#its her bday everyone clap for her now!!!!

[room-of-lies]

bug that gained sentience

[gingerlee-holds]

Letting Off Steam

this is a bday fic for @littleleesblog!! my first steps into the hazbin writing community heehee! idk if people like this one, ill write sequels about him getting charlie (me), angel, idk we'll see

btw yada yada this is a tword fic- Ler!Alastor Lee!Lucifer

Word Count: Reading Time: Warnings: Idk, swearing? Alastor bein a lil shit? barely any editing?

If you prefer a quieter living space, perhaps the Hazbin Hotel isn’t for you. Loud arguments and the commonplace occurrence of walls being blown in could make for a very harsh experience on the ears - not to mention the frequent singing. There were, however, a few locations at the hotel where it’s quiet, such as Charlie’s room, the library, and, shocking nobody, Alastor’s radio station, located on the far northern side of the hotel on the very top floor. Whenever Alastor got the chance, he stayed in that room for as long as possible during the day - usually to avoid being roped into the shenanigans of the other hotel residents. 

On one particular day, however, it seemed like the radio demon couldn’t catch a damn break.

Charlie had called him to the lobby at 7 AM to settle a disagreement between Vaggie and Angel regarding “Breakfast Booze” at the bar. Then, not an hour later, Lucifer was badly practicing the accordion in the lounge. This was followed shortly after that by the TV demon, Vox, interrupting Cherri’s favorite show to deliver a laughably defamatory news segment on Alastor’s performance in his fight with Adam, accompanied by such phrases as ‘pussied out’ and ‘spineless.’ It should come as no surprise that he was already stressed when Charlie cheerfully gathered everybody in the lobby. His entire face hurt with the exertion required to keep a smile.

“Okay, everyone,” Charlie began. I was thinking, what better way to celebrate the grand opening of the newly refurbished hotel than by playing hide-and-seek?” She did a little twirl as she finished, trying vainly to excite her friends. 

Angel Dust raised his hand and, not waiting to be called on, asked, “How the hell does that follow?”

Undeterred, Charlie continued. “Hide and seek is a game that requires exploration! We put a lot of work into rebuilding this place, so we should try to enjoy it! Now, who would like to seek first…?”

A hunt. Oh, what luck that on such a poor day as that, Alastor could finally stretch his legs a little and do what he did best: scare the living daylights out of people! His smile widened, and his eyes squinted like a shark when blood was in the water. He stepped forward with perfect posture as always, resting his hand on his cane. “I would be delighted to!”

“No-” Both Lucifer and Husker had begun to protest, but Charlie clapped her hands with glee. Everyone knew she was just happy to have someone invested in her activities. 

“Perfect! Count to sixty, and then come look for us!”

“Oh, splendid.” The radio demon casually walked over to the wall, closing his eyes as if it mattered. Hands resting on his cane, he chuckled softly to himself. “One.” He heard silence behind him. “Two.” Again, he heard nobody move. 

‘They must not be taking this seriously,’ he thought. Gradually, the sound of radio static began to hum through the lobby as Alastor’s antlers grew larger. 

“Three.” Still nothing.

‘I won’t let them ruin this for me, not after today. Drastic measures, then,’ Alastor thought. He cleared his throat innocently. Then a deer call echoed around the room as he turned his head all the way around on his neck, eyes the shape of bright red dials and smile of sharp teeth impossibly wide.

“FOUR.” 

It had its intended effect. All of the hotel’s residents yelped various exclamations and expletives and took off in every direction, unsure if they were now hiding for their victory in the game or their lives. 

Alastor chuckled softly and turned back towards the wall, appearing normal again. He continued counting, interspacing the numbers with tunes he remembered from a past life, patting his cane to the rhythm. ‘I really should sing more often. It’s a shame I don’t often get the chance,’ he mumbled. Alastor knew he would find each hider eventually - after all, he had a lot of practice with hunting overlords - but Charlie had not mentioned a time limit, meaning he would take his sweet time to savor the silence and the hunt. When he finished counting, he decided to be a bit theatrical and sent a shockwave through the ground at the tap of his cane, instantly turning off every light in the hotel. He turned, smiled eagerly, and sank into the ground as a shadow, moving through the darkness like a cloud of smoke. ‘Now… who to look for first?’

-

Lucifer Morningstar, king of hell, didn’t realize how fast he was flying until about a minute after Alastor’s little scare. It upset him a little to discover how easily startled he had been, especially since he had easily beaten Adam, who had easily beaten Alastor. He sighed in annoyance as the lights above him went out, and to keep from flying into a wall, he flew to a stop, landing gracefully on the ground. With a subtle flap, his wings glowed softly, surrounding his hallway with a gentle golden light. He walked forward, not looking for a hiding spot. He had a feeling that that didn’t matter.

He suddenly felt a chill on his back. Lucifer whirled around, staring closely into the dark hallway behind him. Sensing no movement, he huffed and walked backward a bit, turning back around only to walk into the chest of the radio demon, letting out an indignant squawk.

“Ah, your highness! It seems you were the first to be found! You’re not very good at this, you know~!” Alastor said in that smug tone. 

“Well, Mr. What’s-His-Name,” Lucifer replied as he wiped off the front of his suit before confidently resting both hands on his apple cane. “I’ll have you know I’m only doing this to make my daughter happy. I don’t fear you, busboy.”

Alastor’s eyes narrowed in determination. There was no way he was letting any of the other hotel residents come out on the other side of this activity willing to mess with him. That meant attitude-correcting. “You know I mean no disrespect, your highness!” he said, twirling his cane in one hand while adjusting his tie. “I simply had higher expectations of you!”

“As did I for you! I cannot believe my Charlie put her faith in you of all demons to keep her safe. You had one job, and you-” Lucifer stopped when Alastor sank into the shadows again, disappearing. “Typical.” The king began walking forward again, doing all that he could to give off the impression that he wasn’t scared, but all the effort in the universe couldn’t have held back the squeak that came to his lips when he felt a poke to his side. 

“Oh, my~! Someone’s a little on edge~!” came a delighted voice from the darkness. Lucifer growled in frustration and extended his wings to make the hallway as bright as daylight. Unfortunately, this is what Alastor intended, which Lucifer soon discovered when he felt claws scribbling in the pits of his wings, right on the sensitive area where they connected to his back. “Now, what an unfortunate weakness for royalty to possess~!”

Lucifer squealed, buckling over and landing on his knees on the floor. Alastor had suspected that the fallen angel was ticklish since Charlie was a walking tickle spot, but verifying it like this was nothing short of delicious for him. 

“Youhuhu- youhuhuhu lihihihittle-! Cuhuhut ihihit ouhuhut!” Lucifer’s strength had left him for some reason, and he found himself powerless to defend himself from the radio demon’s attack. Giggling like a child, he tried in vain to reach around behind him to swat away the attack, but this only opened him up more. Alastor’s claws zipped around and wriggled into his ribs, causing the king to let out an outrageously embarrassing squeal. He swung around to free himself, extending his wing to fling back the demon. It made no contact as he landed with a thump on his back, his hat tossed aside. 

“Ah, ah, ah~! I have to make sure you play the game better next time! After all, it’s only fair that there should be consequences for losing, especially being the first to lose!” From beneath him, hands grew from the floor to scribble into Lucifer’s wing pits again, making the fallen angel arch his back in surprise. 

“DahAhahahamn yoUhUhuhUuHU!” he laughed, kicking his feet a little. He reached back again to defend himself, only to be met by his apple cane, quickly used to pin his elbows to the floor with a yelp. 

“Fell for it again~! Tsk, tsk, your highness! We all must learn from our mistakes here at the Hazbin Hotel~!” Alastor suddenly materialized in front of him, leaning casually against his cane as he smugly observed the plight of the king of hell. 

“Yeah, well, you’re a-” Lucifer’s taunt was cut off by his shriek when shadowy hands grew from the ground to wriggle their fingers against his ribs. Alastor’s cooing was absolutely not helping, and it took everything in him not to whine when he felt the hands undo his coat and vest, leaving him in his plain undershirt. 

“There we are, now to teach you a lesson!” Alastor watched as his shadow hands continued their evil work, relishing every second of the king’s humiliation. He had ghostly digits wiggling against the ribs, scribbling in the wing pits, and he had just summoned two more hands to squeeze experimentally on the thighs, making Lucifer squeal like Angel’s pig. The fallen angel’s wings flapped on the floor, but his arms were pinned, keeping him firmly grounded. 

Alastor smirked and stepped forward, leaning down to wiggle a claw against the king’s belly. “You’re far too precious to act all tough, Your Highness! Don’t worry, I’ll let the others know about this discovery of mine~!” With that, he stood tall, straightened his suit, and turned to walk away, fading into the hallway’s darkness. 

“D-dohoHohn’t youhu fu-fuhuhuhCKING-!!” Lucifer couldn’t even get the words out as one final hand scribbled along his collarbone. He could do nothing but lie there on the hallway floor and laugh, hoping that Alastor would eventually have mercy. It might be a while before then since he was the first one found. Maybe he would have to put more effort into hiding next time… 

Read the next part here!

[delightfullyterrible]

Hey guys!

So a while back an idea entered my head and I wrote a fic on it and decided to post it here...... mind you this is my first ever fic and I'm super nervous about it 😶

Also, shoutout to @khaleesiofalicante for helping me with this ❤

Anyway, hope y'all like it 😄

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MAX’S FIRST BDAY

The doorbell rang, he was finally here. Alec opened the door and saw his parabatai standing on the other side. “What took you so long?” he asked Jace.

“What? I came here as soon as I could. What’s the emergency anyway? The party doesn’t start until later” Jace replied coolly.

“Yes the party doesn’t start until later," Alec said with a little exasperation “but there’s a problem with the cake”. He took Jace to the kitchen and opened the cake box.

“Um, Alec this is- “

“I know.”

“It’s explicit. Inappropriate!”

“I know” Alec sighed “I ordered a Smurfs cake and instead they sent this”. Ever since Max had watched Smurfs with his aunt Clary and uncle Simon, he had become obsessed with all things Smurfs related. So, getting him a Smurfs cake was a no-brainer.

Jace looked thoughtfully at the cake for a moment and then said “You know Magnus could just change this magically, you don’t need my help”.

Alec had considered this option but unfortunately for him, Magnus had gone to Queens to buy some potion ingredients for an important client. "By the time Magnus comes back, the party would have started and everyone will have seen this inappropriate, butt-shaped blue cake," Alec said.

Jace took out his phone and called up Clary. “She says she’ll be here in a few minutes, she’s an artist so she’ll know how to turn this cake around” Jace told Alec who now seemed a little relieved.

A few minutes later, Clary arrived with Simon in tow. “Simon was with me when you called so he tagged along. So there's a cake emergency I hear" she asked no one in particular and walked towards the kitchen so she could examine the cake. Simon followed her. She opened the box lid and peered inside. She looked up at the two men utterly scandalized.

"Wow, that is um… that is some cake I tell you," Simon said with a nervous chuckle.

“I ordered a different cake and the bakery sent this instead. Please just rectify it before everyone arrives” Alec pleaded.

Exactly at that moment, the doorbell rang again and Magnus entered. He was looking particularly majestic today, wearing a blue-green shirt with a peacock feather print on it.

He looked around and greeted them. “Hello angel-blooded ones, the party hasn’t started yet why are you here so early?”. He looked from one to another until his eyes fell on the cake. His eyes widened in horror/amusement.

Alec immediately jumped in. "There was a mix-up at the bakery and they've sent us this. I wanted to call you up but you were busy and I didn't want to disturb you and now we have this inappropriate-looking cake which will probably scar our son for life” he lamented.

Magnus looked pityingly at his adorable boyfriend. “Alexander dear, if something indeed scars our child for life, I assure you it won’t be this cake”.

Alec had an inkling that Magnus was referring to the treatment Max would eventually face in the future for being a warlock. He made a mental note to address it later.

Magnus took the cake out of the box. “Don't worry my darling, I will fix this cake in a jiffy". He rolled up his sleeves, took a knife from the knife stand, and got to work.

A few minutes later, Clary peered over Magnus’s shoulder. “Wow Magnus, you’re surprisingly good at this. Have you done this before?”.

Magnus snorted. “Yes I have biscuit, but it’s an old story involving me, a faerie, and a bunch of horny vampires”.

For some reason, Jace looked sideways at Simon when the horny vampires were mentioned.

Magnus stepped back and pointed at the cake with a flourish. The cake didn't exactly look like a Smurf but it was much, much better than the original. Alec could have wept tears of joy.

******************************

It had been almost an hour since the cake debacle. The living room was full of people. The whole gang was here along with Catarina, Maia, Bat, Lily, and his mother. Robert too had portaled in from Alicante. Jem and Tessa had appeared in projection form 10 minutes ago to wish Max and give him his present, which was a baby superhero cape.

They were currently cutting the cake. Izzy was clapping and hooting loudly, nearly scaring her mother and everyone was singing 'happy birthday’ in a slightly off-key tune. Magnus had picked up Max and was taking him around the room, helping him feed cake pieces to everyone.

Alec took a step back and looked at the room full of people with a warm feeling in his heart. Every person in the room meant a great deal to both Magnus and Alec. If 12-year-old Alec had known that he would grow up and fall in love with a warlock, much less have a family with him, he would have found it unbelievable. But then again, 12-year-old Alec had never dared to dream of having a future for himself. The Clave and its backward mentality had made sure of that.

They were all busy opening the presents and Max was joyfully squealing at the sight of so many gifts. Alec himself had spent days finding a gift for max and finally settled for a blue sailor onesie. Magnus, who always had a thing for giving the best gifts, had gotten Max a set of Smurfs plushies.

He was not as awesome as Magnus in the gift-giving department, but deep down he knew that the best gift he could give his son was acceptance and respect within the shadowhunter community. A kind of future where Max would not be unfairly judged for his demon heritage. That would require changing the Clave from the inside out. And he would do it. One day, Alec Lightwood would change the world for his boys. But that day was not today. Today was a day filled with laughter, joy, cake, presents and most importantly - love.

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tagging a few peeps-

@khaleesiofalicante @readingwonders @josiecarstairs @lxdyblackthorn @youngreckless @lqdyofroses @beclynn-herondale @jesse-is-spiralling

[levi-ish]

Little Talks | 3

Pairing: Bartender!Levi X Reader

Genre: [+18] Slice of life, drama, romance, fluff, smut

Words: 4k

Warnings: Alcohol, cheating mentions, drugs, cussing

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Masterlist

You [18:21PM]: idk what to wear, help!!!

Mikasa-tu-casa [18:21PM]: u dont need to go all fancy, its just us.

Sash [18:22PM]: wdym??? Its my bday bitch, fuck yea go all out. i am wearing my best dress.

Annes [18:23PM]: whats the point if ur gonna throw up all over it

Sash [18:23PM]: im gonna be hot, that’s the point.

Mikasa-tu-casa [18:24PM]: where are we going again?

Sash [18:24PM]: that same bar from ur bday, (y/n) suggested it

Annes [18:24PM]: my friend works there

You [18:25PM]: ur friend? Jean?

Annes [18:25PM]: yea, we had chem together last semester. hes rich.

Sash [18:26PM]: ohhh I remember him hes the hot bartender. didnt (y/n) make out w him?

You [18:26PM]: wtf i did not

Mikasa-tu-casa [18:26PM]: he was kinda cute

Sash [18:27PM]: ok im gonna shower

Annes [18:27PM]: aren’t we gonna meet at 9?

Sash [18:28PM]: it takes long to look this good also nic is bringing my present and I wanna look good for him

You [18:29PM]: aww cute

Mikasa-tu-casa [18:29PM]: just finishing up some work then im getting ready

You [18:30PM]: are we meeting in the front or are we carpooling?

Mikasa-tu-casa [18:30PM]: annie said armin was going to pick us up

Annes [18:31PM]: he is

You [18:31PM]: see you there then

You took a last glance at the mirror, adjusting your hair so not one strand would be out of place. Two sprays of perfume on your neck and inside your tan sweater and you were ready, running your hands through your skirt to eliminate any wrinkles as you sat on the sofa and scrolled through your phone as you waited for your friends to pick you up.

It took longer than usual to get dressed tonight; you wanted to look good. After the drunken rendezvous with Jean and Levi, you felt too ashamed to come back to the bar, but something inside you bubbled in warmth when you thought about how those strong arms held your hazy frame, holding you close and breaths mingling together…

A honk from outside took you away from your thoughts and you shook your head, grabbing your keys and leaving the apartment.

You entered the white car and found Annie and Armin on the front seats, saluting you as you hugged Mikasa that was sitting in the back.

“Where’s Sasha?” you asked and Annie looked over her shoulder.

“She said something about her present taking a little longer, but she’s joining us later” you nodded and hugged your body as you watched the outside run by while Armin drove carefully.

The drive to the bar wasn’t long, but every little second seemed to last ages; heart pounding inside your chest and hands slightly shaking as they hugged your body. Armin and Mikasa were making small talk as you kept on thinking about Levi, and how everything changed the second he touched you. He surely was a handsome man, and you liked how he seemed to care even if it was in his own weird way.

As you arrived, Sasha was already waiting in the front and with her arms open to hug you three. Armin gave the girl a small hug and kissed Annie’s cheek before leaving you girls to enjoy your night. It was Friday, so the place was bubbling with people from the inside out, some smoking outside and some were at the door, drinking from their bottles as they talked about stuff and laughed loudly.

You were fading away slowly from the conversation as the girls talked about multiple stuff, you didn’t want to be like that, but your whole head was full of anxiety and thoughts about the short man, hoping to see those grey eyes and enjoy his presence from afar. Maybe you would even have the chance to apologize for giving him trouble.

Sasha led the way and found you guys an empty booth, sitting by your side as Annie and Mikasa sat in front of you, and your eyes kept wandering around, trying to spot him. You saw Jean, mixing drinks without any skill and the other person behind the counter, hair up in a ponytail and talking using a lot of hand gestures. You didn’t remember their name though; it was something like Zoey?

You offered to get their drinks and excused yourself to the counter, walking slowly as you kept looking around for just a sight of the man, unsuccessfully. Jean seemed to be busy so the other bartender found you and introduced themselves as Hange, getting excited over how the night was buzzing. You noticed how they exchanged some looks with the busy man, but didn’t make too much of it, ordering the first round of shots and beer for you and Mikasa — plus some hot wings for Sasha because you knew she would be hungry.

Hange handed you the beers and said they would get the other things ready for you at the table, so you went back to your friends.

“Hey, (y/n)” Sasha snapped her fingers in front of you and let out a small chuckle. “What’s up with you?”

“Huh?” You shook your head slightly, gripping the sleeves of your top in your palms. “Uh, nothing, just looking around.”

“More like looking for someone” Annie observed, keeping her hands in front of her mouth as she talked.

“Ohh, is it the hot bartender?” Sasha leaned on the table, watching your face closely.

“Jean or Levi?” Mikasa asked, letting out a small yawn.

Wait, what?

“How do you know Levi?” you frowned as Annie excused herself to go to the bathroom.

“You mean my cousin, Levi?” she crossed her arms over her chest and gave you a curious look. “The one who owns this place?”

Fuck, what?

Levi owns the bar?

Well, he was always the one to close the place.

Wait, fuck.

He’s Mikasa’s cousin?

That kinda made sense, at some point. He looked like Mikasa to some extent, same cheekbones and the same cold stare. God, now that you learned that new piece of information, things started to fit together more and more.

But the real question was, where is Levi?

“So it’s Levi then” Sasha pointed out, seeping on her beer while Hange came with the shots and placed them on the table with an excited screech.

“What are we celebrating?” They clapped happily, looking between you.

[…]

It started playing some Akon song when you guys downed your fifth shot for the night. Sasha was on her third plate of hot wings, stuffing her face while sauce accumulated on the sides of her mouth. Annie had that blush around her cheeks and was playing with a straw she put on her beer mug, twirling it around her fingers and humming to the rhythm of the music. Mikasa didn’t seem drunk at all to the naked eye, but the way she giggled from time to time was a signal that the alcohol was getting through.

You stopped looking a long time ago, knowing that Levi wasn’t around and wallowing in your misery wouldn’t do you any favors — you just hated that you had dressed at the thought of him being there.

The bar was already emptying, the buzz of conversations dissipating as you gulped the rest of your mug, letting out a satisfied sigh.

“Ah, there is my favorite client” you heard a voice approaching, turning right away to see where it was coming from only to find Jean already folding his black apron. “Ohh, Annie, you’re also here. Haven’t seen you since… chem? Still mad I cheated from you?”

The blonde rolled her eyes and sipped on her beer. “You’re lucky I didn’t snitch.”

“Don’t be like that” he smiled as he scooped closer to you, resting an arm around your shoulders. “Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your other friends, (y/n)?”

“That’s Mikasa and that’s Sasha” you pointed at them and they gave small waves.

“It’s my birthday!” The ponytail girl exclaimed, giving him a small full of sauce. “Put some wings on the house!”

“That’s not how it works” Jean smiled shyly, turning his attention on you. “Unless…”

The girls did the same, all staring between you two in confusion.

“Unless what?!” You frowned, pushing the empty mug forward.

“We can put it on lover boy’s tab. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind” the ash blond man gave you a little jab with his elbow and a shake of brows.

You blushed profusely. What?

“Oh! You mean Mikasa’s cousin?” Sasha put a finger under her chin, looking as if she was thinking hard. “What’s his name again?”

“ARE WE TALKING ABOUT LEVI?” you heard a scream coming from the counters and all your heads turned at once.

Hange jumped over the wooden surface and rushed to your table, putting both their hands in front of your group.

“I heard… oof” putting a hand to their chest, they exhaled loudly, rubbing a droplet of sweat from their forehead as they scooted closer to Mikasa’s side, earning a confused look from the girl, “I heard we were talking about Levi.”

“Hey! It’s my birthday!” Sasha cleaned her hands with some napkins and pushed the small, stained bowl in front of the new bartender. “What about some wings on the house?”

Everyone gave the girl a quick glance.

“Oh, oh, oh! Jean!” Hange threw their hands in the air. “Is she the girl?”

“Huh?” You frowned, feeling blush creep onto your cheeks as small chills ran over your body.

“Shouldn’t you guys be working?” Annie asked and they shuddered their shoulders at the same moment it was almost comical. “Hm.”

“What do you mean ‘the girl’”? Mikasa played with the rim of her mug, biting her lip as she seemed to try to understand the situation.

“Jean’s been telling me things” the other bartender wiggled their brows at you teasingly.

“What’s even there to tell?” You now shifted in place, feeling annoyed. “God, he’s been a friend to me lately, what else?”

The ash blond licked his teeth and leaned over you, arm grabbing you closer to his body as he pointed at your nose.

“Makes sense, but at the same time, you’re the only girl Levi has been hanging around since he—”

With a hard slap on the mouth, Hange shut Jean before he could say anything else.

“JEAN!” they screeched, looking distressed. “Not your story to tell.”

With that, they stood from the booth and grabbed the boy by the collar of his shirt, giving you girls a big smile.

“We are closing in 20, I’ll bring another round of beer for you.”

“Wait!” Sasha stopped them and stood from the table; eyes desperate as the remaining people hanging around the bar. “What about the wings on the house?!”

Soon, you were finished celebrating, going over gossip and laughing about nostalgic moments you had spent together earlier in life, and cringing over some other memories, like when you hooked up with Reiner once, or how Mikasa used to fawn over Eren to the point she would even do his homework without asking twice.

After the last round, you split the bill and sang a short ‘happy birthday’ to the brunette that was kind of bummed because she didn’t get her so desired hot wings, and then everyone started to call their rides. Mikasa was sharing an uber with Annie since Armin must’ve been sleeping at the time and Sasha called Niccolo, since they still had to celebrate, she said — you had a feeling that he would have to cook another dish for her to compensate for the wings.

“Are you coming?” Mikasa asked you, tugging on her red scarf as she gathered her stuff from the table.

“No, I gotta go through my tab with Jean” you told them as they were standing, clearly flushed from the drinks. “You guys go, I’ll see you back on Sunday for brunch.”

Annie and Mikasa gave you another look to confirm if you were really staying behind and you just nodded with a small smile while Sasha ran to her boyfriend as he entered the bar, almost dropping him to the floor.

You were sure to stay, now feeling more sober since you didn’t drink as much as usual, still not over the hangover from last time — you became too intimate with your toilet.

“Take care” Annie pointed her chin at you, turning to leave.

Now there were only you and the last two bartenders present. Hange was cleaning some things while Jean yawned, looking half-dead as he threw some old peanuts in the trash. You walked there and sat on the small stool, giving them both a short grin.

“You’re still here? Jesus, woman, just go home” Jean snapped and Hange threw a rag at him.

“Don’t talk to her like that” they grabbed the rag from the floor and washed it on the sink before returning to their chores. “(y/n), is it?”

You nodded and they leaned back on the counter, too close to comfort.

“So, tell me. What’s your secret?” They whispered the last part, covering their mouth with the back of their hand as Jean rolled his eyes.

Leaning back from the fixated stare, you gave them an awkward smile, knowing exactly where the conversation would lead once more. The jukebox now played Bennie and The Jets as you tried to think of something to run away from the interrogatory.

“Are you being paid to work or to harass clients?” A familiar voice came from behind you, making you thank whatever god was above.

Hange and Jean rose their eyes and exchanged the same looks from the beginning of the night, making your whole body flush with the sudden heat. You tried to focus on anything else, too scared to turn away and find those grey eyes that you wanted so much to get lost inside; the same skin you once touched and felt under fingertips; the same hair that would tickle those thin eyebrows and complement the intense stare he always had stamped on his face, the—

“It’s 4AM, why are you still here?” He asked, now you felt the presence of his body behind yours and you were trapped. There was nowhere else to run.

Slowly turning on the stool, you licked your lips and rose your eyes, now gazing back at him, trying hard not to focus too much, knowing there was a possibility of a blush sneaking if you ever so slightly let your guard down.

Levi’s figure always surprised you. He had this big and strong aura going for him, even though he was about the same height as you; still, he was nothing short of muscles. The white shirt he was wearing hugged every inch of his skin so nicely it made your eyes wander around, trying to map out each of his muscles. His hair looked kind of wet, as if he had just gotten out of the shower and the slight scent of his cologne lingered around, and you took in every second of it to enjoy.

“Don’t you get tired of getting drunk?” He asked, raising a brow.

You felt a wave of heat running through your veins, but now with anger. Sure, you were buzzed, but not enough to be considered drunk anymore. You drank enough water for the past hours to be almost completely sober.

“I’m not even drunk right now” you snapped, turning back to the counter as the man scoffed behind you.

Jean threw a rag to the sink right in front of you and leaned between his arms, letting out a big yawn. “Ah! Finally done”

“Same here” Hange noted, taking off their apron and folding it, going to the backroom, Jean following right after.

It became deadly silent after the heavy door closed behind the bartenders. You could only hear yours and Levi’s breaths as he walked to the bar, crossing the counter and you did your best to avoid looking too much.

“You are dressed up” the man made a remark and you looked down at your clothes, adjusting your skirt as you sat.

“It was my friend’s birthday” you replied, tilting your head up just so you could be on eye level.

“What made you want to celebrate it in this shithole?” He furrowed his brows, leaning back onto the liquor shelves.

Levi never hid the fact that he didn’t seem to like the place. It made sense before, since you thought he was only an employee, but now that you learned that he owned the bar, things didn’t quite fit in.

“It’s a nice shithole” you said as you crossed your arms over the counter.

He kept his arms crossed for a while; eyes focused on your figure as if he were challenging you. Without any new expression, the man leaned down to the lower cabinets and grabbed an electric kettle, filling it with the sink water as you watched.

“You never told me you owned the place” you licked your lips as he started to heat the water.

Levi’s hands worked in the cabinet once more, grabbing a tea box and putting it right in front of you, and then searched for two porcelain cups that were just a little chipped around the rim, placing them next to each other and a teabag inside.

“You never asked.”

You watched as he grabbed two silver spoons and filled the cups with the now heated water.

“It’s usually something you don’t miss, you know?” Rolling your sweater sleeves up your elbows, you crossed your arms in front of your chest as the man put the small spoon inside a cup, pushing it towards you. “Normally, people would go like ‘hey, I own the place, drinks on the house.”

“You almost always drink for free” he furrowed his brows as he dabbed the teabag inside the cup a few times.

“That’s not the point.”

Hange’s face appeared from the creek of the backdoor, looking at you both who were now alarmed by the sound of the heavy metal.

“Leviiiii, just letting you know we are leaving” they said and the man just flicked his wrist as a goodbye, shooing them.

The man didn’t turn around, and you thanked profusely, because the look Hange were giving you was too creepy for him to see. They held both thumbs up and smiled before leaving.

Now that you were sure that you two were the only ones present in the whole establishment, you could feel your stomach turn inwards, anxiety taking over and nerves flowing through your bloodline. The man in front of you brought the teacup to his lips, sipping slowly and you noticed the way he held it by the rim. Funny.

“Why are we drinking tea?” You asked, looking at the clock only to see it was 4:43AM, and Levi didn’t look like he had any sleep.

He just stared at you through his hand, lowering the cup just a little for him to speak: “Because I felt like drinking tea.”

The commanding tone of his made chills run down your spine. You knew for sure you were blushing now, so you decided to grab the teacup to hide your face behind it, sipping slowly on the minty taste.

“You look nice” he said, taking you by surprise.

Your fingers suddenly felt numb. Fuck. Before you knew it, it was too late, and the cup was now a splatter of pieces on the counter. The liquid now stained your sweater in a wet spot, the hot tea burning the places where it hit your naked skin.

“Fuck” you let out a hiss. “Fuck, fuck, fuck”

Levi put down his own cup and a little panic showed on his face.

“Take the sweater off” he ordered, grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket and putting it under the sink, drenching it in cold water.

“W-What?” You looked up, skin still aching from the burn and now his choice of words added extra heat to your whole body.

“Jesus, you just fucking burned yourself” he said, jumping to the other side of the counter and showing you the handkerchief.

Not the time to think, you sighed as you took your sweater off, placing it on your side, leaving your dark bra exposed.

You tried covering yourself, knowing the situation was awkward enough already for you to care too much about it. You are an adult, he’s an adult, stop acting like a horny teenager, you thought to yourself as he offered you one of his hands.

Staring for a little longer, he let out a ‘tch’ and rolled his eyes. “Give me your hand.”

You followed his command and slid your fingers into his palm, feeling the warmth envelop you, even if the source was from a small part of your body. He held your hand and brought you closer, analyzing the positions before he could start working on your burns.

“Sit on the counter” he ordered again and once more, you followed.

Adjusting yourself on the cold surface, you gave your arm to him and felt his fingers slide along your skin, warm fingertips touching where the droplets of boiling water hit before, and a little flinch escaped from you whenever he found a new spot. He looked up, as if to see if everything was alright and you gave him a small smile, shaking your head.

“It’s not that bad” you affirmed and he furrowed his brows, lowering his gaze once more.

“That’s because of the alcohol” the man started dabbing the cold fabric carefully, watching every little movement of yours as he did. “Tomorrow, this thing is gonna hurt like a bitch.”

You chuckled at his remark as he held your hand closer to his chest, putting it above your knees in a position where it wouldn’t hurt to stay still. You took a moment to admire his marked features, watching every little move of his and wondering about those eyes, glad that they were focused on you.

Although Levi held this harsh front, he really seemed to care behind those big walls, and that was enough for you to fall.

“Sorry about your cup” you apologized, almost in a mutter, feeling shame crawl under your skin once more.

“It’s a stupid cup” he said, still working on your skin. “I can just get another one.”

“Still, let me pay for it” pursing your lips, you felt his grip on your wrist tighten just a little.

“That’s dumb.”

You sighed, “I keep giving you trouble, I want to make it up for you.”

He stopped the dabbing, looking up to find your piercing gaze already on his. Eyes shining under the dim lighting and silent surrounding you two.

“You’re not paying for the fucking cup” he rose his brow, staring deep into your soul, and now you were scared that he would learn all your secrets.

“I’m serious, Levi” you persisted. “I didn’t even thank you for taking me home the other day.”

“It’s fine” he stuck to his argument, but you also did the same to yours.

“No, it’s not. Must’ve been really annoying.”

“You were annoying, indeed” he let out and you playfully rolled your eyes.

“Sure… but thank you, for… you know—taking me back to my apartment.”

You remember waking up the next morning to a box of Advil sitting on your bedside table, next to a big bottle of water and how warm your chest felt to feel like someone was caringly enough to do that for you. Even for someone who you’d recently just met.

“Stop with this sappy shit and let me work” he rolled his eyes and went back to dabbing the wet cloth on your skin, “you’re gonna get nasty scars if I don’t take care of them.”

Smiling to yourself, you straightened your arm again allowing him the full access to your skin and the man went back to his previous actions. The dawn was beginning to clear and sneak between the blinds, filling the whole place with clarity, and none of you felt tired, engulfing in each other’s company.

TAGLIST 

@zeickv @thirstyforsometea​

[astoriaxx]

t/w: poop

Hermione: DRACOOOO!!!

Draco, pooping in the bathroom: WHAT!

Hermione: WHERE ARE YOU!

Draco, sighing: I'm bloody taking a sht dear.

Hermione, who didn't hear him: DRACO!

Draco, to himself: I swear to Merlin...

Outside...

Blaise: Granger you fcking monster are we really doing this?

Harry, trying not to laugh: Let her be. Draco started this bday surprise when she was in the bath taking a shower.

Theo, feeling sick: So this time, instead of a proper bday surprise, we go surprise Draco while he's—

Pansy, helping Hermione with the cake's candle: Shush you three. This is going to be glorious. And yes Theo. We're going to surprise him while he's taking a sht.

Harry, smirking: You outdid yourself Hermione. This is bloody brilliant.

Blaise, now clutching a camera: I can't wait for this show to start. *laughing quietly*

Hermione, with a grin, whispered: Right everyone. Bubble head charms at the ready.

Inside the bathroom....

*door blasts open*

Hermione, Harry, Blaise, Pansy, Theo (who looked green still): HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Y—

Draco, surprised af: GET OUT! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY BATHROOM YOU BASTARDS! *he said, while pointing back at the door where they're standing*

*Blaise's camera flashed multiple times*

Harry: Again.

Pansy, clapping on each count: One, two, three—

Hermione, Blaise: Haaaaapppy Birthdayy to yoooouuu—

*Theo who's two steps away from them, shot little fireworks*

Draco: GET OUT! I SWEAR TO SALAZAR I'LL KILL EACH ONE OF YOU AFTER I—

H,Hr,P,B,T: *volume increasing* HAPPY BIRTHDAYY TO YOUUU—

Draco, bellowing enraged: TAKE A SHT AND I'LL—

THEM: HAPPY BIRTHDAAAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAYY, HAPPY BIRTHDAAYY DRAAAAAAAAAACCOOOOOOO

Draco, who finished cleaning himself, watched them in anger and mortification: burn your bodies...

*silence*

Hermione, who's still grinning, held up the cake near his face: Happy birthday Drakeypoo-p.

OMFG I KNOW ITS DISGUSTING BUT ITS FUNNY AS HELL IN MY HEAD HAHAHAAHHAHA

[bellafarella]

my Shameless 10x12 thoughts

the episode is called “Gallavich” so already i know i’m gonna love it

ian walking out in a towel and getting ready then mickey coming out in a towel.... SHOWERED TOGETHER, i love this song

liam asking who the bride is and ian just kept saying they’re both grooms, yesss educate him

everyone asking ian if he took his meds, FINALLY we get some acknowledgement to his bipolar ffs

mickey asking but being all soft and touching his jaw and ian getting up and pulling a towel clad mickey against him, YUM

mickey telling carl to get out of here shithead, brothers!!! i love this

not vibing with sandy/debbie tbh

did like sandy punching julia though, that bitch is getting on my last nerve

fucking terry needs to die im with mickey on this one

mickey saying they need to kill terry because he will never rest until he’s dead like fuckkk

mickey telling ian “i love you, i love you” im a gd mess

also, inconsistencies at its finest with mickey biting ian on his right arm but then we see the bite mark on his left and also how fucking sharp are mickeys teeth ffs

liam tricking frank into coming to the wedding was adorable

tami is such a bitch but like i understand why shes pissed, he shouldnt have rented it knowing she didnt wanna live there but like he explained why he cant move and she should support him...

i love everyone helping to find a new venue and helping to get it all set up

now we know why debbie was in a wedding dress

also, lip telling kev to keep the polish lady away by kicking or punching her he doesnt give a shit then kev just standing there with a bat ready to knock a bitch out lmaoooo i died

ian tying mickeys bowtie and asking if he wants kids and saying he wants some MY FUCKING HEART MAN. mickey saying they can get some strays like omg them talking about kids is really sending me i swear

lip calling ian soft - we all are lip! 

THE VOWS AND THEIR TEARY EYES GET OUT OF MY FUCKING FACE IM A MESS

frank crying and clapping is me

ian looking to the minister like “now?!” like he just cant wait to kiss his husband and i just- i need a minute

them walking hand in hand down the aisle, i caaaaaant

franny was so adorable in her little flower girl dress i cannot

mickey dancing!!!!!!!!!! adorable af

carl really?!?!?!? julia is a fucking cunt and shes like 16 please dont

KEV AND V, that was so cute!! “ask me you fool” so them

ian saying he misses monica and debbie telling him she would have loved today was such a sweet moment

ian telling her he better go dance with his husband. HUSBAND. H U S B A N D.

IAN AND MICKEY SLOWDANCE/HOLDING EACH OTHER TO PERFECT BY ED SHEERAN I WANNA DIE

debbie running from the cops because for sure julias mom called to report it and wow i just, this show man. also carl being like “whens ur 18th bday” BITCH RUN

ian and mickey in bed on red sheets like in s1 after they first hooked up udner mickeys red blanket, THE FUCKING PARALLEL IM A MESS

“mr gallavich” STOP IT my heart cant

mickey rolling them off the bed and literally shielding his husband from his father shooting at them, my heart stopped. 

also we saw mickeys ass so that was great

lip relapsing but then going straight to brad asking for a meeting like GROWTH, i cant

tami seeing him like that i think made her realize like shit i really cant leave with fred and i cant make him move, he really needs the support he has here and for that im kinda glad with how that all turned out

them both smashing the walls at the house lip rented for them was so sweet. she just needs to have his back and support him and not try to leave him like hes always been left before. ugh my heart hurts

that was a great finale to the season, i really hope they don’t fuck it up in the 11th and final season. i need to see a team up to kill terry cause like mickey said they will not be able to be happy if he is still alive, he wont rest until he kills mickey and that just fucked me up man. kill terry and they can live happily ever after.

[cl-babydew]

I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You

Gift number two!! Just because I love you and you deserve more love! @sophfandoms53 X3 Also...these two are just too precious!

___________________

Feathered fingers pricked through rough metal, ringing together swarming into a peaceful and familiar melody. The 15 year old duckling turned her head, fluttering her eyes at the sight.

Her heart skipped a beat as the boy in a red cap fiddled nervously with the strings. Avoiding eye contact, he took in a shaky breath as the room had eyes on him. His ears heating up with every beat of his hearts pace.

The girl stepped forward, slowly hesitating to stretch out her hand, put denying and pulling back, “H-Huey...?” She whispered.

Huey licked his lips, keeping his eyes on the ground. To silence the judging whispers, he strummed once more, a smile creeping to his face.

Wise...man...say...

Shelly’s heart stopped in its tracks. She knew very well what this song was...she glanced to the sides seeing everyone blur out. All she could clearly see in the room was her and Huey holding a guitar and singing smoothly to her...to her! She took a step closer, but still a good distance away from him.

..only fools... rush..in...

Huey chuckled in his head. How could he just realize so much and in so little time? He was a fool...and was rushed into emotions he just came to terms with. Now he’s here, singing to the girl who’s loved him for years. The girl he’s been blind to. The girl that’s moving away...the girl...he loves...

But I...

..can’t..help...

He’s always loved her. It’s always been her!

...falling in love..

He glanced up for a moment, locking his eyes on to her hazel ones. Averting his eyes back to his webbed feet, he shifted, continuing to sing.

..with...you...

She watched as he averted his eyes back to the ground, shyly. Grasping her heart, her stomach twisted the butterflies within.

Shall I stay...?

The blond haired girl’s head was overflowing with emotions. She tried holding back the many tears and regrets forming on the tip of her beak.

Would it be...a...sin?...

She shook the terrible thoughts out of her head as she only focused on what was in front of her. The only thing, and duck that was important in this moment to her.

If I..can’t help...

Her body began to sway to the music as if in a trance. A smile wanting to slip onto her beak.

..falling in love...

The boy had his eyes closed, feeling the music course through his veins, and to his heart.

...with you...

The girl began to take a few more steps until she was ten or so feet away from her lover. A gentle smile apparent on her beak, as her hands rested above her heart. The boy not flinching as his eyes were still graced together.

Like a river flows...

Eyes still shut, his beak curved up into a soft smile. Huey trusted his fingers to play the right notes, breathing in to sing the next few lyrics.

...surely to the sea..

He slowly opened his eyes as he sung the next part. He felt her presence there...so when he opened them, he wasn’t startled.

Darling so it goes...

He kept his eyes locked on hers, as he stretched out his hand.

Some things...

Slowly accepting his hand, she got closer, chuckling. They were a foot apart, the guitar being the only thing in their way. He rubbed his thumb over her hand, before loosening his grip to go back to playing.

...are meant to be...

They smiled lovingly at each other, as if

feeling how the other felt, knowing every detail of the other.

Take..

..my..

..hand...

He felt a pair of warm hands on his shoulders, supporting him every step of the way. Those hands were always her.

Take my whole...life...too...

With every word he sang, they would just fall deeper within each other’s eyes. Neither wanting to be saved, or for this moment to end. Huey’s heart fluttered once Shelly joined in with him.

For I can’t help...

..falling in love...

..with...you...

The girl would always complain on how she wasn’t much of a singer, but gosh how he cherished the angelic voice that floated through the air, swirling around with his. He continued his solo.

Like a river flows..surly to..the..sea

His cheeks heated up as she hummed along. The goofy grin spreading across his flushed face.

Darling so it goes...

Shelly smiled warmly at him, encouraging him to continue. She snickered a bit at his flushed goofy grin.

Some things...

..are meant to be...

In this moment, all he wanted to do was hug her and keep her close, never to let go of her.

Take..my..hand...

They started to near closer as his singing softened.

..take my whole...life...too...

Before they could close in on each other, the world swooped them back into reality. They looked around at the knowing faces that joined into the song. Right...they weren’t alone. Shrugging to each other, they joined in.

For I...can’t...help...falling in love...with...you...

As they all faded out, Huey and Shelly finished the song together.

For I...can’t...help...falling in love....with...you...

The song may have ended...Shelly may be moving...but this was a new song in the writing for the both of them.

They stood staring into each other’s eyes as faint claps and cheers were spiraling in the background.

This was not a goodbye...but only a new hello.

______________________

I hope you enjoyed this! Cuz this is probably the most fluffiest thing I’ve ever written! XD HAPPY BDAY SOPH! I hope your day was amazing/is/and will continue to be amazing! Remember, we are always gonna be here for you no matter what through thick and thin! We love you so much!!💙💙💙

[langstwhynot]

Dried Out Field

@mapleklance bday fic!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU BEAUTIFUL HUMAN ILY (warnings: it sucks, and my English is terrible I’m sorry)

The light flickered on, flashing the dull dark colors to bright with the lamps filling the room with beams.

Lance blinked, then focused on scanning the room with his blue ocean eyes. He found the floor of the room to be covered with quite tall two pink shaded flowers, held by a and a yellow little leaf that copied a crown on the top of each one of them.

Right then, the Altean flowers Allura can’t stop talking about came to his mind. They looked very alike for how she described them.

The Cuban kneeled and reached the closest flower to him near the entrance to the big round room. He brushed the back of his hand over the pink petals of the plant, goosebumps growings down from his shoulders to his wrists.

“Beautiful,” Lance whispered under his breath to himself, his hand playing with the gentle leaves. “You truly are beautiful, just like Allura said.”

From all the sudden, Lance looked up.

Like someone was calling him, surprised him and made him jump, or he has been zoned out and then thrown back to reality.

His sparkling eyes landed on the flowers, an idea growing in his head.

“Guys!!”

No one turned around to Lance when he called, and entered the room with a bouquet of quite tall two pink shaded flowers. A wide smile, from ear to ear, was taking a big place on Lance’s face as he put the flowers on a white table at the back of the room.

“I know I disappeared when we were supposed to clean the castle, but look what I found!” He opened his arms and threw them down to point at the flowers lying on the table.

“Lance, no one else is going to take care of the castle if not we.” Shiro talked defensively, the back of he is facing the red paladin who’s smile slowly fading. His deep voice filling the quiet room, but the other paladins ignored him since the ted talk wasn’t dedicated to them. “The ship holds a huge space that has been for decades, of course, but we must focus on the important things, not some garbage we can find aboard.”

Lance dropped his arms and stared ashamed down at the floor.

“Go clean the hangers, I don’t want to talk to you right now.” Shiro crossed his human and robot arms. “I am disappointed in you.”

Lance flinched, and quickly grabbed the flowers, dragging himself out of the room.

~~~ 

Once he reached the hangers, Lance let the flowers slip from his tight hug onto the floor in front of Red, his current lion. His body fell on the ground with the sigh escaping his lips, and he met the metal floor first with his knees.

“I didn’t mean to screw up,” He eyed up at Red, who didn’t show any motion. “And I totally forgot about our task to wipe the castle until its shiny!” The whiny voice of the boy echoed through the hangar.

He sat there in silence, until the flowers became noticed again.

He sneaked out one of the flowers from the bouquet, and placed it down to Red’s giant paws.

He smiled, nodded to his lion, collected the other flowers and ran out of the hangar.

Each hangar he passed, each lion got a flower. No space-cat was left out thanks to Lance taking six of the Altean plants to all of his friends.

He clapped his hands together as he put the last flower down to Black’s feet. He patted his own shoulder and sighed happily, his teammates would thank him later, after they’ll see the little presents they got.

The next day, he stepped proudly in the long cold hallways of the castle. All he could think of were the flowers his pals have received.

He cannot wait to get Hunk’s hug, because the dude gets emotional at every cliché sh*t.

And Shiro’s apology. Like, come on, they were all tired after the cleaning task.

Pidge is probably going to get excited about the “new lab brat I get to test”. Pfft.

And Allura. Oh, Allura! She will be the most grateful!

Lance chuckled and stood near the sliding door, letting it open for Lance to be able to walk into the dining room.

But when he walked in, only one pair of eyes traveled up to him from the food on the table, but quickly got back to their business.

“Hi, guys.” Lance waved a little, drawing attention to make sure everybody were aware of him being in the same room as them.

“Hm.” Pidge rolled her eyes and took a sip from her water.

Lance was standing there speechless, mouth wide open as he turned to Allura, to see her minding her own business with a flying tablet screen in front of her face.

“Allura?”

“Yes?” She raised her eyebrow at him, but did not bother to even glare at the boy.

Lance closed his mouth into a thin line and nodded, turned around and let his steps echo through the empty-of-noise room. He walked out and sighed, He’s not hungry anymore.

The way over to Red’s hangar was quick, short, but tiring. Lance’s legs gave up when the red paladin reached his lion. He cursed under his breath and leaned on his lion’s right paw.

“Why everything I do is unappreciated?” He sighed, hugging his knees up to his chest. He knew he looked pathetic, but he hoped that his friends could at least throw him a smile and thank him for the present.

His eyes became heavier. “Maybe I just need to focus on being a paladin...” He murmured, about to fall asleep, because he couldn’t catch some last night when all that filled his head was those damn flowers.

quite tall two pink shaded damn flowers.

Wait.

Lance snapped his eyes open and jumped from his comfortable position. He straightened his back and looked around the room, searching for the flower he placed yesterday down to Red’s feet.

He hasn’t been in Red’s hangar since the day before, though the flower was gone.

“What?” He asked himself, not really expecting to get an answer. “Where did the flower disappear?” He got on his knees and put his hands forward, crawling around with wide eyes like a lost puppy.

He jumped on his feet and placed his hands on his hips. The flower is nowhere to be found, and there is no reason for the other Paladins to come into the hangar.

The realization slowly crept into his mind. He turned slightly and stared up at his lion, who didn’t move an inch. “No. Way.” He whispered, and ran out of the room.

He stumbled on his way over to the lab, and threw himself on the door that took too much time to open. He jumped in and walked in zigzags. “H-Hunk! Pidge!”

“Sup?” Hunk turned around in his floating chair, a tool in his hands and a broken machine on the table behind him. Pidge’s fingers danced fast on the keyboards of her laptop, so getting her attention wasn’t an option.

“When was the last time you visited Yellow?” Lance blurted out, still panting from the jog over here. Hunk raised an eyebrow at him.

“When was the last time you trained?” He teased, and Lance rolled his eyes at him. Hunk scoffed. “Yesterday, before sleep.” Hunk finally answered the question.

“Is there any chance you saw a pink flower to Yellow’s feet?” Lance finally caught his breath and fixed his stance. Hunk kept staring at him for a few seconds, trying to figure if he’s serious or not. “No, I didn’t.” He said with a small voice. Lance’s face froze. “Why? What am I supposed to do with a pink flower?”

“What are you supposed to do-“ Lance repeated Hunk question in a mocking voice, but then realized he was right. What is the paladin supposed to do with a pink Altean flower? It’s pointless.

“-ance...” Lance zoned back to reality and shooed Hunk’s waving hand away from his face. “Thanks anyway.” He said, and walked out of the lab.

“What’s his problem?” Pidge asked behind a screen. Hunk shrugged.

~~~

Lance could really feel like a wind is blowing inside the small but big, round room. He sat there in the middle of the field, his bare feet are a little tickled by the pink flowers underneath him.

Is it even possible for the lions to pick such a small thing? He thought as he played with a white dried petal he found between the healthy plants.

There are seemed to be a few in here. White petals. Though he was told Altean flowers have only one color, which is pink.

The flower accidentally slipped from his hand and fell slowly in a zigzag down to the green grass that replaced the cold metal floor most of the room in the castle owned. Lance’s eyes followed it, but got stuck in the sight of a pink flower.

I’m sure the lions will appreciate the flowers, though. He smiled, and started to collect flowers, again.

This time, he wasn’t even going to try and give it to the paladins. What use can they do with pink flowers? He’s not going to waste such a beautiful plant on someone who does not want it.

One by one, he placed flowers down to the lions’ feet. Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Black. They all received their gift.

And day by day, Lance was drifting away from his friends. Spending less time with them, late for a mission, hide his personality and remain quiet around the team.

He was doing ok. Giving the lions an appreciation present for all they’ve done made him satisfied.

But the team wasn’t.

“Lance,” Allura called him from the dinner table, making the Cuban turn around. “Where are you going?”

It has been the third time someone asked. “To take a shower. I feel stinky.” And it was the seventh time he lied. Lies became so easy to make. Not like a few weeks ago, that he had a hard time lying about singing in the shower.

But he doesn’t sing under the hot water anymore. What’s the point anyway?

“Didn’t you take a shower today?” Shiro pulled the fork out of his mouth and raised his eyebrow, drawings everyone’s eyes at Lance.

The red paladin flinched from the sudden attention. “I uh, I did. But it wasn’t enough, ‘cuz I hurried to breakfast.” He gave a small smile.

“Alright then.” Shiro rolled his eyes back to the plate and poked the fork in the space goo again. Lance quickly walked-ran out of the room.

“What is he up to now?” Pidge grunted, sliding down in her chair. She threw a glance at Shiro and sat back up again. “Are you really going to let him off that easily?” The girl cried out.

“No.” Shiro snickered and gulped his last bite. He put the fork down and got up, taking his plate with him.

He let the plate go when he reached the counter on the other side of the room, and Allura jumped off her seat as well, following Shiro out of the room.

The two were casually walking through the hallways of the castle, secretly looking for Lance as they were faking an important conversation.

Allura giggled at Shiro’s lame dad jokes, when the red paladin named Lance appeared in the corner of her left eyes with... a bouquet of pink flowers?

She turned around quickly and scanned the hallway with her eyes, no sign to Lance. “Allura?” Shiro questioned her actions. Allura grabbed his human arm and started running.

Footsteps were coming from the right, and Allura jumped around, changing her path.

A bit of Lance’s white-blue shirt was shown over the corner, behind her, so she grabbed Shiro and followed the clues.

She swore she heard something falls from her left, so there she went.

After a bit of a maze, footsteps were heard from inside of Blue’s hangar. Allura let go of Shiro’s arm and pulled her hair into a bun. “Prepare your arm.” She glared at him. The black paladin nodded, his face hardened.

Allura stepped closer for the door to notice her presence and open up. It did, and she and Shiro quietly sneaked inside, moving forward in a fighting stance.

“And this one for you.” They heard a voice, calm and cheerful talk in the farther area of the room.

Soon, the voice was to be claimed by an owner, who sat in front of the Blue lion, and rested a quite tall two shaded pink flower to her front paws.

“I’m sorry it took me so long, Shiro and Allura were sticky.” He scoffed, and crossed his legs. “I.. am sorry about the flowers, too. I know they look a bit tired.” A sigh. “The garden... is drying out.”

“Lance?” Shiro yelled from across the room, and Allura slapped her forehead.

Lance flinched and hid the flower behind his back. “S-Shiro! Allura! What are you guys doing here?” He laughed nervously while turning around to them. Allura shook her head.

“What are YOU doing here? In MY lion’s hangar?” She stepped closer, and Lance backed away, the flower still in his hidden hands.

“I-I was just visiting Blue! Since I’m her previous paladin, and we had a very, very strong bond you know,”

Allura was tilting from side to side while walking forward, trying to find what Lance is holding behind his back.

“Ah- I’ll be leaving now.” He blurted out, pushing Allura and jogging out of the room.

Shiro caught his arm and pulled him back, lifting him up in the air like he was a feather. “What are you hiding?”

Allura walked over to Lance, who struggled in the air, and grabbed the thing from his back. Once her fingers touched the pink petals, her eyes widened and she tore the flower from his hands. She studied it, covering with her other hand her mouth. “Juniberry flower.” She whispered. “Where did you get that?” She looked up at Lance, her eyes getting shiny with tears.

Shiro dropped Lance, and the boy sighed. “Follow me.” He said, and walked at the lead with his head down.

The three stood in front of a quite tall two pink shaded flowers field, with some white dead petals on the green-brown grass. Allura kneeled down and cupped her mouth with her pointy nose. “What...?”

She turned to Lance. “For how long have you been keeping this field from us? From me?” Tears were sliding down her cheeks, and for a moment, Lance felt guilty.

“A few weeks.” He said, with no emotion. “I tried to tell Shiro, but instead he chose to be disappointed with me.”

The embarrassed Shiro rubbed the back of his neck. Allura stared blankly at the dying flowers. “And, there is no use for these flowers.” Lance continued. “So what’s the point in telling you about them?”

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Somebody to love pt.2 ; Queen x reader x oc male

*Author’s note*

Okay people we have unfortunately reached the last update for the day. Now again I hope to have the next chapter up by my bday hopefully but I can’t make any promises cause I’ve got papers due in all my classes in the upcoming weeks all this month.

Now after the emotional roller coaster that I put you all through the last chapter, I bring you a FLUFFY fic. But I want you all to do something for me. I have linked in the fic the Queen concert from Montreal 1981 the full length version of the song Somebody to love, I want you ALL TO watch and listen to it if you can cause it will help with what I had in mind, especially towards the end of the fic. TRUST ME YOU’LL THANK ME LATER. Thank you all for that and I hope you all have enjoyed the binge reading that I have given you guys my lovely readers, followers and tagged people. Hope it lighten ups your day like Queen themselves.

Taglist (as usual open)

@onebigfangirlworld

@mr-badguymercury

@phantom-fangirl-stuff

@labessieisallama

@starswin

@naturalswifty89

@isabella-bby

@dj-lowkey

@5sos-wdw

________________________________________________

*February 14th, 1984*

I woke up in my hotel room to feel arms wrapped around my waist.  I moaned tiredly until I felt those arms wrap around me tighter bringing me closer to the person’s chest before I felt a series of delicate and gentle kisses go up my neck.  I smiled which in turned woke me up as I turned to see Jack.

The sun peeking through the white curtains made him look like an angel sent from heaven.

“G’morning.” He said with a smile.

“Morning,” he kissed my temple and I moaned out. “Ohh I can’t believe I still get to wake up next to you.”

“I hope you mean that as a compliment otherwise I’m offended.”

“Of course it’s a compliment you rotter! In fact that’s the highest compliment you will ever get from me.” I teased as I turned around and faced him.

God I can’t believe its been six months since we started dating each other and nine months since we first met at that bar.  I can’t believe that I managed to snag me a really great guy who has made me feel so much love in just one look than Adam ever did in the first three months.

“How did I ever get so lucky to get you as mine?” I said as I cupped his face in my hand.

“Just right place right time, I’m really glad I went into that bar that day. Literally the best night of my life.” I awed at him as our foreheads touched then just before we were about to kiss, the door knocked loudly and I heard Freddie’s voice say.

“You two better not be fucking in there!”

“Fuck off Fred!” I yelled at him.

“Naughty, naughty language darling, whatever happened to my sweet little Rock angel?” I rolled my eyes and got up.  I was wearing Jack’s Led Zeppelin shirt and nothing else, I went ahead and unlocked the door and opened it just a crack as I said.

“What do you want Fred? It’s 9am and not even you are up this early?”

“Remember darling we have an early sound check to get to because apparently new management for Madison Square Garden fucked up the last show and I don’t want a repeat of the Rainbow 74 concert regarding power failure, less we get a temperamental Roger on our hands.”

“Alright let us get ready and we’ll meet you boys down in the lobby.” I shut the door and I turned back towards Jack and said. “You heard the hysterical queen, so I shower first then you?”

“Why not shower together? We’d save water that way.” Jack said with a suggestive smirk.  I playfully tossed my pillow at him.

“You’re even dirtier than Roger.” I laughed as I headed into the bathroom and proceeded to get myself cleaned up before the concert tonight.

Later that day we arrived at Madison Square Garden and the minute I walked on stage, it felt like I was transported back in time to just 3 years ago when Freddie brought me up on stage to perform my first song.  God I can’t believe it was just 3 years, it felt longer than that but I am so grateful to once again grace this stage once more as a popular Rockstar instead of a new star.

“Brings back memories doesn’t it?” I turned around to see Freddie standing behind me.

“I still can’t believe it’s only been three years, it feels like a lifetime ago.”

“You’ve come such a long way since then darling, and the boys and I couldn’t be prouder of you.” I smiled as I felt Fred’s arms wrap around me and he gave me a quick kiss at the top of my head as he swayed me gently from side to side.

Later on in the day, Fred and I were doing some vocal warmups together while the rest of the boys were finishing up getting dressed and ready for the concert.  Jack was sitting on the couch right beside Deacy as he was giving him another tutoring tip on the bass guitar.

Soon one of the stage handlers told us that we had five minutes left till the show began.  Deacy and Jack cut the tutoring short and the boys and I left our dressing room and as we hung out backstage I got myself pumped up and ready for the show, holding my gifted red special that Brian gave me in Japan ready to go on first.

As the lights went off and the crowd cheered loudly, I began playing my first song “Who I am” and the concert officially began.

The concert went on successfully and now I had come up along with the boys as well as Jack to do a combine duet of singing “Somebody to love”.

“Thank you everyone, this next song is our Rock Angel’s favorite and we’re so proud to welcome a new bassist. He’s been a couple of the shows already and he’s very special to our little angel, please give it up for Mr. Jack Kline!” Jack soon came out onto the stage and waved to the crowd. I smiled at him and we both hugged each other as Freddie sat down at the piano and began to start the song.

Play concert *REQUIRED*

*Freddie*

Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Each morning I get up I die a little Can barely stand on my feet

Take a look in the mirror and cry

Lord, what you're doing to me I have spent all my years in believing you I just can't get no relief, Lord! Somebody (somebody) ooh somebody (somebody) Can anybody find me somebody to love?

        I then came up to the microphone and I began singing while my boys backed me up.

*Me*

I work hard (she works hard) every day of my life I work 'til I ache in my bones At the end (at the end of the day) I take home my hard earned pay all on my own I get down (down) on my knees (knees) And I start to pray 'Til the tears run down from my eyes Lord, somebody (somebody), ooh somebody Can anybody find me somebody to love?

        I held the note and gave it a nice vibrato as Roger pounded the drums and at the next verse I gave it a little more soul as I put my body more into the song as I strutted across the stage.  At the ‘yeah, yeah’ part I pounded my fist in the air and could see from the lights people following my lead.

*Me*

(She works hard every day) Every day

I try and I try and I try But everybody wants to put me down They say I'm going crazy They say I got a lot of water in my brain Ah, got no common sense I got nobody left to believe in Yeah yeah yeah yeah

Brian then began the guitar solo coming up front of the stage.  I smiled and joined along side him, the two of us keeping eye contact with each other occasionally smiling at each other as Fred soon came up and sang the next part while we backed him up.

*Freddie*

Oh, Lord Ooh somebody, ooh somebody Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Got no feel, I got no rhythm I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing) I'm OK, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright) I ain't gonna face no defeat I just gotta get out of this prison cell One day (someday) I'm gonna be free, Lord!

        Roger pounded the drums in a steady beat as I raised my hands in the air and began clapping to the rhythm of Rog’s drumbeats.  The crowd echoed me back and Fred soon said in the mic.

        “Alright New York we want to see all those hands. Every single person clapping along. Three. Four!” At the bridge we all sang along and I could hear the crowd singing back to us.

        I would look towards Jack and he’d wink at me and I’d do the same by blowing him a quick kiss as I went back to singing getting ready for my solo.

Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love love love Find me somebody to love Find me somebody to love Somebody somebody

Somebody somebody Somebody find me Somebody find me somebody to love

Can anybody find me

*Me*

Somebody to

I felt Jack’s hand then take mine and when I turned to face him, I noticed that he now had the bass guitar behind him and he was down on one knee.  Deacy then quickly gave him his microphone and Jack said into the microphone as the song suddenly stopped.

“(Y/n), words cannot describe what being with you these past several months have been like. But the one thing I knew that mattered was that you have made me happier than I ever thought I could be. And—and if you let me, I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way,” it was then Jack pulled out from his pocket a small black box.

The crowd all gasped and cheered as Jack opened the box and inside of it was a beautiful sterling silver engagement ring. I held my hands to my mouth as he finally finished.

“(Y/n) (l/n) my Rock Angel, will you marry me?”

*Jack’s POV*

I finally did it, I finally worked up the courage to finally propose to (y/n).  I can still remember back to when I first asked each member of Queen for their blessing before I did this, wanting to do this properly.  And thanks to the guys, this wouldn’t even be happening.

~Flashback to 2 weeks ago in Seattle, Washington~

We had just gotten done with the Seattle concert.  God I was so nervous but I knew I had to tell them, it’d be wrong not to ask them, they’re practically her family since she’s told me her parents are gone and her aunt and uncle disowned her for pursuing a music career in college.

I found Deacy cleaning up his bass guitar when I approached him.

“Hey Deacy,” he looked up and said.

“Ahh Jack come in, come in I was just cleaning up my bass before I packed her up. Hey great job out there on your first performance, I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, hey John can I—can I ask you something?”

“Sure what is it?” My heart pounded and I was just about to race out of that room faster than a cheetah but I couldn’t back out of this, otherwise I may not get another ounce of courage to ask them again.

“Actually it’s something the rest of the guys need to hear, but not (y/n).”

“Of course, come on let’s head into the dressing room, they’re all probably still in there.” He set his bass guitar into its case and he lead me down the hallways towards the Queen dressing room.  Once we got there, Freddie and Roger were in their bathrobes and Brian was wiping his head with a towel of the sweat from the show.

“Ahh there he is. Jackie darling you and (y/n) were amazing up there!” Freddie proclaimed.

“Thanks Freddie.” I said with a smile.

“So you got the adrenaline rush yet kid?” asked Roger.

“A bit, is that what it’s like after you play for thousands of people?” I asked.

“Every night, your lovely lady can tell it better after her first performance.” Said Brian.

“Lads, Jack has something he’d like to tell us.” With that the boys of Queen gave me their full attention as they all sat down and looked right at me.

“Okay well……umm ehehe, well I know it hasn’t been a long time since we’ve been dating and hell it’s barely been a year since we’ve known each other but. I really, really care about (y/n) and….with each of your blessings. I would…..I want to ask (y/n) to marry me.”  They each looked at me intensely.

Ahh shit, I guess I should’ve waited.

The boys were silent as they each looked at me with either stoic faces, or wide eyes.  Brian who was one of the stoic ones said as he inhaled a breath of air.

“Could you give us a moment, please Jack?” I looked at him and he did his usual quick eyebrow quirk as a way to emphasize his point. Without saying another word, I got up from my seat and left their dressing room shutting the door behind me and waited.

*3rd Person POV*

The second Jack shut the door, Deacy turned to Brian and said.

“Why’d you do that?”

“I just wanted to see if he’d do it.” Brian joked. Roger scoffed out a chuckle. “So…..what do you guys think?”

“I honestly hoped this day wouldn’t come.” Said Roger.

“But it was inevitable Roger dear, we knew this day had to come.” Stated Freddie.

“But why did it have to come so soon?” Roger whined out. The boys then looked at each other in silent deliberation.

*Jack’s POV*

It felt like an eternity had passed by but when I looked down at my watch it was just ten minutes.  I sat beside the dressing room along the wall when I heard the door open. I quickly stood up and straightened myself out and Deacy soon came out, his hands in the pocket of his jacket.

“Will the defendant please reenter the court room? We the jury have reached our final decision.” I swallowed heavily but followed him back inside.  Deacy set me back down at the chair that now stood in front of the couch where Brian and Deacy took his seat beside him, Roger sat at my right while Freddie was to my left.

“We’ve decided…..” Roger started. I turned towards him anticipating what would happen, “What did we decide?” he questioned as he turned to Deacy.

“Jack; you know that (y/n) has no other family member living or accepting of her choices. We the band members of Queen came to look at her as either a daughter, niece or sister the first day she came to us as an intern. And out of any boy in the world she could’ve chosen, any guy who would come to us to ask her for her hand in marriage…..we’re glad that it’s you.” Deacy said.  I looked at my mentor to see a smile spread across his face as he said, “It’s a yes from me.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“You’ve made her happier than we’ve ever seen her Jack. You both clearly belong together. You have my approval.” Brian stated with a gentle smile as well.  A smile soon came across my face and I felt a hand at my shoulder.  I turned to see Freddie standing over me and he said.

“It’s obvious our little Rock Angel loves you, and you clearly love her. Just make sure you give her the ring she deserves when you tell her.” I nodded and that’s when all of our attention turned to Roger.

Out of the four members of Queen, it was Roger’s approval I was seeking for the most.  He’s acted like a father to (y/n), and I knew that if I didn’t win his approval, then this proposal wouldn’t happen until he said he accepted me. Because I could never make her choose between the guys and me.

“Oh it’s my turn now?”

“Come of it Roger and just say it! You’re leaving the poor boy in suspense!” Freddie groaned out.  Roger sighed heavily and he said.

“(Y/n) has been my partner in crime, my sidekick, my best girl. I’ve seen her as my daughter and yet I share no blood ties with her whatsoever. I’ve looked after her for what feels like her entire life even though it’s only been 4 years. And I almost can’t bear to let her go so soon.” He stopped right there leaving me in anticipation.

Silence rang throughout the dressing room except for the light hums of the AC.  That’s when Roger looked me dead in the eye and said.

“But I think it’s time for me to finally step down, and let a new man take my place.”

At that moment, I knew what he meant.

Roger may not be the sentimental type, except towards (y/n) but hearing him call me a man instead of kid like he’s had since the beginning, I knew I had his acceptance.

I breathed out so much air, I thought I was going to pass out. I couldn’t believe it.  I had gotten Queen’s approval, (y/n)’s brother, uncles and father figures approval to marry her.

“Welcome to the family Jack!” Freddie cheered as he picked me up and immediately embraced me.  I let out a soft laugh as I hugged him back and that’s when Brian came up to me and the two of us hugged it out.  He patted my back and I did the same to him when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to come face to face with Deacy.

Brian stepped back and Deacy shook my shoulder before bringing me into a hug as he said in my ear.

“I told you, bass players always get the girl.” As we separated he gave me a quick wink and a grin telling me that he somehow knew this would all happen.  It was then Roger and I now stood face to face with each other.

Roger extended his hand out to me and I accepted what he wanted. I took his hand and the two of us shook on it, but suddenly I felt his arm wrap around me and was actually being hugged my Roger Taylor.

“Look after her for the both of us, promise me you’ll do that.” I heard his whisper to me.

“I promise.” I vowed.

It was after that they helped me with the best way to propose and that would be at the very first show (y/n) performed at, Madison Square Garden and since they were performing on Valentines day, it would be twice as romantic just like in a fairytale according to Freddie.  

They also helped me pick out the perfect ring by going in disguise to the jewelers with me to pick out the perfect ring and I managed to get me a sterling silver engagement ring with a big sized diamond ring at the center and engraved at the sides were mini diamonds with an intertwined band.

~End of Flashback 1st POV~

I couldn’t believe it.  Jack was proposing to me right here, right now.  Tears spilled down my face as smiled widely and I nodded not trusting my voice.

At my answer, the entire stadium went wild as Jack took the ring out and placed it on my left ring finger.  Once it was on, he stood up and I wrapped my arms around him kissing him with as much passion as I could before embracing him as the two of us swayed and the boys went straight to the last verse of the song.

Both Roger and Freddie alternating between the lead vocals.  Freddie would scatter some parts of the lyrics while Roger kept on beat with the amazing background vocals.

*Roger (Fred)*

Find me (find me)

Somebody to love (somebody to love) Find me

Somebody to love (To love, to love, to love)

Find me somebody to love (Ooh)

Find me somebody to love

(Can you find me, find me, find me, find me)

Find me somebody to love

Somebody to love (Ooh, somebody to love) *Fred (Roger)*

Somebody to love (Yeah) Find me, find me, (Yeah, yeah)

Find me somebody to love *Roger*

Yeah, yeah

By the end of the song, the boys rocked out hard. Roger played a long ending solo, Brian had his guitar carry the rift of the last part of the song for what felt like forever, Freddie banged on the piano with his forearm before leaving it and going towards Roger and doing their little stage acts they always do toward each other as Roger kept hitting the cymbals rapidly.

Once the song ended, people were roaring with applause, cameras were flashing and Freddie soon gestured towards Jack and me.

“Ladies and gentlemen give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Kline!”

After the concert was over, there was a small celebration for the engagement, Freddie giving out a small toast to Jack and I at a nearby bar.  And after the celebration, Jack had a mixtape playing on the stereo and for the rest of the night we swayed in a gentle dancing holding onto each other before ending it cuddling together in the bed.

[parchmints]

JuLance Day 28 - BIRTHDAY!

Check out my thread on twitter to see all the prompts at once (the tumblr app messes with formatting so I recommend twitter if you’re using mobile)! All prompts connect together to form one overarching story!

First | Previous | Next

day 28/31 - BIRTHDAY!

Lance’s last day of his week visiting Cuba. 

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LANCE!! Here’s my bday fic for the BEST boy. Hope you all like as we get near the end of this fic! Thanks to @angst-in-space for the beta!)

Day 28: BIRTHDAY!

It’s Lance’s last full day in Cuba and there’s a knot in his stomach that just won’t go away. He knows he’ll still be able to visit while they’re on Earth, but he’s really liked spending all day with everyone. There’s a part of him--a very small part of him--that wants to take his mamá’s offer and hang up his blue helmet, stay in Cuba forever, but he can’t. He won’t.

“You’re getting all mopey again,” Marco says, snapping Lance out of his daydream. They’re side-by-side, grocery bags in hand, and walking along the pier to the path that leads to their house. Mamá had asked Marco to buy some groceries for tomorrow night (which was admittedly odd--she usually goes grocery shopping once a week and gets everything at once) and Marco had dragged Lance along. Normally, Lance would have resisted, but he’s happy to spend some time with his brother.

Being present has proven difficult, however, as Lance is constantly thinking about his departure tomorrow.

“Oh. Sorry, Marco. I’m just--”

“Sad you’re leaving?” Marco asks, his usual smirk faltering.

“Yeah…”

“Well, I mean, you’re gonna come and have dinner with us all the time, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re probably gonna have some time off too. You said it was probably gonna take a while to build the castle, so we have time.”

“No, yeah,” Lance says, frowning, “I know. I’m just...it’s been a really great week, y’know?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.”

As Lance and Marco sink into silence on their evening walk, Lance’s cell phone vibrates in his jacket pocket. Lance slips the grocery bag handle from his hand to his wrist and fishes out his phone, already fairly certain who’s contacting him.

Keith <<5:54 PM>>

Hey, Lance. Don’t want to interrupt your time with your family, but I know you’re probably pretty bummed since it’s your last night in Cuba and I thought I’d check in on you.

<<5:54 PM>>

!!!! awww!!! babe!! that’s so sweet ur so tjoughtful <3 <3 <3

Keith <<5:55 PM>>

Ugh. Stop.

<<5:55 PM>>

BABE BABE BABE BABE BABE

Keith <<5:55 PM>>

YOU’RE THE WORST

<<5:56 PM>>

:P youll learn to like it

Keith <<5:56 PM>>

…

Keith <<5:56 PM>>

Maybe.

Keith <<5:56 PM>>

Well, I’ll let you go. Have fun. I’m excited to see you tomorrow.

<<5:57 PM>>

thnx!! me too!! love you xox

Keith <<5:57 PM>>

…

Keith <<5:56 PM>>

Love you too.

“Ugh, oh my god, stop! I can feel you being gross from over here,” Marco says, groaning. “Put the phone away before I get secondhand cavities.”

Lance’s cheeks heat from Marco calling him out, but the dopey grin that plastered itself on his face since he saw the text is still firmly in place.

“Shut up,” Lance says, slipping his phone back in his pocket, his mood ten times lighter.

“Nuh uh. Until I get myself a cute girlfriend, you’re fair grounds for teasing, bro,” Marco says, swinging his grocery bags back and forth. “But it’s going well? You and Keith?”

Lance’s eyes stray to the ground at the question, his grin fading into a smaller, softer smile. “Yeah. Yeah, it’s going well.”

In fact, it’s going very well. Kind of better than Lance’s wildest dreams, if he’s honest. It’s only been a few days since they confessed to each other, but it already feels like they’ve found something good. Something that will last.

After they got together, they both agreed Keith should stay in Arizona while Lance finished his vacation with his family. They both knew they’d distract each other and Lance still has a lot more time Keith when compared to the time he has in Cuba, so they both thought it was for the best. It’s been a little hard because now that Lance has a boyfriend he wants to see him all the time and do all the fun boyfriend stuff he gets to do now, but he reminds himself that there’s a time and place for that.

And now isn’t that time and Cuba isn’t that place.

Cuba is for family.

Lance has been spending the past couple days hanging out with everyone--facials with Veronica, early morning fishing with papá, guitar practice with Luís, practicing his French with Marise, arts and crafts with Diana, Hilario, and Ana, and of course, big family dinners every night.

He’s going to miss those the most. With everyone so busy all the time, it’s the one place they all get to be together and it’s something mamá insists upon. No matter what, the McClains eat their dinner together.

Lance has never been more grateful for that rule.

Finally, they reach home, the sun starting its descent towards the horizon and Lance feels a pang of loneliness shoot through his chest. Tonight’s his last dinner with them all for who knows how long and it weighs heavy on him.

They climb the porch steps to the front door and Marco nods for him to go ahead. Lance does so without question and opens the door.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”

There’s a flash, a series of loud popping sounds, streams of color, the whir of kazoos, and Lance is very, very confused.

He blinks rapidly trying to absorb the scene in front of him, but it’s all so overwhelming.

“Oh man, look at his face!” a voice says. Pidge?

“Oh, we totally got him. We got him so good!” another voice answers. Hunk?

After a few seconds, Lance finally understands what’s happening--his entire family is in the hall with the entire team and they’re all looking at him with big smiles and mischievous eyes. In the back of the large group is Hunk and Luís holding up a large banner that says “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEANDRO!” in finger paints and Lance can tell it was made by Hilario and Ana with Diana’s supervision.

“I--it’s September!” he says, incredulous and they all laugh at him.

“Oh, we know, we know,” his mamá says with an unbothered wave, “but we missed two of your birthdays while you were in space so we wanted to make up for lost time.”

“Aww mamá, you didn’t have to do that.”

“We wanted to!” she says, coming over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Happy birthday, mijo.”

Lance smiles at her and then looks to his team members. “How did you guys get here? I didn’t see a Lion.”

“We all took Green and I put on cloaking while we rode in and parked far away,” Pidge says, looking smug. “I’m a genius.”

“Seriously?! Who even told you guys?”

Marco steps away and walks over to Keith, casually leaning his arm on Keith’s shoulder. “Keith and I coordinated the whole thing! We missed twice the birthdays so we need twice the people to make up for it.”

Lance beams at Keith and sends him the biggest smile he can manage, which Keith returns. He quickly looks away, however, as they haven’t told the rest of the team about their relationship yet and they don’t want it to be exposed before they’re ready to tell them themselves.

“Aww, you guys! That’s awesome, I’m so happy. It’s so cool that you’re all here,” Lance says, beaming at them.

Shiro roughly puts his hand on Lance’s shoulder and gives it a little squeeze. “We wouldn’t miss it, Lance.”

“Yes! Plus, Hunk informed us that your household’s cuisine is to be revered which I am glad to hear because so far, Earth food has been...not what I expected,” Allura says.

“Yeah, ‘cause you’ve been eating standard issue Garrison food,” Hunk says. “I’ve only ever had Lance’s mom’s home cooked empanadas the day after and man, I dreamed about those puppies for weeks.”

“Oh, Hunk, you’re so sweet,” Lance’s mamá says, blushing at the praise.

“Yeah, they’re really good,” Keith agrees.

“Alright, alright! Enough!” Veronica says with a sigh. “Let’s eat them already before they get cold.”

Dinner is...an experience. They’re all crowded onto the McClain family table, elbows bumping elbows, plates only centimeters apart, and every extra chair in the house being squeezed in. There’s so much conversation happening, Lance can hardly follow it. Hunk is talking to mamá about her family recipes, Shiro is talking to Luís and papá about his arm, Pidge and Marise are prattling away about genius stuff, and Coran has Marco, Veronica, and Allura swept up in a story about the former Paladins. Marco and Veronica listen to him with rapt attention, but based on the identical line between their brows, they’re also very confused.

Lance sits at the center of the table, talking and chiming in to as many conversations as he can, while Keith sits beside him. They’re all so squeezed in that no one notices that they’re holding hands and that Keith is gently brushing Lance’s thumb underneath the table.

And it’s a bittersweet feeling. He’s not sure if he’s ever felt happier, surrounded by both his blood family and space family, but there’s a subtle sadness to it because he’s not sure when this will ever happen again, this incredible clashing of his worlds. Soon, he’s going to have to leave one family to be with the other, but all he wants is to just live in this moment forever with all of them.

Don’t worry about that now, he thinks. Enjoy it while it lasts.

There’s cake--of course, there’s cake. Luís brings it out with a big grin and it’s probably the ugliest, greatest cake Lance has ever seen in his life. It’s two-tiered but the layers are uneven, so it slants and it’s covered in baby blue icing with little icing doodles of the Red and Blue Lions on the sides. The amount of candles on the thing is probably illegal and they’re a glittering mess of sparklers and regular wax ones. It’s a total mess, but if Luís baked it, Lance knows it’s going to be delicious.

Hilario whoops and yells, “CAKE!” as soon as he sees it and the rest of the adults “ooh” and “ahh” as it comes in. Luís places the cake right in front of Lance, squeezing himself past a long line of chairs, and Lance can feel the heat of the lit candles radiating from it.

“Alright!” Luís says, clapping Lance on the shoulders before grabbing a guitar he tucked away in the corner of the room. “Let’s sing Happy Birthday to Lancito before we burn the house down.”

Luís strums his guitar and starts the song, his full-bodied voice filling the room, and the rest all jump in. Nobody’s on pitch (as it should be) and they’re not quite in sync as Allura and Coran are learning as they go, but Lance is grinning just the same. And as awkward as being sung to may feel usually, today it just fills him up with so much happiness, so much gratefulness, so much love that a lump forms in his throat.

Oh my god, no. You are not gonna cry, you sap, he tells himself. Luckily, his body listens to him and he’s able to swallow down the emotion. He feels Keith give his hand a squeeze under the table and Lance flashes him a quick smile. Keith’s eyes are soft and sweet when they catch Lance’s and his whole torso flutters at the sight of them. When he turns back, Shiro is wearing a knowing smirk, and, embarrassed, Lance quickly looks back to Luís as he finishes the song.

Of course, Keith told Shiro, he thinks, a little annoyed, but the feeling passes quickly.

“--Happy birthday to youuu!” they all finish with hollers as Luís strums his guitar erratically. Hilario has started listing all the birthday channel additions he remembers--”and a big fat lady on channel 80! And Scooby Doo on channel two!”--and Lance’s papá pats his shoulder next to him.

They all watch Lance as he halfway stands from his seat to reach the candles and with a brief moment of introspection, Lance closes his eyes and makes a wish.

I wish...I wish that I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with these people.

Lance takes an exaggerated, cartoony inhale and with all the power his lungs can muster, he blows out the ridiculous amount of candles on the cake. The sparklers don’t go out, but all the wax ones do and from all sides of him Lance hears cheers and clapping.

He sits back down and he’s met with dozens of bright eyes and happy smiles staring back at him.

And it’s in this moment that Lance’s eyes water--he’s too overcome with the weight of his gratefulness to be here, to be surrounded by the most important people in his life, at least for one night, that his emotions get the better of him.

He’ll never forget this night--the one where he was surrounded by all the people he loves most in the world--the universe--and the people who love him back just as much.

And there’s no better birthday present than that.

[maewritesstuff-blog]

Oh, My, My, My!

AN: okay shits, this is based off a prompt I had thought of and I requested it before but said fuck it and decided to do it myself. Here’s the playlist for this. Petey is 20 in this as well as the reader, both are in the Avengers bc yolo why not. also, the reader is a mutant idk what kind so well find out when I post it lmao.

Requested: no lmao. it’s basically Y/N giving Peter a bday gift and some bff!thor ( I love my mans, okay and platonic thor is needed) 

warning: my shitty writing and bad playlist. 

word count: 2,574 

Getting a birthday present for your best friend is supposed to be easy right? Especially if you are in love with them, wrong. It makes it about 10 times harder. You get an idea and you think ‘oh! this is perfect! great!’ but then you realize, a normal best friend wouldn’t get them this, this is too much, too personal. That’s where I'm stuck at right now.

Buying my best friend his 21st birthday gift shouldn’t be this hard! I'm great at gifts! Hell, I got the team the BEST gifts for Christmas, I made Steve tear up. So why can’t I think of something for Pete?

Groaning and running my hands over my face, I roll over and look at the picture of us from graduation. I know Pete like the back of my hand, I know his sandwich orders from every shop in Queens and upstate. I know he likes the Trilogy better than the Prequels of Star Wars, even if that's wrong.  I know that even at 20 and one of the strongest and powerful heroes, he sleeps with the curtain closed because he’s scared someone is going to be looking in if he looks over at night. I know this kid better than I know myself, so why am I stuck?

“Y/L/N, are you still coming into town with me?” ‘‘Yeah! I’m coming, give me a second Sparkles!’‘ huffing and attempting to get off my bed as fast I can, I hear Thor’s loud footsteps reaching my room. “Y/N, how many times am I to explain that I do not sparkle?’‘

Thor enters with a deep-set frown, leaning against my door frame watching me lace my boots up. “Sparkles, bub, listen.. I know you produce lighting, not sparkles; BUT you can make sparkles and it’s fun.’‘ I get up and walk over to him and step on my tippy toes to pat his cheek “Plus, you know you are my favorite founding Avenger.’‘ Laughing and putting his hand over mine before moving Thor replies “Oh you are full of it, I made sparkles once when you were sad and now you taunt me with it ever since.’‘ Grinning, I nod and pull him out with me and make our way down to the elevators.

“You are staying for Petey’s party tonight, right?’‘ Glancing over at Thor while he hums softly waiting for the doors to open before stepping in. “I am, the others say this age marking is a big one for you mortals and I enjoy watching your kind celebrate things, very different than how we do it. Plus I want to see if you finally confess to young Peter your feelings.’‘

“THOR!’‘ He laughs when I push his shoulder, him barely moving. You see, I told Thor about my crush on Peter last Halloween.

Everyone was at the tower for a big party that Tony threw. I was sitting next to Peter while Natasha was telling a story about one of her missions. “You okay, honey?’‘ Peter asked, a concerned look set on his face and his hand on my knee. We had this thing where we called each other Honey. He says he calls me it because of my eyes, a side effect of my mutation that leaves them a soft yellow color. I call him it because he’s sticky. “Yeah, I’m fine Petey“ I smile and reply, “Just a little tired is all.’’ Peter nods, a soft smile forming on his lips and removes the hand on my knee and brings it on the couch, behind me and goes back to listening to Natasha.

I stare at him briefly before shifting a bit myself, letting our knees knock together softly and stay close to him. Feeling a pair of eyes on me, I look over and see Thor starring at us with the look he gets when he’s thinking hard about something.

I furrow my eyebrows at him and mouth ‘What?’ to him, wondering what he’s looking at. He gets up and motions for me to follow him to the next room. “I’ll be back..’’ I whisper to Peter and get up, following the God.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is it another moment? Do you want me -’‘ “Are you and young Peter together and not telling me?” Thor interrupts me and frowns, crossing his arms over his chest. “What? No!’‘ Shaking my head quickly and feeling my face get hot “W-what makes you think that? We are just friends, bub.“ “You and him are sitting close and you two have been very fond of each other the whole evening.. did something happen when I was gone? Did you two engage?’‘ He asks, looking at me and squints his eyes watching me. I feel my face turn red and blink a few times, laughing nervously. “Thor, I-I don't know what you are talking about.. Peter and I haven't done anything, he’s just my best friend..’‘ I reply, unable to look up at him.

Thor is like my big brother, ever since I joined at fifteen Thor has been there to help. When he found out about another member joining the team with similar powers to his, he was excited. “Y/N.. you like young Peter, don't you?” God, I could practically hear the smile in his voice, I could already tell this was never going to be dropped. Whining, I put my hands on top of my head and looked up at him. "If you tell anyone or ever mention this when it's not just us, I will burn all of your capes.'' Thor lets out a small noise of agreement and pulls me into his chest, hugging me tightly. "I won't speak a word of, Honey.'' "I hope you drop your ax on your foot," I reply with a small smile while he laughs.

Rolling my eyes and thinking back at the memory, I can't help but smile to myself. It was a good night. "I have been thinking of telling him.. I'm just not entirely sure how to yet. I need to get him a gift first.'' I say as we walk out of the building and down the sidewalk. "Maybe a shirt? Peter seems to enjoy those, perhaps one with those sayings? He has a few, I don't understand them though..'' Laughing, I pat his shoulder "That's actually a good idea, he does wear an awful lot of those bad pun shirts." Thor just nods and looks in front of us as we make our way down the street.

Maybe getting Peter a shirt was a good idea? Thor does have a point with that option, he probably owns more bad science pun shirts than he does anything else. Glancing at the few little shops we pass, I notice a small music store and smile brightly. "Thor, I know what I'm going to do.'' "What is it?'' He asks me slightly confused. "You wouldn't get it, don't worry. You can get him the shirts, he'll love those.'' Nodding along to what I say, Thor just glances around the store smiling a bit to himself while I grab what I need and pay.

After spending about three hours making Peter's gift, you sat up and smiled. A personalized playlist was a great gift, right? Even if it's a playlist of songs you'd love to make out with him too? Peter loved playlist and loved music. It was a perfect gift for him, you were just nervous about the title you had written on it. 'Songs To Make Out With You'. Chewing on your bottom lip you grabbed the CD out of your laptop and put it in its case and wrapped it up before putting it in the bag with the other small gifts you got him. Pushing back the slight nervousness you had in your gut, you got ready and grabbed the bag heading down to the common room. Saying Tony took birthday's special was an understatement.I should of know this when I mentioned the idea of a surprise party for Peter.

The entire room was fully decorated. Balloons were everywhere, a huge banner was hanging in the middle of the room along with the numbers '21' on either side. Placing your bag on the table with the rest of the gifts, you walked over to where everyone was huddled up.

''Remeber, Pete has no idea this is happening, okay? F.R.I.D.A.Y. is going to tell us when he's coming, no one spilled, right?'' Tony looked around the room, squinting his eyes at everyone.

"Tony, relax. No one said a thing to the kid, he thinks it's just a regular movie night.'' Natasha replied, glancing down at her nails. Everyone in the room did a collective nod and reasurred Tony. He may not seem like it, but Tony Stark is the biggest softy in the world, especially for his teammates. "Mr. Stark, Peter is now entering the building and making his way to the elevator.'' "Okay, get into place guys!" Quickly ducking down by the couch as all the lights flick off while everyone finds a hiding spot, the room falls silent; an incredibly rare thing in this tower.

After a few moments of silence, you are able to hear the soft footsteps in the hall and the sound of a keypad followed by the door opening. "Whoa, why is it so dark in here? F.R.I.D.A.Y., turn lights on pl-" Peter is cut off by everyone screaming surprise and jumping up from their spots. Grinning brightly, Peter claps his hands together and laughs a bit "Guys.. You all didn't have to do this! This is so nice!''

Giggling at his reaction, you walk up to him and pull him in for a hug. "Happy Birthday, Honey'' you whisper in his ear and give his cheek a soft kiss. You feel him pull you closer to him and nuzzle his head into your neck, his smile obvious against your skin. You two kept the embrace for a small moment before pulling away. Peter grabbed your hand and kept you beside him as he greeted everyone and gave his thank yous.

"Mr. Stark, you didn't have to do any of this! It's so much!'' Shaking his head and patted Peter's shoulder. "It's nothing. 21 is a big age kid, celebrate it. Plus, it was Y/N that came up with the idea, I just took over a bit.'' Tony replied, sending a small wink in your direction. "You've got a good one there, kid.'' Instantly feeling your cheeks heat up slightly, you laughed it off. Peter smiled brightly at his mentor and turned to you. "You came up with this?" He asked. "It was just an idea, Petey, I wanted you to have a good time,'' you replied shrugging a bit. "Besides, Tony completely took control over most things and decorating. The man loves a good party.'' Peter just stared at you with a smile on his face and pulled you in for another hug, kissing the top of your head.

''I don't deserve you, Y/N, I really don't.'' biting your lip and wrapping your arms around his waist you just replied "Let's go and be apart of the party.'' Peter laughs and nods, pulling away and leading you two into the party. About an hour into the party, everyone is sitting on the couches by the window. Peter next to you, one arm behind your head and the other holding his cup while you softly lean against him with your own cup in your hand. "Alright, it's time for presents. I can't wait any longer.'' Tony announced to the room while getting up and clapping his hands together.

He walked over to the table and had DUM-E help him bring the gifts from the team onto the coffee table. Shifting and moving away from Peter a bit you started to feel anxiety build up in your stomach. No one told you they were gonna have them open the presents in front of everyone. You thought they were gonna let him take them back to his room and open them there. How the hell were you gonna get the cd and not have everyone on your team know you want to stick your tongue down Peter's throat?

Panicking a bit you sit up straight and watch as Peter is handed a gift by Clint. He grins like a small kid on Christmas when he opens the box and sees the small construction paper drawings from his kids and the gift card to the local bookstore. He receives a braided bracelet from Wanda that is a traditional gift from her home.

A new blue and red dagger from Natasha with his initials engraved on it and his logo, a child's wallet with spider-man on it with $100 cash in it from Tony, a stack of new books from Steve, a star wars poster from Bruce to replace the one the Hulk ripped in a fast accident a while ago. A winter soldier #1 fan mug from bucky that was accompanied from a matchy Falcon one from Sam. The science pun shirts from Thor, who doesn't truly know why you can't trust atoms. A Battle Star Galactica complete series from Rhodey.

Watching him thank Rhodey and start to reach for your bag, you feel your stomach start to fall. Chewing on your bottom lip, mumbling "Maybe you should open the bottom item later..'' Peter glanced over to his side at you and furrowed his eyebrows "Why? If you're worried I won't like it, that's a lie.'' He replied and started pulling out the items. One by one he opened the small gifts, his smile never leaving his face, constantly looking at you and beaming. You moved around in your seat starting to feel really nervous

"Don't read that out loud!" you blurted out, causing everyone to look over at you with a weird confused look, you put out a fake laugh and shrugged "Has an inside joke on it.. don't want you guys to be confused." Peter nodded, laughing along with you as he grabbed the case.

Swallowing you watched as he carefully took the wrapping paper off of it and smiled to himself at the picture on the case you put. It's the picture you got of him when he was sleeping on the couch with his mouth wide open. Peter opened the case and you felt as if your stomach was going to completely drop out of your ass. What if this was the end of your friendship? What if he started laughing and everyone joined in? Could you find a way to quickly snatch it out of his hands and just say 'Issa prank!'?

You looked at his hands holding the gift, scared of seeing his reaction when he was finished reading it Peter's eyes widened a bit as he read the title, biting his lip he scanned over the tracklist reading each song you put on there, feeling a smile creep on his face he looked back you.

"Honey, we are so going to listen to this later tonight..''

[genkigratification]

wishes

ao3 // happy bday goro! // endgame spoilers apply

Year after year, the second of June was a lonely affair; the year he meets and later betrays the Phantom Thieves is no different, lights off when he unlocks his apartment, the crinkle of a plastic bag the only sound as he silently toes off his shoes and closes the door. Minutes later he's resting on his knees, watching the candle flames flicker in the darkness of his residence, shadows dancing across the wall, empty despite the smile on his face and hum of a song, counting the years under his breath.

Mechanically he blows out the candles and sends his surroundings into darkness, not a single wish curling upward with the smoke as he cuts around them and takes a piece for himself, sitting at a desk in his room and eating the rich dessert thoughtlessly as he does work.

A year later, games behind him, Goro expects it'll be the same regardless of the relationships he's unsteadily fostered around himself (Chariot, Lovers, Priestess, Magician, Hermit, Emperor, Empress, Justice, a voice alike his own murmurs in the back of his mind, Metaverse and Persona gone yet lingering all the same) and buys himself a cake as usual, trodding home under oppressive heat with loneliness carving out veins in his mood. It'll be dark as usual, quiet as usual, the door gives way as usual--

Wait.

He pauses in turning his key, realizing that it's... been unlocked, somehow, and he wonders if his mind simply left him this morning; he had been rather preoccupied earlier, so that must be it.

The sound of a thud dispells rational thought against home intruders and Goro presses his lips tight, hand drawing away from the knob and he steps back, plastic crinkling hard in his grip. He pulls out his phone, ready to call the police, when the door opens and Ann's head pops out, eyes just as wide as his own.

"Oh. Oh! Oh, Akechi-kun, you're-- you're earlier than we-- um, I expected!" She's clearly flustered, laughter stilted, and his wariness at being robbed turns its head to questioning what, exactly, she and possibly the others were doing in his apartment.

He doesn't question how they got in, of course. Picking locks was something that translated better tha parkour.

"Ann, what the hell're you-- oh shit, Akechi!" Ryuji's joined them now and Goro's smile pinches more, especially once he glances down and sees Futaba, Morgana, and Yusuke crouched like statues watching from below their legs. Makoto and Haru join a moment later, all but the illustrious leader present, and he breathes in deeply.

Lets it out slowly, easing irritation and leaving only confusion in its wake when he opens his mouth to ask--

"Oh," Akira's voice jerks their heads down the way Goro'd come originally, two bags in hand. "You got a cake too."

Goro opens his mouth, closes it, then shakes his head. "I always buy myself one, but... that aside, everyone, what are you all doing here?"

"We're gonna celebrate your birthday, duh!" Futaba pipes up from her place in between Morgana and Yusuke. "Wasn't that hard to find, but man it could've been easier. Why didn't you ever say it in interviews? Save me some trouble!"

"I, ah, was never comfortable giving it out, so frankly I'm surprised to..." He pauses, another realization dawning on him. "I never told you where I lived."

Ann grins. "Futaba's not our info specialist for nothing, Akechi-kun!"

That's... fair, if disturbing, and he sighs. "Inside, I suppose. I've already accidentally ruined the surprise this party was supposed to be."

"Indeed. You should have either come in or stayed away until someone came to fetch you," Yusuke replies, tone more factual than scolding, and Goro laughs sheepishly.

They all file back in and he sighs, turning his head as Akira comes beside him. "Was this your idea?"

"Surprisingly? No. It was everyone else's." And the smile he gives is honest enough, a little apologetic and the rest pleased as a cat. "I didn't know until I got a text from Makoto about it a couple days ago."

"What short notice..." Goro shakes his head, smile brightening; today he feels it too, warmth in his chest and a surprising lightness to the rest of him. "I... Thank you for coming, I suppose?"

Akira's smile widens, moving one bag to his other hand so he can push Goro inside. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

It's all so-- so nice, for a simple word. The lights are on. There's voices besides his own, besides the TV's. The smell of food and two cakes waiting their turn on the counter, one pristinely white and the other a rich chocolate. It's... all too much, honestly, it's overwhelming in a good way, more than he could even remember it being when he was a child.

It's Haru who sees him closing up against the onslaught of niceties, before he even realizes it himself, and suggests they do cake before it gets too late. Goro's thankful for the attention being off him for a moment, Ryuji and Yusuke debating which one to use, and Morgana suggests both; one can be for Akira, who's birthday is a few days from now.

There's a length of silence before the room explodes into noise.

"What the hell, dude?!"

"Akira, you should've said something!"

"I agree. This is an oversight that must be--"

"Guys, guys, it's no big deal," the center of attention looks good on Akira today and Goro bites the inside of his cheek, humming softly as he leans over to Futaba.

"You knew, didn't you?"

She snorts as her answer and he laughs, the fullness of it surprising himself and quieting the interrogation instigated by Ryuji, Ann, and Yusuke. Goro's smile is one he barely feels, leaning on his hand. "I get the one you bought, Akira-kun."

Two cakes are dressed for the occassion, eighteen candles on one and nighteen on the other, and Goro tucks his hair behind his ear as he leans towards the rich chocolate, staring past the flickers of flames to Akira on the other side with the ice cream cake. Akira's grin curls into a smirk and he closes his eyes; after a moment Goro does the same, trying to think of a wish.

He's never had a real use for them. Could always make them come true himself, never saw a point to this part of the birthday ritual, but one digs itself into the back of his mind and it leaves his lips with a silent exhale, curling upward with grey smoke. Akira's joins his a second later and there's claps all around, hands reaching to cut slices of both and pass them out.

Presents are for Goro only, since someone never mentioned the closeness of their birthdays, and he picks through each one like it's a treasure all its own: From Ryujj there's a boxset of manga he swears is right up Goro's alley, and frankly it looks it; Ann gives him some fashionable clothing she says'll be in magazines next week, claiming they'll suit him; from Yusuke comes a peculiar painting that features many colors and all of them swirling, dipping in and out of each other as he explains that this is, at the moment, Goro himself: tangled but visible all the same, working to become something.

He's not sure he likes how well it works.

Makoto's gifts are from her and Sae both: a scarf more fitting for winter and sunglasses appropriate for summer; Futaba's is a new laptop, smaller for ease of transport, so he doesn't have an excuse not to stay at Leblanc. He laughs and promises to come around, then, and work on his college papers there. The gift Haru sets in his lap is unwrapped, filled with dirt and featuring the nub of some kind of plant poking out of the fertilizer.

"It's a kind of cactus, so you won't have to worry about it too much, but..." She trails off and Goro nods, speaking up before she can continue.

"I'll take very good care of it, Haru-chan. Don't worry."

Her smile's bright enough to act as the sun itself.

Goro looks expectantly at Morgana, who stretches and shrugs. "I'm a cat, I don't have anything for you."

His chuckle is cut short by the other hopping into his lap, though, careful not to knock over the pot in Goro's hands as he leans up to rub against his cheeks and whisper his present. "Don't forget, you're part of this now. Once a thief, always a thief; I'm proud to call you an ally."

And then he hops away, back to Ann's lap with a pleased look on his face. Goro's cheeks are warm and hurt from smiling, just a bit, and he looks up at Akira, who's leaning against the back of the sofa.

"Would you believe me if I said me being here was your present?"

"Cheapskate!" Futaba hisses.

"As long as you don't make a habit of using that excuse, I'll accept it." Goro smiles up at him and laughs when Ryuji and Ann protest his calmness about the lack of a real present, snorting when Yusuke makes a comment at the lack of leaderly dignity and Akira's smugness falls away into disbelief.

"I spent all my money coming here and getting the cake and stuff," he tries to say, but the others gang up on him anyway. Makes him swear to send Goro something once he's home, makes him pinky promise never to pull that on anyone else's birthday, and Goro's chest is so filled with something he likes it spills out in tears, watering the plant with a few drops before Ann points it out and he ducks his head down.

"Ah, I'm fine, I..." A shake of his head, wiping his eyes and keeping them to the pot, embarrassment burning the back of his neck. "Thank you for... this. I don't think I've ever had such a lively party before."

There's a moment of silence he's sure is filled with shared looks between the rest of them and then there's arms enclosing on all sides, not as suffocating as he thought it'd be.

"Get used to it, 'cause it's gonna be like this for the rest of your life!" Ryuji declares, and Ann's quick to back him up.

"If there's something we like more than showing up rotten adults, it's partying!"

Makoto's words are quieter, but as amused as he feels. "It's true. They'll take any excuse to have a party."

"My apologies," he whispers back.

"Sure as can be, Akechi, you have become one of us." Yusuke's words are objectively pleased. "As such, when figuring in food costs--"

"Shut up, Inari! Don't spend so much money on stupid art supplies if you can't feed yourself!"

"It would seem you are rich in salt, Futaba."

"Say that when there isn't a wall of people between us and see if you regret it."

Haru's voice pipes up. "Don't mind them, Akechi-kun, they'd be happy to have you around even if you didn't lower the cost of party funds."

Goro chuckles, resting his chin on someone's arm. "So you say. They certainly are more welcoming now."

"So're you," Akira replies from directly beside him. "I can't imagine doing this with you a year ago."

"We didn't know him a year ago," Morgana points out, pressing into Goro's stomach with his own kind of hug. "But now we do, and as an apology for not finding you sooner, Akechi, we should go out for sushi-- Mreow!"

Ryuji's squeezed his hand through the mass of the hug to push on Morgana's head, yelping when Goro feels movement and the cat darts out with claws still drawn.

They unwrap themselves from him after that but linger close anyway, and Goro leans his head back when fingers skirt the nape of his neck. Akira smiles at him.

"Having fun?"

"More than I thought I would," he replies, easing back into the sofa. "What did you wish for? When you blew out your candles... I mean, if you did, I suppose it's rather childish to do that kind of--"

"It came true."

"... Pardon?"

Akira's smile tips higher into a grin, eyes sparkling with happiness as fondness as he glances around, lowering his voice; it comes out as warm breath against his ear and he can't stop the heat in his cheeks even before the answer registers. "I wished for you to have the best birthday."

"That's-- You shouldn't waste your wish on something for someone else, Akira-kun," but his chiding is happy and pleased enough that the other just chuckles.

"Wishes are best used on other people. Besides, you didn't make yours just for yourself either, did you?"

Goro sucks his bottom lip to keep from smiling, shaking his head. "I suppose not. I had selfish intentions in mind," as always, but it's appropriate today, "but it does benefit everyone else. I'm certain it'll come true as well."

Akira nods, a knowing look in his eye, and Goro's glad they seem to share an understanding on what it could be, what it was; it was nice to have someone like that, who didn't need words.

The party winds down as food is eaten, cake finished, but none of them leave; they stay overnight despite Goro's warnings about the lack of futons and he joins them despite it too, stretching out at the edge and enjoying having only Morgana curled into his side.

He looks back on his wish, how he'd like for days like this to continue, and surrounded by friends, with people he belongs with, thinks that it's bound to come true over and over again.

[naidafina]

🌝

Nowadays, it seems I've become a frequent person. Even before walking up to the cashier or opening my mouth, they already start to prepare my drink. And the funny thing is, different shops different drinks 😂 So we all know at Minang its teh o suam kurang manis. But its been awhile since i went there to get my morning teh and that time i went there after so long the abang thought im no longer working here LEL. Then there is the kopitiam at my void deck. The moment i eye contact with her, she will milo ais and quickly do. The thing about this kopitiam is : if there is a moment where i start to get insecure about how i look, this is the place where i feel right again. While the auntie prepare the drink she will tell her friend how my mom is chinese my dad is malay thats why my eye is bigger cos i follow my dad eyes and mentioning piao liang piao liang again and again. 🙂 Then theres the kakak at the golden landmark. The weird thing is, I've always ordered teh o ais limau. But recently, when i went there w my colleagues and they ask me what drink i want the kakak will straight away point out that i want bandung and i didnt know why she come up w bandung but i did not complain cos thanks to her decision i found out the bandung there is actually nice. 😂 So yeah i think, now, I'm a frequent person. Okay anw its friday, and its 9am and work starts at 9am and im just at khatib. Lel. But work has been oki i guess, theres little projects now. So I'm filling up my time w things that i can do. But everyone has been warm to me lately and I really enjoy this feeling. But back at kampung it seems like alot of things are happening, not in a good way. And we might be going there to visit all of them and hopefully we will be able to meet them in time. InshaAllah. And this sun is ama's bday and shes holding a chalet and while discussing about it, i think i stumped az and he said that its the first time a girl made him think abt a stressful qn. 🙂 anw, all in all, ive been trying to balance out work, family, friends and my spiritual duties and although my energy is drained out, im comforted by the fact that its not a one sided clap kind of thing. And that itself makes it a little easier for me.