her, her knuckles turning white as she squeezed the bar.

"He'll be okay," Shouto said, standing with her. He gently planed his hand on her shoulder.

"I-I have to go to him!" she stammered, looking between the field and Shouto.

Shouto gripped at her shoulders. "No, Momo. I doubt Yuuta will feel comfortable if his parents show up back there. We can visit him after. They have staff to take care of him."

"It's okay, Momo-chan," Ochako said next to her. The woman took her hand and squeezed it gently. "They'll all be okay."

With a sigh, she buried her face in her hands. "This is too stressful," she whimpered.

"And Todoroki Arata will be moving on to the next round!" Mirio's voice echoed in the stadium as cheers erupted.

"Good job, Arata," Shouto called out, clapping.

Right. Her other son had won, that was important too. The entire match had been tense, but she didn’t want to ignore her other son’s success. "Congratulations!" she cheered, though her voice was shaky. How could she cheer for Arata when Yuuta was lying on the ground motionless. But, then again, how could she not?

She flopped back down onto the bleacher, next to Ochako. "You should be so happy you only have one out there."

Ochako giggled softly, stroking over Momo's back. "Momo-chan, it's okay! It's the sports festival. I was really injured during my fight with Katsuki and I ended up being fine."

"Better than fine," Bakugou growled, bumping into her shoulder.

"Yes, better than fine. I'm sure Yuuta is okay."

Momo pulled out her phone, running her finger down the side. "I'll send him a text just to check on him. I know he probably won't answer but, I just... I want him to know..."

"Good thing Twin #1 probably isn't going to be out of the running anytime soon," Bakugou scoffed, gesturing to the screen where Arata walked off of the field.

"Did you just say... Twin #1?" Shouto asked, glaring at Bakugou.

"Katsuki!" Ochako hissed, covering his mouth with her palm. "I'm sorry, Shouto." She rolled her eyes.

"How the hell am I supposed to remember their names?!" He growled, yanking his face away from Ochako's hand.

"It's not hard," Shouto stated bluntly.

"I'm curious how you decided who was one and two," Deku muttered tapping his chin. Melissa frowned, incredulous that her husband decided to join in on the debacle.

"I dunno, that one was more aggressive, I figure he came out first," Bakugou said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Dad!" Sayuri gasped. She groaned and pressed her palm against her forehead, shaking her head back and forth. Apparently that was even too far for even her.

Momo, however, couldn't help but laugh. She was so stressed, the lighthearted conversation actually made her feel better. She pressed her fingers to her lips, trying not to burst out loudly.

"Momo?" Shouto asked, concerned laced in his tone.

"I-I'm sorry. I just didn't expect the conversation to go in this direction," she giggled, snorting. "And for the record, Yuuta is older. Just by a couple minutes."

"Hah!?" Katsuki huffed, folding his arms across his chest. "Whatever, I think you're confused."

"Why would we be confused about our own children?" Shouto scoffed, confused why Bakugou would think they wouldn't know about the birth of their own twins.

"This is the dumbest conversation I've ever witnessed," Sayuri grumbled, glancing to Kazu.

Momo was honestly grateful. "I am proud of Arata." She sighed, looking out as they set up the stadium for the next face off. Arata wouldn't be back out for a few matches, giving him, and Momo, time to recover.

"I know it's possible our sons could face off, but for your sake, I hope Arata doesn't lose," Ochako giggled.

"He won't."

A new voice boomed behind them, a deep voice Momo hadn't heard this close and personal for quite some time. She clenched her fists against her knees. Just as she had begun to calm down...

"E-Endeavor-san!" Deku gasped, bowing his head as the man walked down the bleachers to where they sat.

Shouto stood up immediately. "What are you doing here?" he growled.

"I'm here to watch my grandsons. Though it seems Yuuta is already out of the running. I'm not surprised, given his attitude," Enji stated.

"We did not invite you," Shouto replied, his eyes narrowing at his father.

"I don't need your permission to be here, Shouto," Enji retorted.

"Shouto," Momo whispered, covering his fist with her hand. Why was he here? Why did he feel the need to constantly torture Shouto and their family? Hadn't he done that enough?

"Arata seems to be doing a fantastic job. Training him has paid off," Enji continued, ignoring the anger on his son's face. "Don't you think you should be grateful, Shouto?"

He sucked in a long breath of air. "Every time I think you've changed, you prove otherwise."

"Do I have to remind you that your son came to me-"

"Todoroki Enji!" Momo boomed, standing up. Her voice commanded a presence so strong everyone turned to look at her, their section of the stadium quiet. "I know you don't respect me. You've made that very clear over the years," she continued, not caring if everyone watched or heard what she had to say to this man. "Still, Shouto has spoken to you many times about staying away from our family. I understand that my son came to you, but you will stay away from him."

Enji's eyes narrowed, leaning toward her. "You son came to me," he repeated.

"I don't care what Arata did. He might not understand it right now, but I refuse to let you indulge in training him. Besides," she huffed, "you've said yourself his quirk is more similar to mine than yours. If he wishes to better himself, I will be the one to train him. Not you. If you ever come near either of my sons again, I will not tolerate it."

"Oh you won't?" Enji huffed, staring down at the woman.

"I won't. You spent years forcing Shouto to be what you wanted him to be and neither of us will allow you to do that to our children."

"Momo," Shouto whispered, gently touching her arm. "You don't-"

"No, I do," she hissed. "I refuse to let your father control you, our relationship or our family. He ruined your family, he does not get to ruin ours."

Everyone stared. People who didn't know them stared. People who did know them stared even harder.

Enji was silent, his eyes not unlocking with Momo's, the woman not backing down.

Pulling in a long breath, Enji sighed. "I won't stop Arata if he comes to me again."

With a final glare, Momo let out a huff before speaking. "You won't have to. He won't be coming near you anytime soon. I will make certain of that."

"Hmm," Enji hummed, still glaring after a brief bout of silence.

The two stared at each other intently for another few seconds, but the moment seemed to go on for eternity. Eventually Enji turned and walked away. Whether he chose to watch from elsewhere, no one knew, but the former flame hero had vacated the area for the time being.

"There," Momo said, smoothing out her skirt. She took a seat back on the bleacher. "I need to cheer for Arata."

Everyone stayed standing, staring at her.

"What?" she asked, glancing between her friends.

"That... was incredible, my love," Shouto said, falling to his seat with an exhale, as though he was finally letting out a breath he’d held in for years.

"I couldn't stand it any longer," she whispered, gently stroking her fingers over Shouto's cheek. "I couldn't bear to see him hurt you or our family any longer."

"I doubt that will keep him away forever..." Shouto muttered. "But it's a start..."

~~

The second Yuuta lost, Shouhei knew he was going to have to fight Arata. There were plenty of matches left, but something about the whole situation didn’t sit right with him.

Arata had been, for lack of a better phrase, a total ass lately and it had been bothering Yuuta which meant it bothered Shouhei. There was no way he was going to let his boyfriend suffer quietly like that, not when Arata wasn't explaining why he was acting the way he was.

Shouhei pursed his lips, watching the replay of his boyfriend falling to the ground. It wasn't very pleasant to watch and he kept his hands shoved into his pockets. Honestly, he was itching to fight again and he had one match left before he qualified for the finals.

The stadium cheered loudly when Arata won his second match, giving him a guaranteed spot in the finals. Shouhei saw him walking down the steps obviously heading to wait for the final match.

He glared as he walked by, the red in his hair glistening against the ceiling. Shouhei clicked his tongue. "I don't know what your damn problem is lately, Arata, but we're going to settle it out there."

Arata stopped, his turquoise eyes flicking in Shouhei's direction. "Are we Shouhei? You have to win this match first."

"I will," he sneered. "If it means I get to kick your ass, I will win."

"We'll see about that," he muttered, continuing on his way.

Shouhei rolled his eyes and made his way to the stadium. Ultimately, he would deal with Arata later, even if they didn't necessarily face off here.

His second match was easier than his first, defeating his classmate with a water quirk fairly quickly. He had become a master of dodging while he was making himself float and thankfully, he didn't get as nauseous as his mother did.

"It's been decided! Our final face off will be between Bakugou Shouhei and Todoroki Arata!" Mirio's voice boomed throughout the stadium. "It's reminiscent of their fathers facing off in the final battle of their freshman year, isn't it Tamaki!?"

"Mm." Tamaki's hum was barely heard, but Mirio didn't push for anything more from his partner.

Shouhei saw the board light up, pushing his and Arata's pictures to the top. Admittedly, he was happy to be facing off with Arata. He knew, as weak as it was, if it was Yuuta, he would've struggled. In general he was happy he had avoided that potential fight altogether.

Pursing his lips, he made his way out of the stadium, everyone cheering as he left. He only had a little time before the final match and he would use it to recover.

The first thing he did was check his phone, realizing his mother had texted him many times. She congratulated him, then she asked if Yuuta was okay, then another congratulations and finally she wished him luck.

[Text: Mom]: Thanks, I'm gonna kick Arata's ass!

[Text from: Mom] We're rooting for you! ;)

He sighed, leaning his head against his locker. He had expected this. He had challenged Arata with his words and yet... he could only imagine how upset Yuuta would be to see his brother and his boyfriend fighting.

Shutting his locker, he made his way out of the room and twisted his lips. He wasn't supposed to go to the infirmary if he didn't need help, but... he wanted to see Yuuta just one time before stepping out against Arata.

Making his way down the hall, he peeked into the room. Yuuta was laying down, staring out the window.

"Hey," Shouhei called softly.

Immediately, Yuuta turned around, a smile pulling across his lips when he realized who was visiting him. "Shou!" he said, and quickly covered his mouth. "You're not supposed to be here."

"I know, I know, but I just needed to see you before the last match. I'm... going up against your brother," he said, stepping closer to his bed.

"Yeah, I saw," he said with a sigh.

"Are you doing okay?" Shouhei asked, looking Yuuta up and down.

"Yeah," he said. "Just a few bruises, nothing major." Shouhei could tell Yuuta wasn't hurt, but he still looked frustrated. His fists curled around the blanket, his knuckles white. "I know this is... a lot to ask of you, Shou, but please defeat my brother. I think maybe he needs to lose or... I don't know..." Yuuta stammered. His chest heaved as he desperately tried to explain himself.

"Hey, hey, Yuu..." Shouhei said, reaching forward to take his hand. "Whatever is going on with Arata... we're gonna figure it out. And... I'm gonna kick his ass." He smirked, leaning in towards Yuuta. "I just... need one thing."

"Yeah?" Yuuta asked, blinking. "What's that?"

"A good luck kiss," he whispered.

Yuuta gasped and glanced around the room, as if they'd already been caught. "H-Here?!"

"It'll be quick, I promise," he smiled and leaned in, brushing their lips together. He cupped his cheek, taking in his boyfriends perfect lips, kissing him softly. He could've stayed there forever, kissing him, enjoying his lips. "There," he said, pulling back. He loved how red and flustered Yuuta's face was.

"S-Shou..."

"That was all I needed. There's no way I can lose now," he smirked.

Yuuta swallowed, finally catching his breath after the soft moment. "Shou, just... be careful. And don't kill Arata okay?"

Shouhei snorted. "Look, I'm not going to go easy on him, but just because Arata's been a dumbass lately doesn't mean I'm going to murder him. I promise okay?"

Nodding, Yuuta leaned back in the bed. "I know you two won't actually kill each other, it's just going to be difficult to watch."

"You don't have to," Shouhei said, trying to hide his reluctance. Something about the idea of Yuuta watching him thrilled him, he wanted to make him proud.

"No... I wanna support you both. I-I mean no matter who wins... I get to be happy!" he said, forcing a smile.

"Yeah," Shouhei nodded, squeezing his hand before moving away from the bed. "Don't worry, it's not like the school would let us take things too far." Or so he wanted to think.

Yuuta nodded again. "I know Shou. Besides I trust you, and I even trust Arata, despite how stupid he's been."

"Don't worry. I'll knock him down a few pegs," he said, giving Yuuta a thumbs up.

He waved, a smile quirked on the corner of his mouth.

Shouhei backed away from the room and intercom buzzed. "Just five minutes until the final match."

He swallowed, rubbing his hands together as he began to pace in the hallway. He wondered how his dad felt right now, when he was about to face off against Todoroki. Shouhei could only imagine how loud and angry his father must have been. Still, in the end, just like always, his father came out on top.

Shouhei had no idea if he could match that level of energy. His parents were always telling him to be who he was, to fight in a way that worked for him, and while he knew he could do that, he sometimes wished he had his father's confidence. Though, even Sayuri, who often had their father's temper, didn't seem to share his self-assurance.

He made his way to the entrance, knowing in just a few minutes they were going to call his name. Arata was on the other side of the stadium, and Shouhei wondered how confident Arata was. He'd seemed cocky during his fight with Yuuta and his other opponent but it wouldn't do him well to underestimate Shouhei, though presumably he knew that.

It seemed Arata had gotten stronger, but Shouhei was more than ready to take him on. In just a few short months, U.A. had already helped him better his quirk.

"Introducing the final two of this year's U.A. sports festival...Todoroki Arata and... Bakugou Shouhei!" The stadium erupted with applause.

Pursing his lips, Shouhei took a step forward. He didn't want to rush in to this, especially after all the matches they had earlier. He prayed Arata's strength would be down, but knowing the unruly twin, he was probably ready to take on this match full force. He'd probably been waiting to fight Shouhei from the beginning.

Shouhei didn't care about Arata's problems, he was going to win this for the sake of Yuuta and Sayuri. He had promised her.

Arata was walking up to the arena, the crowd going wild. It was so odd, looking at Arata's face which looked so similar to Yuuta's, and yet... Shouhei could see all the differences. Arata's eyes were sharper, angrier in this case. In general, his features seemed harsher than Yuuta's soft ones. Or maybe Shouhei was just projecting, given Arata's attitude as of late.

"Both Todoroki Arata and Bakugou Shouhei are legacies here at U.A and they're both the top of their respective classes!" Mirio announced. "We're certainly in for something exciting here!"

Scoffing, Arata planted his feet, pulling a molten spear from his chest.

Shouhei smirked. "Wasting no time I see." He pressed his hands together and touched his body, pushing off of the ground. With his other opponents, he'd rushed in, getting the upper hand by floating them and taking control of their body. He knew that wouldn't work on Arata, not after all the times he had pulled that trick on him as a kid.

Plus, the idea of teasing him a little sounded fun. Arata needed to stop being so damn serious.

He glanced down at him, floating far enough above to be out of reach. "I'm not here to fool around Shouhei," he hissed.

"Oh I know that, you've made that very clear over the past few weeks. Who shoved one of those lava sticks up your ass?" He snorted, gesturing to the burning pole he held in front of him.

"You and Yuuta will never understand. You're too far up each other's asses to notice or care about anything other than each other," Arata snapped, his eyes narrowing as he stared up at Shouhei.

Shouhei took a moment, looking down at Arata. Was that what this was all about? Was he jealous Shouhei had sort of taken his brother from him? It couldn't only be that though...

"Are you going to keep avoiding me? Is this your brilliant plan to win?"

Arata's voice snapped Shouhei from his thoughts, and he shook his head. "I dunno. I thought it could enjoy the view from up here. This is what you get for being an asshole, Arata."

With a grunt, Arata slammed his spear into the ground, cracks streaming through the field. He pushed himself into the air and yanked another object from his chest. It was a whip, fire coating the long line and Shouhei's eyes widened.

"Shit," he muttered to himself and Arata flicked it forward, wrapping around Shouhei's leg to yank him down to the ground. His back slammed against the floor of the arena and the entire audience let out a long groan. His leg burned but it wasn't like Shouhei wasn't used to the heat. Not with Bakugou Katsuki as his father.

"I told you not to underestimate me, Shou," Arata snapped, and yanked the whip back, pulling Shouhei with him.

"Don't worry," he grunted, brushing his fingers over loose pieces of debris on the ground. He flicked his fingers up and shot the pieces of rock straight towards Arata's chest, knocking him back. He let go of the whip long enough for Shouhei to push off the ground floating up once again. "I would never do that to you."

The crowd cheered when Shouhei got back up, happy their match wasn't almost done. He stretched up, watching Arata pant as he pulled the spear from the ground, now holding both weapons in his hands.

Admittedly, Shouhei hadn't thought much of Arata's improvement, mostly because he hadn't seen it up until now. They didn't train with his class, and though Yuuta had been upset Arata had been training with their grandfather, Shouhei had no idea Arata had improved so much so quickly. He had never been able to manifest more than one weapon and he did it smoothly.

It was time to get serious. Launching himself down, he landed against the ground. "I really don't get what your damn problem is, Arata. You've obviously improved a lot. I don't know why you feel the need to be better than me and your brother."

"Shut up," Arata growled, launching the spear towards Shouhei. He dodged, barely missing the fast projectile. "I am better than you and my brother."

"When did you get so competitive?" Shouhei sighed, his eyes flicking backwards to where the spear lay on the ground. He had to touch it with his bare hands to get it to float and though that would cause a serious burn, it would be worth it to throw Arata off guard.

"I've always been this competitive," he snapped.

"Not really, you always wanted to win, but never to the extent that you hurt your brother," Shouhei hissed.

Arata's eyes widened for a moment and then he frowned. "Well maybe Yuuta needs a little tough love."

"Not from you he doesn't," Shouhei snapped. "He misses you, Arata." If he could get his hands on Arata, he could float him and then pin him to the ground.

"There's... there's no need to miss me. He can talk to me whenever he wants."

Shouhei moved closer, shoving his hands into his pants pockets. If Arata thought he was disarmed... maybe he would lower his own guard. The burning whip dripped fire onto the solid ground, but Arata hadn't made a move to use it.

"You and I both know that's not really true," Shouhei said.

"Well who cares? You can just talk to each other!" He snapped, flicking the whip towards Shouhei.

He ducked, yanking his hands from his pockets as he brushed against debris again.

"That won't work twice-" Arata began to say, but Shouhei flicked his fingers upwards, sending it into the air. This time, Arata looked up and Shouhei dashed forward, slamming his hands against Arata's side.

"I didn't want it to work twice," he grinned.

He flicked his fingers up again, shooting Arata into the air. He clung to the whip and tried to flick it downward, but his limbs flailed in the air. Shouhei jumped up and grabbed Arata, slamming him down to the ground.

"Dammit!" Arata cursed, his body hitting the ground at rapid speed. Shouhei had released the gravity, making Arata feel heavy on the ground and he desperately tried to push himself up.

Instead, he let small fireballs appear in his hands and flung them at Shouhei, one after the other, draining the heat from his body. Shouhei dodged, ducking and zipping around the fire, but Arata was relentless. Even as they shrank in size, he kept throwing them, attempting desperately to hit him. However, his body was weightless and it was easy to dodge, no matter what Arata did. Despite his efforts, Shouhei could tell he was getting tired, from using too much heat and the injuries Shouhei had inflicted by slamming him down.

With a grin, Shouhei flipped behind himself, and quickly pressed his hands to the hot spear. He pulled away with a hiss, shaking his hands out. Flicking his fingers forward he shot the spear towards Arata, placing it right in front of his face, holding him in place. "The hell-"

He touched his fingers over the debris and hovered them above Arata's face, pinning them down against his jacket.

"Looks like you're stuck," Shouhei grinned. "Guess you shouldn't have underestimated me."

"You're such a smug, arrogant, prick," Arata spat. "You always have been. I don't know what my brother sees in you."

"Try looking in a damn mirror," Shouhei snarled. He flicked his fingers to the side, the spear falling forward and Shouhei lunged for Arata, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. "You've been nothing but trouble ever since we started here. I promised Yuuta I wouldn't fuck you up too bad, but I've wanted nothing more than to punch your face in every time he gets upset that you're being a little shit."

"Yuuta, Yuuta, Yuuta, that’s all you care about! That’s all anyone cares about!" Arata clenched his teeth, wincing in pain. He was shivering, obviously trying to get back body heat. "I want to be the number one hero, that's my legacy as a Todoroki. That's Yuuta's legacy too, but he doesn't seem to give a shit about that. He only cares about following you. That's why he's here, he's making me look bad-"

Swinging his hand, Shouhei's fist connected with Arata's jaw. He loosened his grip and Arata fell to the ground, his lip bleeding as he coughed, his arms trembling against the ground.

"Okay, OKAY!" Mirio's voice boomed. "It's safe to say this match is getting a little personal! Bakugou Shouhei is the winner!"

He thrust his hand into the air and the crowd erupted with a cheer. He won, just like he promised. His parents were going to be so excited. Sayuri was going to be excited too; they were going to celebrate the hell out of this. Still, he couldn't help but glance at Arata who shook against the ground.

Shouhei sighed and unzipped his jacket, walking forward to drape it over Arata's arms. "Yuuta doesn't care about legacy... or being number one. He cares about his brother, and I care about one of my best friends. Just try and remember that's important too, otherwise you're gonna be lonely as hell at the top," Shouhei muttered.

He didn't look back as he walked off the field. Though he won, something about the victory didn't taste as good as he wanted it to.