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wolfbluebird · 14 days ago

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Something Unexpected

Summary: You and Natasha are exes, you kept a secret from her… but not all secrets can be kept in the dark forever.

G!P Natasha x female reader. (Secret child)

Word count: 5.8k

Fluff, angst (if you squint).

(Men and minors dni)

You used to be an avenger, key words ‘used to’. You were a skilful agent, there wasn’t nothing you couldn’t take down in a fight, other than Bruce banner when he’s is ‘Green mode’. You also used to be Natasha Romanoff’s ex girlfriend. That was until the two of you got into a bad fight and she used a secret you’d told her against you. Since then, the trust has broken, you broke up and never spoke again.

2 months after the breakup, you returned back to being a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, working as third in command. Fury, Hill, then you. You mainly worked on missions and training new agents to perfection.

That was until you went into labour. What. Labour? You haven’t had sex since… Natasha. You didn’t know you were pregnant, I mean, you’re not ready for children and you have a responsibility and duty to S.H.I.E.L.D. The doctors told you it was a ‘phantom pregnancy’, but a week after the birth, you returned to S.H.I.E.L.D. with a baby girl called Callie.

Telling Natasha felt out of the picture, she didn’t even know about the baby anyway, so she won’t care… right? So you told Maria under no circumstances does Callie get into the hands of Natasha or Natasha even know about her in the first place.

The present day.

Callie is now 3 years old, she’s healthy, beautiful and just perfect. She spends most of her time with you, unless you’re on a mission or a meeting, which is when she gets sent to the S.H.I.E.L.D. daycare service.

Today is one of those days where you spend most of your time with a bunch of brand new cocky recruits who think they’re the best because they were ‘selected’ personally by fury, which is a lie. Your job is to show them that they’re not.

What you were probably emailed about but got distracted by Callie’s tantrum, was that the avengers were be having a ‘show around’ of the new S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, but you eventually found out. The hard way.

You’re on the mats with one of the recruits who has enough cologne on to burn the hair out your nostrils. He’s throwing punches, weak punches, very weak punches. Naturally, you’re there for guidance… and minor bullying. It’s all character building in your opinion.

On a particularly weak punch you tackle him to the ground, your arm around his waist as your foot hooks under his ankle and you push him to the ground. You stand above him with a clearly disapproving look. “Seriously? My Three-year-old fights better than you.” You say with a raised eyebrow and your hands on your hips.

You too busy verbally stripping all of the recruits confidence away to hear the arrival of Maria and her showing the Avengers around. However the sound of Tony’s sarcastic comment alerts you of their presence. “I thought your job was to help make the recruits better, not to verbally abuse them.” He has a teasing glint in his eyes and a shit eating grin on his face.

“I thought your job was to save the world, last I heard you were in the Bahamas enjoying a cocktail by the beach.” You shoot back playfully with a smirk as the recruit stands up and joins the rest of your ‘victims’.

“What, can’t a millionaire have fun every once in a while?” Tony teases as the rest of the avengers just shake their heads in amusement and frustration. But you don’t miss the way Natasha’s eyes avoid looking at you and choose to stare at every wall in the training room.

“Enough Tony.” Steve says with a sigh, before walking up to you and pulling you into a somewhat fatherly hug “It’s been a long time, huh kid?” He says before releasing you but keeping his arm over your shoulder as he walks you towards your old team.

“That it has.” You say with a soft smile. You look everyone over. Clint looks like he’s balding, probably from dealing with his wife and three kids. Thor looks… the same really, although his hair looks a bit shorter. Wanda’s hairs now red, and the whole ‘emo/goth’ thing she had going on is replaced with a more… American look. Vision stands close to her, he looks the same. And Natasha… she looks exhausted, the black eye bags under her eyes clearly showing lack of sleep. You almost feel pity towards her, knowing you were the one thing she had to help her with her nightmares. But then you remembered what she did and that pity turns to indifference.

“So, will you be joining us for the rest of this tour we’re being forced to do?” Tony asks with a teasing glint. Which only causes you to roll you eyes. “I can’t I’ve got to finish breaking these new recruits. I’m hoping to break my record this time.” You reply cockily, but in all honesty, you don’t want to spend anymore time with Natasha than you actually have to.

“Oh come on, kid. It’ll be fun we haven’t seen you in almost 4 years.” Steve says as he pats your back. “Guys I really can’t, I need to finish training the new people” you reply desperate to not come on this show round with them.

“Oh give them a break, they’ve probably been at it for hours knowing you.” Tony remarks, but you can see the in his eyes he’s missed you, all though he wouldn’t say that to your face, like ever.

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose, “Fine, but only for a little bit, I don’t want to have to go on this boring show around in a place I walk around every day.” You say feigning annoyance. You see Natasha’s eyes almost light up when you do say this, and her shoulders relax.

You send the recruits to the break room, informing them of your absence for the next couple hours or so, they look almost thankful for the break, maybe you were a bit too hard on them.

Eventually, you rejoin the avengers for their tour. The first 30 minutes were boring, just Maria telling them all things you already knew about, which is what the rest of the tour is probably going to be.

Natasha drops back from the group to walk next to you, she looks almost… timid. Which is a stark contrast to Natasha’s usual confidence and cockiness. She doesn’t say anything for a while, just occasionally staring at your face, clearly not paying attention to anything that’s going on. After about 5 minutes she finally speaks up. “I’m sorry.” The way she said it makes it sound like she’s talking to a wild animal, something that’s going to bolt if you don’t take the right approach.

A frown crosses your face as you look at her, but you just sigh. “Okay.” The tone wasn’t accepting, almost dismissive. Like you’re purposefully ignoring her apology. “I- it was wrong of me to use… that… against you… I shouldn’t- I shouldn’t have said it.” She’s practically pleading at this point.

“But you still did.” Your tone was cold, distant even. Natasha sighs and looks at you pleasingly. “I know… and it was the worst mistake of my life… I- I never wanted to hurt you… I was just angry… and I get it if you don’t forgive me.” No, she’s definitely pleading now, the way her eyes are on the brink of tears and her lip trembles as she waits for a reply.

“It’s not that I don’t forgive you, it’s that I don’t trust you.” The response was short, snappy. Trying to ward her off kind of thing. She flinches slightly, her shoulders sink and her head drops. “Okay…” she says, the resignation and acceptance clear in her voice. She looks weak, pathetic even. If things weren’t so… complicated between the two of you, you’d definitely tease her. But you don’t. instead you focus on Maria and how her hands move as she talks about each of the rooms.

The corridor slowly gets more and more recognisable, you recognise every corridor in the facility, obviously. You spend most of your time walking down random corridors with Callie attached to one of your legs as she begs you not to go to a meeting. That’s when it clicks, this corridor leads to the daycare, which is definitely going to be shown to the avengers as it’s a newer thing that was made just after Callie was born.

You mentally scold yourself before glancing at Natasha who looks like a kicked puppy. You sigh and make your way past the avengers to Maria, leaning in to talk in a hushed tone. “Where are you taking them now?” You ask almost dreading the answer. Maria looks at you confused before replying “Just the daycare, it’s the last stop before they go to fury’s office again.”

Your eyes widen slightly. “You mean the daycare that my daughter is in right now? That daycare?!” Your hushed tone is more frustrated and concerned as your eyes glance to Natasha and back to Maria. “What’s so bad about tha- oh… right… well… there’s nothing we can do now… sorry.”

You open your mouth to argue, to beg Maria to divert the tour—maybe a fake fire alarm, a last-minute schedule change, anything—but she’s already walking away, turning back to the group like nothing’s wrong.

“Come on, this way,” she says, all professional charm. “You’ll love this next stop—one of our newer developments for agent families and personnel support.”

You curse under your breath. Of course Maria can’t change it now. Not without raising questions. Not without making it look suspicious. You feel that familiar burn of panic behind your ribs, deep and tight, the kind that used to hit right before a mission went sideways.

Your legs move before your brain does, stepping back into line with the rest of the Avengers. You avoid Natasha’s gaze entirely.

The hallway is too bright. Too sterile. Too full of tension.

“Wait here a sec,” Maria says, stepping ahead to tap her badge against the sensor and swing open the glass doors to the daycare. “Let me just let the team inside know we’re coming.”

The moment the door opens, you hear her.

“Mummy!”

The sound of her tiny sneakers pattering across the linoleum comes before you even see her. Then—there she is.

Callie.

Big green eyes, soft curls pulled into a messy half-bun, wearing her favourite purple hoodie and clutching a plush dinosaur in one hand.

She barrels into you, arms locking tightly around your leg.

You instinctively scoop her up, because that’s what you do, because the second she’s in your arms you remember that this—she—is what matters more than any secret, more than S.H.I.E.L.D., more than whatever this is with Natasha.

“Mummy,” she sighs, nuzzling her face into your shoulder.

You stroke her back and whisper gently, “Hey, baby. You’re meant to be playing with the other kids.”

“They were being mean,” she mumbles.

“Mean how?”

“They wouldn’t let me be Hulk. Said I had to be Black Widow.” Her pout is already forming.

You snort softly, eyes closing for a moment as you press a kiss to the top of her head. “You can be Hulk. You can be whoever you want.”

And that’s when you feel it—that quiet, shattering kind of silence.

Natasha doesn’t say anything when you tell Maria you’re pulling Callie from daycare early. Just lingers in the corridor, eyes locked on the glass, watching your daughter build a tower of colourful blocks.

You push open the door, stride in with a breezy smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes, and Callie lights up all over again.

“Mummy, are we going home now?” she asks, wrapping her arms around your leg again.

You nod, crouching to brush a curl behind her ear. “Yeah, baby. We’re going to the apartment.”

You don’t even have to say anything to Natasha. She follows.

Of course she does.

Your boots echo through the corridors as you carry Callie on your hip, Natasha walking two steps behind like a ghost. Silent. Haunting.

The apartment isn’t much—barebones S.H.I.E.L.D. standard—but you’ve made it yours. Soft throws over the couch. Toys in a neat basket in the corner. Family photos that don’t show Natasha.

You set Callie down and she scampers off to her art corner, already pulling out crayons and paper.

You don’t sit. You busy yourself with the leftover dishes in the sink, just to have something to do with your hands. Your back’s to Natasha, and you intend to keep it that way.

“You made this home,” she says quietly.

You hum noncommittally. “It’s what she needed.”

“She’s beautiful.”

You scrub harder. “She’s a handful.”

“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

You spin, dish towel clenched in your fist. “Why would I, Natasha? So you could drop in for five minutes, feel guilty, and leave again? You don’t get to walk back into my life and act like you’re owed something.”

“I’m not acting like that.”

“Yes. You are.”

Her voice falters. “I just… I want to understand.”

You sigh, turning back to the sink. “There’s nothing to understand.”

You can hear her step closer.

“Is she… is she mine?” Her voice is small. Like she’s already expecting the answer and still terrified of hearing it.

You grip the edge of the counter so hard your knuckles ache.

“She has your eyes,” you say finally. “When she’s mad, she gets this little crease in her brow, just like you. Her favourite food is that god-awful blueberry oatmeal you used to force me to eat because it was ‘good protein’. And when she’s scared, she hides under the bed. Not the covers—the bed. Like you used to.”

You turn, face blank, voice hollow.

“What do you think?”

Natasha’s eyes brim with tears. She steps back like your words physically hit her.

“I didn’t know,” she whispers. “I swear to god, I didn’t know I could—”

“Neither did I,” you cut in. “I didn’t even know I was pregnant until I was in the damn hospital. The doctors thought it was a phantom pregnancy. I went from a stomach ache to a daughter in less than a day.”

“And you did it alone,” she says, voice cracking.

You nod once. “Every nappy. Every bottle. Every night she woke up screaming, every doctor’s appointment, every scraped knee. I did it all. Without you. Because I thought I’d rather do it alone than let her grow up around someone who could weaponise love.”

That stings. You see it in the way Natasha recoils.

“I’m not that person anymore,” she says softly.

“Good,” you reply. “Then maybe you’ll understand why I didn’t want that person anywhere near her.”

Callie lets out a delighted laugh from the other room and it shatters something in both of you. That pure sound, that innocence. She doesn’t know. She doesn’t need to know. Not yet.

But Natasha does.

“Yeah,” you whisper. “She’s yours.”

The silence that follows is heavy.

“I never stopped loving you,” Natasha says, so quiet you almost miss it.

You glance at her, just briefly. “Love doesn’t fix everything.”

“I know,” she says. “But maybe… it’s a place to start.”

You don’t answer. You just turn back to the sink. The sound of Callie humming under her breath fills the apartment, and for now, that’s enough to keep you grounded.

Callie yawns dramatically as she finishes colouring in her uneven purple cat. “Mummy, I’m tired.”

You smile, gentler than before. “Are you sure? You haven’t even finished its tail.”

She frowns, eyes narrowed at the page. “It’s fine. She doesn’t need a tail.”

“Fair point,” you murmur, scooping her up without effort. She squeals and clings to you like a baby koala, resting her head against your shoulder, eyelids already drooping.

Natasha’s still standing in the corner of the living room, like she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Her arms are crossed, fingers digging into her sleeves, eyes fixed on the two of you like she’s afraid blinking might make you vanish.

You don’t say anything as you carry Callie into the small bedroom tucked just off the corridor. There’s a nightlight shaped like a little whale on the floor, casting ocean-like waves across the ceiling. You flick it on and settle her on the bed.

“Pyjamas, sweetheart,” you remind her softly.

She groans, flops backward on the mattress like the weight of the world has landed on her three-year-old shoulders. “Why can’t I sleep in my clothes?”

“Because if you do, the pyjama gremlins will sneak in and swap all your socks for spaghetti.”

Callie gasps, sitting up in alarm. “Not again!”

You help her into the soft cotton pyjamas with tiny rocket ships on them, brushing out her curls with gentle fingers. The bedtime routine is muscle memory now—lotion, toothbrush, a warm sip of milk. You move around the room like clockwork.

From the doorway, Natasha watches it all unfold. She doesn’t say a word. Doesn’t interrupt. She’s barely even breathing.

She takes it all in like it’s the most sacred thing she’s ever seen.

You settle beside Callie on the bed as she wriggles under the covers. “What story tonight?” you ask.

Callie yawns again. “Can you do the one about the space dolphin and the sleepy moon?”

“Again?”

She nods, curls already beginning to press into the pillow.

You launch into the familiar tale, half-improvised, half-remembered. Your voice softens, slows. Halfway through, you look down to find her fast asleep, mouth slightly open, arms wrapped around her stuffed octopus.

You sit still for a moment, just staring at her. Your hand gently strokes her hair, one last time. Then, slowly, you stand and pull the blanket over her shoulder, planting a kiss on her forehead before switching on the baby monitor and padding out into the hallway.

Natasha hasn’t moved. Her face is unreadable, but her eyes—god, her eyes are glassy.

“She’s happy,” you say, quietly. “That’s all that matters.”

“I can’t believe I missed all of that,” Natasha replies, barely above a whisper.

You don’t offer her comfort. Not yet. You just nod. “Yeah. You did.”

You leave the bedroom door cracked just enough to let the glow of the nightlight spill into the hall. That little stretch of golden blue light feels like a thread keeping you anchored—reminding you that she’s there, safe, dreaming.

When you finally turn to Natasha, she looks like she hasn’t breathed since you tucked Callie in.

You motion with your chin toward the kitchen. “Come on. I need tea if I’m going to survive this conversation.”

She follows wordlessly.

You don’t speak as you move around the tiny kitchenette, filling the kettle, pulling down two mismatched mugs. You grab the one with the chip on the rim for yourself—it’s your favourite. You’re not sure why. Maybe it’s just familiar.

“I used to imagine this,” Natasha says softly. Her voice is hoarse, like it hasn’t been used in hours. “Not exactly this—but us. A little flat. Something small. Somewhere quiet.”

You glance at her but stay focused on the kettle. “Yeah, well. We never got very good at quiet, did we?”

A sad little smile plays at her lips. “No. We were good at chaos. Sneaking out of debriefs. Sex in safehouses. The fun kind of dysfunctional.”

You let out a soft huff, not quite a laugh. “Fun until it wasn’t.”

The kettle clicks off. You pour the water, letting the silence stretch.

“I didn’t expect her to look so much like you,” she says.

You hand her the mug and sink into the chair opposite her at the tiny dining table. “She’s got your temper.”

“She’s got your strength.”

You don’t respond to that. You just wrap your hands around the warmth of the mug and stare into it like you’ll find the right words at the bottom.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asks again, gentler this time. “Really.”

You look up at her then. “Because I didn’t want to give her something she’d lose. Or worse, something that would hurt her.”

Natasha blinks, swallowing hard. Her fingers curl tighter around the mug. “You thought I’d hurt her.”

“I know you’d never do it on purpose.” You sigh, eyes dropping to the tabletop. “But that day, when we fought… when you threw my past in my face, I realised how sharp you can get when you’re scared. Or cornered.”

Her face falls. “I was terrified. Of losing you. Of being… soft. You always saw parts of me no one else did. It made me feel safe and exposed all at once, and I panicked.”

You nod slowly. “I know. And I loved you anyway.”

There’s a silence between you—not bitter this time. Just tired.

“I’m not asking for anything,” Natasha says after a moment. “Not custody. Not a place in her life. I just… I want to be near. Even if it’s from a distance. I want to earn it.”

You stare at her, really stare. And for the first time since she showed up today, she doesn’t look like a ghost. She looks like someone trying to come home.

You hesitate, then nod once. “Okay.”

She blinks. “Okay?”

“I’m not promising anything. But if you’re really serious… If you show me—not just with words—then maybe…”

Natasha swallows hard, nodding slowly. “I will.”

The room goes quiet again. The tea goes cold between you.

And maybe it’s not fixed. Maybe it’s not even close.

But in the soft glow from the bedroom, where your daughter dreams peacefully behind a half-closed door, it’s something.

You both sit in silence for a while longer, letting the warmth of the tea settle into your bones. Outside, the facility is still awake—agents moving, lights humming—but inside your flat, the world is quiet. Peaceful.

You glance toward the living room. “You can stay a bit, if you want,” you say, casually. Too casually. “I was going to put something on until I crash.”

Natasha nods, a little too fast, a little too hopeful. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

You flick off the kitchen light and pad barefoot into the living room, curling up on the sofa and grabbing the remote. The glow of the screen fills the space as you drop the volume low enough not to stir Callie.

You flick until you find something familiar, something easy—a rerun of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. You don’t even ask if she likes it. You remember she used to.

Natasha settles beside you, leaving a careful space between your bodies. She’s cautious, like she’s afraid of touching too much, too soon. You notice she hasn’t taken off her boots or her jacket, like she never planned to stay.

It’s awkward at first. The kind of awkward that comes from knowing someone intimately, and then pretending you don’t.

But five minutes in, you’re both smiling. Then chuckling. And by the second episode, you catch yourself glancing at her more than the screen.

She’s watching you, not the show.

You shift slightly, tucking your legs up beneath you and leaning back. A sigh escapes you—one of those long exhales that comes after a hard day and too many emotions.

Natasha takes a chance.

She moves an inch closer. Then another.

You don’t stop her.

Eventually, her shoulder brushes yours. Then her arm. Then the back of her fingers gently graze your thigh as she rests her hand between you, careful not to push.

You look at her.

She looks back.

And maybe it’s the softness of the night. Or the fact that her eyes aren’t sharp anymore. Or maybe it’s that part of you—the one that never stopped loving her—finally letting out the breath it’s been holding for three years.

But you lean your head gently against her shoulder.

She goes still.

Then, slowly, she exhales, her body relaxing like a wave releasing its hold on the shore. Her arm lifts—hesitant, like she’ll be swatted away—and wraps gently around your shoulders, tugging you just that little bit closer.

You let her.

And in that moment, nothing needs to be said. Not yet.

You sit like that for a long while, the low hum of the television filling the silence, your breathing slow and in sync, her thumb brushing lightly over the curve of your shoulder as if trying to memorise the shape of you again.

The television fades to black, the sound of the credits rolling off quietly as the room dips further into the quiet of the night.

You feel Natasha’s breath even out beside you, slow and steady—just like yours. The warmth of her hand still rests on your shoulder, and though the space between you is still small, it feels big enough to breathe in without the weight of old wounds.

You can feel yourself drifting. The light pressure of Natasha’s arm, the soft weight of your head on her shoulder—it’s grounding, and soon you’re both asleep, side by side, the soft hum of the world outside blending into the peaceful stillness of your home.

When you wake, the first thing you notice is the warmth, the comforting weight that surrounds you. The soft smell of sleep and tea still hangs in the air. And the second thing you realise is the small body pressed against your side—warm, tiny, and tucked in close.

You blink, your sleep-heavy mind slowly piecing it together, and as your eyes adjust to the morning light, you look down.

Callie.

Somehow, without you hearing her, without anyone making a sound, your daughter has migrated from her room and nestled between you and Natasha, her tiny body perfectly curled up like it’s always been this way—like she always knew.

Her small hand is resting on Natasha’s chest, her head tucked into the crook of your arm. The little puff of breath that escapes her lips is soft and steady, and for a moment, neither of you moves, not wanting to disturb this peaceful moment.

You glance at Natasha, her eyes still closed, her face relaxed and unguarded in a way you haven’t seen in years. She’s holding Callie close, her hand lightly resting on the small, soft back of your daughter, a warmth in her touch that feels instinctive.

For a long moment, you just lie there, caught in this strange, beautiful stillness, the three of you together in a way that feels too good to be true.

Finally, you break the silence, your voice quiet, barely above a whisper. “She… just came in here on her own?”

Natasha’s eyes flutter open slowly, her gaze softening as she takes in the scene. She doesn’t seem surprised. In fact, she looks almost… content. “Yeah. I think she just knew,” Natasha replies softly, her hand brushing Callie’s hair from her face, the tenderness of the movement catching you off guard.

You can’t help the small, fond smile that curves your lips. There’s something so simple and raw about this moment—Callie nestled between the two of you like it was the most natural thing in the world. No hesitation. No fear.

“You’re really good with her,” you murmur, your voice still thick with sleep, though there’s a genuine warmth to it. You don’t look at Natasha, but you feel the shift when her gaze turns toward you—soft, vulnerable.

“I want to be,” Natasha replies, and for once, there’s no cockiness in her tone. Just raw honesty. “If you’ll let me.”

You shift slightly, careful not to wake Callie, but you can feel her body shift with you. Natasha does the same, adjusting her position just enough so that the three of you are closer, her body becoming a barrier between you and the rest of the world.

And as you lie there, wrapped in the warmth of your daughter’s tiny body and Natasha’s quiet presence, you realise—maybe it’s not fixed yet, and maybe it never will be in the way you want it to be. But this? This moment is something new, something different. Something worth holding onto.

A few moments pass before Callie shifts again, mumbling something inaudible in her sleep, her tiny fingers curling against Natasha’s chest. Natasha looks at you, and despite the uncertainty still lingering between you both, she gives you a small, tentative smile.

“I think… I think we’re going to be okay,” Natasha says, barely above a whisper, as if she’s not sure if it’s too much to say yet.

You meet her gaze, the weight of those words hanging between you, and for the first time in a long while, you feel like maybe—just maybe—there’s hope.

“Yeah,” you reply softly. “Maybe we are.”

Callie’s small form stirs under the blankets, her little hands reaching out for you even in her sleep. She doesn’t need to open her eyes to know you’re right there. It’s like she’s drawn to you, an instinctive pull toward comfort. Her sleepy whine is soft, almost like a kitten’s, as she stretches out and finally blinks awake.

“Mummy?” Her voice is thick with sleep, but she’s already sitting up, rubbing at her eyes with chubby little fists.

“Morning, sweetie,” you murmur, brushing her hair from her face. “Ready for pancakes?”

Her face lights up at the mention of her favourite breakfast. “Pancakes!” she shouts, clearly excited, and it makes you smile. She’s already up and rushing toward the door, her little feet padding quickly across the floor as she makes her way toward the kitchen.

You watch her go, a soft smile playing on your lips. There’s something so simple and pure about her joy over the small things.

You stretch, turning toward Natasha, who’s sitting up on the couch, watching the two of you with quiet interest. Her eyes flick to yours, and she looks almost… uncertain, like she’s not sure what to do next. The moment you notice her, you can’t help but soften, feeling a pull to her you can’t deny. She looks tired, but there’s a softness in her gaze that’s completely unfamiliar, almost like she’s finding her place in this new world with you and Callie.

“Coming?” you ask, your voice low and casual, as if the three of you don’t have a complicated past.

She nods, but there’s a pause before she finally gets up and follows you toward the kitchen.

Callie is already up on the counter, swinging her legs, looking far too small to be sitting there. You glance at Natasha as you move past her, gesturing to the coffee pot with a knowing smile. “Help yourself,” you offer, before focusing on the task at hand.

You open the pantry, pulling out the pancake mix, measuring cups, and eggs. Your movements are automatic, but your eyes flick toward Natasha, who’s standing a little unsure by the table, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve as she watches Callie.

“Do you need help?” she asks softly, her gaze flicking back to you for a moment.

You smile, a little more guarded than you’d like, but you nod. “You can grab the food colouring, actually. It’s in the cupboard by the fridge.”

Her brows furrow slightly as she walks over to the cupboard, reaching for the small bottle of pink food colouring. “Pink?” Natasha’s voice is a mix of curiosity and confusion, and you can’t help but chuckle under your breath.

“Yeah,” you reply, mixing the batter in the bowl. “She won’t eat normal pancakes unless they’re pink. She’s been like that since she was a baby.”

Natasha’s eyes widen for a second, her lips curling slightly as she watches you with a soft, amused expression. “That’s… a little strange, but kind of cute.” She pauses, her fingers hovering over the bottle of food colouring. “How do you… how do you get her to eat them?”

You pause for a second, looking down at the batter, before glancing up at Natasha. “You have to make it a game. Tell her it’s magic, and then she’s all in. Pink pancakes are basically an unspoken rule at this point.”

Natasha watches you with a softness in her eyes that makes your heart flutter a little, the quiet affection clear as she’s fully focused on your words. She looks down at Callie, who’s now humming to herself as she kicks her legs off the counter, almost oblivious to the world around her as she plays with a spoon.

“Can I help with the syrup?” Natasha asks, her voice tentative, still unsure of her place in this little domestic scene.

You turn to her, smiling a little more gently now. “Of course. It’s in the cupboard, top shelf. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.”

As you continue to work, flipping pancakes and adjusting the heat, your eyes can’t help but flicker back to Natasha every now and then. She’s awkward at first, reaching for the syrup and spilling a little, but when she catches Callie trying to steal a sprinkle of sugar from the counter, her face softens. Natasha picks it up with such ease, so natural, that it makes your chest tighten.

It’s simple—the way she crouches down to Callie’s level, speaking softly, her voice gentle and warm, as though she’s been doing this forever.

“Careful with that, kiddo,” Natasha murmurs, her hand hovering protectively over Callie’s. There’s a smile on her lips, and for the first time, it’s genuine, not forced. It’s so different from the Natasha you remember, the one who once told you she didn’t know how to love. Now, though, with Callie, there’s no hesitation. No walls. Just the ease of a person who’s figured out how to care.

You move silently around them, flipping the last of the pancakes, your heart a little fuller than it was before. You never expected this. You never expected Natasha to step in like this, to be what Callie needs without hesitation.

“You good?” Natasha asks, looking up at you from where she’s sitting next to Callie, who’s now holding a spoon and making pretend stirrings in a bowl that she’s already claimed as her own.

You nod, turning off the stove and placing the pancakes onto a plate. “Yeah. Just—this is new. All of it.”

Her eyes soften as she watches you. “I know,” she says quietly, almost too softly. “But it’s nice, don’t you think?”

You glance at her, seeing the vulnerability in her eyes. You can’t help but feel a flicker of hope, that maybe—just maybe—this is the start of something different between the three of you.

“I think so,” you reply, the words feeling heavier than they should. But for now, you don’t want to overthink it. Not when there’s pancake syrup and tiny giggles to focus on.

Callie grabs a pancake, holding it up triumphantly. “I did it!” she announces, as if she’s just won a prize. Natasha grins, her eyes warm as she watches your daughter with a fondness you didn’t expect.

“Good job, kiddo,” Natasha says with a quiet laugh, her voice holding a hint of pride. And you can’t help but think, maybe this is how it starts—the three of you, carving out this new life together, step by tiny, cautious step.

[masterlist]

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maddy-has-a-thought · 1 month ago

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this is only my second original post, and I couldn't wait to write about my baby Onyyyy

Ony is THE gentleman, he was raised right so he knows how to treat a lady. He's never disrespectful towards you or any other woman. Onyankopon is the type to definitely step in if he sees a woman being disrespected by another man.

Ony is very big on communication, he doesn't play that silent treatment shit that's actually one of his pet peeves. He understands that you don't want to speak to him at the moment, but he doesn't like not knowing why you don't want to speak to him.

Oh yeah, Ony doesn't do tantrums either mainly because when he's around there's never really a reason for you to be that upset, and he makes sure of it, but on the rare chance that you do throw a tantrum, he shuts that shit down immediately reminding you that you're grown and tells you to act like it.

Ony's main love languages are definitely words of affirmation and gift giving. He's constantly reminding you how beautiful, intelligent, and important you are, and constantly giving you gifts that you never even ask for but trust if you were to ask for something he'll buy it.

Verryyyyyy touchy feeling in the morning before he leaves for work

Hmmmmm what does Ony do for work? I think he's a mechanic but, he got an early start so by now he owns his very own company, and it's a well-known company its more known for its detailing though.

Yall know the TikTok comments where they be like, "I know it's somebody that don't play bout you"? Well, when you get those comments when/if you post on TikTok you can't help but agree because Ony definitely does NOT play about you.

Ony hasn't always been as calm and levelheaded as he is now, but nowadays he's as cool as a cucumber that is until it comes to you...... then it gets ugly really fast. Oh, and he puts hands on folks like real bad, he's fast with it too he doesn't do much talking he's straight to business

Ony trys his hardest not to get like that around you though, he never wants you to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in his presence, and if he does crash-out around you he always apologizes as soon as you guys are away from the situation.

Onyankopon's entire world revolves around you, his mood almost entirely depends on you sometimes, which kinda isn't healthy, but neither of you have ever been in love soooooooooooo

#onyankopon x reader #aot onyankopon #onyankopon x black y/n #aot imagines #aot headcanons

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ysrjune · 5 months ago

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I wrote half of this at 2am bc I wanted to write but i didnt know what to write so im going to my favorite thing and going for baby daddy scott 🥹 "i luv men" — @lovethestarrs #🌹🩷🍒

sooo inspired by my bby bunny 💕🥹

others: reader and scott are in their early 20s. dont like? dont interact! / if you are above or are 18 and read, its fine! you dont have to interact in any other way. not proof-read.. um beware of SMUT 😥😥😥 #freakydeaky Ok. lets start.

"no!" scott's little boy refused to eat a piece of broccoli. "why not? your sisters eating it." scott replied, trying to shove the veggie into his sons mouth. scott was #blessed with twins. he for some reason thought it was karma for fighting with his twin all the time. "if he doesnt wanna eat it then dont make him, hes just gonna throw a tantrum." you tell your ex-boyfriend while drying a bottle.

scott and you were on and off all the damn time. it felt everyone confused. its been like this since you were 7 months pregnant. "why do you keep taking him back?! hes a piece of shit!" your bestfriend constantly complained. "I dunno.. hes hot?" you shrug. "girl you are so stupid." your bestfriend rolled her eyes while she bounced your son on her knee.

"hes gotta be healthy, babe." no matter if you're together or not, he still calls you by those sort of petnames. "our little boy is gonna make us rich some day." he jokes, still fighting with the 5 year old for him to eat the green bush. "isnt that right, baby?" scott sticks his tongue out. "no daddy." the little boy, junior shook his head. yes your sons name is scott, just like his dad, and you still cant believe it. thats what happens when you end uo having twins that are boy and girl, and you let the dad name your son while you named the girl.

"right," scott rolls his eyes and looks over to his other baby, cassandra. "you? you wanna make mommy and daddy filthy rich?" he asks. cassy laughs and pokes her fathers cheek. "yes daddy! soo rich." she claps. "can we have a doggy when that happens?" she asks. "yes, anything you want as long as you buy us a big house and dont put us into an old folks home." you tell cassy and grab her. "whats that?" she asks about the home. "nothing, cutie. go play with the new dolls that daddy bought you." you put her on the ground and she did as you said. scott gave up trying to make junior eat, so he let him go too.

"callin' me daddy but you wont let me take you out on a date?" he makes that face he does when he wants to get on your nerves (a dumb smile with his eyebrows raised) "shut up, you're a weirdo." you dont even look at him. "come onnnn. we've been like this since we were 17. lets just stop breaking up and finally stay together." he suggests, standing up in front of you. "yeah, when junior becomes a pro tennis player" junior likes soccer.

scott didnt stop trying to charm you the whole afternoon. to make him shut up, before he left with the babies, you finally gave in and said yes to a date on the weekend. "cool. see you later, baby." he steals a kiss. the twins giggle and say goodbye to you with kisses and hugs. oh you were definitely gonna call your bestfriend about your date this weekend.

"look at my beautiful girl." scott caresses your cheek. he took you to a fast food place for dinner and to a forzen yogurt place for dessert. you were cool with it because thats what you wanted to do, and he was fine with that. hes taken you out to nice places many times, so its not like he only ever takes you to a burger joint. "you want something out of me." you glare at him.

scott sighs and rests his head against the headrest. "yeah. I do," he turns his head over to you. "but im not gonna force you to do anything with me. you dont even have to look at me if you dont wanna.'' he holds your hand. "we have two kids together. we should be together." "I know in the past I used you and I was an asshole, but I changed. I wanna see your face in the morning when I wake up. I wanna put my kids to sleep in the same house that you're in. I wanna be a family."

"you are such a liar." "if thats what you think, you're wrong, but im not going to sit here and tell you that you're crazy for accusing me of lying. i know ive lied about that before and I am so sorry. that was stupid and ignorant. its because of me that my babies don't have their parents at the same time everyday, and here i am complaining about it." scott sighs. "y/n, please. this isnt about me wanting to have sex with you in my car right now.." you give him a look. "well, entirely." there he was. "sweetie, please? i want to be a dad. a real dad."

"scott, you are a real dad." "you know what I mean." he nervously rubs his hands up and down his thighs. "im not asking you to let me move in and move all fast with this. I just want another chance at being your boyfriend and being with my family." you sigh, taking all this into consideration. it took him two hours to actually convince you. to really prove it (a stupid way to put it, but its a big deal) he didn't try anything. he didnt touch you inappropriately. he pulled you in for a long, warm hug.. but you did makeout.. can anyone blame you? hes gorgeous!

over the past few months, scott was over almost all the time now. when hes not there, its because hes working, or hes visiting his brother and mom. the kids were happy, he was happy.. you were happy. he asked you to be his girlfriend the official way. your favorite candy, drink, and with a bouquet of flowers. he also kept his word. scott wasnt a bad father, he just wasnt always around you when he had the twins. now, he actually included you in things. taking you to his moms house again like he used to, going out to eat with the kids, sometimes the beach or like a carnival.. the point is that he's succeeding in making his family a real family.

"cassy, can you tell mommy to come out really quick, please?" he asks, sitting on the couch with his computer on his lap and glasses on. cassy drags you out of bed, whining. "dad needs youuu!" she leads you by the finger to the living room of your apartment. "go to the room with junior." you tell cassy as you sit with scott. "what do you want? its 8 in the morning." "i need help with emailing this company that wants me to work with them." scott was in his pjs, underneath a warm blanket. he "moved in" by this time, he just didnt sleep your bed. scott notices how tired and cold you look, but he really did need help. so he pulled you in under the blanket as you got to yapping about how he needs to sound professional.

scott wakes up early on his days off to make you and the twins breakfast. thank his mother that she forced him and his brother to learn how to cook after having kids.

on the days both of you work, the twins usually go with his parents since his brother and nephew were there.

cassy and junior love seeing you and scott acting like a real couple. especially cassy. junior thinks its nasty when his dad kisses you, but cassy thinks its the sweetest thing ever.

scott allows cassy to paint his nails with her princess nail polish that goes away with hot water. he also plays barbies with her sometimes.. most of those times are him making the dolls say crazy things.

he matched batman and robin costumes with junior for Halloween.

for Christmas, he and sam went to macys to take awkward sibling photos with ugly sweaters. they also did a separate one for vinnie, cassy, and junior. of course sam's annoyed and uncomfortable expressions were real and not just for the photo. scott gifted you the photos of your kids while he gave the photos of him and his brother to his mom.

"i dont care," scott mumbles into your collarbone. you two were at a party that corey, sams friend, invited you to. sam and his girlfriend went along but you hadn't seen them yet. scott had pulled you into a random bedroom 30 minutes into getting there. "the door is locked. nobodys gonna come in." he pulls your tube top down, exposing your breasts to him. "im gonna kill you if we get caught." you suck in a sharp breath once he attaches his mouth to your boob. "I'll die a happy man." he chuckles and gets back to work. you placed your hand on his curly hair, watching him.

it didnt take long for him to have you bent over the bed. "these are pretty," he admires the black underwear you wore. "too bad im gonna have them ruined by the time im done with you." he snakes a finger underneath the fabric and snaps it against your warm skin. "damn, you look so good." he mumbles, thrusting his hips so his crotch would meet your ass. his jeans werent off just yet. scott likes to tease you.. but more himself before actually doing anything.

his hands rest at your waist, guiding you to go back on him. he kept it going only a few second more before undoing his belt and jeans, then sliding his boxers down. "tell me if you need me to stop. im not goin' easy on you t'night." he whispers, pulling your underwear down your thighs and slamming himself into your wet cunt. he thrusted fast, panting and moaning. "uhnn.. I've missed this pussy so much." he whines. "give me th-..at. mhh. fuck." his eyebrows knit together, mouth agape. "you're so pathetic." you say softly, fucking yourself back on him.

"yeah. yeah, I am." he slides a hand up and down your smooth back. "so fucken pathetic for you.. would do anything for you. do anything for my beautiful girl." he lets out a high-pitched moan, hitting that spot in you. "scott.. im—" "uh-uh. keep it in.. keep it in." he pants. the sound of skin slapping against eachother becoming louder. "dont cum yet. dont." he throws his head back, continuing to roll his hips deliciously. both of you made noise, but scott was a little louder than you.

scott suddenly pulled out. "ride me?" he asks softly. his cheeks were flushed, his hair stuck to his forehead. "oh my.. fu-huuh." he whimpers, watching you bounce on his cock. "you like that, Scotty? you like when I fuck you like this?" to which he nods his head. "mhm. yeah. keep.. keep going." he says oh so nicely. his fingers graze your pink lips and travel down to your tummy. he stares at your faded strech marks, smirking a little bit. "’n if I put another baby in you? make you a mommy again?" he puts his eyes back on your face.

by now, you were only rolling your hips on him. "yeah, no thanks." you say, making him laugh. "thought so." the bed creaked, and scotts head was pushed deeper into the pillows. "im gonna cum! g-get off!" he whines, tapping your hip. "i-im gonna cum too." you take his hand in yours. scott wasnt so happy that he finished in you until you told him you were on birth control. "scared the shit outta me.." he pouts. "funny. didn't you say you were gonna make me a mom again?" you tap his cheek. "i was getting confident.."

— #timeskip #hitthat #needthat #subscottforthewin 🙏🏼

"dude, ive been looking everywhere for you!" sam yells over the loud music to scott. "we just got here!" he lies to his brother. sam rolled his eyes. "im gonna borrow him for a couple of minutes-" he yells to you and drags scott upstairs. you were left with his girlfriend. the two of you knew eachother in highschool, so it wasnt weird or awkward. she actually took you to go dance.

a whole hour later, the boys came back absolutely baked. not a surprise. "we hotboxed the fuckin room!! and get this!! some girls thong was on the bed." sam laughed his ass off. you look at scott with worry. "nah," he shakes his head at you. jeez, you really thought you had left your underwear in there. "nah what?" sam asks. "nothing." he pushed sam away and went over to you, shoving his tongue down your throat.

the kids were at your parents house, so when you and scott got back home, he asked for #round2 and you #gaveittohim #theDisfire🔥 what was the after care?? a hot shower and he doordashed chinese food.

"daddy." junior crossed his arms at Scott. "yes??" he responds. "you're a dumb blonde." junior laughs, screaming dramatically as he runs to your room. "what the fuck??" he raised an eyebrow, looking at you from the livingroom while you were in the kitchen. "he watched legally blond with me last night." you smile. "hes never watching that shit again." he rolls his eyes, clearly butthurt.

"oh, come here.' you roll your eyes. he was quick to stand up from the couch and walk over to you and give a hug and a kiss. "when did junior get so mean." he fake cries into your shoulder. "when did cassandra start wearing your clothes?" scott immediately dropped his act and laughed. "shes cool now, alright?" "scott, I dont want her wearing a shirt with a Marijuana plant on it." "okay. what about the one where jessica rabbit has her tits out?" you shoot him a look and hit the back of his neck. "you have a shirt with jessica and her tits out?!?!" "no! I was kidding!" he kisses you. then he texts his brother: do you want the jessica rabbit shirt? (lol. no. imagine getting caught u loser.) sam responds.

two years passed. your little family was happy and "normal" (enough) scott officially OFFICIALLY moved in the year before. (started sleeping on the same bed and you shared the closet.)

a cute family photo hung above the couch. junior was on your lap and cassy was on Scotts. here and there, scott will get up in the middle of the night to admire it. he was so proud that he was able to prove himself to you. (fr this time cause #damnhewasabitch) little ho actually cries sometimes staring at the photo.. as he should.

end of story. Ok? bye.

@sockiess @erosmutt @d0llfilth @anakinstwinklebunny @valloos @lovethestarrs @mx1curriee505 🔥🙏🏼

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princescribbler · 8 months ago

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EXTRA Adorably Awesome Aspects of Being An ABDL (Adult Baby/Diaper Lover)

Stuffies are never "immature", they're ADORABLE and anybody dating otherwise is a poopy

You get to call people great things, like poopy... instead of swearing, being rude, or hurting feelings, you say cute, adorable, infantile things

Diapers mean you can sit almost anywhere and feel comfy

Have you seen thick diapee butt?? It's fucking fantastic. Big, squishable tushy time? Heck yes

You can still enjoy things like Disney, pixar, etc without worrying about how people might Pixar,

A BILLION PERCENT better at cuddling than other people. It's a fact, a scientific fact, that ABDLs cuddle better than anybody else

Being bratty as an abdl isn't just allowed, it's often encouraged. Other areas of life? Not so much. As an abdl? Throwing a tantrum or being pouty becomes cute as heck

Naps are good and people need them. And as an ABDL it's not only acceptable but encouraged, which is fabulous. Too many people need better sleep and nap time helps this enormously.

Whimsy. When did people stop having whimsical, cute, adorable views of the world? Well fortunately, ABDLs still have whimsical fun inside, so we can fix that fact

Cuz my mommy said so! Yeah, that's right, having a mommy or a daddy is cool, and having a mommy or daddy that TELLS you you're adorable, cute, sweet, etc... it's amazing.

Storytime is awesome sauce. Truly, have you had anyone read you a story as an adult? Your mind wanders, you can almost see it in your head. It's an in person audio book and I'm here for it

Bum pats! It's cute as fuck to get affective bum pats, and if you're in diapers or pullups, it's somehow even cuter

Being touchy Feely is encouraged. Seriously, when did people stop holding hands, leaning into their partner, getting all adorably handsy and touchy-feely???? It's great

Playing pretend is never not fun. Really young? Super fun. Middle aged? Super fun. Elderly? Still fun. You never outgrow imagination!

Ageplay, ABDL, and more teach you about the kinky side of life. Kinky things are too rarely explored, and abdl/ ageplay/ infantilism introduce you to be fetish, kink, and sexy things you otherwise would miss out on!

Be kinky! Celebrate your ABDL side! Celebrate your little side! Celebrate whimsy, and stuffies, and sing alongs, and having FUN in your life!

And as always,

Be happy, be healthy, and be KINKY!

#ab/dl lifestyle #mdlb relationship #giggle-byte #cg/l relationship #giggle byte #ab/dl babyboy #ab/dl kink #24/7 diapers #mdlb dynamic #md/lb

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weirdsht · 6 months ago

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hellooo^^!! i really like the totcf fanfic that you made and i thank you for it. Can i request something? i found a lot of fanfics about cale x f reader who are a married couple, but i never found a fanfic about their wedding. so can you make one? like from cale proposing to her, the preparation for their wedding day, or the reaction of cale's family and when he was on their wedding day. i really appreciate it if you are willing to make it, and sorry if i ask too much. stay healthy^^

Eternity Has Started Before We Even Knew - Cale/Fem!Reader

a/n: i don't know much about weddings but i tried my best huhu

tags: female reader, wedding preparations, proposals, fluff, suggestive ending

English isn’t my first language so there will be grammatical errors

Pls don't repost my work anywhere without my permission

Buy Me Dessert

Navigation Masterlist

It's been roughly a month since Cale proposed to you. Now, it has also been roughly a month since the stressful wedding preparation started. Despite the stress, you still managed to find some fun in doing it.

Especially when the people around you ask how your now fiance proposed to you.

“Did the young master really turn the Henituse garden into a fairy-esc wonderland and set up a dream-like dinner by the pond Miss [Name]? I never pegged him to be such a romantic!”

“Right? I was surprised too, especially since they said he planned it for months and I never noticed a thing. Cale, while he was never outwardly sweet, has always taken into consideration what my likes and tastes are. I think that consideration and love he has for me shined through his proposal.”

As you and the boutique owner chatted about the proposal and wedding preparations, you found yourself reminiscing about your beloved’s sweet preparation a month ago.

You could still feel the light breeze in your hair as the kids dragged you towards the garden. Still see the light, warm lights that made it seem as though fairies were emitting them. Could still savour how Cale stood in the middle of it all, holding a bouquet of your favourite flowers while wearing an extravagant outfit he usually would throw a tantrum about.

You could still hear how everyone congratulated you once you got back inside the manor. Could still feel the hug from Deruth and Violan as they welcomed you to the family. Could still see Basen and Lily’s shining eyes as they rejoiced once Cale told them that you said yes.

Of course, while wedding preparations can bring joy and excitement, they can also cause distress. Your betrothed being such an important figure did not help in the slightest.

“Sweetheart, my dear you know you have to go. His Highness cannot ward them off alone.”

“He's a grown man, he can handle himself. Plus you told me that you’ve been having problems with one of the vendors…”

You cupped Cale’s cheeks and looked into his eyes. While you understand that he wants to help you prepare for the wedding, you also know that the kingdom needs him right now.

“Ron and I can handle the wedding matters for now. You’ve been trying to juggle our wedding and the kingdom for a week now and it’s time for you to solely on one of them.”

“You’re right, that’s why I’m foregoing the kingdom so I can focus on you instead.”

“Baby…“

Cale Henituse grumbled in annoyance before kissing you and muttering that his going to cause havoc so no one would call him for a while. As if on cue, Raon enters the room telling him that Alberu is calling him and it seems to be urgent.

“If he doesn’t give me at least 5 golden plaques and a new villa as our wedding gift I’m going to blackmail him for at least 3 months and tell everyone to not give him dead mana.”

The new upgraded status of going from Cale’s girlfriend to fiance has its own perks… much to Cale’s dismay.

“Miss [Name] it’s good to see you again. Are you and your boyfriend still going strong?”

Cage greets from beside Marquis Stan. They were in your home to visit Cale after so long and it just so happened that you were near the entrance so you greeted them.

“Cale? Oh! His my ex now!”

“[Name], for the last time, saying that I’m your ex is not a good way to say that we’re engaged”

You heard your lover’s dismayed sigh before you could feel his arms warp themselves around your waist, exactly where they belonged. In front of you Cage and Taylor can be seen laughing with the former pulling out alcohol from her sleeves to celebrate the occasion.

Wedding planning has its own ups and downs. Sometimes, some things are really just bound to go wrong while planning. There are times when you would feel frustrated because nothing seems to be going your way. Still, whenever you remember that the end of this is you and Cale getting married… everything doesn’t seem as frustrating anymore.

And oh was it worth the excessive planning and stress.

Because now you are walking down the aisle, surrounded by people you love. Walking towards the man you would spend eternity with, the man who is both your best friend and the love of your life.

The ceremony was elegant and emotional. You and Cale spared no effort in making everything to be the way you envisioned it. It was like the wedding of the century, it could rival royal weddings. Still, despite the extravagance, it was still intimate as the only people invited were the people the both of you love and trust.

Every single soul witnessing this union are people who has seen how everything developed between you two. People who witnessed how you and Cale slowly fell for the other. People who lost sleep because of frustration because both of you were so dense. People who may or may not have cried tears of joy when you got together. People who supported one of you when the other one was injured or unconscious. People who fought tooth and nail with other people because they kept accusing Cale of cheating simply because he used to have a trash reputation.

They were there for everything, and now they could see how Cale ever-so-slightly stumble on his words when reciting his vows. While his face looks composed, his eyes look so emotional. Looking at you as if you had hung the moon and stars.

You were his world, and everyone could see that in his eyes.

Everyone could also see how their commander’s hands trembled when he was slipping your wedding ring. It’s such a sight to see their Cale, famous for being calm, composed and unwavering, act like a newborn deer.

And of course, everyone could see that lone tear of happiness that slid down the redhead’s cheeks as he kissed you. No one will ever mention it though, for the sake of their emotionally constipated young master.

The reception had a more humorous vibe compared to the ceremony. Everyone let loose and embarrassing stories were thrown during the speeches.

“Cale, my lovely sworn brother, I love you, I really do, but I didn’t enjoy the times you barged into my room in the middle of the night to share your fears of having a chronic heart condition when it was just you being in love with [Name].”

Alberu shared during his speech and it made everyone laugh.

“You think that’s bad? Try living with him nya!”

Someone heckled from the crowd and it insinuated another round of laughter.

The rest of the night was fun. Everyone forgot their duties for a while and was solely focused on having a good time. Some people danced, others took this time to catch up with friends they hadn’t talked to much, and there were even people who started an eating contest.

It was the wedding night of your dreams.

But that doesn’t seem to be the case for Cale.

“Cale Henituse! We haven’t even said goodbye to our guests yet!”

You scolded your now-husband as he kissed you while trying to pull you away from the party.

“Don’t care, I haven’t had you to myself for a whole week. Plus it’s our wedding night and honeymoon, they’d understand.”

Cale argued as he brought you to the teleportation circle that was prepared beforehand to take you to your honeymoon destination. Being the starved man he is, Cale Henituse kept kissing you in between talks. His impatience shows as he tries to hastily unzip your dress while activating the circle at the same time.

“But- hmn- Cale-!”

You tried to pull away, but it’s been a week since you properly kissed your beloved so you eventually melted into the kiss. Cale took this as a chance to tear the magic scroll that would activate the teleportation circle.

“Now how about spending a wonderful first night as Mrs. Henituse? Hmm?”

#le asks #cale x reader #cale henituse x reader #lcf fic #tcf fic #x reader #x female reader #trash of the count's family #lout of the count’s family #tcf #lcf #cale henituse

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churipu · 1 year ago

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HEYYYY!! I’d like to make a request bc ive been thinking about jjk characters especially yuuji when reader shows affection to a stuffed animal/plushie-like cuddling it or kissing it on the head

+bonus points if its a plushie of THEM

AND HOW ARE YOU??? I hope you’ve been having good days lately. Remember to take good care of yourself, take breaks, and drink lots of water <333

𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈 𝐘𝐔𝐔��𝐈 𝐉𝐑 .ᐟ

────── 𝕴 . featuring. itadori yuuji x fem! reader

────── 𝕴 . warnings. yuuji being jealous >:( he's going to throw a tantrum because of you

note. hii nonnie! i'm doing awesome, how about you? i hope you're taking care of yourself, this goes to all of you. hope you guys are staying healthy, drink a lot of water, and sleep well!

"ah, yes. my girlfriend and a plushie of me, very cute!" yuuji spoke, face void of any emotion — his arms were crossed above his chest as he leans on the doorway to your room.

"i know, i spent this week's pocket money on this custom plushie of you, in case you go on missions, you know what i mean?" you tell him, coddling the medium sized chibi plushie of yuuji.

yuuji groans out loudly, "but i'm right here. not in a mission, or away — and you're not hugging me, or coddling me, or giving me the love and attention that i deserve!" he whined out childishly, stomping his way over to your bed.

"mhm, i know. i know." do you though? yuuji sank his teeth onto his lip in frustration, his eyes felt hot; although not from tears. he could cry, he really could — but he didn't want to because that would be a bit childish of him.

at least he thought so.

"then why are you still hugging that instead of me?"he accuses.

"yuuji, it's fine, it's just a plushie," you tell him, rolling your eyes as you bury your face into the soft fabric, angering the boy even more, "it's itadori yuuji junior."

the fact that you've named the non-living thing as him, but a junior angered him even more. if you were to take a quick look at him — he's hot under the collar. fists clenched, teeth gritted, and eyes glazed with irritation.

you coddled the medium sized plushie of yuuji with such love, disregarding the fact that he was standing right there by you. he felt as if he had just been stabbed in the back by his own lover — that was quite the hyperbole. but yuuji was quite serious about it.

"i got him for such a good price, yuu. i should get another one of me, so we could be plushie lovers." you kissed the plushie on the forehead.

yuuji groaned, with a quick swift move, he swiped over the plushie; throwing it to the other side of the room.

"hey!" you complained.

he ignored your loud yell and crawled his way into your arms, forcing you to wrap your arms around his figure, "why give love to that thing when you have the real thing?" he mutters out in annoyance, burying his face into the crook of your neck.

you huffed out in disbelief, patting his back, "he's just a plushie, of you."

"and i'm here, real."

chuckling, you leaned down and kissed the crown of his head, "my baby."

yuuji didn't complain about the nickname, he let out a contented sigh, finally satisfied with the love, attention, and affection he's well-deserved of, "i'm throwing that thing away."

"throw that and i'm throwing our relationship away."

"over a plushie of me?" he raised his head up, his voice escaping as a strained whine.

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk #jjk fluff #jujutsu kaisen fluff #fluff #itadori yuuji #yuuji #itadori x reader #itadori yuuji x reader #itadori fluff #itadori yuuji fluff

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phoenixblaze1412 · 1 year ago

Note

Hello there!!!👋

May I ask for some angst?

Dottore spending time with his biological child and the more the day progresses he sees his wife (who died a few day after giving birth to their child) in their child (A headcanon and/or small scenario plz)

Thank you!!!

Gonna make me cry anon.. also might have changed it a bit.

Taking care of a kid is a difficult task for Dottore himself. Especially if it was his own. A healthy baby girl, how ironic that she looked exactly the same as you. Neither of you didn't expect such a tragedy to happen, mostly him.

"Sir, she won't be able to make it." Omega stated, watching over your vital signs. Your body was currently too weak to deliver the baby, and being in labor wasn't helping a lot.

"Then let the child die. I'd rather lose the kid than lose my wife." Dottore snapped as he quickly went and placed an oxygen mask over you, tucking away the lose strands of your hair away from your face. He was quick to notice your breathing becoming more heavy and labored.

"Both her and the child will die if we continue with that idea!" the Theta segment exclaimed.

The three of them were quick to shut up when they heard your pained groans. Immediately examining and looking you over to at least lessen the pain you were experiencing but still keeping you conscious.

Dottore was already in a state of anger and worry, thinking up of multiple solutions to get the child out of you all the while keeping you alive but that seems to be difficult since you don't even have the strength to push the baby out so maybe a c-section will do but the chance of you dying is big. He was quick to come out of his thoughts when you grabbed his arm, making him focus his attention to you.

"Zandik please.. promise me you won't let our baby die."

He let out a deep sigh before nodding at your request. Even at times like these, he could never say no to you. He called over a few more segments to begin your surgery. A simple c-section, nothing to worry about right? But why was he, he of all people suddenly felt fear as he held the scalpel upon your stomach.

It's not right. He knows this will end up badly if he continued, he already felt it. Snapping out of his thoughts once more when he heard you cry out in pain, he nodded to his segments to sedate you for a bit as he began the operation.

Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours. Every segment waited anxiously as they watched their creator work strenuously. The once silent room was filled with small cries as Dottore held his newborn child, dirty from all the blood and amniotic fluid but alive and well. Iota walked over to take the baby from Dottore to clean her up as the doctor went and stitched you up while the other segments who were present had cheerful grins along their faces.

Their happiness was quickly cut off the moment they heard the sound of your heart monitor dropping. Dottore glanced up and glared at Omega, cursing under his breath as he finished stitching you up to help Omega with keeping you stable.

"You incompetent fool! I gave you one job!"

Panic. That's what they're all feeling the moment when you became cardiac asystole. Dottore and Omega resuscitating you the best they can, even using electro to give your heart a shock to at least show any heart rhythm but none came.

"(Y/N) please wake up! You can't leave me! Come on! Your child- our child is safe and awake now it's your turn to wake up please!"

It's been fifteen minutes max with no signs of you showing any heartbeat, the segments could only look away, not wanting to cry in front of you. The sudden weight being placed upon them at the news of your death was overbearing.

Even Iota couldn't believe it. But even so, he couldn't cause any tantrums, he couldn't yell or even throw anything out of anguish. He was holding your child at the moment. The baby you left to them before you passed. It took him a few minutes to calm the baby down and wrap her up in a blanket.

Meanwhile Dottore was still leaning over your figure, his hand held yours as he leaned his forehead against your knuckles. Both of your wedding rings, glimmering against the light.

Dottore knew something bad was going to happen. He felt it bubbling in his guts yet he let it happen. The moment Iota walked back into the room with his daughter in his hold, Dottore glared at them.

"I don't want to see that thing near me. Dispose of it immediately. Give it to the Knave or send it someplace else."

Iota was quick to snap at the order, sure he's still in despair about losing you like how the others feel but his creator telling him to dispose of your own offspring is not what he expected to hear.

"What are you thinking?! (Y/N) carried your child for months, having to go through all the hardships a pregnant woman would go through and here you are disposing her efforts?!"

"I already knew from the start that saving the child would end up with her death! I would have preferred to save her instead of the child!"

"Would she want you to?! You know her well enough to know that she would rather risk herself in danger to save a life! She already said it herself before the operation! You promised her not to let the child die!"

Dottore was quick to shut up, looking over at the little figure bundled up in the blankets. Thoughts filled with 'what if's' as he looked back at your figure on the examining bed.

What if he chose to save you instead of his child? Would you even be happy towards him if you knew about his plans?

A soft coo was heard as Iota looked down at the baby before carefully handing her over to Dottore. The doctor was hesitant at first but he took the chance to hold his own child in his arms. The baby let out little babbles and gargles as her hands reach out to the doctor and tried to grab at his hair.

Dottore observed her actions, looking over her features and letting out a bitter laugh at how his own daughter had most of your features. It's like the gods are being cruel and making his own heart hurt more than it already is.

"From now on, your name will be ■■■■. (Y/N) thought of that name for you."

"Papa? Wake up!"

Dottore slowly opened his eyes and noticed he had fallen asleep on the grass. Finally remembering that he was joining his daughter in the forests of Sumeru to look for some flowers. He was assigned on a mission to take the dendro, along with the electro gnosis back as soon as possible but his daughter wanted to explore a bit and take a break.

Dottore glanced up and squinted his eyes as he stared up at the figure leaning over him. Eyes widening in surprise as he stared at you, the light shining brightly from behind you made you look so angelic and beautiful. He continued to stare at you, tears pricking the corner of his eyes, your face so full of life and a grin plastered on your face as you looked back at him.

He tried to reach his hand out to you but you quickly vanished the moment he blinked and was now staring at his four year old daughter.

"Are you okay papa? Why are you crying?"

Dottore was quick to wipe the tears away from his eyes as he sat up and looked over his child. Oh how he misses you so. Everytime he looks and talks to his child it felt like it was him talking to you instead. Your looks, the way you talk, even your attitude was passed onto your daughter.

He could only laugh at the idea that if you were still with them, he would be having two of the most sassiest women in Teyvat in his life. He got up on his feet and ruffled his daughter's hair.

"Have you gotten what you needed, little one?"

"Mhm! I finally got these flowers! Iota told me all about them and I wanted to take some home myself."

She held up a bouquet of padisarah flowers, the doctor could only stare in surprise at how she even got them, moreso why did Iota even told her about it.

"Iota told me how they were mama's favorite flowers and showed me pictures of her holding them. He told me how you would always gift her a bouquet of these whenever you came back from Sumeru and I wanted to give these to mama too... can I give these to her? Will mama like it?"

"...she would love them a lot, my child. Now come on, once I finished my mission then we can visit your mother and give her these gifts. She would be happy to receive these flowers from you."

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #dottore #dottore x reader #zandik x reader #il dottore #gender neutral reader #il dottore x reader #female reader

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ghetto-omega · 1 year ago

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‎❀‎✿❀Pup headcanons❀✿❀

One thing about me is if I can make it animalistic, I will. With that being said...

This post was supposed to take me an hour max. Tell me why I started working on this at like 9pm and it is currently 130am and I'm still not done yet 😐👎🏾

this took too long

Here's your warning 🌸well formatted long post incoming 🌸

‎‧₊˚✿General✿˚₊‧

It's considered inhumane to separate a pup from their family before they can scent other people as well as be scented

Pups need a lot more protein than adults do

Normally a litter contains 2-3 pups, but having more or less isn't uncommon, I will say having more than 5 is practically unheard of

As pups grow older they lose a lot of the body language that they used as kids, they don't really need a lot of it as they progress into adulthood

That's not to say people don't keep a few of their childhood quirks though

I think pups in omegaverse tend to do a lot of developmental things earlier than actual children lol things like crawling, walking, etc

For a lot of their childhood they don't have their own scent they just smell like their parents, possibly their entire pack depending on the dynamics, so scenting them doesn't really... Stick

Since omegaverse relies so heavily on non verbal cues, body language, and noises that aren't words, it's important that pups are heavily (but gradually) socialized as early as 10 months

‎‧₊˚✿Newborns✿˚₊‧

Pups aren't born blind but they are born with anosmia (can't smell, poor thang) but overtime the ability gets stronger, and jumpstarts when they get their first heat/rut

Instinctually have body language and noises signalling they don't like something or are unhappy

Newborns sometimes learn to growl before even leaving the hospital

Smell like their parents, don't have a scent of their own

The bigger the litter the smaller the babies tend to be

‎‧₊˚✿Babies✿˚₊‧

Babies sometimes learn to bare their teeth before they smile, which is equally as cute tbh

𑁍 4-6 months

Begin to smell like their pack as well as their parents, but still don't actually have a scent of their own

They bite their parents/packs stuff frequently. Sometimes that means putting someone's favorite book in their mouths or trying their very best to take a big bite out of someone's arm

Normally start crawling by about 5-6months and walking isn't far behind

This is also about the time they start to have very small bits of solid foods, especially things containing soy, or just yogurt is a good choice

𑁍 7-9 months

Will start to get territorial. Will cry if other people are in the house for too long, or throw tantrums if that person touches their parents or a toy, might even start hiding toys from their pack if it's perceived as theirs

Should be somewhat competent at walking by the time 9 months hits, may also start biting and tearing at furniture at this time

This is also a great time to introduce bite sized soft meats

Socializing pups has started to become crucial to development here, meeting people outside of their pack is now becoming important

𑁍 10-12 months

Teething is a pretty bad experience for pups. Sharp teeth piercing gums hurts a lot. Don't be surprised if they already have a couple teeth by this time

Teething may also set back pups from speaking for a while, most people aren't much inclined to talk (or learn how to talk) when their mouth hurts

By this time they probably have a favorite scent or smell. Don't be surprised if it's a food or a perfume that someone in their pack wears. They still can't really smell the scents of the people around them, but scents and pheromones have a lot of sway a pups development

Are yipping and yowling by 12 months, as well as engaging in healthy rough and tumble

Separation anxiety is also to be expected

‎‧₊˚✿Toddlers✿˚₊‧

𑁍 1-3 years

Toddlers sometimes talk later than they should and speak almost exclusively through body language and a few open mouthed sounds so their teeth don't click together

They're probably gonna have over exaggerated body language. Instead of just tilting their head to the side to show curiosity they might practically bend at the waist or throw themselves to the ground entirely

Their nails harden and begin becoming claws, will soon begin to scratch on harder things to experiment with a different type of cause and effect, as well sensory experiences

Beginning playdates with pups around the same age is recommended, as well as giving them a security object of their choice that's heavily scented by their pack

By 3 is using those new claws to dig into whatever possible and climb as high as they can. Pup proofing is a must.

May crouch onto all fours when they run, and may have trouble losing momentum when they go too fast resulting in a lot of falls

Teething should be basically done by now and speaking should be back on track or jumpstarted in a couple months

Territorialness should be calming down. They should stop outwardly objecting to foreign people and objects being in their space

𑁍 4-5 years

Should begin to use more vocal communication beside their spoken and body language (like yipping, yowling, chuffing, and in some instances barking or howling)

Will also repeat sounds or actions that typically belong to omegas, betas, alphas, or all three despite not having matured yet

They should also start copying the motions to scent people, and it is advised to correct them when they do the motions in inappropriate situations

‎‧₊˚✿Children✿˚₊‧

𑁍 6-8 years

So much yipping. When they play. When they're sad. When they're bored. When they're hurt. Especially if they're particularly vocal.

Nose is finally sensitive enough to pick up on natural scents and pheromones. Might start telling you that someone stinks in inappropriate settings

Is just barely beginning to develop their own scent by 7, and is able to scent and be scented by 8

It's very common for pups to play too rough. Playdates ending with a little blood isn't anything to worry about unless it's actually excessive

Pups lick everything and anything possible, especially if it has an odd smell, they should basically be grown out of it by about middle school age tho

‎‧₊˚✿Preteen✿˚₊‧

𑁍 9-12 years

Should start to present somewhere in this time frame.

Their scent should be fully developed by 12.

Should understand scenting and begin to understand the difference between their primary and secondary gender

Physical insecurities are beginning to pop up

Pheromones become more active and passive discussions about scent blockers should begin soon

They'll probably be pretty active, and easily become stir crazy

They should start using words more than vocalisation and purposeful body language

Pups who develop early may get their heats/ruts at this time

Some may begin to start branching away from the pack and subconsciously looking to start another one

‎‧₊˚✿Teenager✿˚₊‧

𑁍 13-18 years

First heat/ruts tend to occur around 13-15 years old

Omegas tend to mature first

Litter mates tend to mature one after the other, sometimes with only days between each other

By this point scent glands and sense of smell should be fully developed

Minor vocalisation will progress into adulthood and any purposefully telegraphed body language should become second nature to them

Many pups display highly aggressive behavior or displeased scents for many of their teen years. Without proper stress relief moodiness and build up in their scent glands is common

this was not meant to be this long but thanks for reading y'all :3 if you see spelling/grammar mistakes uhm.... no you didn't </3

#omegaverse worldbuilding #omegaverse #a/b/o #a/b/o dynamics #a/b/o verse #alpha beta omega #i didnt mean to get so. uhm. specific. my bad guys.#warning i am not an... anthropologist but i AM doing my best if that makes a difference 😭#𑁍shii's verse𑁍#omegaverse headcanons #omegaverse au #i am posting without proof reading don't @ me #a/b/o lifestyle #omegaverse lifestyle

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cloveroctobers · 1 year ago

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FEBRUARY FLUFF — CARMY BERZATTO.

A/N: so carmy won this time around!!! Thanks to all those that voted and ultimately made this decision for me lol. Hope you guys enjoy this and have a safe, healthy, and happy love season 🩷 + yes this is a mixture of fluff and angst...i mean come on! I wouldn't be me if i didn't include that in here somewhere!

PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE + HERE & I’m using: 1. “…Okay, so the only way for us to enjoy that huge discount is to act like we’re dating.” “What, so you’d fake date me for discounted food but you wouldn’t real date me even though I could take you out to the best restaurants out there in town every fucking night if you wanted me to?” + always giving the other the first bite of their food < or the last.

WARNINGS/SN: I wrote with a black or brown reader in mind although reader isn't physically described + they’re given a name only when mentioned, language is a thing here duh!, this is LENGTHY, lots of timelines: reader + nat became friendly before season 1 during the summer prior to 7 fishes which is estimated to be five years before season 2, reader knows of carmy due to past work, I feel like she can be just a few year(s) older than carmy but younger than nat—there’s a age gap for the Berzatto’s anyways, sexual relations are mentioned, this piece takes place months after the grand opening, & finally there’s a possible chance for a poly relationship or maybe just multiple crushes going on? Take that how you will.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

it was a Sunday.

The kind of Sunday you woke up embarrassed about but knew you had to swallow your pride and just send out that text. You knew you wouldn’t be judged regardless reaching out to Fak because he’s built to deal with things like this and never made you feel like shit about anything.

You usually had to squeeze it out of him to get him to lay out any cons about a situation but appreciated most times when he didn’t. Your minds been going haywire with a recent assignment as a food journalist and it really slipped your mind, although you were usually a quick thinker, you’ve been stressed over this recent restaurant. Thankfully it clicked for you after throwing a tantrum to simply reach out to Fak to come help you out.

The stupid lever in your bathroom decided to stop flushing on you and of course you panicked. Who wouldn’t panic in a situation like that? You no longer had a roommate and strongly debated if you even wanted to search for another; after the shady actions of the previous one, so you really didn’t have to worry about them giving you shit either. (Let’s see if your rent feels the same next month!)

It was just you in the end and perhaps you were learning to be okay with that.

Yet that didn’t stop you from FaceTiming Sydney about it. “Hey Siddy, how’s your day going?”

“Pretty good, yours?” She politely asked as she moved down the hallway of her shared apartment to prop her phone on the pedestal sink, moving around her functioning bathroom to grab some oil to grease her scalp.

Smacking your lips you glare, “it fucking sucks.”

“Oh?” Sydney questioned, appearing back in frame, “what happened? Did someone egg and scratch up your car again after a review you gave them? Noo wait, don’t tell me there’s a bullet hole?!”

That was light work compared to New York (it really wasn’t a competition of which state had its worst moments but your home state left you kinda triggered, not gonna lie!) where you were just starting off and those that were in tune with the culinary world didn’t take your words with a grain of salt. Most nights you still woke up gasping for air, reaching for your throat due to some trauma of a break in from a well-known nepo-baby chef. Don’t get that twisted, your mom didn’t raise no punk but that didn’t mean those events didn’t mess with your mental and you acknowledged that every time you had a nightmare. They only served three years and five months compared to the original five year sentence.

Ah the system…got to love how that works out for the privileged!

You shrugged, “no…the threats have been pretty tame lately so I can give myself a pat on the back for that. However! I still am in a crisis.”

Sydney begins to move her braids around to expose her scalp, “Elaborate for me.”

“My toilet won’t flush!” You whine, laying flat on your messy bed. You tended to not make your bed on Saturdays and didn’t get around to making it today—although it was after 3pm.

Sydney asks, “Like the waste won’t go down…?”

“Exactly!” You confirm throwing your arm over your eyes dramatically, “The lever thing is moving like my old dislocated shoulder.”

Sydney gags, “don’t fucking remind me of that day. That was spooky to witness but I am glad you healed from that.”

“Thanks girl, means a lot, truly.”

Sydney gives a small smile, “don’t mention it…have you considered YouTubing it? That’s what I do when I don’t want to ask anyone for help and figure it out by myself.”

You hummed knowing this was true. In a sense you could be like that too, especially when it came to the working field, since writers can tend to be some nasty bitches and always in rivalry with each other. You made a name for yourself in Chicago as well, coming from New York where you worked just as hard-maybe even harder than the rest to mean and write exactly how you felt about cuisine, regardless if anyone agreed or not. It wasn’t about if people liked you, the relationship with food would always be more significant and hold value in your life, just like the rest of these chef’s you encountered and you got that, people were allowed to be sensitive about their work. You’ve come toe to toe with many chef’s around the world who didn’t like your take on their craft but that didn’t mean you didn’t understand them. They hardly took the time to really dive into your ratings and automatically took it as you shit talking or not having any idea what you were saying since you “weren’t really a chef,” but you knew your worth most days.

Yes you could be straight forward but that didn’t mean you lacked compassion like some chef’s liked to think according to your reviews. You often wrote in a way that was puzzling to some, almost philosophical or riddle like with your own twist. Some just didn’t get it and that was okay but you wouldn’t back down from any confrontation. The second they didn’t want to really listen, that’s when you removed yourself from the escalating problem. It didn’t have to get violent like some wanted to inflict.

“Why didn’t I think of that?!” You exasperated, slapping the palm of your hand to your forehead.

Sydney snorted, “maybe because you’re under a lot of pressure lately and the most simplest of things don’t come as easily as they should.”

“You would think I have high blood pressure with the way these past two weeks have been.”

Sydney says, “give it time.”

“Gee, thanks! That’s exactly the kind of shit I want to hear from you.” You roll your eyes at the blurt of words that commonly escaped the braided girl’s mouth.

Sydney breathes out a laugh, “I’m just joking!”

“Yeah, yeah! Maybe I should text fak back and tell him not to come by!”

“You asked fak instead of the apartment manager?” Sydney is in amazement.

“Fuck that noise, he’s so full of shit that he should see a doctor about it. He’ll show up to analyze the problem, then acts like he’s going to fit you into the schedule and then when you catch him in the lobby he pretends that he has amnesia.” You commented with a scowl.

You get ready to minimize the call to text fak but some obnoxious knocks at the door made you pop up from your bed. “That was fast!”

Hopping up from the bed and padding out of the last bedroom in the apartment, you made the journey through the foyer to the awaiting black front door. Peeking through the peephole you spot Fak grinning widely up into it, almost making you jump back.

“He’s made it Siddy! I’ll call you back!”

“K. Good luck!” Sydney calls out before you end the call to pull the door wide open.

“Neil!” You scream, quickly latching onto his tatted wrist ready to yank him in until you notice someone else is with him, “…why is he here?” You point.

Fak quickly glances over at a brimmed Carmy who raised a brow at him in a silent told you so manner, “I mean we were having a boy’s day when you called and I didn’t want my buddy to be left out. Plus, it’s always great to have some assistance.”

“…i find it hard to believe that Carmen wants to fix my toilet.” You cross your arms, poking out your hip as you stare at him.

Carmen shrugs his shoulders, “I wanted to wait in the car if it makes you feel any better.”

“Hmm…it doesn’t.”

Carmy rolls his eyes, pinching at the bridge of his nose briefly in agitation, “you know what, fak you’ve got this right? I know you do so—

“Nope!” Fak quickly interrupts, “this maybe a two person job so aspie if you just let us do what we came to do—

Shooting an arm out to block the doorway you peer into Fak’s dark teal eyes to show you mean business, “didn’t I say I dislike that nickname, Neil?”

He nods.

“Also i find it offensive that you brought an uninvited guest to my place.”

“Just be glad it wasn’t Richie because that was also a possibility before he ran off to pick up the kid.” Carmy snaps making you roll your eyes.

If Richie was here you been would have slammed the door in both Fak and his face. Sure you had some sort of tension with Carmy and beef with .......his cousin but at least Carmy only gave it back to you when he had the energy to—meaning if he was already on one. The issue was simple, you wrote a not so nice review once before when the eldest berzatto, Michael was alive and running the joint. Richie couldn’t forget that and actually kept the clipping, yes the clipping of the review way back when. He had the receipts to show Carmy and Carmy actually brushed it off then, not seeming to really care or doubt some of the words that were said.

He came to revamp the place because Mikey left it for him, to fix the mess his big brother left behind, to create what they’ve always dreamed of. Sure he got shit for it in the beginning and part of him felt like maybe that was your case too? He could relate to you on that, yet the weight was slightly different on his part and he even spoke with you not long after he found those tomato cans.

That gave him a certain push he couldn’t really explain. He may have done a brief dive on you, wondering why you felt acquainted to him—completely forgetting about seeing you once around Noma—choosing to start with reading previous reviews by you on other restaurants here in Chicago and a few interviews you’ve done over the world. You weren’t just some nobody, you held your titles well and it reflected in your work.

You weren’t clueless.

He just didn’t really know what he was dealing with until a short time ago.

What he didn’t expect was for you to show up again on opening night with a certain head chef, also from New York. That made carmy more anxious than anything, seeing you sitting beside that four eyed fuck ready to set off a tornado in the heart of the bear. Was that your motive all along? With carmy attempting to build a bridge, not for you to kiss his ass with praise but there was a odd need to have a simple conversation with you. It was weird but it seemed like Sydney, Fak, and Nat liked you?

The jury was still out with the rest—except Richie but you were a mystery to Carmy. However carmy wasn’t the best at putting a read on people or their emotions in the first place, he was good at fucking that up unless you’re screaming it into his face. That’s just how he operated.

“You two can come in—only because I don’t have the patience with the manager here and Neil’s the best I’m gonna get.” You state while fak slaps a hand on his chest.

“That was really sweet, Aspen.” Fak cooed ready to pull you into a bone crushing hug but you hold up a finger.

“Save the hugs until after you fix my problem.”

“You got it boss,” Fak salutes before diving under your arm to travel through your apartment, ooo-ing and ah-ing before finding the bathroom around the corner from the living room.

Sighing you drop your arm and wave carmy through, who keeps his view straight while traveling through the hallway. You call out to him, “you can have a seat on the couch.”

“What? Did you drop a load or something and is that the real reason why you don’t want me to help Fak?” Carmy comes right out with it, nose twitching in amusement after whipping around to face you in the center of the living room.

See…only when he’s frustrated or overly focused will he just let it out. Some may look at this as Carmy attempting to make a joke but you took that somewhat personally. The only thing you were thinking after he said this was: What an ego on this one huh?

You stop on your heels and tilt your head to the side, “are you telling me that you think women or fem pronoun users don’t take shits? Do you know what it feels like to have period shits?”

Carmy blinks at you and shouts with his hands out, “I...don't even know what the fuck you're getting at? I wasn't even trying to be sexist to you just then! I asked you a honest question—

“About you being in my business,” you pointed out, “contrary to your beliefs I have a heart and decided to be nice to you and let you stay in my place to keep warm. You’re welcome!”

“Oh bullshit, don’t act like you’re doin’ me any favors.” Carmy scowls, “you don’t even want me here.”

You shrug, “yet you’re here in my apartment, yelling.”

Carmy exhaled while you smirked at him sweetly before turning to lean against the wall that leads to the bathroom.

“Everything okay in there, Neil?”

“Oh yeah!” He says, “I think I figured out the problem. Easy peasy!”

“Great!” You exclaim, pulling your phone out from your sweats to read a very important email.

The weight of stress seemed to lift a good chunk as you quickly responded to a email that you’ve been waiting for. You’ve been invited out (squeezed in) to a taste test at this restaurant for this evening that you’ve been trying to get into for a month before you brought it up to your employer. The deadline was approaching for the end of this week to have a review ready and they just responded to you five days before that deadline! Reading over it twice, the squeal in you slipped through your smile until you read the exceptions.

If you were to go over the amount of food purchased, which you would put on the company card anyways, you can get a discount if you brought a plus one and some reimbursement if the review was satisfactory to the owners—which the last part wasn’t unfamiliar to you.

You usually didn’t bring a plus one to any of the places you did reviews for, you got comfortable doing outings all on your own but this was different. Sure you were somewhat known in the culinary world but that didn’t mean you were a millionaire and this restaurant was apparently upscale. There was a waiting list regardless of your status—even for the celebrities that went there so this was a big deal and they gave you a short notice. Usually Sundays were known for a reset for the week but what better way to start it?

You don’t go forward with reaching out to anybody else that you work with. This was your battle and you were aware that two of your other co-workers also reached out to this restaurant. You just hoped you were the only one they picked and wouldn’t miss out on the great opportunity just because you weren’t sure about your guest.

A few hours before show time and you had to find somebody to attend with you. Your best friend was away in Cabo for a honeymoon, the other (who recently planned on moving to ATL) was dealing with the flu and had their no good ex boyfriend taking care of them, Sydney was suddenly MIA, and you even considered inviting Natalie Berzatto to piss carmy off just a bit.

“Hey, Nat!” You greet into the phone as you walk into the kitchen, witnessing Carmy perk up from the couch.

It’s small talk at first: you asking about how her day is going as a mom to be, if she’s going to be at the bear tomorrow, did she watch the Emmy’s the other night, tell her husband you said hello, and then finally if she had plans for tonight.

“…are you asking me to hang out?”

“We had fun at that club way back when no?”

“Yeah! But that was how long ago?”

You knew it’s been awhile. You were always friendly with Natalie, meeting her first—well second out of the siblings down at the small mart one summer you helped out at that your great-uncle owned. She was huffing about something her boyfriend at the time, Pete forgot to bring her and some groceries she was picking up for her mom. You were cool enough to become Facebook friends, exchange numbers, go out for coffee and go to the club together. This wasn’t unusual to call each other randomly but you knew she commonly got shit from Michael and Richard about her talking and hanging out with you.

The thing about Natalie Berzatto is that she always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt. Yes she saw your review yet she kinda laughed about it initially but it was all fuck you’s from the other two loud mouth’s. Of course she was going to listen to her brother but she still had a mind of her own. she didn’t care to listen to Richie go off but she understood how Michael felt, although she was the only other Berzatto that heard you out.

Except you didn’t owe anybody an explanation even if some felt you were more cutthroat in your younger years.

“...Before you and Pete even thought about marriage?”

You were younger than them but you imagined how it would always work out for Nat and Pete, which included growing old together.

“Wow! Yeah that sounds right.”

“So…?”

“Can’t do it.”

“You didn’t even hear all the details!”

“I know, I know and it sounds like it’ll be a real fucking blast but if this kid wasn’t sitting on my sciatic nerve constantly and if my feet weren’t the size of two honeydews…I totally would! But I’ll have to decline this time around—so please don’t hate me!”

“I could never!”

“You know you could always ask carmy-

“Why on earth would I do that?” Your reply was instant.

Natalie sighed over the phone, “aspen…the potential of friendship and love is a beautiful thing.”

You scrunched up your face at the phone before placing it back to your ear.

“Do you want me to hang up on you?”

“I’d call you a rude bitch if you did but then get over it.”

“I can live with that because I know it’s real love between you and I.”

“…whatever that means.”

“Right.”

You both laugh, knowing just how weird the subject of love can be. Although you didn’t talk all the time it was always okay for one of the other to drop a venting text or call each other’s way and know the other would get around to responding. The both of you may not be the best of friends but you did consider each other friends regardless. There were conversations between the both of you that no one knew about and would be a constant reminder of what kind of friends the both of you would remain.

Natalie wished things could have been resolved between you and Michael but she reassured that the dislike wasn’t as deep as it seemed. There was no secret that you felt awful about how his life ended and being there for nat during that time also meant a lot. She told you that one of the last conversations she had with Michael was about you and it felt as if he was learning to let go of your review, slowly taking in Nat’s words of you not having a cruel bone in your body especially with all that you’ve done for her.

Anybody that showed his sister true friendship couldn’t be complete garbage. As much as he tolerated Pete, Michael was always aware that he was good enough for his sister. They were all cut from different cloths and the Berzatto’s were just from the same but opposite corner’s.

Natalie telling you this was not to erase any worries you had since that is always brought to the surface when someone you’ve been face to face with before decides to end it all. It was to show you that nobody ever truly knows what anyone is thinking whether there is love there or not.

You can feel Natalie smiling through the phone, “Think about it…all that tension could be smoothed out if you extend the olive branch…now it’s your turn.”

“It’s not my fault he switched up on me after your opening night.” You didn’t lower your voice or make it louder but you were definitely staring at carmy now who was side eyeing you, looking like phineas from phineas and ferb.

“That’s something you need to talk to him about, don’t you think?” Her tone was always so gentle that it made you sick sometimes because she could be right.

“I’m not here to do think pieces.”

“…aren’t you a writer?”

“Have a good night, nat.”

“Ta-Ta!” Natalie sing-songs, “be sure to send me the deets later because carmy never tells me anything! Bye! Chat later!”

Hanging up the phone, you slide it onto the counter and tap your nails against the island. To the right of you, you pick up on some clinking in the bathroom—which sounds somewhat normal and zone in on carmy who’s also holding onto his phone but staring at the blank tv in thought.

“Hey, Carmen.” You call his name.

His bright blues turn to you as if he hasn’t been eavesdropping on your conversation here and there between his texts with Marcus.

“You. Me. The Saffron Simmer. 7pm.”

The air is frigid as the both of you hunch your shoulders shoving through Chicago’s winter. Shockingly the streets are filled with cars tonight so you had to park on the next street over before walking up and around to The Saffron Simmer. Carmy offered to drive, which was a debate—no shock there—since there was no way he was leaving the bear stock van behind for no license having fak to play around in.

Fak definitely found that offensive and said he didn’t mind hanging out at your place, being done with your toilet but with the look you sent him he said he’s find an Uber or fak2 can pick him up. It’s not like you didn’t trust fak in your place…it’s just that the possibilities of what he can get into are endless.

You also didn’t want to ride in the bear’s van not because of shallow reasons, you just wanted to annoy carmy just a bit more for fun. Walking mostly everywhere was the way to go growing up in New York and Carmy working there so doing so here in Chicago wasnt foreign either. However with the type of cold here in this city is enough to give the bravest of hearts hypothermia. So obviously driving was the best option, it’s just the petty back and forth between you two of who will drive had to be spewed.

Eventually you gave in and sat in the passenger side of the van, being on DJ duty for the twenty-five minute drive—something carmy didn’t care to argue over. The both of you made it on time, throwing the door back for carmy to catch then bouncing on your toes while he blew into his gloveless hands waiting on the greeter to find your reservation.

The pictures didn’t do The saffron simmer any justice. There was so much to look at with its modernized speakeasy décor and the high ceilings did a superb job of making the both of you feel small in the spacious space. Thankfully the dress code was business casual so you didn’t have to go all out but you still put in the effort of looking your best in simple attire. You’re shrugging out of your scarf, earmuffs, and puffer coat while Carmy is already seated; with only the removal of his cap across from you in a chair.

He’s watching you as you place everything neatly to the right of you before you're taking a seat in the leather oversized chair, then digging through your tote to pull out your notepad, Sony camera, phone, and bolt pen. You quickly scribble something on the first line and circle it before dropping your pen.

Rolling the sleeves of your long sleeves back underneath your blazer, you roll your shoulders with a close of your eyes before opening them with a look of determination.

“Wow, that was something.” Carmy tells you, making you set your eyes back on him, forgetting just that quick that he was your plus one.

Clasping your hands together you quirk up a brow, “What?”

“Watching you prep.”

You dip your head, “should have seen me before I got dressed…much worse.”

A smirk appears on the corner of Carmy’s lips, “oh yeah?”

“Well yes, I can contain myself in public, Carmen. Your home is supposed to be your safe space so that’s the best place to go a little crazy sometimes.” You inform, yet still not giving too much away.

“Why are you in your head about this place anyway?” Carmy peers around the slightly filled dining area before meeting your eyes once more.

You lift your shoulders, “have you seen the way they market this place? Giving not too much away although it’s top ten restaurants here and I can either contribute to its success or its downfall. They picked me for a reason so my review matters at the end of this year.”

“But you uh-get a thrill out of this shit don’t you? It’s what you signed up for, right?” Carmy is actually relaxed against the chair across from you.

Which is a sight to see.

You state, “it’s part of the job, if that’s what you mean.”

Carmy blinks and seems to get it, “and so you stay.”

“So I stay.” You echo while holding his stare, which is broken by a piece of the stone table lifting and showcasing the menu illuminated by sepia lighting in the dark of the restaurant.

Carmy’s bright eyes are wide as he stares at the menu that appears right in front of your faces. There’s a grin on your face as you rest your fingertips around its rough edges, almost as if you were expecting this while carmy blows out a breath.

“The hell is this place?”

You peek over at him, “some next level shit, berzatto.”

“Yeah…I think I’m starting to catch on.”

You turn your attention back to the menu, swiping your fingertips along the touch screen although you’ve heard things about the menu, which they kept offline since apparently it renews monthly.

“What looks good?”

“Uh…these pages aren’t even labeled." Carmy exhales through his nose, eyes searching all over the tablet, "I have no clue. You?”

The words come at ease for you, "One of almost everything maybe?”

“Sounds good...I guess?”

“On me by the way,” you state with a wink as you flash your company card.

“I’ll get the tip then.” Carmy pats his jeans, the left containing his carton of cigarettes, the right holding his keys, lifting his hips he checks for his wallet although he’s been sitting on his behind for about ten minutes now.

You don’t argue with that, eyes in awe at the selection of items as you start ordering, “don’t forget to order your drink.”

“Water should be fine,” Carmy mutters to himself, eyes scanning over the first strange title of water that is described as flower and ginger infused purified water and decides to go with that.

You finally express after rapidly letting your fingers go over the screen and taking a picture with your phone, “…Okay, so the only way for us to enjoy that huge discount is to act like we’re dating.”

It sounded so easy to you as you quickly shifted to pick up your pen and start writing notes.

“What was that?” Carmy pressed his elbows into the edge of the table, making sure he heard you right since he’s not even sure if he can trust his inner thoughts lately.

You’re still scribbling but also turning your face towards the messy haired chef, “you heard me. We have to act like we’re in a relationship because I’ve definitely went over the budget on the card.”

“That’s not really my problem?”

“Yes it is,” you demand, “you agreed to be my plus one so that’s that. Plus this menu further confirmed my suspicions from the email.”

Carmy scratches at his brow confused, “what are you talking about, aspen?”

“Here,” you swipe across your screen towards Carmy’s device, which brings up another screen instantly to carmy who’s in awe but scans over the details.

You didn’t share the email with him but he’s heard about how high tech this restaurant is but didn’t have the time to do his own research.

*Significant others in attendance are subject to applicable discounts.*

Carmy feels his stomach cramp at the fine print and it so small that he was sure anyone could have missed that.

Not you.

“…how exactly are we supposed to prove that, hm?” He's gripping at his greasy hair now, feeling himself getting a bit worked up about this.

You fanned your hand along, “just do what couples do and follow my lead...Depending on our witnesses,” you whisper as you look around, “they could always assume that’s what we are anyways.”

Part of carmy didn’t like how that came off.

“What, so you’d fake date me for discounted food but you wouldn’t real date me even though I could take you out to the best restaurants out there in town every fucking night if you wanted me to?” Flies out of Carmy’s mouth before he can even process what he’s saying.

That stoops you too, making you press your back against the chair in thought. That wouldn’t be going down in the notes, as you stare at the pen in between your fingers for a moment. Which brings you back to Carmy’s tatted fingers first that touched you in ways that romance novelist craved to write about.

So you may have left that out, how a shared conversation about the “heartless” review of then Chicagoland turned the bear melted into hot and heavy actions in the front seat of your Mazda. It hits you in those same flashes you take of dishes: the unsure sloppy kisses, you taking the lead to get Carmy to just touch you, shaky hands that trace the tattoo from your rib cage down to your hip before soon holding steady and angled just right beneath your red tapered trousers.

“Where did that come from?” You question just as a server greets you, delivering drinks and announcing the small plates should be out in the next five minutes with a timer appearing on both of the stone tablets.

Carmy says, “you—you didn’t just think I forget right?”

“Well I was hoping.” You were honest, “neither of us are ready for relationships—especially hearing about you and Claire.”

Carmy felt his eye twitch, “and how do you know about that?”

Sydney.

You wouldn’t throw her under the bus like that although you could tell carmy already knew.

“I have my resources but don’t think I’ve been asking around about you or anything like that.” You sipped at the raspberry mint cocktail, it could be stronger.

His thumbs are shaking first on the table top but his icy stare made your chest pulsate in a way you didn't particularly like, “…would that be so bad?”

You and carmy didn’t exactly know each other well enough besides a conversation once had and with his hand down your pants! and you trying to get him to crash, clothes still on right in the center of his lap—It was a spur of the moment hookup and you could tell it was not something that happened often for carmy. He never had time for it or bothered to get attached but there was something about you that had him thinking otherwise. What was supposed to be a one time thing that you swept to the back of your mind was being brought up again.

The annoyance overtook what that feeling brought in the front seat of your ride. You weren’t ignoring carmy after that but the both of you had a lot on your plate with him renovating a restaurant and you diving back into your own work. Both fields of work seemed to matter more and not once did you think he ever thought about you in that way.

Communication was important people!

And here you thought he wanted nothing to do with you, especially with you showing up to the grand opening of The Bear. Now here you were months later, basically at your benefit, face to face hearing only pieces of what Carmen Berzatto was thinking.

“Hey, guys!” A familiar voice gathers your attention and you both turn to see Sydney smiling at you two.

Carmy widens his eyes, “Syd, what’re you doing here?”

Sydney snorted, “doing the same thing you’re doing? Having dinner.”

“Right.” He lightly shakes his head.

“Oh my god…am I interrupting this um? Date?” Sydney quickly connected the dots eyeing the both of you back and forth while you’re choking on your drink, “you okay?”

She pats your back for you while you gasp and Carmy slides over his water your way although you have your own glass near by. Gaining some air, you swallow some water and breathe through your nose. Normally you would have a response for Sydney’s joke but given what carmy just said to you had your mind running along with some burning tears you wiped away.

“So this is where you’ve been instead of answering me back?” You decide to switch the subject-you were great at that-wheezing a bit while Carmy scoffs and looks away.

Sydney frowns, “huh? When did you call me besides the FaceTime call…” she starts and pulls out her phone, “oh shit sorry. I placed it on do not disturb like thirty minutes after you didn’t call me back. I got wrapped into some entail about the menu from one of the chef’s that works here and is also a friend.”

Carmy speaks, “Didn’t know you had a connect with anybody here, Syd.”

“Can’t reveal all my moves, Carm.” She winks and lightly elbows him while Carmy sends her a small smile and a shake of his head.

Carmy asks, “scooping out our competition?”

“Only a little," She pinches her fingers before continuing, "and my dad thought it would be a place I wanted to try.” Sydney admits, “and if you two weren’t on a date I’d say let’s make this a group thing! so I’ll be going! I see my dad coming back from the bathroom…he’s got like a bladder problem and I don’t know why I’m sharing that with you two. But bye! Enjoy and just know I’ll be keeping my eye on you two.”

“Fuck,” carmy exhaled feeling his nerves rising, “don’t do that.”

Sydney chuckles to herself and sends a wave to you two before walking back to her table by the window.

“Siddy kicked me to the curb for her dad,” you sigh resting your cheek into your knuckles for a moment, “can’t be mad at that.”

“But you can be mad at me for what exactly?”

“You wanna do this with me right now?”

“Yeah, I think I do.”

“I thought we could move past what happened—

“You can say it you know? Me with my fingers inside—

“Excuse me!” You hiss, “I don’t need you to repeat action by action thank you. I was there too. We both know what happened, we’d agreed we can coexist around this big ass city. I show up to support—

“Did you though?” Carmy pressed, “support me? Or am I waiting for something else to be thrown at me with your upcoming review?”

“What?!” You bite, “is that what your stank ass attitude is about?”

Carmy tightened his jaw just as the first serving was handed over. You let him sulk in that for some time as you study the plating of the four appetizers, making note of each before taking more pictures with your sony.

“I wasn’t there to write a review.” You reply.

“I saw you—

“Let me finish. I understand pressure so I get it but you have to learn to channel your anger and this grief, elsewhere and deal with it better without projecting it onto any and everybody. I’ll tell you that right now that won’t get you anywhere and especially with me, Carmen.” You affirm.

You’ve been in Carmy’s position before so you can speak with experience. He seemed to always be waiting for the worse to continue filling up his plate but it takes time to accept the good in life. He was giving you something but you weren’t sure it was the best option for the both of you and you weren’t afraid to say that.

“Alright…I didn’t come here to talk about feelings either you know? That’s what those meetings are for.” Carmy spills just a tad.

You stare at the vibrant but delicate plating but his tone and the soft upbeat tempo above your heads don’t go unnoticed. “What did you come here for then?”

Carmy blinks and snatches up a spoon, almost weighing it in his hands before he dives the utensil into the dish. He stares as the stretch of cheese, twisting the spoon to break it apart before holding the Macaroni and Brie with Crab out for you to take the first bite.

He doesn’t answer for awhile and so you do the honors of taking a bite and savoring it's texture and taste.

“…that’s not my favorite.” You announce and notice that Carmy waited for your view.

He raises his brows, “tell me about it?”

“They need different plating.” You deeply sigh, “I know that type of plating works best for a dessert and that’s not it. There’s more breadcrumbs than meat, which seems to not be fully removed from its shell so be careful with that. It’s also lacking flavor even with the brie, which is my least favorite kind of cheese in Mac, although many swear by it.”

Carmy flicks his attention to your disappointment to you scribbling into your notepad with a shake of your head. If he was making you a dish, he’d try his hardest to make sure it was everything you ever wanted.

He quickly has his share and thinks to himself.

Carmy can agree, this was lacking flavor and the breadcrumbs didn’t even have a crunch to them. You can’t just depend on the cheese to give you flavor in Mac and cheese.

“What’s your favorite dish? I—I don’t think I ever asked you that. We just went straight into talking about the beef.”

And doing dirty things in the front seat but who needs to relive that?!

You look up from your notes and lift your chin, “you’re looking at it. It’s childish I know...but that’s exactly what it reminds me of: my childhood. Mac and cheese! then as I got into my adulthood…crab kinda took over. Which is funny because I hated on it for so long growing up. My papa—my grandad, he helped my mom raise me, he's from Ocean City so you can only imagine the amount of seafood on our table.”

You’re smiling to yourself and Carmy can’t help but to feel his small laughter lines appear by his lips as you’re locked into some memory only you can remember vividly. This was the most Carmy was learning about you, sure it may not look like much but he didn’t feel the need to dissociate even if at times he really couldn’t help it.

You were the question mark that he wanted to figure out and get all the answers to. Maybe it was his gut and he shouldn’t have blabbed to sugar about you because now Carmy was thinking this was Michael’s doing.

If you believe in that shit.

So the both of you take your time trying the small dishes before getting the main courses. It seems the longer you sit across from each other—the tension was definitely still there especially with Sydney’s eyes burning into the two of you across the room and attempting to not get caught—although she had once or twice but gradually it lifted as you and carmy shared this time together.

He watched you work while you asked for his input before you told your own. He also provided a few things he would do to tweak it if he agreed with what you didn’t enjoy. Which was eye-opening for you, yes you went to school for journalism and sat in on some cooking classes once that also tied into your passion for learning. After completing your first degree you decided culinary may take you to different heights and enrolled into culinary school. You didn’t find the need to continue going through with being a chef after Copenhagen, finding writing to be your stronger suit but you still understood food and the relationship with it when it came to chef’s.

So you took carmy’s input into consideration.

With the last serving being a Asian dessert called, “Jjan Hae,” which consisted of: coconut rice pudding served with fresh citrus (orange, grapefruit, kumquat) and coffee ice cream, topped with crispy pop rice & a shot of Korean rice wine, it was a strange concept but the both of you came to terms with the dessert working well.

Carmy even took a video to show Marcus tomorrow at the bear and sent a photo to an old colleague, Luca, that you were also familiar with considering Noma was a thing that you didn’t bother speaking much on…but it was your turn to give carmy the last serving.

He hesitated since he had his own bowl, which he finished way before you did but it was clear you wanted him to have the last bite so he also took it while saying something with his eyes.

Breaking the stare, the both of you felt your phone buzz with a text. Carmy didn’t jump to answer it right away…he was the worst texter according to Nat and Sydney but you can answer for the both of you as it was a group text from Sydney who was long gone with her dad.

Siddy + (773) XXX-XXXX: Carmy, invite aspen to breakfast in the morning?? See you guys then! 👍🏾😉

“You guys do breakfast at the bear now?” You say lifting your eyes from your screen.

You heard Sydney made a mean omelette but you haven’t been back since earlier this year and you weren’t in the mood for that that night.

Carmy frowns and closes his eyes with a shake of his head, “uh yeah it’s a new thing that Syd came up with but we agreed to do that with everyone once a month…later this month. Why?”

“She wants me to have breakfast with you guys…knowing I’m not a morning person.”

“It’s not happening tomorrow anyway, so what is she talking about?” Carmy digs into his jacket, where he carelessly shoved his phone into after sending the photo off to Luca.

Another text rings out: at carmy’s place. just us three???

Not Sydney making plans and then placing it all at Carmy’s apartment.

He’s taking a breath, almost as a silent reminder for him to do so before his thumbs move over his screen: i don’t even eat breakfast, Syd.

Syd: well youre gonna.

~ Syd has notifications silenced 🌙 ~

“Well, looks like your work wife told your ass.” You laugh, which you translated into her message but didn’t comment further than that.

Carmy harshly exhales through his nostrils in disbelief, “my work wife huh?”

He didn’t hate how that sounded but he also never thought about marriage or relationships in awhile.

“Yeah…the proof is in the pudding, no matter what anyone says.”

Carmy pinched at his bottom lip as he attempts to dryly joke, “I thought it was rice? and what about outside work…”

“That’s something you have to figure out yourself.” You shrug, getting ready to pack up your notes and cameras.

You turn your attention to the table, which knows just when to lift as you tap on the screen to signal that you’re ready to pay while holding out your company card, “are you paying cash for the tip or card?”

“Uh, cash.” Carmy answers, “…what if I’m starting to think about what come’s next?”

“With Syd?” You question, your now sage and mint scented hands flying over the screen as you select the correct paying method before tapping your company card against the screen.

Carmy starts bouncing his leg underneath the table, “with everything.”

“Well…when you’re ready you’ll make moves to make it happen won’t you?”

Carmy dips his head, “you bet.”

And here comes the intense eye contact that you can’t help but to huff out some laughter.

“What’s funny?”

“It’s just people with light eyes always do this thing where they’re just staring into your soul you know? Like damn, relax!”

Carmy’s confused as he holds his wallet open, “uh sorry for having eyes?”

“Shut up, glacier eyes.” You tell while Carmy just snorts at you.

The both of you don’t waste any time rushing back to his car as the clock is approaching 10pm. The wind’s definitely picked up and the temperature dropped, making it easier not to get caught up in the night time city lights which you often liked to do. Back in the van, carmy doesn’t wait to crank up the heat and you don’t bother to mess with the radio this time.

“So?” Carmy asks as he waits for the car to warm up some.

You keep your attention outside the window shield, “yes?”

“What’s the rating?”

“What makes you think I’m going to tell you that, Carmen?” You continue holding yourself.

He sniffs, “I mean—I was sitting across from you the entire night while you told me some of your thoughts.”

“So you thought you should also get the final score? I don’t even know what I’m going to say yet.”

“Ah, I think you’ve got some idea.” Carmy lolls his head over to peek at you.

Laughter bubbles past your lips, “I do. I’ve absolutely had better because—what the fuck was that?”

Carmen feels a crooked smirk appear on his own face, “I don’t want to completely bash other chef’s work but fuck, I thought it was just me? You said it got a 4.3 out of 5? The ambience and service was spot on but…the flavor for most of the dishes?”

“I knew you knew something about seasoning,” you continued laughing while carmy rolled his eyes, “should spend less on the tech and interior and more on some fresh herbs.”

“Isn’t it called simmer saffron?”

That made you laugh even harder as you gripped your stomach, “You’ve got that so backwards!”

And carmy couldn’t help but to scan your features as you laughed and he felt his chest getting somewhat lighter? Just listening to the sound of you and being beside you. What kind of feeling was this? He’s felt it before looking at someone else but that feeling was more of a tug with that light while this one slowly poured in from the black.

“Don’t be too hard on ‘em though? There’s always room for improvement.”

“Sure, but we both know the bear is better and you guys don’t have a waist list months in advance.”

“We also don’t have any celebrities showing up either.”

“Yet.”

Carmy taps his fingers against the steering wheel, appreciating that, “right, yet…I’m sorry about March. I was too in my head about so much shit and you’re right, I took it out on everyone and I’m still trying to make up for it.”

“Effort doesn’t ever go unnoticed if people look and feel it hard enough.”

Carmy chews on his lips at that, “if you believe that…then why do you feel what I said about dating—uh us—about us dating is out of the blue?”

“I said that?”

“Your eyes did. It’s the most expressive thing about you which is funny to me when you talk so much shit about mine when you hide the rest of it away on your face. It’s fucking confusing but I think I gathered that from our dinner tonight.”

Carmy was just as detail oriented as you. It was in his language with food and maybe even in his tattoos that you tried to understand starting with his fingers first. The way he spoke about what he would do with the dishes that were lackluster, except for the dessert—that was pretty good. Carmy wasn’t much of a talker because he wasn’t sure how to express himself, always been that way since you knew of him at Noma…but he told just enough in his dishes and you told just enough between the lines you wrote.

Someone just had to look hard enough.

“…I ever tell you I was engaged? Of course I didn’t, we’re still…I don’t know what the hell we’re doing here Carmen but I’m starting to sense that we could be special if we both want this badly.”

“What do you want?”

“Does anyone ever really know?” You laughed, “ I guess someone to look past the circumstanial and I had that once but then he died. So that was the end of that.”

“You swore off love.”

“Love is many things but maybe I closed off the long lasting part.”

Carmy could relate to that as least with family. He never had much interest in romance even growing up because he lacked that confidence in anything being permanent besides the chaos he’s used to, then he found some of it once he proved what he fucking set out to do yet cooking was all Carmen really opened himself up to. While Luca and others encouraged him to have a night out in the town, he always left early or if there was one person that caught his interest, they get to talking and both get bored of each other since Carmy hardly made the move to take them back to his. Before Noma?

Maybe.

Back in Paris there was one that could have been permanent but Carmy had to break her heart since Noma was calling. Culinary was his true love and he honestly couldn’t tell you what she even looked like now if you asked him. Things that should have mattered tended to get buried in the blue of his mind unfortunately.

He didn’t have the time to be attached and you didn’t want to have your heart ripped out again.

“How’d—

“He was a firefighter.” Was all you said and just those words alone told carmy it was anything but peaceful.

It took a lot for carmy to scream at himself how Michael went out and he imagined it might have been the same for you. So he wouldn’t dare ask for further morbid details because what did that help?

So maybe you weren’t wrong about the both of you not being ready to take that step on going on dates but change was everlasting.

“Uh—what about breakfast then after that not so great meal?” Carmy asks as he pulls off from the curb now.

You think about it. Really think about it that carmy starts to assume you may have dozed off.

“Depends on the time honestly? And who am I to turn down a free meal?” You beamed at Carmy who lifts his shoulders with a chuckle.

Carmy explains, “Syd and I usually start our days early, sometimes even earlier for me if I don’t get enough hours in. but thanks to the reno those on the early shift can get prep ready and I heard…you’re not a morning person?”

You’re just as sarcastic but there’s no lies, “I don’t even know my name or birthdate when I first wake up…what do you think?”

Carmy snickered at that, “okay? So how does 10am sound?”

“That’s pushing it but…I think I can be there so that’ll give me the rest of the day to work from home.”

Carmy nods, “can’t wait to read it. Shake on it?”

“On what? My review or showing up?”

“Both.”

“I’m not sending you a sneak peek, maybe syd or even nat but not you.”

“Ouch.” Carmy mocks, still waiting for your hand to touch his.

And when you do there’s a spark, that makes you yank your hand back and you feel like you’re in one of those cheesy teen movies.

You’re aware carmy’s felt that too but he just clears his throat and placed his hand back on the steering wheel. Leaving you to lightly massage the palm of your hand, now glancing at the profile of carmy’s face.

Life takes time to live but once you start to just let it be, the green starts to stand out more and can be equally as joyous…once you get through the rain and mud that is.

And once the ice blue sets back on you, the both of you can’t exactly see the future but there’s always warmth waiting for the cold to give them a try.

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

February fluff anthology series continues here.

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