#it’s after the little dinosaur from land before time

[mixedbag-o-beans]

careful kids, david tennant is slippery slope. first you think oh wow i want to see more of his filmography. now you have to fall asleep watching DuckTales because your autism decided it is tantamount to your overly elaborate bedtime routine you use to trick your body into sleeping.

[jolalibrary]

20. rainier grey

frankie morales x f!reader | epilogue of do me yourself

summary: a meet-cute in a hardware store? impossible, out of the question. except, that's exactly what happens. a need for screws leads you to a broad-shouldered, brown-eyed man who you're sure is about to change your day, never mind your life.

wordcount: 3.8k chapter warnings: dad!frankie. frankie calls you 'rainy' (paint-related from chp.1) no other descriptions or name used. no use of y/n. flirting. they're no longer idiots. an: the end

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key: frankie is in bold, you are in italics

You sure you got everything from the house, baby? I think so! Does this mean you're giving the keys in?

Unpacking another box, you slide a photograph onto the shelf, right next to his. You smile, shifting it, trying to make your things look like they belong as much as his.

Evidence of you already slotting in. Books sitting with his, plants finding homes in corners that look as though they were made for them.

Yeah. Unless you've changed your mind? Not even a little bit. Good. Because I already handed them in. And what if I had said I thought I’d forgotten something?

The bubbles in the corner appear, fluttering and twitching, until they vanish. You roll your eyes, grabbing a tissue-wrapped small artificial cactus, placing it, and tilting your head as your phone vibrates.

You know I’ve checked the place twice. Did the sex chair go into storage okay, by the way?

Even from here, you know he snorted. A breathy laugh, one that has and will always make your lips press together before sliding up into a smirk. You giggle at it, imagining him trying to suppress it if he's with people. Shaking your head at the image as you see him typing.

You gotta stop calling your office chair a sex chair. Well, the only thing that happened in it was that. Gonna drive now, you menace. Hurry home, baby.

Sighing, you rip the tape from the underside of the box and flatten it, staring at the wasteland of boxes that have taken over his living room. Despite the chaos, you feel like you're finally home, for the time in a long time.

A thing you'd whispered to him when he'd hooked his leg over yours in bed this morning.

Steam billowed, carrying the scent of spices, tomatoes, and herbs blending into the air as you hear the front door open.

It brings a smile, tugging at the corners of your mouth, even though this should feel ordinary by now. A thing you should be used to, it feels like the first day all over again.

No more boxes, all unpacked, places for everything and newly learnt routines that you know to listen for.

Head turned to the doorway, hearing one thing after the other landing in the bowl: Keys, wallet and two thuds of his boots being removed.

It's all a routine now, something normal. Dinner is divided between whoever arrives home first. If he gets home first, he starts it, the two of you relying on the board on the wall to keep track. The one that's a vibrant array of colours—butterscotch orange, dinosaur green, and rainy day blue—highlighting the various shifts, jobs, and school pick-ups your month has in store.

This week, it’s a lot of orange. Things are picking up, with more word getting out about Frankie’s business and what he can do. The reviews are trickling in, and you know he’s already quickly outgrowing the summer house in the back garden. You commented on it when the two of you made the decision, something he assured you would be fine. You still agree that paying for two homes wasn’t a wise choice when he was already taking a risk.

Risky—a word you could never use to describe him. But a word you let him have, relenting, melting into his arms as you bid goodbye to the office he made you, with the promise of a better one in the future.

Now, standing in the kitchen that used to be just his and is now ours, you count in your head the seconds until his arms slide around your middle, his mouth pressing a kiss to your head.

“Smells good.”

Turning your head, fingers sliding under his chin—you steal a kiss, and another, sliding your digits around his jaw before they’re tangling in his hair.

“Could get used to this.” You hum against his mouth, murmuring a what that makes him smile, smirk, right up against yours. “You in our kitchen.”

“Well, it has been months now—I’d hope you’d be used to it.”

Shrugging, running his hands up down your arms, he steps back and leans on the counter. On the days when he beats you home, you bring home stories of Harry, customers and the random paint name you’ve found that you make him guess the shade of until he gets it right. Tonight, you ask him how his day has been. A mundane question, a thing that arises every day and yet the answer is never the same.

He talks about another enquiry, how the photos of your old office space, in the place you once called home, had inspired another couple to get in touch. And you try not to smirk, to wear a knowing smile, but instead nod, stirring and grabbing plates as he folds his arms and keeps his gaze on you.

A thing you thought would have lessened, but hasn’t.

“You need my help with this one, or?”

Shaking his head, folding his arms—looking you up and down as he traces his tongue across his bottom lip.

“What?”

“We said if we did this you wouldn’t try and do it all.”

You might not groan outwardly, but you do inwardly. His brows raise as though knowing so too, a thing which almost drags a laugh out of you. Almost.

“Come here,” he says, hand extended, finding your slides in as he drags you close. “I appreciate you, you know that?”

“I do.”

Good, he whispers, brushing your cheek with his thumb—the roughness of it making liquid heat spark in your stomach as you bite the inside of your cheek.

“You want a hand dishing up?”

Shaking your head, you kiss his wrist. “No. Go change—you can’t do it all.”

His snigger stays in the kitchen with you, long after he’s left to go change.

Luca told me something interesting at drop off.

Not sure I want to know.

Apparently, we’re getting a dog?

Little shit. No. He asked me and I said I’d think about it.

Well, apparently he thinks that Saturday when we pick him up we’re going to get him a dog that lives at our house.

Fuck.

Fuck indeed.

Are we against a dog?

It takes a second for the squeals to calm down.

Your arms may be scratched, and you may have wanted to sob as you tried to build the crate on your own, but the joy thrumming inside you as Frankie wrestles the puppy and Luca screams with laughter makes it all worth it.

It feels right that there are two bowls on the kitchen floor, both sitting on a plastic mat covered with paw prints.

It makes the home feel complete, even with a wet patch on the rug, even with your new shoe marked with tiny teeth marks, and even though you're exhausted beyond words.

Grinning, you lean back on the couch, watching Frankie pretend to bark and growl as the puppy tries to nip at him. The two alternate between rolling around, evading each other, the creased laugh marks on Frankie's nearly enough to make you get on the floor and join him, just to brush your fingers against them.

Instead, you teasingly poke the boy next to you. “Luca, what do you want to call him?”

Mouth sliding from side to side, Luca shuffles and bounces along the sofa before his head comes to rest on your arm. Frankie shifts to playing a version of tug-of-war. “Tyler.”

“Tyler?” Frankie asks, pausing to stroke the retriever's ears.

Luca smiles and then beams. “Like tyrannosaurus.”

Somehow, you suspected you should have seen that coming.

“Okay, well, Tyler needs to go to the toilet. Do you want to try and take him?”

Luca, nodding and smiling, taps your arm. “Will you come with me?”

“Of course I will.”

As you stand, you catch sight of Frankie beaming up at you, warmth flooding your cheeks and ears at the sight of it.

What are you doing for lunch, baby?

Well, I was going to treat myself to a coffee and maybe a sweet treat. But what are you thinking?

I was thinking of letting Tyler out, bringing you fast food and sitting in the office at Harolds?

Oh, it’s been a while since we’ve done that. I like that our roles have reversed here.

I know. Do you know when Harold will let you have lunch?

Delivery is almost away, and then I just have to do a few bits.

I’ll be there in an hour. I’ve missed your face today.

Sounds good. Maybe you should have spent more time with it this morning then, than between my legs.

I have zero regrets about how I started my day.

“Have you seen the yard—I think that’s enough room for Tyler, how much bigger can he even grow after a year, and look here...”

Your fingers loop in between his, tugging him, practically dragging him with you to the kitchen window—the slightly overgrown grass and white fence greeting the two of you.

It’s the eleventh house the two of you have seen. Fingers brush over his thumb as he follows you around the rooms in a house that’s spacious, with three bedrooms, and two-and-a-half baths. It’s airy, light—ridiculously bright.

But it needs work.

A thing you can tell he’d thought on sight, even if the most he’s done is make a snort or a hum.

You suspect Frankie is paying more attention to the things wrong with it, than what is right. Missing some of the things you point out to him, too busy calculating square footage as the two of you walk around it. Ignoring your opinions on floor-to-ceiling bookcases and hallway mirrors, if the two of you could get a bigger bed than you both have now.

You do think he catches that you think Luca should have the largest room—your reasoning dripping from your tongue that he needs space as he grows up, that you both have a bigger closet in the second biggest.

“—And, we'd probably need to get him one of those beds soon, the ones where he has space under for a pull-out or a desk. The closet is decent, but we’ll have to get him some drawers too.”

Your fingers trace along the doors of the closet as he blinks, coming back to you, to the house, to the room.

“Wait—what…”

And you smile. Not just with kindness or joy, but with everything. Push it outwards, hoping it stretches its warmth out over the entire room, hoping it’ll surround him, maybe he’ll allow it to wrap itself around him as you tilt your head.

“I think this should be Luca’s room.”

Walking towards you, the heels on his boot sounding on the wooden flooring. “Baby, you can’t think that. For one, this house is—“

“Perfect,” you finish, palms finding his cheeks, thumb stroking the hair on either side of his lip. “It’s perfect, Frankie.”

You can see it, even if he doesn’t say it: it isn’t.

You’ve suspected for a while that he has an idea of a home the two of you should have. He’d whispered it to you three months ago in bed, head buried in your neck, fingers fanned over your hips as he talked about garden size, a pool, a workshop and even an office.

In some capacity, this house ticks some of those boxes. It has a spacious kitchen, it has a decent yard and a pool that needs a deep clean. There’s a room that could be an office, but would most likely be a spare bedroom for friends, for Benny or one of your own.

And, you’re grinning. Watching him smile in response, all radiant like he thinks you’re the reason the world rotates.

Then he says it, the thing which has been ticking behind the scenes. Unsaid, unspoken—ignored as though it doesn’t have its own pulse. “You deserve better.”

You don’t mean to, but your forehead wrinkles, brows knitting together as your smile fades into a thin line. Feeling it, etched and written across your face as shame works across him. The evidence of a battle he’s having with himself—something churning, twisting as you slide your hands down his neck and loop them at the back.

It’s clear now it’s been needling him—likely making his chest tight, wrapping vines around his chest, all thick and full of spikes, as he rolls his neck and sighs.

Tilting your head, trying to keep your tone level, you whisper, “Baby, what do you mean?”

Because the realtor is downstairs.

Not wanting to cause a fight—a scene. Your skin prickles as you momentarily panic that you’re whisper isn’t a whisper, when his mouth opens, but no sound leaves it. Worry tangles in your head, and in your throat as you move closer. Wanting more words to appear, to conjure, tell me, tell me, tell me, burning a hole in your tongue as you need him.

Your hand brushes his cheek, forehead smoothing out—concern replacing earlier confusion. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The edges of your mouth twitch. “And, I love this house.”

He snorts, shaking his head as you glare.

“Don’t… don’t do that, Francisco. Don’t think for me because you’ve concocted some image of what I want.”

Letting his eyes hang down, he sighs. “I’m not–I’m not doing that.”

“You are. You… you’re looking at each house as if it has a checklist to meet—like it’s being measured against something.”

“Doesn’t it?”

You sigh, dropping your hands from his face. And you miss touching him the moment you do. Wanting to place them back, have him take your wrists and put them back, but you’re already folding them, shaking your head as you stare out the window.

“You can’t be mad at me for wanting the best for you.”

You snort this time, narrowing your eyes as you shoot him a glare that says you can, and you will.

“If, and I mean if we take this house, I… I want, no, I need to do a lot of work on it. Because you deserve the house of your dreams, and admittedly, I can’t afford to give it to you. Because houses are fucking expensive, but I can make it for you.”

Biting down on your lip, you glance, catching the sight of him running a hand over his face. Fingers pinching the inside of your arm as you try not to let tears bubble, swim and then fall.

“I… I don’t want that.”

“What do you mean?”

You look up, blinking away the tears. Seeing the doubt spread across his face, like he wants to rewind the clock—take back ever saying you deserve better.

And you don’t want to fight, not with him.

“Frankie… I don’t want it to be my dream house, I want it to be ours.”

He takes a step towards you. “I know.”

But you raise your hands, not pushing him back, but not inviting him in either.

“But you don’t. You’re not picturing a doorframe we can keep measuring Luca growing up. You’re not thinking of warm Sundays with our friends around the pool—and you’re not seeing the lick of paint needed so our bedroom is a little dimmer, so your eyes don’t burn from all the off-white.

“I don’t need an office—I like working with you and at Harold’s. And, yes, I’m not walking around thinking you won’t have to do anything to this house, because, of course, you will. You’re good, you have an eye. We wouldn’t even be thinking of buying something bigger if you weren’t. But, you started a business a year ago—we can’t afford perfect. But we can buy good and make it perfect. If, and when you stop thinking of me, and instead us.”

Brushing a hand over his face, he takes a moment. Swallowing a sigh, an annoyed grunt. His fingers itch at his forehead, pushing strands of hair under his hat before he drops it and stares at you.

“You really want this one?”

Nodding, you roll your lips. “What about you?”

And so he looks around. Hands digging into his jacket pockets, walking in slow footsteps around the room—

Hoping you've helped him see it, picture it, with all your earlier ramblings.

Where the wooden trunk he made will go, the bed you just talked about—the prints of stars, spaceships and galaxies. He glances out of the window, spotting the long drive and the trimmed grass—the quiet neighbourhood that he could teach Luca to ride his bike in.

He feels you come up behind him, arms sneaking around his waist, his hands clutching your fingers as he smiles.

“You want to take another tour, Morales?”

He smiles, nodding, before he turns in your arms so he’s facing you, clutching your face as he kisses you. One which is full of sorry’s and love.

He lingers his palms on your face, just for a fraction. “Will you tell me all the other things you picture as we walk around?”

Grinning again, like before. One which would rival the sun and the beauty of the full moon on a clear night sky.

“Sure,” you whisper, taking his hand, leading him out of the room that in several months will be his son’s.

I’ve packed our case and it’s in the shower in our en-suite, so do not turn the water on without looking. Luca’s is half done, but just need you to help me with a few last-minute bits?

Can I ask why our suitcase is in the shower or am I missing something?

Luca is being nosy. He goes into our bathroom but not into the shower. Trying to keep a surprise from him is harder than you think when I apparently “have lying face”.

You do look very suspicious when you lie.

Good job I don’t have to lie for a living.

Is he behaving?

We’ve baked cookies for tomorrow—even if he thinks it's for a movie day. And he’s currently using my iPad to talk to Sam.

I keep hiding in rooms with boxes so he doesn't ask me things.

Rainy, baby.

I know, but it's only a few more hours, right?

Yeah, promise. Sam called me earlier, and said she has managed to get Monday off so she can meet us there on Sunday—says we should pick somewhere in the park so she can surprise him properly.

Do you want me to get to thinking and then text her?

If you don’t mind baby? I should be done here around 7.

Sounds good. Gives me something to focus on until you're home.

You sure you're doing okay?

I’ll be better when we tell him tonight, I’m feeling really bad about lying to him even if it’s for a good reason.

I promise you, the moment he realises we’re going, you’ll see how it’s worth it.

I know. Plus, the promise of you in Mickey Mouse ears is really keeping me going.

The photo of you getting off one of the rides is what is keeping me going.

Mean.

But I love you.

Love you too.

Peaceful—that’s how you’d describe it.

Condensation slips under your fingers, sliding under your wrist, pooling at the watch strap as you hear him shouting something to someone as he makes his way over. The music is quieter over here, the loud voice that attempts to synchronise with the lyrics seems less shrieking, and more full of harmony.

You were only hovering on the outskirts to call to see if Tyler was okay, and then you found yourself lingering. A moment needed, not questioned or protested.

You know that's why he’s been biding his time. Watching, eyes flicking to you just in case you beckon him to come. Now, you smile as he approaches, it pulled from you with so much ease it's reactionary at this point, no thought. Just a-Frankie-smile, all his, hopefully forever his.

The once-warm air has now cooled, whipping the fabric around your frame as he saunters over.

“Wondered how long it would take you.”

Snorting, he takes a sip from his glass—letting it wet his lips, admiring the same view you have been for some time.

Slipping his hand around your waist, you move closer with ease. Hip moving to hip, cheek coming to rest on his shoulder—contentment filling your bones when he brushes his fingers up and down your back.

“You cold?”

“Not now.”

And he smiles, light—it coming with ease now that he has you back by his side.

“Missed you.”

“That’s because you’re a needy boy, Butterscotch.”

Snorting, he buries it in your neck—light, airy—before pressing a kiss to your head and turning to watch those moving on the dance floor. The soft glow of twinkling lights shimmering in his brown, fingers teasing up and down his white shirt.

The moment is only punctuated by a distant sound—a shift in melody embedded into the night breeze. It takes a second, one far too much before you recognise the tune, the song. Smirking to yourself as you remember your passionate rendition in his car the other week. An updated version to the one over a year ago. The look the same, though, all grin, all teeth and almost crinkled eyes.

You feel him turning your head, eyes meeting his.

It’s simple, uncomplicated—a movement that seems rehearsed as you move, leaning, resting your head on his chest as you feel a soft sigh escape his lips.

“When we do this, we’re eloping.”

Brow arching, he smiles. “When?”

“Like you’re not desperate to slip a ring on my finger, Morales.”

Snorting, resting his chin on your head, you take a comforting breath.

Hearing him swallow, you look at him, finding his tongue flicking against his teeth as he stares ahead at the party. “What if I was… desperate?”

Smirking, finding his eyes now on you, even if his head is facing forward. “Well, Frankie, maybe I’d be desperate to say yes.”

Have I told you today you’re beautiful?

Are you texting me from across our hotel room?

I am. I can see your smile in the mirror.

How the roles have reversed. You look good in a suit, have I told you that?

Told me I look good in a different kind of suit today.

Oh baby, you always rock that one very well.

Can’t believe I’m marrying you today.

Can’t believe there’s a chance I’m going to be married by the real Elvis today.

I hope he says uh-huh-a-huh.

If he doesn’t, I say we annul and try again.

You do really look beautiful.

You should take a photo with Will’s camera—I guarantee I’ll get sauce down me.

You and white.

It’s actually rainier grey, but maybe I should have worn butterscotch.

Not sure I’d have survived that. Already pretty close to falling apart at the sight of you now.

Shut up and come here and kiss me.

AN: The End.

God, I was emotional last week, but as much as I am this week, I'm just grateful. Grateful you've all followed, that I got to tell this exactly how I wanted to. But, mainly, that you let this pair into your hearts. I love you, thank you.

[stanpinesdykewife]

you ride stan's thigh on his armchair. enjoy!

thigh riding stan/reader (gender-neutral) (with a vagina) pre/during/post-canon/unspecified smut, 1334 words

“What? What's that face?” Stan asks, looking at you sideways from the armchair. His suit jacket and shirt are undone, his girdle and tie long sacrificed to the corner of the living room. Other than that, he's still dressed—a rarity, considering the late hour. On the other hand, you’re dressed in comfortable sleepwear, sitting on the dinosaur skull beside the chair. Your elbow is propped next to Stan’s on the armrest and your chin is propped in your palm. You shrug, watching the dim light of the TV cast soft shadows across Stan’s face.

“Nothing,” you say casually. Stan glances from the corny whodunit on the TV to you, your blank face, your upper body angled toward him. Then he sees it: Your thighs shift together, just slightly, your sleep shorts riding up half an inch. Stan grins.

“So that's it,” he says slowly, knowing, and you turn your hand so your smile is hidden behind your knuckles. Stan finds the remote and lowers the TV volume, then tosses it somewhere to the side. His grin is smug as he says, “Then why're you sittin’ so far away?”

You're almost embarrassed by how quickly you scramble to stand, a flush already blooming across your face. But you're laughing, giggling really, as Stan holds a hand out and helps you climb onto the chair.

“You need some lovin’, sweetheart?” Stan's voice is low and amused, his hands moving to your waist as you straddle his clothed thigh. You almost feel bad about wrinkling his slacks. But then your hand lands on his chest, broad and sturdy and covered in wiry gray hair, and suddenly you couldn't care less.

“Maybe. You got any to give?” Your hands slide up to Stan's broad shoulders, his suit jacket nice and soft beneath your hands. Stan doesn't answer. Instead, he tilts his head to kiss you. Stan's mouth is warm and soft—and impatient. You barely get to kiss him back before he's licking the seam of your lips, making you gasp. Then he's licking into your mouth, one of his hands slipping beneath your shirt to hold your lower back.

Stan's large hands on your bare skin has the effect it always does. You melt into him, whining into his mouth, as he explores the soft skin of your waist. His hand dips beneath the elastic of your underwear, but doesn't go further than that. Either way, you feel like you wouldn't notice—Stan's tongue is hot against yours, against your teeth, and his other hand comes to glide along your upper thighs. You're dizzy with his touch, your hand lightly scratching down his chest. Stan breaks the kiss just to duck his head, to press his lips to your neck, and your head rolls back so you're facing the ceiling.

“Ah, fuck—” Your breath catches in your throat as Stan plants sloppy kisses beneath your jaw, his stubble rough against your neck. He takes his time, just mouthing at your skin, but then he finds that sensitive spot below your ear that makes your hips twitch forward. “Fuck, Stan.”

“There we go,” he mutters against you, a grin growing on his face. You realize after a moment that your hips are still moving, just a little, gentle rocks back and forth on his thigh. You hesitate, going to say something he'd like—See what you do to me? or You make me feel so good—but Stan beats you to the punch: “That's it. Keep grinding on me, baby.”

What the fuck else are you supposed to do? You grind your hips down, this time with more purpose, and let a breathy moan fall from your lips as heat builds in your cunt. Stan's hands come back over your clothes, onto your hips, and he guides you with gentle pushes and pulls, setting your pace for you. Your head falls, landing gently in the crook of his neck and shoulder. Your hands move to hold the back of his neck and the side of the armchair for support as you grind on him.

“You like that? You like riding me like this?” Stan’s voice is gruff and almost too loud with his mouth right next to your ear. But it's hot, it's so hot, because he's always been the type to get off on you getting off, and the quiet little noises you're making manage to pull a groan from his throat. You nod against his skin, your eyes clenched shut, just focusing on the feeling of Stan's thigh beneath your clothed cunt. “Good. God, look at you. Needed this, huh?”

“Yeah, yes,” you say immediately, breathless. Then, because you know Stan loves to hear it, “Been thinking about it all day.”

“Yeah?” Stan's hands grip you tighter. “You just wanna feel good, huh? You like when I make you feel good?”

You bury your nose against the neckline of Stan's shirt, embarrassed. But you nod, because you do like it. That much is obvious. You're already wet, you can feel it soaking the crotch of your underwear, rubbing oddly against your skin as you grind back and forth. You've only been at it for a few minutes but you're already close, that familiar heat in your abdomen rolling as Stan moves one hand to the side of your thigh. You moan at the touch, at the gentle way Stan caresses you.

“Bein’ so sweet for me,” he mutters, shifting his thigh so it presses further up into you. You moan against his collarbones, and he breathes harshly into your ear as you start to move faster. “Shit—Yeah, sweetheart, just like that. Rub that little pussy on me. Bet you're soaked, huh?”

“Yeah, fuck, that's good.” You're panting, your breath coming out in short, hot exhales punctuated by moans that start high in your throat. Stan’s breathing is getting heavy too, loud and rough in your ear, unashamed, and it's bringing you that much closer to the edge. You dig your fingertips into the fabric of the chair, rocking your hips faster, and faster, and you say, “God, I'm—Stan, fuck, please—”

“Come on, baby, come for me,” Stan groans, his hands gripping tight to your hips, forcing you to keep up, to keep fucking his thigh harder and harder. Just as you wish it was his dick you were riding, you notice the large tent in his slacks, straining against the zipper, and it's so hot you feel like you’ve been punched in the fucking gut. Stan's hips roll upwards once, clumsy and involuntary. His voice is strained. “Fuck, you're gonna be so wet after this—gonna fuck you right here, make you take my dick right after you come.”

Your orgasm is sudden, slamming into you, making your jaw drop. Your breath catches in your throat and you're shaking through it, waves of heat rolling through your whole body as Stan groans into your hair and drags your hips against his thigh.

“That's it, that's—Just like that, sweetheart. So fuckin’ good for me,” Stan says lowly, letting you hump his leg like a fucking animal in heat. You chase the end of your climax without much rhythm, your hips stuttering at each deep roll of your body onto Stan's lap. He groans into your ear, muttering praise, how good you are, how pretty you sound, how he can feel you ruining his good slacks.

Slowly, the waves of your orgasm ebb away. One last, soft moan tumbles from your lips before your body slumps over Stan's chest with a deep sigh. He chuckles, and his arms come up around your waist in a loose hug.

“You alright, sugar?” he murmurs, voice soft. You nod against his shoulder, suddenly exhausted. Stan presses a kiss to the side of your head, sweet and gentle, making you tuck your face closer to his neck.

Then he takes your hand and brings it to his crotch so you can feel his dick through his pants.

“Good,” Stan drawls, a grin in his voice. “My turn.”

[itadores]

note: sakura's so cute ^-^

pairing: sakura haruka x gender neutral reader

tags: gender neutral reader, silliness, fluff

staring at the wall ahead of you, you're faced with an impossible decision.

which stuffed animal should you buy?

you suddenly cry out, startling sakura who’s standing beside you, and grip your head in despair. "they're all so cute, i can't choose," you exclaim. making decisions has never been your strong suit, and when faced with so many options, you're at a complete and utter loss of what to do.

sakura looks at you a little strangely.

"aren't they all basically the same? it's a stuffed animal," sakura remarks.

you tear your eyes away from the wall of stuffed animals to turn your attention towards sakura. “they are not ‘all basically the same,’” you parrot back to sakura. you motion towards the stack of plushes that nearly stretches across the entire wall of the store, waving your hand wildly. “they’re all different!”

you grab two stuffed animal at random to use as your example. “see this,” you raise the stuffed animal in your right hand, “this is obviously a bunny,” you say before raising the stuffed animal in your left hand, “while this is a dinosaur. not only are they two completely different creatures, but the colors are different as well as the material.”

“i don't get it," sakura bluntly says.

you droop, the stuffed animals in your hands falling to your side. honestly, you didn't really expect sakura to understand your interest in stuffed animals since he doesn’t share the same passion for it as you do, but you're glad he still chose to accompany you regardless.

“it’s fine, i didn’t expect you to understand,” you say, although not unkindly as you place the stuffed animals you grabbed at random back in their respective spots. “i know i can get rather excited when it comes to plushies and other cute things.”

that may be an understatement given the number of stuffed animals and other cute collectibles you already have in your possession, but you don’t need the whole store knowing that.

“i’m just happy you’re here.”

you look over your shoulder, smiling at sakura. he ducks his head, his bangs barely concealing the flush on his cheeks.

“i don’t understand why you like all of this so much,” sakura admits, “but you like it so…”

he trails off at the end, but you understand what he’s trying to convey. it makes you smile once more. sakura is so unaware of how sweet and endearing he can be. it makes you want to lavish him in praise and compliments, but you hold back. you don’t want to embarrass him when he’s in the middle of opening up to you a little bit more.

“thanks, sakura,” you settle on saying. hopefully in the future, you’ll be able to tell sakura everything you want to tell him, but for right now, you’re content taking things at whatever pace works best for him.

“now help me choose!” you exclaim, moving closer to sakura and looping your arms together. he stumbles, knocking his shoulders against yours before quickly stabilizing himself.

“don’t just randomly grab me,” sakura grumbles, shifting in place but making no move to disentangle himself from you.

“sorry,” you reply, utterly unrepentant. "now let's focus on the mission at hand!"

you point out a bunch of different plushes you find cute to sakura, who's unable to offer much help in your decision-making process. it's fine though because the decision becomes crystal clear for you when your gaze lands on a black and white cat plushie that's nestled on one of the lower levels of the shelving unit. it's perfect. all of the stuffed animals you were looking at were cute, but none as cute as the cat plush you now have in hand. you're quick to buy it, leaving the store pleased as can be with your purchase.

as you leave the shop, sakura asks what made you want that stuffed animal out of all the ones you looked at. after all, you had such a hard time choosing which one to buy just to make a decision as soon as you laid eyes on the cat plush. you just shrug and tell him that it's cute, and you liked it the most out of all of them.

what you don't tell sakura is that the black and white cat reminds you of a certain someone. you don't think his poor heart could take it, so you keep it to yourself for now.

maybe, sakura will figure it out for himself in the future.

[holdmytesseract]

A Stroke Of Fate

☆ The Baby Fever AU ☆

Loki x Y/N

Summary: Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. You and Loki learn that in a very hard way. A path you are forced to walk on, which puts your love, relationship and even marriage to the test.

Warnings: 18+! MAJOR TRIGGER WARNING! PROCEED WITH CAUTION! Angst, grief, sadness, loss, fights, mentions of injuries, pregnancy/pregnancy loss! trauma, misunderstandings, inappropriate touching - no rape, but it goes in that direction, violence? fluff! tiny bit of suggestive smut - blink and you'll miss it. Tell me if I missed something!

Word Count: 6k

a/n: This is most likely the saddest thing I have ever written - and it hurt me to the very core to do this to Y/N and Loki, but I had to. The idea was in my head for a long time. I fully blame 'Stay' by Rihanna and Mikky Echo.

Also, this isn't just another Baby Fever fic... This takes their story into a new direction - kind of...

Baby Fever Masterlist °☆• Loki Masterlist °☆• Masterlist

divider by @fictive-sl0th <3

Loki’s eyes widened in realisation; jaw slacking. He wasn't able to move a single muscle. All he could do was stare. Stare at the tiny, seemingly plain object laying inside his big palms.

Millions of thoughts ran through his head at lightning speed. The god's heart pounded violently against his ribcage. He tried to focus, but he couldn't. Too overwhelmed by the various emotions coursing through his veins.

But at last, he felt how the happiness finally took the upper hand and overweighed everything.

Tears started to pool in his oceanic blues; clouding his vision. And with the first tears falling from the corner of his eyes, Loki sunk to his knees on the bathroom floor; clutching the small object tightly against his chest; crying.

All he wanted was to get a towel from the little cabinet underneath the sink to clean up the mess two-year-old baby Narfi had made with his sippy cup - and now he was holding the future in his hands. Literally.

Loki had anticipated a lot... But certainly not to find a positive pregnancy test. Obviously, your pregnancy test; hidden in between the towels.

"Rogers!" Loki called after Cap, before he could step inside the elevator. The blond man's eyes lifted and landed on the god, who was literally jogging down the long hallway, with little Narfi on his arm.

"Have... Have you seen my wife?" He asked; tears still pricking his eyes. Steve raised an eyebrow and thoroughly scanned the prince's features. "Is everything alright, Laufeyson?" Loki nodded quickly; causing his raven locks to gently bounce against his shoulders. "More than alright, Rogers. Now have you seen my wife?" "Um, yes, I- I think she's in the training room, testing her new combat suit. At least that's what Y/N said earlier when we-" Loki slapped Steve's shoulder; interrupted him. "Thank you, Rogers." The god smiled at Steve and rushed past him; quickly pressing the button on the elevator.

Before the soldier could react, the metallic doors shut close in front of him.

Loki could barely contain his excitement. Something the little man on his arm noticed as well...

Narfi looked at his father with big ruby eyes. Sure, he didn't understand the situation, but the boy also didn't have to yet. He was still so young. Lifting a little blue hand, Narfi touched his father's cheek; feeling a tear against his tiny fingers. "Daddy?"

Loki smiled at his son. He adjusted the two-year-old on his arm and turned his head; kissing his palm and blew a raspberry against the skin - which caused Narfi to giggle and Loki to smile even wider. "Let's go, see mommy, yes?" He run his free hand through Narfi's short black curls; still fighting the tears. "See mama?" The god nodded; chuckling. "Yes, little man."

With a ding arrived the elevator on the 5th floor and the doors slid open. Loki stepped out and let Narfi stand on his own small two feet. Then the god squatted down and quickly fixed the boy's jumper. Today he wore the beige one with the dinosaurs on it - gifted to him by his uncle Scott. Narfi's forest green sweatpants needed adjustment, too, since they were still a little too big. After that was done, he stood up again and took Narfi by his hand. "Come one, buddy."

Together, they rounded the corner and entered the training room - well, rather small hall. It had everything an Avenger needed to prepare and train for missions.

Loki’s eyes immediately searched for you - and they found you quickly. You were standing on a mat; doing some stretches, launches and small jumps. Testing your new combat suit - like Steve said. If it weren't for all the Serotonin and Oxytocin coursing through his veins, he'd probably ravish you right then and there. Anyways, he was happy that no one was around...

Narfi was the one to announce your men's arrival. As soon as he saw you, he squealed out and ran as fast as his little legs carried him towards you.

"Mama!"

You immediately turned at the call of your child; seeing Narfi and Loki. You smiled and squatted down; ready to catch the boy. "Mama!" "Hey, sweetie!" You hugged him close and pressed a lingering kiss on his cheek. "Are you and daddy visiting me?" Your son nodded. "Uh.Huh." "Ohh, that's great." You ruffled his hair and stood up again to greet Loki.

"Hey, babe." You smiled and wrapped your arms around your husband's neck. "Hello, love." He placed his hands on your hips; pulling you closer. That was the moment you saw tears glistening in his eyes. He cried... You were of course immediately worried; your brows slanting. "Loki, why are you crying? What is-" He interrupted you with his lips on yours; kissing you with all the love he possessed for you.

Only Narfi's little tuck on his sweatpants was able to break the kiss. "Daddy! Narfi pway ball?" Both, yours and Loki's gaze followed Narfi's pointing. Loki chuckled; realising that the blue softball the boy always played with when he was with you or Loki laid only a few meters away from him. "Sure, buddy, go play."

Narfi ran away; giggling and started to kick the ball across the floor.

"Loki, what is it? You are crying, what's the matter?" Your husband smiled; thumbs tracing over your clothed hips. "I love your new suit." You couldn't help but smile as well, but still quite a bit confused. "Thank you, I... I thought it was time for a new one." "It fits you, my love. You look absolutely ravishing, if I might say so." You bit your lip; noticing the naughty, mischievous glint in his blue eyes. "Ahh, I see..." You giggled and pulled him into another kiss; not forgetting to cast an eye on your son now and then.

With a soft pop ended Loki the kiss - still smiling like a Cheshire cat. "But... You won't need this suit very much longer, right?" He whispered, and you could see how another tear rolled down his cheek.

And suddenly it fell like scales from your eyes. Your brain had quickly connected the dots.

You swallowed. "You... You found the-" "Pregnancy test, yes." Loki finished your sentence with a small sob. "B-But how? I thought I hid it so well..." The god chuckled; shaking his head. A tear dropped from his chin on his sweater. "Not good enough, my love. Narfi spilled water over the table with his sippy cup a-and I needed a towel, so..." You face-palmed yourself. "So you looked in the cupboard underneath the sink, of course. Silly me..." You giggled along Loki, who pulled you closer again.

"I assume you planned to surprise me. I apologise for ruining it." You shook your head; playing with the curls on the nape of his neck. "Indeed yes, but it's okay. It's been a surprise for you nevertheless..." Your husband shook his head - still in disbelief and with silent tears running down his cheeks. "I can't believe that this little joke of ours turned into reality so quick." "Well... I have been asking for it and challenged you, so..." A deep chuckle rumbled through Loki's chest. "Never challenge a half Frost Giant in spring to such things." "Yup, lesson learned," you giggled.

Your husband wrapped you up in a big hug then; holding you close, while you kissed his tears away. "No, honestly, darling... This is great," he whispered; gazing deeply into his eyes. Loki was positively radiating happiness - you could feel it. You nodded. "It is."

He kissed you once again; soft lips melting against yours.

You and Loki sat down on one of the benches then, which lined the wall beside the entrance; watching Narfi play and burn off energy. You had placed a hand on his thigh - which Loki had now wrapped up in his bigger hand.

"When did you take the test, love? And do you know how far along you are? I tried to figure it out myself, but we do way too much love making to do so." A snort, followed by a laugh slipped past your lips and you slapped his thigh. "Loki!" "What?" He asked; smiling mischievously and shrugged his shoulders. "It's the truth, is it not?" You just giggled, but nodded.

He wasn't wrong, after all.

"I took the test three days ago, but I have absolute no idea how far along I am. I'm gonna call my gynaecologist tomorrow and make an appointment." You smiled and squeezed his hand. "You could accompany me..." Loki gazed into your eyes and tuck a loose strand behind your ear. "I'd love to."

Just a few days later, you had your appointment at your gynaecologist's. Loki accompanied you. Ella was at school and Narfi with his auntie Nat. A white lie needed to be told to your best friend, since you didn't want to shout the good news from the rooftops yet.

The pregnancy test you took didn't lie to you. You were, in fact, pregnant again. Five weeks, said your gynaecologist, so it was new, fresh and vulnerable. You and Loki decided to tell it nobody yet. Not a single soul. Not even Frigga. And it turned out to be the right decision, because what happened only three weeks later was something you never thought would happen. At least to you...

"Are you sure you don't want to join us?" You asked Loki, while you stood in front of the mirror. The god was leaning against the wall of the bathroom behind you. He had his hair tied up into a bun and his hands buried in the pockets of his sweatpants. "No, thank you, darling. I'd rather stay here with the kids." You giggled and caught his gaze in the mirror. "Does that mean you prefer Ella's tea party over a night out?"

Loki couldn't help but smirk, "Oh, definitely." and join your laughter.

"Alright..." You started; lastly applying some perfume to complete your look. "I'll be going now." You turned to face your husband. Placing both hands on his chest, you leaned in to kiss him.

Loki nodded; pulling you closer by the belt around your waist. "Take care, alright? Please, by the love of the Norns, look after yourself and the little bean, yes?" You rubbed your palms across his pecs. "Of course, my love. I promise." You kissed him again and then left the bathroom. "And no alcohol!" You heard Loki calling after you. "I know, babe!" You giggled.

After you bid your goodbye to Ella and Narfi; giving them both a big smooch on the cheek, you met up with Nat and Jane to go out for a, well... small girl's night out.

The actual plan was to do a 'couple night's out' - but none of the boys wanted to join in and Pepper and Jane didn't have time in the end as well. Therefore it was just you, Nat and Wanda.

"No Loki?" asked Jane as you walked out of the building. "Nope... He preferred Ella's tea party." That had the three of you giggling. "Understandable," threw Nat in. "Ella's tea parties are the best."

You and the girls headed for your favourite bar; talked, danced and definitely had fun. It seemed like a perfect night. At that point, you not waisted one thought that it could turn some way somehow sour...

But it did. In the worst way possible. A harmless night, which turned into a nightmare.

Shaky hands reached for your mobile. It was almost midnight. You had danced around this for minutes now; not conjuring enough bravery to call him. By now you've tried about a million times - failing.

So, once more you took a deep breath, squeezed your red and teary eyes shut and swallowed the lump in your throat. Your finger hovered above the green button beside your husband's contact.

I have to, I have to, I need to, I want to, you repeated within your head like a mantra, now or never - and finally tapped on the button.

His phone rang. One, two, three, four, a fifth time. You already were on the verge of hanging up when a sleep filled voice croaked out: "Darling?"

On every other day you'd have found Loki's sleepy voice drop-dead sexy... Not today.

"L-Loki?" You heard a bit of a rustling on the other end. "M here, my love, 'm here," he said huskily; "Wha' is it?" audibly trying to wake up. You swallowed hard. "I-I..." You had to cut off your own sentence, in order to hold back the tears - unsuccessfully. A small sob slipped past your quivering lips. Something the god on the other end picked up. It didn't slip his notice.

He immediately sat up and switched on the lamp above his bedside table; wide awake all of a sudden. "Y/N, what's wrong?"

"I... I am at t-the h-hospital."

Loki's eyes widened instantly in shock and fear; his heartbeat skyrocketing. "I beg your pardon; you are where?" You swallowed again; feeling the tears run down your cheeks. "The h-hospital."

Loki was already jumping out of bed.

"What?! Why?! By the Norns, what happened?! Are you hurt?!"

You wanted to scream.

"T-There was... was an incident at the b-bar and-" Loki was already slipping inside a white shirt; hastily buttoning it up and totally forgetting about his magical abilities at that moment. All he could think about was you... And his unborn child.

"I'm coming, love! I'm on my way, I-" "No," you interrupted your husband; causing him to stop dead in his movements - frowning.

"Stay w-with the kids, okay? You..." Fresh tears ran down your cheeks. "You can't leave them a-alone." "But..." Loki threw immediately in; blinded by his fear and worry about the woman he loved; about to just act headless. "Please, Loki, please," you pleaded. "Natasha is going t-to take me home. I-I just wanted to... To tell you."

Your words confused Loki. She can leave the hospital already? "B-But, love, what-" You couldn't take this anymore. You didn't have the strength to talk to him further - and you'd need all your remaining power to keep up the façade later in front of your best friend. "I'll tell you later, I p-promise," you managed to somehow choke out...

...and hung up.

Natasha and you had returned to the Avengers compound about an hour later. Now you were standing in front of the door to your family's apartment. You were exhausted. So utterly exhausted. All your power spent on crying and pretending everything was alright. All you wanted was to break down and cry yourself to sleep - but you had to talk to your husband first...

Unlocking the door, you stepped inside the dark apartment. Mostly dark apartment. The only light source came from the living room. He was waiting for you. Of course he was waiting for you.

You could already picture it in your head. He'd walk up and down in the room; worried and afraid - like a caged and hurt animal.

You took a deep breath; gathered all your leftover strength and made your way into the living room.

Loki was indeed walking up and down the room, but currently had his back to you and a hand in his messy curls. You swallowed.

"Loki..."

The soft, almost inaudible call of his name attracted his attention. He swiftly turned around; facing you. Worry was written all over his face. Your husband's eyes widened, "Y/N!" before he literally ran over to you. His big palms landed on the sides of your upper arms and his oceanic, tear stained blues wandered up and down your body; searching for injuries. "What happened?! What is wrong?! How are you feeling?!" The god's mind was racing - already. And you'd make it worse.

Tears pooled in your eyes again, just at the mere thought of what you were going to tell him.

"At... At the bar, there was an... an incident and-" While you spoke, his palms had wandered down your arms and to your hands. He lifted them gently and wanted to kiss your knuckles, as a frown formed on his forehead. "Y/N, what..." Loki interrupted you; thumbs brushing over the bruises on your wrists. "What is this? Tell me what happened, please. Right now."

You swallowed again, nodding. "There was a-a man. He... He had his eyes on me the whole evening. I could feel it. He was watching me. Just me. Not N-Nat or Wanda. Me." You could already see how Loki's jaw tightened. Anger was taking over his system already. "At s-some point I had to go to the ladies. He... He followed me. He said that he had cast an... an eye on me and that he would like to..." You cut off your own sentence. Not that you needed to finish it. Loki knew what you were going to say. "I refused, of course. T-Tried to stay polite and leave, but... He didn't let me. He... He trapped me inside the ladies, caged me against the wall." That's where the bruises come from, Loki thought. "I fought against it - against him. He was so strong."

Loki felt like he could burst because of the anger and fear running through his veins. "Please tell me he didn't..."

You knew what he wanted to say and quickly shook your head. "N-No, I headbutted him, t-then kicked him in the balls a-and perhaps even broke his nose." A relieved breath left your husbands lips. "That's my girl."

"He fled then, but..." Loki’s face hardened again. "But what?" Deep down the god knew there must have happened something else. Unless Natasha and Wanda wouldn't have taken you to the hospital.

"He... He had slammed my head against the wall, which resulted in a small cut and-" "There's more?!" You could already hear in his voice that he was furious once more. You knew that he'd love to find that guy right now and do terrible, awful things to him.

You nodded once more. "When he grabbed me, I... I tried to fight against him a-and escape. I almost made it, but then he..." You had to swallow down the lump in your throat and suppress the tears. "He kneed me in the s-stomach to prevent me from e-escaping."

Your husband's mind was way too clouded with anger and fear. He couldn't think clearly, and therefore was unable to connect the dots. Norse curse words spluttered from his lips and his eyes darkened. Threat his family and you'll bring out the darkest side of him - you knew that.

"I'll find him, my love." "Loki." You spoke in a weak voice, trying to get through to him. "I'll find him and then I'll kill him." "Loki." "Slowly and intimately." "Loki, please." "I'll make him pay for what he did to you and-" You couldn't take it any longer. You had to tell him.

"Loki, I lost the baby."

Your sentence cut through the air like his daggers through skin. Loki's mouth clapped shut and a very unpleasant silence spread in the living room. He needed a second to process your words. You just stared at him; silent tears running down your cheeks and dripping on your blouse, as you watched Loki fall apart in front of you.

"W-What?" He croaked out; seemingly still unable to grasp this.

"I... I lost our baby."

He started to shake his head. "No, that's... It can't be. Everything was alright!" "I know," you sobbed. "But I was at the hospital... They checked. The incident caused the m-miscarriage." You stepped closer and reached for his hands. Loki blinked; tears escaping the corner of his eyes. "I-I'm sorry. I-I'm so sorry."

You wanted to hug your husband; catch him mid-falling and preferably crash on the hard ground of reality together with him - but he took a step back. "No, no, no, no..." His hands suddenly dropped yours. Without his touch, you had never felt more cold and lonely.

"Loki, what-" "This is your fault." He suddenly exclaimed; driving an invisible dagger straight through your heart. "It's your fault, Y/N and you know it. I told you! I told you to stay and not go in the first place! I told you to take it easy this early in the pregnancy!" He ran both his hands over his face and tugged frustratingly at his raven curls, while you just stood there; frozen. You didn't know what was happening.

"We almost lost Narfi, because you explicitly wanted to accompany me to that stupid charity event and now?! Now exactly that happened, of what I've always been afraid of! Of what I've always warned you! But no... You just didn't want to listen!"

You were still staring at him, mouth agape. This wasn't real, you thought. I must be dreaming.

"M-My... My fault?" You croaked out; feeling like you were going to fall apart. "Yes!" Loki hissed. "You heard what I said, did you not?!" Sure, you understood that this was equally as hard and sad as it was for you. You understood the cocktail of emotions which must be brewing inside of him, but that... That was unacceptable. You hoped he'd catch you, be there for you, grieve together with you... But certainly not that he'd blame you.

"How can you blame me for this? I didn't kick myself in the gut, did I? Besides, you could've just accompanied me! Perhaps all of this would've never happened, but no, Mr. Laufeyson didn't want to!" You felt how anger rose within you as well. It was just too much.

"Me?!" Loki hissed; pressing his pointer finger in the muscle on his chest. "Oh, I'm the one to blame now?! Sure... It's easy to blame me - for everyone! Just blame the former war criminal. Just blame the untrustworthy god. Just blame the monster from another realm - and all your problems are solved!" He laughed bitterly; shaking his head.

"That's... That's not what I meant - and you know it!" Your husband cocked his head. "Oh no? It's not? Enlighten me then, Y/N!"

You sighed. "Look... I understand your worries. I really do, but I can't just sit on the sofa 24/7 and not move a muscle, just because I'm pregnant! That's not how it works!"

Loki snorted. "Well, it should! As you can see, everything else is apparently not working!" You shook your head; stepped closer to Loki. "We... We just lost our baby... Shouldn't we... Shouldn't we grieve toge-" The god interrupted you, tears streaming down his face. "Yes, and I'm not the one to blame." With those words he brushed past you, "I will be sleeping on the sofa tonight." and left you behind; feeling more cold and lonely than you ever did in your whole life before...

The loss of the new life growing within you and the fight you and Loki had that night caused a wide rift to appear between the two of you. It split your relationship apart. Everything else would be a lie.

You felt how he grew cold and distant. Just like you did. The once perfectly harmonic, loving and desiring bond cracked.

Sure, there had always been fights, misunderstandings and disagreements - totally normal things. But this... This was different.

...and you just didn't know how to stop your marriage from falling apart...

Whenever you tried to speak with him about the topic, he'd immediately steered the conversation into a different direction. Hence, he talked less to you in general. No deep conversations anymore, no love declarations - nothing.

The communication lacked, just like the physical touch. You'd get a kiss from time to time, yes, but nothing more. Barely cuddles, no long, intimate kisses and certainly no sex.

It hurt you. To the core - but the sad thing about it all was, that you actually hadn't a single reason to complain, because you weren't better. You gave him just as little as he gave you. It was a mutual thing - and at some point didn't go unnoticed anymore...

"Y/N."

"Y/N, hey."

Natasha's voice urged to your ears, but didn’t reach your brain. All you did was staring ahead; totally lost in thoughts. Only when you felt her touch on your shoulder was your best friend able to get through to you.

"Babes, your glass in flowing over." You snapped your head down at her words; eyes widening. "Shit, shit, shit." You hastily turned off the tap, while Nat helped you to dry the outside of the glass, so you could wipe your hands on a kitchen towel.

"Thanks, Nat." You took the glass, "I-I've been a bit lost in thoughts." and gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I saw that," the Widow pointed out and crossed her arms over her chest, before she leaned against the bar counter across from you.

"Okay, babes... We definitely need to talk." You swallowed; frowning. "Talk? W-Why?"

Nat scoffed. "Oh, please stop that, Y/N... You can't fool me. Perhaps the others around us, but not me. Something's off. I can tell. You've been so absent-minded lately. Always in thoughts and very quiet. Your smile doesn't reach your eyes either - and..." She gave you an intense look. "... the most worrying thing... You behave differently around Loki. More distant. Colder. Less touchy." Her eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong between you two? And no, don't tell me it has just been a small fight, because this goes already on for at least two weeks. I saw it. So, don't even try to shit me, girl."

You swallowed again. That was clearly an order. You already knew that you weren’t going to lie yourself out of this situation, but... Did you even want that? Perhaps it was good to finally get this off your chest...

So, you nodded; nervously fumbling with your hands. "You... You are right. But, please can we talk about this in private?" Her eyes widened. "It is that bad?" You took a deep breath; nodding again."I'm afraid, yes."

Natasha nodded; rubbing your upper arm in a reassuring manner. "Let's head over to mine. Bruce is in the lab."

You followed your best friend to her apartment and only five minutes later sat down on her sofa; Nat following. "He didn't cheat on you, did he? Because if this fucker did, I'm going to cut off his ba-" "He didn't," you immediately interrupted her. "Loki never would. I know that. You know that." The red-haired beauty looked you straight in the eyes. "What did he do then?"

You swallowed. Memories of that night four weeks back started to flood your brain and causing you to hold back the tears.

"Remember that night where... Where we were at that bar? You, Wanda and I? And that incident with that strange man? You, taking me to the hospital afterwards?" The spy nodded; "Of course, yes." listening to you patiently. "I told you it was about the cut on the back of my head - and that was the truth, but... There was also something else..." You had to take a deep breath.

No one besides Loki had known about the pregnancy... Until now.

"He kneed me in the stomach - which wouldn't have been that much of a problem, but in my case it was, because I..." Your best friend's eyes widened. She was smart and therefore seemingly already had connected the dots. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Nat's eyes dropped to your stomach, before they lifted to face you again. "Are you...? Again?"

You nodded. "Pregnant, yes. I-I was pregnant again." Those words still hurt you more than you thought. You lowered your head; feeling a few silent tears running down your cheek.

"No... You... Oh my gosh..." Natasha gasped; immediately reached for your hand. "You're telling me that this wanker caused you to have a... miscarriage?" "Yes."

"Shit, I'm so sorry, babes. Gods, that's horrible. Come here." Your best friend hugged you tightly against her chest; just letting you cry for a while.

"And... Loki?" You snivelled. "Well, that's the point... I told him afterwards. We kinda had a fight and... He blamed me, I blamed him and ever since we didn't properly talk. We are drifting more and more apart. What had happened, split our relationship. We are losing each other - and it kills me." "Why didn't you talk with him then?" You swallowed; shaking your head.

"Because I feel like the rift between us is already too big. I won't make the jump." Nat squeezed your hand. "But you gotta try, babes. You love that man, right? He's your soulmate. The love of your life. Your baby daddy." You nodded. "Yes, I... I do. With all my heart." "See? You gotta try. But remember... It takes two to tango."

Her last words roamed through your head even several hours after the conversation. Perhaps it was really both your faults... You took a deep breath. You and Loki had to save this ship from sinking - at all costs. You didn't want to lose him. Never.

"Daddy?" Loki looked up at Ella. She was seated on the sofa backrest above him; legs dangling over his shoulders, as she was braiding several plaits into his long raven locks.

"Yes, princess?"

"You love mommy, right?"

The god's eyebrows slanted. "Of course, princess. Why are you asking?" The little girl shrugged her shoulders. "Because you and mommy don't have private time anymore."

Loki swallowed; realisation hitting him like a truck – completely out of the blue. "Well..." He cleared his throat. "Sometimes, we have little time for this, you know?" "Oh... Okay." Ella paused and Loki hoped that she'd just drop that topic know.

She did. Almost.

"Is mommy happy?" Ella dropped the next question, while small hands worked through another strand of her father's hair.

Again, Loki had to swallow - hard. "Y-Yes, I think so, why?" Yes, it was a lie. But he couldn't tell his eight-year-old daughter that you just lost her baby sibling, could he?

"But why is mommy crying so often then?"

Ella's next words hit Loki even harder. It felt like his heart was jumping over the edge of a cliff; free falling and shattering into a million pieces.

"W-What?" He croaked out; mouth falling agape.

"I see and hear mommy cry a lot."

Loki wanted to scream from the top of his lungs. You had shut him out - of course you did. After all he said why wouldn't you? You had every reason to banish him.

He blamed you; acted headless and stupid. He pushed you away when you needed him most. He fucked it up - real bad this time.

"I'm a fool..." Loki mumbled underneath his breath to himself. "I'm such a fool..."

"What did you say, daddy?" His daughter's innocent voice cut through the air once again. "Nothing, princess..." Loki answered; shaking his head. "I'm going to talk to mommy, okay?" Blue eyes looked up to meet his identical ones. "Will you make her feel better?" A breathless laugh escaped the gods lips; tears dripping down his chin. "Yes, princess... By the Norns, yes."

Loki watched you move through the kitchen from the hallway. He had just tucked the kids in and was finally able to talk with you. The conversation was long due.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped closer; feeling his heart hammering against his chest. He was so nervous. So afraid. What if you couldn't forgive him? What if he was going to lose you?

"Y/N?" The god called out your name softly. "Yes?" Your voice was cold. Distant.

A shiver ran down his spine.

"Darling, we... We need to talk... Please."

You froze in your movement; back towards your husband.

"Why? When I tried to talk to you a few weeks ago, you blocked me." Loki swallowed hard; Adam's apple bobbing within his throat. "I-I know, but... I see clearly now." He cautiously approached you. "I am so sorry, my love. I know now that I really fucked it up. I was- am such a fool. Norns, I don't know what has gotten into me. I... I just... saw red. Blaming you for the loss of our baby is the worst thing I ever did in my whole life." Tears pooled in his eyes, as you turned to face him.

"I pushed you away when you needed me the most. I should've been there for you. I should've supported you and help you through this, but no... I did the exact opposite." Loki paused for a moment; trying desperately to control his tears.

"I know what I did is unacceptable and I can't expect you to forgive me, but..." The god felt how his knees started to buckle. The weight of the possibility that you weren’t going to forgive him or even worse... Leave him, was hitting him full force. All his strength left his body and he fell down on his knees in front of you. "I-I'm begging you for forgiveness. Please, my love, please... I beg of you. Please don't leave me. I couldn't take it, I-" The lump in his throat cut off his sentence. All he could do was cry.

You witnessed the scenes in front of you; heart shattering.

"Loki..." Your soft, almost angelic voice urged to his ears. "Loki, I... I would never, ever - not in my wildest dreams leave you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I never could, I... I love you."

Blue eyes looked up at you in disbelief. "W-What? You... You forgive m-me?" You nodded; feeling tears build up in your eyes as well. You couldn't help but lower your hands and cup your husband's tear stained cheeks; feeling his soft skin underneath your palm. "Of course, my love."

Loki blinked. "Why? I treated you so bad. Something I swore I'd never do and yet I did... I blamed you for... For something which was entirely my fault."

You frowned. "Your fault? Why would this be your fault?" You wiped away another tear with your thumb. "It isn't, Loki. When it's somebody's fault, it's mine. You were right. It is my fault. I should've been more careful." "No..." Loki shook his head quickly. "No, Y/N, stop that right now, please... Don't blame yourself. I should've protected you better... And the baby, I... I failed."

You feared that your heart was going to stop beating right then and there. It hurt. Seeing Loki like that destroyed you. "No, Loki..." You sobbed and sunk to the floor as well; immediately embracing him. "We both failed, but... It happened. We can't change the past. We have to live with it." You felt Loki nod against your shoulder. "I-I know."

You squeezed him tightly against your body, just like Loki frantically tried to hold on to you. Finally, you felt better again. Since weeks. You had missed the comforting touch of your husband. It was all you ever wanted and needed. Just like he did.

You almost physically felt how the rift between you got smaller and smaller with each passing minute.

You had found each other again.

Neither of you knew how much time had passed. An hour? Two? More? But it also didn't matter. Not right now, not here. You were still embracing each other; your hand gently running through his long curls. "We're going to make this, okay? Together. Like everything before." Another nod from Loki. He was overwhelmed by all the emotions running through his veins. "Yes."

And you did.

Sure, what had happened didn't fail to leave marks on both you and Loki; a deep scar carved into your heart and soul - but it also didn't fail to make your bond stronger. Even if it did not seem like it at first.

Baby Fever Crew: @muddyorbsblr @mochie85 @asgards-princess-of-mischief @jaidenhawke @multifandom-worlds @jennyggggrrr @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @fictive-sl0th @herdetectivetheorist @hisredheadedgoddess28 @chennqingg @princess-ofthe-pages @km-ffluv @simping-for-marvel @huntedmusicgardenn @lokiforever @stupidthoughtsinwriting @loz-3 @jaguarthecat @icytrickster17 @eleniblue @yourfriendlyslytherinhc @kimanne723 @lou12346789 @mypainischronicbutmyassisiconic @smolvenger @lokisrealpurpous @isaidoop @lokisgoodgirl @aagn360 @cakesandtom @alexakeyloveloki @glitchquake @anukulee @lady-rose-moon @ainsley30 @lovingchoices14 @lokischambermaid @irishhappiness @mandywholock1980 @totsnotlynn

[anyasivy]

The Color Blue - Ada Wong x Reader

Ada Wong promised she'd always come back to you. This one time she did, you have a present ready for her.

Little did you know you'd learn a thing or two about yourself.

tags: fluff, established relationship, comfort

relationship: ada wong x colorblind!reader

just a little 'origin' for how ada came to love blue butterflies.

Ada Wong, for all that she's been known as the girl in the red dress, favored green in most aspects. Recently, anyway. Ever since she met you. Having worked for Umbrella and being cramped up underground for so long, you've been adamant about taking nature walks to relieve your mind from both the pressure and guilt. Guilt Ada shares with you.

It was sweet how she goes with you on these walks, sweeter with how she holds your hand as comfortable silence engulfs both of you. The first time you'd told her that, you'd expected her to crumble back into her usual stoic demeanor and shut you out. To your surprise, pink tinted her cheeks before she kissed you with the same sweetness you'd described her as.

With that being said, no. Red was not her favorite color, not anymore. Every time the two of you went on a shopping date-- given she's not too weary to stay in your shared apartment after her mission-- she'd buy green matching clothing, and emerald jewelry, and would spoil you nonsense with these stuffed toys that varied from dinosaurs to frogs. She'd had painted the bedroom color with the loveliest color of dark green, too, and it never failed to make her heart warm waking up to you in the same room, sunlight casting harshly on your face. She'd kiss that frown off every morning.

Green was her favorite color because it reminded her of nature, and how you looked at peace watching the green leaves on tall trees.

It'd be 2 months and counting since Ada's gone on another assignment. She'd gone radio silent on you, which had been nagging your mind with worry. Ada always came back to you. She swore on that ever since she came home all bloody one night, a faint smirk on her lips as she leaned against the doorframe with one hand, the other clutching her side. She gave you one of the cheesiest pickup lines before she snapped out of it with a pained groan and stumbled onto you. It made your mind spiral, made you want to imprison her within the safe confinements of your apartment, and never have her back out on the dangerous field again. Ada was propped up on the couch, staining the blue with red, and held your cheek ever so softly. You think, given how dire her situation was now that you had a clearer head, it was her voice that had lulled you into agreeing on her terms. 

"How about I promise to come back to you every time, no matter what it takes?"

Ada didn't even need to use better words before you'd eagerly nod your head, your eyes darting between her brown ones and the bleeding wound she had.

You never would've agreed to that now. Shaking your head in hopes of lessening your worry, you left the apartment with your purse, keen to get your mind off the fact that your girlfriend may be dying somewhere and you had no idea. Who would deliver the message? Would there even be a message? You knew Ada had friends, both from her work and outside, but you'd never been introduced to any of them.

Guess that's another thing you need to tell her about when she comes back. If. 

Your feet landed you in front of an accessory store inside the mall. This establishment was new, you realized, considering you'd once taken a stroll and visited every inch of the place the last time Ada was gone for far too long. You slip inside, eyes wandering around every little thing.

Ada liked green. Loved it. You thought immediately of buying her something and hitting her with it when she came back. Perhaps with a good screamed lecture of never going radio silent again for a good measure. 

You walked further into the place, trying to think of one thing that would remind Ada on her missions to constantly check in on you, remind you that she's alive. Does she never feel scared you might be cheating or that you decided she's died and found another? Ada Wong was far too cocky.

And she was right to be, unfortunately.

She'd be missing for 10 years and come back, and you'd still be stupidly waiting for her.

God, you were fucked.

You stopped before a selection of necklaces, trying to remember if Ada ever had one. A choker, you think. She'd worn it one time when she was gearing up for a mission and told you it was better than necklaces since it doesn't get all annoying when she's in action. Necklaces wouldn't do--

Your eyes suddenly set on a butterfly necklace. Its chain was silver, easy to look at as Ada once described it, and shorter than most necklaces. It wasn't a choker, but you're certain it wouldn't go around if Ada moved too much. Plus, it's a butterfly-- Ada constantly eyes them during nature walks-- and it's green. Her favorite color.

Much too excitedly, you grab the accessory and pay upfront. To your dismay, your mind goes back to the fact that Ada's still gone. It was troubling to sleep that night, every sound outside of your apartment kept you up, thinking it could be Ada coming back home.

A week later, she did.

She looked exhausted as she entered the door, but her lips were turned into a smile she didn't even know she was wearing. All that she knew was that it felt good and freeing to come crashing back into your arms.

All your worry, confusion, and anger dispersed as you dropped the tools (to fix the stupid broken leg on the table Ada's been laying you out on during... times) and ran to meet her arms. You think you cried. You're not sure. All you knew was that your ears were perched up on her chest, desperate to hear the thump, thump, of her beating heart.

"You asshole," you say weakly, all your bottled emotions coming to take your voice. You feel her tighten the hug. Or you did. Again, it was all very blurry in memory. Sometime between the silence and her hushed comforts, the two of you ended up on your couch, the side of your head still stubbornly pressed against her chest before you saw the sight of a green butterfly necklace. "Oh, right." You sniff as you slowly disentangle yourself from her.

Ada's hand on your back came to rest on your cheek. You take a moment to take her in. Her face, her lips, her eyes. Then her body. Surprisingly, she wasn't bleeding anywhere. And when you wanted to ask if she was bleeding underneath her black top and cargo pants, she shook her head no and cut you off, "I'm good. I'm all good, baby." Her voice. You take it all in.

You missed her so.

"I missed you."

She smiles and brings your face closer, pressing her soft and sinful lips on yours. You melt into the kiss immediately, sighing as the two of you slowly make out on the couch like you had all the time in the world. Maybe you do. Maybe now you do.

You pull apart, watching as her lips parted and contorted back into a small curl. Your eyes met hers again. "I got you a present," you announce, already moving to stand up.

Grabbing the necklace and closing your hand into a fist around it, you settle back into the couch. Ada watches you curiously. "You didn't have to, baby. You know it's already a present just having you."

You rolled your eyes, "Shut the fuck up with the cheesy lines, it won't make me less angry."

Ada giggles as she takes hold of your fist, "Fair. But I tried." She'd pull you closer to steal one more kiss, relishing in your surprised gasp and nipping at your bottom lip. Definitely missed her, alright. "And I meant it."

You ignore the heat creeping up your cheeks as you lean back, gesturing at your fist. Ada was good with her words and never failed to remember just how to rile you or sweeten you up. It was probably why her presence is missed mostly when she's away for a mission. Her voice and words were always the one thing that brought you a sense of comfort and safety despite everything you've done. Despite the world.

She kissed your cheeks once more before opening your fist. As the green butterfly necklace came into view, you beamed, "It's a green butterfly necklace," you start to explain giddily. "I was walking in the mall last week and thought of you when I found it. Which, reminds me we have to explore this new place. It's kind of cute."

Ada was quiet, gaze fixed on the present you were still holding in your fist.

Shit, does she hate it?

You continue, "Baby, it has shorter chains. It won't mess with your work thingy."

Still quiet.

You opted to hold up the necklace for her to see it in a better light, but her hand caught hold of your forearm. She looked up at you, confusion etched on her face.

"Did you say it's green?"

You frown, "Yeah?" You look back towards the necklace still in your palm. Green. "You don't like it?"

She shakes her head, "No. No, I like it. I love it, baby. I can wear it to work too," she says, and all you can think about is that she's still not quitting her damned mercenary job. "It's just that... baby, it's blue."

What?

"It's not."

"Yes, it is."

You groan, "If you don't like it, you don't have to make it seem like it's another color, you know." You start to turn away, but she gripped your forearm tightly, snatching the necklace from your hand.

She beat you to it and stood, seeming to scan your apartment before she decided to pick up a plant displayed on your window sill. She held up the necklace and the pot, and you would've commented on how stupid she looked if she didn't look so serious. She asks, "What color is the plant?"

Now you felt stupid for having been asked the question, but you indulged in whatever this was. Could Ada perhaps be deflecting from having to talk about her mission? Impossible. She's always coddled you. "Green," you answered shortly. Gruffly.

"And this?" Ada hands out the necklace closer, as though she was trying to make you see clearer. 

You narrow your gaze both at the necklace and at her. "Baby, it's green. What do you want me to say?"

She sighs, quietly putting the plant back in its place. Turning around, she gestures to you to help put the present on her. Ada took off the black choker herself and gave you back the necklace for you to place on her neck. If you weren't so confused, you would've celebrated internally. It was a gift that would take a part of you wherever she goes. And hopefully would remind her of your existence. On top of that, it was beautifully designed. As you lock it in behind her neck, Ada turns back around. Her expression was still serious as she looked you in the eyes. Her hands had found their place on your shoulders, running up and down smoothly.

"I love this so much, thank you." Ada places a kiss on your forehead, eliciting a contented exhale from you. "But baby, this necklace is blue. It's baby blue, in fact." Lines form between your eyebrows, and she answers for you. "I think you might be color blind. There might be a good chance you confuse blue and green with each other."

Oh, god.

"But-- it's green," you grumbled, more annoyed at the fact that you'd gotten it wrong. "It's your favorite color."

Ada only chuckles, tucking a hair strand behind your ears. "It's blue, and I love it. Hey, I have a new favorite color now, didn't you know?" She whispers with a smug smile, "It's blue."

You roll your eyes, shoving her away playfully. "You're ridiculous!"

She'd gotten ahold of your arm and ushered you back to her. The look in her eyes was all that you needed for your heart to beat faster again as if she hadn't been your girlfriend for 3 years.

"I know, and I love you," she says, her voice firm and confident in the fact. You can't help a smile as she brushes your noses together. "Let's go to my eye doctor tomorrow?"

You hated doctors. "Yeah, okay."

Her lips met yours for a split second before she pulled away to pout. "You didn't say I love you back."

"I'm still mad," you insist, to which she answered by nuzzling your neck.

Oh, and biting, apparently. "Please?"

Lifting her head up, you cradle her face between your hands, you stare at the dangling jewelry around her neck. A green butterfly in all its glory in your eyes. "You really like the present? Even if it's... blue?"

She smiles coyly, "I love it. And I told you, my favorite color's blue now."

You can't help a chuckle as you crash your lips together again, murmuring between kisses, "I love you too."

4 months later, Ada went on another mission. She came back earlier and swore never to be gone again.

So yeah, you do have all the time in the world now.

And Ada still wears that blue necklace, amongst other blue things she's been buying.

[mandiemegatron]

ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴ-ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ; ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ

ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴅᴏ (ᴛᴏᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ʟᴀʙᴏᴜʀ) <- ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ

ᴋɪᴅ x ᴄɪꜱꜰᴇᴍ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ / ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ x ᴄɪꜱꜰᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ ; 18+, ᴛᴀʟᴋꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴅɪꜱꜱᴏᴄɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ. ꜱʟɪɢʜᴛ ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ. ᴜꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴇʀᴍꜱ, ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ʜᴀꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ꜱᴇʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴘᴛꜱᴅ.

Welcome and helloooo every-nyan!!! WOW this took so much longer than I expected and it's longer than the first chapter by over 1k words (I literally couldn't be stopped) and I'm hoping this will satisfy.... until the third chapter comes out 😈 mwahaha!

Thank you to all of my mutuals for the support and love, and a big thank you to @laidenbreecatchall for listening to me scream about this for hours and for helping me with ideas! You're amazing, I adore you, thank you so much for everything 💖

As always, a huge thank you and a million smooches for my beta @moss-woods, none of this is possible without you. I love you endlessly 💖💖💖

Without further ado... I present you with part two of Too Much Labour. This chapter is all about the Kid Pirates, so my fellow Kid and Killer lovers might just enjoy this one just as much as I loved writing it 🤭🤭🤭💖💖💖

You tried so hard to fit in.

Three months had passed since you'd fled the Heart Pirates and into, unfortunately for you, Eustass Kid, of all people. It had just happened to be your shit luck that the Victoria Punk was nestled off in a small cove off on the opposite end of the island.

Following behind him and his masked friend, Killer you find out, trying to keep the same pace as your shorter legs carried you as fast as they could. You shuffled your bag a little higher only to distract yourself enough to bump directly into Kid’s back. You fell to the ground, startled, as a small “oof!” left you.

“Pay attention, brat,” Kid sneered, barely throwing you a glare over his shoulder before turning around to snatch your bag from your hands.

“You look fuckin’ stupid tryin’ to act all tough.”

You rolled your eyes in return with an almost mocking look, allowing Killer to help you off the ground with a warm, heavy hand. You brushed off your butt and legs with a sigh, trying not to mumble out-loud as you gave Killer a nod in thanks before continuing after Kid.

You blinked a few times in shock as the Victoria Punk came into view, the huge dinosaur skull that served as the bow of the ship overwhelmingly shaking you to the core. Your pace slowed down and you could practically hear the smug smirk in Kid's voice when he barked out a laugh at your expression.

“Beautiful, ain't she? Nothing but the best for the future King of the Pirates.”

The sheer ego he spewed off himself as he spoke clutched around your heart as it truly began to sink in.

You weren't a Heart Pirate anymore.

You took a slow breath and tried to give Kid a winning grin, throwing up two thumbs as you shakily commented,

“H-hell yeah! It's impressive as fuck!”

Kids brow ridge rose and he grunted, his smirk turning a bit sour as he huffed and continued down towards his ship. “Whatever.” You barely heard his mumbling, your hands falling back down as you gave another sigh.

The same hand that helped you earlier landed on your right shoulder, giving you a slight shake as Killer's voice washed over you.

“Sorry about him, it's just been a weird day for us. He'll get over it.” He gave your shoulder a small squeeze before moving to follow after his best friend and Captain. “and you will too.” He called over his shoulder before motioning for you to follow as well.

You spared a glance over your shoulder towards the way you came, your arms wrapping around themselves as a strange chill settled over your skin. There was a whispering murmur between the trees and you could have sworn you heard your name…

“Y/N?”

Your head turns back to Killer and you straighten yourself out, feeling a cold hand crush around your heart as you take your first step after him, anxious but almost a little excited for a new journey.

Would you still be the same Y/N you were on the Polar Tang? What if the same thing happened again?

You blinked back angry tears as your head replayed the last few hours, reminding you over and over with every step you took that this would be worth it, that this would be different.

It would be different.

“You're in your head again, Y/N.”

Glancing up from chopping veggies for dinner prep to meet Killers masked visage, you sighed softly through your nose before frowning slightly and murmuring,

“I'm just… I'm fine, Killer, I promise.”

A warm hand meets your shoulder just like those months ago though your heart leapt into your throat this time, just like it did every time Killer touched you.

“You wanna talk about it?”

You gave Killer a warm smile, shaking your head slightly before patting his hand with gentle fingers, trying not to let your touch linger on his skin too long.

“Maybe later.”

You could feel the smile Killer gave you under the mask. Slight guilt ate away at you as he gave you a solid nod, squeezing your shoulder once before letting his hand fall from you.

Once prep was done and the food was cooking, Killer kicked you out gently, reminding you to come back later to help with cleaning up once everyone had eaten.

Sitting atop the large skull that served as the ship's bow, you scribbled in your small journal, trying to bite back tears as you poured your heart out to the small book. It had felt like so long since you'd seen the Heart Pirates, your family, and your heart ached to the point it felt like it had been ripped from your chest.

Snapping the book shut, you sighed heavily and rubbed at your face before looking back out to the vast seas. Taking a deep breath, you crossed your legs and straightened your back, letting your eyes fall shut as you tried to ground yourself.

Your eyes snapped back open when all you could see was Law's shocked and broken expression from when you jumped out of the Tang and ran. Steeling your expressing with a slight sneer, you grunted softly and made to get up when you suddenly heard,

“You look like shit.”

Your head snapped up and you met with Kid's fiery eyes. You could tell he was trying to read you, not saying anything else until you either snapped back or got up and walked away.

“... yeah… yeah I bet I do.”

Kid tilted his head slightly with a deep hum before holding out his hands for you to take. You shocked him slightly when your two hands gripped his metal one, letting him pull you up and nearly into him. His flesh hand steadied your shoulder and you stared at each other for a few moments, your cheeks slowly tinting a few shades lighter than his hair under his gaze.

After a few more moments of comfortable silence, he gently tugged your hands in his one, making you follow him as he turned to walk back in the ship. His metal hand kept a grip on yours, pulled back behind himself slightly as you tried to keep up with his long legs.

Your brows shot up in surprise when you realized where he was taking you, your heart skipping a beat as he pulled you into his workshop. He cleared some space off his desktop and patted it, watching you hike yourself up onto his desk and sit comfortably as your eyes took in the chaos of it all.

Eustass sat back in his worn chair, arms crossed over his massive chest as he finally comments,

“You're distracted.”

You stop taking in the wonder of his workshop to look back at him. Your fingers fiddled with themselves in your lap, anxiety beginning to eat away at your insides as you quietly replied,

“Yeah.”

Kid gives a heavy sigh, looking you over as if you were an incomplete puzzle with pieces missing.

He hoped you knew that he would rip his hands apart to their bare bones, broken wires and rusted scrap metal to craft the missing pieces inside you, if you'd let him.

As he continued to watch you, something in his heart screamed that you wouldn't, and he wasn't sure if it hurt more to know you'd never want him the way he wanted you.

The silence crept on, turning almost suffocating as you stared each other down, feeling smaller and smaller under his intense gaze until he finally snapped in a sharp tone,

“If you don't want to be here, we'll drop you at the next island.”

Your heart immediately sank and tears filled your eyes, your hands curling around each other tightly til your fingers turned white. Your mind turned dark, thoughts swarming with the fear of being left behind and forgotten about until Kid piped up again, this time his voice a little softer as he asked,

“You've been struggling this whole time, haven't you?”

You broke down.

You covered your face, not wanting him to see the bitter tears that swept down your face as you barely got out,

“I thought he loved me, man…”

Silently sobbing into your palms, you didn't notice Kid sigh with a roll of his eyes and stand from his chair until you were suddenly surrounded in warmth, flesh and metal pulling you to a chest of muscle.

Weak fingers gripped at the front of Kid’s open shirt as you openly wept into him, no longer caring about feeling weak in front of your now Captain. One of his hands awkwardly ran up and down your back, his cheek resting on the top of your head as he frowned at the back of his workshop door.

He was determined to make you see that you were worth so much more than the pain that shit head Trafalgar gave you.

You weren't sure how long you'd been sobbing into Kid's chest, only pulling away when a deep voice cleared their throat over by the door. Looking over with sad, blurry eyes, you took in Killer who stood with his arms crossed, watching the display with an air of near disappointment around him.

“So you'll tell him but not me, eh?”

There was a joking tone to Killers words, pulling a small smile to your lips that caused both men to relax slightly.

“... just don't want to-”

Your words cut off as Kid squeezed you, cutting off your thoughts as he quickly bit out,

“You're not a bother and you're not annoying, God I'd wish you'd shut up sometimes.”

You froze at his words, brows furrowed as you pulled away enough to look up at Kid. His cheeks tinted a light pink as he huffed, looking past Killer as he continued,

“You think I'd let an annoyance join my crew? You think I'd let some weak nobody stick around? You're not either of those things so stop thinking we're gonna do what Trafalgar did to you.”

His flesh hand gripped the bottom of your face, his thumb brushing away the stray tears that spilled out as he finished with a tired,

“I'm not fuckin’ stupid.”

Killer moved closer, one of his hands brushing your hair over your shoulder and behind your ear gently as he agreed,

“You're one of a kind, Y/N. We see that - we see you.”

Killer leaned in as best he could to press his mask to the top of your head as if pressing a kiss to it. He stayed for a moment before pulling back, picking up one of your hands and holding it as Kid's own moved from grasping your face to moving the strands of hair from your eyes.

There was something between them that you weren't sure about until now, and while something in your heart tugged you towards them, it still felt like there was a boulder in your stomach.

It would be the same.

Your eyes shut and you gave a small sigh before asking softly, “... can... can I have some space?”

Both men went rigid, slowly pulling away before looking at each other. It was like a telepathic conversation was happening between them and finally Kid huffed and nearly stomped out of the workshop, causing you to flinch at the heavy thuds from his boots.

There's a soft sigh from Killer before he follows him out, closing the door behind himself. The second it clicked shut, tears welled in your eyes and you quietly sobbed into your palms.

It would be the same.

-

7 whole days of silence from your Captain caused your anxiety to fly through the roof of the Victoria, feeling on edge and like you were walking around shards of broken glass.

“Is he that upset?”

There's a shrug from the masked blonde before he replies,

“I mean, you rejected him-”

You huffed and spat back,

“I didn't reject him, OR you for that matter. All I did was ask for space and he took it fuckin’ personal…”

You pause in chopping your veggies, huffing again before taking a step back to fix your hair, taking out the messy bun and redoing it, making it a little tighter.

“He took it as rejection,” Killer adds with a stir to the bubbling pot. His signature spaghetti sauce boiled away, the warm aroma wrapping around you like a gentle hug and pulling you from your thoughts as you went back to your veg.

“Pans ready, you can start to sautée at any time,” Killer reminds you and you're quick to add your ingredients to the pan. They sizzle and crackle softly as you add a few seasonings, giving the veg an expert flip in the pan with one hand.

“I get that, but it's irritating as fuck that instead of coming to me and going like, ‘hey, what did you mean by that,’ he just immediately thought ‘she doesn't want me’, and that's not-”

Killer's hand meets the top of your head, causing you to look up at him as his unique laughter flutters out of his mask.

“You're aware he's stupid, yeah?”

You blink up at him for a few moments before sighing out a tired, “Yeah…”

Killer gives your head a small pat before going back to his sauce. “You're overthinking things. When has Kid ever given you the feeling that he's an emotional conversationalist?”

Your lips purse into a thin line as you flip the veg again, mulling over Killers words. He had a point.

You wouldn't tell him that, though.

“Kid isn't a talker, he takes action instead. He won't ask you how you feel about him because how you act around him convinces him that you feel the same way.”

Your heart sinks as you think about all the moments you've had with Kid - the midnight talks, the tears over too many drinks, the night you spent curled in his arms after that terrible nightmare… you shook your head, trying to rid your mind of the recent memories.

“... that makes sense.” Your voice is almost too soft as you finally reply, giving the veg another shuffle in the pan. “I never want to hurt him.” You make a point to look up at Killer again as you add, “Or you.”

Killer stops and turns his mask towards you, taking in your honest and genuine words before he gives you a small nod. He's thankful for the mask as his cheeks burn, glad you're unable to see what you do to him.

“I know.” He turns off the stove and moves the pot to a cold burner before reaching over you and turning off the pans burner as well. You flip the now slightly crispy veg one more time before moving it to a different burner as well.

“Do you?” You ask softly, turning to him with almost sad eyes as you continue, “Because I have tried so hard to fit in here and sometimes I feel so stupid, as if I'm trying to be someone I'm not, but I'm still me. I know I'm me, and you know I'm me, but how can you-”

Killer cuts you off by gripping your shoulders in his hands, giving you a slight shake as he silences you with a serious, “Stop rambling. You sound ridiculous.”

Your face scrunches up as your brain suddenly goes into overdrive, the words tumbling out of you without even realizing it.

“-be sure that I am me? I'm not me, I'm not the me I was on the Tang, I'm not the me I was before all that and I'm not the me I thought I was.” Angry and hurt tears burned your eyes as you choked out, “I don't even know who I am anymore.”

Killer pulls you into a tight hug, pressing your face into his chest hard enough that it silences your oncoming sobs. “No one's asking you to have it all figured out.” He murmurs against your hair, his mask slowly filling with the scent of your shampoo. “We just want you to be here, alive and safe. We just want you to be here.”

You cling to him, your fingers curling tightly around the back of his shirt as he adds, “It doesn't matter which version of you exists here, because this version of you is a Kid Pirate, and that's what you get to be for the rest of your life.” He gives you a small squeeze. “At the end of the day, that ultimatum will never change. You are a Kid Pirate. Say it.”

He gives you another squeeze and you muffle the words into his shirt, only for him to pull back enough and catch your chin in one of his hands. “Say it again.” He demands lightly.

“... I'm a Kid Pirate.”

“Again.”

You sniffle softly before huffing again. “I'm a Kid Pirate.” You can almost see the grin behind his mask as Killer demands softer, “Once more.”

You swear he's staring right into your soul as you look back into his mask. With a slow blink, you speak in a clearer tone, “I am a Kid Pirate.”

That unique laugh of his wheezes out as he gives your chin a little shake in jest. “That's my girl,” he murmurs before letting his hand drop back to your hip, his thumb gently roaming small circles over your skin. “Damn right you are.”

Your heart swells and something inside you begins to melt away, as if his touch was taking all the anger, pain and fear, sweeping it away with such a gentle touch.

In a moment of adoration for the man in front of you, you reach your hands up and cradle his masked face in your palms, pulling a quick, sharp inhale from the blonde. You're quick as you lean in, your lips pressing against where you assumed his lips sat under the mask for a good moment. You could feel his warm breath through the holes, fanning over your face like a gentle breeze until you pulled away, giving him a warm smile that felt more like you.

“Thank you Kil.”

Massacre Soldier Killer was stunned into silence for a good moment, simply staring you down with wide and confused eyes as you slowly stepped back. He was quick to grasp you, gently, lovingly, and bring you back into his arms.

“You… you kissed me,” he breathed out, unable to wrap his mind around that small, simple fact.

Your face burned bright red, redder than Kid's hair as you coughed out, “Uh yeeeah… yeah, I did…” You chewed the side of your bottom lip for a moment before asking, “W-was that okay?”

Killer’s arms tighten around you as he leaned his head down to rest his covered forehead against yours, his lips moving faster than light as he promised, “Yes, yes yes, of course it's okay, my precious, beautiful girl…” His laugh wheezes past his lips as he solidifies, “My girl.”

Unbeknownst to either of you, Kid stood cross-armed on the wall beside the door to the kitchen, a deep set frown on his face as he listened to you and his best friend fall in love. Something in his chest aches, like a grip around his heart and lungs as you laugh at something Killer says.

‘... Damn…’

The back of his head thuds gently against the wood before he pulls away from the wall, silently debating with himself for a moment before he finally turns and walks into the kitchen, seeing you plate up the mountain of sautéed veggies to be brought out with the spaghetti and sauce. You throw Killer a bright grin before turning to the door and your smile falters, falling slightly as you take in the ragged looking redhead.

“... Hi.”

Kid seems surprised that you're even speaking to him, glancing over at you before giving an awkward wave with his flesh hand.

“... Yo.”

You both stare each other down for a moment before you ask, “Are you still mad at me?”

Kid huffs and rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his massive chest and goes to bark back when he takes in your sad eyes. He could read you too well, just wanting an apology from him for everything, and unfortunately his ego wouldn't let up.

“I'm not mad at you, never was,” his words seem honest though his tone is snarky, making your brain roll around like a wayward marble. “Don't worry, Killer’s girl, we're good.” He ignores your raised eyebrow and confused expression by looking at Killer and nearly demanding, “Is dinner ready? I'm fuckin’ starving.”

Killer nods with a hum and replies tightly, “Yeah, we're just bringing it out now.”

Kid gives him a nod of his own before turning on his foot and stalking out the door, not even stopping as you call his name. Your heart sinks but before you can wallow in your own misery, Killers laugh fills the space, causing you to turn to him.

“What's so funny?” You ask, clearly not in on the joke.

You can feel the grin behind Killers mask as he chuckles out, “Oh, he's jealous as fuck, that's all.” Your face changes into something a little more amused as you ask, “He's… jealous?”

Killer hums again and leans down to press a faux kiss to the side of your head before gripping the large sauce pot with both hands. “Yep! This has happened a few times before but phew, this is too funny.” He heads towards the door and you follow behind, carrying the large veg plate in your hands.

“How is it funny? Why is he jealous?”

Killer laughs again, looking over his shoulder at you as he replies, “It's funny because he thinks he's slick at hiding it, and he's jealous because he hates to lose, and twenty beris says he thinks you don't have a spot for him in that cute little heart of yours.”

Your brows furrow worriedly as you offer, “But I do!”

Killer laughs again, shaking his head slightly as a tinge of his own jealousy climbs up his throat.

“Well then, I think you should show him that.”

He can't see it, but you give a determined nod, your heart set as you begin to think over ideas as you make it to the mess hall.

-

“Come on, we gotta catch up with the others,” Killer rushes you the next morning, nearly pushing you up the stairs with a chuckle as you splutter and snark back at him. “Y-yeah well who's fuckin’ fault is that, eh?”

There's a rough pinch to your left buttcheek and a shrill screech leaves you, your hands waving away Killer’s touchy fingers and covering your behind the rest of the way up. You ignore the sad “Aw…” from Killer as you open the door to the main deck.

“Finally! Come on, let's get this shit over with. Here's your list, don't get lost.” Barks your Captain from his spot off to the side, expression grumpy at being awake before 9 am.

You take the list from Kid and you throw him the widest grin you could manage, ignoring the way he scowls at you with tinted cheeks. He gets himself comfortable in his Captains chair, one leg thrown lazily over the other with his arms crossed.

“You're not coming?” You ask, kicking the toe of your boot into the side of his own, the soft squeak of leather on leather meeting your ears.

“Pff, hell no. That's what you assholes are for,” he jokes, hissing when you kick him a little harder. “Oi! Don't be a bitch,” he barks at you, ignoring the sly grin on your face.

“Ooh, don't be so mean to me, I'll cum,” you tease back before leaning down to press a chaste kiss to his scarred cheek. You then turn away from the now mouth dropped, gawking redhead, nearly skip over to Killer who is also staring down at you in slight shock. Tossing a wave over your shoulder, you take the list and Killers hand in your other hand before letting the blonde lead you off the ship and into town.

The walk was silent, almost heavy. Luckily, the weather was bright and beautiful, the sun shining on both of you and it warmed you right through.

“... that was interesting,” Killer finally commented, making you bark out a loud laugh, covering your face with both palms as you laughed out, “I'll be honest, I don't know where that came from.”

Killer’s arm wraps tightly around your waist, grunting to himself before he grumbles out a little pathetically, “You wouldn't even stay with me last night but you'll kiss him and cum for him…”

You laugh again, your arm resting around his hip comfortably as you sigh out happily, “Yeah…”

There's a silence between you both again before you both begin laughing, finally making it to town. He gives you a slight squeeze, leaning his head down to press a masked smooch to the top of your head before pulling away with a serious warning of, “Don't go too far. I need to be able to see you, understand?”

You roll your eyes before tearing the list in half, giving him the top half and keeping the easier things for yourself. “Yeah, yeah, I hear you. Don't worry, I don't plan on disappearing,” you joke, throwing him a wink before leaning up and pressing a few soft kisses to his mask. “You don't go too far either.”

Killer hums, pressing his mask against your kisses in response before murmuring down to you, “I won't.”

Turning away from you, you watch Killer stalk off into the opposite direction, trying to keep an eye on his blonde hair right up until he disappears. You know he's still close by, the market truly nothing large, but you still can't help but feel incredibly overwhelmed now. Taking a deep breath, you settled your nerves before finally looking down at your now shortened list, grinning at the easy items you had to grab.

You'd bought the first few items easily, even getting a bargain for the spice blends Killer had asked for, though at the next stall, you found yourself frozen in place as you took in the figure of a certain orange jumper covering a large, white bear.

Your swore your heart stopped, fear gripping you like icy fingers around your entire body as the bear turned. You tried to turn as well, keeping your face towards the wares on the table but a heavy paw quickly spun you, pulling a soft, surprised gasp from you as you took in two beady, watery eyes.

“Y-Y/N?!”

[jogetsobsessed]

Picture Perfect - Edward Cullen

Standing in the kitchen you glanced through the open sliding glass door, a soft smile gracing your face as little giggles filled the air. 

You were so happy, watching as your little girl bounced around the perfectly trimmed garden, your boyfriend watching her every move, laughing as she squealed when a ladybug landed on her forearm. 

You hadn't realized it, but you had stopped preparing lunch for yourself and your daughter, floating over to the open door, leaning against the frame. Gazing out at your seemingly picture-perfect, all-American family. 

Edward could feel your gaze, looking up and meeting your eyes. Even though you had only been together for a few years you had become experts at all things with each other. Even you would always argue that he had an unfair advantage in knowing everything about you. But you did your best, learning everything about him, being able to read his expressionless face and know his feelings, even though he never wanted to share. 

After sharing a smile you turned and went back to finishing up lunch, eventually calling Edward and your daughter in. She reluctantly left the garden, only coming in after Edward did some major convincing. They sat together at the table, your daughter offering Edward some of her dinosaur-shaped cucumbers, which he as always politely declined. 

Luckily she was still at an age where she didn't pick up on certain aspects of her everyday life, like the fact she had never actually shared a meal with her father. And you were grateful for that, not looking forward to the day that you have to have the dreaded conversation with her. Not only were you going to have to explain that the monsters in fairytales were real, but that her father wasn't hers biologically. 

-----------

“Remind me when we go to the grocery store we need more bubble baths, we don't want the princess to freak out next time we promise her a bubble bath”. He laughed from his coveted spot on your shared bed. “We wouldn't want that to happen '', he chimed in, pulling the covers back as you climbed into bed. 

“You know she loves you right”. Your question caught him off guard, the words coming out of your mouth before he could enter your thoughts. 

“Where's this coming from”, Edwards' words were full of concern. 

“I just, I don't know. I guess it's because while we were eating lunch I was thinking about the conversation I'm going to have with her in a few years. About you know, everything. About you and your family and Jeff. 

“Y/N honey, you aren't going to have to go through that alone. I will be there every step of the way with you. Whether you like it or not, I am in your life Y/N”. 

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

Day had turned to night but you hadn't moved. 

You sat on the damp grass, staring straight ahead. Your body ached from head to toe and your eyes were straining to stay open. The pounding headache causes your ears to ring. 

It had been the worst week of your life. 

You had been woken by someone pounding so hard on your door you thought they were gonna break it down. It was the middle of the night so after grabbing a steak knife from the block in the kitchen you made your way towards the front door. Sleepily you called out, praying that it was just your boyfriend and that he had left his key somewhere. 

“Ma’am we are with the Clallam County Sheriff's Department, we need to speak with you”. It didn't take more convincing as you threw the door open, tears clouding your eyes before they could get a word in. 

The second you heard the infamous, “we regret to inform you” line you collapsed on the ground, your body letting out sobs that could be heard from the next county over. The painted noise drew out the sound of the sheriff's deputies informing you that your boyfriend had been involved in a car accident, and he hadn't made it. 

They had somehow managed to get you up from your spot anchored on the floor and moved you to the couch. One of them sat next to you, offering a comforting hand on your shoulder while the other asked if there was anyone they could call. 

Unfortunately, they were pros at their job, and death notifications came as a part of that package. So they were experts at understanding people through howling sobs. So as you croaked out your best friend's name, the deputy stepped outside, grabbing your phone which lay on the coffee table. 

Rosalie Hale broke just about every traffic law as she made it to your house in record time. She flew up the steps, almost forgetting to act as her human self. Rushing over to where you were still bawling she scooped you in her arms, attempting to comfort you. 

Emmett, Carlisle, and Esme had followed behind the blonde after she sprinted out of their shared residence with no explanation. Then cops approached Carlisle after he stepped out of his vehicle, recognizing him due to their overlapping career paths. 

“I didn't get to tell him”, you croaked out as your sobs turned to hiccups, still clutching onto Rosalie's ice-cold form. 

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

You thought about that day often.

The day that started off being one of the best days of your life. 

That was the day you found out you were pregnant. You had immediately called Rosalie and she had sat with you while you waited for the test to finish. And when you saw that the second line had appeared you cried happy tears as she brought you in for a sweet embrace. 

Later on, you realized how hard that must have been for her. But everyone would admit, you having your daughter and Rosalie getting to act as her godmother was good for her. In the years since your daughter's birth Rosalie had softened, she had a new purpose in life and she took her role as the favorite aunt very seriously. 

From that day the Cullen family as a whole brought you in. 

You had been friends with Rosalie since they first moved back to Forks, the two of you instantly forming a lifelong friendship. The bond that the two of you shared led to the family sharing their secret with you. While it took a while to get used to the idea that you were friends with a vampire you were able to get ahold of all your emotions because you weren't going to let anything get in the way of your cherished friendship. 

They supported you through your pregnancy, not letting you feel alone a single step of the way. 

You appreciate all the help and support you did. 

But deep down you knew that no love or support would ever begin to heal the aching in your heart. The aching that your child was going to grow up without a father. That your child was going to have to endure the unfair hardships that came with having a single mother. 

That was until a certain someone began making himself present.

It had started as seemingly convenient situations. 

The both of you coincidentally being the only ones in the living room late at night when you couldn't sleep, or running into each other on morning walks around the sleepy town you called home. 

Slowly you opened up to him. Voicing the fears and concerns that plagued your brain. Allowing him to comfort you through your darkest time. 

Honestly, you don't even remember when the friendship had crossed so many boundaries that it became a relationship. But at some point, Edward became stuck to your side like glue. He was there for every ache and pain, every craving. Caring for you unlike he had ever cared for anyone. 

When your daughter eventually came, something in Edward changed. 

He had been there for her birth, holding your hand as you squeezed it as your life depended on it. Sometime after your baby girl finally made her appearance he had slipped out of the room, becoming so overcome with emotions that he needed to be alone. 

He was in love with you, he had been in love with you since the day Rosalie had invited you over. But you were dating Jeff when he first met you. And now you were his. 

After some time the brain fog started to clear and you registered that he was no longer in the room. Asking Esme to go find him you relaxed once you heard his voice coming up the stairs. 

Everyone had cleared out, wanting to give the two of you a moment alone. 

Slowly he lowered himself next to where you lay, and if you weren't so tired you would have made fun of how stiff he was sitting. “There is someone I want you to meet”. 

You had never seen him so scared as you lifted your bundled sleeping daughter from your chest and held her in front of him. 

Carefully he took hold of her, terrified of hurting her. You almost burst into tears at the sight of the man you were falling in love with holding your newborn. He ran a finger over her soft cheek, in absolute awe of the tiny human. Reached down and admired her tiny hands, imagining what it would be like to be holding one of those tiny hands, walking her into her first day of kindergarten, or walking her down the aisle, her hand clutching his for support. 

He was so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed your daughter's hand slowly open and grip his finger that had lingered against her tiny, once-closed fist. “I think she likes you”, you laughed out, Edward letting out a necessary breath that he had been holding in. “I have a feeling she’s gonna have you wrapped around her little finger”. 

----------- 

Boy were you right. 

From her first day on Earth Edward did everything in his power to make your daughter happy. 

He was one of her favorite people on the planet, and she was one of his. 

Edward had unspokenly assumed the role of “dad”, never having to ask if that was something he was okay with. Most people didn't even question it, you had been so early into your pregnancy when your boyfriend died that most assumed that your daughter was actually Edwards and that you had just moved on quickly. But what they didn't know wasn't going to hurt them. It was no one's business to understand the dynamics of your unique family. 

---------- 

Waking up to your alarm was easy considering you hadn't fallen asleep. 

Today was a big day in the Cullen household. 

Sitting up you saw that you were the only one in the bed, which was abnormal. Quickly getting ready while trying to keep the tears at bay you got dressed and made the bed. 

Walking through the hallways of the Cullen house you listened to see if your daughter was awake. Because for some reason she had been waking up at the crack of dawn for the past six months. 

Which is when having an immortal father who never slept came in handy. Edward would hear her stir and slip out of bed, meeting her in the hallway as she tiptoed out of her bedroom. Always posing the question, “Why don't we let mommy sleep a little bit longer”. 

Sure enough, you found the pair of them in the kitchen, Edward leaning across the island as your daughter shoveled precut bites of pancake into her mouth. 

“Good morning beautiful”, his hands found their way home to your waist and his lips to yours. The sweet moment didn't last long as a chorus of “Ewwws” that came from your daughter and her uncle Emmett broke you out of your sweet moment. Edward rolled his eyes at his brother while you crossed the kitchen to say good morning to your daughter. 

“Baby girl you need to hurry up and finish your breakfast, today is a big day and you gotta get ready”. Edward smiled at your words as he watched your daughter turn her attention away from the living room where the TV was playing the morning news and back to her pancakes. 

After she had declared that she was all done you scooped her up to go and get her ready, the Cullen/Hale women joining you as they watched their precious girl get ready for such a big day. 

--------

“Ok, I think we’re here”, Edward said to no one in particular as he pulled the car to a stop outside of the old worn-down buildings. His family pulled up in spots next to where you had been parked, none of them wanted to miss out on this monumental day. 

You and Edward stepped out of the car, Edward grabbing your daughter out of the back seat, and helping her smooth out the pretty yellow dress that she had insisted on wearing. 

Your boyfriend met you on the sidewalk, a proud smile on his face, he had been looking forward to this day for forever. “Ok baby, can you stand right here, we all wanna get some pictures of you pretty girl”, you cooed as you ushered her to stand in front of the same sign you stood in front of years and years ago. 

Reluctantly she smiled, eventually getting into the pictures, laughing as her uncles made funny faces behind her aunts. 

But after everyone put away their cameras and phones you saw her face drop. It was suddenly getting very real. A day that you and Edward had been preparing her for almost a year was here. She turned and looked at the front doors of the building before shoving the too-big backpack off her shoulders, shooting herself into her father's legs, wrapping her arms around. 

“I'm scared”, she cried out. You moved to crouch down to her level, but Edward stopped you, his face reading that he had it handled. So you took a step back, joining Alice and Rosalie as Edward crouched down to his daughter's level. 

“You have no reason to be scared honey-bee. We talked about this, it's just like pre-school except you're gonna be here a bit longer. But that means more time to make friends and you get to eat a really yummy lunch that Grandma Esme made”. 

“But Daddy, you and Mommy aren't going to be here. I’m scared”. She clung to your boyfriend, gripping onto his jacket like she was trying to make sure he couldn't get away from her hold. 

“My darling girl, I want you to listen. Take it from someone like me. I've been to a lot of schools``, he emphasized the word lot, which made the rest of you giggle, knowing that his version of a lot of schooling was much different than a normal kindergartener's parents' definition of a lot of schooling. “You are going to do perfectly fine. You are going to have so much fun. After school when Mommy and I pick you up you are going to tell us all about your day and then while you're telling us we can go and get ice cream, and eat it for dinner. 

“Can I get extra pink sprinkles Daddy? '' she sniffled, lifting her head to look her father in the eyes. Your kid didn't play when it came to her sprinkles. 

“Daddy will buy you all the pink sprinkles in the world if you ask him to”. 

Slowly she stood up accepting the comforting hug that you were offering and allowing Edward to slip her backpack on her shoulders. 

“Come on you big kindergartener, we don't want you to be late on your first day”, Edward exclaimed as he took your daughter's hand, you taking the other as the three of you marched into the school. Rosalie snapped a quick picture before they all left, whispering to Alice about how the three of you were the picture-perfect little family. 

[fushipurro]

In the Shadows of Love

Chapter 6 - Vega

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☆ Content: 18+ MDNI, heavy angst, depression, suicidal ideation, implied/reference ED, mentions of blood (nosebleed), emotional hurt/comfort, insecure/intrusive thoughts

☆ Word Count: 7.8k

After your little “diner date” as Shoko and the gang started calling it, you found yourself hanging out with Toji more often than not, much to your surprise. You had your worries that the opposite would occur during said “date”, but it appears now to have brought you closer together.

Meals between the three of you ─ Megumi included of course ─ became a common occurrence, along with shared trips to the store. With winter settling in now, Toji stated he felt more comfortable with having you in his car instead of letting you carry bags home in the snow.

“Don’t need you freezin’ to death out here,” he’d say in an effort to convince you.

Other times, he would invite you over so Megumi could share some quality time with you to make up for all the times it’s just you and his dad. And who are you to deny the sweet boy?

Tonight is one of those nights.

The day began (early afternoon for you) with some games before dinner, enjoying said meal in front of the TV while watching a movie together. Megumi loves anything that features talking animals, so you thought it best to put on Kung Fu Panda, to which he fell in love. Hard.

He tired himself out trying to replicate all the moves, leading to Toji having to carry him off to his room to sleep. Turns out in this one-bedroom apartment, the two share the same king-sized bed. Toji had said before to you that because he’s out all night working, Megumi has the bed all to himself and vice versa during the day. He even took Megumi into consideration as far as bedroom décor went, stating his only preference is the happiness of his son, even if that means his sheets have dinosaur print all over them.

“Kid’s finally asleep,” Toji tells you upon his return, sinking back down into his spot on the couch with a thump. He laughs with a simpering expression, “Now we can watch something with a little more excitement for two adults.” His eyes fall on you from the side.

You jokingly gasp. “How can you say that movie wasn’t fun?” You place your hand over your heart to exaggerate the feeling of shock. “I’m telling you now, he’s going to be doing kung fu all week and have you in the Wuxi finger hold.”

“I can fight better,” he snorts, and you giggle. “I bet I could give any dragon warrior a run for their money.” Toji raises the sleeve of his ivory-colored sweater upwards. The veins and muscles bulge as he flexes with that same annoying grin stretched across his face looking for your approval.

“Okay, Tai Lung,” you tease, your voice coy sounding. “Whatever you say.” Your eyes roll away from him and back to the TV.

Toji laughs, snagging the remote before you can even think about it. “Just for that, I’m picking the next one,” he declares.

He pans through the options, debating what might be a good choice. He has a few ideas, but his primary goal like always is to get a reaction out of you. So, when he lands on a classic you know and love, he wastes no time putting it on.

Bride of Chucky.

“Perfect.” The words roll out like a purr. Or maybe a warning growl? Either way, he puts the remote down, leaning back against the couch and draping his arm over the back.

The movie picks up right away with an introduction to the main characters as you remember quite well. Rob Zombie’s “Living Dead Girl” playing while the one and only Tiffany Valentine makes off after the first kill of the movie.

Toji had thought the combination of blood and murderous dolls would have you leaning into him for protection, but to his surprise ─ and disappointment ─ you don’t. The most he gets out of you so far is a recoil during the first murder committed by Chucky himself.

“That’s what gets a reaction out of you?” His question comes out with a pout he doesn’t even hide.

You laugh through your nose, “Hey, the stabbings are one thing, but piercings getting ripped out?” You shudder. “No thank you.”

“Not even a little afraid of some creepy ass doll running around, killing people with a knife…” He goes silent for a minute as the bathtub scene occurs. “Or…a TV?”

“If we’re talking about Slappy from Goosebumps, then yeah,” you huff. “That guy was nightmare fuel for me, but Chucky I can enjoy.” You reach out for some popcorn, ever so quietly humming to “Call Me” by Blondie as it plays.

Toji takes his own handful before speaking, “You’re one odd girl, I’ll give you that.”

It’s funny the things that can affect you. Meeting new people turns you into a stuttering mess, yet you watch horror movies without a care in the world. As if the blood and guts doesn’t do anything to you unlike the words or actions of others do.

To others, you’re that of an iceberg. The image of you that others see is only a mere glimpse with the rest hiding below the surface. All it takes to reveal that side of you is time to warm up, something Toji is finally starting to see as you grow comfortable with him in your presence. No alcohol needed.

Throughout the rest of the movie, even if you weren’t clinging to him in order to shield your eyes, he still had his ways of keeping the distance close. There’s the brushing of fingers reaching for popcorn that seemed like more than accidents or the arm he has resting behind you this entire time for you to lean your head against.

It's like the awkward theater date you never had as a teen, except you’re the only one feeling awkward about it now. But at the same time, it’s endearing because you’re going through this milestone event in your life.

Except… you still aren’t aware if he’s single or not.

All signs point to yes since you’ve never once heard of another woman, or Megumi even talking about a mother. But she could just not live here, or they’re going through something, or she’s working abroad. The fact is, until you mount the courage to ask, or he tells you, you don’t know.

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t hoping he’s single. You’re enjoying this too much to think about this crush of yours falling apart.

Toji is sweet as could be and he makes you laugh every time you’re together. He continues to treat you and while you can’t return the favor financially, you’ve been trying with the little things like bringing baked goods over with the excuse that you made too many to cover up your nerves.

It's all you could ever hope to have with a friend or even a significant other, even if all it must be is platonic. It’s something you haven’t had in a long time, and one thing you don’t want to ruin by desiring more.

The movie ends and Toji stands up to stretch, collecting the leftover dishes to clean. You take a few, following him into the kitchen area.

“I would say let’s watch another, but I can’t be late for work tonight,” he groans, and you swear you can hear him pouting even with his back facing you.

“There’s always another night,” you reassure.

“I think we should just start the kid now with the good stuff.” His head turns in your direction flashing a mischeavous grin. “What do you think about watching Alien next time?”

“And scar him for the rest of his life over the spaghetti scene?” you reply with a sarcastic tone. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

“Hey, I saw much worse at an earlier age and look how I turned out.” He raises both his hands and shrugs all nice and proud.

“And it’s a miracle you’re sane.” He rolls his eyes with a laugh. “I vote that we watch Finding Nemo next time. I’m sure he’d love that one especially with how similar one of the characters is to you.”

He looks to you dumbfounded. “In what way could I possibly resemble a fish?” he says with disbelief lacing his words.

You giggle, “Personality for one; Gill is tough, smart, and cares a lot almost like a dad.” You extend your hand, gesturing to the man. “And two, you share similar features, like the color black, how you glare at others, scowl, even having a facial scar.”

You bite your tongue, eyes widening at what you just said. Another piece of info Toji hasn’t told you about yet is how he even got the scar on his lip. You know more than anyone that it may not be the easiest thing to talk about, mainly if there’s trauma tied to it versus something mundane like getting cut by a sticker bush.

It doesn’t help that he’s facing away from you so you’re unable to read his current expression. “I’m sorry, I–“

“You think I’m all that, huh?” He interrupts with a huff, appearing unbothered. “Bet I’m tougher than any fish in the sea,” he tells you again, with another flex of both his arms this time around.

You sigh in relief, “What about an orca?” you ask, and he flashes you a toothy smile.

“Now that’s a better comparison for someone like me over some stinkin’ fish.”

You both laugh and continue to chat for a little while longer. While Toji is cleaning the dishware, you’re occupying yourself with Megumi’s toys, helping to tidy up. When all is said and done, he walks you out, hanging back in the threshold of his home and the hallway.

“I’ll see you later then, hope you have an easy time at work.”

“Thanks, sweetheart. Try not to have any nightmares later.” He winks, and you laugh.

“If I do, then I know who to blame,” you scoff. “Goodnight, Toji.”

“Sleep tight, and don’t let the cursed dolls bite.” You roll your eyes, calmy walking into your home. Once inside, you’re anything but calm. You practically skip your way over to your couch, throwing yourself onto the cushions to pet Tsumiki.

Sweetheart.

He calls you that from time to time, and the butterflies you feel are something else. It takes a few breaths to relax from such giddy feelings. It’s been far too long since you had someone like Toji in your life, and you crave this kind of attention. This closeness. For the first time in what’s most likely been years, you feel as though nothing could possibly go wrong.

You eventually pick up your phone that you haven’t bothered to look at in the hours spent next-door, and there were several notifications to greet you.

The first dozen were some cheers from work, namely from Kento regarding the publication of the magazine you modeled for.

The second bunch were the obligatory Instagram mentions, the most important being the one from Satoru’s post alongside a series of his choice photos from that day with you.

That’s when you remember things can and will go wrong, as the third set are all various notifications of strangers blowing up your account. The majority falls under Satoru’s post, a bunch of his followers spitting venom your way to target you.

Who’s this nobody he’s with?

Can she get any closer to him? I bet she’s just using him for clout

Must’ve been torture for him :( she’s not even that pretty lmao

Would look so much better with only Satoru.

You want to look away, you really do. You’d love nothing more than to shut your phone off and throw it at the wall, but you can’t bring yourself to do it.

It’s nothing new for you to be hated on like this. The sad reality is that it’s to be expected, no thanks to the anonymity of the internet. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less.

They’re jealous.

You know that.

Just obsessed fans taking out their anger on you because they wish it was them at his side.

You know that too, but it doesn’t stop the dark cloud that hangs over you wherever you go.

Why don’t you just stay in your lane? Be a flower on the wall?

You should’ve turned the project down, given it to someone else. You don’t deserve the recognition it brings.

This is your fault, you know. You should’ve listened to your parents when they said you weren’t going to succeed in life.

You sit up properly on the couch, tucking your knees to your chest. For a while, all you can bring yourself to do is stare blankly at the screen, watching all the new messages come through every passing minute. It’s a given, considering Satoru’s astonishingly high following. It isn’t until your phone shuts down from a low battery that you throw it aside and fall to your side, letting the tears come cascading down.

You wake up later, still lying on your side with a damp feeling against your face. The light that comes through your apartment is soft, no doubt earlier in the day compared to when you normally choose to wake up. Begrudgingly, you push yourself off the couch, listening to every creak your bones make like dated wood.

The first thing you do is plug your phone in to charge, followed by feeding Tsumiki her breakfast. You ponder whether you want anything, but even if your stomach was growling, you don’t feel all that deserving to eat. Not only does your depression take away your appetite at times, but it also puts a strain on the relationship you have with food and other things pertaining to your day-to-day life.

A shower helps. At least there you can attempt to drown out your thoughts with the water that rains down. Even when physically after you’re clean and smell nice, you still don’t feel all that great. Against your better judgement, you go to see how things were looking today on your phone.

The answer?

Worse.

More of the same shit fills your feed, but with the added bonus now of threats and other hate in your DMs, and all over your own posts that had nothing to do with the magazine. All are a courtesy from the people with nothing better to do than wish harm upon you for breathing the same air as their celebrity crush.

Speaking of, there’s a new message from him.

Satoru Gojo heyyy so sugu, sho, and I are going out to star plasma later to celebrate, you wanna meet up???

You Sorry, I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on :( hope you guys have fun though!

Satoru Gojo boooo :( well if you change your mind, we’ll be there <3

You wonder if he’s seen the same hate you have, or maybe he’s just that good at ignoring it for his own sanity. That, or maybe he just doesn’t care what they’re saying. Not everyone is like you.

Oh, how you wish you could be like that. You also wish you didn’t feel the need to lie to him about having work. The thought of the gang seeing you in this state fills you with disgust, not to mention if Toji’s working tonight.

You place your phone back down on your nightstand, eyes drifting across to your bed. Most of the time, it’s the only place you want to be in, all wrapped up nice and tight under lays of blankets.

Other times it feels like a prison.

All the fabric acting like chains, keeping you bound to your mattress with no hope to escape. It’s during these times that everything outside the walls of your apartment frighten you to no end. And like always, you give in to the call of your damnation.

Sinking down into the cold sheets, you stare now up at the blank, white ceiling. The various scuffs and spots act like sheep for you to count as you make a mental note to clean them later. That will have to wait for a day you feel capable. A day you feel better if that day ever comes before it’s too late.

Why does it seem so easy for others to ignore all the drama of life and intrusive thoughts? They make it sound so easy, that being a normal, functional being is easy but here you are, wallowing in your own misery. You long to feel happy in life rather than the sorrow you feel now.

But will that ever happen?

A few unremarkable days have gone by since then, and you still bear no signs of feeling better.

You’ve stopped crying now, but the emptiness took over. Somehow you manage to get out of bed, only to mindlessly complete your work and anything else you have to do. Tsumiki’s been hanging close-by, as if she senses how distraught you are. Her meows and cuddles are the only thing bringing a ghost of a smile to your face as you shut out the rest of the world.

Food has been minimal, most of it not even having a taste when it hits your tongue. Your appetite is lacking either for anything more than a few bites. All in all, you’re just passing time until you can fall asleep, letting time go by that you later hate yourself for missing.

Depression is an awful cycle.

Today you decided you needed to head to the store. You tell yourself it’s to get Tsumiki more food or toys for putting up with you, but the truth is that your fridge is looking scarce. Your meals have mainly consisted of whatever is easy to make, jokingly referring to it as “girl dinners” to try and make yourself laugh.

You don’t put much thought into your outfit, choosing to wear something easy to keep you warm in this December month. Sometimes it’s nice to try and look pretty to help your confidence and all, but right now you’d rather hide under bulky fabrics. There doesn’t feel like much of a point to care, either way. What does it matter?

It's a quick trip in the end, only coming back with a few bags. You keep your eyes low to the ground, counting the concrete tiles to keep your mind at bay. It works, up until you notice your neighbor hunched over an idled car out front of your building.

Something’s off, you notice, and it makes the hairs stand straight up on your neck.

Never once have you seen Toji express an emotion like the one you’re seeing ─ the death stare he’s giving whoever is sitting in the car. For someone so typically calm, this apparent anger is so much scarier than any cursed doll could hope to achieve.

Who is he talking to?

You want to know, but at the same time you don’t if they’re upsetting Toji this much. Your breathing stills as you walk by, hoping to slip into the front door without being noticed. You make it as far as a few steps up before you’re stopped short from a voice.

“Hey.”

Your body tenses up. You’ve been avoiding contact with anyone outside of work for a few days, and you especially don’t want to be near whatever was going on outside just moments ago. He doesn’t need to be burdened by you.

“Hey, Toji.” You turn your head slowly to the man, weakly smiling.

He makes a few steps up to where you are, a silent urge to continue heading up to your floor together. The fire you previously saw raging in his eyes no longer appears present, instead replaced with his normal scowl.

“I saw your friends the other night at the bar, was hoping you’d be with ‘em.”

You exhale quietly, swallowing thickly. “Yeah, I– wasn’t feeling it that day,” you mutter.

Toji’s eyes narrow with furrowed brows to match but he continues with your pace.

“I’ve got some time before my shift if you wanted to watch that fish movie or somethin’ else,” he asks. You bite your lip as you think of your response.

“I’m sorry, I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.” You go silent for a moment, save for the tapping of shoes against the tiled floor. “Some other night?”

He raises his hand sheepishly to his neck. “Yeah, no problem,” he says with the hint of disappointment in his words.

Fuck, you don’t want to hurt him. Especially with another lie to someone close to you.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, turning the key in your front door. “See you later.”

“See yo–“ The door shuts before Toji can even finish responding.

The guilt settles in like a knife to your heart. Enough so that you slide your back down the door to sit with your head between your knees.

“What the fuck is wrong with me?” Disgust drips off your words.

Tsumiki comes right up to you purring away. For several minutes, you remain there on the ground petting her before finally getting up to put the groceries away. Shortly after, you return to your bed, indulging yourself with some good old blue-light exposure therapy. Tsumiki joins you, bringing in one of the new toys you bought for her.

Later, a soft knocking startles you from your sleep, not even realizing you had fallen asleep in the first place. The time on your phone shows that it’s after midnight, so who in their right mind needs you at this hour?

Cautiously, you approach the door, peering through to the peephole only to reveal…no one?

Huh, wrong house?

You turn away from the door, only for there to be another knock, but still nothing through the peephole. You end up opening the door without even thinking, and now you realize why you couldn’t see anything.

“Megumi?” He stands there teary-eyed, clutching his frog plush tightly in his arms. “What’s wrong, did something happen?” you ask with a gentle voice.

“I had a bad dream.” He sniffles, his lip starting to quiver with oncoming sobs.

“Come here, ‘Gumi.” You take him into your arms, lifting him up, and closing the door behind you as you take him to the couch. With one hand, you rub soft shapes over his back as you sit him down with you. “There, there,” you coo.

Megumi holds on to you tightly like a baby koala. There’s a damp feeling sticking to your chest from the tears falling from his eyes. In this moment, you put aside whatever troubles you might have. He needs you right now.

You give him a minute to relax and calm down, waiting to ask, “Do you want to talk about it?” But he shakes his head in response. “That’s alright, you don’t have to,” you tell him softly, further adding, “I’m right here with you, you’re safe now.”

Toji must be at work for Megumi to have come knocking, so you pull up his number on your phone, texting to let him know about the situation.

“Hey, ‘Gumi? You want to try going back to sleep?” He whines into your shirt, doing everything he can with his tiny hands to stay fixed to you.

“Don’t leave me, please…” He sniffles, and your heart breaks. There are those words again, you think, remembering the time in the bathroom with him once before.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you reassure.

You give him some time to calm down, humming a familiar lullaby to whisk him away to sleep. He grumbles when you place him down into your bed, the spot still warm from your earlier rest, but he finds that he can’t fight his heavy eyelids. Between your song and the fingers running through his hair, he has no choice but to fall asleep once again.

“Ma..ma…” he murmurs, and you feel a tear fall from your eye.

Tsumiki joins you now, curling right up to Megumi’s side like the comforting angel she is. You send another message to Toji to let him know he’s still with you, to which he replies that he’ll be right over after his shift ends.

So much for avoiding contact with others, but it’s for Megumi’s sake right now.

It feels like déjà vu the next time you hear the knocking at your front door.

“Hey Toji,” you greet, parting the door for him to enter. He looks around with a confused look at first. He’s thrown off by the lack of lit candles, ambient light, or anything else. Instead, it’s just you, illuminated only by the moonlight peeking through the apartment.

“Did I wake you?” he asks, meeting your eyes. It’s a good thing it’s dark, so he hopefully can’t see the evidence of your tears.

“No, I haven’t slept yet,” you admit, and it only serves to puzzle him further. There’s a lot he wants to ask, but you’re already motioning towards your bedroom. He sighs, moving to catch up with you.

“He looks right at home,” Toji remarks, brushing Megumi’s hair back to better see his face. He gives Tsumiki some attention, careful not to disturb his son’s sleep in the process. Once Megumi is up into his arms, the two of you head back towards your door. He stops, turning to look you in the eyes again. “Thanks for watching him.” He doesn’t move from his spot, though his brows begin to furrow in thought. “About earlier…is everything okay? Did I do something to upset you?”

You feel your stomach dropping. The guilt you felt earlier comes crawling back up with razor-sharp claws. “Oh. No, no ─ I’m…sorry about that,” you stammer out, feeling your chest tighten. “You didn’t do anything, I promise.”

“What’s up then, you’ve been actin’ weir–“ Megumi interrupts with some slight stirring in his sleep from Toji’s raised voice.

“I’m okay, Toji. Really,” you try and convince, despite feeling the exact opposite. Another lie that stains your soul, but you remind yourself that it’s not his problem. You’re not his burden to bear.

You’re not sure if even bought it, especially after the noncommittal grunt he makes with eyes that stare intently, as if peering into your soul despite the darkness.

“Alright,” he says after a minute, his voice noticeably calmer, but still unsure. “If there is something, you can talk to me, okay?”

“I will, thanks.” You open the door to let him out. “Goodnight.”

His head dips to you before the door shuts completely. “Goodnight,” he replies, with your name punctuating.

For some reason it hurts to hear your actual name for once instead of a pet name.

With your apartment empty once again, it feels colder than ever. Lately you’ve been feeling that way a lot. It’s only when Toji is there that your house truly feels like a home.

You meander your way back into bed, curling up into a ball facing the window. You can’t shake the cold you’re feeling, no matter the number of blankets overtop your body. Even the dimly lit skies seem to relate with you.

When was the last time you could see the stars shining so beautifully?

There was a time you yourself felt like a bright star once, one that floated easily through the cold expanse of the universe without any issue. Unlike the other stars that met their fate, there was no spectacular supernova at the end of it all. No rainbow plumes of stardust to vividly show all of existence how good of a life you’ve lived.

It was more like a flip of a switch when it came to you. Shining one day like normal and the next, a bleak void of what you once were, absent of any light.

You roll away to face the wall opposite of your room, moving your hands to clasp either shoulder in a self-embrace.

I miss the warmth.

You wake up alone for once, with Tsumiki nowhere to be found from where you lay. It’s nothing you worry about quite yet, as you figure she’s out in the living room watching birds. You get up to investigate, but to your dismay, she isn’t out there either.

You don’t see her anywhere.

Strange, you think. Maybe she’ll come out for breakfast…?

You try that next. Heading to the kitchen to prepare her usual pampered meal, making noise as you call for her.

“Tsumi!” you croon, adding a pspsps after, but again, nothing.

There’s no way she could’ve gotten out of the house, so she must be around here somewhere. Your heart beats a mile a minute as you’re scouring in and around every piece of furniture you have looking for her. Eventually, you do find her, all tucked away inside your closet on a pile of your clothes.

“There you are!” you exhale in relief. “Do you know how worried I was?” you coo. You then move to pick her up and she doesn’t protest, but she also doesn’t start purring or mewling either.

You bring her out the kitchen, placing her down with her bowl. Your heart sinks again when she sniffs the dish and ultimately turns her nose up.

Tears weld up at the edge of your eyes. “Fuck, Tsumi’, don’t do this to me.” You start to pace, chewing anxiously on your lip as you watch her huddle up in another corner of your apartment. “What’s the matter, baby?”

Fuck, fuck, what do I do?

Searching the internet is your first idea, but the results are anything but helpful. Half the results are akin to that of WebMD (read: you’re already dead). By this point, you’re hysterical now, fixing to hyperventilate as the last bit of control you have slips away.

Of all the times for something like this to happen, it has to happen to Tsumiki. You’d give anything to swap places because you love her more than life itself. But when it rains, it pours, and right now it feels like a hurricane is hanging overhead.

She needs a vet, but you can’t possibly run with her across town. Waiting for a taxi will only prolong whatever she’s suffering from. Fuck, if only you could afford your own car, this wouldn’t be an issue!

But then you remember one thing.

Toji has a car.

Toji.

With no time to waste, you sprint out the door of your apartment, frantically knocking on his all while desperately hoping he’s even home to answer. Your prayers are answered when the door opens, revealing the man himself, half-asleep and shirtless.

“Toji, I-I-I–“ your voice cracks between sobs.

“Woah, woah, slow down,” he interrupts, placing his hands on both ends of your shoulders. He lowers his head to your level. Seeing you in distress snaps him awake. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Tsumiki ─ I-I don’t know, I think she’s sick!” you stammer out, “I need to get her to a vet but–“

“Go get her; I’ll get my keys.” His voice is calm as he tries to reassure you, bringing his thumb up your cheek, wiping away a tear with the rough padding of his thumb. “Breathe, okay?” You nod, but you’re still trembling.

Toji releases his hands from you, allowing you to run back inside to grab Tsumiki. You place her gently into her transport while at the same time, Toji enters your apartment, taking the crate from your unsteady hands.

The two of you exit the building as quickly as you can, letting Toji settle her into the backseat while you situate yourself right there at her side, cooing to ease your baby’s scared hollers. Toji wastes no time pulling out on the main road for the directions you gave him, putting on his seatbelt as he went.

From time to time, he looks back at you through the mirror, seeing you hunched over in tears over the crate. You’re trying to be calm for her, you really are, but it’s so hard.

You arrive in record time at the emergency clinic, Toji once again carrying the crate inside the building while you briskly make your way to the receptionist. You tell them your name, and everything else they need to know while they work on all the check-in procedures, eventually handing you a clipboard and pen to fill out with further information to fill out.

Toji guides you with a steady hand to the waiting area which includes several benches and tables to take advantage of. He places Tsumiki’s crate on a spot directly in front of you, pulling you down to sit instead of letting you pace the room. Both your legs and hands are shaking uncontrollably with fear, teardrops dotting the paper and ink as you try to write out what they need.

“Hey.” Toji cups your dominant hand with his own, bringing the movement to a standstill. “Breathe,” he calmly requests. “I know it’s tough, but you gotta try and relax for Tsumiki. You aren’t gonna be helpful to her if you suddenly drop over,” he tells you, and he’s right.

“I can’t let anything happen to her,” you mutter with a hoarse voice. You lean forward in your seat, moving your hands to the back of your head.

Toji slings his arm around your shoulder, pulling you against him. “I know.” His words are low, only for you to hear as he speaks into your ear.

“I don’t know what I’d do if something h-happened to her, she’s–“ A hiccup interrupts you. “she’s all I have left. Without her, I…I can’t.”

Toji takes the clipboard from you, putting it next to Tsumiki so he can fully embrace you with both arms. Your head is pulled against his chest and the fabric of his shirt helps to muffle your shattering heart.

“That’s not true,” he begins, his tone of voice calm, but equally stern, “You have me, Megs, those other three friends, even that boss of yours. You said it all yourself to me.” He pauses, bringing his hand up through your hair. His grip is tight yet offers indescribable comfort. The bottom of his jaw settles on the crown of your head. “You are not alone. Not anymore,” he promises.

If you could put a pin on when you start to fall in love in with someone, this would be one of those moments. Even if all he’s doing is reassuring you as any good friend would, it means the world to you and more. A moment in time you’ll never forget for as long as you live.

“Toji, I–“ You lift your head from his chest, taking one sniffle before you catch that metallic scent. You move fast to clutch your nose, but it’s too late. “Shit!” you hiss.

Toji leans back to see what happened. His eyes widen upon seeing the blood trickling down the palm of your hand, hitting his shirt in the process. Thankfully, there’s plenty of tissues given the environment, so he grabs a handful to hold under your nose.

“Fuck,” you cry out, “I’m so sorry, Toji.”

“Don’t be,” he huffs with some underlying amusement. “A bit of blood is nothing, I couldn’t care less.” You swap places with his hand holding the tissues. “Are you okay?” he asks, helping to clean the area around your hand.

“I’m sorry, Toji,” you mumble, lowering your head. “I’m such a mess right now, I don’t mean to burden you.”

“Don’t say that,” he replies, resting his palm on the apex of your head, teasing your hair in the process like he does to Megumi. “You have nothing to be sorry for, and you’re not a burden. Let your ‘knight in shining armor’ be here for you.” He winks.

His helpful teasing earns the hint of a smile on your face and a short-lived laugh, but it’s enough to begin to lighten the mood. At least until you hear a voice calling out your name.

You stand up, reaching out for Tsumiki’s carrier but then you hesitate. “Hey Toji?” He hums in acknowledgement. “Do you mind coming with me for this, please?”

He smiles. “Not at all, princess.”

When all is said and done, Toji drives you back home, walking you back up into your apartment. There, he places the carrier down gently, allowing Tsumiki to roam free.

“I feel, so stupid,” you sigh, kneeling down and hiding your face with your hands out of embarrassment. “All of that for a simple tummy ache.”

Toji chuckles, “Hey, it shows how much you love her. You can’t fault yourself there.”

You turn your head to look at him with a soft smile. “I’m sorry I took so much time out of your day.” Your mind flashes back to when he opened the door earlier in his sleeping form and you can feel the heat reawakening in your body. “I woke you up for it too,” you breathe out a laugh.

“What did I say about the apologies, princess?” He crouches down in front of you causing his denim jeans to bunch up. One of his knees bumps against yours given how close he is. “I’d like to know what else is bothering you though,” he suddenly inquires, and you feel the same guilt you felt the last time creep back up like bile in your throat.

Once again, you border on the crossroads of what to say. It’s a huge step to trust someone else enough to share your vulnerabilities ─ but if it’s Toji… maybe you can? You did it before and it worked out better than expected.

You remain quiet as you stand from your spot, moving towards the couch. While you’re busy pulling your phone out, he rises and makes his way over to your side.

“Look, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” he says, trying to meet your eyes. “But we’re friends. I want to help you if you’ll let me.”

It’s a lot coming from Toji.

You’ve learned over the course of knowing him that feelings don’t come easy. He does what he can, and what he feels is the best course of action. It’s a big reason as to why you struggle to pay him back for all his moments of kindness. You’ve come to realize that that’s how he best expresses himself, not only through teasing, but also through acts of service.

Being not only a bartender, but also more importantly a father, it’s forced him to open up more to others and to himself. To reflect on his own feelings and shortcomings so he can be better for Megumi. It’s not easy and he certainly doesn’t do all this effort for others, but for you, he will.

You pass him the device silently, pulling your knees to your chest. You let one knee rest against your cheek as you look his way, and at the same time you avoid eye contact. Toji’s expression softens, and there’s the slightest hint of red on his ears, but mainly there’s some confusion in his features.

“These are beautiful ─ you’re beautiful,” he tells you, looking back your way. “What’s the problem with ‘em?”

You want to smile. It’s hard not to let alone the blush trying to come alive. There’s just one issue.

“This,” you proclaim, scrolling down to expand the comment section with your finger. “This,” you repeat, “is the problem.” You wrap your arms around your legs, hugging them to you with an empty expression.

He looks back and his face immediately darkens into a scowl. “You know they’re just spewing shit out of their asses, right? Bunch of dumb fucks that don’t have anything better to do,” he grumbles, more curses following under his breath.

“They’re not all wrong though,” you let out a dry chuckle.

“No, uh uh.” He shakes his head, the words spilling out fast and like that of a growl, “Do not do that to yourself. Don’t think for a second this shit means anything.”

“I can’t stop thinking about it!” you exclaim, drawing out each word. Your fears have come alive as the dam breaks. The tears that fall from your eyes are hot and heavy, flooding down your cheeks. “Every single thing they say sticks with me, and I hear it all the time in my head!”

He moves to sit in front of you, placing one hand down on your knee. “You shouldn’t listen to anything on here,” he says more calmly this time, scrolling further down the post. “It’s all garbage, they’re garbage.”

“I wish I could, but I can’t,” you mumble, tightening your grip around yourself to the point your nails are digging into the fabric of your pants to reach your skin. “I hate it so much,” you drawl, “and I hate mys–“

“No.”

His tone makes you flinch, stopping you from continuing. The only noises shared between you two is that of the sobs you try and hold back to not make a sound. To not let another hear you sob.

“Look at me,” he almost whispers to you. “Please?” he insists when you don’t respond.

You eventually do, keeping half your face hidden beneath your forearms, but your eyes finally meet his own and you see the worry behind them.

“No matter what anyone says, you deserved to be on that magazine. Satoru didn’t make you the model you are, that was all you, do you understand?” He pauses, waiting for you to nod before he continues, “Listen to me when I tell you that you are beautiful. These assholes don’t mean shit, and even he agrees,” he finishes by handing you your phone back.

You’re puzzled until you see what Toji is referring to ─ a recent update on Satoru’s page where he expresses how disgusted he is by the comments. He goes on to bash the people spewing hate at someone he deems his friend and how you deserve none of it. The words bring more tears to your eyes, but not all of them are sourced from a well of sorrow this time around.

Toji goes on to say, “You should post your own pics too from that day. Be proud of yourself and the work you put in.”

You still can’t help but scoff, “Yeah, and give them more fuel? It’s bad enough they’re under all my other photos too.”

“So?” he scoffs back. “Fuck whatever they have to say. Remember what I told you.”

“Okay,” you sigh, wiping your tears. “I’ll do it.”

His lips upturn into a wolfish grin. “Good girl. Show ‘em who’s boss.” He pats your knee a few times before returning it to his side. “Now what do you say about ordering in some food? We can watch that fish thing too with Megs if you’re up for it.”

Your eyes widen, darting to the clock on your phone to see how late it is. “Oh my god, Megumi! I’m so sorry, is he–“

“Relax, he’s fine,” he states, appeasing your worries. “I had his sitter pick him up from school.”

“Oh, thank god,” you sigh again. “I was so caught up with my own shit, I completely forgot.”

“No harm done, so quit apologizing already,” he teases.

“I’m sorry ─ fuck, sorr–“ You clasp your hand over your mouth to shut yourself up. Toji gives you a blank stare with his mouth stretched in a fine line before your stomach breaks the silence with a loud growl. You hide yourself behind your legs from the humiliation, meanwhile Toji breaks out laughing.

Funny how the tables have turned.

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” He stands up, pulling his phone out from his back pocket. “Speaking of the kid though, his birthday is coming up.” His hand meets the back of his neck. “It’d mean a lot to him if you’re there for it, we’re havin’ a small party.”

“I’d love to,” you reply with a bright smile ─ the first and most genuine one you’ve made in several days.

“Thanks.” He returns your smile. “I’ll go get the kid then and order your favorite, so get comfortable while I’m gone.”

As he leaves, you go back to some of the latest posts on your profile. To your surprise, a lot of the hate and threats you saw were no longer there. Even the threats in your DMs disappeared or their accounts suspended. You have a feeling Kento has something to do with this, to which you’ll have to thank him later.

You pan through the official photos from the shoot, choosing all your favorites. With a shaky hand, you remember Toji’s words and hit the button to upload your post. Moments later, a new message comes through from your group chat.

Satoru Gojo oi oi, you’re posting again! are you okay??? we miss you :(

You I’m okay now, I’m sorry for worrying you guys.

Suguru Geto Don’t be, you have every right to want your own space. We’re just happy to hear from you again.

Shoko Ieirinext time though you should tell us so we can help you feel better 💕

Satoru Gojo yeah^^^ I was this 🤏 close to getting that double D DILF you like to drive us to your place so we could see you

You oh my god, don’t even start

Satoru Gojo hehehe I can see you blushing through the screen >:3

Shoko Ieiri no need to deny the obvious :)

Suguru Geto I’m with them on this. :)

You wipe the happy tears off your face just in time for Megumi to come running in. He throws himself into you for a nice big hug, with Toji following closely behind.

“Food’s on its way, you feelin’ better?”

“Yeah.” You nod in response. “And thank you, Toji. I’m glad we’re friends,” you tell him with a sincere sounding voice.

“Me too, sweetheart.” He plops down next to you, pulling Megumi into his lap to bounce on his knee. “Now let’s get this movie going then so we can watch Alien later.” He gives you a devious grin.

You scoff, rolling your eyes. “Yeah, funny joke.”

“We’ll see about that,” he teases.

Megumi ends up thoroughly enjoying Finding Nemo, reciting Dory’s iconic line “just keep swimming” over and over to the amusement of you both. Toji on the other hand tries his best to deny the Gill allegations, but it proves to be an impossible battle once Megumi began to point it out and back you up on the claim.

After dinner, Tsumiki ends up joining you three on the couch as well, feeling better than ever now that she has the laps of three people to choose from for love. But between all the laughing and combined joy, you can safely say that in this moment, you feel a whole lot warmer than you did before.

☆ Notes: I will self-indulge myself with movie and song titles that I know and love unapologetically. It’s my way of giving recommendations in a self-insert fic where I try and make the reader as inclusive as I can within the realm of what I’m trying to achieve. jennifer tilly is my celebrity crush <3

also I don’t know about you all, but when I get super stressed out and cry, my nose starts bleeding like hell which is why I wanted to add that scene in specific to add to the depth of the reader's anxieties

revising this chapter makes me realize how much dialogue is hard to do for me. I get so stuck on whether or not I believe a character would actually say what I’m making them say, but then I try to remind myself that there’s some wildly outlandish stuff I’ve seen in other fics that’s still enjoyable to read even their personalities are crazy OOC. Hope that isn’t too much the case here, as soft!toji is something I really try to focus on given all the shit he’s been through.

Here's a fun toji edit by the way >:)

[disney-is-mylife]

Now that we've covered most 80s and 90s "nostalgic" faves....

Don't @ me if your personal fave is not on here. This is MY list of films from MY childhood that I watched over and over, alongside Disney movies. Unlike my previous "nostalgia" polls (80s and 90s, if you want to see the results), the only "rules" here are: non-Disney and fully animated theatrical films. Hence why I included films outside the 90s and Dreamworks as well lol

Happy voting! ❤

A few honorable mentions that I couldn't squeeze into the poll:

An American Tail & Fievel Goes West (I just didn't watch them often enough in my childhood to have them Stick With Me, even though I definitely enjoyed them. But my older brother loved them dearly and talked about them a lot, and I appreciate them a lot more now!)

The Land Before Time (yes, I did watch those absurd sequels - up until 7 ish? - and enjoyed the original, but was never Obsessed like my other peers. Perhaps Jurassic Park traumatized me too much to be fond of dinosaurs lol)

The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue (speaking of sequels, I remember the pet one?? pretty well? but not enough to call it a Childhood Fave)

The King & I (absolutely ATROCIOUS adaptation/film, btw, but my siblings and I delighted in quoting the stupid comic relief's lines because Kid Humor is broken lmao the amount of times our poor mother must have heard us go "I never want to see another mango in life" before dissolving into a fit of giggles.....)

Pippi Longstocking (idk I read the book and just was happy to see a beloved book character come to life)

Annabelle's Wish (definitely a STRONG honorable mention cuz I was oddly OBSESSED with the soundtrack for some reason??? but unlike other Obsessed With the Soundtrack movies, this one kinda.... disappeared into the ether of my memories, with only that One Song playing on loop when I think about it)

And finally: shout-out to We're Back, FernGully, Pebble and the Penguin, and Quest for Camelot for being weird-ass fever dream memories until I properly watched them after high school

Cats Don't Dance and Thumbelina are probably the closest things to "honorable mentions" on the poll, but I chose to keep them because I remember DISTINCTLY getting VERY upset over Darla Dimple's scheming in Cats Don't Dance, and feeling whimsically swept up in Thumbelina's fairytale romance. Whereas poor American Tail and Land Before Time didn't "latch onto" me the same way. Who can say why? Memories are a funny thing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[zzthekaiju]

Best of the Reptiles in Media - 02 - Heart

Here we are again taking a look at some of my favorite scaly heroes. And this time, we go to the realm of animation. That golden frontier where anything is possible.

A lot of people have asked me what my favorite animated film is. And ever since 2016, I've had the definitive answer. It's a film from Japan staring who might be one of my favorite animated protagonists of all time. One that I wish was recognized by way more people than just the cult following his movie got.

You could say that this character...has a special place in my Heart.

And yes, that is his name. You'll learn to appreciate it.

Omae Umasou da na (You are Umasou) (2010) is an anime adaptation of a series of children's books revolving around a belligerent Tyrannosaurus Rex who ends up adopting a baby Ankylosaurus, with all the mishaps that implies. I'll admit, when I heard about this film for the first time, I wasn't sure what to think. Surely, this free film uploaded to Youtube wouldn't possibly--

It proceeded to rewrite my brain chemistry forever. It really is a great film. It's beautiful to look at, the animation is really action-packed and cute at the same time, it's got a gripping story (which I'll get into), and above all, it's main character is a martial arts-practicing Godzilla-looking T-Rex who engages in interspecies adoption. WHAT MORE COULD I HAVE ASKED FOR?!

But enough beating around the bush, why is Heart so compelling to me?

Let's start with an introduction. Heart is a Tyrannosaurus Rex from a prehistoric world whose lost egg winds up found and adopted by a kindly Maiasaura. Unfortunately, a carefree life of fun and peace with his mom and half-brother Light is brought to an end when he discovers his true nature as a "Big Jaw" (as in, carnivore). After running away out of fear of what he might do to his family, he grows up hardening both his soul and his combat skills so that he may survive the unforgiving badlands outside of the forest he grew up in (complete with training montage).

Then, as if life wasn't done throwing him curve balls, Heart is imprinted upon by a little baby Ankylosaurus he was just about to eat (complete with calling him the Japanese word for delicious, hence the name). Soon, Heart is caught between going with his true nature or taking a few cues from his own adoptive mother...

Design-wise, Heart isn't winning any accuracy contests, but then again, no creature here is. And it hardly matters, either. This dino manages to find a great balance between looking like the kind of character I'd want a plushie of (seriously, why haven't we gotten on to that) and one that conveys great ferocity and coolness. A major part of how that's conveyed is his expressions. This guy is a GOLDMINE of reaction faces for almost every occasion. So much so that, long ago on my Instagram page, I posted a compilation of faces that either cracked me up or just showed his facial range in general.

What's your favorite? Let me know in the notes/reblogs!

Anyway, then there's when he fights. And MAN, does it go hard! Heart doesn't exactly wear kiddie gloves when he's put in a combat situation, utilizing heavy kicks and deceptive agility as his opponents barely keep pace. We see him go up against sauropods and other Big Jaws, and really, I just need to show you these GIFs to sum up what it's like.

But that's not where Heart truly shines. It's his role in the narrative. You see, in most dino media aimed towards younger audiences, the big mean carnivore is the villain. This was most prevalent in works like The Land Before Time with Sharptooth, and the Carnotaurs from Disney's Dinosaur (both of which were the stuff of nightmares for little dino nerds like me). Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. Giant theropod dinosaurs are indeed scary, so of course they make for good villains. But then you consider that most of these predators aren't hunting our adorable plant-munching protags because they're evil. It's just in their nature as predators. What are they gonna do? Go vegan?

And that's the troublesome crossroads Heart finds himself at. You could say this film offers a deconstruction of the "vicious meat-eating dinosaur" archetype. The Anti-Sharptooth, if you will. We're obviously meant to root for him because he's the protagonist and an altogether pleasant guy, but at the same time, both herbivore and carnivore are fully-sapient beings here, and Heart must feed.

The film does NOT restrain from showing him hunt down his prey, but it has the intelligence to show that this is not malice or even pleasure, it's simple survival instinct. He is a huge shade of grey in what would otherwise be a very black-and-white scenario in any other film. And it gets even harder for Heart when Umasou enters the picture.

For the record, almost all of Heart and Umasou's interactions are the definition of adorable. Little Umasou is such a little ball of sunshine both inside and out, and poor Heart just doesn't have the...well, heart...to either eat or abandon him. Seeing his exasperation while keeping him safe while also training him in the ways of fighting like an anime protagonist (complete with training montage) is all kinds of endearing and a testament to Heart's strength of character. Of course, it leads to the inevitable point where he has to let him go...but unlike the source material, it doesn't take. Umasou knows that he and his adoptive dad are as different as can be, but he doesn't care. He's his family, and vice versa, something Heart comes to accept whole-heartedly (I did it again, didn't I).

And with that, the ending to this amazing nature vs. nurture story is very bittersweet, starting with Heart and Umasou reuniting with the former's mom.

Actually, before I keep going, I just want you to know that this scene in which they finally see each other again made me go from "wow, great movie, ten out of ten" to "I NEED TO TALK TO MY MOM!!!" in less than a minute. Seriously, if you're looking to strengthen your maternal bonds, watch this movie and watch the magic happen.

Aaaaanyway, after a heated battle between Heart and the one implied to be his real dad, the truth remains that he can't stay. He's resigned himself to a life as an outcast, never being compatible with his parent and brother's kind while at the same time being shunned by his fellow Big Jaw for adopting food. Nevertheless, he leaves in high spirits, having mended what had for the longest time been a broken bond. That, and he doesn't have to be a straggler alone, anyhow.

Really, Heart is everything I love about a lot of protags in one big package. He's a reptile (a dinosaur no less), he's a badass, he's a nice guy, he rages against what he is in order to be WHO he wants to be, and he's undoubtedly dad of the year. I hope more people come to recognize and appreciate him as much as I do.

Also, he's heavily implied to be in a steady relationship with an adorable Elasmosaurus, so he's got that "interspecies romance" trope possibly going for him too! C'mon, fellow You are Umasou fans old and hopefully new, you can't tell me you don't see it too!

[eldritcmor]

An off day (Platonic)

Featuring: taskforce 141, and gen-z reader (storm)

Soap felt a solid thump land squarely in his back just above his tactical vest. Something warm rested there for a few seconds before a deep breath could be heard.

"Ye daein' a'richt, corporal?" Another deep breath and a nudge in his back before the weight leaning against him disappears from his back. He glanced over his shoulder to see Storm standing back a bit from him. They're not really focused on anything, just quietly standing. The team would be going on a mission in about forty-five minutes. Storm was benched on medical leave unfortunately. The team's last mission had been a botched job and Storm took the brunt of the damage done. Soap reached an arm out and gently pulled Storm closer to his side before yanking them into a one armed hug.

"We will be back soon, can ye hold oot til then?" A nod against his ribs and a quiet hum of affirmation. He patted them solidly on the shoulder before gently pushing Storm up and away.

The mission was a success. It was light this time. Just confirming and gathering Intel for the team's next big target. The base was incredibly quiet when they returned. Usually if one of them was on medical leave and base bound, they would wait on the tarmac for the team and greet them. It was something Storm did that had become a sort of after mission tradition. No one was there this time. Gaz was a bit concerned with it. Storm hadn't once spammed them, with memes nor any updates on what they dug up around base. Soap had off handedly mentioned that Storm was having an off day. He knew that meant that Storm would be heavily non-verbal but that didn't mean they stopped messaging him. He decided to search them out, but found practically no trace of them. Only thing he found was an oddly weighted dinosaur plush in the team's common room. It looked heavily squished in the middle as if someone had been squeezing the dear life out of it before moving on.

Ghost remembered Soap mentioning that Storm was having an off day. That was all right, they all had one at some point. When the team made it back to base and no one was on the tarmac to greet them that briefly sent a little trill of concern down his spine. When Gaz found Storm's dinosaur out in the open and heavily squished that sent another trill. Storm didn't tend to just leave it about. The few times Storm had been seen with it was when Ghost was around, well it was a comfort object for something. But, he would let Gaz keep a hold of it for now. None of the team had seen you since returning and Gaz looked on the edge of tearing apart the base to find you. Ghost understood, of course but he also knew that wouldn't be beneficial to anyone right now. When Storm wanted to disappear, they knew how to vanish near completely. He had learned that the hard way on the many times he had played the attack game with them.

Someone had picked the lock on his door. Storm had taught him the signs and how awhile ago. Something about it being incredibly useful for when you locked yourself out of the barracks. Ghost pushed open the door but the small bedroom was dark and quiet. Nothing was touched or moved on the desk. Not the dresser. His weighted blanket was missing. It was on the heavier side, about forty to forty five lbs of weight. It was a gift from Storm after a smoke break that turned into a very strange conversation about coping mechanisms. Storm had left it with a note saying that pressure helped them to recenter. Their words, not his. But it did help him sleep sometimes.

Price hummed as he twisted the key into the lock of his office. The mission had been a success and now he had a report to write. Sure, Storm wasn't on the tarmac to greet them. And maybe the rest of his team kids were searching the base top to bottom for them. Price knew the team wouldn't get to his office for awhile. Long enough for him to write a report and for whoever was sleeping in the corner behind the door to figure out a new hiding place or go seek a certain team. He shut the door behind him with a solid click and felt eyes immediately land on him. Curled up in the corner, underneath Simon's weighted blanket was one Corporal Storm. Price had a couch sure, but for some reason the kid still preferred to cram themselves into a tight corner on the floor. The kid honestly looked a bit shit. Like the weight they usually carried was far too taxing across their shoulders.

Price crouched before the kid before spreading his arms wide. 

"C'mere kid." Storm at first didn't take the offer but after a second of processing, they scrambled into his hug. Price leaned back as their weight leaned heavily against him. 

"Easy kid, before you knock me over." He joked but he felt them stiffen under him before attempting to reel back. Price let them but let a chuckle escape him.

"Just a joke kid. We got about ten minutes before the team gets tired of searching and comes here to ask for help. You wanna take the couch?" 

They nodded before rolling to their feet and plopping heavily down on the couch. The weighted blanket wrapped around their shoulders. Price kept up a constant stream of simple chatter and comments as he opened and wrote his report on a mission well done and reviewed any correspondence he had missed. He watched as the kid relaxed into the overbeaten old couch, now that direct attention was off them.

A knock at his door caused him to pause before he quickly answered it. Soap stood on the other side and Gaz was not far behind him. Ghost, he could assume was a little off to the side and out of sight line by the shadows.

"Seen Storm, sir?"

Price hummed and hawed a moment before stepping aside to reveal them sitting on his couch.

Storm stood from the couch and slowly approached the door as their captain returned to his desk. They walked right up to Soap before firmly planting their head in his chest. A chuckle vibrated through the Scotsman's chest as careful fingers scratched hard at the base of their skull.

"Good to see ya, too." They were pulled out into the hallway as Gaz shut the door to Price's office behind them. Gaz immediately pressed into their side in worry and they leaned against the man in comfort, Ghost's blanket still firmly grounding them. Soap played an arm across their shoulders and guided them back to the common area. Sandwiched between him and Gaz was solid and the near silent footsteps behind them were a very welcome relief.

[pun-for-fun]

Littlefoot is a BAMF

I rewatched Land Before Time (the first movie) yesterday for the first time since I was a lil kid and like. Holy shit.

Littlefoot, this little kid, upon being freshly orphaned after years of starving in a wasteland, goes off the rails and rounds up a group of other little kids (one of which is a NEWBORN, SPIKE) and one of which that is constantly spewing dinosaur racism (but don't come after my girl Cera all that crap is her dad's fault), led them all across a barren wasteland while starving and being actively hunted.

Look at them. This is right after killing the sharptooth. ZERO REMORSE OR INJURY, just rosy cheeks and smiles. Terrifying little children, my god. Which leads me to this- when he got fed up with being hunted (legit fed up and not just scared), he just goes "You know what? I've had enough of this sharptooth. Gather round everybody I have a plan." and then goes on to formulate a working strategy that allows a group of five little kids to literally murder a bloodthirsty t-rex. Which was entirely justified given the circumstances (if you didn't cry over Littlefoot's mom dying then I don't trust you), but was also done with zero guilt or hesitation.

This is the face of a killer. And until that same t-rex crushed it underfoot, Littlefoot was able to keep his tree-star intact and vibrant for countless miles of travel through everything. Honestly I think it might have been a power limiter his mom gave him, because he came up with that flawless murder plan and then found the great valley minutes later only after the tree-star got shredded. Like Rock Lee's ankle weight. Did his mom know what would be unleashed without it?? Actually in hindsight Littlefoot might have gotten the quietly unhingedness from her, given that her last act was to beat the crap out of that sharptooth so hard that it caused a literal earthquake...and then she appeared in the tree-star, and the clouds...

Hold on. Hold on a fucking second.

Was Littlefoot's mom like, a dinosaur goddess?? Is THAT why LIttlefoot was the only child born in the longneck herd, how she beat down the t-rex while starving and wounded, caused an earthquake, then spoke from beyond the veil to give Littlefoot guidance???

Fuck. GUYS. LITTLEFOOT IS A DINOSAUR DEMIGOD. DEMIDINO. DINOGOD. FUCK.

The movie even follows the same sort of format that most myths do- with the hero going through trials and gaining allies and defeating a feared enemy to achieve some seemingly impossible goal. AND he kept his tree-star alive for that long, even in literal volcanic conditions- how??

Okay so I only realized all of this in the process of writing this post, but. In conclusion. Littlefoot is a terrifying sweetheart of a long-neck demigod, his mother was a goddess, and now I'm scared to ask about his grandparents.

Bonus: If Spike helped commit pre-meditated murder of a gigantic predator as essentially a newborn, than his sleepiness may be mercy upon us given how it indicates a level of potential power above even Littlefoot. Like Hercules killing those snakes in his cradle or something. I don't know. Fucking hell.

(And don't come after me talking about suspension of disbelief and unrealistic limits in movies. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about what the movie itself implies. Goddamn.)

[strawberryfloofs]

Lights Out (CG Sun and Moon x Little Reader) (part 1/3)

You didn’t really know how you got to this point, but eventually you made it to Superstar Daycare all by yourself, even with your baby brain! The colorful slide welcomed you with big letters as you decided to slide down, giggling as you landed in the ballpit and a certain sun-themed animatronic jumped off his stage! “New friend! Hello there! What are you doing here? It’s been so long since we’ve seen a new kiddo!” Sundrop picked you up, tilting his head with joy as he walked through the ballpit and onto the daycare’s floor. “Sunny!” You babbled, knowing his name since there was no way you’d miss it with all the posters outside the daycare. I mean c’mon! He’s the main star, literally. “Yes! That’s me, Sundrop! Gosh you’re so smart~ Ooh- Do you like glitter glue?!” The sun-themed animatronic beamed. You nodded lots, glitter glue was soooo pretty! Sundrop was ecstatic to hear that, so he quickly put you on your feet and gave you the task of picking from one of 4 seats to sit in at the arts and crafts table he set up. You glanced at them all, noting how there was a yellow, blue, pink, and green option- but you ended up choosing to sit at the pink one. You glanced around to see where Sunny went, but you couldn’t spot him at all. Maybe he went to get the glitter glue and other arts stuffs? The table you were sitting at was pretty empty after all, other than a couple pieces of paper and crayons, nothing was there. Suddenly, bells could be heard and you looked up to see the sun-themed animatronic skipping towards you, with a clear bin in his hands that held all types of glitters, glues, googly eyes, and everything you could ask for! “Superstar~ I’m back!” He sang, setting the bin on the table, and then kneeling next to you, “Okay! Let’s try to make a dinosaur! It can be any type you’d like, a T-Rex, Pterodactyl, Triceratops, whatever you’d like!” “And thennnn, we’ll make the outline of glitter glue, color it in, and put some googly eyes on it! Doesn’t that sound like SOO much fun friend?!” The animatronic had so much energy that it was making you both excited and giggle! “Otaysss! I doeses!” You reply, quickly starting to make a brachiosaurus outline with glitter glue. You were successful, but when you were done, you had a lot left over and was kinda curious if it would taste as good as it looked… So you put a big glob on your hand and brought it towards your mouth… But you felt metallic fingers wrap around your arm and pull it away, followed by a sigh, “Sunbeam, you can’t eat the glitter glue! It’s not edible!” He explained, his voice getting a little high-pitched. Upset with his response, you decided you’d reply with a simple, “otay!” and when he let your arm back down, you tried to bring it to your mouth again, but this time faster! Stll, you were unsuccessful and you could hear Sundrop make confused sounds and groan, which made you giggle! “Okay, we’re learning a new word today! Indigestion-” The sun-themed animatronic spoke slowly, starting with a kind tone before changing to a quicker, more annoyed one, “That’s how you get it!” He pulled a napkin out of…somewhere, you weren’t quite sure, maybe it just appeared out of nowhere! But he cleant the glue off your hand and pushed the glitter glue away from you, handing you some crayons to color your dino in wit, which you happily did so! Picking out and using the prettiest colors for your dino, you finished it and he glued on the googly eyes for you, saying you lost glue privileges today. You looked at your now, finished dinosaur and decided to name them…Zoey and that you’d show Zoey to Sundrop! “Sunny! Dis Zoey da dino!” You held it up in his face, happily kicking your legs out of excitement. He tilted his head multiple times before grabbing it, “Ho Ho! This is amazing superstar! I am so proud of what you made!” His praise made you all warm, fuzzy, and happy inside, so you happily clapped and smiled.

(tumblr has a word limit so check part 2)

[meganslife]

Pen pals - p. parker (part four)

pairing; TASM! peter parker x fem! reader

read part one, part two, and part three before this!!<3

summary: you land in new york with no difficulties, besides one. you realized that peter was kind of cute, maybe more. maybe sleep would drown your thoughts out?

a/n: hey guys!!! idek how many more parts i’m gonna make. maybe like 3 more. idk. bare with me. i’m kinda just going with the flow. anyway, enjoy reading💗💗

Peter knew that you’d be feeling many things after the flight. Jet-lagged, hungry, tired, and maybe crabby. He tried to prepare the best he could. The 3-hour jump ahead in time for you might take a while to get used to. He had everything waiting back at home.

Peter wanted to be cool and collected. But, he wasn’t. His heart was pounding with worry.

“What if I don’t meet her expectations?”

Peter’s question earns an annoyed glare from May.

“Be serious, Peter,” May lightly smacks his arm, “Y/N flew all this way to come see you. Why would she have any expectations? She clearly likes you for who you are.”

Peter sighs, anxiously waiting by the gate you would come out of any minute now.

“Does she?” Peter asks, “I mean, she doesn’t know I’m–”

May nudges him. “Your girl’s here.”

And there you were.

You had clearly just been sleeping, the squint in your eyes was evidence of that. You had on a basic outfit, athletic shorts, and a baggy T-shirt. You looked even prettier in person, just like he predicted. Peter couldn’t form any words to signify where he was, all he could do was walk toward you, accidentally walking into people in the process.

When you finally notice Peter, he was only a couple of steps away.

You drop everything in your hands, not caring about it going everywhere.

Peter doesn’t even say anything before hugging you. It was a bone-crushing hug.

“You’re real,” Peter says, squeezing you tightly- not planning to let go.

“I’m real,” You sniffle, squeezing him right back.

Peter pulls back slightly, wiping away your tears. “Don’t cry,” He coos, “Happy tears, right?”

You nod, looking up at him. His calloused fingers were on your face, taking in every feature.

“You’re really tall,” You laugh, hugging him again.

Peter kind of wants to cry too. Your perfume, soft hair, and warm skin were so overwhelming. It was a good kind of overwhelming.

“May’s waiting for us,” Peter smiles.

You resort to holding Peter’s hand as you grab your stuff and walk over to May.

May was on the verge of tears too. She hugged you and whispered something in your ear that Peter wished he could hear because whatever she said made you flustered.

“Stop it, May,” You laugh, “He’s literally right here.”

You and May were still hugging. Peter raises an eyebrow at May, to which she shrugs and kisses your cheek.

“Shall we go home now?” Peter asks, interlinking your fingers once again.

“Shall,” You snort, walking off with May. Peter follows close behind, holding your suitcase.

The ride to Peter and May’s place was fascinating to you. Peter could see it written all over your face.

“New York is weird,” You look over at Peter while the three of you are on the train.

“The weirdest,” Peter agreed. “One day I was sw– walking around, and a guy in a huge dinosaur costume approached me and somehow knew my name. It was really strange.”

“Hm,” You nodded, resting your head on Peter’s shoulder.

Peter looked over at May when he saw your eyes close. He smirked, and May smirked right back.

When you all made it back home, Peter showed you around.

“There’s the bathroom- and uh, I got you some stuff,” He says shyly, holding up a little box labeled ‘Y/N’s’. “Toiletries. I didn’t really know what to get, so May tried to help.”

You frown.

“What? I thought I was being chivalric here,” Peter grins.

“Did you actually buy me all of this? This is expensive stuff, Peter.”

He looks away, setting down the box. “You’re not gonna want to see my room.”

“Peter,” You sigh.

“Just– come here,” He grabs you by your wrist and leads you to his room.

Peter opens the door to his room, and you’re met with a lot of things. On his bed, he displayed all of your favorite treats, along with a little teddy bear dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

You look at Peter with wide eyes. He can tell that you’re almost on the verge of tears.

“I would’ve bought more touristy stuff, but I figured you might want to do some yourself…” Peter shrugs, leaning in his doorway. “Come here, bug. You look sad.”

“I’m not sad,” You say, voice barely a whisper as you walk over to him.

Peter hugs your shoulders. “What’s wrong, then?”

You fidget with his hoodie strings. “It’s hard to believe that you’re real.”

“I’m real, I promise,” Peter whispers, kissing your forehead.

Peter was doing everything in his power to not confess his undying love for you right then and there.

~

Nighttime rolled around quicker than expected. The first day in New York was mostly spent in the house, but you wouldn’t have traded it for anything. You, Peter, and May played Uno. May demolished you both. Peter swore that it was just a lucky day for her. You laughed, replaying Peter’s frustrated groans in your head over and over again-

Ugh.

That’s the other problem. Stupid Peter and his stupid face, voice, and mouth. How dare he be sculpted like a god? How dare he have such a scratchy, soothing voice? It’s quite literally driving you crazy, and you haven’t even been here for a day.

“Are you sure I can take your bed?” You ask, putting on one of Peter’s hoodies.

He gulped. “Yeah! Yeah- it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Can’t have a pretty girl sleeping on that old couch, right?” He kisses your cheek and grabs his backpack. “Sorry I have to go. Night classes are so stupid.”

“It’s okay,” You shrug, “Are you gonna sleep in here?”

“I can if you want me to.”

You nod, “Can you?”

“Of course, lovie. Go lay down, now. It’s late,” Peter guides you to his bed, his hand on the small of your back. He tucks you in, smiling widely. “‘Kay, bye!”

And then he leaves. You cuddle with one of his pillows, and it smelled like him.

You were so fucked.

~

At around 2 am, you are rudely waken up by something falling loudly and a not-so-whispered curse.

You assume it’s Peter trying to navigate being in the dark after getting home from his class. Wanting to surprise him, you tip-toe down the stairs, and sneak through the living room.

Instead of being met with Peter, you’re met with… Spider-Man?

Wait.

That can’t be right.

Why is Spider-Man, New York’s hero, digging in May and Peter’s fridge, eating everything he sees?

Your first instinct is to back away. Maybe he thinks this is his house. He doesn’t break into houses, does he?

Then, your foot steps on a creaky floorboard, and Spider-Man looks up from the fridge.

You are met with none other than Peter’s wide, brown eyes staring at you.

— read about me and find my masterlist here :3

[starsurface]

Regressor Syzoth w/ CG Kitana: Broken Cookie Jar!!

WARNING: A lot of mentions to hitting, screaming, and abuse. (None of it happens, but Syzoth panics)

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Syzoth giggled quietly as he snuck into the kitchen. He was invisible, no one could see him!! This was the perfect idea to steal some cookies!!

Kitana and him had baked some earlier. She let him have one after they were done cooling off, but then she put them into the cookie jar! It was a Johnny Cage cookie jar, a gift from the star himself. Johnny said it was a chibi version of him? Whatever that meant. 

Kitana scolded him earlier when he tried to get more. She said he had to wait until after dinner- After dinner!!! 

That was so far away!

Okay, it was in like, thirty minutes, but that was still so long!!

Surely if he took just one more, it wouldn't hurt anybody.

He had distracted Kitana by asking if she could fetch his dinosaur plushie, Fetch! He did want him, but he also knew Kitana would leave him alone for a few minutes to go get him. He could easily shove a cookie in his mouth and then head back outside where they were playing!

The chefs were busy with other matters so almost none were in the kitchen, mostly because Kitana was semi-set on making cookies in peace. Syzoth adored hanging outside while small, but Mileena had made a special place in the garden just for regressors. And he didn't wanna be little in front of people.

"Just one cookie," Syzoth whispered to himself.

He lifted the lid and grabbed a cookie, shoving it into his mouth. It tasted so yummy!! 

Technically, he wasn't supposed to be having human food. But one cookie here or there wouldn't make him throw up. . . The tummy ache would be incredibly painful still. 

But Syzoth was too small to be concerned about whether his tummy would ache or not. Right now, all he wanted to focus on was eating the cookies. They were delicious!! How could he not steal some?

Maybe it'd be alright for him to steal another one? No one was around . . . It would be fine-

"Syzoth?" Kitana walked into the kitchen. "Where could he have-"

Syzoth dropped the lid he was holding. It was suspicious anyhow, a floating lid.

But the lid didn't land on the counter or back in place. It hit the jar at an awkward angle, knocking the cookie jar over.

A few cookies fell out and onto the counter. Which was fine, everything was fine.

But then the jar started rolling. And Syzoth couldn't catch it in time before-

CRASH!!!

He had done it now.

"Syzoth, what did you do?" Kitana frowned, looking at the shattered glass. "Turn visible, I want to see you, now."

Syzoth didn't like the fact she was using his real name. It shouldn't bother him, he knows it shouldn't. But Kitana always had pet names for him!

Syzoth turned himself back visible, sheepishly looking at the ground, holding onto his robes tightly. Was Kitana going to yell and hit him? No, she wasn't that cruel. . . Right?

She'd never yelled at him before when he was being naughty. A few lectures sure. Most times a stern warning voice was all he needed before behaving again or voicing what was wrong. 

But he had also never quite broken not only a rule, but glass at the same time.

Back with Shang Tsung, had Syzoth ever dropped a bottle or a glass, he'd . . . he'd . . .

He backed slightly as Kitana stepped forward.

"I- I," Syzoth struggled, lip already quivering as tears filled his eyes. "I didn't mean to! I'm sorry!"

"You're alright, hatchling," Kitana said, putting her hands up as she slowly walked forward. She grabbed the duster pan on her slow walk. "Back away from the jar, alright? I need to clean this up."

"Pease don't yell!" Syzoth begged, clutching onto his robes tightly. "O-Or hit, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be naughty or break the rules or trick you!! I-"

"Hey, hey, hey, take a deep breath for me, sweetheart," Kitana shushed him gently, softly touching his hair. The act usually calmed him down. He adored head pats. No longer were the acts cruel and violent. "Go stand over there, okay? I don't want you to get a cut. Then we'll sit down and talk, okay?"

Syzoth's lip quivered, "Time out?"

Syzoth didn't really serve timeouts. Maybe once, or twice, but he didn't like feeling abandoned, or alone. It was scary, he didn't want to be scared anymore.

Kitana held back a sigh, gently pushing Syzoth away, "Sy, please, move away from the glass."

Syzoth watched as Kitana cleaned his mess. He tried to help, he wanted to help, but Kitana stressed that she didn't need it.

Syzoth couldn't exactly read her tone. Was she annoyed? Was she mad or angry? Was she really going to 'talk' with him, or was she going to yell and scream?

Kitana had to throw away some of the cookies that had fallen with the cookie jar. Actually, she had to throw away most of the cookies, much to Syzoth's dismay, and Kitana even had to throw away the entire cookie jar!!

Kitana put the dust pan away, giving Syzoth a soft smile, "Can you tell me what happened?"

"Wanted another cookie," Syzoth admitted sheepishly. "But you said no. So I made a plan and told you to get Fetch while I got a cookie. I'm sorry for deceiving you."

"Deceivings a very big word," Kitana commented. "Where are you right now, Sy? You feeling big or little, Hun?"

"Lil," Syzoth gripped his robes tightly. "Just . . scared."

"Well I'm not very happy you tricked me, but I'm not mad either. You know what human food does to your tummy, baby. It makes you feel all icky and gross. ANd it makes your tummy hurt a lot, doesn't it?" Kitana asked. Syzoth whined in response.

"But they were yummy!"

"Sy," Kitana gave a slightly stern tone, making Syzoth back down, "I said we could have more cookies after dinner, didn't I?"

Syzoth gave a small nod, "Mhm. But now there's no more cookies!"

"That's because half of them were covered in glass, Sweetheart," Kitana sighed, pulling Syzoth into a hug. "Next time I say no more cookies until after dinner, you listen, okay?"

"Otay," Syzoth nodded, hugging Kitana back tightly. "You sure you're not mad, 'Tana?"

"I'm sure," Kitana kissed his forehead. "I'm a bit upset about the whole situation, but I'm not exactly mad. I'm glad you didn't get hurt," Kitana put her finger up, "But you only get one cookie later!"

Syzoth wanted to whiny and disagree at that. Originally he was allowed three cookies after dinner. But now only one!! There was maybe five, seven cookies left? And it was a better outcome than getting a spanking of timeout . . .

"Otay," Syzoth looked deflated.

Kitana kissed his temple, "Let's get the surviving cookies into a zip lock. You wanna help me?"

Syzoth nodded, going to grab a zip lock. Kitana placed the cookies inside. Syzoth help a bit happier, now being allowed to help out. Kitana placed the cookies in a cabinet, one that little Syzoth would try to reach.

"Where's Fetch?" Syzoth asked, suddenly realizing that his stuffie wasn't with Kitana.

"He's waiting outside!! On your little sun rock," Kitana said. There was a designated 'sun laying' rock that Syzoth claimed when he first got here.

Syzoth looked very happy before frowning, pointing to the trashcan, "I'm sorry I broke the jar. Didn't mean to drop it, it was an accident."

"I assumed as much," Kitana said before smirking. "Honestly, it was pretty ugly anyways."

Syzoth giggled at that, "Don't let Johnny hear that, 'Tana!"

"Then it'll stay between us," Kitana winked at him, Syzoth nodded and blinked back. "But I suppose that we'll have to get a new cookie jar, won't we? What kind of jar should we get?"

"Santa jar!" Syzoth gasped. "We get a Santa jar?"

"YOu do love Christmas, don't you?" Kitana ruffled his hair.

Other than Valentine's day, Christmas was Syzoth's favorite holiday. Kitana loved it as well, Earthrealm had such nice holiday.

"Santa jar," Syzoth repeated.

Kitana chuckled, "Kinda sounds like this was all a plan to replace our cookie jar."

"Was not!" Syzoth gasped, shaking his head.

"Was too!" Kitana stuck her tongue at him before dashing out of the kitchen.

Syzoth whined, running after her, "Nuh-uh! I- 'Tana!!"

But there was a smile on both their faces.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3