#its either i start trusting babysitters to care for my son so i have more times for myself

[rhendarzon]

replayed AV1 and reaching Clearwater for the first time after being kidnapped

Need a fic of Lars doing everything in his power to avoid meeting the Darzons out of guilt, and the rest of the party staring at him weirdly coz I don't even think any of them knows their (Rhen and Lars)'s history (it never was mentioned in game that they knew Rhen was a former slave, right?)

[lubdubsworld]

Insatiable ( Jungkook x OC) Chapter 2

Pairing : Jeon Jungkook x OC

Rating 18+

Genre : Vampire Au!!!! , DILF! Jungkook ! Bodyguard AU! Babysitter OC!   Age difference!!! [ bet you’ve never seen all of this in one fic before? ]

[ Some notes : Born Vampires stop aging when they turn twenty five.  Turned vampires stop aging when they’re turned. ]

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

“You alright?” Somi asked gently, watching me fling  my backpack into the corner of the room with enough force to dislodge one of the wooden panels on the wall, the shelf crashing and bringing down the two potted plants on it. The sound of ceramic shattering made me wince, regret churning in my stomach. 

“Yeah...yeah. Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Somi.. I broke your pots-”

“Never mind the pots...why do you look so upset? Have you been crying?” She demanded , reaching for me, hands curling around my wrists and drawing me into a hug and I swallowed, my throat dry and eyes swollen from all the tears that I’d wrung out of them. 

Outside the room, Namjoon stood guard, at the door and I felt guilty remembering how the past three hours had gone. 

After confronting Jungkook, I’d stormed off in righteous indignation and poor Namjoon had been forced to follow. 

He had kept a discreet distance as I climbed to the tallest ridge on the roof, scaling the gables with ease and I knew he had been terrified at the prospect of me falling. 

Immortal or not a three hundred foot drop to the ground would be something that would hurt.

And it was my bodyguard’s job to make sure I did not get hurt. 

When he wasn’t busy fucking other women that is. 

I gripped my sister harder, fingers curling into the fir of her coat as I tried to catch my bearing. 

“Do you know Helena?” I whispered, pulling away to look at her. Somi’s face fell,eyes filling with sympathy.

“Oh, no. Was she here?” She asked gently, reaching out and cupping my cheeks and my lips wobbled. 

“Why didn’t you warn me that he was in a relationship?” my voice shook and Somi shook her head. 

“He’s not!! God, Helena doesn’t do relationships. Jungkook and her.... well, I’m not sure but they’re just fuck buddies..... barely that. You know she’s from the Kim clan right? Those bloodsuckers never settle for one partner. “ She muttered. 

I stared at her.

“He called me a child and then told me he’ll tell dad if i try to make a move on him.” I whispered. 

Somi flinched.

“Sera....”

“It was humiliating and painful and I don’t ever want to think about it, ever again.” I muttered. 

She sighed. 

“It’s not like you don’t have men dying for a glance from you, Sera. You forget that you’re literally the most beautiful woman in the clan. If he rejects you, you’re definitely not the one missing out in that equation.” 

I nodded, misery seeping into me. My sob-fest on the roof hadn’t been wasted. I was angry at first but now, a sort of resigned acceptance had taken the place of my anger. 

 The look on Jungkook’s face had been too real, the emotion behind his rejection too potent for me to get over. I wasn’t sure I could change his mind.

Wasn’t even sure if I wanted to. 

“Was he very hurtful ? You know, if you tell dad, he’ll hire someone else and-”

“No.” I said immediately. “ I won’t do that. It’s not his fault, it’s minge. I acted out like a...well a child to be honest. He doesn’t owe me anything and he’s always been obvious in his disinterest. I was just too blinded my own attraction to consider that it wasn’t reciprocated.” I grimaced. 

God, I’d been an idiot and Jungkook’s words had knocked some good sense into my head. But I did care for him and his son and they needed this job. I wouldn’t put his job in jeopardy just because I didn’t get my way. 

I was better than that.

“Alright... Dad wanted to meet you for breakfast tomorrow.... He sounded serious. Do you know what that’s about?”

I groaned, when I remembered the reason my dad wanted to see me these days. 

“Dad wants me to start meeting men now. He thinks I’m old enough now that i’ve turned 21. He’s been badgering me for a whole entire month but I kept putting him off because of...well, because of Jungkook.” I admitted. 

Somi looked worried.

“You want to ? If you don’t we can talk to dad and-”

“No-” I shook my head.” I’m just gonna agree.” 

Somi looked surprised.

“Are you sure? Sera you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to-”

I smiled weakly. 

“I’m not going to be allowed to stay single forever Somi. Especially not when the entirety of dad’s day is spent trying to chase suitors away from the door. Do you know the Count from Jeju Do...dude’s a whole seven centuries old and he looks like a toad. He apparently tried to ask about me and Dad’s been freaking out.  “ I shuddered. 

Somi laughed.

“ That’s what you get for being you. But dad’s right. Keeping you away from everyone is only inviting more interest. And we don’t want you to be with someone insufferable.” She ruffled my hair and I hugged her again sighing into her shoulders.

No I didn’t want to be with someone who just saw me as some kind of a possession to be owned. I wanted someone nice and kind. A handsome man who did the right thing .  Someone who maybe, worked hard to give his kid a safe and protected life, someone who didn’t shun away from hard work and was a gentleman as well. 

Someone like-

“Someone other than Jungkook.” Somi said gently reading my mind. 

“I really liked him.” I whispered softly, feeling tears spring again. 

God, I thought I was all out of tears for Jeon Jung Kook but apparently I was wrong. 

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

I took extra care with my makeup the next morning, because my father usually had a ton of business meetings during his breakfast. I didn’t usually bother but , I was going to agree to his suggestions today and well, nothing wrong in delighting my father. And nothing made him happier than seeing me prance about  with pretty feminine clothes . 

My dad, for all his jovial cheerful air, loved his position as the head of the Hwang clan. And as his most prized possession , I was the apple of his eye. And while he didn’t treat me as an object or anything ( my dad loved me deeply and his affection was always evident. ) , there was no mistaking the fact that my dad enjoyed the power that came with being my guardian. Powerful men were willing to bend to his will, just for a chance to be with me. 

I sound insufferable, don’t I?

Trust me I’m not. 

The vampires that court me are usually assholes. Entitled, brain dead assholes .  When I opened the door in the morning, dressed in a short summer dress and ready to meet my dad, I was surprised to see Jungkook standing guard outside. He straightened away from the wall where he was fiddling with his phone, his gaze flitting to me, eyes cold and blank. 

I bowed lightly, not smiling.

“Mr. Jeon. I have a breakfast date with my father and then I’ll be heading to the cottage. I’m also meeting a friend of mine at the Art Museum in the evening so i’ll need the Mercedes brought around to pick me up maybe at 5.00PM.” I said briskly, glancing at him. 

My face flamed red when I noticed his gaze, fixed steadily on my ass. I cleared my throat angrily and his eyes met mine, a slow lazy grin playing around his mouth. 

“You look different.” He commented , shamelessly giving me another once over. 

The nerve. 

I swallowed, willing myself not to blush harder.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” 

He chuckled.

“That dress barely covers your butt, angel. You sure you want to head to daddy dearest, dressed like that?” The way he said daddy made my skin heat up. 

I felt my jaw come unhinged. 

“That’s...that is none of your damn business.” I said shrilly.

He gave me another once over.

“Okay, then. If that’s what you’re into...fine. Let’s go.” 

Gritting my teeth, i tried to keep my face neutral. I would not give him the satisfaction of knowing that he got to me. I would not. 

I walked ahead of him , my fists clenched and my jaw tight and I felt incredibly upset because the day had barely begun and I was already wound tight. I was supposed to be relaxed and clear headed while talking to my father but Jeon Jungkook had muddled my brains as usual. 

I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. 

“Sera, wait.” His voice made me pause and I stopped, turning around to glare at him.

“What?” I snapped. 

He sighed, deeply. I watched as he ran his hands through his hair, tongue pressing into his cheek the way it did when he was upset. 

“About last night-”

I felt my pulse quicken. 

“I don’t wanna talk about it!” I said quickly, turning back around to leave but his fingers came around my arm, gripping hard . 

“Well tough luck. Because I do!” He said sharply. 

I whimpered, pain blooming up my arm and he swore, loosening his grip.

“I keep forgetting you’re human.” He muttered, “ I’m sorry... I just... I wanted to apologize for how i handled things last night. I was twenty once and I should have been more understanding.”

I closed my eyes. Oh, God no. Please, please for the love of God, let me hate you in peace. Don’t apologize and make me fall in love all over again.

“Its fine.” I choked out. “ You were right. I was out of line.”

“You deserve better.” He said quickly, eyes flitting away from my face and I felt a sharp pang in my heart. God , this was agonizing. 

“Jungkook-”

“It’s just that you’re...well you know who you are. You can’t be with ...someone like me and trust me you don’t want to be with someone like me either. I know its appealing, the whole illusion of stability. older man, has a kid, has his life together .....but that’s not all it means .” He gave me a tired smile.

I bit my lips, ot replying and he went on. 

 “ I have baggage, a shit ton of it and I would have to be especially cruel to unload something like that on a girl barely out of her teens. I’ve done shit I’m not proud of ,....but ruining your life, I’m gonna draw the line there.” He smiled , looking a whole decade younger and I closed my eyes.

I was back to square one, I thought miserably. He had my whole heart. 

“ So we’re good right?” He prompted and I exhaled, giving him a smile.

“We’re good.”

“That’s good. Because my son loves you and I would rather we be friends. You’re just like a daughter to me. ” He touched my face gently, pulling away at once, the small contact leaving fire in its wake and I had to clench my fists . 

A daughter?!! Is he out of his damned mind? 

“Okay.” 

“Let’s go then.”

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

“Jungkook, please sit down. You’re like my son and I don’t want you hovering like you’re part of the backdrop. I’ve trusted you with my entire life.” My father beamed, pointing at me and i laughed. 

Jungkook bowed respectfully, taking the chair next to me. 

“How are you , my buttercup?” My father asked softly, fingers gripping mine and I smiled.

“I’m well, father. Do you like my dress?” 

Next to me Jungkook coughed and I shot him a dirty look. 

“It looks ravishing on you. The prettiest flower in my estate is my daughter, do you agree Jungkook?” My father prompted and I swallowed the smirk that threatened. 

Poor Jungkook was going to learn that being my bodyguard meant singing my praises twenty four seven or at least anytime my father was in hearing distance. 

“Uh..” Jungkook’s eyes flitted between the two of us, “ Yes sir. Your daughter is quite lovely.” 

I beamed at him and he looked away quickly. 

Coward. 

Turning back to my dad I held my hand out. 

“DAd, you wanted to see me about something?”

“Yes dearest. You know the Kim clan’s matriarch has been after me. Three of her great great great grandsons have come of age recently. And all three of them are set to take over some very lucrative businesses. They are good men and apparently they’re quite smitten with you. They say you know of them from school?”

I sighed.

“Do you know their names?” I prompted.

“Mingyu, Minjae and Yugyeom.” My father said briskly. 

 Ugh.

 “ They’ve asked me out before, yes.” 

“Uh..Excuse me.. Could I get a refill?” Jungkook said quietly next to me and i turned, watching him wave to one of the footmen. 

“Jungkook, are you thirsty?” My father asked brightly. 

An idea formed in my head, wicked and dangerous. 

“Perhaps, he should get a taste of the Hwang Elixir?” I said innocently. 

My father’s gaze snapped to mine. 

A small frown made its way to his face. 

“Are you sure? I’m not sure if Jungkook would be comfortable-”

I turned to him, purposely flipping my long hair off my shoulders exposing my throat . Jungkook’s eyes went to the curve of my neck at once and i felt a sick sort of triumph when his eyes flashed red.

“Oh, no no...” I crooned, leaning in closer. “ I’m sure you aren’t uncomfortable , are you Jungkook ssi? After all, I am just like a daughter to you , aren’t I?” I stared right at him, fluttering my lashes and I saw his jaw clench. 

“Of course, Ms. Hwang.” He said briskly, glaring at me. I played with the small gold chain around my neck, letting my fingers flutter over my pulse , drawing his gaze there.

“Well, that is true ...” My father looked uncertain, but I gave him a gentle nod and a smile. 

“Well, as a special guest, I suppose you can enjoy our hospitality , Jeon. Why don’t you take a drink from -”

I moved closer, pressing up against him and Jungkook sighed, lips closing over my neck, and I felt my eyes flutter shut at the wet warmth of his mouth . 

It was intoxicating, the way he used one hand to grip my neck gently, the other on my waist to steady me and when his fangs pierced through, I could sense the warm liquid flood his mouth and Jungkook’s entire body relaxed, a strangled moan escaping him. 

“---my daughter’s wrist.” My father finished and I felt Jungkook stiffen next to me. 

This time I couldn’t stop the grin that bloomed on my face. 

My eyes dropped to his lap and yup, his pants definitely looked a tad tighter. 

“Did I do good, Mr Jeon? Or should I call you daddy? ” I whispered quietly , fluttering my lashes at him and his fangs retracted and he pulled away from me, shoving me back into my own chair quickly. 

My father was slightly slack jawed. 

“I’m sorry, Mr. Hwang. “ Jungkook muttered and I laughed.

“I do believe it is I whom you should be apologizing to. It is  my  neck you just mauled. ” I smiled brightly staring at Jungkook and if looks could kill, I would have a thousand wooden stakes through my heart right about now. ‘

Take that Mr. Jeon. 

Daughter, my ass. 

“My apologies , Sera.” He said stiffly. 

My father laughed raucously.

“Ahh, you must be used to the neck, my dear boy. understandable understandable. it is how we used to do it in the old days, after all . These younglings with all their etiquette and feminism and what not....it’s hard to keep up..... But now you must tell me? Is my daughter not the sweetest you’ve ever had?” 

I choked, coughing. Oh God, sometimes my 900 year old father had no idea how he sounded. 

Jungkook looked like he had swallowed a lemon. 

“She’s certainly ...” He stopped, probably realizing that any adjective at the end of that sentence would sound entirely wrong. 

“Delicious?” I prompted, blinking innocently and Jungkook shot me another glare. 

“Well, nevermind nevermind. .... So, tell me dearest, will you be willing to meet the Kim boys?”

I sighed.

“I like Yugyeom. I cannot stand Minjae. I don’t know enough about Mingyu to make any judgement. How about I meet Mingyu and if I don’t hit it off with him, I will allow Yugyeom to court me....” I said softly.

I glanced at Jungkook but he was studiously looking away. 

“Very well my dear. Do you have any plans today?”

“I’m meeting a friend at the museum.”

My father’s eyes widened.

“Well isn’t that a wonderful coincidence. Mingyu's law firm is just a block away if I’m not mistaken. I’ll ask the boy to pick you up afterwards. Have dinner with him and you can tell me tonight of your choice.” My father smiled briskly.

“Yes, father.” 

“Jungkook..” My father prompted and the vampire glanced up.

“Yes, sir?”

“Take good care of her. At the restaurant, make sure you stay at hearing distance. “ 

“Yes sir.” Jungkook bowed and I groaned. 

In other words, let my father know if I behaved appropriately. 

i pouted and my father waggled his finger at me.

“No, no no.. Missy. I’m going to make sure you keep your end of the bargain . You need to give these men a proper chance before you reject them. “ 

I nodded.

“And you must ask Either Somi or Seolhyun to dress you. No jeans or one of those ridiculous gowns that make you look like a pastry.”

There was no mistaking the snort that came from my right and i glared at Jungkook before turning to my dad.

“Yes, father.” 

“Good, now run along the pair of you. “

I stood up, kissing my father fondly on his forehead.

“I love you.” I whispered. 

“You are my whole entire joy, dearest. “ He kissed my hand gently, eyes warm and soft.

As we left the room, Jungkook let out a sigh.

“I am never having a meal with you two again.” He ground out and I laughed. 

“Anything you say, daddy.” I grinned. 

Jungkook groaned. 

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

As luck would have it,  my friend cancelled . 

So at six the evening, I finished locking up the cottage as the last of the kids left, fumbling with the lock while a tired Joo Won napped in his father’s arms, head resting on Jungkook’s shoulders. I felt myself soften at the picture they made, Jungkook singing softly , fingers brushing his son’s hair back as he rocked him gently. 

“I’ll be a while... I needed to get ready. Why don’t you put him to bed? Who’s watching him tonight?”

“Hwasa and Moonbyul offered. I’ll drop you off in your room and head to the north wing. What time are you meeting the jerkwad?” He said casually.

I blinked rapidly, confused.

“I’m sorry... the jerkwad?” 

Jungkook shrugged.

“It’ just a fact. Most men are absolute jerks at twenty one.” He shrugged. 

i felt myself bristling on behalf of the unknown Mingyu.

“That is absolutely unfair. My brothers were incredibly kind and good.”

“To you perhaps. Because they don’t have to impress you. But men act differently when they’re trying to get between a woman’s thighs. They’re jerks when they want to get laid...” He grinned.

“Is that why you act like a jerk to me? ” I smiled evilly and he rolled his eyes.

“Oh, darling we both know I don’t have to act in any different way to get you into my bed . I just have to do this.” He smirked, curling his finger in a come hither gesture.  

I felt my pulse pound and I tried not to let his words get to my head. He was flirting , yes but it was a joke. He was joking with me because the very idea of being with me was a joke to him. 

And I couldn’t forget that. 

Rolling my eyes, I pulled on the lock a couple more times to make sure the door was well locked. 

“Shall we leave?” He prompted watching me wrestle the backpack onto my shoulders. I grunted under the weight. 

“Of course. Let’s go.” 

We walked in silence for a few seconds.

“So, how’s he doing? With stuff?” Jungkook asked gently and I felt warmth bloom in my chest. 

“He’s very advanced for his age Jungkook. You’ve done a wonderful job with him. He’s able to read and he has a beautiful l writing hand. He’s learned his multiplication tables all the way up to seven and he has the voice of an angel. Which I think he gets from you. ” I smiled, reaching out to brush the back of Joowon’s head. 

Jungkook smiled softly, the late evening sun painting his perfect features in a soft golden glow. 

“Your father was kind enough to support me the first few years when i had him. I didn’t trust anyone enough to leave him with them and well... i needed to put a roof over our head.” He sighed . 

I touched his arm, giving it a small squeeze.

“I understand. I’m glad you’re here. He’ll grow up well in our clan.   “

“And he has a lot of excellent men to look up to here...He needs a good role model, someone kind and amazing who can inspire him to be hardworking and fair. ” He smiled.

I bit my lips.

“I think he’s had that all along. ” I said quietly.

Jungkook’s breath caught for a second and the air between us changed. I licked my lips. 

“Jungkook you’re a good father. You know that right?” I said after a few more seconds of silence. 

He laughed.

“Am I really? I wonder.” 

“He loves you.” I breathed , “  You’re all he talks about.... Today, one of the other kids tried to say that his father was brave because he helped someone who was stuck in an elevator. you know what Joowon did? He listed some twenty different incidents where you’ve helped people out....And he looked so proud.”

Jungkook’s ear looked red in the brightly lit garden. 

“i was just doing my job. Most of those times, I was in danger.” He grunted. 

“And yet, you did the right thing. “ I whispered. “ And your son was watching. And he’s learned the importance of doing the right thing even when you’re scared. That’s a life lesson that isn’t easy to learn.”

“Can’t disagree with that.” He chuckled. I grabbed his arm forcing him to stop. 

I had to tell him this. 

 “ Jungkook, when immortality is on the plate, people don’t give much value to morals. They don’t always care about doing the right thing.... . Its how our kind functions. Consequences don’t mean much when you have a whole eternity to fix your mistakes.....So I always admire vampires who value morals. “ I smiled, “ To see a five year old with such a well formed moral compass... it tells me that you’re an amazing father. Possibly the best I’ve ever met. “ I reached out, to hold his hand, wanting to touch him in some way, to make him believe that I was completely honest. 

“Sera!!!!!!” My sister’s voice made me jump and Jungkook stepped away as well. 

“Dad told me you’re going on a date? I’ve picked out an outfit for you!! But you need to take a shower! You cannot show up smelling like diapers and spit-up.” She called. 

I groaned. 

“Time for the ugly duckling to transform into a swan, I see?” He said gently. 

“Your son’s favorite fairytale.” I whispered.

“He makes me read it every night.” 

“I would like to sit in on that someday.” I laughed.

His eyes met mine. 

“You’re always welcome, Ms Hwang,” He smiled politely. “ Someday soon maybe your kids and my son would be friends.” 

And just like that the wall grew between us. 

His kids and my kids. 

Not our kids because he wasn’t for me. 

He would never be for me. 

I felt the sudden inexplicable urge to cry. 

Turning away, I began following my sister as she waved to me. . 

“I’ll be at your door at seven.” He called out behind me. 

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

[oh-for-fic-sake]

Pooh Bear

Masterlist

Kal has a crush on his new babysitter and after watching her closely Henry has to now all he has to do is ask her out...Simple right?

Warnings: Swearing, Fluff, Slight Angst

Request: That’s so great! I was thinking maybe one where introvert chubby reader looks after Kal on set, when Henry’s filming. She and Kal become great friends, are always together, they cuddle, play, and nap together, etc. Henry might’ve secretly snapped a few pics of them. He’s happy that there’s someone else taking good care of his bestie.  Kal loves Henry but misses the reader when they’re back home. When they return to set, he expects her to be there for Kal but turns out she’s not working out there anymore. They thought her to be redundant and too much of a loner. This affects her because she always feels more happy around animals as she always wanted a dog but never really could afford it. Sorry for the stupidly long request…              

A/N: okay I did switch things up a little but i hope you still like it! And just so people know in england (or at least the south) 'A Salt' is another ways of saying someone is fit...basically saying he is a tasty looking man that you'd lick. And a 'nonce' is another term for idiot. Taglist: @being-worthy​ @two-unbeatable-beaters​ @thatgirly81​ @angelofthorrr @iloveyouyen​ @sofiebstar​ @thefangirlsblog​ @thatdamncutegirl

You smiled as your charge ran around happily with the kong toy pouncing and shaking his head the rubber dome slipped from his mouth and bounced unpredictably across the floor. It was a kong original that was a rubber 'bee hive' shape hollow and stuffed  full of one of those ham and cheese sandwich paste. He seemed to love it as he darted around happily pinning it every now and then trying to fish out the treat. You loved this job! It was incredible you literally got paid to snuggle walk play and snuggle with the sweetest dog you have ever met in your life...His owner wasn't to bad either...well now at least. You sighed crossing your ankles and fanned yourself at the thought of the bears dad...A bear of a man himself, or wolf should you say. Was stunning he was a salt... Definitely a salt. You watched again as Kal frantically chased the kong as it rolled out of his paws. You were the proud baby sitter of Kal Cavill probably the sweetest Akita anyone would ever find. Currently on set watching the pup bounce about trying to paw at the pesky kong flipping and rolling away threw the scatty motions. "Wow Kal-ee-bear that's some shit paw eye coordination baby boy..." you giggled as he snorted still patting at the rubber and moved laying down against your legs stuffing his snout at the wide opening still trying to devour the snack of cheese spread. you tried giving him snack enrichment each day to calm him down before delivering him back to his dad. "Oh I'm sooo sorry your majesty~" you jumped as Henry came up behind you. "And what has his royal highness up to today I wonder?" He crossed his arms across his chest. you flushed flinching and clamming up at him as he stood to the side of you both with a grin. You waved to Kal who was gruffing at the kong growing more irritated when he had to work for his treat. "He er.. Is huffy over the kong....He couldn’t catch it and now he has, he has to work for his cheese" Henry laughed out loud at that plopping down beside you. You flushed, you admit at first things had been rocky between you and Henry. But now he seemed to hover a lot more he wont just come and whisk Kal away at the end of his scenes he'd stay and try to chat...He for some reason wanted to get to know you. You'd been confused unsure what to make of the hunk trying to get to know you. You’d been frightened and withdrawn but he didn’t give up he spent a lot of time just sitting with you talking about his day. He didn't seem to mind you were quiet in fact he seemed to like having someone to listen to him. You sighed wistfully realizing you'd let your shyness let this chance pass you by. You'd had so many chances to talk to him properly to admit your feelings to him but you hadn't your shy personality pulled you back. Today was your final day here sitting with Kal and you were devastated you'd come to have feelings for the big bear...and his owner more then you should have...More than you cared to admit. It was silly but you'd harbored a crush on the man and for a few months and had been debating on how to show but it was hard for someone like you...To introverted for your own good...Not that you'd ever be able to open up much to people. Animals on the other hand were completely different ,you preferred animals to people and you think Henry could tell but he was stubborn ,but then he had been stubborn since day one.

When you'd first met he was worried you didn't have the strength to look after or control such a big dog...Kal was small for an Akita but he was by no means weak, he has had Henry over a few times in the past which is not to be laughed at. You remembered it well the first time he saw you he'd be the first to admit he was a bit of an ass...Well he was a complete asshole to be honest. Your mind wandered to your first ever conversation with the man.

"So did you realize he's an Akita? He needs a lot of exercise and attention...I need someone who can keep up with him and handle him when in a boisterous mood...not someone he can run rings around and overpower" you squinted at him and grunted he seemed put out and very full of himself; something he’d later regret. You'd took a deep breath and smiled trying your best not to snap or cower...His scowl was intimidating. "Yes I do...Look if I can help calm down a scared shire and pull it to a halt, and hold still a bull by its horns for tagging I think I can handle a little Akita" he had grunted at you in disbelief crossing his arms and scoffed at you. "Oh really? You did all that?" You growled at him getting a bee in your bonnet his attitude was getting right up your nose now you didn't want to anger him but at the same time you needed this job it'd pay for your van and get you up and running. "I was training to be a country vet so yes I did all that anything else Mr Cavill? A resume? Certificates I have them with me..I even know canine cpr and how to remove ticks if you wanted to Know that to" he huffed and turned to the others present.

"Fine she will do but one incident and she's not watching him that’s final I don't let just anyone look after him" you smiled confidently but inside you were bricking it hoping you didn't come across as a nasty person you wasn't...You were just in a tricky spot and you needed money...You loved dogs they were going to be your new career so this was a perfect fit for you...No customers or people just you babysitting a big ass fluffy bear. That had been the only time you'd really clapped back at him and you were proud it was rare for you to stand up for yourself.

He'd gotten copies of all your documents you'd shown to prove you were capable...when he said he wouldn't trust just anyone with his four legged son, he meant it and you understood. You'd be the same with you own puppy, as much as you wanted one of your own finances were tight and once your business was open you wouldn't have much time spare for a pup of your own. Some of the others had rolled their eyes when they saw Henry hovering like a mother hen over you and Kal for the first week. They had complained to one another expressing that Kal was just a dog he would be fine. They just didn't understand. But as it turns out you had somehow passed his requirements and he had backed off trusting you to look after his son. You gathered that he checked you out fully and realized you had done all that you said, pulled out of veterinary school deciding the larger animals wasn't for you and were now focusing on grooming. And he had but that wasn't the whole reason he had been spying on you and Kal even when you didn't realize it.

It had started when he came to apologize. You'd never know but he felt like a dick and had come to apologize for his attitude but instead found himself floored watching from a short distance you were cuddling Kal smoothing his fur raking your fingers through it giggling and kissing him every so often pulling clumps of shedding fur out of him. "Oh my! baby boy look at all this? you'll be a stone lighter once all this is out talk about a crash diet....Wish I could drop a few dress sizes just by brushing my hair" that comment had hit Henry's chest with a dull cold thud. You were beautiful why would you say that about yourself? sure you were thicker...but thicker was better in his opinion he loved curves the idea of luscious soft curves filling his palms mad him swoon! He watched as you giggled wrestling Kal to his other side before repeating. He was surprised at how much he liked watching you play with him it was nice seeing Kal so relaxed and coddled. Henry sometimes felt guilty bringing Kal on set he couldn't give him much attention when he was working so that was where dog sitters come in someone o watch him and keep Kal occupied when Henry was working. "You'll feel so much better after this...I will bring my brushes out tomorrow and give you a good tidy up! you must be so hot love..." Henry laughed as the calm didn't last long at the word brush Kal got up excitedly pouncing and licking your face. You giggled loudly as he pushed you back standing over you yipping but you didn't throw him off instead wrapping your arms around him and rolled taking the Akita clean of his feet pinning the large dog to the floor and attacking him with tummy scratches and raspberries. Henry's heart melted it was nice to see someone playing with him properly no holds bar! rough housing with an Akita was no mean feet but you managed. It was then he leaned back watching you a small smile on his lips you took your job seriously and Henry was seeing a different side to you. He had definitely misjudged you he felt even more of an asshole now.

The final hurdle you jumped was when he saw Kal mouthing at your forearm playfully keeping the arm snug between his jaws and pulling trying to tug you back down as you tried to get up. Henry panicked heart stopping for a second as you hissed a little, people can perceive mouthing as biting. Before Henry could even think he moved a few steps forward readying to charge down and explain the behavior and pray you didn't take the incident further. But before he could take another step you had taken care of it and you didn't freak out like others would have in the jaws of a large dog. You simply calmed the situation down nicely and carefully with ear rubs making Kal release you and tilt his head trying to make you rub harder onto the ear. "You got such a big mouth Kal my love! mouthing like that huh? Just one overgrown puppy~" you finished by laughing and settling down onto the ground with him.Then pulled Kal to face you kissing his snout making him go all soppy again. Henry watched dumbstruck as you peeled back his lip and shook your head. "Lets had a look at your nashers...Oh? Whats this Pooh bear? look at those teeth! And they call your daddy a wolf huh? And your not brushing them are you my little fluff ball? hmm? well we will start that tomorrow~ oh yesh we will!...You like the sound of that huh? brush these pearly whites and make your breath smell all fresh! all it'll cost you is more kisses!! yesh it will baby boy! good bear such a good pooh bear!" Henry smoothed back the wig he was wearing heaving a deep sigh relaxing with a chuckle. Yeah that hadn't put you off at all now his dog had a fucking dentist to. Henry took a moment to calm down as he realized you'd known what you were doing. The fear for all dog owners was someone saying they were bit! but in that moment he was reassured you knew a lot more about dogs then your papers said ,you handled it very well. Kal had a habit of mouthing he always had since a puppy, sometimes he even falls asleep with one of Henry's hands in his mouth just holding it sometimes suckling like a tiny pup again...It was rare now but it happened almost using his hand or fingers like a like a toddler with a soother. But when he was excited he would mouth a little harder it was pack behavior but to anyone who didn't know they called it a bite. Kal seemed to like you and you handled him beautifully.

After that Henry had meant to back off but...He couldn't seeing how you'd got Kal wrapped around your little finger had intrigued him...He was a strong believer in dogs having that sixth sense for people they could sniff out the bad ones. Kal had fallen head over paws for you and each morning got in a little tizzy waiting for you to come pick him up prancing at the door as you got closer. Henry loved how much pride you took in looking after kal and how far you went you'd all but adopted the bear. Fuck you were only supposed to walk him and play with him a few hours a day but you groomed him, brushed his fur and teeth daily even clipped his claws and filed them you pampered the dog with massages after his runs new toys and enrichment treats then had long ass naps wrapped around him. You were a nanny, packmate, cook, dentist stylist, nail technician massuse and all round mother to Kal and the bear loved it lapping up the attention and what Henry believed to be genuine love. 

He still watched but now for a different reason he wasn't worried about kal...He watched you, it had only taken him three weeks to become completely besotted with you he wanted to spend as much time with you as he could. He loved everything about you, the way your laugh made kal go crazy and lather you with kisses how you'd roll around with him no qualms about getting dusty and smothered with fur and the way you played and snuggled kal like he was your own pup kissing him and giving him the love he needed. If he was honest he adored the way you'd gone about it. Most dog sitters just sat on their phones with kal on the lead beside them and walked him when once a day. You mothered him and spoiled him rotten. And Henry loved and loathed it...Why were you so comfortable with kal and not him? Sire hed been an ass at the start but you were all past that now...Henry wanted some of you attention now but you withdrew when he was there. It was maddening.

It was a week after he had seen you deal with Kals mouthing that you'd approached him he almost expected the worse thinking you were going to quit saying kal was to much but instead you'd asked if kal was allergic to anything. Henry to be honest was stumped, he'd never though of kal having allergies. He was concerned and began running all the worst scenarios in his head of what you'd noticed or what had happened. But you had shyly calmed him down saying you wanted to get Kal some treats and chews but didn't want to cause any medical issues. Henry can honestly say his heart had swelled at that. Henry in that moment had developed a full blown crush on you. He was floored that you'd take his bears welfare so seriously that you'd asked permission to give him treats. He had stuttered out that you could give him what ever that he didn't have any allergies and you'd grinned wide then began gushing over these strange yak milk chews you wanted to get him and a deer antler? Henry just smiled laughing as you forgot who and where you was getting yourself excited.

"Oh my god this is gonna be fun! I've never been able to get this stuff I don't have a dog but now with kal I can spoil him rotten thank you Henry!" And with that said nearly every day his boy came home with a new toy or treat. Henry found it cute especially when you'd given him a little yellow squeaky teddy, Henry didn't think it would last two mineuts normally kal ripped soft teddies to shreds but this one...For some reason wasn't chewed ever not even the eyes ,sure Kal would bite it on the squeaker normally early in the mornings to wake Henry up but it was a teddy he just carried around with him and slept on. He couldn't sleep with out it tucked under his chin!

As time went on you found yourself having small awkward conversations with Henry he seemed to just want you to open up, to talk to him and get along. You wanted to but it was hard for you he was this huge hot alpha witcher male and you were a small dumpy thing. You didn't want to get attached to him, didn't want your crush to get out of hand when you knew there was no chance...He'd never go for someone like you slowly your thought began getting darker and more upsetting luckily they disappeared when kal nudged you almost knocking you over as you retied your laces he was waiting for you to hurry up it was time for his daily walk/run. You soon found yourself jog running along the trail with kal as he created wanting to go faster you panted and grunted at him waving your arms around as he pulled nearly having you off your feet. "Kal! I can't go faster!!! I'm fat haven't you noticed?! fucking lard asses can't got faster we have like three gears!" he barked at you as if to argue you scoffed. "Yes I know your daddy goes faster but I cant!" again he barked and yipped at you eager to go sprinting "No! absolutely not! I'm not letting you off again...Remember the squirrel? You promised to come back young man! and you lied I nearly had a fucking heart attack!" he yipped again tapping the floor prancing a typical kal tantrum brewing. "Nu uh! you did this if you'd behaved and not ran off like a race horse then you'd be let off and be frolicking in the woods like a pooh bear! But no you were a nonce!" he stamped again and moved capturing the lead in his mouth and pulled starting a game of tug making you swear and quickly hold it with two hands and lean back as he started bouncing back growling playfully. "Kal you little shit stop! no no don't-KAL?!" you growled and dug your heels in pulling back as he growled now wagging his tail at the new game of tug. "Kal Cavill you stop being a little brat this instant! I mean it or no peanut butter!...Yes that got you attention didn't it?....Good boy, right now thanks to you little paddy we are going back now see? You play up and we go home....Just you wait until I tell your daddy how spoiled your acting." he whined and flopped down you dropped your jaw at him scratching your head. "Wait what? kal no stop it-really? your really are a sulky little shit sometimes pooh bear....Kal come on up" you moved pulling the lead but he didn't budge you cried out in frustration. Kal just smiled panting at you making you laugh despite your annoyance. "How can I not move you?! putting my weight in it you should at least budge! I how're you doing this?...." you moved and sat beside him and curled over him trying to pick him up but nope he was not going anywhere. you sighed and sat next to him out of breath. "Kal come on mate! cut me some slack...I'm not fit like your daddy and if you wont listen to your recall then I can't let you off..." you moved a hand digging your fingers int the fur massaging him then leaned down kissing his snout he moved sitting up seeing you were upset. "You know I wish I was...Fitter then maybe he'd look at me or-or I'd have the confidence to talk to him back but..Yeah men like him don't like us plus sizes...Oh don't look at me like that kal there's no hiding the fact I'm a fucking chunk!...No matter how much I like him it'd never happen..." you stood up and kal followed licking at your fingers by your side you smiled patting his head. "Lets get back...And I lied you can have your peanut butter I'm sorry I said you couldn't it was mean...But only if you keep that little crush thing quiet okay? Good boy!, you keep that secret for me bubby" he jumped up happily you had no doubt this dog understood every single word you said to him.

Henry had made it his mission to get one date by the end of filming...If only he wasn't this shy every time he tried you'd flush blinking up at him and he'd freeze forgetting his previous thoughts and just star mind going blank. And like a coward he'd stutter out a thank you for seeing to kal and run off tail between his legs. One time; the seventh time...But he wasn't counting, he came over psyching himself up. 'Just one date just say hey your good with kal and I think your really cute and want to take you out...Or just a basic lets have dinner' he nodded to himself and smiled fisting his hands by his side and took a few deep breaths steeling himself as he made his way to a small shaded area just off set and frowned...What was? was Kal laying on you?....He was! Henry snuck up behind you hearing the bear snort in his sleep and slowly stretch out one front leg across you before sighing loudly and relaxing again. You were laying flat on your back in the grass. from what Henry could tell Kal at one point had been next to you but had rolled over in his sleep tummy flat against your side head laying heavy on your soft tummy one paw stretched out over your waist, his back legs straddling your hip from the side.  Your hand was tucked in his mouth you were both sound asleep. Kal was hugging you and Henry couldn't help feeling a little jealous he wanted to do that...He wanted to hug you...He was being out done by his own dog...Henry smiled and took in the sight. He wanted to see this more often he really needed to ask you out ...He needed to get his ass in gear time was ticking. He moved quickly looking left and right before subtly snapping a few shots you'd be none the wiser to him having a new background on his phone. He quickly tucked his phone away and sat beside you leaning back on his hands and just admired the sight drawing his eyes over your form and flushed a bright red noting your top had rose resting just below your bust... kal had somehow nudged it up, Henry had to chuckle at the thought his pup was really putting the moves on you. If only Henry could be that brave. You moved groaning blinking you were hot...So hot what the fuck? had you fell asleep? Shit. You frowned feeling a weight on your tummy you flexed your fingers they were? What the fuck why are they warm....And wet your stomach was damp to....Eww!? What the hell- your being fucking finger sucked!?! confused you gasped and jolted tipping your head up. Fully alert and blinked a few times looking around then focused looking down and giggled. Kal was dead asleep passed out on your tummy somehow he had sucked your hand into his mouth and was trying to suckle on it like a tiny puppy. You smiled and sighed relieved that it was just a silly pooh bear and not some scary ass fuck tard moving your other hand up to stroke the sleeping pups head giggling when he twitched and snorted like a piggy and kicked a back leg out. "Oh my god that's so cute~" you jumped hearing a deep chuckle beside you and saw Henry sitting watching. Instantly you froze unsure what to do or say flushing and gulping trying to remain calm, sensing your discomfort he smiled kindly then nodded to kal. "Done it since he was a pup...Like a proper baby only ever done it with me before though think you may have become his new favorite human~" you flushed lightly and tried wriggling out from under Kal but stopped when he groaned and clamped down on the fingers in his mouth. You chuckled you were not moving anytime soon bot with out upsetting the bear, you shrugged to Henry who laughed quietly again shaking his head.

"I'm afraid you are now trapped here with me until the bear decides to let go~" you blinked flushing even more as his gaze bore into you. You looked back wanting to at least sit up a bit Henry was quick to intervene and shuffled closer sitting side on crossed legged and slipped the elevated knee below our head you flushed when he cleared his throat and his cheeks became pink.

"I...Err your-Its my dogs fault and I..." you blinked slowly and lowered your head to rest on the knee your. He smirked at you feeling proud f himself being able to pull this off somehow.

"I-I Henry if I get to heavy just say...Don't want to give you a dead leg or something...." he frowned a dark look his eyes going dark making you quiver slightly your insecurity rearing its ugly head a small voice telling you your crushing him. He placed a hand to your shoulder. "Your not heavy Honestly I don't even feel you there...It'd take around six of you before I'd even feel anything!" You flushed brightly but said nothing, he must just be saying that he was polite...To polite to tell you your fat. After a few minuets of silence and Henry berating himself he cleared his throat and motioned to Kal still snoring away, his voice lowering making your insides quiver. "Stolen my own pup I knew you'd be trouble~" you swallowed and smiled shyly up at him shaking your head at him with an impish grin. "N-no...He just likes me I think....He is a good boy you should be really proud of him the best boy I have ever looked after" Henry nodded thanking you then looked down at Kal still happily snoring. "And you the best babysitter he has had~ hands down I'm really impressed...I was wrong I never did apologize for being such an asshole when we met" You were all about loosing your mind trapped here under kal ,who would throw a fit if you moved him. "No no..I understand he is your special boy and a energetic little man I can understand the concern someone large and unfit showing up" he grunted and frowned moving the hair from your face making you squeak.

"Stop that! Your a beautiful full figured woman there's nothing wrong with that!.... and for the record it wasn't that at all that made me worry...Your small and I was afraid Kal would have you over and break a bone or something...Kal has he me over many times in the past....Either way I was wrong my worry is no excuse to be rude and I'm sorry" You flushed as Henry slowly eyed your form as he spoke, his blues glittering with something you'd never seen directed at you before but it was gone before you could decipher it. He watched unblinkingly at you finally you smiled and nodded to him breathing out a quick thank you, he grinned and moved a hand stroking kal patting his side softly. "But as for this boy goes I think he more then likes you...He has taken a shine to you...Think he has a crush~ not that I blame him as I said your a very lovely woman" you blinked smiling wider and somehow going a brighter red managed to slip your hand out of the bears jaws and wiped it on your tshirt using the moment to tug it back down. "You-you don't mean that I'm...Just ...Yeah" Henry frowned at you not liking the tone you used to speak about yourself. He went to argue further but grunted a little annoyed as Kal choose that moment to stir making you look away. You watched thankful for the bear giggling softly as the dog moved up off you stretching and yawning then blinked at his dad as if you say 'what?' you moved and kissed his head softly "Come on sleeping beauty time to go home I'm sure you can nap with your daddy when you get back" Henry chuckled as Kal huffed getting up and standing beside him. Henry wanted to linger, to ask you out to do something but any courage he had was gone the moment he had you laid in his lap...It was like a kid wanting something for so long and once he had it he didn't know what to do with it. He moved standing and held out his hand to help you up you froze  and gulped smiling nervously, as strong as he might be you'd have him over and it'd embarrass you to much. Last thing you wanted your crush to know is just how fucking heavy you were. But the man didn't give you much choice as he snatched your hand dragging you up and you were amazed he didn't even lean back or grunt nothing! just pulled you straight up off the floor like it was nothing and you swooned. Henry kicked himself for days over not correcting you. You were amazing and kind and funny and he'd do anything to go out on a date with you....Apart from over come his own bashfulness that is. he wanted to show you how pretty you were to him how much he'd grown to care for you just from watching you with kal but he chickened out yet again.

You smiled moving forward to Kal already getting tearful snuggling him tightly saying your good bye running your nose through his fur Henry's heart clenched when he saw you getting upset he just wanted to wrap you up in his arms and hug you tell you how he felt but no...It wasn't fair to spring his crush on you on the last day...He should have told you sooner, swept you off your feet taken you out wined and dined you. But he hadn't and now he had to say good bye without even giving it a try, the only constellation was that he'd ask for you back next season. He watched sorrowfully at your tears Kal licked them away and you kissed his snout. "Now you listen to me pooh bear you behave..you hear me you be a good boy for you daddy and stop chewing them claws! you have a lovely set of claws and your going to ruin them and get stinky breath if you carry on!" you quickly stood up and Henry pulled you in for a quick hug. "I-er...I'm...Th-thank you for being so good with him he hasn't been this taken care off well ever I don't think!" you smiled wiping at your eye going red your heart was crumbling as you took your last few moments with him. You’d failed to keep your feelings at bay and now you were going to pay dearly for it. "No-your to kind....You do a brilliant job...I-it was fun good luck with the press tour" the conversation came to a screeching halt as you both debated telling one another but in the end you didn't each to scared. You’d turned and left tears trailing down your face once out of sight you held your head in your hands and had a good old cry. You felt ridiculous miserable and very very sorry for yourself. But whats done is done...Or not done shall we say you left shortly after needing to be at home there was a litre tub of vanilla ice cream calling your name.

It wasn't until Henry got home he let it sink in he wasn't going to see you anymore. He broke down cursing and kicking out in a very uncharacteristic manner 'you were such a fucking coward! you should have told her'....He should have grown a back bone and asked you out but no...He held himself back yet again! over the next months he had stewed regrets piling, he replayed all the times he could of just asked you out, all the times when he had to admit his feelings the list got longer  each day. He missed you Kal missed you...The teddy you bought him was with him each time he slept no matter where Kal would wander off getting the teddy and used it as a pillow.

He'd sometimes just sit in his bed with it blinking at Henry, Kal wanted to know where you were he wanted to see you again. Sometimes he would bring it up to him and drop it nudging the stuffed bear to Henry with a sad look whining pitifully like 'wheres mama?' that is what Henry had ended up calling you...In a short few months you'd more of less become Kal's mother. You dotted on him and he you....It was Henry who fucked up! and boy did he feel guilty seeing Kal so upset he had even tried hiding the teddy a few times wanting his cheerful bear back but no that had been a big mistake Henry had left the room for a few moments and came back to a hell of a mess Kal ripping the place up looking for the toy almost panic. Henry had to give it back and since then hadn't got within three feet of it Kal guarded it with his life. Henry sighed he was angry at himself if he'd opened his mouth then you'd be here visiting at least! He could of tried could of build something with you but no Henry had been a coward. and he would not be making that same mistake again!  luckily filming was starting again next week so he would see you again! he'd been telling Kal that they were going to see you both again it was nice seeing Kal get all excited he had been depressed.

And that was why is was all the more heartbreaking when he got on set and you wasn't there. Henry was pissed, he had been gearing up getting himself ready to see you again but you wasn't here...Everyone he asked said they hadn't seen you then it finally came out that no one was hired for Kal this time. You were a victim of your own success, Kal had been so good last time that it was decided the money could be spent elsewhere. It broke his heart he wanted so desperately to see you to finally ask you out for Kal to cheer up they were both love struck and both heart broken and depressed. After a week Henry had finally stopped pushing to find you resigning himself to the fact he wasn't going to get his second chance and he just hopped Kal would snap out of it...He doubted it though Akitas were revered for their loyalty and intelligence Henry wouldn't forget so the likelihood of Kal forgetting was slim. he sat at the table sighing he was down everyone could tell neither Henry or Kal had the spring in their step they once had.

Everyone knew the change in the two was because you hadn't been there Joey, Anya and Freya were at a loss unsure how to make him feel better that is until Freya asked around the local village. She remembered Henry mentioning that you were saving up to be a dog groomer and she said something in passing about an Akita in need of a good brush in the local shop and bingo! The shop owner smiled and gushed over the new mobile groomers, a local lady who had just set up shop. The woman had rushed to the counter getting a business card and little leaflet. Freya wasn't sure how but she just knew it'd be Henry's bou. She was excited thanking the woman before rushing back to set.

Once on set Freya made her way right through it searching for a down trodden Henry. She was determined to help him out...And keep a secret at the same time, she wanted it to be a surprise. Finally she found him sitting at a covered table picking at his food Kal beside him resting his chin on the bench beside him.

"Henry? I have something that might cheer Kal up~" he looked to Freya with a confused look Joey and Anya frowned to noting the sly grin on her face. Henry placed his fork down wiping his hand and took a small purple business card and matching purple leaflet. He scowled reading it. Mama bears puppy spa?. He frowned looking up at Freya who smiled knowingly.

"I found it in the village shop window...Just trust me phone up, you can email to see? and the prices are reasonable...I think get them to come give Kal a quick once over might cheer him up having a little pamper" Henry sighed looking to the scruffy boy he was shedding again so maybe a wash cut and blow dry would help cheer him up...and stop him from waking up with fur in his mouth.

"Thanks...I think I might mobile one I take it?" Freya smirked nodding to him Henry was just to out of it to even

"Gets raving reviews...A local lady I think but seriously just treat him!" he smiled thanking her again deciding he might as well he had noticed Kal chewing his claws again but hadn't got the nail clippers with him and if they were going to come out here might as well get the works done. So that's what he did asked them to come out the next day as he had it off they booked as a last minuet. And that was where he now found himself sitting by the entrance of set waiting for a big purple mobile dog groomers. He was so engrossed in looking out for the van he didn't notice Freya Anya and Joey gathered a few feet behind him watching. Henry sighed petting Kal and wiping off the shedding fur letting it fall to the floor in tufts.

"God Kal you really do need this huh buddy? must be horrible going from silky daily brushed fur to now just once a week" He smiled rubbing Kal’s back dragging his fingers through the fur.

Henry frowned as suddenly Kal lifted his head sniffing then quicker then Henry could react he sprinted off across the makeshift car park Henry jumped up shouting for him but it was to late Kal was off the dog ignored him running around the corner and down the long track. Henry’s heart clenched and his blood ran cold as Kal disappeared out of sight then he heard it large truck skid to a stop Henry screamed Kal’s name tears already streaming fearing the worst as he rounded the corner  drawing attention as he sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him and almost collapsed in relief he was okay! Kal was okay he wasn't hit. He was pacing tail going ballistic and jumping whining excitedly yipping and barking loud and frantic scratching at the door barking and creating a huge fuss.

The door opened just as Henry skidded to a stop sliding on his knees in the gravel hugging Kal who wasn't interested in the slightest still trying to jump up at the woman? He looked up trying to see just what had made Kal pee with excitement. Henry froze as a familiar woman stood before him and quickly caught a jumping Kal and fell to the floor with him and Henry as Kal frantically tried to bombard her with kisses. She crouched down and held Kals face still forcing him to look her in the eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing until he heard her speak.

"YOU! JUST WHAT SO YOU THINK YOU WERE PLAYING AT!?!" your shout meant nothing to the pup as he was lunging at you wanting his kisses whining  beating Henry with his tail stayed behind the bear shaking like a leaf still in shock he petting him he needed to touch him after that scare.

"Henry!? Who was watching him?! I'll fucking kick there ass! fuck I'm so happy I saw him shit... Fuck! heads are gonna roll!" Henry tilted his head looking at you moving a hand to cup your cheek slowly.

"Y/n is-is that really you?" you smiled now calming down nodding to him

"Yeah...Hi Henry...I er-I take it Kal is my client for the day?" Henry nodded still refusing the release kal even though the dog wanted nothing to do with him as far a he was concered his mama was here and he wanted his cuddles.You smiled and stood up dusting yourself off then looked to the truck Kal wriggled out of Henry's grip jumping at you making you laugh ad pet him.

"Hey pooh bear I gotta move the truck first then we can have cuddles okay? Can you go with your daddy for a bit?" Henry stood shaking his head at you.

"No he wont he has missed you something chronic...He has been real depressed" you looked down to the dog and smiled opening the truck door and motioned for hims to climb in.

"Go on then one quick little ride then we can sort you out you little scruff bear...You getting in?" Henry nodded watching wincing as Kal clambered up into the truck then jumped in behind him controlling Kal a little as you drove up and parked off to the side then turned to face the still yipping pup.

"Okay okay bear calm down here you want cuddles?" at your open arms the dog dived at you still wagging his tail how it hadn't snapped off from hitting the hand break you don't know. "So pooh bear is my last minuet appointment? For the whole hog right?" Henry was stumped you...You were different still the same beautiful woman he hadn't stopped thinking about but you were more confident. you were happier and you glowed more if that was possible. Henry was flawed now was his chance...Why wasn't he speaking? why didn't he just say something? you looked at him a little confused. "Are you err...Are you okay Henry?" you asked slightly worried as Kal began to settle now that he had his mama back he placed his heavy head on your shoulder whining quietly in your ear. "I just... He needs a pamper...A professional pamper so... could you?" you smiled quickly nodding then quickly scratched Kals back kissing his cheek making him smile again. "Absolutely! make your boy nice and clean and fluffy and I even have a cute little dicky bow for the sweet boy~ Yesh I do  yesh I do my precious little pooh bear! you wanNa look all snazzy for you daddy? you coming in to? Can give you some pointers then you want have to splash out on it" it was then that something snapped in him and he stared at you licking his lips he began talking before he could even decide what to say. "...But what if I err...what if I wanted to splashout...It..Splashout on you?...And you know have you take care of him again...Have you stick around..." you frowned blinking he wanted you around? you'd assumed he had found someone better to look after the bear when you hadn't been called back. "You want me to stick around and look after Kal again?" he nodded blushing and running a hand through his hair he looked at you and swallowed.Fuck it Henry man up! just tell her!. "No! I...I want you to stick around and look after the both of us....Fuck that sounded clingy...W-What I meant is we both missed you...We have-Kal has been depressed...That fucking teddy! the bear you gave him he has been carrying it whining with it...Looking to me sulking he wanted me to find you again...I was such an ass i got him all excited to see you again and then you wasn't here he-we were both upset...A-and I want to see you...like see you" "You want me to...I don't understand...You don't want me to dogsit? Or you want me to dogsit again?" he sighed he was really ballsing this up. He tilted his head at you and moved to stroke Kals back calming himself down it was now or never Henry don’t let her escape again just Take the bull by the horns your meant to be a fucking witcher! superman and you cant even tell her you like her. he closed his eye and spoke with a low firm voice. "I want you here! I missed you and when I got home I was kicking myself....Y/n I have a- I was super excited to see you again but your not here and I...We need you...You were right Kal has a crush on you! A crush?...He's fucking in love with you and he was depressed without you! Missed you so much" you blinked looking from the dog to Henry "Kal...Loves me?" Henry nodded biting his bottom lip he sighed he could do this...He could do this just ask! just tell you. He smiled sweetly smoothing his hand over his face watching at you glanced at him weary. Then held up a hand then let it fall to his thigh. "Well yes very very much and he missed you terribly.... And he wants to spend time with you again and talk...Get to know you better and got out for walks, coffee ,maybe dinner? and I-I'm fucking this up shit..." you blinked gasping quietly l finally catching up with him you smiled shyly before speaking in a small voice. "Are...Are we still talking about Kal Henry?" you held your breath regretting the words as soon as they left your mouth maybe your hopes were to high? Were you reading to much into this?.   "No were not I..Please would-If you don't mind..And you don't have to! but I...Would you go out with me?...For Kal! He needs a woman around! he needs his Mama-NO NOT LIKE ERR SHIT FUCK!" you flushed blushing deep as Henry panicked covering his face embarrassed muttering trying to dig himself out of the hole he had dug. You giggled at him and smiled really embarrassed and moved to Kal peeking at him. Then spoke in a clear voice halting Henry's waffling. "Kal?~...Ha-have you been telling your daddy on me?~ you know when I told you I had a crush on him it was supposed to be a secret!" Henry snapped his head up to you blinking as if still taking in the information then a huge grin split across his face. "You have a crush on- fuck yes!" he leaned over to you before you could move he pressed Kals head out of the way and captured your lips you gasped making him smirk and quickly dart into your mouth. Henry smiled tilting his head you moaned l softly as he pressed you further back twisting his head suckling and thrusting back and forth trying to coax your tongue from your mouth. Then it was brought to an abrupt end as Kal lifted his head snout bumping into you chin snapping your jaw shut biting Henry's tongue. You quickly opened your mouth as he hissed and grunted jolting back with a laugh as almost immediately Kal gave him a look thag clearly said 'my mama' then began kissing your cheeks himself. Henry rolled his eyes poking out his tongue touching it with the pad of his finger checking for blood he smiled when there was none then spoke in a deep tone almost scolding to the pup snuggling into your neck hiding fro his dad.

"Kal....Son? You know your gonna have to share your Mama with me...I am your dad.."you chuckled leaning back looking to Henry as Kal continued to hide.

"Soo you..er you want to get lunch? Maybe after I sort out Kal?...He should have a nap after a good bath." Henry grinned wide nodding to you he was over the moon. "I'd love that! Maybe get a rerun of that kiss....Minus the jealous bear" you wriggled your eyebrows at him.

"Nah! Don’t have to wait that long! We can kiss when Kals safely leashed in the bath!" Kal suddenly pulled back wide eyed looking back and froth between you both making Henry laugh.

"Oh yes I forgot the bear doesn't like his baths" you giggled at him.

"Oh well you definitely need to be there with me...for moral support" he smiled wickedly before looking to Kal who was suddenly uncomfortable with the looks he was receiving. 

"Kal-e-bear time for a bath~" the dogs ears went down flat against his head as he sensed his parents were indeed going to wrestling him into a bath.

[inspector-montoya-fox]

let’s talk about why Justine Courtney is a badly written character

it’s been a hot minute since i’ve finished Investigations 2 but i can confidently say it’s very much one of the best Ace Attorney titles, perhaps even as good as Trials & Tribulations. but, that doesn’t mean it didn’t have its flaws, and i think, as much as i love her, Courtney was one them. loads of stuff didn’t really make sense, and her story arc as some sort of antihero didn’t quite gel. let’s dive into specifics (spoilers ahead):

i wanna start off by saying that this character genuinely holds a special place in my heart. if you follow me and my friend’s podcast, Turnabout Podcast, you might know that Investigations 2 was the first game i played without my friend giving me any previews or opinions because it’s the only game in the series that i played first. as such, when Courtney was first introduced, she made an impact by being a female judge sans the restraint of the court. you mean to tell me the judges in the Ace Attorney universe have... a waist, legs and feet !? when i tell you i thought this character was amazing, i mean it. easily one of the best things about my playthrough, something that surely wouldn’t change ever. but before i get into the bad writing, i wanna say that honestly, Courtney has some pretty nice moments in the game.

i think, first and foremost, diversity. like we can clearly see that the traditional Judge borrows heavily from what we all imagine a stereotypical judge would look like. bushy beard, black robes, bald (?). the only thing missing would be an over-the-top white wig with the curls. so, enter Courtney, this woman wearing her pink garment with some astral/cross details, braids in a circle with a thunder-esque fringe in the front, and holding a mini gavel to smash your skull in with. her attire and overall character design successfully portrays a woman who places her faith on the justice system above all else - and that’s a major aspect of her character. honey, she’s serving Florence + the Machine Ceremonials, divine eleganza. this is a prude above all else, and a firm believer that the justice system will prevail in the end, always and forever.

so, with this all in mind, you’d think we’d get a character who’s shtick is ‘blind faith’, etc. i mean, i love Ace Attorney but i have to admit most characters are pretty one-dimensional: Lisa Basil is a computer, Olga Orly is a reveal queen, Phineas Filch is a thief, and so on and so forth. it was a pretty big surprise when Courtney failed to maintain her single trait. the woman clearly doesn’t have a personality or a life outside her job; and even that would make for more interesting character development than what we got. instead, she starts off as an annoying foil to Edgeworth’s plans with some crazy-ass antics, and then proceeds to be excruciatingly irritating just because... she can ???? i feel like the writers had no idea what to do with her so they merged all their half-baked ideas together to form someone with enough systematic power to go against Edgeworth once he effortlessly put Sebastian Debeste in his place. lemme change the paragraph because i’m about to pop off.

Justine Courtney is like... 26 different people. she’s a mother, a judge, an investigator, a babysitter and a pain in the ass all at once. lil mama multi-faceted. the shift in tone doesn’t make sense and isn’t supported by anything in the narrative whatsoever. ok, she was basically playing lapdog to Sebastian in order to get closer to Blaise, i guess. but, why introduce her as someone who’s an avid justice system aficionado and supporter and not drive it all the way home or make it consistent throughout? that’s her entire thing in the Imprisoned Turnabout, talking about the Goddess of the Law and her motivations, but then in the Inherited Turnabout, she barely mentions any of it. instead of maintaining her black-and-white view of the law in order to develop it and make her come to a realisation that it’s not always like this, the writers tried shoving in other stuff like her playing secret agent trying to bust Blaise, or her being a mom.

the storyline at the end where she has a change of heart is completely and utterly unsupported by anything. why help Edgeworth when you’re the one who is to blame for everything !? you’re the reason he’s locked up !? again, if they had just stuck to one tone/ story arc/ theme, it would all make sense. black-and-white view Courtney would realise that Edgeworth is clearly a grey anomaly; mom Courtney would feel something for Sebastian because of her love for John; film noir Courtney would be a double-faced minx who reveals to Edgeworth why she was so eager to antagonise him. but when you put all of these together, it becomes such a convoluted mess that sees none of these aspects fully develop. most of these “character traits” also clash with each other at times, like how she helps Sebastian, an amateur prosecutor, put away people who are most likely innocent (apart from Simon Keyes) despite her undying trust and devotion in the law, or maybe even how her strong motherly instinct would probably prevent her from using Sebastian in order to get closer to Blaise and then ignore the kid’s meltdown in the final case.

and don’t get me started on the teen pregnancy thing. you had to know a secret or a reveal was coming, but that took me out of an otherwise outstanding case just because the Ace Attorney writers refuse to acknowledge that they have an issue with women and their ages. it was a horrifyingly disgusting experience for me doing the math during the Grand Turnabout and then, until it was revealed that John is actually her nephew, i couldn’t think of anything else. looking past how much of a horrible decision it was and how the writers don’t know how to properly give accurate ages to their female characters, it further took away from Courtney’s flawed character. you can’t just give this woman 209131 different storylines, neglect to develop them because she’s kept in the sidelines, and then place her in the forefront of the final major case. that’s not how it works? because when John was abducted, putting my hate for children aside, i genuinely didn’t really care about him. although, i have to admit, the mother-son moments were pretty sweet, and we often praise this on the podcast as well - i truly believe Courtney is an amazing mom, who wants nothing than the best for John. either way, the work wasn’t put in and as such i didn’t really care for a character who failed to gain my devotion and emotional attachment.

when you compare Courtney to other main female characters such as Franziska or Mia, the difference is undeniable. even when we compare her to the Judge, it’s clear that she fails to make an impression on the player because her traits are not consistent. ‘she lacked substance’ would be the TLDR version. if you want more Justine Courtney criticism, @ironicsnap​ quite literally pops off here and we discuss the age thing in detail. but to conclude, i think we should have gotten one version of Courtney. my favourites from the bunch would have to be “film noir” investigator Courtney or the “blind faith” one because i think that would make for interesting character development above all else. i would love to see Courtney be the prosecution’s pawn and then realise that and actually switch sides. if this was the case then she could return in later installments and interact with characters such as Kristoph Gavin, who have similar story-arcs.

[aylinaliens]

I am officially caught up on Oxygen and I started it yesterday, so that’s a new record. I’m so freaking obsessed! And, I’d love some recs because I need more to watch. My first step into the world of Bls came from My Engineer which was brilliant and frustrating, but I loved it. Now, I’m just looking for more and more and more, and this started in July 😂. I’d love some recs and to pop in randomly to chat about the bls if you’d be up for it because they all kill me ~♉️

Sorry for the delayed response but I wanted to take some time to compile a list of recs for you. I tried to mainly rec ones that are mainly available on YouTube, Viki, Line TV, and Netflix but if you need help finding links to watch them let me know!

I highly recommend these (based on the previous ones you’ve seen or ones that I personally loved):

Cherry Magic: This is a Japanese BL that’s currently airing but it’s so good and easily my favorite of the year. It has a wacky premise but it’s very heartwarming, realistic, and soft.

Like In The Movies (aka Gaya Sa Pelikula): This recently ended like a week ago but it was a masterpiece. GSP accurately depicts the struggle of being the LGBTQ+ community and is just generally really well made in terms of the script, cinematography, and OST. There were quite a few BL’s from Philippines released this year but IMO this was the best.

He’s Coming to Me: Incredibly underrated which sucks because it’s really good. The premise is very unique and it’s another accurate depiction of the struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals have to go through. This is pretty angsty but hilarious/heartwarming/adorable at the same time.

Theory of Love: People either absolutely adore TOL or absolutely despise TOL. I personally adored it because I’m a big fan of angst, flawed characters (oh boy were they flawed), and OffGun so it’s one of my favorites. But fair warning the characters are frustrating. So frustrating that you’ll probably want to reach through the screen to smack them but if you hang on till the end it’s worth it. Plus they just released a special episode like a month ago and it really improved any issues I had with TOL.

The Untamed: this is technically labeled as being a ‘bromance’ because of China’s censorship laws but like...it’s extremely obvious that the two ML’s are more than just platonic bros. In the book it’s based on they were together romantically and the drama does a good job of expressing the love they share with subtle (and not so subtle) looks, dialogue, cinematography, touches, and music. The Untamed is very long and at times confusing but 100% worth it.

History 3 Trapped: This was my first introduction to BL and it spoiled all other ones for me. It’s about a gangster and a police officer who go from enemies to lovers. The plot is messy but the chemistry between the leads + second leads makes up for that.

Where Your Eyes Linger: This is a Korean BL and almost everyone I talked to ended up loving this. Sadly this is really short (only 8 episodes that are 10 minutes long) but it’s worth it. It’s about two childhood friends—one of them is the son of a wealthy family and the other is his bodyguard. It handles the friends to lovers excellently and plus the leads have a ton of chemistry.

Mr. Heart: Another Korean BL that was produced by the same company that did WYEL. It’s also short but it’s fluffy and adorable which is a big shift tone from WYEL but I loved both equally.

Life Love On The Line: Another Japanese BL! It came out this year and I feel like it’s really underrated. It’s based on a short manga so the length of the series isn’t that long (4 ep that are 20-30 min long) but it still manages to effectively tell a beautiful love story.

Kinou Nani Tabeta? (What Did You Eat Yesterday): I’m only on episode 1 but...woah. People need to stop sleeping on this. It’s a slice of life drama centered around two men in their forties who are already together. It’s wholesome, soft, and makes me feel all warm inside. Please give this a chance okay?

I Told Sunset About You: I haven’t finished this yet but it’s honestly a masterpiece. The cinematography...the OST...the acting...the script...I’m in complete awe of the whole thing.

Gameboys: Another wonderful PINOY BL! It’s set during this year when the pandemic is going on and it was really good—so good that it got a GL spin off (Pearl Next Door, I highly rec this too even if it’s not BL) and a season 2 which comes out next year.

Hello Stranger: Honestly the Philippines are thriving this year because this was another stellar BL! It’s kind of like Gameboys in how almost the whole drama is filmed over video chat/social media but it was very cute. I believe Hello Stranger is also releasing a movie next year.

Ingredients: This is literally just a very long supermarket ad that’s been going on for 8 months now but it’s adorable. It’s a very low stakes fluffy BL where nothing happens plot wise yet you can’t put it down. Plus...they were roommates ;)

Sotus/Sotus S: not one of my favorites but it’s one of the OG bl’s for a reason. So many people loved the first season but didn’t care for the second (but it was the complete opposite for me). This is kind of the one of the most quintessential Thai BLs out there so feel free to give it a try.

History 2 Right or Wrong: Bls rarely center around mature individuals let alone parents so when I found out the premise of this I was sold. Its only 4 episodes so it’s not the most fleshed out thing ever made but it was incredibly adorable, fluffy, and as honest as they can to address LGBTQ+ parenting. Basically it’s about this college student who ends up as a babysitter for his professor (yeah okay that premise is not for everyone so just be aware if you don’t like that kind of thing) and they fall in love. The whole thing is so fluffy and heartwarming!

Ossan’s Love: This is a Japanese BL about this thirty year old office worker who finds himself in a weird love triangle between his married boss and roommate. I know it sounds like a mess and trust me it definitely is but it’s hilarious. It was a wild ride start to finish but I loved (and hated) every second of it.

Diary of Tootsies: Okay this isn’t a typical BL I guess but it’s about three gay men + their lesbian best friend so you know what? I’m including it on this list. It’s hilariously dumb yet also addresses serious topics like homophobia/sexually transmitted diseases. It’s underrated and I’m so sad about it because it’s genuinely a delight to watch.

YYY the Series: do you know those crack videos on YouTube full of memes and references? Yeah. That’s basically YYY summed up. The whole thing makes zero sense because of how chaotic it is but despite how it’s constantly makes everyone ???? it also has a TON of heart. It’s so dumb but it had me reflecting on my life all the time. I really rec this not just because of how hilarious it is but also because it breaks the mold of other BLs! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t have a comedic show and talk about consent and how important healthy communication is in relationships because YYY does it perfectly and so much more.

Dark Blue Kiss: I didn’t love this but you might. It’s a sequel/spin off to like two other series (Kiss Me & Kiss Me Again) but you don’t have to watch the others to understand this. Just know that the leads have been dating awhile before the start of the series.

Great Men Academy: People debate if this is a real BL because the main character is a girl who can transform into a boy but I think it still counts. I really enjoyed this and thought the whole cast had a ton of chemistry between them—it was sweet, funny, and had the right amount of angst.

HIS: this is a Japanese movie (I know you said dramas but I enjoyed this so I figured I would include it too). It’s beautiful, angsty, and sweet. There’s a prequel series this is based on but you don’t have to watch it to understand what’s going on.

I have way more recommendations but I figured I would stop there. Hopefully if you give these a go you enjoy this and my asks are always open if you ever want to talk about BL :)

[jodiereedus22]

Trapped

A/N: hey guys!!!! thank you so much for all the love on my latest oneshot New Life !!! I was so moved!!!! I hope you all enjoy this one too!!!! as always thank you to @crossbowking  for being an amazing support!!!  

Word Count: 3111

Warnings: Injury

You had been living in Alexandria for a little while now, long enough to know the people, but probably not long enough to trust them completely.

They were here, at the end of the world, but they survived through luck and good timing, none of these people had seen the brutality of the outside world, and so you were reluctant to call them survivors.

They didn’t know what it was like to go hungry or thirsty but still having to keep moving, they didn’t know what it was like to live with the fear of losing the ones you love, with the fear of losing yourself.

It was easy to succumb to the animalistic nature of the end of the world, to forgo any and all humanity, it was harder to keep both sides, to be brutal, to cut off some humanity, but to be able to find it again, that was when you knew you were a true survivor.

You were lucky to have your family with you, they grounded you and helped you not to lose the survivor in you and the instincts that kept you and your family alive, but they were always there to bring your humanity back.

But living here meant you had to somewhat mingle with the residents, but you kept it to a small circle; Aaron and Eric, they were the first people you had met, that brought you here. Denise, she was the new doctor since Pete was killed and Deanna and her family, she was the leader here, although you still followed Rick. And her family? That only consisted of Spencer now, her husband, Reg, was murdered by Pete and Aiden, her son, was killed on a supply run.

Your saving grace in this world was Daryl Dixon. You had been together for a while now, since the prison. A lot had happened on the road to where you are now, but despite being separated multiple times, you always found your way back to each other again and you both got stronger from it.

You both struggled a bit at the beginning of the transition into the Alexandrian way of life, both with the new life there and the new life together, letting more people see your relationship was something that caused Daryl to try and pull away but you didn’t let him and as always came out stronger the other side.

One of the qualities you loved most about Daryl was his protectiveness, it would be easy to let it constrict you, but you knew there was nothing you could do to stop Daryl protecting you. So you embraced it and you loved him all the more for it.

It was just another “normal” day in Alexandria and you decided you needed to get out for a while so you decided to do a perimeter check.

“By yerself?” Daryl asked worried.

“Yes, by myself, it’s just a perimeter check, I’ll barely be gone an hour,” you reassured Daryl.

He looked into your eyes, deciding if this was a good decision and whether he could let you go.

You stared back at him, giving him the `I’ll be fine look` he’d come to know and accept, he’d come to know there wasn't really any point arguing with you.

Daryl finally relented, stepping in closer to you until there was no more room left, your noses touching from the proximity, placing both of his hands on either side of your face and placed a soft kiss on your forehead.

“Be careful,” Daryl pleaded, looking deep into your eyes.

“Always,” you said with a small smile, placing a quick kiss on his lips and left for the door.

You turned back one last time, seeing a blush creep upon his face all the way to the tops of his ears. You smiled at him, seeing him blush at your actions always made your heart flutter, and with that image in your mind, you walked out of the front door.

Making your way to the gate, you heard someone call out your name.

You stopped and turned around to see Spencer walking towards you.

“Hey, (Y/N), are you heading out?” Spencer asked.

“Yep, about to do a perimeter check,” you answered him.

“I was wondering, could I come with you?” Spencer requested.

“Erm, Spencer, look…” you started.

“I won't get in your way please (Y/N), I need to learn. I've lost so much, I need to be able to defend what I have left,” Spencer implored.

You stood for a moment, you never really liked going out with Alexandrians, they were so inexperienced, a liability, out of the two brothers Spencer was more on an indoor cat, Aiden was the outdoor cat, but he wasn’t here anymore and you understood Spencer's point.

“Fine,” you sighed. “You can come, but stay close and be prepared, I'm not a babysitter. Got it?” you told him sternly.

“Got it,” Spencer said with a victorious grin.

You continued your way to the gate with Spencer in tow.

You liked being out of the walls, it was so much more familiar than being in Alexandria. When no walkers were roaming around the stillness of the forest instilled a sense of calm within you which of course was shattered by bigfoot behind you who, somehow, managed to step on every branch on the floor.

You sighed to yourself, rolling your eyes, wondering to yourself no wonder these people barely left the comfort of their walls.

You got a comfortable distance outside the walls when you started doing your perimeter check.

“Just keep your eyes and ears open for walkers, that’s all you got to do,” you instructed Spencer.

“That’s it? I got this,” Spencer said cockily.

Again, you just rolled your eyes. This is gonna be interesting.

“Just get walking,” you demanded Spencer.

You walked for a while, you were just about halfway around and so far, no walkers to deal with but of course, nothing good ever lasts out here.

Three walkers were skulking around, walkers you had to take out.

“Right, you ready? It's just three, you good?” you asked Spencer.

You could see the slight hesitation in his face.

“Hey, I'm gonna help, I'm right here, this is something you have to learn okay?” you reassured him with a softer tone than you would normally use.

Spencer nodded as you both made your way towards the walkers. You walked slightly ahead of Spencer, a plan formulating in your head. You decided you would take out two of the walkers and leave one for Spencer, that way you could easily intervene if you had to.

You put your hand up signalling Spencer to stop, as he did so you walked straight up to the walkers, drawing them away one by one, putting the first two down quickly and with ease leaving one still hobbling towards you.

You looked back at Spencer.

“All yours, you can handle this,” you stood beside him, nudging him to move forward, with the hint he slowly moved towards the remaining walker.

All of a sudden Spencer stopped with the walker still gaining on him, looking at his body language from behind him you saw one of his feet move backwards.

“Spencer, don’t. Just do it!” you warned him.

But before you could say anything else, he took faster steps back, stumbling towards you in fear, crashing into you, sending you off balance as the walker now made its way to you instead.

You got your knife ready, still a little off-balance, you took the walker out, plunging your knife into its skull but when the walker fell limp it set your already questionable balance straight off sending you falling backwards.

The scream you let out shattered the somewhat serenity of the forest, birds that once occupied the treetops scattered in flight as you looked down your body to see the source of the worst pain you'd ever felt only to see a bear trap encasing your leg, blood seeping out from every tooth hole.

“Oh my god,” you managed to hear Spencer’s voice over the pounding of your heart.

You picked your head up from the ground, the pain striking your body with every movement to see Spencer hovering over you, sheer panic showing across his features.

His face then turned into the back of his head as he started quickly walking away.

“Wait, where are you going?” you screamed at him.

“I… um… I need to go,” spender stuttered.

“What? You can't leave me!” you were in so much pain you didn’t even care that you were begging Spencer for help.

“Help. I'll go get help,” Spencer blurted out, and without another word Spencer ran off, leaving you alone, bleeding out, in the middle of the forest.

“SPENCER!” you screamed once again, but nothing, he was gone.

Your head collapsed onto the ground your energy wearing out.

You didn’t know how long you were there laying on the ground, helpless to everything, when you heard footsteps. Panic set in, knowing you had no way of defending yourself, then you saw who it was.

Daryl.

Daryl walked up to you, crouching down beside you.

“Daryl,” you whispered.

“I'm here, you need to try and get up (Y/N),” Daryl said calmly.

“I can't, I can't move, it hurts too much,” you choked out, tears rolling down your cheeks.

“You need to try, for me,” Daryl begged.

You gathered up any strength you had left as you tried to raise yourself into a sitting position, but as you did the pain spread through your whole body like a raging wildfire as you screamed in pain, collapsing back down to the ground.

“I can't, I'm sorry,” you cried breathlessly, looking over to Daryl to find him gone, he was nowhere to be seen.

“DARYL,” you screamed for him, tears now streaming down your face as you received no answer.

More time passed, the days light slowly fading into dusk, you had lost all sense of time, all sense of being, you couldn’t feel your body anymore, you couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

When once more footsteps sounded through your ears, you didn’t move you didn’t even open your eyes.

“(Y/N),” you heard your name once more grace the lips of the man you loved.

“Hey, hey, open your eyes for me (Y/N),” Daryl begged, sounded the most distressed you had ever heard him sound as he placed a hand on your cheek.

“You're not real,” you whispered, more to yourself, you couldn't fall into this delusion as you refused to open your eyes.

“I am real (Y/N). I'm righ’ ‘ere,” Daryl spoke softly and reassuringly.

You tentatively and slowly opened your eyes, seeing Daryl looking down at you. You reached a hand out to him, your hand landing on a solid figure, on Daryl's arm.

“You are real,” you whimpered.

“We’re gonna get ya home,” Daryl professed.

It was only then you realised he was not alone, that Glenn was with him, turning your head back to Daryl you nodded.

Daryl disappeared from your vision as he made his way to your leg. You could see their lips moving, but with the pain circulating you couldn't focus on anything until a sudden pain shot up from your leg seeing Glenn and Daryl trying to free you from the trap.

“Please, please don’t, it hurts, you pleaded through the tears.

“Okay, okay (Y/N), you're gonna be okay,” Daryl comforted you.

“We’re gonna lift ya, okay? It’s gonna hurt, but ya gotta be brave for a little while okay?” Daryl informed you.

You nodded, you saw Daryl move to your head and Glenn to your legs as they counted down from three and lifted you up, constant pain throbbing throughout all of your body as you finally found yourself on a solid surface, the bed of the truck.

The air that blew past you was somewhat comforting, but the main source of comfort was Daryl's hand in yours, the warmth of his hand giving you a sense of home, it calmed you like a balm as Daryl kept a watchful eye over you.

The comfort soon disappearing as you were once again being carried this time into the infirmary. You were placed tenderly down on the bed as people rushed around you.

Daryl's hand still firmly gripped in yours carried on providing as much comfort as it could as Denise spoke.

“We need to get this off of her. Glenn, Rick both grab a side of the trap. Daryl, you hold her down.” Denise instructed.

Everyone rushed into their positions, dread setting down deep in your stomach.

“It’s gonna be okay, you're gonna be okay,” Daryl whispered to you so only you could hear as he placed a soothing kiss on your forehead.

The countdown to three, you knew, would only lead to severe pain, but nothing could prepare you for this pain, feeling Rick and Glenn pry the trap off your leg, feeling like they were pulling your leg off at the same time, you could feel everything, the numb feeling you once felt disappeared as your vision went blurry and you started shaking.

“(Y/N),” Daryl exclaimed catching everyone's attention, but to you, everything sounding as though you were underwater, all you could hear were sounds, nothing specific, your vision speckled like a static tv.

“She's going into shock. Maggie grab some pillows and that silver blanket,” Denise ordered as Rick and Glenn placed the trap onto the floor and Denise put pressure on your leg.

“Daryl wrap this around her,” Denise directed him, he places the blanket around your shaking form, hands lingering on your body wanting so much to do more to help you.

“I've got to elevate her legs,” Denise said as she kept the pressure on your leg at the same time as placing a stack of pillows under your legs.

Denise didn’t say another word as she went about sewing up your wounds, it was a long arduous procedure, but a success. You came out of the shock and you were stable, unconscious, but stable.

“She's gonna be okay Daryl, she was lucky, I managed to save her leg, but she’ll need lots of rest and physio when she's able,” Denise informed Daryl.

“Thank you,” Daryl said gratefully.

Daryl looked down at your unconscious form, feeling relief at your recovery but feeling anger at this happening to you, without being able to control himself he marched out of the infirmary, fuming, knowing exactly where he needed to go. He didn’t get far before Rick was standing in front of him, Rick’s hands placed on both of Daryl's shoulders.

“Daryl you need to calm down,” Rick told him, staring him down.

“Nah you heard what Denise said, she was lucky to keep her leg let alone her life. I'm gonna kill ‘im,” Daryl declared, trying to make his way past Rick.

Rick followed him and got into the exact same position as a moment ago, trying to block Daryl’s path.

“But she is okay Daryl, she's gonna be okay,” Rick reassured Daryl.  

“She could’a died, she nearly did, you wan’ me ta jus’ let tha’ go,” Daryl ranted his voice getting louder with every word.

“No. I want you to go back in there and be with her while I sort this out,” Rick told Daryl.

Daryl paused for a second, letting everything sink in, he wanted nothing more than to be by your side, he also wanted to beat the living shit out of Spencer.

He peered at Rick, he trusted him to deal with Spencer, it wouldn't be in the same way Daryl had planned to deal with him, but he needed to be with you.

He nodded to Rick and headed back into the infirmary. seeing you lying there, your leg heavily bandaged broke his heart. He should have gone with you, if he had known Spencer had tagged along with you, he would have gone with you, or wouldn’t have let you go.

He sat in the chair next to your bed linking his hand with yours as he gently grasped a piece of hair that had fallen over your face and tucked it behind your ear as he heard a soft whimper come from you.

Looking down he saw your eyes start to flutter open.

“Daryl?” You asked out.

“I'm here,” Daryl answered.

“Is it still there?” you asked him, scared to know the answer, or even to look, all you knew right now was that whatever painkillers Denise gave you had your whole body numb.

Daryl looked slightly confused at you.

“My leg. Is it still there?” You clarified, starting to tear up at the possible answer.

“Yes (Y/N), you're gonna be jus’ fine,” Daryl informed you.

“I'm sorry,” Daryl blurted out.

“It wasn’t your fault,” you told him, once again Daryl carrying the guilt on his shoulders as always.

“I should’a been there,” Daryl admitted.

“You were,” you told him, gripping onto his hand harder.

“Not quickly enough,” Daryl confessed.

“No, I saw you. I know it wasn’t real now, but you came to me, in my heart and in my mind, Daryl you're always here with me,” you declared.

Daryl leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on your lips as you felt a tear land on your cheek.

As Daryl pulled away you took his face in your hands, wiping away the tears that he had shed.

“I love ya (Y/N),” Daryl professed.

“I love you too Daryl,” you reciprocated.

A couple of days had passed, and you were finally strong enough to leave the infirmary and continue your recovery at the home that you and Daryl shared.

“Let's get ya home,” Daryl said as he went to lift you up.

“I can walk Daryl, well hobble at least,” you said with a smirk on your face.

“Ya don’ have ta,” Daryl told you, picking you up bridal style and started walking you back to your house.

“My hero,” you flirted with him, placing a kiss on his cheek and watching a blush once again creep upon his face as he smiled down at you.

You always knew you and Daryl would be together, but this experience, more than any of the others, showed you that both psychically and spiritually. Daryl would always be your rock, your comfort, your home and you wouldn’t have it any other way and knowing Daryl felt the exact same way made this whole new world bearable. Daryl would love you for the rest of your lives together and you would love him 

Please, like, comment and reblog!!! I'd love to hear peoples thoughts!! Thank you!! 

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[snowflake-of-destruction]

Imagine Roxas and Axel babysitting for Sora and Riku

Teamwork

"I like adding spontaneous, fun extra challenges to the day as much as the next guy, provided the next guy is you, but I have to say, I think Floor is Lava Tuesdays is a better idea than weird plastic puzzle locks on the cabinets."

Roxas glanced up from where he knelt on the floor, fixing covers and bars on the under the sink cabinets in the kitchen to see his husband framed in the doorway, looking the casual print ad model, chiseled lines under soft sweats, hands curled around a mug of steaming liquid that smelled almost as delicious as the holder (of course the mug was emblazoned with the word SLUT in bold letters which would probably have to be censored out of the ad), bun with just enough flyaways to seem careless but pulled to the perfect angle.  "I'm baby proofing."

"As the baby, I resent that remark," Axel tutted before setting his coffee next to the sink and crouching down beside Roxas. "What brought this on? You have some news to tell me?"

Axel expected an eye roll from his husband, but Roxas set the angry looking plastic finger trap he was holding down and ran a hand through his hair nervously, a mild pink tinge crawling up his neck and Axel felt his smile freeze in the middle of forming.  "Well, actually, I do have some news..."

"You're kidding." Axel felt his blood run cold and then super heated through his veins in quick succession as time slowed down.

Roxas's frown at the interruption morphed to a furrowed brow of confusion and then annoyance. "Axel, I told you already. Replica bodies don't work that way. I'm not going to 'go seahorse'"

"Xion can..."

"Xion is a special case. You are stuck with me with no alterations."

"Eh, I still have the much better end of the deal."

"Yeah, you do."

A shared smile and a quick kiss distracted Axel a moment longer from asking, "So what's the news?"

"I told Sora and Riku we'd babysit for them tonight." Roxas ripped the bandage off quickly. He braced for a less than enthusiastic response, though actually receiving one was still disappointing.

"Listen, I'm sorry about the acknowledgements. Every book I write is dedicated to 'my heart, my love, my Roxas.' I thought that was a given by now, and I just had to write what other dedications would come after it. It was the publisher's fault, and I should not be punished."

"I'm not punishing you," Roxas felt his face wilt as he picked back up the baby proofing supplies to finish what he had started. "I thought it would be fun. Riku and Sora really need a night out, and it gives us a chance to, you know, see what it's like."

It wasn't that Axel missed Roxas's hurt tone or his latter words and their meaning, even if they had been mumbled. It was more a combination of not wanting to be lured toward a slippery slope of manipulation or ready to revisit the conversation of whether he felt they should start seriously thinking about adding to their family soon rather than a general "some day" they'd always said before. Roxas had brought it up last week, and Axel appreciated that he had, but it hadn't exactly gone well when he'd been taken by surprise and his gut instinct response was less enthusiastic than Roxas had seemed to want. He was letting the idea soak in now, and it needed a little more time to marinate before he could give a response. If Roxas was going to push, it would probably need even more time. So it was better not to toe too closely to the sensitive, personal part of baby discussion and do what they both had the inclination to always go back to, deflection with a joke. "To let a Babynort into the house?"

"Ripan is not a Nort." Roxas hissed defense of his other's son since Sora and Ripan couldn't defend themselves.

"Then how come he has white hair? Answer me that," Axel challenged.

"He has silver hair. Like Riku. Riku's genes are the only inherited evil Ripan has and I don't think we should hold that against him. He's just a baby."

"No, no, babies are adorable balls for holding and cooing at and then handing back to their parents. Terrifying because their heads are squishy and they can't hold them up, but otherwise not dangerous at all. This thing is mobile. I've seen it." Axel lent the revelation the appropriate air of horror, though he neglected to mention he'd seen Ripan crawling up a wall, imitating either one of his fathers or the younger Incredible boy, which rendered his warning easily mistaken for his typical melodrama.

"That's why I'm baby proofing."

"Did you get the upstairs?"

"It's not going to be able to climb the stairs by itself...Is it?"

Axel thought it over since the stair thing seemed to alarm Roxas. "Probably more easily than it could get to the ceiling. I'm just going to feed it ice cream and hope that appeases it."

"I don't think it..he can have ice cream yet. Sora said he was going to write us a list of rules."

Axel's attitude toward the night ahead of them turned on a dime when the suggestion that someone else thought he was less than capable intruded to punch at his ego.  "Rules like what? We know what to do."

"Damn straight." Roxas stood, dusted off his hands, and stole Axel's coffee off the counter.

"We'd be great with kids," Axel insisted, reaching out to take the coffee back, taking a sip, and returning it to Roxas.

"That's right," Roxas encouraged.

"We take care of Demyx!" Axel could honestly say that he'd fed, bathed, and rocked Demyx to sleep under different circumstances. Luckily, no diapers had ever been involved. "We're Turkey's dads!"

"And he's the most demanding little baby of all!" Roxas championed Axel's logic even while being reminded that he'd forgotten to feed Turkey before starting his project with the cabinets. He'd have to rectify that now. It was a miracle Turkey wasn't already dramatically expressing the utter betrayal of being left to starve.

"Next to me," Axel provided the punchline at his expense.

"Next to you." Roxas leaned up on tiptoe to steal a kiss and pressed the coffee cup with its last sips at the bottom into his husband's hands for him to finish off. "Now go put on something more suitable for tonight."

"What's more suitable than sweats for babysitting a baby? A tarp?" Axel drained the coffee.

"Put on something nice."

"Is Ripan conducting a formal interview before storytime?"

"No, but his dads might."

Roxas's instincts turned out to be right. Sora and Riku not only had a list of rules but a pop quiz on protocol and babysitting readiness that needed to be passed before they would leave, despite the fact that Roxas and Axel, already had the job, were doing it as a favor, were only taking Ripan for a few hours and not permanently adopting him and taking him into the heart of Deep Jungle, and Riku and Sora's normal babysitter was a fifteen year old girl (though Violet had warned them that she might have to cut back even more than she had. Ripan and her brother Jack Jack tended to be "a little challenging" in her words, when she had to watch both of them).

Ripan's part of the testing was to sit on the floor sucking on his giraffe pacifier and rolling an alphabet block between his hands, occasionally looking up with large, liquid blue eyes either to question why he was sitting on a strange floor or to ask why his dads were still there. Or maybe to ask why the other baby curled in the entertainment center next to the cable box was so ugly and meowed.

"I promise you. Ripan is going to have so much fun tonight he's never going to want to leave...but he's also going to be asleep by nine and I won't forget to rub the cream on his arms before I put on his sleepytime shirt," Roxas swore, crossing his heart over the I like coffee and maybe three people shirt he'd neglected to change out of despite telling Axel to look nice.

"Okay, I believe in you," Sora assured him before selling out his husband. "But Riku sincerely does not. So can you please promise me you will take extra good care of our little angel? I know he's kind of a handful, but-"

"Are you kidding?" Axel chuckled, unperturbed. "You're talking to the best babysitters in the business. There is no one more qualified for this job."

"You've literally never done this before," Riku groused, hands clenching in his pockets as he regressed to his old nervous tick.

"We are totally capable of taking care of your precious angel, okay? It's not like we don't have kids too." Roxas gestured to the entertainment center where Turkey sat, eyeing the miniature human. It had eyes like His Boy, so Turkey thought he might be able to trust it, but the threat of someone else Heat Giver and His Boy might want to snuggle that was not Turkey was hard to face.

"That's why I'm concerned," Riku concentrated on breathing evenly through his nose and not sounding too snappish. "That is not a child. That is a cat in a knit sweater."

"We'll be fine," Roxas insisted, ignoring Riku's slight, when defending Turkey's status as first child would make Sora and Riku miss their reservation. "We have your list and everything he needs. You two just enjoy yourselves!"

"See, it's fine, Riku." Sora nudged Riku toward the door. "Bye Ripan! Behave yourself for your uncles!"

Ripan gurgled solemnly, swearing to be nothing but the perfect child.

"Have fun guys! We'll be back around eleven!" Sora nudged Riku a bit harder, recognizing him for the immoveable object he was. "Riku stop glaring and walk."

Roxas opened the door for them, Axel waved to them as they retreated, Roxas closed the door. It was a total of maybe fifteen seconds they didn't have eyes on Ripan. The first fifteen seconds they were in charge of the vulnerable life of the baby that had been sitting near motionless and content in the living room for fifteen minutes. The baby that was still sitting content after those fifteen seconds and still near motionless, just with his pacifier out of his mouth and on the floor beside him and his mouth working as if he were chewing.

Axel and Roxas shared a glance and dove at the same time. Ripan shrieked, which should have proved his mouth was empty, but Axel used the opportunity to sweep a finger inside the child's mouth to make sure. Ripan employed natural defenses. Namely, biting down as hard as he could with his four impressive teeth.

Axel howled. Ripan laughed which allowed the red head to withdraw his injured hand. Roxas comforted Axel, for a moment, then warned him not to take his eyes off Ripan again because they might not get lucky again, and went to wash floor germs from the pacifier for the first, but, by no means, last time of the night. Minute one drew to a close with everyone still unscathed.

Minute fifteen gave birth to everyone's least favorite game, Turkey Chase and Smack, though Crawl Behind Couch gave it a difficult battle for the title.

At the end of the first hour, a nice balance had been found and everyone was getting along until Axel tried to heat up a bottle by summoning fire in his hand and subsequently scalded his wrist while testing results, as well as putting the idea of fire into Ripan's head. Sora had been right. Ripan was very smart and liked to try and mimic what the big people did. The living room couch suffered.

The next hurdles were The Incident of the Second Bottle Being Too Cold, The Great Despair of not Being Able to Have Both Bottle and Pacifier at the Same Time, Bottle Gone Too Quick, The Pukening, Second Washing of the Pacifier and Trial of Separation Anxiety, The Changing of the Onesies with Ripan Super Spleen Kicking Action, and The Pukening Part Two: Roxas's Shirt Looks Absorbent.

It was all minor stuff. Normal stuff. Expected, other than perhaps setting fire to the couch.

The real trouble didn't begin until the pacifier was lost.

[thirsty-x1]

Future Love | Lee Hangyul

Request:

hi, can i request a single dad! hangyul (*cough* featuring kid!dohyon) oneshot where he falls for the reader, who’s dohyon’s kindergarten teacher? looking for something generally fluffy but i’m also not opposed to smut in this 👀

↬ Pairing: Hangyul x fem!reader.

↬ Genre: Fluff, slightly suggestive (?).

↬ Warnings: none.

↬ Word Count: 2.9k

↬ Song Recommendation: “Future Love” by Katie.

↬ A/N: Honestly the whole karaoke part was added by me because the second I listened to Katie’s song that scenario came to mind and I wanted to fit it some-fucking-where and this was cute enough.

The bar was crowded, a few bottles sitting on the table as the rest of the guys around it cheered for the person that was currently on the stage, singing their heart out while trying to dance according to the rhythm, obviously too drunk for it. The atmosphere was lively, the laughs and screams filling it but all Hangyul could do was stare down to his phone, fingers quick to type a reply each time a new message came in.

“Yah, could you leave that? Spend some time with us, dude.” Yohan was pretty out of it, pouting slightly as he tried to steal the phone away.

“I will in a bit, I’m just trying to make sure Seungyoun doesn’t fuck up… don’t really trust him being a babysitter.”

Wooseok let out a small sigh. “I wanted to stay with Dohyon but Seungyoun insisted that we both needed a break.”

Seungwoo laughed at his tone, moving the cup on his hand and watching the liquid swirl. “We all needed to spend some time together. Besides, Dohyon loves him, I’m sure everything will be alright.”

Right as the older finished saying that, another message flashed on the screen:

Seungyoun-ssi:

2:15 a.m.: Just wondering, but would mixing chocolate with ramen really hurt Dohyon?

The headache was making way on Hangyul as he typed back (“Didn’t you say that he was asleep? And don’t do that.”), anxiety starting to form at the pit of his stomach while Yohan read over his shoulder, laughing out loud before trying to tell the others what he had just seen.

Seungyoun-ssi:

2:17 a.m.: I said “just wondering”, of course he is asleep

2:17 a.m.: I think he just woke up from you being so annoying

2:18 a.m.: Now I have to make him sleep again

2:18 a.m.: Go and have some fun while I’m here being the best uncle in the world

As if on cue, Seungwoo took the mobile phone, tapping on the screen a few times before putting it on his pocket, it being the sign that he wasn’t going to give it back anytime soon. Hangyul sighed, hoping his kid made it through the night and swallowed what was left on the cup before focusing on the new contestant that was on the stage now.

The song was slow, not matching with the whole bar at all, the chattering almost drowning the music, but it wasn’t enough for him to not hear the voice that started singing. The words sounded slightly slurred, probably due to the intake of alcohol, and somehow it made the feelings to be transmitted better, the nostalgia tingling on his sides.

Lyrics that matched his feelings with a steady beat along with a sad voice… that was all he needed to get his mind out of whatever Seungyoun was doing, his undivided attention going towards the girl that swayed on the stage. Something about her overall vibe made him smile to himself, the rest of the boys coming to a halt as soon as they saw his expression, and Hangyul just knew he fucked up.

“Go talk to her!” Yohan’s voice was starting to become annoying and if it wasn’t for the little self-control he had, plus the fact that he could beat his ass, he would have already snapped.

“The song literally talks about wanting something new. Go, both of you need it.”

Hangyul scoffed at Wooseok’s comment. “You need something new.”

Seeing where everything was going to, Seungwoo stopped the rest, his hands slamming the table delicately. “Just go and talk to her, what’s the worst that could happen?”

The younger shook his head, frustration making his way. They wouldn’t completely understand, being a single parent wasn’t easy and his schedule didn’t really leave any time to maintain some kind of relationship, and having an one night stand didn’t feel correct anymore. Explaining all that seemed too much, especially with the alcohol setting down in his system, so he simply excused himself as he got out, ignoring Wooseok’s warning about the cold air might make him feel worse.

He inhaled, letting the breeze fill his lungs before throwing his head back, his mind going empty as he stared at the stars above. A smile spread on his face as he remembered the way Dohyon’s eyes resembled them, usually whenever he listened to music or saw him cooking his favorite meal, making grabby hands whenever he felt cranky and wanted to be lifted up, or his squeaky giggles whenever he put him above his shoulders so that he could reach the cookie jar. There wasn’t a single moment he regretted, his son really being worth it, but there was no use in denying that he felt lonely at times and there was nothing that could fill that place, not even the kid’s chubby cheeks.

“So you are alone too, huh?” The voice made him turn around quickly, his face burning up as he saw the same girl that was singing inside before in front of him. “The night is so lovely, though~”

“Ah, yes.” If possible, he would have slapped himself right at that moment.

“You know what I hate the most? That people pity us for being alone. Is it really that bad?” Hangyul eyes opened wide at the sudden conversation topic, but she continued. “There is a reason for us to be like this, why do they try to set me up with random people? It makes me feel worse…”

“I know, right? I have the same problem. My friends behave as if they knew what’s best for me, almost feel like I’m a baby in their eyes.” His whole anger was leaving his body as he complained, the alcohol making its work.

“Yes! Exactly! It makes me mad but also somehow guilty! I have other priorities in life and I’m not always thinking about getting laid.” He nodded, snorting at the last bit of information. “I mean, it wouldn’t be terrible if it happened, but it’s not at the top of my list, y’know? What’s at the top of your list?”

Doubt filled him, not knowing if mentioning it now was the best thing, but since the situation didn’t seem to be leading anywhere not innocent, he was honest. “My kid. He’s five, and honestly lights up my days like no one else does.”

“Oh, married or single, or something else?” He couldn’t help but to chuckle, surprised at her boldness.

“Let’s leave it at single. What about you? What’s your number one priority?”

The girl seemed to be in deep thought, or otherwise fallen asleep. “My career. Well, my students. I get a kind of satisfaction that is pretty different from any other kind… makes me happy, really happy.”

Hangyul raised his eyebrows, not expecting her to be a teacher since she looked rather young, or at least around his age. “But the loneliness still lingers, doesn’t it?” When her head turned abruptly, he felt a slight pinch on his stomach, regretting adding that last part.

It wasn’t what he expected: the way that her eyes suddenly dropped to the ground, a sad smile on her face as she nodded before suddenly cheering up, changing the topic while making it obvious that she was trying to avoid deepening in the previous subject. Honestly, he didn’t want to either, feeling already pretty exposed and simply followed her, laughing at her random jokes and smiling to himself whenever she did the same with his.

Time seemed to flow effortlessly between them, the air not feeling cold anymore, maybe due to the blush that covered his cheeks. It had been a long time since he felt that comfortable talking to someone, talking to a complete stranger, but the warmth that she radiated made him feel at ease, his barriers breaking down as she let him see more of herself. He tried to memorize her face, the way her hands moved when she talked, her exaggerated expressions as she related a story… probably was the alcohol that made her be so open, or maybe that was how she really was, he couldn’t tell, but he found it incredibly charming.

“Whoa, your life is indeed pretty interesting…”

He giggled for the twentieth time. “Is it?”

“Yeah! Would make a really good movie.”

A smile spread on his face again, being the first time that someone reacted that way instead of saying something like “I’m sorry you had to go through that” or otherwise feel some kind of sorrow towards him. He turned around to reply to her, about to ask about her life before he met with her lips pressed against his, confusion swirling in his insides before he returned the kiss, his trembling hand resting on the nape of her neck as he pulled her closer, the taste of soju on the tip of his tongue. Her hands tangled on his hair, playing with it as she bit on his bottom lip, sighing when he pressed his body against hers. Hangyul wanted to blame the alcohol for what was happening, but her mouth was more intoxicating that any other liquor he had ever tasted, making him fall and give in to her taste, the control slipping past his fingers without him caring one bit about it.

“Yah, we have to get going, Seungwoo ended up throwing up– oh.” It was the annoying voice again.

“What is taking you so much? Oh.” The second annoying voice joined. “See? I told you, both of you needed it.”

After some unnecessary debate on whether they were right or not, Hangyul finally made it home, only to find Seungyoun laying on the floor of the living room with Dohyon on top of him, three cups of ramen empty on the table as well as some chocolate wrappings. Better not to ask or he would beat someone’s ass again, so he carefully picked up the small kid, shushing him to sleep as he took him to bed, coming back and slightly kicking Seungyoun as he got back, throwing the trash away.

“Ouch, what– ah, you are back.”

“Told you to not give him that.”

“He hated it, isn’t that good? Now he won’t want to try it again. You’re welcome.”

Can’t argue with his logic, or more like didn’t want to do it. He still thanked the older for taking care of Dohyon, gulping down a glass of water as he let him stay in exchange for the help, heading for the shower despite the tiredness washing over his body, trying to sober up and erase the memories. Right after he finished, he laid down on his bed, staring at the ceiling while wondering about what her name was, eyes closing with the doubt wandering on his mind.

“Get up, sleepy head, time to go.”

Dohyon complained but sat up anyway, his hair sticking up in every direction as his tiny hand scratched his belly. Hangyul laughed, grabbing the brush and quickly controlling the chaos, holding the outfit that Seungyoun chose (because Dohyon liked more “uncle’s style” rather than his) and chuckling as the child nodded approvingly.

Half an hour later, they were ready, Dohyon still eating the last bits of food on the car as Hangyul drove towards the kindergarten. First day of school and everything seemed to be perfect, pride filling his chest. Little moments like this were the ones that made him feel satisfied with himself, the smile on the small kid being all he wanted. He parked the car, got out and held out his hand until he felt the tiny one hold it back, walking towards the entrance and scanning the place.

“Are you excited for your first day?” He was actually trying to sense if he was nervous, but seeing Dohyon’s expression, he was so happy about it.

“Yes… I hope I get to make friends.” His eyes opened wide as he looked up to him. “Maybe someone else likes music? Or ramen with chocolate?”

Hangyul could feel his eye twitch. “Ramen with chocolate?”

“Ah, right, uncle said to keep it a secret from you…” He proceeded to shrug his shoulders as he walked confidently to the entrance, eyes smiling at who he thought was his teacher while Hangyul made a mental note of maybe killing Seungyoun.

He kneeled, fixing Dohyon’s clothes before kissing his forehead and wishing him a good day, standing up and bowing to the teacher, freezing on the spot when he saw the same girl from a few weeks ago standing in front of him. Her eyes reflected the same panic that his, suddenly turning his stare to the small kid without paying one bit of attention to the tall one as she grabbed Dohyon’s hand and waved the other one, the child imitating her and saying goodbye to his dad as he disappeared behind the doors.

The whole rest of the day was spent with him trying to plan what to say when he went to pick up Dohyon. Should he pick him up? Maybe he could call Seungwoo and ask him to do so, although Wooseok would definitely complain about why he never trusted him with his kid, the reason being because he would never stop bothering him with how good he is with children if he did. Seungyoun was out of the discussion, and maybe since it was Dohyon’s first day the best was if he went to pick him up… he was driving crazy, until at the end he simply gave up, deciding that maybe he was overthinking it and maybe she didn’t remember the whole thing and was simply acting flustered because she remembered that he listened to her sing while being drunk. Yeah, that must have been it, for sure.

Time passed slow, his brain melting as he waited for the clock to hit the closure hour, jumping out of the car as he saw some kids getting out. He waited at the entrance, eyes scanning the place in hopes of finding her, his heart beating a little bit faster as he saw Dohyon being carried in her arms, feeling a bit jealous of the way she was staring at him with loving eyes while pinching his cheeks. As soon as he saw Hangyul, he let Dohyon on the ground, hurrying him to grab his coat and stepping in front of him, fists closed tight as she looked to have mustered all her courage.

“Hello.”

His eyebrows shoot up at the simple greeting. “Ah, hi, yes, hello, I-I’m Hangyul, Dohyon’s father.”

“Yes, he talked about you quite a lot.” A cold shiver ran down his spine, hoping that whatever the child said was good. “I’m y/n, Dohyon’s teacher from now on.”

Her hand was extended between them, the slight tremble being too obvious and the shyness in her voice while pretending to be firm made him hide a smile, giving a soft grip to her hand and blushing as she bit his lip trying to hold back her giggle. Her attitude was so different from that one night, but it was still utterly adorable in his eyes.

“Could we exchange numbers? Just in case an emergency happens…” Ridiculous. Absolutely pathetic

“Ah, of course, we were going to ask the parents for them anyway.” Wait, it worked? “But, uh… the rest of the mothers seem to be taking a certain interest in you.”

“Are you jealous about it?” His voice dropped low, gulping when he realized what he had just said.

“Dad, what are you two talking about it? Can we go? I have to complete the activities before it’s time for my third meal.” And at times like these, Hangyul was thankful he had a small bundle of happiness to take him off awkward situations.

“Yes, it’s better if we go, you’re right.”

He walked with Dohyon to the entrance, telling him to go to the car as he turned around with the slight tapping on his shoulder.

“I might be jealous. A bit.” Her cheeks painted in the loveliest shade of red before skipping back to the building, picking up another of the kids that was crying.

Hangyul shook his head, smiling dumbfoundedly as he got in the car and immediately looking at his son.

“So you talked about me a lot today, huh?”

Dohyon denied it slowly. “I talked about uncle but my teacher kept asking about you.”

He was conflicted about whether he should be happy or sad, but decided to ignore that as his phone vibrated with a new message.

Unknown:

18:14 p.m.: Dohyon-ie already had his third meal.

18:14 p.m.: By the way, he kept asking if I tried ramen and chocolate?

Was this real enough?

Hangyul:

18:16 p.m.: Maybe I can help you find out what he means one of these days?

He pressed his forehead against the steering wheel, ignoring for a while Dohyon complaints as he waited for a reply, his heart beating faster as the minutes went by.

Y/N (Future Love):

18:21 p.m.: Sounds like a good plan.

Whether he did a little celebration in the car was a secret between him and Dohyon, and maybe every single person that walked right in front of it.

“So, I need you to tell me about the recipe that uncle invented.”

Yes, it ends abruptly and yes, I didn’t intend for it to be this long but still loved how it turned out. What a good daddy.

~Nani

| Masterlist |

[takingcourage]

Miscalculations: A Witness AU

Chapter Three

Catch up here: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two

Pairing: M!Cassian x MC

Word Count: 2,250

Series Summary: After years apart, fate brings Kellen and Cassian together a third time. Can they learn from the mistakes of the past, or are they destined to repeat them once more?

Note: Unlike previous installments, this chapter is from Kellen’s point of view. We’ll catch up with Cassian again in Chapter Four, which I plan to release on Wednesday!

Kellen navigated the streets with ease, her small purse tucked under her arm. As she bypassed the milling crowds, the heels of her boots clicked purposefully against the concrete. On any other morning, she might have been content to run her weekly errands or stop to pick up takeout, but today all she wanted was to make it back to her apartment as quickly as possible. 

Out of instinct, her free hand slipped into her jacket pocket to cradle the keychain of pepper spray. Though she’d never had to use it, she had been grateful for the slender canister more times than she could count. Just because Boston was home didn’t mean it was safe. 

She’d learned a lot with Cassian that summer. She’d learned even more since.

A chill escalated her spine as she paused at the crosswalk. The thoughts rarely plagued her waking hours, but she still had infrequent nightmares about bloody sidewalks and gleaming knives. Between the murder she’d witnessed and the restraining order she’d had to place while pregnant with Owen, she’d grown substantially more cautious. 

If the last several years had taught her anything, it was just how much of life lay outside her control. 

With a sigh, she hurried to cross the street, then entered through the front door of her building. As she waited for the elevator, she ran her thumb over the ring of the keychain. 

How could Cassian remain unchanged when her entire world had been turned on its head?

He was the same man she’d known before: Genuine. Caring. Much too attractive for comfort. Those vibrant eyes still stared back at her as though she was the most priceless thing in his world. Or, at least, they had until she’d brought up the news about Owen. 

Her throat constricted at the reminder of the pain that had been evident in his features. She hadn’t kept their son from him on purpose, but she couldn’t quite erase the sense of guilt that had come over her.  

How had everything gone so wrong three years ago? She had been so determined not to let their relationship get out of hand, and yet, theirs had been the most painful separation she’d ever gone through. From what she’d heard today, it didn’t seem that Cassian had fared much better. 

Approaching her own door, she left her jumbled thoughts in the hall behind her and withdrew the key from her purse. A smile lit her features at the reminder of what waited on the other side. 

“Welcome back!” Harika greeted with a little too much enthusiasm. Her best friend was seated on the couch, keeping careful watch over the toddler playing on the living room rug. 

“Hey,” she returned, tossing her keys into a bowl on the kitchen counter. By the time she’d removed her jacket, she felt a small hand prodding the side of her thigh.

“How’s it going, big guy?” she asked, brightening even further to find her son’s smiling face turned up toward hers. “Did you have a good morning?” 

Owen took her hand by way of response, leading her back to the rug. Kellen’s initial pleasure at the interaction was mildly dampened by the realization that the child was much more excited for her to see his tower of blocks than he was to see her. 

Two was such a fickle age. 

Nonetheless, she knelt beside him and studied the architectural marvel he’d constructed. When his work had been sufficiently praised, she turned to address the woman on the couch. “Thanks again, Harika. I owe you a bottle of something very expensive.”

“I won’t let you forget. For now, I just want to hear about your date!”

Kellen rolled her eyes skyward and resisted the urge to respond to her friend with one specific finger. “It wasn’t a date. And it was about as surreal as you’d imagine.” 

“Do you think anything will come of it?”

“I’ve got no idea. We’re meeting at the park tomorrow so he can meet Owen. I guess we’ll see where things go from there.” 

The other woman humphed. “He’s a good guy, Kellen. And you should have seen the way he talked the other night -- he’s crazy about you. Doesn’t hurt that he’s in the running for sexiest man alive.”

“Harika!” she whispered, hands covering her young son’s ears. He batted his fingers in protest, but she held firm. “Trust me, I know that more than anyone. But this can’t just be about sex anymore.” She pulled her hands back to her lap and rocked onto her heels, surveying Owen’s tower. “There’s a lot more at stake.”

Lowering to the floor next to him, she absently began assembling her own edifice of yellow blocks from the pile. For a couple of minutes, the boy was content to continue building beside her, but she caught the exact moment that a spark of mischief entered his bright green eyes. 

“Owen…” she cautioned playfully, pitch wavering as he extended a hand toward her tower. “Don’t knock over my blocks.” 

Still reaching for her blocks, he stifled giggles with his other hand as though her admonition had been some grand joke Kellen couldn’t understand. At her shocked expression, he yanked the hand back to his side before being seized with another fit of laughter. Kellen couldn’t help echoing his laughter as it continued.

They followed the same pattern a half-dozen times, but the amusement never grew old. Finally, she reached over and tapped his blocks with a single finger. When she removed the hand without causing any damage, he smacked it over himself, shrieking with delight as the top half of the tower collapsed. 

“Ugh. You guys are too cute. I’ve gotta get out of here before I get a cavity.” 

Kellen smirked at the hollow complaint. There was a reason her coworker was on the very short list of people she trusted with her son. “We know you love us, Harika.”  

“Heeka!” Owen attempted, knocking the rest of the structure into a pile. “Heeka, Heeka!”

“Auntie Heeka needs to head home now, but I’ll see you again soon. Can I get a hug before I go?”

Owen complied, earning himself an affectionate hair rumple from his babysitter. 

“Be good, Owen,” she encouraged as she gathered her jacket and purse. “And Kellen?”

She cocked a skeptical brow. 

“Please be naughty, for my sake.”

Kellen released a breath through parted teeth, shaking her head at the ridiculous suggestion. “Bye, Harika.” 

“Bye!” she chirped before heading out the front door with a wave. 

“Bye! Bye, bye, bye,” Owen parroted back, scooping the fallen blocks across the floor in wide armfuls. 

He was such a happy kid. Kellen didn’t have a lot of experience, but he was a lot more content than she remembered children being at her parents’ endless social gatherings. If nothing else, she was doing everything in her power to ensure that his childhood was happier than her own.

Maybe that means having his father in his life she mused, unable to keep herself from brushing a particularly long curl out of his eyes. He was in desperate need of his first haircut, but she'd been dragging her heels about scheduling the appointment. 

Cassian would have been such a good dad. If either of them was naturally suited to be a parent, he was by far the more likely choice. She’d had similar thoughts many times before, especially in Owen’s infancy when she’d still felt completely unqualified to have a child. Those fears of inadequacy had nagged her intermittently for the first year of her son’s life. It wasn’t until he’d started walking and showing more autonomy that she’d realized she wasn’t failing him. He was his own delightful, goofy self, and all she had to do was be there to support him. 

She was trying not to see Cassian’s return as a threat to what she’d built with Owen over the past two years. Her gut told her that she could trust him not to do anything that would hurt her son, but it was impossible to know for certain. After all, she’d trusted him not to leave her too. 

“Mama!” 

An insistent hand slapped her knee repeatedly until she lifted her eyes from the floor and gave her attention to his latest creation. 

The tower was a patternless combination of blue, green, and red, standing more than half the toddler’s height. As he beckoned her to watch, she felt her heart catch in her chest. Would having Cassian back change what she had with her son?

How could it not? She whispered, pulse racing as she watched Owen demolish the tower a second time. Owen’s going to love him. I can’t let him get attached like that until I know he’s here to stay. 

Her hand was on her back pocket before she even realized she’d moved. Feeling the firm shell of her phone case beneath the denim, she hesitated. She couldn’t cancel on him. That wasn’t fair. 

Cassian deserved to know his son. 

And Owen deserved to know his father, even if he was too young to understand his significance. 

She tapped a nail against the hard plastic, fighting with the question one final time before pulling her hand away. 

As soon as Owen was down for his nap, she made her way to the home office  set up along one wall of her living room. It was considerably less space than she’d had prior to her move, but still the best place she had to get work done. Here, with the natural light at her side and the span of industrial brick before her, numbers and logic were as natural as breathing. 

Usually. 

As her fingers flew over the keys, she did her best to put all thoughts of Cassian on the back burner. There could be no daydreams of his alluring eyes. No reminders of the electric shock that had passed between them when he’d touched her knee. No longing for his ability to make her feel more safe and valued than she had ever felt before...

“Damn it,” she breathed as she realized how far her mind had wandered. “Why did he have to come back now?” 

Going to the kitchen for something to drink, she allowed herself a moment to mull through her thoughts of him. 

Cassian was the closest she’d come to a relationship since grad school. He was certainly the closest thing she’d had in the last three years, when work and taking care of Owen had left little time for anything else. After a history of problematic men and impulsive choices, he was also the closest she’d had to someone  who was good for her. 

Or he had been before he’d left. 

But in spite of his disappearance, she'd never been able to abandon thoughts of him completely. Her sleepy brain had bewitched her into imagining his arms around her more nights than she could count, and it had been impossible not to compare all of Harika’s ill-fated setups to the near perfection she’d had during that summer. If only she’d appreciated him more while she had him. 

Kellen took a long drink of seltzer water, grateful for the burning sensation that the liquid left behind. She needed her senses to be taken up with something that wasn’t Cassian. To aid further, she skimmed through notifications on her phone. She’d deleted most of her social media accounts when she’d changed her number, but there were still emails from work and a pair of nonsense texts from Harika. 

Quickly replying to a couple of them, she forced herself back into the chair to continue her work. Engrossed in her task for the next hour, it was a welcome distraction when she heard movement from Owen’s bedroom. Even without his quiet cries, the footsteps progressing toward her would have been enough to alert her that he’d woken up.

Her son was at her side less than a minute later, clutching his blanket with one hand and rubbing his eyes with the other. “Mama,” he called with a voice that was still pitifully broken from sleep.

“Sit with me, sweet boy.” Careful to avoid his toes, Kellen pushed away from the desk and helped Owen climb into her lap. He nestled close, still hot and sweaty from his nap. She kissed his disheveled curls as the sniffling subsided.

Shutting the lid on her laptop, she cast a thoughtful eye over the child in her arms. She took in every detail, from the fingers that held tightly to the collar of her shirt to the long, dark eyelashes that still glistened with the remnant of his tears. Soon, he would be fully awake and craving his independence. The reminder made her pull him just a little bit tighter to her chest.  

When Kellen looked back on the last two years, moments like these were the ones she remembered most. They were the ones she was most afraid to lose in the future. 

And as much as she had trusted Cassian in the past and wanted to believe in his pure intentions, a sliver of doubt crept in whenever she thought of tomorrow’s meeting. Even if everything went smoothly and all of her fears were in vain, one undeniable truth remained: 

Their world had just become much more complicated.

[ashsblurbs]

Change is a Wonderful thing

Sequel to Change will Come 

The house looked like something out of a book. It was old but had wonderful bones. From the many windows and wrapped around porch. It truly was an architect’s dream. Tony understood why Steve choose this home to remodel instead of building an original design. Tony was in the house trying to finish up last minutes things. They were supposed to move in two weeks but with so many hang ups it looked like that wasn’t going to happen. “What do you mean you can’t put carpet in for another two weeks? I need the carpet in here yesterday. You either come today or I’m finding another company to do it.” Tony was at his wits ends stressed. He walked over to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. This always calmed him down well expect when Steve wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug. “Sir, Steve Rogers-Stark has just arrived.” Jarvis wasn’t wrong he looked out of the kitchen window to find Steve carried Sarah up to the house.

“Honey, I’m home.” Steve yelled through the house wondering where his husband had been. “Dad, where are you?” “In the kitchen.” Steve sat Sarah down and she ran straight to the kitchen. It took Steve these days a little more time then normal. Being eight months pregnant was hard on his body. He was out of breath every step he took. He couldn’t wait until this kid was out of him. Steve finally made his way in to find Tony twirling Sarah around. Steve wished he had his phone on him, this would have been a wonderful picture to have. “Awe aren’t you two so cute together.” Tony ran over to Steve to help him sit down. Tony was so protective more then Steve thought he would have been. Steve felt a little bit inside of him was trying to makeup for not being there when he was pregnant with Sarah. Steve waved him away. He never liked being fussed over. “I’m good. I got it. I might be pregnant, but I’m not broken.”

“I know, but I love you darling.” Tony placed his hands over Steve’s belly and laid his ear to listen to the baby. The baby kicked and then kicked again. Tony just smiled; he was over the moon excited to meet his child. “Awe darling, the baby is kicking. Who loves their daddy?” Sarah ran over and jumped on top of Tony’s back making him fall down. Leading to all of them laughing. “I love you dad.” Sarah giggled as Tony tickled her. “I’m not ungrateful that you are here but why are you here? Steve, dear, you should be at home resting. You could go into labor any day.” Tony placed another kiss to his cheek and place his hand once again on Steve’s belly. He never wanted this to end.

Steve stood up, grabbed Sarah’s hand getting ready to leave. “Sarah wanted to say hi and I was taking her to ballet lessons. It is Wednesday dear.” Tony still had a concern look on his face. “I feel fine. He’s just kicking a lot today. That’s all. Also, Natasha will be here tonight to help out so everything will be fine.” Tony leaned in and placed another kiss. “Auntie Nat is coming. She’s can help me with my ballet.” “Yes, she can.” Steve felt a hint of pain but covered it up. He didn’t want to worry Tony because it most likely was nothing. He hoped it was nothing. He kissed Tony goodbye. They were going to be late if they didn’t leave now.

Steve sat in the bathroom shocked that he was pregnant. What was he going to tell Tony? Maybe when he come home, he could just come out and tell him. No that’s not going to be exciting. Steve had to make it special. He decided he was going to make his special mac and cheese. Drop Sarah off at a babysitter’s and they can have a romantic night. Steve placed both of hands onto his stomach. Excitement washed over him. This was going to be different then the first time.

Steve looked all around the house for a small box he could put the test in, but nothing prevailed, so he settled for a small gift bag. He wanted everything to be perfect. What is that smell he thought? It smelled like something was burning. Oh no, he thought. He ran straight to the kitchen to find smoke filling the kitchen. “Shit, shit. No.” Steve pulled the backing sheet to find the mac and cheese was burnt. Everything was ruined. He sat down on the ground where he felt defeated. Tears spilling down his cheeks.

“Steve, honey, are you okay.” Tony looked around and saw some kind of food that was burnt. The room was still a little smokey. He walked over to the closes window to air the room out. Steve was still on the ground crying. Tony knelt down grabbing both of Steve’s hands. “Steve what’s wrong?” Tony wiped away a tear that was slowly running down his husband’s face. “Everything is ruined Tony. This was supposed to be a wonderful surprise.” “What was, Steve, what was the surprise?” Steve sucked in a breath and handed Tony the bag. The night might have not gone as plan but at least this would be perfect. Tony looked into the bag and was in shock. “Is this true?” It was now Tony’s turn to cry. “Yeah, I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a dad again.” Tony wrapped Steve into his arms never letting go.

He was over the moon excited but scared at the same time. He didn’t know anything about babies. When he came into Sarah’s life, she was already six years old and now she was eight. He didn’t have to go through all of the crazy parts. At least he had Steve with him to through this journey. Tony laid his head on Steve’s abs knowing soon that a whole life will be forming in there. “Hi baby, its your daddy. I’m so excited you will be apart of our family.” Steve chuckled at his adorableness. “Sweetheart, its just a pile of cells right now. It won’t have ears until the second trimester.” Tony didn’t care. He will always going to be there for this kid.

Steve woke up by a sharp pain. He walked into the kitchen hoping the pain would go away. He grabbed a glass and filled it up with water. Then the sharp pain came back. Oh no, he thought. He waddled back into his bedroom to get Tony. Yet again another sharp pain, now going through his back. “Tony, we need to go to the hospital.” Tony stirred but didn’t awake. The one-time Steve wished Tony wasn’t a deep sleeper. “Tony.” He gritted his teeth when another contraction ripped through is body. “Tony, get me to the hospital now or we will be having a baby here. Ahh!!”

Tony spring into action when he heard his husband scream in pain. “Steve, are you in labor?” Steve looked at him with a no duh look. Tony saw the pain run through his husband’s body and he could do nothing to stop it. Then both of their fears came true. Steve’s water broke right there all over the carpet. They were going to have this baby right here in their bedroom. “Oh my god, Steve stay right there. Let me grab some towels.” Steve tried to get him not to leave but Tony was out of there. He ran and grabbed towels and everything else they needed. He tried to rush back quickly but all he heard was Steve’s screams. “Lay down Steve slowly.” Tony helped him lay down, but he could just feel that Steve was in discomfort.

Steve could feel this baby was going to be here any minute. He had to push but he was scared. He trusted Tony with his whole life but the thought of not being in a control environment was scary. “Tony, you are going to have get in front and catch the baby.” Tony shook his head and was ready. Steve felt pressure and another contraction came again. “Steve, your doing great sweetheart. Do you want to stay like this?” Tony knew him so well and saw that this was going to be hard.

Steve moved to all fours and the pain was still there but less extensive. Tony moved around to get a better angle to catch the baby. Tony looked closely and could see the baby was now crowning. “Steve, you need to push okay. I see the head.” Steve pushed the best he could, but he couldn’t do this anymore. It hurt so much. Tony placed his hands on the baby’s head and instructed for Steve to push again. “You’re doing great. Almost there.” Tony moved Steve’s hand so he could feel how close the baby was coming. “Is that.” “Yes, push. His head and one shoulder is out. You can do it.” Steve screamed one more time and their son was welcome to the world.

Their baby was beautiful. He had a tuff of brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes. There was no doubt about it that this kid was going to grow up looking like Steve. They were now both in the hospital to get checked out. Both Steve and the baby were healthy. Tony just held the baby. He couldn’t stop looking at his son. Nothing could beat this moment. “So, the little guy couldn’t wait till you got to the hospital.” Natasha stood at the doorway with Sarah standing right next to her. She looked afraid. “Sweetie do you want to meet your baby brother.” She ran over to Steve and jumped up onto the bed waiting for Tony to bring the baby over. Tony placed their son into Steve’s arms so Sarah could see closer.

“Sarah, meet James Edward Rogers-Stark.” Sarah lightly touched the baby’s cheek. “Got to be careful sweetheart. He’s just a baby okay.” Tony smiled at his small family and walked over to Natasha. “Was she good last night. Nothing crazy happened.” Natasha laughed and clapped a hand onto Tony’s back. “Nothing compared to your night. So, you delivered you own child. This was very different last time you know that.” Tony looked backed at his family knowing life was very different eight years ago, but he wouldn’t change it for the world. “Yeah it was but life is so wonderful now. Thank you, Nat, for everything you have done.” Natasha hugged him and left leaving the little family a lone for the first time. “I love you sweetheart.” Steve smiled laying his head onto Tony’s shoulder. “This is it. You know just two.” Tony laughed. “I can’t convince you for one more.” Steve just smiled as he started falling asleep.  

[saiilorstars]

Rise Up

Previous Story: It Had To Be You || Current Masterlist

Pairings: Barry Allen x Female OC

Story Summary: Her focus has always been to graduate and stabilize her job - no where in there did that include becoming a metahuman. Left with a side Belén fears, she tries to make a life with Star Labs and Barry Allen. Despite the darkness, the secrets and the fear driving she and Barry apart, it never lasts…because in the end: “There can never be another. It had to be you,” they say to each other.

Pronunciation of OC: Bell-en. The last syllable has an emphasis so it’s not pronounced like ‘Helen’ would be.

Belén‘s face claim: Lauren Conrad.

"Now Miss…?"

"Belén Palayta," the woman pushed back some of her ombre-blonde hair and did her best to keep eye contact with the older woman sitting across her. However that proved difficult as she blinked rapidly and shifted every second or so in her seat.

The older woman, a professional, jotted down what she saw without remarking. "Your friend Nina referred you to me, and I promise you I can be your utmost confidant in anything you want. If it helps-" she leaned forwards and talked in a hushed tone as if her office was open for all to hear, "-I also know Nina has these powers. She says you relate to it as well."

Belén knew her friend, Nina Clarke, would never reveal her identity to anyone. But if Nina had given the slip that she had powers - without sharing what sort of powers - Belén trusted the professional psychologist even more.

"I do," Belén nodded and once more shifted to cross her other leg instead.

"Well, where would you like to start?"

Belén looked down for a minute, and while she didn't say anything for some minutes, the psychologist jotted down the emotions across Belén's face.

"I lost...everything," Belén said after a full five minutes of silence. Teary eyed, she looked up to the waiting psychologist. "Is that possible? For someone to lose everything?"

"In central city?" the psychologist smiled. "Yes."

Belén swallowed hard. "I lost my dad, a year ago, he was murdered. And then...and then a month ago...my brother passed away. The next day my sister went to jail." She nervously played with one of her curls. "That same day my boyfriend broke up with me. Um, and...and I ended up...alone." She blinked tears away and looked at back at the psychologist. "Well...not completely alone, I guess. I became the legal guardian for my sister's four year old son. Thing is, I can't keep him unless I get out of this…" she made a gesture with her hand, "...funk, as one of my friends says it to be."

"So, is that why you're here?" the psychologist inquired. "To keep your nephew's custody?"

Belén thought about it, she truly thought about it, and in the end she gave a shake of her head. "I want to get better. I want to  be  better. I'm tired of feeling like this. I deserve better...so I'm going to get better."

~0~

6 months later.

"Iris! Iris!" Four year old Axel Palayta-Meyer let the entire Central City police department hear his calls for his favorite babysitter.

Behind him was his aunt, Belén Palayta, who was trying to keep up with him while actively shushing him. Axel knew where to go and ran into the officers' desks where, effectively, he found Iris West conversing with her father, Joe West, and their friend, Cisco Ramon.

"Iris!"

Iris stopped talking with Joe and Cisco to greet the newcomer. "Axel!" she laughed as he threw his arms around her waist for hug.

Belén came rushing in a second later, her hand struggling to keep her purse's strap from falling off her arm. "I'm so sorry! He just gets so excited - I...I don't know." Although it had been 6 months since she gained Axel's custody, she was still struggling to keep up with the boy 24/7 while also balancing her jobs and...her powers.

Everyone else knew that too. So when they could help, they would.

Iris took Axel's hand and looked down at the boy. "Well we are going to have a very fun day, aren't we Axel?"

"Yes!" the boy cheered.

"Thank you so much for looking after him while I, uh…" Belén gave a gesture with her finger tapping the side of her head. They knew she had opted to start therapy sessions for her benefit.

"It's fine," Iris assured.

"Nina was supposed to babysit but she got stuck at the hospital, so-"

"Belén, it's really okay," Iris chuckled.

"Hey Bells, were you by any chance thinking of, uh, going to tomorrow's rally…?" Cisco trudged along very carefully while asking the question.

"Um…" Belén thought for a moment, "...you know, at first I was a bit iffy about it, considering I am technically the Flash's ex…"

The other three exchanged disappointed glances, no one had agreed with the sudden decision Barry had taken regarding his relationship with Belén. They just didn't understand. For a while, neither had Belén.

"But then I realized that this rally isn't just for him, it's for all of you," Belén finished with a genuine smile. "It's for you, Cisco, Iris, Joe, professor Stein, Ronnie, Caitlin...all of you."

"And you," Iris pointed but Belén shook her head.

"All I did was finish my family," she said bitterly. "But to answer your question, Cisco, I will go."

"Good, so that makes everyone except Barry," Joe shook his head.

"What do you mean?" Belén looked at him, confused.

"Barry doesn't want to go. And it worries me…"

"But...he's gonna get the key to the city..."

Joe shrugged, looking pretty dejected they had yet to convince Barry to change his mind. "Well, you know Barry. The more we try to convince him to do something, the less he's gonna want to do it."

"I thought I knew him," Belén responded quietly. When she realized she had tarnished the mood she ventured to change the topic. "You guys are coming to my show tomorrow night, right?"

"Front row seats, baby!" Cisco high fived her and laughed with her.

"You know we'll be there too," Iris nodded her head as did Joe.

"Isn't it a bit weird though?" Joe asked, looking pretty confused as he explained better his question. "I mean, this is a tribute to...the Azalea...who's believed to be dead...and you're the lead?"

Belén agreed it completely was weird, and highly ironic.

~0~

"So, the city still thinks I'm dead - well, not this me-me, but...the Azalea me," Belén was sat once again on a in chair across her confidant psychologist, Dr. Baeva. "And they decided to go through with their idea to honor her," Belén laughed, "They think I died helping the Flash save the city. Ironic."

Dr. Baeva stared at her patient with an emotionless face, as was her custom. She often reminded that she was there to help Belén feel better about herself, despite whatever decision Belén took regarding her other identity. "And...do you ever consider of correcting the city? The Azalea survived."

Belén's smile faded at the question. "I mean...what would be the point? Barry decided that he would rather work alone in all aspects. He doesn't need Belén nor the Azalea anymore."

"Okay," Dr. Baeva nodded, acknowledging Belén's answer. "But, what do you think the Azalea should be? Dead? Alive?"

Belén knew what the woman was trying to get her to see. She had often been told she based far too many of her decisions on other people, primarily on Barry. She supposed it had to do with the fact that as she lost people, Barry was there to be her rock. She had become dependent on him, and she - as Dr. Baeva noted - still depended on him after their break up. When the Azalea was pronounced dead, Belén was shocked but also understood that after a while of not seeing her, the city would come up with its own conclusions: the Azalea died on the day of the black hole. At first, Belén was mortified to see that the person she had actually loved to be was no longer going to be remembered. It was then that she decided to delve into her own work to forget about it, push it away and act like it just never existed in the first place.

To further it, to become the Belén she used to be, she went back to her old aerial dance team in the city. While at first it had become nothing but a pastime, her skills proved to be more than intact for a true show. That was when they informed Belén they wanted to give a tribute to the Azalea since the city was planning on giving the Flash his own personal day. Belén honestly hadn't known what to feel then, especially after being asked to be the lead of the show. She had been so focused on getting the Azalea out of her life that she forgot some people actually cared about her - the Azalea. After much hassling, Belén agreed to be the lead for her own tribute.

And it wasn't like she was letting the Azalea completely die. Since her powers had given her some trouble that caused her to lose control, she started training with Cisco to get them back under her reigns. No more would she lose control even if she no longer used her powers as a hero.

"Belén?" Dr. Baeva asked again, this time hoping for an answer.

"At first, I was relieved, you know, that I wouldn't have to worry about being the Azalea anymore. Because if she was dead, then I couldn't lose anymore people like my brother and my sister..." Belén paused to think, "But today being the day that I'm technically supposed to say goodbye to the Azalea, I...I…" her face changed fast and revealed she was terribly opposed to it, "...I don't want to say goodbye. I am the Azalea, and I am not dead."

Despite her professional conduct, Dr. Baeva's lips twitched trying to form a smile. Secretly, she didn't want to see the Azalea gone either.

~0~

Belén's footsteps over the grassy field of the cemetary crunched some of the fallen leaves on the ground. She passed gravestones in silence until she came to the two that she always visited. Her dark brown eyes gazed over her father's gravestone with a sad smile. She turned her left palm over and gently flicked a couple of her fingers. Green vines rose from the grass and crawled over the edges of the gravestone, letting hot pink Azaleas blossom.

"Today's my show, Dad," Belén took in a deep breath, putting on another smile as if her father would see it. David Palayta had been dead for over a year now, but it still felt like yesterday when Belén lost him to murder by Thawne. "They all think I'm dead but you know that I'm not. I'm still here. Wish me good luck."

She cleared her throat and moved to the gravestone beside her father's. Despite it being six months later, she still shuddered a breath upon seeing her twin brother's name. Rayan Palayta had caused her to shed so many tears, but even now Belén loved her brother. Maybe it was better this way - it seemed to beat an everlasting coma anyways.

Six months ago, after being captured by Belén and their older sister Maritza, Rayan had been induced into a coma. Due to his overwhelming telekinetic powers, his body had begun to shut down starting with important parts of his brain. It was those important parts that caused Rayan to lose his personality for that of a delirious, evil metahuman. While they had the option of leaving Rayan in a coma, it was decided between Belén and her mother - who had to learn the hard way that her son had turned into a criminal - that it would be better to pull the plug. Rayan was already dead, in a sense.

Belén raised her hand and created the same pink Azaleas. "I still miss you, Rayan," she whispered and wiped some tears from her eyes before they escaped.

~ 0 ~

The next day, everyone in the city gathered for 'Flash Day' at the town's favorite park. There were many sellers of food, toys, trinkets; anything possible it was there. At the center of the park was a large stage with a podium, and a large Flash banner hung at the back for everyone to see.

At a corner were various city cop cars parked while some of its drivers scoured the event. Cisco and Joe were leaned back on Joe's car, overlooking the event.

"Are we expecting trouble?" Cisco asked after counting each cop that was present.

"Cops always expect trouble. In this city, I expect super evil flying monsters," Joe shot him a smile.

Cisco gave a nod of his head. "That's a solid expectation." He turned his head when he heard a familiar boy's happy cries and saw Axel jumping up and down as Belén handed him an ice cream. "Bells!" Cisco called, making the woman look up.

Smiling, she gently pushed Axel to walk towards the two men. "Hey," she greeted them both.

"Is that cherry ice cream?" Cisco looked down at Axel's ice cream with shock.

"Mine!" Axel poked Cisco on the leg with a medium-sized inflatable, red hammer.

"Axel!" Belén scolded and snatched said toy from him. "We do not do that!"

"Sorry," the boy said after a moment.

"Don't worry about it," Cisco laughed.

"So did you guys convince him?" Belén looked at Joe anxiously. She preferred not to say his name out loud for...reasons...

"Iris talked to him but...we don't know if he's coming or not," admitted the man.

"He better come, because someone-" Belén nodded down at Axel, "-is expecting an appearance."

"You sure it's only the four year old?" Cisco couldn't help tease. Belén deadpanned him then hit him over the head with the inflatable hammer. "I deserve that," went Cisco afterwards while Joe and Axel laughed.

"Belén?" they heard a man a call. Belén glanced back just as a young man with dark hair and matching eyes approached them. "I lost you!"

Smiling apologetically, Belén gestured to the toy she held and then Axel. "He wanted some things."

"You sure it was only the four year old?" the man teased much like Cisco had, and, just like before, Belén hit him on the head with the inflatable hammer.

"Everyone is so mean today," Belén huffed.

"While you huff and gruff, I'm gonna introduce myself to your friends." The man extended a hand to the surprised Cisco. "Mark Forneez."

"Cisco Ramon," the other said slowly, suddenly eyeing Mark with a bit of distaste.

"Joe West," the older man was also eyeing Mark suspiciously.

"Mark is my old time friend from my aerial dancing group," Belén explained, noticing her friends' looks. "He's been helping me get back in shape for the show."

"You're coming right?" Mark then asked of the two men who had yet to say anything after introducing themselves. "Belén's really nervous because it's her first show after so many years."

"Yeah, we'll be there," Cisco broke out of his trance to respond.

"Great," Mark glanced back at Belén, "We should go. Ingrid's looking for us."

Belén nodded and handed him the inflatable hammer to take Axel's hand. "I'll see you guys tonight then," she said to Cisco and Joe.

"Are they, you know…?" Joe felt awkward asking the question on a woman that wasn't even related to him. But he knew that despite Barry purposely avoiding Belén, he still so very much cared for her.

"I have...no idea," Cisco admitted. They'd practiced together but Belén had never mentioned anything about dating again.

As Belén and Mark walked off, Belén was laughing. "Ingrid's so gonna kill you for that one."

They stopped at a stall where some of their other aerial dance friends were. Almost immediately, Axel spotted yet another toy he wanted and despite Belén telling him no, Mark offered a 'yes'. He took Axel's hand and smugly waved goodbye at Belén who didn't look so mad as she struggled not to laugh instead.

As she calmed, however, she felt like someone was looking at her. She glanced back but saw no one specific that had an interest in her. Thinking it was just her imagination, she focused back on her team. It would be impossible to spot Barry in the midst of so many people. But that was how he could catch brief moments of her without having to be so close and so...tempted to talk with her. She looked happy, and that was what he wanted the most. She didn't have to keep hurting because of him, no. She deserved better and she was finally getting it.

Barry wasn't too sure of her new friends since he preferred not to look them up like a jealous ex-boyfriend (which he told himself he was not) would. He just knew that they were part of her aerial team. He recognized only one, though, because he had met Mark the day Belén took him to the show Barry had bought her tickets to. And although it shouldn't, it irked Barry that Belén had spent so much time with Mark over these last couple of months.

And perhaps if Barry hadn't been so focused on his thoughts he would have seen a strange man snapping a picture of him from afar...as well as one of Belén's.

"Datura," the strange man mumbled and hurried to leave before anyone noticed him.

Time later, the mayor of the city appeared to address the massive crowd. He walked down the stage to stand before the podium. "Good morning, Central City," he began, "A year ago, our world changed. Our city became ground zero for... some pretty weird stuff. We got a new breed of criminal: Men and women who defied not only our laws, but physics and reason. But we got something else, too. We got the Flash! Our wounds run deep as we have lost people in the process, and I know many of you are afraid of what threats tomorrow may bring. But the Flash doesn't just protect us, he restores hope where it was lost. That's why I'm honored to present the key to the man who saved Central City: The Flash!" He raised a miniature golden key propped on a black platform intending for the Flash to take it.

There was a couple of minutes in which the crowd could only look around to see if the man of the hour would show up. But, thankfully, Barry sped straight up to the stage. Instantly, the crowd cheered for him.

The Mayor turned from the podium to address Barry. "The doors to Central City will forever be open for you, Flash."

Although heavily uncomfortable, Barry played the role the city so desperately wanted him to play and reached to take the key.

"LOOK OUT!" Joe suddenly screamed at the sight of a meals-on-wheels lunchtruck flying midair towards the stage.

Barry quickly took the mayor and zipped off the stage. The crowd screamed and dispersed as the truck crashed onto the stage. Among the crowd, Belén grabbed her nephew and ran to safety without looking back. Cops failed to stop the mysterious culprit who hid underneath a black, metal mask. He proved to be quite strong when he threw Barry over a cop's car with little effort.

Joe had to break Cisco from a sudden trance in order to get the man's newly-finished device that would apparently help them fight off metahumans. Cisco handed Joe a metal device fashioned in the manner of a bazooka or gun. Joe shot towards the metahuman and out sprang a metal clamp that attached itself to the metahuman's leg. It gave off electricity but instead of harming the metahuman, it enlarged him. Barry got up from his fall and spotted gas tanks meant to be used for the food. He rushed over and returned with two of them in his hands.

"What are you doing!?" Joe eyed the tanks in confusion.

"I'm throwing, you're shooting," Barry warned of the quick plan. He threw the tanks towards the metahuman and Joe swiftly shot at both of them, making them explode right over the metahuman. The two were blown back from the force but were able to look up in time to see the metahuman had also been blown back. His mask opened up for a split second to reveal a very familiar face underneath.

"That's Al Rothstein," Joe pointed with a shaking finger. "The body we found at the nuclear plant, he's alive!"

Al's mask re-closed again and he made his escape.

~ 0 ~

Later that same day, Cisco made a visit to Belén's home which, as he was seeing the woman in question planting a 'For sale' sign on the front yard, was about to become ex-home.

"Uuh, what are you doing?" Cisco came to a stop with an incredulous look.

Belén finished sticking the pole into the ground and looked back, clapping her hands to rid of dust. "Putting a sign up?"

"Wh-why?" Cisco's voice broke with incredible emotion that for a moment Belén laughed.

"Cisco, I'm moving to a smaller apartment - not out of the city of course."

"Oh thank God!" Cisco put a hand over his chest and came up to her, dramatically sighing. "I don't need this, you know!"

Belén rolled her eyes. "Cisco, c'mon! Think I would leave the city without telling you?" Cisco tilted his head at her, reminding her that she had in fact done that already. "Okay, I wouldn't do that anymore. I found a place, okay?"

"You did? And you didn't tell us?" Cisco feigned a heavy offence.

Belén lightly punched him on the arm. "Stop that!"

Cisco sobered up and saw Axel playing on the front porch with a couple of toys. Belén became serious and started to clean up the mess the sign on the yard had left.

"It's just hard to live here, Cisco," she said suddenly. "I lost my Dad, my sister and my twin. The house is just full of reminders. Plus-" she glanced at him, "-it's a lot cheaper to live in an apartment."

"Bells you know if you need anything you can ask me right?"

Belén smiled softly. "Of course. Now, since I know you're supposed to be at work, can I ask what you needed?"

Immediately a cheekish smile spread across Cisco's face. "So, actually, Joe and I have been looking into our new metahuman-"

"Even though I would assume Barry told you all 'no'?"

"Exactly-" Cisco nodded and went on, "-but Iris mentioned that when the guy went all high and tall, all the nearby x-ray machines totally, like, failed. So i think maybe there's something connected there."

"Reasonable," Belén concluded. "Uh, but, where do I come in?"

"Well, I really need to see Cait but I doubt she'll approve of me getting into Mercury Labs if I tell her beforehand what I'm planning so...could you come with me?"

"You want a free pass into Mercury Labs," Belén couldn't help chuckled. She always had a free entrance into Mercury Labs since her father used to work there.

"C'mon! Dr. McGee practically loves you and let's you waltz in right past through security any time you want. It would be a lot easier if you came."

"Cisco," Belén shook her head at him but couldn't stop laughing.

"Please come with me?" Cisco clapped his hands together to plead with her.

"Cisco…" Belén looked back at her nephew on the porch, "I have plans with Iris for lunch. She's gonna take Axel for the night since my show is in about-" she checked her phone's time, "-four hours. So I have no one to look after Axel right now."

"Bring him along, then!" Cisco easily devised the solution. "Caitlin is a sucker for kids. One big smile from Axel and we're good to go." Belén was still reluctant however. She hadn't exactly seen Caitlin since the singularity killed her husband. "Bells, please. The last fight had Barry thrown right into a cop's car-"

"Is he okay!?" Belén reacted fast and worried.

For a moment, Cisco wanted to smile, but if he did he knew the chances of Belén coming with him would go scarce. "He's fine, but next time he may not get so lucky. This guy can go Hulk if you know what I mean. So it would really help if we can get to Caitlin."

With that explanation, how could Belén say no? Of course she wanted to help, even if Barry didn't want it. "Let me just grab Axel a jacket," she said and rushed off into the house.

Cisco did a small punch in the air as she ran off.

~0~

In such a professional workspace, the last thing Caitlin expected to hear was a child's laughter in the hallway. The moment she looked up from her microscope, she saw Cisco, Belén and Axel walking into the lab. Cisco was instantly awed by the various machinery in the room. Belén could care less what was inside the room - she was more interested and quieting down the child with her.

"That is the last time Dr. McGee gives you a lollipop," she mumbled and walked him and herself up to Caitlin. "Hi Caitlin."

Caitlin smiled at the woman, and the child. "Hi Belén. Axel."

"Hi, Caitlin!" he exclaimed back and gasped at the wall full of funny porthole-like windows on the wall behind Caitlin. "Ooh!" he snatched his hand from Belén's and ran up to them.

At the same time, Cisco did the same and followed after him. "Sweet Sarek. Is that a 6K proton splicer?"

"A what-what now?" Belén crossed her arms.

Caitlin chuckled. "Yes, it is. Dr. McGee insists on having all the latest technology."

"Wow," Cisco looked back with a goofy smile on his face. "You deserve it."

"Cisco?" Belén called and pointed at Axel next to him who was trying to stick his lollipop into a hole of machine.

"You ruined your lollipop!" Cisco swiped the kid off the floor and brought him back to his aunt. "I spotted you, at the rally today, and I'm guessing you saw what happened," he said to Caitlin who sighed in return

"Cisco, I can't come back."

"Trust me," Belén bitterly laughed, "Barry wouldn't want you there anyways."

Cisco felt awkwardness begin to settle in the room and decided to change the topic for the real reason they were there in the first place. "Okay, check this out: we found this-" he pulled a Ziploc bag from his pocket that held a small, metal squared object inside, "-on a victim at the nuclear power plant, but the badge shows absolutely nothing at all, which is so weird. What's also weird is that at the same time that meta-human grew, all the x-ray machines within a mile radius just went belly-up."

Caitlin politely let him talk, get it out of his system, but when she saw where he was headed she had to cut him off. If only she could. "Cisco-"

Cisco put the object on her desk, sliding towards her. "Just... if you could just... See if the badge was tampered with or something. I mean, if it's broken, or... Whatever. It'll really help."

Belén his her smile as Caitlin mocked a scolding face at Cisco. With her face, she moved over to the shelves opposite of them to get started on the task.

"I've gotta get going," Belén announced and set Axel on the floor, this time keeping his small hand in a tight hold. "Iris is waiting and I've got a busy, busy night."

Caitlin remembered and called to her just as she turned to leave. "Thank you for the invitation."

Belén glanced back, "You know the public's invited. I just made it my business to make sure and invite my friends specifically."

Caitlin smiled nonetheless. "Still. I know I haven't been good at keeping connections with everyone, but…" and even as she fought against it, her eyes teared up.

"Cait, it's okay," Belén came back to give her a hug. "I understand that process - grieving and mourning is difficult. We get it. We all do."

Caitlin saw Cisco also giving her a nod of agreement. She smiled at both of them and promised she would be there at the community theater just like the rest.

~0~

Because Jitters was still out of business from the singularity - though there were rumors someone was apparently constructing it again during nights - Iris had chosen another small cafe shop to eat lunch at. She and Belén had taken to going there during their lunch breaks, even getting to know some of the employees there. Iris was already sitting at a booth when she saw Belén and Axel coming in. Belén was holding a small backpack meant to hold all of Axel's belongings Iris would need for the night. She wasn't quite sure what Axel would throw at her but she was insistent with Belén to leave the boy with her for the night while Belén celebrated her night. Iris just wanted to help Belén in any way that she could. She couldn't imagine taking on a four year old and adding a second job was easy.

"Sorry we're a bit late," Belén ushered Axel into the booth. "I had to go with Cisco to Mercury Labs and then someone-" she threw a look to Axel who was already reaching for a menu on the table, "-couldn't decide if he wanted to bring along Woody or Buzz Lightyear."

Axel could feel his aunt's eyes on him and made his defense. "They re my favorite!"

"Always go with Woody," Iris wagged a finger at Axel who giggled in return.

"I took both!" he informed excitedly. "Aunt Belén says you don't have toys anymore."

"I'm sure we can dig through Barry's things and find something," Iris promised and looked at her friend. "Did I hear you went to Mercury Labs with Cisco?"

"Uh, yeah," Belén reached for a menu and started to skim through it. "He said something about needing Cait to look over a badge or something. Apparently it connects back to your metahuman problem."

"Our metahuman problem," Iris corrected.

Belén lowered the menu and, with a face, "Barry would disagree."

"Well, that needs to change," Iris retorted but Belén scoffed.

"Good luck."

Iris was a bit annoyed to see Belén in such indifference. She knew it was a fake. It had to be. Belén wouldn't stop caring like that no matter how much she tried.

"Belén, you can help us changing his mind-"

"I can't do anything anymore, remember?" Belén interjected seriously. "That's what happens when a couple breaks up. You, though, you're his sister, you can help him more than anyone." Belén shifted uncomfortably and went back to reading off the menu.

"I don't care what you nor Barry say, I know you still care, both of you."

Belén's eyes flickered up from the menu. "He talks about me still?" Iris made a 'duh' face in return. "Iris...it doesn't matter anymore. You want him to stop going out there alone? Then stop listening to him for God's sake! He keeps pushing you all away because you let him. It gets easier when you stop pushing."

Iris' eyes blinked fast for a couple of seconds before she got an idea. "Oh my god, you are a genius. I should have came to you months ago!"

Belén playfully rolled her eyes. When the waitress came by, she ordered Axel a grilled cheese sandwich and a salad for herself. Iris ordered herself a chicken sandwich.

"I miss soda so much," Belén dramatically sighed as she passed Axel a child's cup of soda.

Iris smiled in amusement. She knew Belén was eating light for her show in a couple of hours, but over the months of training she had to eat healthier in order to be able to perform at her top shape.

"And donuts - man I really miss donuts," Belén shook her head.

"Just one more night," Iris reminded for support.

Belén nodded and took a breath. "I'm actually really nervous. What if I mess up the dance?"

"Hey, you will be perfect!" Iris shut down any thoughts like those. "My dad, Axel and I will be there front row, right Axel?"

"Yes!" Axel nodded and took a sip from his soda.

"Caitlin agreed to come too," Belén shared with a small smile.

"Oh my god, that's great!" Iris felt this could truly be the returning to normal she really wanted to see. "We'll be there, don't worry."

And she didn't say it out loud but she knew Barry wouldn't miss it either. He had always been curious of how the whole aerial dancing worked to begin with. Knowing Belén was the star of the show, there was no way he would skip out on it.

Iris' phone rang and when she pulled it out from her purse she showed it to Belén. "It's a text from Cisco."

"What's he say?" Belén wondered.

"Caitlin came through with the examination apparently. There was a connection like I thought." Iris looked up expecting to see more interest from Belén, but there was none. "The metahuman uses radiation or something to fuel his powers," Iris tried again in a different pitch but still Belén did nothing. "Do you just not care anymore?" Iris frowned.

"Who cares?" Belén tried. "Not like I'll be working there. And even if you follow my advice, what then? Will I just waltz in-"

"Yes! Yes you will!" Iris found herself near shouting that she stopped talking for a moment to better collect herself. "You should," she began after a minute and in a quieter tone, "Because Barry needs you." Belén began to shake her head but Iris was never one to give up. "He says he doesn't but he does. I know it. My dad knows it. Cisco knows it. Barry knows it." Iris sighed, hating to be so insistent but someone had to do it. "You need him too. Don't you care about him?"

Belén's indifference faltered for a split second - and Iris thought it was enough to break through - before she murmured an excuse of having to go use the restroom.

~0~

Following Iris' advice, she, Cisco, Joe and professor Stein met up at STAR Labs to discuss what Caitlin had provided Cisco with. Almost five minutes after getting into the computers, Barry got the alert and sped over thinking someone tried breaking in.

"What are you guys doing here?" he asked, slightly breathless.

Iris looked up from the computer Cisco was showing them on. "Working," she said like it was obvious.

"So, Caitlin was right," Cisco said after professor Stein looked over the information.

"Yes, all humans contain small amounts of radiation due to contact with cell phones, microwaves, televisions, et cetera," Stein replied. "Our bodies are natural conductors."

Cisco thought out loud. "I think our meta's been sucking up all the radiation around him and using it to power himself."

Iris understood and gasped. "Which is why the x-ray machines at the hospital failed the day of the rally."

"So if we want to find him, we gotta look for places without radiation!" Cisco concluded and delved on a computer, suddenly missing it so much.

"Alright, guys, I don't want any of you here right now," Barry motioned them they could leave. However this time, they were all acting on Belén's advice.

"Tough. You need your partners," Joe pointed at him. "You need your friends."

Iris looked up again and walked over to Barry. "Barry, everyone in this room cares about you, but we also care about this city. We all want to make a difference, and that means fighting meta-humans, and that means working with the Flash. You can't deny us that. Not anymore."

Cisco suddenly cheered. "Got him! There's a three block dead zone near a hazardous waste reclamation plant. It should be blooming with rads, and right now it's at zero!"

"That's where you'll find your atom smasher!" Stein exclaimed so excitedly. "Because he absorbs atomic power, and he, well, smashes."

Cisco seemed in awe of the man. "Come here!" he embraced Stein in a tight hug.

"That's a great name. Welcome to the team!"

Impatient Barry tried yet again to make them leave. "Great, guys, thank you. You can go now, all right?"

"Barry, you need to let Cisco and Stein figure out a way to stop this guy-" Joe began but, now irritated they weren't listening to him Barry cut him off.

"No, I don't!" he sped off with his suit.

Cisco picked up a small ear device from the desk that hadn't been there a moment ago. "Barry left his comm system behind. We can't talk to him. He's on his own."

Indeed Barry had gone off alone to find Al again. The metahuman turned out to be exactly where Cisco had said. But in the cortex, they weren't prepared to let Barry stay on his own. Cisco looked for security cameras to help them see what Barry was doing.

Barry used a whirlwind move on Al but only mildly pushed Al back. Seeing it hadn't worked, Barry went in to punch him. Al grabbed an upperhand and struck Barry around the collarbone. He rolled into the ground and before he could even blink, Al seized him by the neck and slammed him against a brick wall...repeatedly..

It proved that he did need his friends. Because back there, they managed to get into the alarm system and activated it to give Barry the distraction he needed to get away.

He sped back into the STAR Labs building, coming to a stumbling stop in the corridor. He stumbled side to side, his head feeling like it was still being slammed against a wall. With no control, Barry collapsed to the floor. Seconds later, the others emerged to help him.

"Oh my God!" Iris watched as her father and Cisco picked the unconscious Barry off the ground and headed for the cortex. Without thinking, she rushed for her purse and pulled out her phone.

~0~

Belén sat on a makeup and hair chair watching as the stylist gently placed a flower crown with big, hot-pink Azaleas around it over her hair. She heard her phone ringing on the table and reached to answer it.

"Hello?" Belén was cautious in placing her phone over her ear. The hairstyle was a nifty one that still needed to settle with the hairspray.

"Belén, you gotta get over here!" Iris began to shout on the other line.

"What? Go where?" Belén frowned. She mouthed a 'thank you' to the stylist and waited for her to go before continuing with Iris on the phone. "Iris, please stop shouting I can't understand you!"

"It's that metahuman I told you earlier! Barry didn't listen to us and went to fight him-"

"Is he okay?" Belén got up from her chair and turned away from the mirror. "Iris?"

"He's, well...he's outcold, but he got hit real bad. And on the head!"

Belén sighed, feeling her heart clench as she felt Iris' distress. "Is he going to be okay…?"

"I don't know. Probably. With his fast healing. But, we think it may be awhile until he wakes up again."

Belén bit her lip and glanced at the clock striking seven.

"Belén, I know you still care," Iris spoke after a moment of silence. "That's why I called you."

"Iris, I can't do this anymore…" Belén shook her head. "I can't...I can't keep listening to the same thing over and over. It's done. Barry and I are done."

"Yeah, well, if that was true then you wouldn't still be on the line with me," Iris cleverly responded with. "Barry's going to be outcold for a while. Do what you want with that information." She hung up after that, leaving Belén to ponder.

She looked at the clock on the wall again. Clutching her phone to her chest, she thought long and hard.

~ 0 ~

Joe remained alone sitting beside Barry's unconscious body in the cortex. Everyone else had gone off to get ready for Belén's show, but he had opted to remain back for when Baryr woke up he wouldn't be alone. When he heard someone clearing their throat he half-expected Iris to be there but instead found Belén there.

"Belén?" he rose from his chair, staring at the woman questionably.

She had come in with a styled hair, loose curls around her face and a tilted Azalea flower crown over her head. "Hi…" she greeted nervously, her eyes drifting to Barry behind him. "Um, Iris called...and she...she said something about Barry fighting a metahuman?"

"Oh, yeah. He won't stop doing things alone," Joe sighed and glanced back at Barry. "I don't know how else to get through to him."

"He's stubborn like that," Belén slowly came forwards.

"Yeah, he is." Joe looked back at her. "Aren't you supposed to be doing that...show thing?"

"Yes, in about thirty minutes," Belén nodded her head. She managed to sneak out of the theater without anyone catching her, but by now they were probably going crazy trying to find her.

"And you came here?" Joe raised an eyebrow at the sheepish woman. "For Barry?"

"I'm crazy like that," Belén turned her pink-nailed hands to her palms. "Do you mind if I, uh…" she pointed at Barry, "I promise I'll be like five minutes max. I gotta get back fast."

"Yeah, no, go ahead!" Joe quickly made himself sparse. With any luck, Barry would wake up while she was there and listen to her.

Belén waited for him to leave before she went up to Barry's side. She sat down on Joe's chair and looked at Barry. "Look at where are now," she sighed. She reached for her flower crown that was threatening to fall and pulled it off her head, placing it on the small metal table beside the bed. "I keep telling them all that I don't care anymore but apparently I'm not a good liar. I do care, Barry, and still so much." She raised her head and revealed reddish eyes. "It's been six months and it still breaks my heart that you decided for both of us we're better off without each other."

"How could you think that, Barry!?" Belén practically screamed at him. She watched Barry pace back and forth in her living room. "How could you think that I would ever agree with this!?"

"Belén, it's for the best!" Barry stopped to look at her. He had to force himself to look at her while she cried because of him. "Look at you - every time you cry it's because of something that I did. I don't...I can't do that to you anymore."

"That's not true!" Belén continued to shout.

"I failed at doing the one thing that would end up helping you as much as it would have me. I didn't change the time line and now my mother's dead, my father's in jail." Barry reached for her arms. "I...couldn't bring back your dad, I let your sister go to jail and your brother's in a coma. Nothing changed."

"Barry, please," Belén's voice broke. "I need you."

"Soon, you won't," Barry promised her, his own heart breaking with those words. It was going to be hard staying away from her, letting her move on from him, but he felt it was the right thing to do. "I'm sorry, Bells, but people died because of me...and the last thing I ever want to see is the same thing to happen to you." He kissed her forehead and looked down at her. "I want you to be happy."

Belén felt his hands leave her arms after. "Barry?" he shook his head and made his way for the front door. Belén turned around and watched with tears in her eyes as he walked out.

In the present, Belén was struggling to control her tears. She couldn't ruin her makeup or else she really would get it later. "I got it now, what you were trying to do. I didn't agree with it - I still don't - but I understood what you wanted. The day you stop blaming yourself for things that you had no control of will be the day I can finally understand science." She shook her head and rose from her chair. Her hand reached for one of Barry's and it suddenly felt like she was at home again. "I miss you, Barry. I do care, but it doesn't matter I guess." She gripped his hand for a moment then let it go. "You know-" she bit her lip as a small, bitter smile spread across her face, "-tonight was the night I was supposed to say goodbye to the Azalea and bury her for good...but I decided I didn't want to do that. Instead, I guess I'm saying goodbye to you." She stifled a sob and bit the inside of her cheek. Pressing a hand to the bed, she leaned to Barry and kissed his cheek. "Goodbye, Barry."

It was like she was making an escape with the way she rushed out of the room. Her tears were beginning to fall so she had to keep patting the sides of her eyes. She just wouldn't look back anymore.

Joe returned to the cortex a while later. He came back to his chair and spotted the Azalea flower crown Belén accidentally left behind. There passed fifteen minutes of utter silence before Barry gasped awake.

"Hey!" Joe quickly set out to make sure he was fine.

"Where is everyone?" Barry breathed heavily as he returned to normal. The last thing he remembered was escaping Al's wrath, but that had only been by a bare minimum.

"They're all at the city's theater," Joe cleared his throat. "It's near eight."

"Right…" of course Barry remembered what was on tonight. He had made plans to sneak in and get a glimpse of the star.

"You're not gonna do this anymore," Joe announced after a minute. "For the last six months I've given you your space to work all this out, come back to us. But today proved that you'd rather just get yourself killed."

Barry stared up at the ceiling and bitterly laughed. "It's better than getting my friends killed."

Joe expected that sort of answer and shook his head. "You want me to tell you that it wasn't your fault? I can't. It was. Guess what? You weren't the only person making decisions that day. All of the rest of us were there too. Eddie and Ronnie, they chose to help you stop Wells, and stop that…"

"Singularity," Barry said for him.

"Singularity thing. It's on all of us, Barry. So stop with this hogging all the blame and regret. We gotta live with it. Move on."

A single tear strolled down Barry's cheek. "What do I do now?"

"Well, I know that you've been rebuilding Central City at night. It's just bricks and paint. Maybe you should start trying to rebuild…" Joe reached for the flower crown and held it for Barry to see, "...things that really matter."

For a moment, Barry was confused to find that there. His eyes trailed the Azaleas and soon enough he made his own theories. Joe handed the crown over to Barry who took it with such delicacy. He stared at it long and hard; his heart felt like it was breaking all over again.

~ 0 ~

The theater had created an Azalea themed show to give tribute to the fallen metahuman. In the front row there was Iris, Axel, Cisco, Caitlin, even professor Stein and his wife Clarissa had gotten prime seats. They all got to watch their friend climb and swing on bright silk in a graceful manner. It was truly amazing to see people so balanced enough to hold their entire bodies using only one silk. Ones would twist on their feet, another would drop in a rapid unwinding manner, etc.

Barry appeared midway through the show, but as Iris had predicted it was without letting others know; he chose to remain in the back towards the sidelines. The last thing he wanted was to break Belén's focus. His heart nearly leaped out from his chest when he would see her take those consecutive falls down. He truly felt like at one point she would slip and actually fall to the floor...but she proved to be just that talented. His eyes followed her every movement. At one point, she'd done an incredible ankle hang which consisted of her hanging upside down with a silk wrapped around one ankle. She pulled her upper body down, making one thing it had to have hurt her body at some point but the truth was she'd been practicing really hard to get the move right. And judging by the cheers of the crowd, she'd done good. Her last act had her sitting back up then pushing herself to once again be on her toes. She twirled herself various times then let herself swing backwards, eventually swinging upside down using only her feet.

Barry may or may not have lost it thinking she would fall. You're trying to kill me, he swallowed hard.

They were nearing the end of the show, and in all that time Barry had not let his eyes focus on anything that was not Belén. She looked beautiful, absolutely beautiful and at home doing what she loved to do. She seemed happy, and for a moment Barry thought himself selfish for trying to come back to her.

Had he not been so focused on her, he might have seen a hooded figure on the other side of the audience walking in.

Belén swung the silk around her left thigh and used it to twirl. She passed the silk over her waistline then gently twirled again. She did a fast-paced, final twirl and began to climb her way upwards. Just as she made to wrap the silk around her again there was a loud gunshot that rang in the room. Immediately she felt something collide into her left arm, just above her elbow. She let out a shaky gasp as she used both her hands to hold onto the silk. With the pain coursing through her arm, her strength wasn't quite enough for a strong hold. In the crowd there was duress as everyone tried to figure out who had fired. Iris had grabbed Axel and held him impossibly close while Barry began to scope out the area.

But the hooded figure shot again and this time it went for Belén's collarbone, effectively knocking her backwards.

Barry sped towards the stage and caught her in time. He stopped outside the theater and looked at her shaking body. "Bells?"

Despite being in crucial pain, Belén managed to express her shock of seeing him. "B-Barry? You...you came - ah!" She threw her head back with a groan.

"H-Hang on okay, I'm gonna get you to the hospital!" Barry sped off for the only hospital Belén could safely be admitted into.

~ 0 ~

What seemed like hours later, Dr. Nina Clarke walked into the hospital's waiting room where Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, Iris (with a sleeping Axel in her arms) anxiously waited to get word on their friend. It had been a mess getting out of the theater with all the cops and the witnesses. Joe had remained on site to personally get the details while the rest headed to the hospital to see their friend. The entire audience had seen 'the Flash' take the show's lead away and so the aerial team was a bit more comfortable thinking their teammate would be good.

"Hey," Barry was the first to see Nina and quickly rushed up to her. He hadn't been able to sit down like the others. "H-how is she?"

"She's gonna have a hell of pain for some time but she'll be fine," Nina said to everyone's relief. "The bullets didn't get far so nothing important has been damaged. She'll just have some patches and probably will have to restrain the use of her left arm for a bit."

"But sh-she'll be completely fine?" Barry needed to hear that nothing would happen to Belén.

"She'll be just fine," Nina confirmed. "And no one here knows anything about her meta powers, alright? Did the records myself."

"Thanks," Barry said. In the moment, he probably could have let Caitlin help Belén, but it would've been a lot harder since everything at STAR Labs was effectively put away except his suit.

"Can we see her?" Caitlin inquired from Nina, getting up from her spot beside Iris.

"Yes, but not too many people," Nina warned them.

"Promise," Cisco raised a hand.

Nina smiled but as she looked around she grew serious. She made a motion with her hand for them to get close. When they did, she got to business. "What actually happened out there? I thought it was just a theater show?"

"It was meant to be," Cisco muttered. "But then someone shot her - twice!"

"I couldn't see anyone from where I was," Barry shook his head.

"And none of us saw anyone either," Caitlin added.

Nina sighed at Belén's luck. "Well, I hope they catch that person. Belén was really excited to get back on stage. She deserved better." With that, she left the group to continue her shift.

"I'm gonna go see Bells," Cisco declared and glanced at Barry to see if it was fine. When Barry gave a nod, Cisco took Caitlin with him into the hallway for Belén's room.

Barry turned back to sit next to Iris when they both saw Joe coming into the room. "Hey," Barry hurried to meet the older man, "So, did you get him?"

"No," Joe shook his head and felt bad as the other two sighed.

"Did you at least get clues?" Iris asked.

"There were a couple of witnesses saying they saw a man in a black mask and hoodie walking out of the theater-"

"That's Al Rothstein," Barry said instantly, his hatred for the new metahuman multiplying tenfold. "It's got to be."

Joe nodded in agreement. He had thought the same thing when he got the descriptions from the witnesses.

"I'm gonna get him," Barry gritted his teeth together and made a move for the exit.

Joe grabbed his arm and yanked him back. "You are not going anywhere."

"Joe, he shot-"

"I know what he did. Everyone knows what he did. But you are not going to go after him until we have a good, clear plan," Joe said and looked at Iris for some backup.

The woman nodded her head. "He's right, Barry. You're just gonna get yourself hurt and when Belén wakes up you won't be there. Is that what you want?"

Barry, frustrated, turned away from the two. "No," he muttered.

"Then please, sit down and wait for Cisco and Caitlin to come back so we can go in and see Bells."

Like a child, Barry did as told and took a seat next to Iris.

"I'm gonna go give a call to Detective Greene," Joe turned to leave when Barry called to him, getting up as well.

"Wait, you're calling Belén's mom?"

"Uh, yeah," Joe thought it was a given that it was going to happen. "If my kid was shot I'd like to know too."

"Yeah, it's just...Bells doesn't have the best relationship with her…"

"Veronica can be whatever Belén wants, but she still is the mother and she deserves to know what happened to her daughter." Joe gave his last word on that topic and walked away.

"He's right," Iris said after a moment. Barry turned around and went back for his seat. As he delve his face into his hands, Iris stared at him. "So? What are you gonna do?"

Barry raised his head to meet her questionable face. "What?"

Iris nodded towards the hallway, regarding Belén. "You just saw her getting shot - twice - and you're not thinking about how to talk with her now?"

"It's a bit difficult after six months," Barry argued and took in a breath. "What am I supposed to say? 'Oh, hey Bells, sorry for once again letting one of my enemies hurt you. Other than that, how are you?'" he shot Iris a sharp look.

"You cannot be blaming yourself for that," Iris shook her head. She really should have seen that one coming. "You don't even know what Al was planning. He doesn't know who Belén is, remember?"

"Then why else would he go after her specifically?" Barry asked, wishing he knew that answer.

"I don't know," Iris came up blank as well. "Maybe he heard that the show was in honor of the Flash's supposed deceased partner and he thought if he made an appearance you would be there."

"I'm gonna find him...and he's gonna pay," Barry swore, clenching one fist.

Iris smiled and looked ahead. About damn time, she thought.

~ 0 ~

As Nina had warned the group later in the night, Belén had not regained consciousness for the entire night and following morning. She missed out on the various visitors that came to see how she was doing. Among those were her old college friends, her aerial team and Linda Park from CC Picture News. She slept through it all.

It was midday when she finally gave signs of life apart from her beeping machine beside her. Her fingers twitched as she drew in the breath she always took before waking up.

Her vision was a bit blurry till she blinked it away. When she did, she found Barry sitting on a chair beside her bed. It took her a moment to deduce that this was indeed real and not some sort of dream.

"Bells?" Barry saw her confused expressions and worried there was something wrong with her. "Belén? Can you hear me?"

Belén's gaze fixated on him and for a moment all she did was stare, her eyes squinting.

"There's something wrong," Barry deduced, nodding to himself and moving to get up from his chair. "I'm going to go call Nina."

Belén had to salivate her unused mouth in order to croak his name and stop him. The moment she tried to move she felt a sharp jab at her on her arm and collarbone. "Oh!"

Barry instinctively turned around and ran back. "Hey! Don't try to move, okay?"

"Oooh…" she scrunched her nose and turned her head to her left side, looking down at the large white patch sticking out from under her hospital gown. "What the hell…?"

"Do you not remember what happened?" Barry wondered if the entire thing had passed so fast that she hadn't retained it. He pulled his chair closer and sat down, reaching out to make sure she wouldn't move anymore.

"I was…" she looked to the side, "...dancing...I think."

"Yeah, you were. You were performing, remember?"

"But there was, um, uh...there was a…"

"A gunshot," Barry said for her and elicited a quick look from her. "Someone shot you, twice."

"Of course," Belén sighed. "That's the only way you'd talk to me again."

Barry felt the jab at his heart he knew he deserved so much. "Bells…"

"Because it's always like that, isn't it?" she slowly looked at him again. "I have to be near death for you to speak to me after some fight."

"You have every right to be mad with me-"

"I'm not mad, Barry," Belén sighed and looked away for a moment. "I was in the beginning. I was so mad at you. But then, after a while...I understood your reasons - I didn't agree with them - but I knew what you were trying to do. Even though-" she sarcastically glanced at him, "-it was the stupidest thing ever."

"Yeah, it was," Barry agreed with a fast nod of his head. "But I was trying to keep you safe, to make sure that you were happy."

"Do I look happy?" came the rapid snap.

"You looked incredibly happy when you were dancing."

Belén turned her head at him, staring in silence. "You were there?"

"I was there," Barry started to smile as he remembered her ethereal dances. "You were stunning. I have never seen talent like that before." There was a creep of a blush settling over Belén's face as she listened to his praises. "You were the star of the show - everyone loved you. I loved seeing you like that, happy while you did what you wanted. It's exactly what I wanted to see from you."

"That wasn't a decision you had the right to make," Belén whispered. "I was happy doing the aerial dancing, course, because it was something I always loved to do. But to say that I'm truly happy is a lie. I'm not."

"But you were, I saw you," Barry insisted. "You went out with your friends...you laughed, you smiled…" he would not add the parts where he was sure she was beginning to date that Mark.

"They were my friends, what was I supposed to do?" Belén raised an eyebrow. "Dump my problems on them? That's what my therapist is for. You made a decision that did not involve just you, period. You were wrong. You still are. Do you know that I said goodbye to you yesterday? Before my show? I actually left to go see you after you fought that metahuman...and I said my goodbye because I thought I deserved better than to mope for someone who didn't care anymore-"

"Hey, you can be mad but I never stopped caring about you," Barry made a point to correct and leave clarified.

"You didn't care enough to take my feelings into consideration," Belén's voice cracked. "I lost people and instead of just being there for me, you decided to break up with me? Who does that?" she cleared off some tears from her face with her good arm. "For a genius, you're pretty stupid."

Barry had to smile a bit at her last insult that had been more playful than actually insulting. It meant he still had a shot. "I am," he agreed. "And I wanna make things right. I messed up hugely with you. But I care. I really do. And I may be late but I would really like a second chance with you."

She could not deny that she wouldn't like to have him back, but something prevented her from telling him that right away. She rubbed some tears off her cheek and sighed. "I need to think about it."

The fact she hadn't accepted as fast as he'd like put Barry on edge. What if he had been late? What if she was already moving on from him? If that was the case then he would have to accept it, no doubt.

"I just...I spent six months trying to get over you," she tried to explain her indecision. "I need to think. Please."

"Yeah, no, don't worry," Barry put on his best face for her, leaning away from her. "I get it. I do." And he truly did. He knew he was taking a big chance asking for her to take him back, and he expected a harder challenge. It just didn't stop it from hurting.

Belén could see the disappointment in his eyes and felt bad. But she just couldn't blatantly go back to him.

~ 0 ~

Later that day, while everyone attended to the new metahuman - without Belén's knowledge - Iris and Linda had come over to see her and spend time with her.

"These are some nice flowers," Linda had stopped by one of the tables against the wall where there were several pots of flowers and bouquets of them. "Are those Azaleas?" she eyed the hot pink flowers.

Iris sent a knowing smile at Belén who chuckled.

"Yeah, apparently the flower shops are really abundant with them at the moment," Belén responded the clueless Linda.

"Yeah," the woman turned around, "It's in honor of the Azalea or something."

Iris moved over to grab one of the chairs and pulled it beside Belén's bed. "So, I brought you your laptop so you can Netflix while you're here." Belén laughed as Iris pulled out her laptop and placed it on the small bed stand beside her. "And you don't have to worry about Axel, we're all going to look after him until you're back on your feet."

"Yeah, and your job is safe, don't worry," Linda added. Everyone at CC Picture News heard of their co-worker's accident and of course understood she would have to miss some days, probably weeks, as she recuperated.

"Thank you guys so much," Belén was able to release a true sigh of relief. Being stuck in bed with nothing but her thoughts really stressed her out as she got to thinking of all the bills and Axel and her job.

"Of course," Linda smiled and eyed her friend. "So, redundant question I know, but, how are you feeling?"

"If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that question today I would be rich enough to own half the city," Belén playfully rolled her eyes while the two women chuckled.

"I imagine you've had a lot of visitors," Iris hummed innocently while inspecting her nails. Belén thanked the heavens that Linda had come with Iris so that they would not talk about Barry. That is the last thing she needed right now, honestly.

"Yeah but none of them brought chocolates-" Linda was once again eyeing the gifts brought, "-how rude. And cheap."

Belén genuinely laughed for the first time but only lasted a couple of seconds before it ended with groans due to her collarbone and arm burning. "Oh, maybe crack jokes later, please."

Linda apologized and pulled a chair to sit on the other side of the bed. "Okay, serious time now. Iris and I were going to write an article together-"

"You two?" Belén's eyes flickered from Linda to Iris. "But Linda, you do sports."

"I know, but this is a topic we're both interested in," Linda smiled at Iris, apparently the two already settled for it.

"And we want your input as well," Iris looked at Belén with a mischievous tint in her eyes. "It's about the Azalea."

Before Belén could even react, Linda went on to explain. "We thought since the theater didn't get to finish her tribute, maybe Iris and I could write a killer article that gives a proper goodbye to the Azalea."

Belén's eyebrows raised. Goodbye?

"We wanted your ideas," Linda said, anxiously waiting for Belén's response. "It would be the three us of on the byline for the first time. Do you want to do it?"

Belén had become silent as many thoughts rushed through her mind. Iris suddenly wondered if she and Linda had picked the wrong time to bring up the delicate topic with Belén. When Linda had talked to her about the idea of writing a last article for the Azalea, Iris was so sure that it was only right that the Azalea herself had a chance to be a part of it.

"Bells?" Iris softly called to her friend after Linda tried for a full minute. "Hey?" she reached for Belén's good arm and gently nudged. "Are you okay?"

Belén suddenly seemed determined when she nodded her head. "I want to do it," she declared. "And I already have an idea." Linda seemed happy she agreed and immediately asked what it was. Belén took a deep breath, knowing that when she spoke her next words there would be no going back. "I don't think the Azalea's dead at all."

There were two very different reactions in response. Iris seemed horrified of what Belén had said, her head tilted a bit to the side with a look on her face that just screamed 'what are you doing!?'. Meanwhile, Linda looked like she thought she had just heard wrong.

"Wh-what are you talking about, Belén?" she chuckled a bit. "We all know she's dead. We saw that hole, thing...and-"

"You saw the blackhole, and the Flash, but not the Azalea," Belén corrected. "I mean...everyone is fixated on the idea that the Azalea died trying to help the Flash save the day when in reality we don't know what happened to her."

"Belén…" Iris whispered, "...are you...sure?"

Belén understood her question perfectly and nodded firmly. She was going to plant the seed of her eventual return.

"The Azalea is out there. And she's coming back."

~ 0 ~

Now with the full help of his friends, Barry had a plan to stop Al once and for all. Using a Batman-like symbol, he had lured Al into a random alleyway and was itching to get his well-needed revenge for Belén. He didn't care if Belén took him back or not - Al was going to pay for what he did to her.

"You want me?" he stepped towards Al with a cocky gesture. "You're gonna have to catch me."

Al smirked, thinking it was going to be an easy game. He needed to go home already. When Barry sped off, Al doubled his size and chased after him. Following Cisco's plan, Barry moved into a local nuclear plant that was active. Al slowed down his pace once Barry slowed down as well. The speedster slowly backed away down the room until he entered a glowing blue, tall, circular room/container.

"Didn't think I could catch you, huh?" Al kept his smug face.

"No, I knew you could," Barry responded in the same smug tone. "Now, Cisco!"

From STAR Labs, Cisco had hacked into the nuclear room's power system and activated the lockdown of the smaller room. Before the door slid shut, Barry sped out of it and left Al trapped inside. He watched as the room flooded radiation, causing a breakdown in Al as his body was unable to absorb it all. He returned to his regular size and collapsed on the floor.

"The radiation's been cleared. It's safe for you to go in," Cisco informed Barry through the comms.

When the door re-opened, Barry stepped inside. He kept to the wall just in case Al burst with newfound energy. Although, Al was merely twitching and gasping on the floor which ruled that idea out.

"You're not hurting anyone else," Barry promised him as he bent down beside Al. " Why did you want to kill me?"

"He promised he'd take me home... if I killed you," Al answered through strained words.

"Who? Who promised you that?"

"Zoom."

Well, that made no sense. It sounded like Al named a television show. Barry discarded it in favor of something he truly cared about. "And that girl you shot at the theater? Because I know that was you. Was that meant to be a trap?"

"No…" Al admitted without hesitation. He knew he wasn't making it either way. "It was a...test…"

"What!?" Barry had become even more furious. "What kind of test!? What for!? ANSWER ME!"

"For Datura," Al released a final breath before he died.

~ 0 ~

"I can't believe you did that," Iris closed the laptop between her and Belén after their series was over.

"The whole time we were watching Sense8 you were thinking about the Azalea?" Belén shot the woman a comical look.

"I'm sorry, but knowing that you plan to revive the Azalea is a bit to process!" Iris dramatically threw her hands in the air. "I mean, how are you gonna do that? The city thinks you've been dead for 6 months now."

"I have a plan," Belén promised. "I just need to pull some photos and add some theories. People love hearing theories."

Someone knocked on the open door of the room and sheepishly stepped in. "Good evening," Dr. Baeva greeted the two women politely.

"Dr. Baeva," Belén tried straightening up a bit on the bed to greet the woman but immediately regretted it. "Ow…"

"Belén, stop moving so much," Iris scolded, thinking by now Belén would've learned. She shook her head and reached for her purse sitting on the bed stand. "I should get going. Caitlin was looking after Axel but I thought him staying with me might be better for him."

"Thank you so much for looking after him," Belén couldn't stop repeating.

Iris chuckled. "Don't worry. I will be back tomorrow, okay?" she wagged a finger and Belén nodded. With a polite' goodbye' for Dr. Baeva, she left the room.

"I only just heard…" Dr. Baeva began as she made her way to Belén's side. "Dear Lord, how did this happen?"

Belén glanced at the door to see if any nurses or doctors were nearby before answering. "Apparently, it was the metahuman that attacked the Flash at the city's rally." When Iris had shared the group's belief of the culprit, Belén couldn't finish understanding what she had to do with the metahuman's problems.

"Of course," Dr. Baeva sighed lightly. "So I imagine your friends have regrouped to see you?"

"Yeah," Belén nodded. If there was one thing she could say she was happy about was that this event had pulled her friends back together. "Even Caitlin had come by, and she hasn't spoken to any of us." Dr. Baeva was glad to hear of it. Belén hesitated to say her next thoughts, as this was not a session moment.

But, having seen her for six months, three times a week, had allowed Dr. Baeva to pick up when Belén was keeping things back. "You know, despite it not being technically a session, I am still bound by my patient's confidentiality contract." Belén's eyes drifted away, even more willing to speak. "I could ask how you're doing and probably annoy you with the question I'm sure you have heard plenty for today."

"I have," Belén mumbled and sighed. "I'm confused," she began. Dr. Baeva smiled to herself and took a seat where Iris had been. "Barry came by...and he actually talked to me. Like...sentences, thoughts...feelings," she added very quietly.

"Oh, and that's not good?" Dr. Baeva crossed a leg, looking like this was her office and Belén was visiting on her usual schedule.

"No, yeah, it...it was," Belén nodded. "See, yesterday I actually visited him...while he was...asleep-" she had to leave it at that and not mention his other identity, "-and I said goodbye. I went there thinking that I could let go of him." She swallowed hard, letting a couple of seconds passed by before she spoke again. "But then he came in today - actually Iris says he stayed the night and morning - and he talked, he explained...and he asked for a second chance."

Dr. Baeva didn't look too surprised it had happened in this way given the circumstances. Belén looked distraught with her confusion. "What exactly did you say?" she inquired from the metahuman.

"That I needed to think," Belén answered shyly. "I-I couldn't see myself saying 'yeah, Barry, let's just get back together like nothing ever happened'. It's not fair."

"So…you didn't say 'yes' because you didn't think it's fair?" Dr. Baeva asked plainly, but Belén took it a different way.

"Not like that! I mean…" Belén shut her eyes for a moment.

"You know I am not here to judge you," Dr. Baeva reminded when she felt like Belén was hesitating to speak again. "I simply review what you said."

"I don't think it's fair that after six months of ignoring me he comes back asking to be taken back," Belén said it loud and clear. That was what she felt, and if it was wrong then so be it.

"So then you're still mad about your breakup?"

"I think so, yeah," Belén admitted with a nod of her head.

"Okay, now do you think there is a chance that...you could accept a new relationship with Barry ever again?"

"...I want to," Belén also found herself admitting. "I do want to, but...but I don't...I don't want things to be like they used to."

Dr. Baeva tilted her head, trying to understand what that meant. "How do you mean 'like they used to be'?"

"Exactly what I said. You pointed out that I felt dependent on Barry for my well being, and I don't want that anymore," Belén shook her head. "Six months I tried getting rid of that, and I feel like I've done a good job."

"Belén, is it possible that perhaps you're primarily rejecting the idea of getting back together because you are afraid that your independant development will unravel?"

Belén looked down, only taking a moment to realize the answer was yes. "I do want to be with him...but not like before. I don't want him to always want to protect me."

"I think you are doing very well, Belén," Dr. Baeva genuinely smiled. "Six months ago you came to me wishing nothing but to get things back the way they used to be. Now you want to change for your benefit. But just remember, wanting to be with a man does not mean you are relinquishing your independence. You are human, Belén, and humans long to be with someone whether it's friends or family, or someone intimate. It's okay to want to be with someone. And it's also okay to let them try to protect you."

"Is it?" Belén asked with heavy doubt.

"Of course. Just because someone who cares about you tried to protect you doesn't mean you are suddenly dependent on them. It means they care for you that much. It's human nature to want to protect those we care about, no matter what our relationships are."

A warm smile spread across Belén's face. "Thank you, Dr. Baeva. I needed to hear that," she admitted. The psychologist smiled back, glad she had once again helped the metahuman.

Belén had her company leave after an hour or so, and she went back to Netflix. Nina came in when she could to see how she was doing, or sometimes just to chat. It was late when she had company again, but it still warmed her heart that he would come back despite her words.

"Hey," Barry walked in holding a small card by the looks of it.

"Hi," she greeted quietly.

"I'm only here to visit again," he raised his free hand in a solemn swear. Belén had to laugh. "And Axel made sure that I would give you this." He held out the closed card for her.

With her good arm, Belén took it and opened it with her fingers. Inside was nothing but scribbles with a prominent big round face with lines for eyes and a smile. "Axel," Belén had to laugh again.

"He's fine for tonight," Barry promised. "Iris knew just how to put him to sleep."

"Thank you," Belén said seriously.

"And listen, I came to tell you that the metahuman that did this to you is gone. He's not hurting you again."

"I don't understand why he wanted to hurt me in the first place."

Barry sighed, frustrated neither he nor the group could figure it out. "I don't know, but I'm gonna find out. I promise you."

Belén felt her stomach churn in that way it almost always did with him. Yeah, she missed that.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Barry dug into his jean's pocket, "Axel gave me a toy to go with that-" he pointed at the card, "-think it was a bouncy ball or something."

"Aw," Belén said, "He gave me his bouncy ball? He loves that thing."

Barry laughed as he finally pulled out the blue and white bouncy ball from his pocket. As he did, Belén heard a clang hit the floor.

"What's that?" she took the bouncy ball and tried peering over the bed.

Barry saw it was the white USB Wells' attorney gave him earlier in the day. "Ah, it's uh…" he quickly ventured to pick it up.

"Um, doesn't look like it's nothing," Belén observed his rash behavior.

Barry sighed, agreeing with her. "Apparently, in case of his death, Wells had some kind of a living will."

"So what is that thing, then?" Belén eyed the USB even more curiously.

"I haven't watched it," Barry confessed.

"What? Why? Don't you wanna know what he says?"

"I've... been too afraid, honestly…"

Belén could adhere to that. She glanced at the bed stand on her other side and cleared her throat. "We could, uh...maybe watch it...together?"

Barry's eyes widened. "You would?"

Belén smiled softly. "Of course. I am still your friend."

Although the thought that perhaps it was all they would be from now on, Barry was still admittedly happy she wasn't flatout getting him out of her life.

He got up from his chair and went around the bed to retrieve Belén's laptop. She tried picking it up with one hand before he flatout told her absolutely not. After putting the USB in, he settled it between them two and prepared to see what Wells had left for them.

"Hello, Barry. If you're watching this, that means something has gone horribly wrong," Wells began in video. "I'm dead and the last 15 years have been for nothing. Bummer. 15 years. You know, when I realize that in all those years helping raise you, we were never truly enemies, Barry. I'm not the thing you hate."

"He is really that sadistic," Belén couldn't get believe it. Barry could. He stared at the screen with all the hatred he could ever muster.

"And so, I want to give you the thing that you want most. It won't matter," the video-Wells shook his head, apparently it was funny to him, "You'll never be truly happy, Barry Allen, trust me. I know you. Now...erase everything I said up to this point. Give the following message to the police. My name is Harrison Wells. Being of sound mind and body, I freely confess to the murder of Nora Allen. In her home, on the night of March 18th, in the year 2000. I attacked Nora Allen in her dining room…"

"Oh my God," Belén was speechless. She looked at Barry for his reaction but even he couldn't muster words.

"I stabbed her in the chest with a large butcher knife...

"He confessed," she reached for Barry's arm, gently nudging him. "He actually confessed."

Barry set loose a small laugh as he turned on his chair. "This is it. This is what I need to free my dad!"

"Then go!" Belén shooed him with one hand.

"Caitlin said she would be staying with you-" Barry slowly rose from his chair, of course wanting to speed back to the police station but he didn't want to leave Belén alone either.

"I will be fine! Go!" Belén insisted.

Barry was still unsure as be glanced between her and the open door.

Belén groaned. "Let's make a deal, then. You can go but in return you have to let me write that killer article every journalist in the city is gonna be dying to write about this case."

Barry had to laugh again. "Okay, you got it."

Belén smiled and once again shooed him away. "Go!"

This time he obeyed and hurried out of the room. Belén laughed and settled back on her bed, happy to see that something amazing had finally happened in the city after so much.

Author's Note:

Also, I've been meaning to find a name for all of Belén's stories (like I've named my Doctor Who stories) so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know!!

[raibebe]

On the run

Genre: Fluffy smut Words: 3.343 Prompt: My head says no but my heart says ooh yes For @im-a-special-bebe A/N: This somehow got really out of control and is a lot fluffier than I intended, I hope you enjoy it anyways. ❤ Also if this looks weird on some devices, I’m really sorry but tumblr was really not cooperating well with me today...

You had been on the run now for more days than you could count. The first few all a blur of gunshots and running. Lots of running through the woods, a strong hand either pushing you foreward or pulling you with him.

When your father had assigned an officer to protect you at the base, you had laughed thinking it was a joke. But when you realized he wasn’t joking, you became angry. You didn’t need a babysitter and the base was the most secure place in miles. It didn’t help that officer Son - like he had introduced himself with a deep bow - was not only strangely quiet and followed his orders with great precision but also was breathtakingly handsome. He wasn’t as bulky as some of the other soldiers but he had brought shoulders and his legs were filling out the uniform pants quite nicely. Not to speak of those full lips that were meant to be kissed.

When the sirens suddenly got off in the middle of the night, he had wasted no time to first barricade your room to give you time to not only get dressed but to pack a few essential items before he managed to sneak you out of the base and into the surrounding woods.

You had never asked where he was leading you, didn’t care anymore as long as the place had running water and something different to eat then the cans you had been eating whenever officer Son seemed fit.

Right now he was walking in front of you, compass and map in his hands, big rifle strung up on his backpack. He had killed people with that. People who tried to either kill you or him. Probably you. You were the general’s daughter after all. But still it made no sense to you why they were hunting you like crazy persons. They apparently had enough people and weapons to attack a military base and take it over. Why would they keep hunting you?

Lost in your thoughts you didn’t pay enough attention to the narrow path your protector was leading you through and your foot got caught on a rather large root. Screeching you lost your balance and suddenly everything went black.

~

By the time you woke up again, it felt like your head had been split in two. Hissing you opened your eyes slowly and tried to sit up.

“Slowly.” A soft but stern voice told you and a handsome face appeared in your vision. “You tripped and fell down a hill. I’m assuming you have a concussion. You also managed to sprain some ribs and dislocated your shoulder as far as I can tell.” That explained why breathing hurt so bad.

“Are we Safe?” You asked softly, your eyes failing to completely focus on the room you were in. The face disappeared for a while before it was leaning over you again, wiping your face with a wet cloth. “I carried you to a little safe house. It wasn’t far. Can you sit up now?”

Nodding softly, causing your headache to get worse, you tried to push yourself up again. A strong hand was placed between your shoulder blades and officer Son basically pushed you up into a sitting position. “These are painkillers.” He explained, handing over some pills and a bottle of water. “Drink all of this please.”

After he handed both over to you, he disappeared from the room again, leaving you to take in your surroundings. You were perched up on a big mattress that was lying in a rather empty room with bare walls. The only other furniture was a really shabby looking green armchair next to the window and a dark brown wooden cabinet. Swallowing the pills that were supposed to make you feel better, hurt even more than breathing. When you tried to lift yourself up even further you hissed loudly. Your left arm was just dangling by your side, not responding to your commands, the shoulder seemed dislocated indeed.

Probably startled by the noise you had made, officer Son came back into your room. He had taken off his jacket and heavy black army boots, just leaving him in the cameo pants, a white t-shirt with rolled up sleeves - which really extenuated his muscular arms - and his dog tag hanging from a silver chain around his neck. “Can you put it back into place?” you asked him, pointing to your shoulder.

The soldier nodded and sat down next to you. “It’s easier when you lie down on your back.” He instructed you and helped you lie down again. “This is going to hurt a lot.”You nodded and gritted your teeth. “I can take it.” He only snorted and took your forearm into his big hands, softly pulling it away from your body. “Please don’t scream too loud.”

Without any further warning he first pulled your arm really hard and then pushed the joint back into place. Accompanied by the nasty crack of you bones you let out a bloodcurdling scream, loud enough to wake a bear from its hibernation in a five mile radius. Tears were prickling your eyes, the pain in your shoulder and your ribs just too much to bear and your vision went black once again.

 ~

When you woke up again, the room you were still in was dark except for the moon shining its silver light onto officer Son’s beautiful body. He had taken off his shirt and pants and was sleeping in the shabby armchair. Someone should be painting this. His facial features were relaxed, plump lips slightly ajar, strong chest moving with the rhythm of his breathing. He was breath-taking.

You had never asked for his first name, thinking it would stop you from feeling a certain way for him which was definitely not professional in any way. But you had heard his comrades call him Shownu which was probably a nickname but it somehow really fit him.

A loud growl originating from your stomach broke your shameless staring. Embarrassed you curled your arms around your midsection, which caused you to wince in pain because your ribs were still hurting.

“You should eat something and let me have a look at that.” A raspy voice cut through the silence. Officer Son had woken up and was stretching his long body. It took all your willpower to not make your jaw drop. The moonlight casted shadows in the dips of his muscular body, making his abs stand out even more. Swallowing dry, you nodded absently.

“I’m afraid it’s going to be canned food again.” He announced when he got up and put his shirt back on. Groaning in frustration - whether it was about the horrible food or him covering up, you weren’t sure – you carefully rose from the bed followed him into the room next door which turned out to be the kitchen – if you could call it that. It was basically a really old looking gas stove, a sink and a couple of cupboards. In the corner was a small table with two chairs that seemed rather unstable. But because of the lack of proper seating choices you sat down anyways.

“I’ve never asked for your name.” You tried to start a conversation because the silence made you anxious. “Everyone just calls me Shownu”, officer Son responded, not turning around from the stove. “But that’s not your real name, is it?” He let out a deep sigh as if it was a burden to actually tell you. “It’s Hyunwoo, but no one calls me that. So if you are uncomfortable with calling me officer Son, just use Shownu, please.”

With that he handed you the can he had been heating up together with a fork. You ate in silence, Shownu’s eyes constantly on you as if he wanted to make sure you wouldn’t choke on your food so he had to safe you yet again. When you were done, he wordlessly took the can and disposed of it.

“Could you take off your clothes so I can take a check you for further injuries?” Shownu asked without looking in your face, slight blush colouring his sun-kissed skin. You swallowed dry, a similar blush creeping up your neck.

“Turn around.” This was stupid. He was going to see you almost naked anyways, not saying anything, he turned to face the door to the room you slept in. Cautiously you pulled your sweater over your head, hissing from the pain that shot not only through your ribs but also your shoulder. “Shit”, you cursed when you saw the dark purple bruise that covered almost your entire left torso, you must have fallen hard. “How hard did I fall?” you asked while shrugging out of your pants as well and putting both items carefully on the table.

“You fell down a small portion of the hill until you were stopped by a rock” Shownu answered matter-of-factly. “Can I turn around?” “Yes” you gave your permission, but still put your arms around you in an attempt to hide yourself.

When Shownu turned around, he first furrowed his eyebrows before his lips formed a smirk. “I can’t check you like that” he stated when he came closer to you. Taking a deep breath you uncurled yourself.

His touches were light as a feather ghosting around the huge bruise and left an almost burning sensation that you were sure wasn’t because of the injury. “Tell me when I hurt you”, the soldier whispered almost, his breath tickling your naked skin and giving you goose bumps. Now checking every rib for fractures, his touch got more intense the closer he got to your still covered breasts. Your breath got stuck in your throat and your heart was continuously beating faster and faster as soon as he touched your upper ribs, fingers just barely grazing the flesh of your boobs.

“As far as I can tell nothing is broken but I can’t quite touch your upper ribs” Shownu confessed when he retreated his fingers. “Sh-Should I take my bra off?” you asked shyly, not meeting his gaze. “I would like to be sure that you are not injured”, he said calmly, “but you don’t have to, if it’s too uncomfortable for you.”

Wanting him to touch you further, to keep heating the fire burning inside of you, you turned your back to him. “Open it.” You whispered, not trusting your voice.

For a while no one was moving. Letting out a deep breath, Shownu suddenly closed the distance between you two and opened clasp of your bra, the garment falling to the ground the only sound in the room. Gently he began touching you, starting a couple of ribs below your breasts, still standing behind you, his warmth was traveling through his shirt onto your skin.

When he reached the flesh of your breast, you held in your breath. You hadn’t been touched like that since you had been ordered to life on the base for your own safety. A whine made its way up your throat and past your lips when his fingers were pressing down harder to feel your ribs. His fingers were stopping their movements for a while before continuing their work. The longer he as touching you, the harder it became to supress the lewd noises you were making and the hotter it seemed to get in the room and between your legs.

Clearing his throat Shownu stilled his fingers. “I don’t think anything is broken.” With that he retreated from you and took a step back.

Already missing his heat and his touch you turned around to face him, not covering yourself this time and looking directly into his eyes. “Are you sure?” You saw his Adam’s apple bobbing when he swallowed, his eyes getting darker and his gaze switching between your face and your exposed chest. “Do…Do you want me to check further?” he asked breathless.

Nodding you stepped towards him, closing the distance and pressing yourself flush against his chest. “You know, Shownu, it hurts a bit right here.” You whispered against his lips before placing both his hands on your chest and moaning softly at the sensation of his rough hands against your sensible nipples. Swallowing again, Shownu softly massaged your breasts and rolled one of your stiff nipples between his fingers which made you moan loudly and throw your head back. Wasting no time Shownu attached his lips to the exposed skin of your neck and sucked harsh before kissing his way up your jaw before he connected your lips in a fiery kiss. Sighing into the kiss, your hands found their way into his messy dark brown locks, pushing him closer to you whilst deepening the kiss. When his hands started roaming your body, it felt like he was setting you on fire with each caress of his fingers. “Hold onto me” he said breathless when he broke the heated kiss for not more than necessary before grabbing your behind and lifting you off the ground. Shrieking you wrapped your legs around him, now feeling his arousal through his boxers touching your ass. 

  Shownu softly lied you down onto the mattress in the room next door as if you were made out of glass, careful not to hurt your ribs further and ripped his shirt over his head. Pulling him down with your hands around his neck, you caught his sinful lips in another heated kiss. When he deepened the kiss further, your tongues dancing and exploring each other, you hooked your legs around him and pushed him even closer. Gasping you broke the kiss when his boxer clad hard-on was brushing against your hot core. “I want you.” You whispered into his ear before you raked your nails down his muscular back, making a moan escape his swollen lips. “I don’t want to hurt you further.” He voiced his concerns but rolled his hips down again, wanting to feel the sweet friction again. “But you want this too.” You pouted, pulling him flush against your almost naked body. “My head says no but my heart says ooh yes.” His last words were drowned in a drawn out moan when his clothed dick was sliding along your wet folds. Rolling your hips upwards again, you asked: “And what does your cock say?” That made him growl deep in his chest and attack your neck with kisses and bites, leaving angry red marks. Slowly he made his way down your body, teeth and tongue playing with your erect nipples before kissing down even further. Reaching your soaked panties, he took the cotton between his teeth and pulled them down. You gasped when the cold air of the night tickled against your hot core.

“Are you sure about this?” Shownu asked again, now kneeling above you. “My head and my heart both say yes” you mimicked his words and made grabby hands towards him, needing him close. He smiled fondly at you not moving from his position. You groaned in frustration, your hand reaching down in between your own legs. If he wasn’t going to touch you, you would do it yourself, sighing softly as your fingers slowly began to circle your clit. A curse left Shownu’s lips, his eyes focused on you shamelessly spreading yourself for him, one of his hands coming down to palm himself through his tight boxers. When you slid one of your fingers into you, both of you let out a deep moan. Slowly pushing the digit in and out more lewd sounds fell from your lips and your eyes fluttered shut when you added a second finger, moving them faster and faster when you felt your orgasm building. “Shownu” his name not more than a sweet whimper. “I need you” you added, desperate because your fingers just weren’t enough to make you fall over the edge.

When you pulled your fingers out, dragging them lazily over your clit and opened your eyes again you were met with a sight that made you even more aroused if that was even possible: Shownu was sitting on front of you, fist tightly curled around his erect cock and his wide blown eyes fixated on you. After dragging his fist up his dick one last time, he quickly sat up and positioned himself between your legs, teasing your wetness with the flush tip of his length. Hooking your legs around him again you pulled him close, letting out a needy whine.

Finally he slowly entered you inch by delicious inch, stretching your walls and giving you that wonderful feeling of fullness. When your hips where flush with his, he leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on your lips. “Are you okay?” he asked softly. “If you don’t start moving now, I’m gonna go mad, Shownu”, you hissed, wiggling your hips to get at least some kind of friction. Chuckling he captured your lips again in a deep kiss and finally started moving his hips in a slow, sensual rhythm. Breaking the kiss with the need of oxygen you gasped loud and arched your back off the bed, wanting to be even closer to Shownu, to melt into his heat, forgetting your injured ribs. The pain shot through you like lightning and made you whimper. “Let me do the work baby, just relax”, Shownu whispered in your ear before gently kissing your temple. “Then move faster, please” you begged him, raking your nails down his broad back. “I was so close.” Kissing you softly he promised: “You wish is my command, darling.”

Suiting the action to the word, he let his hips snap forward more forcefully, the sound of skin slapping skin filling the room accompanied by a symphony of lewd sound falling from both of your lips when they weren’t slotted together in a messy swirl of tongues and teeth.

Feeling your orgasm creeping up on you again, begs for Shownu to bring you your sweet release started mixing in with moans that were getting louder and louder. His touch too much but not enough, your whole body feeling like it was on fire. Parting from your lips, he moved to sit up and threw your legs over his shoulders, gripping your thighs for leverage and began slamming his length into you even more forcefully than before, hitting your sweet spot every time. Every coherent thought was wiped from your mind, Shownu reducing you to a moaning and sobbing mess. Releasing his bruising grip on one of your legs, he quickly licked his fingers before circling them fast around your clit. Screaming and lifting your hips off the mattress you were hit by your orgasm. White dots were swimming in your vision and your whole body began to shake and tighten up.

Shownu suddenly let your legs fall off his shoulders and jerked himself fast before spilling his release all over your torso, painting you white.

For a while the ragged breaths you both let out were the only sound filling the room, trying to collect yourselves and calm down from your highs.

“I should clean you up”, Shownu broke the silence, getting off the mattress and leaving the room. Returning soon with a cloth he cleaned his release off of you, still naked. Blushing you covered yourself with the thin blanket. Awkward silence began spreading between the two of you, just staring at each other. Clearing your throat you lifted the edge of the blanket and scooted over a little to make space for Shownu’s big body. Smiling so brightly, his eyes were turning into little crescents, he quickly climbed behind you and embraced you in his big, strong arms.

In this moment, just before you fell asleep, everything was alright: No thoughts were wasted on the fact that you were still on the run and that you had no idea where to go or what had happened to the rest of the people on the base. You were just surrounded by Shownu’s warmth and his comforting smell. 

[httphopewrld]

babysitters | (f)

It’s your first time babysitting your sister’s son, Ryan. Not only are you nervous because you’ve never done it before, but because of your boyfriend decides to tag along. Surprisingly, your nephew and boyfriend get along well. 

Pairing: boyfriend!hoseok x reader

Rating: no rating!

Genre: Fluff 

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1k+

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Recently, your sister asked if you could take care of her two-year-old son, Ryan. She and her husband wanted to spend their third-year anniversary together, so they needed someone to babysit their kid. Since you were her sister and free of charge, she asked you.

"It'll only be one night, Y/N." Your sister said casually through the phone. You rolled your eyes, wedging the home phone between your shoulder and the side of your face. 

"But I don't know if Hoseok would be okay with it..." You were folding clothes when you heard your sister sigh. 

"How long have you been dating this loser...?" You could see her rubbing her temples, her lips pursed.

"Almost two years? And by the way, he isn't a loser." 

"I know that. I just wanted to piss you off." 

You leaned back on the couch, finally done folding the laundry. For a while, you and your sister just stayed quiet, quiet breaths filling the earpieces. 

"You worry too much," she finally said. "So stop it." You inhaled deeply, ready to argue with her.

"Look, I'll even drop him off tomorrow for you. I'll give you a bag of his toys, too." 

"But—"

"He's not even picky with food. No allergies, either." You rolled your eyes at your sister, and picked up the laundry basket, walking towards the bedroom. "Just—just please do this for me. I'm only asking for some time with my husband, okay? I'll drop him off at one o’clock and pick him up at two o'clock the next day." 

You could feel her doing puppy dog eyes, or down on her knees begging. She really 'needed' this. This was probably the first time when she’d ever get over who mother-ego and ask for help. This could also be used as an opportunity for her to “owe you one” in the future.

"Fine. I'll do it." You heard her squeal on the other end of the line, making you hold the phone away from your now ringing ear. 

"But you owe me." You added when you heard the squealing stop. 

"Yeah, sure, whatever. See you tomorrow at one o'clock!" 

"Bye, sis."

.

.

Your sister came around one o'clock, two bags in her hands, and a portable children's feeding seat. One bag had Ryan's clothes and the other had some of his toys. Ryan was hiding behind your sister when you looked down at him. She ruffled his black hair, before gently ushering him into your apartment. 

"So how did Hoseok react, when you told him about your nephew staying over for a night?" She asked putting her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. You looked inside the apartment, to see where Hoseok was. 

To you amusement, he was crouching in front of Ryan, holding a toy up to him. It seemed that Ryan said something funny because Hoseok was laughing. 

He caught your eye, and made a silly face, making you chuckle. 

"He was ecstatic about it. I've never seen him this happy in a few weeks, actually." You rubbed your arm slowly, looking down at the ground. 

"Well, that's good to hear." She smiled. Her phone made a beeping noise, causing her to take it out of her purse. 

"I have to go now. Thanks again...!" She waved goodbye, jogging down the hall before you could reply. You shrugged and closed the door, making your way towards Hoseok. 

When you saw him this time, he was standing in front of the couch, holding Ryan upside down, who was laughing his head off. Hoseok looked up at you, biting his lip for a brief second. 

"I kinda like this little guy." He smiled, looking back down at the giggling boy.

You rested a hand on your hip, smiling to yourself. And I was worried that Hoseok would hate this...

"Okay, okay. Put him down before his head explodes, from too much blood rushing up to it".  You said, causing Hoseok’s eyes to open wide.

He quickly turned Ryan right-side up, and on the couch. "Can that really happen?" He whispered, blocking the side of his mouth with his hand, acting as if Ryan could understand him. You nodded, making Hoseok gasp. 

"Jesus." He put a hand to his chest and sat down. 

.

.

You felt arms wrap around your waist as you put some rice in a bowl. "Is that enough?" You asked holding the bowl towards his face, which was rested on your shoulder. He kissed your neck, then snuggled into its crook. 

"Perfect." He took the bowl from you, walking towards the dining table. You grabbed a bowl of rice for yourself, and a small one for Ryan.

"Did you need help with anything?" Hoseok asked as he strapped the feeding seat onto the chair. He helped Ryan onto the seat, as you brought the food to the table. He took the small bowl for Ryan, then put some sweet and sour pork in it, mixing it with the rice. 

"Here comes the airplane!" Hoseok sang, inching the small piece of onion close to Ryan's mouth. You couldn't help but smile as Hoseok continued to feed him and cheer at the end of every bite. 

Hoseok passed Ryan his bottle and then looked at you. You were daydreaming as he furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head to the side. You recognized your daze and blushed.

"You should start eating before it gets cold." You put your bowl down and stood up. "I'll get this sleepy boy to bed."

Hoseok glanced at the boy, who's eyes were slowly closing. You both chuckled before looking back at each other. 

You took Ryan out of his seat and brought him to the bedroom you and Hoseok shared. 

.

.

It's been around two hours after dinner. You've obviously misjudged the tiredness of Ryan since it took you an hour to get him ready for bed, and then another hour for Hoseok to say goodnight. 

But when you took him out of the chair, it was only six o'clock. 

You were watching a tv show when Hoseok collapsed beside you on the couch, exhaling deeply. "Finally finished reading the third book twice." He held up two fingers, then let his hand fall lazily. 

"Thanks for doing that, by the way." You pecked his lips and grasped his hand. You felt him squeeze your hand, and you squeezed his in return. 

"Don't worry about it, you got him ready for bed." Hoseok rested his head on your shoulder. 

You never realized it, until now, but maybe this was some sort of sign. You know, the 'universe' telling you "Hoseok is totally father material, and maybe you should think about having kids in the near future."

"Hey," Hoseok began sitting up, then held both of your hands. "Can we have Ryan over more often?" He looked into your eyes deeply. You could tell he was a bit nervous about asking since you both were tired out of your minds at the moment. 

"Sure, if that's what you want." You said with a smile. 

He shrunk back. "You sure...? Even considering how tiring it is?" You ruffled his chocolate brown hair. Out of all the things that could make you smile like an absolute dork, Hoseok was your definite weakness. 

"I think it'll be fine. But maybe we could--" You stopped yourself before you could start talking; about the whole 'father material' stuff and having kids. 

You covered your mouth. Crap.

"What?" 

"Nothing." You faced the TV and turned the volume up. The feeling of his body moving closer made your body become stiff. 

"Y/N... What is it...?" Hoseok face was inches from the side of your face. He poked your cheek repeatedly, hoping to annoy the truth out of you. You finally turned your face, only to see his right in front of yours. 

"Tell me." His hands hovered around your waist, and you could feel the warmth of them.

"No. I won't tell you." 

A smirk appeared on his face before he began tickling your sides, causing you to burst into laughter. 

"Ho- Hoseok...! S-stop...! You-You're going t-to wake u-up, Ryan!" He stopped after you finished the sentence. There was a long silence as you caught your breath. Your heart was still beating rapidly as you talked.

"I just thought," you sighed, thinking deeply about what you were about to say, "that we could get in trouble if we kept asking for Ryan to come over." Good cover Y/N. Good cover...

"Hm?" He tilted his head again, like a dog trying to figure out what you were trying to say. 

"You know. Sis might think we're slowly trying to kidnap her son. Like, slowly trying to gain their trust, then boom...! Poof, he's all of a sudden gone." You mimicked an explosion with your hand, earning a chuckle from Hoseok. "Just a thought."

"A pretty ridiculous one." He added, causing you to slap his shoulder.

As if on cue, Ryan's crying filled both of your ears. You both looked at the room and then at each other before standing up in unison. 

"I'll get it." Hoseok kissed your cheek before walking towards the room, without any other word. 

"Hoseok," you began, catching his attention "I love you."

A smile appeared onto his lips. "Love you too." 

[cheemerthelizard]

Crusader of Life 2: Chapter 11

This is the last one I have queued, but the journey is far from over! This is only the beginning to a very bizarre adventure! (Yes that means infrequent updates I’m sorry about that)

Jotaro peered over the horizon, seeing Kakyoin running over to him, waving.

“You’re really still ready to go?” Jotaro asked. His friend had just lost his only daughter, surely he wasn’t ready to come back and fight. “Nobody will blame you for taking a few days off to grieve Emily.”

“Well, as it turns out, Emily is fine,” Kakyoin answered through heavy breaths.

“What? B-but her body!” Koichi sputtered.

“Yes, that was, indeed, Emily’s dead body,” Kakyoin explained. “But Lily had duplicated her before it was too late, so there was another Emily with only a burn on her hand.”

“That’s a relief,” Josuke sighed. “I was getting pretty downhearted myself. She’s a cute kid.”

“Well, Kakyoin, if you’re really feeling yourself,” Jotaro smirked, “then welcome aboard.”

After telling Josuke and Koichi to stay at the shore, Jotaro started the boat, and they were off.

“Are you sure Josuke can take care of Chili Pepper if he shows up?” Kakyoin asked.

“Oh, believe me, he can,” Jotaro chuckled. “If anyone can take down that Stand, it’s Josuke.”

“I’ll send Hierophant to warn Mr. Joestar,” Kakyoin said. He summoned his Stand, and watched as it shot towards the slowly approaching ship. When Hierophant got there, he saw a familiar face, in an almost pitying state. Of course, he wasn’t expecting much different from Jotaro’s description of him.

“Excuse me, do you know where my cane is?” Joseph asked a Speedwagon worker.

“It’s right there, sir,” the worker answered.

“Ah, I see. Thank you.” Joseph reached for the cane, but stopped when it was carried over to him by Hierophant.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Joestar,” Kakyoin’s voice came through the Stand.

“There’s a voice I never thought I’d hear again,” Joseph smiled. “How are you doing, Kakyoin?”

“I’m doing fine, but that’s not important,” Hierophant told him. “You see, there’s a Stand user coming to attack you, and we wanted to warn you before it’s too late.”

“What’s that?” Joseph put a hand up to his ear. “A band member wants to whack me?”

This was not the Joseph Kakyoin knew a few years ago. “Staaand uuuuseeer… coming to ataaaaack yoooooou.”

“Ah, I see now,” Joseph said. “Sorry about that. Anyway, I’ve heard you and Lily have a child now. How are you liking that?”

“It’s hard, especially when Emily’s developed a Stand,” Hierophant laughed, “but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“A Stand user?” Joseph asked. “Is it killing her?”

“No,” Kakyoin answered. “Well, not exactly. It is making her sick, but we’ve been limiting her use of it, and she’s recovering really well. I think we can allow her to use Walking on Sunshine by the end of this week.”

“Kakyoin, why aren’t you calling back Hierophant?” Jotaro queried. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Mr. Joestar just wants to talk,” Kakyoin reassured him. “It’s been forever since we’ve caught up with each other, after all.”

Jotaro nodded. “You did tell him about Red Hot Chili Pepper, right?”

“I did. He doesn’t seem the least bit worried, though.”

“Well, tell him that we’re about to board the ship.”

“Will do.” Kakyoin had Hierophant pass on the news to Joseph, who nodded in acknowledgement. Soon, their little boat was close enough, and Jotaro, Kakyoin, and Okuyasu all got on.

“You know, it’s been nice talking to you,” Joseph continued, “but I wish I could see your face once again.”

“No need,” Kakyoin entered the room, calling back Hierophant. Joseph’s lips curled up into a smile.

“My, how you’ve grown,” he said.

“It’s always a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Joestar.”

“Who’s that young man behind you?”

“Oh, him? This is Okuyasu.” Kakyoin let the boy through, revealing his whole body.

“Okuyasu?”

“Yup,” Okuyasu answered. “I’m Josuke’s neighbor, and also a Stand user.”

“A what?”

“A Stand user.”

“Huh?”

“Stand user!”

“Ah, a Stand user,” Joseph nodded. Neither of them noticed that Kakyoin had snuck out, and was watching the ship dock with Jotaro.

“This is either gonna be really awkward or really heartwarming,” Jotaro grumbled, “and I’m not prepared for either.”

“Ah, still trying to keep that cold exterior as always, Jotaro,” Kakyoin chuckled. “Although, it will be really awkward for everyone if things don’t go well. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen.”

As the boat docked, and everyone safely made it to Morioh, Joseph emerged from the room he was in, and saw his son, Josuke, who couldn’t even look him in the eye.

“Great,” Jotaro whispered to Kakyoin, “it’s gonna be awkward.”

Joseph slowly walked down the ramp, but suddenly tripped, losing grip of his cane and falling to the floor. That is, until Josuke caught him.

“Watch your step,” he said. “You could fall in the ocean.”

“I’m sorry,” Joseph replied. “I would use my cane, but it seems like it broke while I was walking down here.”

Josuke looked at the cane, which he could easily fix, and sighed. “Looks like I have no choice.” He grabbed onto his father’s hand, and walked him down the rest of the way.

Kakyoin smiled brightly. Looks like it wouldn’t be awkward after all. “So, once we retrieve the bow and arrow and make sure the people affected don’t go mad with power, we should be pretty much done, right?”

Jotaro nodded. “The threat to Morioh will be gone, and if anyone else shows up to cause a commotion, Josuke and his friends will stop them right in their tracks.”

“We can finally go home soon,” Kakyoin sighed.

***

“Alright, start talking!” Jotaro slammed on the jail bars holding in Akira Otoishi, the user of Red Hot Chili Pepper. With him was Lily, standing by in case he tried anything funny.

“You won’t get anything out of me,” Akira scoffed, “I know you’re not going to kill me.”

“Lily?”

“You got it, Jotaro.” Lily summoned Ace of Pentacles, and made a copy of Akira, which Star Platinum punched, and punched hard. Multiple times. When he was done, the copied Akira was practically bleeding out, but not dead.

“We could leave you like this,” Jotaro threatened. “On the brink of death. It’s not dead, but it sure hurts way more.”

“How about we put that copy out of its misery?” Lily asked Jotaro.

“That sounds like a good idea,” Jotaro answered, punching a hole through the second Akira’s abdomen.

“Okay, okay! I’ll talk!” Akira stammered. “Whatever you need to know, I’ll tell!”

“Good, good,” Jotaro nodded. “So, first off, where are you hiding the bow and arrow?”

“What are you gonna do with it?” Akira asked. Jotaro summoned Star Platinum again, and Akira backed into a corner. “My house! My house!”

“How many other people did you use the arrow on, and who survived?”

“I-I don’t know them all! Honest!” Akira squeaked. “I can tell you the ones I know, but there might be others I didn’t list.”

He told the two of them all that he could, all while begging to be spared. When he was done, Jotaro lowered his hat, and left the jail, along with Lily.

“That’s a lot of Stand users,” Lily half-laughed.

“Good grief, we’re never leaving this town,” Jotaro groaned.

“So, how did it go?” Kakyoin asked.

“Oh, it went fine,” Lily sighed. “Jotaro took notes on all of the people who survived getting hit by the arrow.”

“Geez, that’s a lot,” Kakyoin mumbled. “We need a babysitter for Emily if we’re gonna get all of these done.”

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea,” Lily commented. “Of course, her sitter must be another Stand user.”

“They can’t be against us, either,” Kakyoin added. “So someone we know and trust, for sure.”

“And their Stand helping them take care of a kid is a big plus, too,” Lily finished. Both of them looked at each other. They knew exactly who to ask.

***

“Josuke!” Tomoko yelled. “Get the door, would you?”

“I got it!” Josuke yelled back. He looked through the doorhole, and saw two, no, three familiar faces.

“Mr. Kakyoin, Mrs. Lily, Emily, hi!” he said. “What brings you here?”

“Well,” Lily rubbed behind her neck, “we have a job for you. A job that we’ll pay you for, of course, and one you can turn down if you don’t want to do it.”

“We need a babysitter for Emily,” Kakyoin finished. “We chose you because you meet all of our requirements, as well as meet some extra criteria, but we can choose someone else if you don’t want to.”

“It won’t start today, so feel free to think about it,” Lily added.

“I’d be happy to!” Josuke immediately responded.

“Really?” Kakyoin’s eyes widened. “You made the decision just like that?”

“Well, yeah, I mean, Emily’s the cutest thing, who wouldn’t want to spend the afternoon with her? Plus, me and her get along really well, and I can fix anything she breaks. What could go wrong?”

Kakyoin and Lily looked each other in the eye.

“Well, if you’re really sure, then your first day is tomorrow,” Lily told Josuke. “See you then!”

“Bye!” Josuke called. Tomorrow was going to be the best day ever.

[thecorteztwins]

More Alt-Marauders time! This time it’s Pyro and Claudine in “Left Untold”, Madelyne and Shinobi in “Motherly Instinct” and then a couple of untitled Haven and Sebastian snippets that didn’t evolve into full things. I hope you enjoy!

LEFT UNTOLD “Man, family drama, eh?” Pyro said, stepping into the kitchen where Claudine was fixing a drink. There was...a lot going on, at the moment. Shaw and his son. Haven and her brother. Madelyne and her....er, was the teenage Cable the same Cable that was her son? Pyro wasn’t clear and he wasn’t getting close enough to that mess to find out. “Mm,” Claudine replied, eyes not leaving the bottle she was pouring from. “Glad I don’t have one,” Pyro added. “Is this the part where I’m supposed to tell you whether I do or not?” “Well, it’d make conversation. But uh, not DYING to know either.” It was true, Pyro was not usually into that kind of thing, getting close with folks needlessly. But lately, he wasn’t opposed to it either, if only because everyone here seemed to have a real interesting story. If he had to listen to somebody’s personal tragedy, it should at least be intriguing and unique, and this crew had that in SPADES. “Suppose I’m just a little curious about you, since I know a bit about everyone else now,” he admitted. She looked at him now, glass in hand, smiling in that damnable Cheshire Cat way she had that he was SURE she did deliberately for the purpose of driving other people nuts, “Does it worry you? Not knowing? Or are you curious for another reason?” “I’m a writer, love---a journalist, once,” he put his hands on his body waist and stuck out his slim chest a bit,  “I follow leads, follow stories, figure things out. Just instinct. If I feel like there’s a story...I want to know it. And you got one, I’m sure---from before that old ghost got his hooks in you. But you ain’t all THAT important to me either, so don’t flatter yourself. I wasn’t digging, just asking.” Claudine smirked a bit, “Yes, I do have a story. I have a “me” from before Sinister. But I like having it to myself. I don’t have much to myself anymore, you know.” “Yeah---I understand that. “ He did. He understood all to deeply wanting to keep some kind of control, when things were out of your control, your body turned against you into the weapon killing you, yeah, he understood that. He understood it painfully well. “Well, it’s getting so I could choke on the tension in there, what say you and I go out and not talk about ourselves at all?” “Sounds like a time, St. John,” she put down the drink, “I’ll put on my dancing shoes.” They went out to Bangok that night, and then a few hip Eastern European clubs, and they didn’t talk a word about themselves all night. *** MOTHERLY INSTINCT “I can’t believe this,” Shinobi was near panicking, “Of all the times not to have Haven on board!” “Excuse me?” Madelyne turned a look of irritation towards Shinobi, and then picked up one of the infants. There was at least a dozen, all visibly mutation. This one was a lovely sea-green color with upward-curving little horns. Madelyne held it perfectly. “She’s not the only one with motherly instincts around here, you know.” Shinobi, in fact, did not know. He was completely surprised by this information. Madelyne didn’t have mom vibes, not even MILF vibes---well, hot step-MILF, maybe---she wore a black leather keyhole top and stiletto heels and she was totally kickass and he LOVED that! But she wasn’t all...nice. She wasn’t mean, until she got tired with his attempts at flirtation, but she was...well she was the most normal person on here, he supposed, her and Pyro. But a mom? That did work out well for him though, because... “Oh, uh, well, you’ve got it well in hand then,” he said, and started to leave, only to have Madelyne telekinetically pull him back by the velvet color of his sparkly satin purple blazer. “Not so fast, pal,” she said sternly, “There’s a LOT of kids here, and even telekinesis won’t let me watch them all at once.” She could use her telepathy to put them all to sleep, but she damn well WASN’T going to do that. It seemed to be common for telepaths to have issues around consent, for even the best and most benevolent of them to use their powers in ethically dubious ways at times, but in Madelyne’s case, one could understand why agency, even for infants, would be something she’d be defensive of, to say the least. “But I don’t know anything about them!” Shinobi whimpered. He couldn’t take care of babies, HE WAS BABY! Madelyne was unmoved, “Well you’re gonna learn!” A few hours later, they were seated on the floor crosslegged, each one bottle-feeding one of the little shit machines. Shinobi was still kind of weirded out by the whole thing but, after many disasters, had been deemed by Maddie to be ‘doing alright’ at last. “So uh, how’d you learn all this, huh?” Shinobi asked “You used to baby sit?” He could SO see her as a hot babysitter. Seducing the dad...or the mom...oh man... “I had a son,” she said flatly, in a hostile tone that got through to even Shinobi that she didn’t want to talk about it. “Oh,” Shinobi said, and assumed the kid must have died. Then, in the true fashion of the idiot that he was, asked   “With Cyclops or my dad?” “Cyclops!” Madelyne exclaimed, in shock at very idea of other suggestion, so much so distracted her from even being mad that he’d pried, “God, Shinobi, I wouldn’t----look there are some things your father is good for but that is NOT one of them!” Shinobi laughed, “Ha! You think he’s sterile? Oh boy did he pull the wool over your---” “No! I mean---being a father---or a mother---isn’t just about getting someone pregnant, you know.” That made her think though...that really was all the “mother” she’d been to Nathan. She’d only gotten to actually care for him for less than a year before...before he was taken. Before she died. Before she tried to...to kill him. And he was left to be raised by the man who had walked out on him, and the witch he had walked out for. She’d reunited with him years later, when he was older than she was, she had cast Sebastian aside to help him...ad he’d rejected her. He’d known what she did, he’d thrown it in her face. She couldn’t blame him---how could he know the full story, that it was out of her control? All he would have heard from his “parents” was that she was the evil witch, the babykiller, the Goblyn Queen, not his real mother, not really. And when she’d run into Nate Grey, drawn to him without knowing why, the version of Nathan from another world, it turned out he’d just wanted Jean too, that wanting Jean in this world was why he’d brought Maddie back from the dead, to be HIS Jean. Everyone always thought that Scott’s rejection was all that mattered to Madelyne, that she was just the Crazy Evil Ex, that she was only bitter over that, over him. No one ever considered how much more it hurt her to have her SON push her away. For god’s sakes Scott’s ship had sailed, but her CHILD...and she’d heard he was a teenager again, on Krakoa? He’d been a grizzled old man when she met him, all the years they should have had together taken away by time travel...could she maybe, now...no, they’d never let her. But that was fine. No one “let” Madelyne Pryor do things. She just DID them. Made her own path. Always had, til she’d found it had already been laid out for her from the start. And still, she’d forked the road---Sinister sure hadn’t planned on Inferno! “So uh, you know all the stuff then,” Shinobi said, snapping her out of it, “Yyou should definitely change the diapers, then.” She realized he was holding out the baby he had been feeding. Holding it VERY far from his body. “Cuz you know how to best. Wouldn’t want them to have a crappy diaper change. I mean that’s why you’re changing it!” Ugh. “Fine,” she said, “Give him here.” She didn’t trust Shinobi not to botch a diaper change anyway. She passed the baby in her arms to him, then got to work with this one, much to Shinobi’s disgust. “That’s kind of cool though, that you were a mom,” he said, once she’d finished up. She looked at him, wondered for a moment if-- “It makes you a total MILF, literally.” Nevermind. *** SMALL HAVEN/SHAW SCENES THAT NEVER EVOLVED INTO FULL FICLETS “I’m telling you, I can’t,” Haven said plaintively. It was a firm statement of fact, and a pained one. Not emotionally pained as was her whiny usual, but physically. And for good reason---her entire right foot was crushed, the bones shattered inside it by the rocks of the terrain they were trapped upon for the moment. But that was really no excuse for giving up and slowing him down, and Sebastian Shaw was not about to let her make it one. “And I am telling you,” he said, looking down at her contemptuously, his tone and expression completely devoid of any sympathy, “That you have to. We must reach the portal. Once there, we can get you a healer. Whinge all you want, woman, but get up!” “Let me lean on you, Mr. Shaw, if you will. I cannot walk on my own, but I may limp that way.” Sebastian furrowed his brows, and crouched down so that he was on eye to eye level with her. Then, with one hand, he struck her across the face in irritation, and then, with the opposite arm, immediately scooped her up and hauled her over one shoulder. It would be much quicker this way than a limping pace.“I want you to know, I would dearly like to leave you, Ms. Dastoor,” he growled, “But I expect Charles would count that in violation of the rules he set regarding your preservation.” *** Neither Madelyne nor Claudine had been able to reverse the bodyswap, so for the time being it looked as though Haven and Shaw had to live in each other, rather than simply with each other. It irritated Sebastian tremendously. It unnerved Haven. “I shall endeavor not to take your clothes off, but understand that this might not be feasible depending how long we’re stuck like this,” he grumped from her mouth, “I already had to use the washroom once. It was an...experience.” “I did as well,” Haven said, from his face. The new gentleness behind its eyes was terrifying to look at for anyone who was familiar with him; Shinobi couldn’t be in the same room with her like this. “Did you look?” Sebastian smirked, an expression her mouth had likely never made before. “Certainly not! I assure you, I am granting you the same privacy that---” “Go ahead next time. There’s a full-length mirror in my bedroom. Take it all in. I expect you’ll see some things you never have before. It would explain a lot about you, Ms. Dastoor.”

[millicent231-watt]

(Free) Police!Reader x Police!Rin

Anime / Crossover: Free! Eternal Summer

Songs: None

Request: No

Modern AU or just AU: None

NSFW/R-18: No

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

"Rin, Souske. We've got a dead party to go to." I say as I get in the car with them. "Where?" Souske asks and I look down at the details on my phone. "Down at the old shipping containers." I say before the car starts up and I get my gun ready with everything else. "The guns are on safety, so you'll have to turn that off before we get out of the car." I say and I place their guns in the drink holders. "Thanks." Rin says as Souske drives. "You're harness is loose." Rin says before leaning into the back and fixing it for me. "Thanks." I say before he grabs my wedded hand with his. "It'll be fine babe, trust me." He says and I smile. "I know, I'm just worried about Kiyomi." I say, thinking of her little smiling face. "She'll be alright, we got a babysitter." He reminds me and I nod. "Yeah, sorry. I'll get my head in the right mind space by the time we get there." I say and he smiles, rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb. "Good, just do what the doctor told you we you had Kyuko." He says and I giggle. "Push?" I ask and he sighs. "No, breathe and relax." He reminds me and I smile. "Good, cause if it was push, I might actually piss myself." I joke before they both laugh. "Please don't. I just got this car washed." Souske jokes and I laugh. "I'll try."

Time Skip

"Safeties off?" I ask and they both nod. "Alright, let's go." I say before we exit the car and run to cover. I signal them that I'm gonna check for anyone inside. They nod and I quietly scoot to the corner. I turn the corner with my gun in front of me, looking for anyone I might have to shoot. I gag slightly at the bloody mess in front of me. "Police! Come out unarmed and with your hands up!" I yell into the empty warehouse as my co-workers follow me in. "Nothing?" Souske asks quietly before I growl. "I said come out unarmed and with your hands up!" I yell again. "I don't think anyone is here." Rin says and I sigh, putting my gun in its holster and turning to them. "Look around for any survivors or anything that might be of use. Souske, could you call this in? It'll need to be investigated." I say and he nods, walking back to the car. I make my way through the pile of teen and young adult bodies. "A fun graduation party turned into a massacre..." I mumble as I see a flyer for a party that was being held tonight in the warehouse, covered and splattered with blood. It's still wet...

"Y/N!" Rin yells and I jolt up, running over to him carefully. "What?" I ask and he turns to a young man. "We got a breather." He says and I hold my finger to his pulse. I sigh and turn on the walkie-talkie that was strapped to my shoulder. "Could I get an ambulance to the old shipping containers near the dock? We've got an injured man and possibly more." I say before hearing 'An ambulance is on their way' and I nod to my husband. "Do you wanna stay with him or-" "I'll take him out the front. That way it'll be easier for the ambulance." Souske says before helping the man up. "L...lady." The man says and I smile at him. "Don't worry sir, we're getting you to a hospital." I say and he shakes his head. "B...be careful...they....they're quick...they're silent.....and they're smart..." He says and I thank him. "You heard him Rin, be careful. Keep your gun in your hand and be ready to shoot. But make sure it's not a survivor." I say and he nods and we both get our guns out. We walk in a different direction to cover more ground, carefully turning corners with our guns first. I enter the final room gun first and look around. I sigh and lower my arms. "No one's here...but that mans warning..."

“They....they're quick...they're silent.....and they're smart...”

I gasp before turning back to get Rin. "Rin!" I yell as I see him. "Y/N? What's wrong?" He asks and I look around. "We gotta go! It's a trap!" I say before a loud bang was heard. I grab Rin's hand and run out. "What's going o-" "Stay out!" I yell at Souske. "It's a trap!" i say, letting go of Rin's hand so he could run faster. "Get to the car!" Souske says before a muffled scream left my mouth. I kick my leg about and try to get out of the tightening grip. "Y/N!" Rin yells and I felt a cold metal touch my forehead. "Ah, ah, ah. Not another step. Wouldn't want me to blow of this pretty head, would you?" The mysterious man asks. "Let her go." Rin demands before I was pulled backwards slowly. "Not gonna happen." He says before I was quickly pulled back into the blood pool party, my husband screaming my name.

I groan as I was thrown against a wall and kicked in the stomach, causing me to fall on my side. "Now we've got a doll to play and have fun with." The man says with an evil smirk while picking up the nearest item, which just so happened to be a wooden board with nails sticking out of it in a few places. "This should be fun~" Another one growls as I was slowly surrounded by a gang of people smiling evilly at me, various weapons rested upon their hands.

Rin's POV

"Drive faster!" I demand as we rushed to get backup and stock up on guns and ammo. "I'm going as faster as I can Rin. We may be the law, but the laws of physics would throw this car if I went faster." Souske says, trying to calm me while my wife was having God knows what done to her. As soon as Souske parked, I was out that car and inside before he even turned off the ignition. I tell the lady at reception the situation and she gets some back up at the scene. Souske and I get some better guns and stock up on ammo before heading back out. You'd better not be dead Y/N...

Your POV

I groan as one last hit was made with a baseball bat before distant sirens came racing towards us. I smirk up at the man an spit some blood onto the ground. "I t...told you they'd come." I state before getting kicked and having a gun pointed at me, causing me to back up slightly and quicken my breathing. [THIS IS THE POLICE. WE HAVE THIS PLACE SURROUNDED. COME OUT UNARMED WITH YOUR HANDS UP AND NOVODY WILL GET HURT.] A megaphone states as snide chuckles come from the gang members. "Go take care of 'em boys." The leader says, but what the 'boys' said intrigued me more. "We will die for you, High-Priest." Everything clicked. High-Priest. This wasn't just some crazy gang, it was a cult who was willing to die for their leader. This wasn't just a massacre, it was an offering to whomever they worshiped. "Good. Then we can have some real fun once it's just you, me and your beloved husband." The high priest says before trying me up and covering my mouth with a piece of cloth. I passed out soon after being thrown over his shoulder.

Time Skip

"Y/N!" My husbands voice woke me. "R...Rin?" I groan. "Rin. That is your name?" The high priest says as he walks from the shadows. "It means nothing to a crazy, dead man, so why do you ask?" Rin growl. "You say 'crazy, dead man' as if I am either crazy or dead. I am not crazy, just religious. And I am sure I am not dead yet-" "Do you want me to change that asshole?" Rin growls as he pulls his gun out and points it at the man. "If you wish to seek revenge, I cannot stop you, but I must warn you, Lucifer himself will rise from the ground if you kill me. You're lives will be plagued until you die and rot with him for eternity!" The high priest says. "What did you want with my wide anyway?" Rin demands an answer. "What I wanted with her? Nothing too much. Just some...emotion." He says before I feel an excruciating pain in my leg. I scream and cry in pure agony as the high priest twisted the knife deeper. "Stop it!" Rin yells before firing a warning shot. "Our religion focuses on proving a mother's or wife's love, protection and devotion to her family. If you die from all that is used to test you, you did not love your family enough. Simple enough." The priest says before throwing me to the side and pulling out his own gun and another knife. "Now, I will not let you interfere again. So to prove the seriousness of this situation, a warning shot." He says before pointing the gun at me and shooting me in the stomach.

I scream again as the bullet travelled into my body. "You son of a bitch!" Rin screams, running at him and beginning to fight him. It took a while, but eventually, the priest was at an advantage. I fall onto my side and reach for my gun on the floor. When I got a hold of it I carefully and shakily aimed it. I had 1 shot. I couldn't fuck it up. My breath becomes uneasy as blood began seeping out of my wounds. I was no longer applying pressure to the bullet hole. I pull the trigger, hoping to hit the priest, as I see my husband getting beaten. I drop the gun and gasp in pain as I try to stop my wound from bleeding. "Y/N!" Rin yells as he runs over. "I'll fix this. You'll get better." He say desperately as he picks me up gingerly and carries me out of the building quickly. "Someone help her!" Rin yells before an ambulance crew rushed over. "Fix her. If you don't then I will rip off you testi-" "Rin." Souske cuts in as I was pushed away. I reach my hand out to him and he runs over, jumping the the back of the ambulance with me. "You're gonna be alright. Everything's gonna be fine." He repeats to me all the way to the hospital.