#it’s so easy to just picture everything she’s imagining for her mum

[apoemadaykeepsthehoesaway]

Before You Were Mine

- Dame Carol Ann Duffy (1955-p.)

I’m ten years away from the corner you laugh on

with your pals, Maggie McGeeney and Jean Duff.

The three of you bend from the waist, holding

each other, or your knees, and shriek at the pavement.

Your polka-dot dress blows round your legs. Marilyn.

~

I’m not here yet. The thought of me doesn’t occur

in the ballroom with the thousand eyes, the fizzy, movie tomorrows

the right walk home could bring. I knew you would dance

like that. Before you were mine, your Ma stands at the close

with a hiding for the late one. You reckon it’s worth it.

~

The decade ahead of my loud, possessive yell was the best one, eh?

I remember my hands in those high-heeled red shoes, relics,

and now your ghost clatters toward me over George Square

til I see you, clear as scent, under the tree,

with its lights, and whose small bites on your neck, sweetheart?

~

Cha cha cha! You’d teach me the steps on the way home from Mass,

stamping stars from the wrong pavement. Even then

I wanted the bold girl winking in Portobello, somewhere

in Scotland, before I was born. That glamorous love lasts

where you sparkle and waltz and laugh before you were mine.

[footywritingworks]

Hurts so Good {Martin Ødegaard x fem!Reader}

Summary: Co-parenting your daughter with a footballer isn't always easy. Especially if there are still unresolved feelings lingering....

Wordcount: 1,5K

Warnings: angst, children, mentions of childbirth

"No. She can't even walk yet."

"Please (Y/N). I'll carry her the whole time! I already talked to Mikel about it. And he likes the idea too. You know how special that would be for me."

Arguing with your ex-boyfriend wasn't how you had wanted to spend the time of you picking up your daughter from his house.

" Martin this isn't all about you. She's still so small. And you know how loud the Emirates gets. It would just hurt her ears and make her afraid. I don't think this is a good idea."

His sparkling blue eyes look down on you. A spitting image of those of your daughter. The eyes that were once your safe place. That were once filled with love, adoration and gentleness. Not anymore. But they still made your heart flutter just like they used to. You really needed to get yourself together.

A pleading look spread across his face and you knew he was starting to become desperate. He rarely pleaded for anything.

"She'll wear earmuffs as protection. Nothing will happen I promise. You can come along too if you want to make sure she's alright."

You can come along if you want. Not I want you to be there for me like it was before. Before everything had gone wrong. Before he had left and stomped on your heart.

You couldn't deny the hurtful tug on your heart his words had left. Tears started to well up in your eyes at the current situation. You needed to get out. Fast. But you needed to put yourself together just for a bit more. Avoiding his eyes was the way to go to not burst into tears.

"If it means that much to you to walk into the stadium with her then fine. But I'll take her as soon as you're done. It's my week anyways."

You didn't look up but you knew that a self satisfied smile graced his lips, his eyes shining bright like the ocean water on the first vacation you spent together. You stopped yourself from going even deeper into your memories.

"Amazing. Thank you. I'll give you tickets too so you can watch the game as well. Maybe catch up with some of the girls."

Giving him a tight smile and nodding you went into your daughters room in Martins house to pick her up. Your old home where you had wanted to watch her grow up together. All that a thing of the past.

Little Linnea cuddled into your neck when she was settled in your arms as you made your way outside and to your car. Martin had followed you when you were done strapping the little one in her seat.

"I'll text you all the details. See you on Saturday then?"

All you could manage again was a nod and you moved towards the drivers door, letting him say goodbye.

-------

Saturday came around quicker than you had imagined. Dressing up Linnea in her Arsenal kit with 'Papa' on the back made your heart hurt just that tiny bit. Looking at her now you were reminded just how much she looked like Martin. She had his crystal blue eyes and blond hair. Her dimpled smile looked just like the ones on Martins baby pictures his mum had shown you when you had visited his parents in Norway. Even her ability to laugh at every little thing reminded you of him. Everything about her did. It was as if you had given birth to Martins twin about a year ago.

But you were glad that she was. As much as your heart still hurt about losing Martin you were glad that your daughter had inherited all his good traits. She was that small wonderful part of him that you still had in your daily life.

The doorbell rang making Linnea look around curiously. You laughed and made your way to the door with her in your arms.

"This must be your Auntie Linn."

Just hearing the word Auntie made Linnea light up more. Her aunt, your best friend had been your safety net when you and Martin had broke up just a couple of weeks after Linnea was born. She had let you stay in her apartment with her and helped you take care care of your daughter. She had basically become a second mum in that time.

When Linnea saw her through the open door she already reached her arms out to get a cuddle.

"Oh hello little Linn. I missed you so so much. Mama has been keeping you all to herself hasn't she."

She peppered Linneas face with kisses which made a big belly laugh erupt from the little one. With you daughter still in her arms she made her way over to hug you.

"You still think this is a good Idea?"

When Martin had sent the information and tickets you had asked (Y/BF) to go with her. She wasn't happy with the reason why you were back at the Emirates but trusted you enough to make the right decisions for you and Linnea to not comment further on it.

She wasn't a massive fan of Martin after the breakup. He had broken your heart so he deserved to get his legs broken. Her words not yours. Your stroked Linneas cheek with the back of your hand.

“I think so yes. He took all the precautions and I trust him with her."

The topic was let go after your words. When it was finally time you made your way to the Emirates stadium. Linnea the ever curious girl that she was was looking out of the car windows to see all the people streaming into the stadium grounds.

The way to the locker rooms was still familiar to you. Having come here after every home game for years made the walk like you were on autopilot. You could see the players lining up already to get out to the stadium as Martin walked up to you with a huge smile on his face.

"Hello Kjæreste! Come to Papa."

Linnea also reached out her arms, wanting to be in his arms. He gave her kisses and held her close and you could see just how important this moment was for the two of them. He pulled the earmuffs over her little ears and turned back to you.

"Thank you for bringing her. Really. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it."

For the first time in a long time you gave him a sincere smile. Seeing them matching in the same kit, in the stadium Martin called his home made your heart jump.

"Of course. Just be careful with her yeah?"

"Of course I will. You can go out after us and be next to the tunnel. For pictures and stuff. I'll get her back to you as soon as we're done."

You nodded and watched as Martin walked back to his team and led them out to the pitch with your smiling daughter in his arms. The crowd went wild but Linnea seemed to take it like a champ.

You followed with the staff and stood next to the tunnel and took pictures and videos of this moment. Something you knew you would hold dear in your heart forever. After the whole procedure had gone down Martin jogged to you and handed over your daughter.

"Meet me after the match, yeah?"

You nodded and started to make your way up to the family boxes. (Y/BF) was already up there waiting for you with some of the other WAGS and kids of the other players. Most of them knew you and (Y/BF) well and some of the game and halftime was spent chatting and catching up. And Linnea enjoyed all the kisses and cuddles she got from the WAGS you knew.

New women were in the box as well, probably the girlfriends and wives of the guys that transferred to Arsenal after you and Martin had broken up. But one in particular stood out to you.

She was blonde, tall and skinny. Absolutely gorgeous. She could be a model for all you cared. She looked to be about your age, maybe a bit younger. But you couldn't place her to any of the new players.

You stopped thinking about it when Bukayo scored the 1-0 for Arsenal, the stadium going crazy with happiness. But it didn't stop there. The game ended with 3-0 for Arsenal, leaving the team exhausted but happy.

You said your goodbyes to (Y/BF), reassuring her that you'd be fine and that she didn't have to wait for you and made your way down to the tunnels with the some of the girls and kids. You couldn't wait to see Martin and apparently so couldn't Linnea as she stared to wiggle around in your arms, impatient to see her Papa again. But it looked like someone had beat you to it.

As you walked into the tunnel with the girls you stopped in your tracks. And what you saw made all the happiness of today disappear with just a blink of an eye. Tears gathered in your eyes and your aching heart started to race as you took in the scene in front of you.

Martin kissing the blonde girl from earlier in the box just like he used to kiss you when you were together.

[palettepainter]

First of all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 🥳

Second. What is Caleb's and Lotties relationship with Janice and Floyd like?

I know that as their parents they love each other a lot, but are there ever any times where they clash?

Also what were Caleb and Lottie doing during Muppets Mayhem?

Thank yoouuu!! My bday itself is on the 29th and I am *so* unbelievably nervous for it! I’ll be 21….hoo boy-

If they where in Muppets Mayhem they where probably just chilling at the shack for the most part or hanging out with Moog, the band probably consider Moog like family since he’s been with them on the road for so long. I forget the name of Nora’s sister but Lottie would LOVE hanging out with her! She’d be team Moog’s official hype team in getting Moog together with Nora. I like to imagine both of them liking Miss Penny (Caleb in general likes everybody anyway-) and her begrudgingly growing fond of them but she’ll never say it. I picture her as the type of give them sweets but they’re really just cough drops or something 

As for their relationship they’re all a pretty knightly knit family unit!! I figured this ask would be more fun and easier to read with bullet points so here are some hc’s about Caleb’s and Lottie’s bond with their parents!

Caleb:

🐌 - Caleb was such a shy little tot, he was scared of everything that wasn’t his parents for a large majority of his baby years. He could only handle his parents and Animal, anybody else? He cried and screamed. He gradually chilled out as he got older but it wasn’t until he was walking about on his own did he learn the band are family and he was fine to be left alone with them without bursting into tears (Janice and Floyd have no clue where his anxiety as a baby came from but they did their best to manage it) 

🐌 - He was and still is a mama’s boy. He was the calmest with Janice as a baby and she was the one who was able to get him to calm down the fastest. Floyd was a tiny bit hurt by this, but told himself that babies can sometimes be funny like that and to give Caleb time (he did pout for like the entire day tho when Caleb said Ma first before Da, though his first official word was snail)

🐌 - It’s pretty obvious that Caleb takes after Janice’s laid back, tranquil personality so he’s not very confrontational like Floyd can sometimes be. But he does have a habit of being super sassy and blunt without meaning too (or *does* he mean to?-), which Floyd finds absolutely hilarious, especially when Caleb was still a kiddo and he’d just bluntly refer to Piggy by one of the many nicknames Floyd calls her (it was less fun for Floyd when Janice would as Caleb where he learnt such a mean nickname, and Caleb would innocently point to Floyd).

Despite them being very different Caleb still holds a healthy bond with his dad. Floyd already had experience raising Animal so he was pretty chill when Caleb came along and all the unexpected baby shenanigans he pulled. Even if Floyd never really understood Caleb’s anxiety as a kid he always remained patient and level headed whenever he’d get all worked up about something (totally sang to him as a kid like he did with Animal, Janice will forever insist it is the most beautiful thing ever). Their bond definitely got stronger when Caleb got older and he was allowed to hang out with his dad and uncles during their rehearsals. Overall they have a very chill, loving bond. Caleb loves to make occasional little pokes at Floyd being smaller then him. Janice is a string bean who is taller then Floyd and Caleb got all the tall genes, so he ends up being a couple inches taller then his dad 

🐌 - His bond with Janice is just as close, but as a kid Caleb naturally sought comfort from his mum as all babies do, and fond calmness in her easy going nature. Janice had her nerves at first, especially when Floyd - having already raised Animal - already had experience where she didn’t, but Janice and Caleb have a lot of similar interests so bonding came easy to them when Caleb was a toddler. They often bonded a lot over nature, since Janice wanted Caleb to have a very down to earth up bringing. Caleb especially loved to go snail watching with his Ma whenever it rained, one of his earliest memories is being outside in a grassy area as it rained and intently watching a snail that Janice had carefully placed in his hand. Then being swaddled in a big fluffy towel afterwards and having his hair dried (basically just watch the entire episode of Rain from Bluey). 

Janice loves to braid hair, so she would always volunteer to brush Caleb’s hair, she found it a very enjoyable bonding experience with Caleb, who always grew to love having his hair brushed.  

When he’s sad Caleb tends to go non-verbal (picture Bingo at the end of the episode dancemode) so when he was little he’d sit with Janice till he felt comfortable to talk 

🐌 - Even when he’s older Caleb and Janice are still close, he’ll often go to her first when it comes to more serious stuff he’s nervous about before bringing them up with his dad. They both like to mediate and talk about crystals together, and Caleb loves to infodump about snails to her, and Janice is always chill to listen. Caleb is a bit more aware of things then Janice can sometimes be, but even when she may be oblivious to something Caleb rarely get annoyed or angry so he simply lightly corrects her. Caleb still likes to have his hair combed/braided by her so sometimes he’ll just sit in front of her on the floor and she’ll start braiding it out of second nature 

Lottie:

🌸 - Lottie was basically the opposite of baby Caleb. She was loud and babbled, the only thing they had in common is that baby Lottie also demanded constant attention from her parents and uncles. In a way she was sorta like Animal as a baby, so Floyd was still very chill with everything, sort of rolling with the chaos Lottie brought. Janice struggled a bit more, since Lottie was such a stark contrast to Caleb, but her and Floyd eventually found a rhythm that worked for Lottie. Since Lottie was totally fine with the band from the beginning they where extra dotting on her to make up for the time they couldn’t fuss baby Caleb. Overall Lottie was still a demanding tot but in a very different way then Caleb. She also loved to pull on Floyd’s moustache (just like Caleb and Animal before her), Teeth’s beard and Lips’s goatee (she’d do the same with dear old Grandpa Tibbs and Mick. No bodies beard or goatee is safe-)

🌸 - She was close with her parents and her dear uncles, but as she grew up she was definitely more like Floyd. Lottie gets her sass from dear old Floyd and often likes to test the boundaries of how much she could get away with. All the dotting from when she was a baby kind of back firing in the bands face. Most of the time, Floyd found Lottie’s sass funny, expect when he’d get a taste of his own medicine and she’d be sassy right back at him (which the band found hilarious). This sometimes led to Floyd and Lottie bickering cuz their sass leads to them being stubborn at times, but they always end up feeling back for fighting and apologising, sometimes with some encouragement from Janice. 

🌸 - Lottie is still a little kid so she’ll sometimes be prone to pushing boundaries and testing how far she can bend the rules, but she’s learned to tone it down a notch. Her and Floyd still get along great, since they both share the same sassy streak and Floyd can easily manage her high levels of energy because he had to do the same for Animal (Lottie also ADORES her Uncle Animal. I know Animal is basically Floyd’s son but with the age gap Caleb and Lottie view him more as a really fun Uncle). She also loves all of Teeth’s shiny rings and other jewels so she likes to play dress up with them, sometimes forgetting to ask first but Teeth doesn’t mind. Lottie is also able to keep up with the bands energy a lot more then Caleb can, who sometimes needs to take a time out to go recharge himself

🌸 - Lottie loves both of her parents, she really does, but Lottie has ADHD and really struggles to do the whole “centring herself with her aura”, which involves a lot of sitting still. Lottie needs to move about to burn off access energy/stimulate her brain, so she can get frustrated whenever Janice wants to spend time together meditating. They bond a lot better over singing and dancing, Janice likes to do little imrov riffs of her guitar and Lottie likes to make up dances to them. Sometimes Lottie will pull Janice and Floyd up to dance with her and they have a lot of fun!

[laforzadelvoila]

Loreen: how a legacy of warrior women helped the star win Eurovision

I get to sit down not once, but twice, with Loreen, all in the space of a week. Our time together has done my soul a lot of good, she’s definitely calmed me. The first thing you need to know about the Swedish pop star is that spirituality is everything to her. This also leads to the Libra quickly trying to guess every crew member’s star signs on set for her Rolling Stone UK digital cover shoot. We’re meant to delve into the enigma that is Loreen right at the end of a frankly delirious day on set (soundtracked nearly solely by FKA Twigs’ and Pa Salieu’s banger ‘honda’). But everything runs well over and a planned eight-hour day, quickly slips into 11 hours, and she’s pretty exhausted. Our interview is subsequently moved to the weekend to take place at her London hotel. And breathe.

Loreen, a name now so synonymous with Eurovision, never watched the singing event, or its Swedish feeder, Melodifestivalen as a child. She’s one of six kids, raised by a single mum. “I was just a weird kid. I preferred my own company,” she recalls. “I was raised in a big family. A lot of siblings, a lot of helping Mother out because she was alone, trying to make ends meet. We didn’t have much. We had three channels and I didn’t know anything about Melodifestivalen or Eurovision. I just knew at some point in my life, very late though, that I wanted to work with music. I was just trying to find my way wherever I went.” Loreen, 39, has now competed in the Swedish Eurovision selection process four times, making it through twice, and winning both years – pretty good going. Her determination means her name will forever appear in pop music history books.

Raised in a spiritual family, it continues to act as a key component to her personality and outlook on life. She loves nature, star signs, meditating and even has a house she can take herself away to on the remote Swedish island of Gotland. Her Moroccan roots and heritage, she says, provide for a very spiritual backdrop and are a massive influence here, too. “I know what suffering feels like. If you’ve been in pain, and allowed yourself to be in pain, or life has given you painful situations, at some point, when you see another person in pain? Ooof, I can feel that, and I know what you’re going through, I can imagine what you’re going through. That’s why you can’t stop from reacting.”

Her childhood wasn’t easy. Along with her five siblings she grew up “poor”, which led her to start questioning things at an early age. “Why is that happening? Why am I doing that, what is this all about? That’s where spiritually starts,” she says. “So in my house, these conversations happened. ‘Why don’t we have what they have? What’s the purpose of that? That’s unfair. Those people died over there. Why is it like that?’ Spirituality is about questioning your environment and understanding the bigger picture of things.”

Meeting the artist for a second time feels like a huge intake of fresh air. I arrive at Kings Cross, albeit 10 minutes late, and there’s a massive air of calm ready to greet me. Loreen is sitting in the lobby of The Standard London hotel drinking a slightly tepid cup of Earl Grey tea. This time she’s dressed down in an all-black ensemble and instantly recognises me when I arrive. After giving me a hug, she is desperate to know what we’re going to talk about. We settle on: everything.

The star has been vocal about her initial reluctance for a possible Eurovision return. So much so that she originally turned down the idea of using fiery pop anthem ‘Tattoo’ for Melodifestivalen after being sent a demo. How different things could have been. “I was afraid,” she admits. “That was just my initial reaction [when asked to return to Melodifestivalen], because everything went so fast for us. First there was a song, and I loved the song. There was no talking about Melfest. It was just a beautiful song and I wanted to release it.”

From all directions, she was firmly nudged into entering it, in what turned out to be her fourth whirl at Melodifestivalen. “Initially, I said, ‘No, no, no, no!’ I usually do that when I don’t know the purpose of why I’m doing something. Initially, I said no, because I needed time to figure things out. When I say time to figure things out, what I mean is, I need to understand why I do things.”

Everything that happens in Loreen’s life acts as a test, she believes. The prospect of a Eurovision return is a prime example. “What is the story? What can I give you guys? Is this meant for me to do? If you’re at a crossroad, are you going to go right? Or are you going to go left? You can’t really rush into that. That’s why I said no. I said no for a while. I just thought, ‘How do I navigate this?’”

As time passed, signs it was lining up to be a good call started to appear, pointing in her direction. “They were beautiful, beautiful signs. The first was the song, the second sign was the people that I trusted around me, they were so happy whenever I said, ‘Yes’. There were so many positive things happening. People were happy and curious. That’s why I said yes, basically.”

There is such a strong sense of purpose that ripples through everything Loreen does. When she competed in Azerbaijan back in 2012, a country marred by its questionable human rights record, she was the only entrant to meet local human rights activists. She told reporters: “Human rights are violated in Azerbaijan every day. One should not be silent about such things.” An Azerbaijan government spokesman responded critically, calling for the contest to not “be politicised”, and demanded the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) prevent such meetings. But Swedish diplomats stayed firmly on her side. They replied that the EBU, the Swedish broadcaster SVT and Loreen had not acted against the competition’s rules.

Loreen is publicly bisexual, coming out in a TV interview in 2017. Eurovision and the LGBTQ+ community have strong ties, too. Previous LGBTQ+ contestants and winners such as trans star Dana International, drag queen Conchita Wurst and Duncan Laurence have all found success in the competition. She loves her queer fans dearly, too. The ‘Euphoria’ singer told TV host Renée Nyberg at the time: “Many people are so focused on sex, on sexuality. Love is so much more. I usually say ‘Love is where you find it’”. When asked to clarify whether this meant she identifies as bisexual, Loreen said she “quite simply” was.

Unsurprisingly, she has LGBTQ+ fans messaging her all the time. “I absolutely love that. Queer or not queer, I don’t see that, I just see us as people with certain attributes. That’s why I say these are my people. We have the same mindset. The thing is, if somebody asked me, ‘What is freedom, what is feeling free?’, that is just doing exactly what you feel like, expressing yourself exactly the way you want to express yourself. Clothe yourself the way you want to clothe yourself, talk the way you want to talk. Don’t care about what other people think. This is true freedom.”

She goes on passionately: “This community, we know what freedom is about and what that feels like. If you compare it to another community where there are rules and regulations… where someone says, you need to talk like this and be like this, that’s a f**king jail! I cannot do that. For me, when somebody says, ‘You are weird’ to me, that’s [them saying] that I’m free.”

“The women from my mother’s mother’s side, these are real warriors. Historically, the women from my tribe, they’re called Berber.” She explains that this word comes from ‘Barbarian’, and adds: “They were called Barbarians by the Egyptians because they were so aggressive. The women were so aggressive. Isn’t that interesting?” She smiles: “The women from my tribe, they weren’t so interested in monogamy, but being in a relationship. Historically, they went out to the village in search of a man. ‘You’re coming with me,’ right? They did whatever they wanted to do. Then they said, ‘Ta ta,’ and they raised their children by themselves. This whole concept of husband and wife was never a concept. They used these women in war, because they were like, ‘Ahhhhhh!’”

This energy is “generational”, Loreen confirms, but that seemed obvious from the get-go, and especially reflective, she says, through her grandmother. “My great grandmother, my grandmother, all of these women, they had a life presented to them. They were told, ‘This is what your life is going to be like,’ by men, but instead, they were like, ‘F**k no!’ They fought for their freedom. My great grandmother, she loved her husband, he died in the war. They wanted her to marry someone else. So, what does the bitch do? She says, ‘F**k no’.”

Her grandmother took her two children away to a different city, dressed as a man ���with a kaftan and everything” and they fled, alongside her housekeeper. “I have pictures of her at home, seriously! She left everything behind, dressed as a man, so that nobody would notice her. She had a cousin in the next city, opened up a store, still dressed as a man, till she got f**king old. She raised those two children by herself with some help from her cousins and never married again. I have a picture of her; she didn’t stop wearing male clothes, she did until she died. The kaftan, the hat, the gold tooth. That was hardcore from my grandma!”

The unravelling of these “huge” stories leads her to repeat my initial question back to me: “So how was it, raised by these women? It’s a lot of pressure!” she laughs. “They have a lot of expectations of me. Like, girl, you better step up your game, change something in the world. It’s crazy to see what women can do. Women are so much more powerful, stronger than men are. That’s why we can have babies and s**t like that, just saying!”

It’s not just the women in her family who provide inspiration, but “all women within the industry that stand their ground”, she tells me. “You can tell when women are standing their ground and not buying into that whole concept of what a woman’s supposed to be. I’m not saying that women aren’t supposed to be sexy. Grace Jones, for instance, she owns her sexuality. She can run around naked. She’s still doing it! There are so many, not even just in the industry. All women [inspire me] because they’re taking positions for the next generation, they’re balancing things up. It’s necessary and it’s inevitable. It’s going to happen. The shift is going to happen, and men will take a step back. The thing is, they’re longing for it, because they’re messing things up…”

Her Eurovision victory was Sweden’s seventh win, and means the nation will host the competition on the 50th anniversary of Abba’s 1974 win. Many fans are begging the group to make a triumphant return to the stage, but after Abba recently created the Voyage experience featuring avatars of themselves, surely that amounts to a deliberate act to make sure they’d never have to perform again? Loreen is convinced they will be at the event. If I were a bookmaker, I’d feel inclined to back her on this.

“They’re going to be there,” she insists. “Maybe not all of them, but they won’t miss it. I promise. How old are they? They all have their own lives. They haven’t really played together in a while. But I’m pretty sure that some of them will be there. Don’t tell them I told you!”

Before she returns to Eurovision again, there’s a giant 2023 in store for Loreen. With tickets for her ‘Tattoo’ tour selling out in literally seconds, it seems Loreen’s going absolutely nowhere. “I’ve been waiting for this tour for years,” she exclaims. “My fans are like, ‘Can you please come to England? Can you please come to Spain? Can you please come to France?’ and now I’m coming! Finally, I’m doing this, and with everything that’s happened with ‘Tattoo’ it’s just a perfect time. I’m longing for it. I’ve longed for it for many years. So it’s going to be nice. I’m a people’s person, I just want to connect.”

Connection is the key feeling again for Loreen. It all feeds back to her spirituality, which has been the dominant force in her life since she was a kid. I point out that there’s no better place for an artist to connect with all their fans than taking themselves on tour. “Yeah! because we gather,” she notes. “They’re there because they want to be there, and I’m there because I want to be there. It’s effortless.” Loreen is already full of ideas. She is, she reminds me, “a bloody creative” after all. “I’m working with the same team that I did ‘Tattoo’ with. It depends on the venues, but it’s going to be a visual performance, obviously.”

She’s heading straight to the studio after our interview. “I haven’t released that much music over the years,” but she promises that absolutely will change. “Now there’s a shift going on, there’s going to be a lot more releases, which is nice. This year and next year. My medium, she told me that!” A move to London is likely, too. “I think it’s actually going to happen. I’m pretty sure. Hello, London! I don’t know what it is, but it’s almost like the UK is a creative hub.” Her top picks of UK artists to work with? Labrinth and Burna Boy. Watch this space.

As our interview wraps, Loreen gives me a huge hug. She made a point of hugging the whole crew on our shoot day earlier in the week, too. It’s a warmth that exudes from her at every stage. “I know we’ll meet again soon,” she says before she departs. “I just know it will happen.”

• Source: Rolling Stone UK •

[kittttycakes]

Grace’s work sounds super interesting, and I wonder if Lucienne or Morpheus have sneaked a look at a copy of her yet to be written book in the library of the Dreaming.

Is monster theory connected to posthumanism? It’s not one of the ‘posts’ that I’ve worked with, but a friend of mine is a posthumanist academic and completed her PHD on the origins of supernatural entities. It was super interesting and I can only imagine how different pursuing that interest might be for Grace now…

On a side note, I love pre-Raphaelite art and was looking at some paintings and there are so many that make me think of Grace. La Belle Dame Sans Merci and Lamia and the Soldier by John W Waterhouse have me picturing Hob in some armour and Grace in a flowing medieval dress and Morpheus just loving every minute of it all.

Yeah, the conundrum of whether or not to tell her Mum is a big one. I can’t imagine it’s easy for Grace not having anyone to share with or confide in other than Hob and Morpheus? I feel like she needs a female friend who she can be completely honest with about everything that’s happened and is happening in her life.

I know you’ve said she gets along with Lucienne, but I feel like there’d be limits to any girl talk they might have, given that one of Grace’s partners is Lucienne’s boss. Do you think she’ll have some friends in the future she can be open about her situation with? I am super keen for her and Hob to meet Death and Delerium. I can’t imagine how isolating it must have been for Hob all those years not having any fellow immortals to talk to.

Also, are Hob and Grace likely to meet Constantine? I would be very keen to see Constantine’s reaction to finding out that Morpheus is in a relationship with not one, but two humans.

If you like Labyrinth and Phantom, then GND will be right up your alley. It is so good. Witty, feminist, fourth wall breaking, fanservicey goodness.

And yes, that was me with the ask about the titles. I am super keen for it, thank you!

Ooh, that is an excellent question! I think Lucienne has probably at least looked at it, once she has time, if only to check in on it from time to time to see how it changes. The one downside to having access to the largest and most complete library in the universe is that Grace can’t use half the sources she finds there! Morpheus, though…I think he waits. He wants the first time he sees it to be when Grace shows it to him herself.

Cut because I am consistently wordy:

It is connected to posthumanism!! There’s a ton of other influences and connections and I’ve mainly worked with it in its connection to queer theory (and barely scratched the surface of it at that), but I think monster theory as a whole is absolutely fascinating, and Grace coming in to contact with what could be considered actual, literal monsters in the form of nightmares definitely makes theory work feel a bit different! Your friend’s PhD sounds so interesting, I do sometimes wish I’d gone a different direction with my master’s thesis and monster theory is absolutely what I would have done in a very different world.

I love Waterhouse’s work so much and I have actually specifically looked at his La Belle Dame Sans Merci more times than I can count for Hob/Grace inspiration. I just love the way they look at each other in Lamia and the Solider as well, it feels like such an intimate connection in that moment. Morpheus would absolutely be so down for a Waterhouse moment in the Dreaming. Any excuse to get Hob in armor is a good one, and Grace, in a beautiful dress? He needs no more convincing.

It’s harder on Grace than she realizes it is, I think. The only two people she can be entirely honest with about her relationship are the other two people in the relationship, and she doesn’t want to create any “us against him” dynamic with either Hob or Morpheus, so in reality, she has no one she can be fully honest with. She also doesn’t have anyone that she’s disclosed the actual status of her relationship to; none of her friends, for example, know that she has more than one partner. She definitely needs someone, and I’m still trying to work out who I think that could or would be in-universe!

I think you’re absolutely right about Lucienne. She’s close to Morpheus as well, has the most power in the Dreaming besides him, but the hierarchy of that relationship does definitely limit what Grace would feel comfortable sharing with her, mainly because she doesn’t want to put Lucienne in a weird or awkward or uncomfortable position.

She needs another immortal friend who gets it and who would be open to the concept of her relationship! Maybe someday she’ll get to have that, she really does need it…

I’m so excited for her and Hob to meet the family, but especially Death and Delirium! Hob has probably run into other immortals, whether he knew it or not, but by necessity, I don’t think other immortals stick together too much. It’s too hard to know who to trust with that secret and it’s much more conspicuous when more than one person just…isn’t aging and can’t die, so for Hob, meeting other immortals, even if they aren’t human, is such an exciting thing, every time. I think both Death and Delirium will get on with both of them very well, and it’s always good to have allies in that family!

I would love so much for them to run into Constantine in person. She would be shocked, frankly, that Morpheus has not one but two people who went in for tall, dark, and broody long term. I’ll figure out how to make that one happen someday, I think it would be a lot of fun.

I’ve started reading GND and god, it’s so nostalgic, such classic fandom feelings and I’m loving absolutely every minute of it, it’s so much fun!

Oh good!! I just love names so much, and the intimacy of them. You can do so much with the power dynamics of titles and I love that you can have Grace sitting here, pulling out a “my lord” to drive Hob wild, and in that exchange, she’s holding all of the cards, she’s fully in charge, even if Hob might appear to be from the outside. Hob is also not so secretly into the idea of her being the one with the title instead…

[twistednuns]

November 2022

How to write a lot.

Writing with the perfect pen. Inky, smooth, jet black, a broad tip, gliding over the paper.

And yeah: buying pens. Like a kid in the candy store. Can't resist.

Getting a candle for my room. Just because. A tiny bit of November feeling in sunny Oaxaca.

Speaking of which... my room! I was craving solitude after a week in dorms. I'm such a loner at heart. I loved that the walls in the courtyard and my room were the same shade of purple as my favourite bedsheets at home that I miss so much. The property is on a hill which makes getting there quite the workout. But the view is always worth it. * Confusing the neighborhood cats by singing the song of their people. The good toilet paper. Cristina and her twins, so bubbly and nerdy, latina through and through.

A cinnamon red wall matching my bra and dress and hair tie. I've decided that it's MY colour now.

Diego offering to adopt me because sadly I have no Mexican ancestry.

Making a WhatsApp sticker set with my most stupid facial expressions.

Paulina. I love how people with mental health issues tend to find each other. Restless seekers. Language nerds. She actually studied photography and Sanskrit!

Telling Paulina about the book Alone with You in the Ether. Immediately wanting to re-read it. But also: to create my own universe. Play god. So that means I have to write a book now?

A truly tiny cherry chapstick. Artificial cherry aroma just hits different.

Buying copal oil. Smells very ceremonial.

Light night. Breakfast bagel for dinner.

A dream: I lay with a lioness and a crocodile and at first they behaved but then suddenly attacked. Hidden message?

A firm massage only on the right side of my back. So good. Learning that I should only do strength training on the left and stretching on the right side of my body.

Nostalgic teenage revival video clips on a coffee high.

Liking myself in the mirror wearing a white shirt with messy hair.

Do sending me a gif of Lorelai kissing Luke and it's so easy to imagine her as Luke and me as Lorelai. All the feels.

Breakfast sandwiches. Cheese and egg. All I really need. Yum.

Massage at Xolotl. Purr-fect. They set up a small aquarium during my treatment and I named the big red fish with blue stripes Casimiro.

Taking the night bus. Staying busy with my vocabulary app. Looking out the window, passing a random mezcaleria sign: SENTIR, brightly glowing letters in the dark. I believe in messages.

Feeling very close to Do after two phone calls. Talking about our issues, school, queerness, our negativity bias, what makes people interesting, first impressions, labels, her first partner. Our favourite bowls and spoons. Asking her to dream of me. Her admitting that she has dirty fantasies of me.

Developing this plot with Do on the phone: about a bunch of narrators. Omniscient, unreliable. Who are overwhelmed with their tasks since the invention of the internet/ having to deal with their own decisions. What an interesting/promising idea! Famous authors as narrators?

Wearing lipstick for the first time in months. Refreshing.

Hierve el Agua! Swimming in a natural mineral water infinity pool with the most gorgeous view of the mountain valley. Petrified waterfalls in the distance. Someone taking pictures of me I actually liked. Meeting a gay couple from New Orleans who showed up in full rainbow gear. Visiting the biggest tree in Mexico.

Johnny Lee Miller als John Major in The Crown. Dreaming of my mum as Princess Diana.

Downloading a meditation and vocabulary app. Actually working with them.

Getting the feedback from my therapist that I've changed. That I'm more present. Authentic, feeling. Less volatile, less diversion through humour etc. And she confirmed everything I'd found out and analysed by myself.

Bioluminescence. It's like making magic. The sparkles following your every movement. The starry sky.

Sitting in a hammock chair at the beach with a fresh coconut. Scratching off the flesh with the straw.

Walking past a turtle cadaver. Super fascinating.

Lunaticart Gallery. Buying overpriced/extremely cool earrings - I immediately knew that I wanted them. The gallery inspired a vision I had about a business I'd like to own: a 2in1 studio and store - working and creating whenever there are no clients. Offering limited editions and collections so I can follow all my changing interests. The aesthetic: Atelier Brancusi meets fortune teller tent.

I've noticed two things: I have no problems fitting into flimsy plastic chairs anymore and I can suddenly wrap a regular towel around my waist without a gap! Am I getting... Slimmer? Exciting.

A free ride to Mazunte from one of the dudes from the bioluminescence tour! Nice! And the lady on the bus who offered me the seat next to her. Lifesaver.

A girl walking past my breakfast table. She had the most gorgeous tattoos. Layered cresent moons in various sizes as a chest piece. An eye surrounded by rays on her arm.

The waiter who made me a smoothie with passion fruit even though it wasn't on the menu and played march music the whole time. I was torn between loving and hating it (because it reminded me of Bavarian marching bands). The guy also had asymmetric earrings and a very nice smile. How can people be so happy. In a service job. I admire that.

Just hanging out at the beach. Sunday. Affogato and fruit salad. Researching Cher's career - she keeps reinventing herself and she's amazing at everything she does. Listening to a podcast on happiness. Realising that I love power ballads. Banter with Do. Feeling connected. My feet in the sand.

Observing the silhouette of the palm leaves during sunset, all the shapes and patterns they're creating.

Waking up early. Catching sunrise over the beach. All the colours, hues, gradients. Rays. Interesting cloud formations.

The From Pain to Peace workshop at Hridaya. So many insights. Learning. Important lessons. Lovely connections with lovely people. Giving each other massages. Mirroring feelings, holding space for each other. Looking into each other's eyes, singing to each other. Beautiful.

Stahsha was there again and somehow I was less intimidated by her this time. I wonder if something has changed about me? People actually talked to me, thought I was interesting, approachable, desirable. Am I getting rid of my fear of people? Are they feeling it? I love the impression that I'm making progress.

Malik, another participant. I had such a big crush on him. He gave off John Lennon in Nowhere Boy vibes. More alternative and vulnerable though. With a Jim Morrison aesthetic. A sexy/messy/wavy mullet and nerd glasses. Big tattoos. Very blue eyes and a sharp jaw line. He seemed quirky, always had his head tilted. I would have loved to get to know him. But I'm shy. And happy about learning that I can still feel such a strong attraction to someone despite my high standards and past experiences.

The big ginger cat who I thought of as my bro and guardian because he liked sleeping on the chair in front of my dorm.

Compliments for my black and white triangle dress and for my beautiful singing voice (three people approached me and actually asked me if I am a professional singer). Luzma also said she loved how forthright and direct I am. It's fascinating to learn about an outsider's perspective and what they see in me. I wonder if they're able to see clearer or are more objective. In any case, I love comparing their observations with my own. They're often quite different. How interesting!

Luzma's style. Guessing correctly that she's an artsy person (and yeah, she used to be a graphic designer). Her edgy glasses. Abstract art shirt. Short hair and interesting jewellery.

Vegan samosas, matcha, a coconut and piña paleta. Taking photos at the beach. Saying goodbye to the Pacific.

Feeling truly happy and grateful during the taxi ride after leaving Mazunte. Millie (my Mexican part-time mum!) had made me a sandwich and somehow that meant a lot to me. Just being considered, someone thinking of me. She and her daughter Frida took me along and didn't even want me to pay anything. The kindness of strangers. How humbling. I took in the beautiful landscape, thought about how lucky I was to experience all that, tears in my eyes.

Making sense of my insights from the workshop during a long phone call with Do while waiting outside the airport for hours.

All the immersion experiences I had in Mexico. Reset, MicroEnormous, the 420 ceremony (sense deprivation but a sensory experience at the same time through smells, airflow, interesting noises, breathwork, singing... and all the beautiful roses).

Being open to new experiences. Practicing letting go.

Finding a tiny glitter star pendant under the seat in front of me on the plane. And another little plastic silver star on the floor while standing in line at the museum. Taking it as a sign from the universe.

Lisa O'Connor's A Radiant Life 11/11 class: Kundalini, mantras, feeling the love.

Listening to choir music during meditation. Missing my own choir so much.

Visualising hugging my best friends, my mum. Feeling the love so much I cried. Imagining that I'm already leading the life I imagine for myself. That I'm happy, healthy, loved, fulfilled, beautiful and at ease. Acknowledging what I already have (achieved). The power of thoughts is absolutely astonishing. I want to do visualization exercises more often.

Having the feeling that I'm actually able to support my friends. Being there for them from a distance. Giving advice, sharing my learnings and insights, seeing things resonate with them. Receiving gratitude and emotional support in return.

Casa Pancha! I loved the design and architecture and... my blanket! Crisp white sheets, crinkly, amazing fresh laundry smell.

Sketching in museums. Being surrounded by art.

Mora Mora vegan fast food - I had cauliflower in ginger marinara, the truffle burger and a blue smoothie.

Wearing my cinnamon red dress with purple lipstick.

A nice conversation with the Uber driver. Compliments for my Spanish.

Just smiling when facing difficulties.

Another Spoil yourself rotten Sunday. I went to a museum. Passed an artist's market. Bought a Björk bag from a feminist book store. Had tiramisu and cappuccino in a lovely Italian restaurant courtyard. Took an Uber to get a Thai massage with Xavier which felt very intimate and nice. Dinner was vegan ramen and orange "chicken".

Finally visiting Casa Azul. Seeing Frida's bedroom. Patti Smith's poem for her about Noguchi's butterflies. All her books and the items she collected. The garden. Right there and then I decided to become a very rich and famous painter. Bisexual, international lifestyle, with gorgeous clothes and jewellery. And a house like Casa Azul with enough space for all my lovers and friends to live with me.

My first Yoga Nidra session with Elena at Casa Pancha. And soft morning yoga with Amy. Yoga is always so helpful for my body but I'm usually too lazy to do it. Horrible. Why do I resist a practice that is so good for me?

The Ripndip flagship store. I need one of their sweaters asap.

Two monarch butterflies in Bosque Chapultepec.

Museo Tamayo, chilling in the cinema rooms. All the beautiful things in their gift shop.

Playing Lotería with Marisol and the mesera. Drinking chai latte and ponche. Chasing after Agata, the resident cat. Intercultural communication.

Vegan tacos. Tarot cards on the walls at the street food place. The piggy dog toy. Oink!

A domed roof at the modern art museum that looked like you were standing directly under the sun or a glowing yellow planet. Sketching a statue of two ladies in the garden.

Stumbling upon Wednesday on Netflix. Obviously I loved the "possessed" dance scene at the Rave'n, inspired by Siouxsie and the Banshees and 80s goth dance moves. Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia was a fantastic choice as well (even though I'll always be partial to Anjelica Huston, she's such an icon).

[unluckyhoneybee]

Imagine mick having a dream that he n bff were married and had 4 kids (2 older boys and 2 younger girls), their life was just fairytale-like, in a big house with a giant garden in Switzerland, just so perfect to raise kids, and he was amazed at how bff worked so hard, but also took care of him and the kids, the dogs and cats, the house and everything, and how beautiful you looked-

But the he wakes up and realises it's not real, but he stays with that on his mind all week and tells bff, after qualifying p6, that someday he wants to marry her and have (at least) 4 kids with her, just so lovey-dovey

Part 34. Best Friends to Lovers. MASTERLIST.

Part 1. The dream.

Mick arrived home. He was tired after a long day on the Sim, so he left a big sigh out when he closed the door behind him. The house was silent. The wooden walls were full of pictures from a whole life together. Since you were kids, wearing nappies at his parents house, till you changed you first born's. Your first holidays as a family of four, your first girl and the birth of the youngest.

You had designed the house together. It was everything you've ever wanted. Your princess castle.

Angie, an old lady now, came to say hi followed by Lucky, a little rescue dog you got only one year ago.

"Hi guys. Were is everybody?"

The dogs walked to big the garden. On his way, he found Oreo with Chips and Potato, her kittens. He petted them and opened the big glass doors.

He felt his heart melting. Michael and Alex, his oldest, were playing football and running around the garden. Michael was the big sibling. He was already 10 and Alex was 8. Only Alex was into cars. Michael always said he wanted to be a biologist. Alex was already good at Karting.

Next to you playing with Queso, was Maggie. Maggie was 5 and was a hurricane. A week didn't pass without her breaking something.

And there were you, a book in your hands and Violet sleeping on your chest. Violet was only 6 weeks old and you were taking some time off your work due to the maternity.

You had gotten there. You were one of the best race engineers in the paddock. Teams had flighted for you. They still did. There were other good engineers, but you outshined them. You had worked with different drivers and all of them had only good words for you. You were currently working with him. You were unstoppable, professional and worked perfectly together. People joked about how contracts were now a 2x1.

He loved his life and he loved you.

At work you were perfect. You had boundaries, you were wife and husband but you didn't treated him differently.

At home you were the most caring mum. He always joked about how the kids loved you more than him. But not because you were all sweet with them. You were, of course. But you knew when you had to stop things. You knew how to talk to them. Michael was entering in a difficult age and you were always there to help him. With Alex was easy, but with Maggie... You had complete control over her. With only a look, she would stop painting the walls or cutting her hair with her paper scissors. And now you had a newborn for the fourth time and you were just as good with them as with the first one.

You were perfect for him and he couldn't ask for a better life.

When the kids saw him and ran to him, he knew his life was complete.

"Dad! I found a beetle in the oak tree. It's green and brilliant!"

"Dad! Hey, dad! I fixed the steering problem in the kart!"

"Dadda!"

He was the happiest man alive.

But then he woke up and he was alone in the hotel bed. You wouldn't arrive till the next day.

Part 2. After the quali.

When you saw him you had tears on your eyes. He had done so well and you were so proud of him.

Standing hand in hand with Corinna you waited for him. She hugged him first. As the proud mum she was, she gave him a bunch of kisses.

When Mick turned to you, you hugged him hard and he lift you a bit from the floor. He was the happiest boy then.

He saw you there with his mum, waiting for him after this wonderful quali and he knew it then. The dream had been a signal. He knew it. He was sure of it. He wanted all of that.

"I'm super proud of you. I love you so so much, Mick"

He laughed happily and you cupped his cheeks. You gave him a soft kiss and a pat on the shoulder to let you go.

Soon you were both in the hotel. You were going to have dinner with the team. But Mick seemed a bit off. He was in the balcony and you were observing from inside.

"Mick?"

He turned to you.

"Are you ready?"

You nodded and walked to him, hugging his waist and resting your head on his chest.

"Can I tell you something?"

"Yes"

"I had a dream about you and me"

You looked up.

"What dream?"

"Well... You... Me... Dogs... Cats... A beautiful house in Switzerland..."

"Made of wood?" You asked with a smile. It was your dream house. There was one close to your parent's made of wood and big windows. You had always wanted one.

"Of course. And a big garden"

You smiled.

"Really? What else?" you loved it. You heart was beating fast and your cheeks warm.

"Two boys. Michael and Alex. And two girls. Maggie and Violet."

You gasped.

"R-really?"

He nodded and leaned to kiss you. Short but sweet.

"I... Today when I saw you with mum... And after what happened... I know that I want to spend my whole life with you, YN. I'm sure. I want kids... Four at least. A house in Switzerland. Y-you were the best race engineer. We were unstoppable together and... "

Mick stopped and took a deep breath. Then he cupped your face with one hand and you took a deep breath.

"I want it. I want all of that. One day I will marry you"

You gasped. Was he... Would he...

"Mick..."

"I-It's not a proposal. I-I want to. But not now. I will do it properly. This is like... Like a warning" He said playing with your hair.

"A warning." You smiled.

He nodded.

"Be careful because one day I will give you a ring" He said laughing. "I love you so much"

"I love you too. That dream sounded really nice."

"Yeah?"

You nodded.

"Michael, Alex, Maggie and..."

"Violet"

You laughed a bit.

"I want it too"

You kissed him deeply.

"I want to warn you too"

"About..."

"I hate diamonds."

He laughed and hugged you hard.

[mywritingonlyfans]

Trying for a baby with damiano but you’re not successful and you both want it so badly and it shuts you down a bit & you’re afraid he’ll leave you cuz you cant give him a child but after breaking down over a miscarriage he reassures you that it wasnt your fault and he loves you more than anything and will stop at nothing to keep trying

hey, i wrote something similar out of this!! here's 1,5 works of sadness with a "happy" end!!

Looking for Damiano's number on the contact list has never been more difficult. Your fingers slid though parts of the screen that you didn't want to touch, making your frustration even worse. The phone line called, in a high nothing that deafened your ears. Once, twice, three times, until it goes into voice mail.

Taking that as a sign, you chose not to try again. After all, talking to Damiano about it right in that moment, considering that he was busy with touring and clearly miles away from you, would only worry him over nothing. It wasn't something he could solve.

Within a few minutes, your phone rang. As soon as his name popped up on the screen, with some heart emojis on the side, you felt terrible for doing that to him.

You hadn't only broken your dreams, but you were about to break his.

You answered, keeping yourself quiet. Waiting for his voice to emerge as a lump formed in your throat.

"Babe, you're in there? I couldn't reach the phone on time at first."

You were immobile, your lack of words showed him that. "I'm fine," giving yourself time, you started to feel everything you hadn't felt until you came home all at once, "I was at the doctor today."

"Why do you sound like it's the end of the world? You're good?" Through his breathing, it was easy to imagine that he'd stopped doing whatever he was doing to pay better attention to you on the line; not that he wasn’t before. You should have chosen to call his mum, she'd know how to look after you. "Wait, it's babies related? You're playin' with me," he concluded with a smile appearing on the sides of his lips. You could picture and hear it perfectly.

You used to pretend that something bad was coming when you had good news, something you now regret having done. You were selfish for talking to him, he was so far away; you could talk to him about it when he came home. Doing that now would only attribute to him more concerned than he was already having in his hectic daily tour life. Still, he was the only person you needed.

"Quiet the opposite."

The call was exposed to a long pause, being filled with his heavy sighs and with your stubborn tears running down your cheeks. All the way home you hadn't let a tear fall, but verbalizing it? verbalizing made things sound different; more real.

"Fuck," he mumbled, clearly a bit out of place.

"I can't have kids Dami," your words affected by the wheezing you were trying to hold. He could tell that everything was hitting you at once while talking to him. Years together were able to recognize even the small details. "The reason we're trying and it has never worked is me. That's fuckin' on me."

"No, babe," he took a deep breth. "Don't blame yourself, please. You know this isn't your fault." He ran his fingers disastrously through his hair; feeling useless over the phone. Just as you imagined before making the call. It was bad to be providing him that. "Are you alone? I can ask mom to check on you. I'll do that, 'kay?"

"Please," You didn't feel like spending the rest of the day by yourself. And although you also didn't feel like talking to anyone other than Dami, you knew his mom would understand you better, she would know how to make you feel less worse with yourself, it'd be nice to have her around. Being alone with your billiards of thoughts would not be a good option anyway. "I thought about calling her, ended up givin' up, I didn't know what to do, I still don't. Calling you still doesn't seem like a good idea, but I didn't know what to do."

Your weak voice was killing Damiano. If hearing that had made him sad, he couldn't imagine what it was being like for you. "You did great, babe. Anything you need at anytime at all, remember?" He smiled, muffled by the line; making you feel a little better. "We can still have kids, y'know that."

You wanted to tell him that what worked for other people might not work for you, that your case may not be that malleable since it was something genetic of yours. Yet, you didn't know if these things were true, all of your thoughts could just be just the result of your momentary disappointment, but it could also be the truth. You should talk to Dami about it, about everything that was going on inside your mind. You just didn't feel like doing that over the phone anymore.

"We can try," you sniffed, avoiding tears that you didn't even know were still falling. "We can try it." You repeated, trying to convince yourself.

"Talk to me, babe. Try to get a little distracted, huh? please. D'you want me to hang up? maybe you can take a long bath, with the bubbles you like or eat something different. It might help."

As wrong as that sounded, his desperation to help you was quiet adorable. Talking to him was making you feel shit with everything, his voice calmed you down, you could hear him talking for hours. Now it wasn't different.

"Just wanna hear your voice," you said, lying yourself on the cold floor of the main room. Falling asleep would be nice. Forgetting the previous hours for a few minutes seemed plausible. "You're busy?"

"Not really."

"Tell me about how tour is goin' then,"

He sounded flatter and softer, even through the phone you could picture how restless he was, it was possible to imagine him taking long steps around the room with the phone in his hands. He talked about the gig from the night before. The contrast of how he was describing his previous day to what was happening in the right moment was painful, he was happy and suddenly you were breaking that for him. Everyone knew Damiano dreamed of having children, kids running around the house, and so were you, you wanted to have children, even more with him, but being with you he would have none.

"Dam?" You asked in a heavy breath. "I love you, like a lot."

It was all unfair, you both had tried so hard. He was thinned out, just like you.

"I fuckin' love you, babe. This," you could see him in your mind, pausing and gesturing something with his hands, "this won't change anything."

-------

Your body shivered.

A cold hand was running on your waist as you opened your eyes slowly, feeling an absurd headache filling your field of vision. Your eyes found Damiano crouched on the floor in front of you and when compared to you, he looked good.

"What're you doin' here?" You frowned. Dami snickered as you stretched out. He could answer your question, but you were proud, he wouldn't think you realized he was there because he knew you needed him.

So he just ignored it, helping you up.

"C'mon get up. The floor's too cold, I'm goin' to put you in bed." He tried - unsuccessfully - to get you to stand up next to him; but you dropped your weight on his body, wrapping your arms around his neck, in a way that he found worriedly cute.

"I need you," you whispered, drunk sleepy, tucking your face into his coat. Letting his scent warm you up inside.

Hearing you say that relieved him. He didn't want to get into an argument over how it'd affect his work in a near future, just as you had fought over the same reason before. "I know babe." He kissed your hair, hugging your waist, carrying you to your room.

He placed you on the bed, lying down next to you while doing the same, turning upwards and facing the ceiling.

Both knew talk was needed but neither knew who should speak first, or what to speak.

You ran your fingers over his belly, placing your palm under his shirt, making his body warm your cold hand up. You moved closer to his body, nestling beside him while his arm wrapped around you.

"Tell me what's in your head?" He hissed, without looking directly at you.

"A lot," only the mention of it made your throat dry. "it's strange to know that your body isn't able to do what it is meant to do, especially when you want it to," your breathing has failed due to your hiccups, his grip fitting you closer to his chest to comfort you. "I'm afraid that you'll stay with me to realize a few years from now that you made the wrong choice." It hurt him. Seeing you blame yourself hurt so much.

He hugged you even tighter, asking for you to look at him. "I'm not leaving you, 'okay? I'm fuckin' in love you. That won't change and that's not your fault. We can try a IVF, like it'll work, and so we'll have a happy baby, just as it has worked with several people. We have money for that."

There were tears in his eyes, and you wished he were right. "What if it doesn't work? If my body aborts? If we try and never succeed? I don't know if I'm ready to go through--"

Before you finished, he grabbed your cheek, giving you a messy kiss. In which was far from good, it was desperate, you didn't know how to decipher whether he was trying to shut you up or demonstrate his feeling. The salty taste of tears along to the burning in your throat didn't help at all.

You put a hand on his chest, making him stop. He was distressed, he probably just wanted to stop you with the waterfall of negative thoughts but he didn't know how.

"It's not like I don't want to try, I just don't know what to do anything yet, it's killing me right now." You lamented.

He kissed your forehead, letting you break down.

"We'll find a way. It's still recent, we can think about it better or find other ways. Adopting is also a good option, but everything in the right time, of course."

You were silent for a while, imagining a parallel in which Dami was right and things were made to work out. As much as you were still not convinced of this, you agreed with him. After all, there would be no other way and you still wanted to have children.

"Adoption sounds good," you mumbled agaisnt his chest. You hadn't thought about it yet, it hadn't even crossed your mind. "No risks and don't have how to go wrong."

You were relieved that he was with you, guiding you to feel better about it.

"See?" He asked, in what looked like a weak smile. "We gonna find a way 'cause I don't think about having children with anyone else but you, so it'll have to be with you. Whether you like it or not." He joked, pulling a smile out of you while touching your nose with a wet kiss.

It was unbelievable how he managed to make even the most tough moments seem lighter.

"Good, 'cause I still want to have all of your stupid kids."

tagging: @ethanesimp @mayayayayurmom19 @daviddamiano @que--sera--sera @homesicam @achilleveleno @perfectsublimekid @iosonoarina @mancskins @bethanysnow @maneskinyakaar @ethaneskin @vita-thrasher @butkutee @its-afucking-mess @ethanswifeanddamianos @oro-e-diamanti @marriedwithmarktuan @teenyweenynightghost @viclangelo @just-call-me-daedee @finelinejpm @gretavanfleetlove

wanna be part of the taglist? | månelist | ko-fi!

[dracossweetprincess]

Hey Helena I hope I’m requesting this in the correct spot , I apologize if I’m not. I saw you were taking requests and also write smut. So I don’t usually request smut, I thought this picture would hopefully inspire someone to write a Draco x reader imagine. I thought maybe you could add fluff in it to and reader finds out she is pregnant.

let me distract you | d.m

dracoxfem.reader

request: yes/no

preview: draco comes home from work extremely stressed, and y/n tries to distract him.

warnings: SMUT (+18), vaginal sex, unprotected sex (don’t do that), degrading kink, bondage kink, rough draco, daddy kink, mentions of pregnancy, soft draco in the end.

To say Draco was stressed was an understatement. Life as a Healer definitely wasn’t easy, so Draco decided to take a break and come back home early. He fumbled with his keys, to finally open the door.

Y/n on the other hand was on a quite good mood, humming in the kitchen as she started making dinner. She heard the sound of the door click, keys being put down and shoes being taken off. She expected Draco to greet her with a soft and caring smile, as he usually did, but this time was different as he didn’t walk in the kitchen to give her a kiss.

Y/n furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, but decided to just let it be. What she didn’t expect was to hear someone walk into the kitchen fifteen minutes later, as she looked around was her eyes widened as she was met with her completely naked boyfriend, cock standing tall.

“Draco what the-“

“No time for explanations, just need to fuck you. I want you upstairs, naked on the bed, legs spread,” He demanded, “Do you understand?” He asked gripping her chin. “Yes Draco.” She nodded. “It’s sir to you.”

As Y/n started to walk upstairs, already feeling a pool of wetness inside her panties. “Oh and if you lay one finger on that wet pussy while you wait, we’re done for the night Y/n.” He growled, as Y/n nodded again and jogged upstairs.

Y/n didn’t have to wait long, as Draco walked into the bedroom with two dark green silk ties in his hand. “Daddy had a really stressful day at work. He really needed his baby. So now his baby is gonna be a good girl and his gonna let him stretch her tight little cunt open.” Y/n was at a loss for words, as Draco ran the tip of his cock along her slit spreading her juices making her whine.

Without warnings, he slammed himself in her tight walls making Y/n let out a scream. He didn’t move though, he tied her legs and arms with his silk tie. He finally started to move, her clenching pussy feeling like pure heaven to him as he forgot how stressed he was.

“So fucking tight. So fucking good. Letting me fuck her like the little worthless whore she is.” He continued slamming into her, completely railing her as her thighs were shaking and the bed giggled. Y/n felt his tip brush over he g-spot continuously, as she moaned loudly. “Right- right there sir!” Honestly embarrassing how effective his cock was on her.

“Right here? You little slut.” He spat on her mouth, that wad open in a perfect shape of an ‘O’. “Swallow.” Y/n felt shivers down her spine, as she swallowed. “Look at my nasty little slut. Laying there like such a good girl while I use your body.” Y/n’s stomach starting to feel tingly, as she knew she was about to burst.

“I’m gonna cum sir. Can I please cum? Fuck-“ Draco’s cock completely slamming into her spongy spot. “Hmm no. Wait a little more for me you little slut.” Y/n whined, disappointed but not surprise as she already knew Draco would deny her. “So good on my cock baby, look at you, letting me fuck you into oblivion.” Draco’s dirty talk only made Y/n more wet than she already was, as her arousal ran down her thighs.

“Scream baby, let the neighbors now my name.” Draco grunted, also close to his orgasm as his hips snapped into hers. “Draco!” Y/n moaned loudly, the sound probably audible to the whole street. “Cum baby. Cum now.” Y/n burst on Draco’s cock, as he came right after her, balls deep inside her, filling her up to the brim.

The pair breathed heavily, as Draco pulled out. “So good for me, angel. Felt so fucking good. Now come on baby, I believe a warm bath and a cuddling appointment awaits you.”

Y/n couldn’t believe it.

Positive.

Last week, they had been so eager that they forgot to cast a protection spell. Tears of joy spilled through her eyes, as Y/n was over the moon. Everything seemed perfect for a second, until a thought hit her like a wave.

What if Draco didn’t want the baby? What if Draco would call her irresponsible and left her? What if Draco didn’t want to have kids with her?

All these overwhelming deep thoughts flooded through her mind, as she didn’t even notice Draco walking in the bathroom and asking if she had figured out what was wrong. He sat down on the floor next to her, as he leaned his head on her shoulder. His touch finally bringing her back to reality, as she saw Draco’s widened eyes as she stared at the pregnancy test.

“Y-you’re...p-pregnant?” He asked, stuttering. “Y-yes.” Tears spilled through her eyes, as she let out a sob, suddenly doubting Draco would want a baby with her. “Y-you’re carrying my child?” He asked again, still not believing what he had just seen and heard. Y/n just nodded, looking down as Draco jumped up, picking her up bridal style and spinning her around.

“I’M GONNA BE A DAD! YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!” Draco yelled, making sure everyone in the neighborhood knew that he was the luckiest man in the world with the most amazing wife and now unborn child. Y/n had her head hidden on his neck, as he felt wetness against it and let her down more carefully realizing he had to be more careful with her now.

“Why are you crying, darling?” He asked. Now he was nervous. Did she not want his?

“I- I thought that maybe you wouldn’t want the b-baby.” Y/n sobbed softly. “Not want the baby? My love, you’re my sunshine and I love you more than life itself. I’m proud to say I’m the luckiest man in the world to be married to the most gorgeous, beautiful, amazing, caring and kind woman and that I love the most..apart from mum of course.”

“So yes there’s nothing I want more than to have a family with you. I love you my princess.” Y/n smiled, as Draco kneeled down, pressing a soft kiss to her belly. “Hey baby. It’s your daddy. Me and your mommy love you very very much, and we can’t wait to meet you.” Y/n smiled at how cute he was being.

“But I’d prefer you call me dada cause your mom already calls me daddy.” Y/n couldn’t see it, but she just knew Draco was smirking as she slapped his arm. “Draco!” She scolded, as he chuckled and standing up again.

“I’m so excited we’re starting our own little family.” He said, pressing a brief kiss to her strawberry lips.

“Me too. Our own little family.”

[helloalycia]

my patient’s neighbour [four] // wanda maximoff

summary: taking Wanda to meet your parents wasn't the best decision in hindsight...

warning/s: none i don't think?

author's note: i’m not sure what to say other than sorry in advance oops

part one | part two | part three | part five | part six | part seven | masterlist | wattpad

The restaurant my parents chose wasn't too flashy but rather comforting and homely, with an Italian theme and matching cuisine. It was bustling with people, but it didn't take long for Wanda and I to find my parents sat at the back waiting for us.

"You gonna be okay?" I asked, glancing at her with a comforting squeeze of the hand.

"I've got you, haven't I?" she asked playfully, her accent thicker than usual as she spoke. And though she was joking, I knew there was truth to her words which sent the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy.

"You're cute," I said with adoration, appreciating how lovely her eyes looked in the dimly-lit restaurant. "Come on."

Hand in hand, we approached my parents' table and I had hopes that tonight would go well. My parents weren't exactly intimidating – at least anyone I'd ever known hadn't got that impression – but I still worried for Wanda. Unlike her, I couldn't read minds, so I couldn't tell if she was actually looking forward to tonight or if she was just doing it for me.

"Y/N, you're here!" my mum exclaimed with a grin when she spotted me.

"I am," I said with a nervous smile, before motioning to Wanda. "And so is Wanda, my girlfriend."

"Yes, Y/N mentioned you would be coming," my mum said with a friendly smile, looking to Wanda, before motioning to the table. "Please, sit, sit."

I squeezed Wanda's hand gently before pulling out a chair for her. She smiled at me appreciatively before I took a seat beside her, facing my parents.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Wanda," my dad said with a nod. "Y/N mentioned you plenty of times when we'd call to catch up with her."

"You, too," Wanda spoke politely. "Both of you. Y/N told me that you're travelling the world, is that right?"

I leaned on my hand and glanced at Wanda, who shot me a mischievous smile. Quirking a brow, I mentally applauded her. Getting my parents to talk about their travels was an easy way of bonding with them – they would tell every server and customer in this restaurant about their travelling if they could. She'd cracked them instantly.

I'm just that good, milashka (cutie).

Trying not to laugh as her words echoed in my mind because of her powers, I leaned back into my seat and listened in as my parents went into a ramble about their ongoing adventures. This was pretty much how the rest of the evening went, as the four of us dined on expensive wine and delicious pizza. They seemed to be getting along well, with Wanda asking all the right questions and giving them her picture-perfect smile that impressed all the elders. Heck, she was even impressing me.

Naively, I appreciated how well the evening was going until my parents decided to talk to Wanda about her career.

"So, Y/N mentioned you're one of those Revengers," my mum remembered as we ate.

"Avengers," I corrected her, mildly embarrassed.

Wanda chuckled, glancing at me, before nodding. "Yes, I am. For over a year now, I've been working with them."

"Them being Iron Man, Captain America, the Black Widow...?" my dad asked, looking up as if trying to remember the rest, further embarrassing me.

"Those are the ones," Wanda quipped with a nod.

My mum hummed in response as my dad nodded before leaning back in his seat and eyeing Wanda curiously.

"I can't imagine your job is the safest," he began. "You protect people from threats, right? Keep them safe."

Wanda seemed caught off guard, but recovered quickly. "It's got it's... dangers, yes. But I can handle myself. I've got powers and I know how to use them."

"You do," my dad agreed, before his eyes flickered to me briefly. "But Y/N doesn't. She's just a regular human."

I set my fork down on my plate and looked to him calmly. "Dad, what are you saying?"

"No, it's fine," Wanda said reassuringly, resting her hand on my leg under the table. I grabbed it and held it as she continued to speak to my father. "Y/N doesn't have powers, you are correct."

"And dating an Avenger, I can imagine, must put a huge target on her back," he said with concern, and my mum nodded in agreement. "How can we be certain that she is safe?"

"Dad!"

"Your father is right, Y/N," my mum said, giving me a look, before her expression softened as she looked to a startled Wanda. "We're not implying that you're incapable, Wanda. We can clearly see that you care about our daughter. And you're a lovely person. You're pretty much perfect."

Wanda swallowed hard. "But?"

My mother frowned. "But dating you is bound to put our Y/N in danger. She could get hurt just for being involved with you, with your friends. She doesn't have powers to protect herself. And I can't imagine you're around her all the time to keep her safe."

As angry as I was at my parents for saying this stuff – even if they were saying it out of love – memories of the incident flashed to mind. They were right, but it was a risk I'd accepted when dating Wanda. What good was it doing by bringing this up now?

Noticing Wanda's silence, I spoke up instead. "I appreciate your concern, guys, but I'm an adult. I understand the danger I may be put in by being with Wanda. But I love her and I know that she is here for me if anything were to ever happen."

"We know," my father said, giving me a small nod. "We just thought we'd share our opinion anyway. It's been weighing on us for a while is all."

I sighed quietly. I couldn't exactly fault them for that.

"Anyway, never mind that," my mum said, setting down her fork. "Now that we've got that out the way, let's order some dessert, yeah? Our treat."

Nodding, I let my parents get excited as they perused the dessert menus before them. Instead, I looked to the quiet brunette beside me and saw how lost in thought she was, eyes focused on the table and stuck in a daydream.

With the hand that was holding hers, I patted her hand with my thumb to earn her attention. She looked up suddenly, questioning gaze falling to me. I frowned and quirked a brow, wondering if she was okay. She forced a smile my way, squeezing my hand reassuringly, but I didn't believe her. I also couldn't question it right in front of my parents, so I decided to speak with her later.

Dessert went by quickly as Wanda, suddenly, wasn't very talkative. I didn't know if my parents noticed, but I sure did and I felt extremely guilty. If I had known of my parents' concerns, I never would have brought Wanda to meet them tonight.

After the evening came to a close and we all stepped out of the restaurant, I expected to be going home with my parents since we lived together, but they claimed they had more plans together tonight.

"Wow, you guys have more of a social life than we do," I joked when they told me to make my own way home.

Wanda barely smiled and I felt bad.

"We'll be back in a few hours," my mum promised, before pulling me in for a hug. "Tonight was fun. A great final night before we leave tomorrow."

I returned the hug and as I gave my dad one, I heard Wanda thanking my mum for the lovely evening halfheartedly. After saying our final goodbyes, Wanda led me to her car in silence, giving me time to try and put some jumbled thoughts together coherently.

As she had been for the past hour, Wanda was quiet on the drive back to my place. Whenever I would glance in her direction, she'd be chewing on her lip and focusing on driving, though the blank expression on her face made me think that maybe she was distracted. It didn't take a genius to know she was thinking about my parents' words and I suddenly felt guilty for putting that all on her.

"I'm sorry," I blurted halfway through the journey. "I'm sorry for what they said. It wasn't fair of them, I know that. They just... they meant well, Wanda, they really did." I tucked my hands under my thighs, wincing as their words echoed in my mind. "It doesn't change anything though, y'know? We're still us. We're still okay. I don't want you to feel like anything's changed because it hasn't."

I paused, swallowing hard, and glanced her way. She didn't even look my way, still in the same position as she was before I started to speak. Looking back to the road ahead, I let out a disappointed sigh, figuring she wasn't in a talking mood. I didn't blame her, but I hoped she would have understood what I meant.

The remainder of the drive was like this, Wanda deep in thought and me huddled under an imaginary blanket of guilt. When we finally reached my house, she turned the engine off and I waited for her to say something, literally anything. Her fingers drummed against the steering wheel mindlessly and I figured she was out of words for tonight.

"I'll ring you in the morning," I mumbled quietly, opening the car door. "If you want to speak, that is."

Leaving her there, I grabbed my bag and headed to the front door, but stopped when I heard her get out the car, too. Waiting, I turned around and watched as she approached me, eyebrows knitted in thought.

"Please say something," I said with pleading eyes.

She licked her lips, biting her lower lip so hard I'm surprised she didn't draw blood. Finally, she released it and looked to me with apologetic eyes.

"Your parents were right," she said.

I blinked with confusion. "What?"

She nodded, looking down at her shoes momentarily. "They were right, what they said. My life puts you in danger."

"Yeah, I know," I agreed, crossing my arms. "I knew that when I got with you, but that doesn't change anything."

She gave a disbelieving smile. "Seriously? Y/N, that changes everything."

"No, it doesn't," I told her sternly, growing frustrated. "This is the stuff you sacrifice when you love someone."

She sighed, shaking her head and looking away. "You shouldn't have to."

"But I chose to," I said, clenching my jaw.

"Don't you remember what happened last time?" she asked, stepping forward and holding my hand. "The incident?"

"We said we wouldn't talk about that," I reminded her with a low voice.

"But you remember, right? When they took you and I wasn't there? They could've hurt you!"

"Shut up!" I told her, raising my voice. Pulling my hand away from hers and taking a step back, I continued, "Why are you saying that? You came! You helped me!"

"But what if they did something to you before I got there?" she snapped. "What if I hadn't got to you on time?"

The memories came spilling into my mind, escaping the locked box I kept them in. Tears burned the corner of my eyes as I tried to think about anything else.

"You remember how scared you were?" Wanda asked, frowning at me with exasperated eyes. "You couldn't be by yourself for weeks!"

"Why are you doing this?!" I yelled, clenching my fists. "Why are you trying to frighten me?!"

"Because you should be frightened!" she retorted, stepping closer to me. Her dark green eyes were swirling storms of rage as she added, "It could happen again!"

I shoved her away from me, pinching the bridge of my nose with annoyance. Tears slipped from my eyes at the terrifying memory of what happened, what could have gone wrong, but I ignored them as I swallowed down the lump in my throat. Why the hell was she acting like this? Making me so angry at her for no reason?

"It's not even just that," she continued, jaw tensed. "How many times do I get hurt because of work and you get worried?"

"That's because I care about you," I muttered through stinging eyes.

"This will always be my life," she said, a hint of regret in her words as she looked to me. "I can't change it."

"I'm not asking you to!"

"Exactly! You're not! Which means you'll suck it up and stay with me and will live your life in constant concern for my well-being. It's not right."

I opened my mouth to respond because what she was saying was entirely stupid. But my emotions got the better of me and no words came out. Instead, my bottom lip quivered as I sucked up a breath.

"I need time to think," she suddenly said, anger disappearing from her voice and being replaced with an astute calmness.

My gaze snapped her way and through blurry vision, I watched her step back with her hands on her hips.

"So you can what – think about breaking up with me?" I said bitterly, and despite my anger, I didn't expect her to look at me with a softened expression, meaning my words were correct.

"Maybe it's better that way, Y/N," she said gently, eyes meeting mine.

I squeezed my hands together and tried to breathe through the pent-up anger that she'd caused, but the longer she stared at me, waiting for a response, the more I wanted to explode.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I muttered, scrunching my eyebrows together.

She pressed her lips together, looking away, and it only pissed me off more.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Wanda?!" I yelled. "You're quitting on our relationship because, what, you think I'm in danger? Well, news flash, honey, the worst already happened and I'm still here!"

She barely flinched as she avoided my eyes.

"You're a fucking coward!" I said, pointing at her. "If you needed an excuse to end things, you could have just said so!"

Breathing out, I wiped my tears away shakily. I expected her to argue back, to realise she'd made a mistake and regretted her words, but as I waited, I knew she was certain of her decision.

"Fine," I settled, brimming with rage. "Fuck off, Wanda."

Still, nothing.

Turning on my heel, I stormed to my front door and went through my keys with difficulty, hands shaking with anger. I heard Wanda's car door shut from behind me but didn't bother turning around. I clearly didn't need to as I heard the tyres screech against the road and knew she was gone.

Kicking my door with frustration, I found the key and opened up before heading inside and slamming the door behind me. How dare she break up with me because of something that I chose off my own back! She just gave up like we meant nothing to her, not even bothering to talk things out with me! And selfishly, she left me feeling pissed and resenting her more than I ever thought I would.

"What a bitch!" I shouted into the empty house, throwing my keys to the side harshly.

When they clinked against glass, I looked up and saw the vase of flowers Wanda had given me before dinner.

"The first and fucking last," I said dryly, before grabbing ahold of it and throwing it against the wall without thinking.

The glass shattered on impact, leaving a mess of water, flowers and small shards on the wooden floor. I looked at it, the brokenness resembling how my heart felt. As the adrenaline of my actions and previous angry words wore off, all that was left was hurt and pain and oh God, Wanda was gone. She'd left me. She'd given up.

I sank to the floor, pulling my legs up to my chest, and hugged them tightly. Stifling my cries, I dug myself into my knees and felt a pain in my heart. Why didn't she fight for us? Did she not love me enough? Was I not enough?

—

"You ignored the memes I sent you, I thought you died."

As Natasha pushed right past me and into my house, I blinked with disbelief.

"Sure, come right in," I mumbled sarcastically, closing the front door.

Following after Natasha, I found her making herself at home in the living room, plonking herself on the couch and pulling her feet up comfortably.

"You could have sent an emoji or something," she continued, giving me a knowing look. "They were some good memes."

"Well, forgive me if I wasn't in the mood," I said sourly, joining her on the couch.

Her playful smile faded as she picked up on my words. "How are you doing, sweetie?"

I ran a hand through my hair and leaned my elbow on the back of the couch, getting comfortable. It had been two weeks since Wanda broke up with me and in those two weeks, I hadn't been doing particularly well. I guess you could say I was still in a slump. A horrible, tiresome, angry, sadness-filled slump.

"I'm fine."

She pursed her lips, looking like she wanted to argue, but thankfully, she didn't. I was glad – the last thing I wanted was to prove that I was okay when, really, all I wanted to do was curl in a ball and suffocate under my duvet.

"I'm sorry," she said, resting her hand on mine. "If it's any consolation, I think Wanda made a huge mistake."

"Ah, so she told you," I said with a nod of realisation. I hadn't told Natasha the specifics of why we broke up, but clearly Wanda did. I guess it made sense – they were teammates. If anything, I was surprised Natasha still wanted to speak to me, instead expecting her to side with her friend.

"She did," Natasha answered. "And I think she's an idiot, but that's not my business. I just came here to make sure you were okay."

"Really? I thought you wanted to show me the memes," I said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood with a small smile.

She chuckled, slapping my hand gently. "That, too... but seriously."

My smile faded as I looked down, my finger playing with my trousers distractedly. "I'm not okay, but I'll get there." I began to glare at my trousers, my anger for the witch returning. "I have to be. Because she doesn't want me anymore... fuck her."

"I'd rather not," Natasha mumbled.

Though my anger was present, making me tense like it had been the last few weeks, I couldn't help but smile at Natasha's words. Then laughter bubbled from my lips and for the first time since Wanda left, I felt momentarily happy.

"I'm glad we can still be friends," Natasha said, making me look to her with a smile. "I know that you and Wanda are over now... but I still like hanging out with you."

"Me, too," I said in agreement. "Thanks for coming to check in. You didn't have to."

"Yeah, I did." She nodded before offering me a small, encouraging smile. "You're gonna be okay, y'know."

I wanted to believe her, but despite how pissed I was at Wanda, I still loved her. And I couldn't imagine stopping, though I knew I'd have to if I was to make it through this.

—

Getting over Wanda was a difficult process. Everything I felt was a mixture of resentment, exhaustion and misery because I missed her. I missed being able to call her when I saw somebody do something stupid in public; I missed kissing her when I hadn't seen her in a long time; I missed hearing her adorable accent first thing when I woke up after she spent the night; I missed her.

Two months followed the breakup and the only time I'd see her was when she'd dodge Anna's apartment upon knowing I was going to take care of her. I guess I was glad in that sense, as it meant I wouldn't have to deal with her awkwardly. But it also made me feel like shit because it meant she didn't care about me at all. Clearly our breakup wasn't affecting her like it did with me.

And it was definitely affecting me.

I was scrolling through Instagram one day when I saw a particular post on my feed from Natasha's account. Yeah, one of the Avengers had a private Instagram account. She gave me her username when she saw me on it one day and I remember being so confused to how she had it.

"I'm an Avenger, not a hermit," was her response, and from that day onwards, we followed each other.

So, I saw a post on her Instagram and it was some goofy photo of her, Tony, Bruce and Wanda. They were posing with exaggerated smiles as Natasha grinned up front; the caption said something about working long days, but I wasn't paying much attention as, naturally, my gaze fell to Wanda.

Just like everyone else, she had a playful, exaggerated smile on her lips like nothing kept her down, but what stood out was the sling around her arm and the cast underneath. It must have happened in a mission or something and it wasn't my business, but I couldn't help but worry. Was she okay? Was she looking after herself? I wanted to text Natasha and ask, but I stopped myself.

She'd broken up with me for this very reason. I wasn't agreeing with it, but for a second, I did see why she'd made her point. It still wasn't fair though. She didn't get to make that choice for me.

We weren't together anymore, I reminded myself. She broke up with me. It had been two months and I needed to let go. If she didn't care about me, why should I waste my time and energy caring about her?

Not letting it get to me anymore, I simply liked the post before continuing my scrolling. Though I knew that deep down, her face was imprinted in my mind and I still worried for her well-being.

—

The fourth month following our breakup was when I properly saw Wanda again, excluding the times she would duck out of Anna's apartment upon my arrival to care for her. It was also the first time since the breakup that Wanda made the effort to speak to me.

I was sat eating dinner on my day off when I got a call from the hospital nearby, interrupting my meal. The nurse was explaining how Anna had fallen over and hurt her back and was now in a hospital room. She was calling me because she thought I'd like to know since I was her registered nurse and carer. I was glad to get the call, immediately pulling my shoes and coat on and rushing over there to make sure she was okay. She didn't have anyone else apart from Wanda and I – it was no question I had to go.

Though, of course, I didn't really think about the fact that Wanda may be there until I saw her there. I also didn't consider the fact that I was wearing my pyjamas when I stepped in the lift and headed to Anna's floor. Too late now.

After asking the receptionist where Anna's room was, I found Wanda hanging around it outside the door. With only Anna on my mind, I approached her and tried to hide my panic. She spotted me instantly, stopping her pacing and looking to me with tired eyes and a frown on her face.

I didn't care that she looked worried, nor that she was holding up well since we last spoke in anger. I didn't care that she'd dyed her hair a reddish-brown colour, nor that she managed to pull off both that and the whole 'loungewear' look in a place surrounded by blinding white and blue. I didn't care that my heart ached when her green eyes found mine, nor that I missed seeing her so close and not in my dreams for once. I didn't care about any of it. Or, at least, I tried to tell myself that.

"What happened?" I cut straight to the point, stopping in front of her. "Is Anna okay?"

Wanda nodded instantly. "She's fine. She tripped over her dining room chair and hurt her back. The doctors just checked her out and said it's nothing too serious, but she won't be able to walk for a while."

I pressed my lips together, feeling the panic wear off at the sound of good news. Anna had always been more than just a patient to me and the last thing I wanted was to hear she'd hurt herself badly.

"Can I see her?" I asked Wanda, quirking a brow.

"Yeah, of course," Wanda said, before looking away awkwardly. "I was just waiting out here for you. The nurse said you were coming."

I chose to say nothing as I walked past her and into Anna's room, seeing the older woman laying on a hospital bed and staring at the ceiling. When she noticed my presence, she smiled at me and motioned for me to join her side.

"It's so good to see you, milaya (sweetie)," she said happily, as I stopped by her side, "but you didn't have to come! I'm not dying."

I heard Wanda enter the room behind me, but she took a seat on the chairs opposite the bed. Ignoring her, I smiled down at Anna and grabbed her hand.

"Don't say that," I told her gently. "Of course I'm here. You're my number one priority. I had to make sure you were okay!"

Anna waved her hand in typical Anna fashion. "I've suffered worse. I'm absolutely fine."

I knew it was best not to question her, so I didn't.

"I'm glad you're both here," she said, looking between Wanda and I, making me swallow awkwardly.

Since breaking up, I hadn't mentioned it to Anna, but she wasn't stupid and she'd clearly noticed that we weren't spending time together anymore. I didn't know if Wanda had told her, but if she had, Anna never mentioned anything. Like now, she simply looked between us both with a grateful smile, unaware of how awkward we felt.

Thankfully, the awkward silence was interrupted when a doctor walked in the room. After introducing herself, I asked if I could speak to her outside about Anna and she happily obliged. She told me about Anna's condition and how it would affect the way I cared for her, especially regarding her new medication, and I asked anything and everything to make sure she was truly okay. After being reassured that she was, I thanked the doctor and returned to Anna's room, only to find Wanda and Anna in a heated a argument.

I couldn't tell what had got them so fussy as they were bickering in Russian, sentences too fast for me to comprehend with my limited knowledge of the language. It got to a point where Anna began slapping Wanda on the arm, looking angrier than ever, so I stepped between them and pulled Wanda away.

"What the hell is going on here?" I interrupted, holding Anna's slapping hand down to the bed and raising a hand to keep Wanda at bay. I looked between them, seeing the frustration in both their expressions, and asked questioningly, "Well?"

Wanda said nothing, eyes avoiding mine as usual, so I looked down to Anna who was glancing between us before spouting off into another ramble in Russian, trying to grab Wanda so she could yell at her directly. To my annoyance, Wanda tried to push past me, yelling back, and I was unfortunately caught in the middle as I attempted to keep them from ripping each other's throats out.

Thankfully, their bickering came to a halt when an unknown voice called into the room: "What is going on in here?"

I looked to the door, following the mystery voice, and saw a young woman, maybe in her thirties, standing in the doorway and looking between the three of us with confusion. I had no idea who she was, though she seemed familiar. Judging from the confusion Wanda had, she didn't seem to know either.

"Sasha," Anna breathed out with surprise, and then I realised. That was Anna's granddaughter. "What are you doing here?"

[dancingaliensfics]

♡My Prison Pen Pal♡

Helmut Zemo x reader

Word count: 1,802

Warnings: swearing, mentions of prison and crimes and slight angst to do with his family

A/N: its finally here! I havent writen a fic in a long time so hopefully you guys like this! I tried to avoid using idioms and things like that but message me if you need anything explained or reworded as I know most people aren't native English speakers

@sorcerersofnyc

♡♡♡

His first letter came during the series finale of your favourite show. A rather inconvenient moment, you thought, so it stayed on the welcome mat until you passed through the hall on your way to bed. Picking it up, you figured you'd skim the first few lines then finish it and write a reply before work. Instead, you found yourself writing and rewriting a reply through the night. Somehow this man had managed to enthrall you with only a letter. Maybe it was the way he wrote as if he was some elegant poet whose sonnets would one day be hailed as classics. How he managed to be open and expressive, exuding a welcoming aura, and yet still seeming mysterious. Or perhaps it was simply fated by the stars that Helmut Zemo would capture your heart.

You waited anxiously for his second letter to arrive. After sending the first, you hadn't cared whether you got a response, the whole thing seemed like a bad idea to you. But your mother was insistent that you needed to meet new people and this way you wouldn't need to worry about awkward face to face conversations. Sending the first letter felt like any other chore you do in the day, done with much effort and resignment but forgotten within minutes. But the second? It felt like the most important thing you'd done in a long time. You'd even bought a first class stamp (not that it makes a difference).

You wanted to know more about this intriguing man. No, supervillain. Charged with international terrorism. Jesus christ what the fuck was wrong with you? Were you really falling in love with a supervillain after one letter? But he didn't seem evil to you. He wrote eloquently, somehow his simple and brief description of his day (he'd started reading a new psychology book, you'd have to send him some recommendations) sounded fascinating in his words.

Over time, you started to notice small things about Helmut. The way he crossed his t's, how he signed his name, but mainly that there was a romanticism to his writing. From the way he described his home, his wife, his son to his recipes for Sokovian dishes with small notes and doodles (your favourite was his shepherd's pie recipe where he helpfully noted his mother's assertion that you should always add more than you think you need). It was becoming clear to you that he wasn't the stoic and vengeful baron you expected but rather a soft, lonely and endearingly weird man who you couldn't imagine plotting to destroy the Avengers. Whilst it was his mystery that first captivated you, it was his sweet and sometimes awkward personality that convinced you to keep writing.

It took a while for Helmut to tell you about his family. You had heard on the news back when he first arrested about his motive, so you were interested to hear his perspective on his crimes. But that wasn't what you got. Instead, he told you about when he and his father used to play football when he was young and how they would play a match every time he visited, with Helmut playing against his father and son, who always wanted to play with grandfather. He told you of the songs his wife used to sing, how her voice was always loud and shaky and after years of singing somewhere over the rainbow she would still forget the lyrics and invent her own. He told you how his son was the best pianist he had ever heard. How he could play the greatest rendition of amazing grace and that he had just learnt the theme from swan lake. That he had been excited to practice it on his grandfathers grand piano the day Ultron attacked.

There was something so human about this man. His love for his family, his loss and grief, his plan to avenge his family, it was all so tragic and yet here he was sending you drawings of the flowers from his garden growing up. You wanted to hug him and yet sometimes you felt he wouldn't need it, wouldn't want it. You were wrong.

Helmut Zemo missed his family. He told you so in one of his most recent letters. He missed holding his son, brushing his wife's hair, going for long drives, waking up at 2am to comfort his son, early morning trips to the shops, cleaning up after dinner, helping with homework. Everything he listed seemed so trivial, so meaningless in the grand scheme of life and yet the memories meant so much to him.

You realised then you had never pitied him before. Not that he wasn't deserving of it, just that he didn't seem to need it. But overtime you realised that what Helmut had really needed wasn't revenge or to make a world free from superhumans, it was someone to talk to. Someone to trust. Someone who would understand his pain and not judge it. Perhaps, you thought to yourself, you could be that person.

Fuck.

You couldn't think of how to cope with this. No one you knew had ever mentioned falling in love with a criminal through letters. And as hard as you tried you hadn't been able to find a single romcom with this plot line. You couldn't tell him. You imagined with his seemingly fragile state of mind receiving from basically a stranger professing their love would at best cause him to ghost you. Especially after he confided in you, shared his thoughts and memories.

So instead you continued as normal. You sent him pressed flowers and pictures of your favourite places. Eventually, he asked what looked like, and you spent an hour trying to decide whether you should send a picture of yourself or to just vaguely describe your features. After deciding to send a picture of yourself on holiday a few months before the blip, you found yourself wondering what he'd do with it. Would he throw it away as soon as he got the letter or would he keep it, tuck it away in some book to look at whilst thinking of you?

You also found yourself wondering what he looked like in the real world. You had found pictures of him online, but they didn't feel real. He was never rarely happy. The pictures pre Ultron were clearly taken by paparazzi, so you weren't surprised he rarely looked anything other than annoyed. There were a few though, ones with his wife and son, where he clearly hadn't noticed, and some from when he was much younger and seemed to enjoy the attention. Then were those taken after his arrest.

And so you continued to wonder he looked like. How he looked in the morning, with flowers in his hair or in summer with the sun lighting his face. You wondered what his hair looked like wet, if he ever scrunched his nose in disgust. You wondered what his smile was like.

Over time, you told him more about yourself. The stress of returning home after the blip to no job, no house and your friends 5 years older. Your ex was married with kids and your sister had moved abroad. It was as if you blinked and your whole life had changed. You mentioned how it was your mum who had suggested getting a pen pal, so you could talk to someone new, who was living a different life to you, although she had meant someone in a different country not jail. Since coming back you'd been isolated and stressed with starting a new job, recovering lost information and personal belongings and moving house, so you had thought it might be good to speak to someone who didn't know you, who couldn't judge you. You told Helmut how it had been good, how writing to him had helped you, how he had helped you more than he could ever know.

No, that sounded creepy. How you appreciated his letters.

Too formal. How you hadn't expected to become his friend, but you were glad to be able to say you were.

Helmut was comforting. You knew in your head that your meeting on Friday was nothing to worry about but seeing him say it felt so reassuring. Each one of his letters made you feel relaxed, feel safe. You wanted to make him feel the same. So, as a way to repay his kindness you had told him that no matter what happened, he could always trust you. And it was true. You couldn't imagine a world where you wouldn't do anything for Helmut and although you knew he would never need it, you still wanted him to know you would always care about him, even if no one else did.

Writing to him had become as easy as talking to someone you'd known all your life. You had fallen into an easy routine, you knew when to expect his letters and you knew when you'd send a reply. The routine felt so natural that you even knew what the envelope would look like, always the same off-white with a square edged flap. The address was always the same too. Except on his last letter. Which was strange.

At first, you thought Helmut had been moved to a different prison but after frantically typing the address into Google Maps you realised it was not a prison. Fuck you had no idea what it was, but it wasn't a prison. It also wasn't in Germany.

You sat still, staring at the unopened letter for a few minutes.

You looked up at the door. You thought you heard someone knock. The post had already come and you weren't expecting people. Hell, there wasn't anyone other than your parents who would visit anyway and they would have called first. Now you were sat still, staring at the front door.

"I know you're in there, the lights are on."

It was as if you were a marionette, being moved by some strange force that was slowly pulling you out of your seat and towards the door. You didn't even register that you moved until you felt the door handle on your fingertips. The cold metal caused you to stop, as if broken out of a trance. There was a sudden realisation that if you opened the door your life would never be the same. It was sickening, a mixture of dread and excitement; it reminded you of the moment before a roller coaster drops. You repeated that thought in your head. "Your life would never be the same". Your life hadn't been the same in almost a year. What would be the harm in one more big change. So you did it. You opened the door.

His smile was beautiful.

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Hey i love your stories! Can you please write a fanfic where after Lily rejects James yet again, Sirius starts to give James hints that he is into him. Also make Harry time travel to the past while all this is happening. And Harry witnesses a cute Prongsfoot or Jirius or Starbucks. And learns the truth about himself that us parents are James Potter and Sirius Black ?

((A/N: Trans Sirius-- with a brief mention of a trans pregnancy since most of this fic takes place in Hogwarts))

Sirius rubbed a hand in circles against James's back for comfort. Or at least, he hoped it was comforting him, but he wasn't sure if it was having the intended effect. "It's not that bad, mate," Sirius said.

"She looked at me like she wanted nothing more than for me to drop dead," James muttered.

Sirius swallowed and plucked up some courage-- he was always in short supply of it when it came to James. "That's what I mean. She's not interested. Maybe it's time for you to... try with someone else. Someone that already knows you and likes you for it."

"Mm. Yeah," James said, sounding resigned, "maybe." He looked over at Sirius with a small, sad smile. "What happened to 'don't worry about it, Prongs, she'll come around'?"

"You're miserable like this," Sirius said. "If chasing after her is going to make you this sad, I don't care if you end up happily married with five kids, ten years from now. I would rather you be happy now, and only get more happy in the next ten years, rather than be utterly miserable in the beginning."

James laughed, and his smile lost the sadness. "Thanks, Padfoot."

That was more progress than he'd had in the last year. He smiled back.

*

"You make it sound like there's someone just waiting to date me," James said. They were laid out on the Quidditch Pitch, looking up at the cloudy sky. They'd started by pointing out the clouds that they found shapes in, then they started making up elaborate lies for what they saw, then the conversation-- as it so often did when they were talking without direction-- turned to Lily. From there, James admitted that he thought Sirius was right about not trying to date her anymore, and Sirius told him that he would have better opportunities in the future.

"Maybe there is," Sirius said, feeling like his throat had something stuck in it. "Have you taken a look around lately? You're great, and I'm sure someone has noticed that-"

"Mister Potter!"

They both sat up. Professor McGonagall was striding towards them, so they scrambled to their feet. "We're allowed to be out here," James said, sounding both defensive and confused. They weren't going to get in trouble, were they? It wasn't after hours, and the Quidditch Pitch wasn't off limits.

"You need to come with me, immediately."

"I didn't do anything wrong for once," James said, sounding more confused than ever. Sirius felt much the same.

"You are not in trouble," she said, sounding frustrated. "There's a matter the Headmaster needs to see you about."

James started forward, and Sirius did too.

"Your presence is not required, Mister Black," she said.

Sirius stopped in his tracks, blinking at her. Where James went, he went. The professors hardly bothered to give them separate detentions anymore, since they knew there was no point in it. He shared a look with James, and they both shrugged. James left with Professor McGonagall, and Sirius sank back onto the pitch.

Well. Sod everything. He felt like he'd been about to make some progress. James barely thought about other people as a romantic option, and he certainly didn't think of Sirius that way. He'd been about to broach it as a possibility. A very minor possibility. Barely a nudge in the right direction.

He knew what would happen if he told James flat out that he was interested in him: panic and rejection. James would panic when he heard that Sirius fancied him because he hadn't expected it, and when James heard something he didn't expect of this magnitude, he'd run away. James only ran when it was family. His parents. Sirius. Nobody else. Sirius wasn't quite sure when he became part of 'family' and not simply 'best mate', and he didn't know if it excluded him from being a possible partner or not. Once James started thinking about other people, it would be easier to see if he stood half a chance.

*

Harry could never remember seeing his parents. He'd known them when he was a baby, obviously, but that had been it. The complete beginning and end of his time with them. He didn't have any memories. All he had were the photos that Hagrid had kindly given him, and the handful of stories that people had told him. The pictures were great. Harry could look through them a dozen times and not be bored. The stories were barely existent. They were tidbits more than anything else. 'Your father loved Quidditch' and 'your mother was clever'. They weren't full stories about a prank his father had done, or something his mother had done while she was Head Girl. No stories. Just personality traits. He wanted... more. More memories for his parents that were long gone.

He wanted to feel some sort of connection to them. He hadn't meant for that to be taken to an entirely new level, but he should hardly be surprised that his magic had led him to it. Led him directly to his parents at Hogwarts, while they were in sixth year.

"I didn't mean for this to happen," Harry said apologetically to Professor Dumbledore, but he couldn't take his eyes off his father. He was only a couple years younger here than he was in the most recent photos Harry had of him. It was strange to think that only a few years from now, the teenager in front of him would be a father. Harry tried to imagine himself doing that, and he couldn't.

"I'm your father?" James asked numbly.

"Yeah," Harry said, adding a nod unnecessarily.

"Who's your mother?"

"Lily Evans."

James's eyes went wide. "Evans? That's- that's not possible. She won't give me the time of day."

"I've been told that you start getting on in the next year or two."

"Told?" Professor McGonagall asked, and Harry hesitated.

"I'm not sure I should say," he hedged.

"Mister Potter," Professor Dumbledore said, and Harry looked over automatically, but the Headmaster was talking to his father. "Could you wait outside for a minute?"

For a second, it looked like he was going to refuse. A small part of Harry hoped that he would, that he'd demand to spend as much time with his future son as he could. But the moment passed and he gave a short nod before leaving the room.

*

"He's my kid from the future!" James hissed into the mirror.

Sirius's eyes went wide. He looked as shocked as James had felt. "What?"

"That's not all. He said that his mum is Evans!"

"What?"

"Apparently we start getting on in the next year or so. He didn't get to tell me more before they made leave the room, but can you imagine? Me and Evans? It was starting to feel like a fantasy, but- I guess we make it."

"Yeah."

He was so excited that he didn't notice how subdued Sirius was. "Merlin, Pads, it's incredible! I can't wait to get to know him. He'll love you. I bet you haven't changed a bit," he said, grinning.

"Ha, yeah, sounds like me."

James heard footsteps on the stairway. "Got to go."

"B-"

He tapped the mirror to end the connection before Sirius could finish getting the word out. He'd apologise for it later, if Sirius was feeling peeved. He shoved the mirror back in his robes. Some of the professors knew that they had them, but there was no reason to wave it around under their noses and risk it being confiscated.

*

By some stroke of fate, Harry got to be alone with Sirius. It made him feel more comfortable than anyone else. He didn't know why, because it's not like Sirius as a teenager was anything like Sirius as an adult. He didn't have the weight of Azkaban on him. He had none of the death, none of the experiences from war. Not to say that he was innocent and carefree here. His parents were utter rubbish, and he'd already run away to live with Harry's father and grandparents.

He was so different that at times, it seemed like he was a different person altogether, but his laugh was the same. When he laughed, Harry knew that he was the same person underneath it all.

It just... made him feel better to be around him.

"Missing home?" Sirius asked. They'd been told to stay inside. Naturally, Sirius had suggested they go out to the Great Lake. Harry had never done it before; it wasn't safe for him, not in his time with who he was. It was beautiful though, with the night sky clear and reflecting on the surface.

"No," Harry said. 

Sirius raised an eyebrow in doubt.

"Missing my friends."

"Ah. I can understand that." Sirius retrieved a pack of smokes from his pocket. He tapped one out into his hand and offered it to Harry.

He hesitated before accepting it. "I've never had one before," he admitted, figuring that it was obvious in the way he was holding it.

"Too afraid your parents will catch you?" Sirius asked with a grin, like the idea of Harry not wanting to get in trouble with his parents was very amusing to him.

"Not really. More like... who would have offered one to me? I'm barely passing my classes with how busy I am."

"Busy with what?" Sirius asked. He didn't think it was a question that was like walking into a minefield, but it was.

"Can't say," Harry said. "How do I light this?"

Sirius snorted, but not unkindly. He flicked out a finger, a flame dancing above his skin. It reminded Harry of when he'd met Remus on the train to Hogwarts in third year and he'd been holding fire above his palm as easy as anything. He lit the end of Harry's cigarette. "Don't try to take too much at once. Small puffs until you get used to it."

Harry smoked the whole thing, chatting back and forth with Sirius. Mostly it was Sirius laughing at him and Harry asking for advice on how to hold it and asking if it was supposed to taste this bad-- the answer was yes.

"So do we get on?" Sirius asked, after he'd vanished the butts and they were just sitting by the lakeside again with nothing to do. "In your time?"

"I'm not supposed to say," Harry said, clamming up.

"Oh, c'mon. It's not the end of the bloody universe if you tell me that I do alright as a godfather. You must like me at least a little bit, if you're spending time with me now. Or I guess you could be running away from your lovebird parents with the eyes they're making at each other," he added, sounding too bitter about it considering he was talking to their son. A son who, as far as he could tell, loved his parents very dearly, even if he wasn't allowed to give any sort of details or stories.

"Do you not like them together?" Harry asked.

"Hard to dislike something you've never seen," he grumbled. "You know who you remind me of?" he asked suddenly.

"My dad?" Harry replied wryly.

"I was going to say my younger brother, actually. Regulus."

"You have a brother? I mean, I knew that you did, but. Well, you've barely mentioned him before."

"Hm," Sirius said shortly. He'd kind of hoped that Regulus left their parents too. In the future, that is. Evidently, it was a hope that never panned out. "Well. That's who you remind me of," he said, throwing on a grin that he didn't feel but looked fine enough. "The hair might be Potter, but your face screams Black."

Harry laughed. "I've never heard that one before. I'll have to remember it when I get back. Ron will get a kick out of it."

"That your best mate?"

"Yeah. He's been with me through everything. Most everything," Harry amended, because there had been that spat during the beginning of the Triwizard Tournament.

"I take it that's an 'everything' I don't get to know about?"

"Yeah."

"I hope I handle it well while it's happening then. Since I know you come out of it alright," he said, nudging Harry with his elbow.

Harry grinned knowingly.

"Ugh, don't tell me I become a swot in my old age," Sirius groaned.

"Not at all. You're just protective."

"That makes sense. You're James's kid, after all. And you do have this air about you that says you need looking after."

"And so you offered me a smoke?"

"I've always been a rebel, even to my own instincts," Sirius said loftily.

Harry laughed again.

They quieted, and a chill wind stirred their hair.

"I've always wondered-" Harry started to say, then stopped himself.

"What?"

"I'm not supposed to ask questions that give you hints about my time. No matter how much I might want to know the answer," he tacked on with a mutter.

"Couldn't you ask me when you get back?"

"Like you'd tell me if I did. You're so evasive sometimes."

"I'm evasive, but what I'm more of right now is curious. Ask me what you wanted to know, and we'll keep it between us. I won't even tell James, and if you remember us from your time, I'm sure you realise what a unique offer this is."

Harry only gave a small smile. "You sure?"

"I don't know if you noticed that I didn't promise to answer," Sirius said with a smirk.

"Oh come on. I'm asking something I'm not supposed to ask, and you won't promise your favourite godson an answer?"

"I don't remember you being my favourite godson yet."

Harry put his hands together in a pleading fashion.

"Merlin, you look like Regulus. He used to use that face on me back before Hogwarts." And it had always worked. "Fine, what did you want to ask?"

"Do you fancy someone? As far as I know, you've never dated or- been interested in anyone."

Sirius clapped a hand on Harry's back. "Sorry to have to disappoint you, Prongslet." He got to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. Wow. As if it wasn't enough to know that he didn't end up with James, he had to learn that he never moved on. He stood on the sidelines and pined uselessly. Great. "I'm going back inside, and I get the feeling not to leave you alone."

Harry gave a faint smile. He knew that he'd overstepped, but there was no taking it back. Sirius didn't seem to be too upset with him, so he'd be grateful for that much at least. "Probably for the best."

*

"You feeling alright?" Sirius asked quietly. Everybody else was asleep. If they were smart, they would've casted a silencing spell around their curtains, but there was never any guarantee. Besides, Sirius didn't know if that etiquette was the same in Harry's time as it was here.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall had agreed to let Harry stay in their dormitory with them (if none of them minded, which, of course, they didn't). The house elves had brought up an extra bed for Harry to sleep in, so they didn't even have to come up with new sleeping arrangements.

"I thought you'd be over the moon that you and Evans end up together," he continued, when James didn't jump at the opportunity to tell him what was wrong.

"Yeah, I thought so too," James whispered back. "And I was at first."

"Then what's wrong?"

He reached up and ruffled his hair. He knew that Evans didn't like it when he did that, so he'd started stopping himself from doing it when they were out in the corridors or in class. "I'd been thinking about what you were saying. About moving on and dating someone else. Or at least looking at someone else. It had started to sound fun, y'know? Besides, she's a prefect and... tightlaced. I don't really know how much fun we'd have together." He breathed in, then out, sounding tired. Tired beyond the fact that it was late and in spite of there being no classes today, it had been a long day. "I guess it works out," he said, but he didn't sound convinced.

"It's just me here," Sirius reminded him, bumping their shoulders together.

"Lily's great, right? She's beautiful and smart, and she's definitely the catch of the school. I'd be totally lucky to date her. I was just really starting to believe that we weren't right for each other. I guess it's not sitting right because I was starting to accept that it was never going to happen. And- okay don't tell Harry this, but I don't think he looks that much like her."

Sirius nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."

"Right?" James said, invigorated by Sirius agreeing with him. "He looks like you!" He wasn't so excited that he didn't remember to keep his voice down, but the route he went made Sirius frown a little.

Yes, he'd thought that Harry looked a bit like Regulus, but he'd figured that was him projecting protective instincts and misplaced family feelings or whatever the fuck. "You think?"

"Are you kidding? You have the same smile."

"Oh well in that case, there's no one I'd rather raise a kid with," Sirius said, too honest but able to make it a joke with a smile and another nudge to James.

"Me either," James said, nudging him back with a grin.

Harry silently watched the exchange. He wanted to feel some sort of sadness or betrayal that James didn't want to be with his mother, but... well, he was starting to suspect that maybe Lily wasn't his mother. Lily hadn't looked very much in the photos like Aunt Petunia, but there had been a familial resemblance. He'd even been able to link it between Lily and Dudley, no matter how much he's sometimes wished he could unsee it.

He'd spent hours trying to find his own similarities to his family, and he'd never managed it. Not with Lily or the Dursley's, at least. Everyone said that he looked like James, and it was an easy connection to make. Mrs. Weasley had taken a picture of him with Sirius once, and every time he looked at it, he'd felt like he finally had someone he could call family. There were a lot of Black family members, weren't there? Maybe someone in his family tree was Harry's mother. It sounded ridiculous to say on its own, but it made more sense to him than Lily did right now.

He'd try to get some sleep tonight. He wasn't sure how well that would work, but in the morning, he'd see if he could learn more. He was supposed to go back to Professor Dumbledore's office in the morning to see if they could learn more about how to get him back to his own time. If anyone would know how to check who his real parents were, it would be the Headmaster.

His father and godfather had gone to bed a while ago, and there was only the sound of breathing to fill the otherwise silent room. He would've preferred if there was someone talking. Not necessarily Sirius, just somebody. He didn't usually have this problem. Ron had a tendency to talk in his sleep. They usually weren't fully formed words, just syllables that never went anywhere. He hadn't realised how much he'd gotten used to it in the Hogwarts dormitory until now, when it was gone.

He'd been pretty confident in his plan until then, feeling alone in the quiet of the room with people that barely knew him. Also that cigarette he'd smoked made him feel icky, and he didn't think it had gotten out of his system yet.

He wasn't sure there was anything to test. Everyone had believed him the second he said he was James Potter's son. When he'd said that his other parent was Lily, they had paused and looked closer at him before deciding to move on with their questions. He'd thought, originally, that it was because they couldn't believe James and Lily got together. Now he wasn't sure. In fact, he was sure that that had nothing to do with it. It's because he didn't look like her.

The only one that had accepted it straight away was James, and he'd changed his mind later, thinking that Harry didn't look that much like Lily. And with the way he'd been talking to Sirius, Harry wouldn't be surprised if Sirius was his other parent. Well, that's a lie. He'd be very surprised. Mostly because there wouldn't have been any reason for Sirius to keep it from him. Even if they'd had a good reason to tell the lie to begin with, there wouldn't have been any point by the time Sirius and Harry finally met.

None of this made any sense, and the people in this time couldn't even answer his questions; none of them knew why they would've lied, or the circumstances surrounding the things they could've possibly lied about.

He rolled onto his other side and sighed. Why couldn't his life ever be simple? He'd always thought that he knew his parents were, and he was pretty sure he'd been wrong about that. Did he have any proof? No, not yet, but he didn't really have proof that he was Lily's son, either. Everyone said it, but what did that mean in a world where he'd somehow been entered into the Triwizard Tournament under a fourth school that didn't exist, had magic that he hadn't known about for the first ten years of his life, and had time traveled decades, something he'd been told in no uncertain terms was impossible.

He woke up the next day, half expecting to find that he'd gone back to his own time without doing anything.

He sat up and looked around. Nope. Peter was doing his tie in the mirror, and Remus was walking around like a zombie. He glanced towards the other two beds and saw that their curtains were still drawn.

*

Harry went back to the future. He said gave goodbyes to everyone, but with Sirius, he hugged him tight like he never wanted to go. "I know it doesn't mean anything to you right now," he said quietly, as he was holding on, "but I love you. And I'm not mad." He'd given Sirius a squeeze before letting go, followed by a sad smile, and then he turned to go into the Headmaster's office.

Sirius didn't know how to feel about that as a goodbye. Sure, he didn't know Harry that well, so the preface of 'doesn't mean anything to you right now' made sense, but why had he been so sad about it? And for that matter, Sirius already knew that Harry was his godson. The love was pretty heavily implied. What did he mean about not being mad? What would he have been mad about? Maybe that's what he'd meant about Sirius not understanding right now. Of course, if that was true, then it didn't make sense why he'd said 'I love you' first. Maybe he'd done it because he felt it was more important than him not being mad. None of it made any sense to him.

He was sure he'd understand. It would only take ten years or so.

*

Well, it didn't take ten years, but Sirius finally figured it out. When he got pregnant. Pregnant and vulnerable, and in the middle of a war.

He was pregnant, and Lily looked him straight in the eye and said, "We'll tell everyone it's me."

"What?" he asked, numb and not wanting to jump to the wrong conclusion.

"You and James have been hiding your relationship because it's not safe. This won't be any better, and you'll need help. We can tell everyone that I'm the one who's pregnant, that way you're safe. When the war ends, we can be honest, but for now..."

This is why Harry had thought his other parent was Lily. They'd told everyone that she was. Something must have happened to make it where they couldn't tell the truth. Some part of the spell gone wrong or summat, and that was enough to make Sirius hesitate, but not enough to make him say anything other than, "If you're sure," because Harry did live long enough to be a teenager this way, and that wasn't guaranteed if he said no.

When he told James what Lily offered, all he did was hold Sirius and kiss his head. "If you're sure," he said, and Sirius laughed a little. He wasn't sure about this, but what other choice did they have? “Whatever you need to do to feel safe, we’ll do it. Anything for you, love, you know that.”

[oh-for-fic-sake]

It’s A Match Chapter Two

Masterlist

Summary: as you and henry become closer he lets his family know there may be a new woman on the scene. And you surprize him by moving a little quicker then he had thought. Not that he is against it. He is all to eager to move along to the next step.

Warnings: RPF, Swearing, Angst, Heated Discussions, Fluff.

A/N: here is chapter two, this will only be a short fic maybe there or four chapters but i hope you all like it. This is just me writing down my fluffy fantasy.

Taglist: In Reblogs.

'Shes a big fluffy teddy bear, and loves hugs, even if Shes crushing me~' henry froze hands quivering nervously over the keyboard. You replied? You actually? Holy shit! He bit his lip sitting up straighter with a grin and smoothed his hair back. He wasn't sure why it made him so happy but? He had a reply, and actual reply from a person! A woman!

Now what?

He wracked his brain and frowned. What does he say? Does he ask questions or just talk about dogs? He didn't know all he did know is that he had messaged a complete stranger and she had messaged back.

'I can imagine moving her must be hard work if she's comfy'

'Yeah but on the plus side she's always warm~ a huge hot water bottle'

'A numb but warm set of legs then😂'

'Absolutely! That sounds like the talk of a man who's been there?'

'Yes I have an American Akita, a very snuggly boy that gives me atleast one dead leg a day😅'

'Aww I love Akita's, I was going to get one but them Amii sort of fell into my lap, and has stayed there ever since'

'Big or small a lap dog is a lap dog'

'Definitely😂' Henry paused. Shit what does he do now? Does he just ask questions? Explain a bit more about himself? Both seemed a little too juvenile... And it was scary... Awkward he wants a nice chat, for conversation to flow naturally. He didn't want to fuck up. There was another ping as you typed another message.

' I have to say I'm surprized I got a message on here, only been on here for a few days😅' henry was thankfull, you wasn't going to judge. You were both in the same boat. Both nervously talking to a stranger in the hopes of there being something more. It made replying a little easier, he hoped that things would get less awkward after breaking the ice.

'Really? I made mine today... not sure about all this new online stuff but will figure it out'

'Well I'd say your doing alright,  at least you had the courage to message someone, i made the profile then chickened out😅'

'I almost did, your the first profile that caught my eye'

'Was it Amii?'

'No, as cute as she is you lacked a duck face selfie, and you look very sweet and have kind eyes' henry froze after sending the message. Shit, shit! That was fucking cheese! Cringe and just a fuck up! He quickly wracked both hands through his hair and cursed trying to think of a way to get out of this but nothing came to mind... And then he saw it the tiny y/n is typing... At the bottom of the screen, he winced dreading the reply he was going to get. He bit his lip worried he hopes he hasn't tripped at the first hurdle.

'Thank you that's kind of you to say. And is a missing duck face that strange?🤔'

'Every woman has a duck face'

'Well I do not have a duck face'

'Really?🤨'

'Well not a good one 😅My duck face is sub par more a fish face, call me guppy😂' he chuckled, you did have a sense of humour which was good. He liked making people laugh and not having them take everything so seriously, it meant he could relax and let loose. To just have fun! He heaved a big sigh unconsiously petting Kal as he sat up and leant on his leg. He quickly began typing once more finding it easier chatting with a stranger with each message.

'🤣🤣 I got to admit I'm not sure what to talk about, this is my first time🤔'

'Well that makes us both online virgins😅lets start with the important things shall we?' Henry froze panicking. 'Oh god! Oh god! What ere you going to ask?!' He thought watching the little dots on the screen holding his breath dreading you'd ask for picture or something. He was put out of his misery with a tiny ping sound and your message popped up. He threw his head back and laughed outloud seeing the all important question.

'Who's your favourite superhero?' You were definitely a geek girl, just like he wanted. He bit his lip and typed without needing to think of the answer.

'Superman, afterall he is the grand daddy of all superheroes. You?'

'Oh your not gonna like this~ I love batman🤗' henry smiled at the screen and leant back wiping his mouth trying to massage the ache from his cheeks. He really was grinning ear to ear just from speaking to you so... Unguarded he was just being himself and it was freeing!

'Oh no!😱can I ask why?' He typed quickly not wanting you to think he was going to keep you on read? Was that what they called it nowadays?

'He proves that at 30 you can have a dramatic goth early midlife crisis and that regular assholes can be heroes too, all you need is money🤗🤗'

'🤣🤣 oh god! You know I never thought of it like that!' henry shook his head laughing out loud as he replied

'But you'll be happy to know supes is number three on my list'

'Well he makes the top three so that's salvageable😆'

'Yeah... Two is Captain America though'

'Rich goth with issues, man with an expensive tea tray, then supes got it 👌👍'

'Omg yes!😂that's sums it up beautifully🤣' after that the conversation moved on which he was a little thankful for. Not that he disliked geeking out but... it'd be easy for him to slip up on that subject. Luckily though he didn't have to think of a change of topic as you began chatting away casually about your day and he did in return before long the conversation was over too soon as you stated you really had to get on with filling out these payslips. So the chat drew to a close with promises of speaking tomorrow.

And you kept your promise. For the next week you both spent your evenings chatting away at one another becoming fast friends. That was when he decided to let his family know in the new weekly face time zoom chats.

He looked to the screen fidgeting as his family spoke amongst themselves trying to find the right moment to break the news. But his mother had noticed and asked him out right, leaning closer to the screen watching him worriedly.

"Henry? Are you alright your looking nervous?" The others stopped speaking at the question and henry heaved a sigh nervously twisting his fingers.

"Yeah yeah I... I just have some news... Is all" he said swallowing trying to find the words. He was worried, it had been a while since he'd tried to introduce someone new into his life and his family. He didn't want to alarm them but... he wanted to forewarn them that he was on his way to hopefully sharing his life with someone.

"News? Oh its nothing bad is it?" His younger brother asked, but his oldest paused straightening up with a smile already guessing his brother had taken his advice.

"No nothing bad... Its really good actually... I'm sort of... well I'm speaking to someone online... A woman"  he stuttered rubbing the back of his neck and called Kal onto the sofa with him stroking his fur trying to calm himself and fend of the huge grin that seemed to spread across his face everytime he thought of you.

"You did it?" His eldest brother called out clapping his hands excitedly. A ripple of confusion washed over the others and they frowned looking to one another unsure what had happened between the two.

"Did what love?" His mother finally asked not understanding what her sons were talking about

"I made an online dating profile" he said plainly drawing gasps from everyone.

"Oh gosh love are you okay? Your not being hounded are you?" His mother jumped immediately concern etched deep in her features. His father looked uncomfortable-hell they all did! Each worrying over him. He wasn't surprized they had seen fans both love and hate on him and his partners.

"No mum its fine-better then fine I'm really carful... I've covered my ass and no one knows its me, she doesn't know" he said trying to placate his family but instead he was rewarded with disappointed faces, tutting and small, cringing hisses. Fuck.

"Oh god Henry you haven't made a fake profile? Tell me you didn't- please tell me your not lying to this poor woman" his father scolded sternly. His dad may not be up to speed with all this new age online dating shenanigans but he did know that it was wrong to lie to a potential partner. Just thinking that one of his boys were doing just that left a bad taste in his mouth. If he could he would clip his son around the ear!

"Well no not exactly- its me and I'm myself on there I just... changed my name to Hank... And crop my photos so she can see me but not recognise me that's all! I swear I'm not lying or-or anything!" he explained willing then to understand but with the deep sighs and unimpressed looks he got it would seem they didn't understand or approve.

"Are you sure about this? What will she think if things get serious and then this young lady finds out you've been lying?" he father spoke up again wanting to hash this out. Henry faltered for a moment, he worried about that too. He was frightened that you'd get angry and leave him without even giving him a chance!

"I'm not lying, I just? just omitting certain details about my life, I'm being me I'm showing her the real quirky geeky side of me- this is? Its my one shot! The only chance I'm going to get to have someone look at me, not what they can get out of me... I'm not going to blow it or hurt her... if we get to that point then I will explain things- she'd understand she's really thoughtful and is logical" henry pleaded trying to convince both himself and his family. He cant ignore it, he was worried and had been telling himself over and over you'd understand. But he also knew it could really shake you up. But what he was doing wasn't wrong! It couldn't be helped, he thought they would understand!

"Well I hope so because you could break her heart son... And I want you to understand that, this woman could fall for you. You could really upset her when she finds out" his father finally spoke drawing the issue to a close not wanting to argue, but he still wanted henry to know what ever happens was his own fault good or bad. Not everything ends with a happy ever after, but he didn't need to voice that out loud. Henry knew, they all did.

"I know dad, I've only been speaking to her just over a week anyway, for all i know she will ghost me or something" henry nodded calming a little not wanting to fight but still it was clear to everyone henry hadn't appreciated the lecture.

"Ghosting?" he mum perked up trying to diffuse the situation not wanting this to blow up. Tensions were high and no one needed a family spat at the moment.

"Its when someone stop talking to you and ignores you for no reason" his brother revealed explaining the term to his parents. They both ahh'd in realisation but were still a little tense. So his younger brother spoke up deciding to try and be more supportive to him. And henry was thankful.

"Well how about you tell us about her henry. What's you lady freind like? What does she do?" henry quickly grinned forgetting the irritation. His family watched the sudden change as henry got the chance to boast about the woman who had caught his fancy. It was sobering to see, he was glowing with pride and excitement, overjoyed from just thinking about this mystery girl.

"She's just? God where do I start? Shes amazing and funny and wholesome... She doesn't live too far away- Shes pretty much on my doorstep! Shes really funny and nice we talk everyday and have soo much in common its amazing we like the same music and tv and just- everything! Its like talking to a female version of myself! And Shes a fan too" his family all seemed to warm to the idea of this woman until his final remark. Everyone paused. And so did he, what was so wrong about her being a fan? Why was that a red flag for them and not him?

"A fan? Henry... are you sure she doesn't know? If she's a fan she might know and be... making her answers more favourable" henry bristled at that and visibly leaned back brows furrowed and eyes glowing, showing as much anger as he dared show his mother who had spoken out against you.

"What? No! No she doesn't mum she hasn't got a clue- Shes not a fan of mine per say but? She likes my work, she's a huge lover of DC and fantasy so has seen the Witcher and she loved it! Shes really just like me! Is that really hard to believe? That there are women like me? That enjoy the same things?" what had started as a panicked explination quickly became heated and sour. His words slowly becoming uncharacteristically venomous. But Marie Ann new it was just him getting defensive, he was frightened. He had this silly belief he was an abnormality, that his interests will make him forever alone. The thing that did stand out was just how defensive he was about you. A woman he'd probably not even met yet, someone he was only chatting to. It wasn't like henry to take to someone soo quickly. It made her hopeful, that he really had found someone, found his soulmate. But she was a mother and couldn't help worry over him, no matter how old or huge her boys got they were just that. Her boys. And she will always feel the need to look after them.

"Henry please don't get angry, I didn't mean to upset you but... I worry" she said slowly trying to calm him before he got himself into a tizzy. She could see much more then he wanted her too. And right now he was anxious, probably questioning himself over this woman and the way he was approaching her. She could only hope her son was right and had covered his ass and that this woman was as understanding as he said. Otherwise henry was about to get a wakeup call like never before. It wasn't everyday a well known actor fakes a dating profile. It'd be a media shitstorm that he may not recover from.

"I.. sorry I didn't mean to- y/n isn't like that I... I just know alright she isn't after anything" henry apologized smoothing back his hair taking a huge breath and leant back once more relaxing.

"So why don't you tell us a little more about her son? You've been speaking for a week so must know a little more then her name and were she lives?" she said moving on wanting to coax more information about the woman.

"Well she has her own successful business that caters to dogs, walking, grooming and rehoming and is a kc registered breeder. Shes thirty years old and... Absolutely stunning- and no she hasn't filtered any photos either...wait here! See?! Isn't she beautiful?" Henry gushed quickly bringing up your profile picture he had saved on his phone and holding the phone to the camera. He heard a few compliments but could still see the worry in his family. He understood but he just new. He new that you were real, that you were honest and everything you said you were. You were blunt and didn't have time for games, you said life's too short for that crap. And he agreed.

"You have a photo saved already?" henry faltered at the question that had followed a round of compliments and quickly pulled his phone back flushing embarrassed he hadn't even thought of how that would look

"I.. w-well yeah... I'm gonna ask for her number soon and want a photo for my phone... We decided to stick to messaging for a while first and" he tried desperately to dig himself out of the hole he'd just unceremoniously swan dived into. But his brothers burst into laughter making whipping motions making him flush and shrink further. They were definetly going to busting his balls for this. But with a quick shake of his head he continued to gush about you wanting to side step this whole premature photo saving incident.

"she doesn't have Instagram or snapchat... she's just... I can't explain it she's just funny and sweet and genuine... I really like her.. I could easily fall for her" silence reigned after his admission and everyone saw just how serious and devoted henry was to trying to make this relationship work. His mum nodded with a smile, this was just a watch and wait scenario. This woman would either make or break her son, and all she could do was hope to god it was the former.

"Okay then love. I'm happy for you henry just be careful okay?" she finally drew the curtain on the subject and everyone sighed in relief.

"I will, I promise but you have nothing to worry about, I just wanted to let you guys know that i might have someone for you to meet in a few months" henry said eagerly, like a small boy waiting on Christmas eve. He was full of life and enthusiasm. It was nice to see this side to him again, she'd dare say he was well on his way to being loved up! Smitten.

"And we look forward to it henry, but take your time. There's no rush just enjoy yourself" one of his brothers spoke up jumping in on the conversation wanting to make it clear they all had his back whether this ended good or bad. For now they were happy for him.

"I will, we decided were wont meet for a while and just see how things go for the time being but... I have a good feeling, she's everything I've been looking for I'm really excited" henry preened trying to pace himself, he didn't need to be daydreaming in a family face time. Luckily he was pulled from the edge of his own fantasies by another question.

"You said she had a company?"

"Yeah here I'll send you the link its called Puptown! She's actually handled Kal a few times, I send him there for his nails and teeth" henry said quickly sending the link to his brother. He wasn't stupid they were going to look you up, they were worried. He might aswell sent them the link. There was a tiny bio on there of you- the owner on the staff page that had all the staffs qualifications and roles on there.

You moved through the groom room Amii was curled up under your desk fast asleep as you began taking a stock list. Recently you'd been getting more and more white dogs in for their groom so needed to top up on the bright white shampoo and it was tick season soon so had to double check you had all the tick removal forceps, and ear powder- lots of ear powder the poodle clients had doubled over lock down after all the new puppies bought in lockdown. Every dog deserves a professional groom. But poodles needed them.

"hey boss! You doing another check?" Mandy called as she hoisted a tiny black poem into the bath. Bella a regular and very few people could actually groom her out of the five staff only two of you dared to try. And you didn't blame them this dog was a tiny savage, but the trick was not to show fear.  

"yeah, trying to prepare for summer already, you know i think this will be our busiest yet especially with lord whiskey." you muttered nibbling the pen and moving a few bottles about. Flea treatment and some dry skin conditioner were quickly added to your growing list.

"lord whiskey?" Mandy asked louder over the sound of the shower instantly Bella began snarling like the hell demon she was. On walks and about the place she was a little soppy loving lap pup, but when it came to bath time? Different dog. You cant help thinking she had a bad experiance before she came here. You sighed and placed the pad and pen down standing along side the bathe and began petting the tiny dog.

"yeah they are the vet clinic for lower incomes... They want to set up a new clinic and have reached out" you explained you had to admit the request came out of the blue and you hadn't had chance to tell everyone yet. The staff meeting was on Friday.

"that would be good!" she said slowly wetting the snarling prom that was trying her absolute hardest to frighten you both off. But alas she was no great wolf, but a teeny cute little raging fluff nugget, and to her utter dispair neither you or Mandy found her scary at all. Even if she was trying to foam at the mouth.

"yeah that's what I thought, having a vet on site... We're still talking but if everything goes acording to plane we will have the mobile vet out front while setting up the small clinic... I was thinking in the old groom rooms? They had water and electricity already and its a littl out of the way so the unwell puppets can be separate from the healthy customers" you shrugged moving around Mandy to help tend to your most vocal customer.

"so business will be booming?" Mandy said moving to rinse underneath the small feral beast. You giggled and stood Bella on her back legs as she seethed but in between her savagery she was actually licking at you, showing a hint of the sweet girl she really was. You pet her praising her promising chicken treats and snuggles afterwards. You might even pop Amii in with the others in the small day care pen. Bella liked laying on her using the huge dog as a fluffy bed.

"yes hopefully, i mean were not taking anything for them, they are a charity but hopefully we will get a few visits in the shop? And the more people know about us the more likely they are to use us!" you said you had been weighing up the pros and cons about the new venture. More people visiting the premises, more footfall in the shop and hopefully you can draw enough people to have a little pet café. Your business was right on the edge of the huge woodland park you'd always wanted a small café that serves both animals and people you want a little empire to become a franchise company and give the little guys a chance.

"And how about you? Any luck on the online dating front?" she asked with a small smile. You sighed you half regretted telling her about it. Mandy has been with you since the beginning, she was your first employee and most trusted freind. And she has been hounding you about your love life for a while now. She wants you to take a step back from Puptown and find some time for yourself, and now that the business was established and ticking over nicely it was the time to do it.

"Ooo! Oh my god your blushing!? Bitch spill!" she squealed excited as you flushed and looked away not answering her. And by doing so answering her at the same time.

"I'm talking to someone~ Hank.. He is... Funny and charming we've been chatting each night for about a week" you revealed quietly making her beam at you. Thankfully Bella chose that moment to make a mad dive over your shoulder but you managed to catch her and pop her back into the tub.

"ooo yes get in girl, you have been pouring too much into this company! Its about damn time you focused on yourself" sandy began as she washed Bella lathering the pup with a rather expensive de-sheading anti tangle shampoo.

"Please don't start, I'm doing it now and that's what matters. He is... He messaged me first and things are going good and that's where I'm going to leave it okay? I will update you as we go... I promise" you said releasing the now wet pup as Mandy began rinsing her down. You stepped back to the shelves full of half empty bottles of product. needing to change the topic to avoid daydreaming and fucking up your orders. As great as the wholesaler was this was still expensive stuff and you didn't want to unbalance the books and get more then you needed.

"Oh Bella?~ baby girl its so bad isn't it? Being brushed and washed and massaged? Then getting yourself a blow out and having a nap in the nice cosy play room?" you called over your shoulder condescendingly at the pup who was still snarling out her displeasure. She really was a little brat in the bath.

Another week passed and you were lazing around the house having a duvet day, snuggled in bed with Amii on your lap. Normally your days off were all housework and finalizing orders or paper work but this week was different. With lord whiskey agreeing to taking the old groom room you decided to finally get an extra set of hands in management to take care of paperwork. It was strange at first but worth it. You now hade someone else to rely on, not that you didn't have managers to help out before but now you had a full time employee that's whole role was to take care of the business side and alleviate the pressure. So instead of the normal made rushes and mountain of paperwork you were in bed chatting away with henry.

He had just finished his work out and was relaxing, having a cool down before having yet another painfully boring sounding meeting with his own bosses. You sympathised. Practical work was the bomb! But the theory and paperwork kicked everyones asses. Risk assessments can eat shit! I'm a person and can asses the risk and decided to do it, why answer to a tick box system? But then again everything needed a tick in a box nowadays. You shuffled about grunting as Amii played dead on your lap so you couldn't move her from the comfy slump she was in over your thighs pinning you down.

'Soo you said you game?'  was the message that changed the subject, thankfully choosing to move on from speaking about work.

'God yes, when I can'

'What do you play? Sims and stuff?'

'depends if I'm on pc or xbox I'm more into fantasy and historic rpgs, but if I'm on my switch its little farming sims sometimes I branch out to things like shooters but not often, I like the big immersive fantasies!'

'So you really do mix and match are you playing anything atm?'

'I'm doing a re-run of skyrim with a load of mods just to spice things up. And just restarted Witcher wild hunt again'

'You like Witcher?'

'I adore it, Witcher skyrim and dragon age are my all time favourites, do you? Sorry I realise I'm just takeing over, I just get excited, I never really talk about this stuff 😅😅'

'No, no its fine I'm the same, I never really get to geek out anymore with work and stuff. I'm happy to have the chance, and I do love the Witcher too fantasy is my thing😄' henry paused for a moment. Should he? I mean you just said you were replaying it... Would it be big headed? To ask what you thought of the show? Of his performance... I mean it'd be an unbiased view, you wasn't going to try and butter him up you still didn't know it was him.

'So you've watched the show on Netflix I presume?' he typed and pressed send quickly before he lost his nerve.

'Absolutly, I binge watched it a few times.😅'

'You liked it? I know a few people didn't' henry couldn't help but dig a little deeper, he desperately wanted you to have enjoyed it.

'I loved it, but I think it was easier for me to watch bc I new what was roughly going on before hand. Most people that struggled thought it was going to be an easy watch? Like got'

'Oh come on, there must be something you didn't like?🤔🤔'

'😞okay you got me, I was a tad disappointed with geralts eyes you can do the toxic eyes and cat eye potion at least give me a teeny cat eye just a smidge🤏🥺'

'Yes I see what you mean, their could have been a little frame of it but there are always sacrifices when going from books to the big screen 😅'

'But henry's portrayal more then made up for it! That man was on point! I was so happy when they anounced it was him playing Geralt there was no way he was going to fuck it up!' henry stopped breathing. You liked it? You actually like him playing Geralt? His heart swelled and he laughed out loud for some reason you enjoying his work just... It meant the world to him! He was over the moon. Quickly his attention was drawn to his tablet again as another message pinged on screen.

'And I have a little fan theory over the whole eye issue😏'

'Hit me with it I'm all ears'

'Geralt has complete control of his eyes right? And is a softy deep down so my idea was he is always holding his pupils open so he doesn't scare anyone'

'🧐that is brilliant! It makes so much sense! 🥰🥰 its also nice to know I have a little conspiracy fangirl on my hands😁'  henry frowned heart clenching as you went quiet, he waited and waited minuets seemed like hours. His mind immediately jump to conclusions terrified you had caught him, that you'd figured out just who you were speaking to. Sweat formed on his brow as he frowned praying he hadn't got a little to close to home and given himself away. Then the dots appeared. You were typing.

'So I was wondering I know we agreed not to at first but since we've chatting every night I thought we could maybe exchange numbers? Only if you want to! No pressure. I'm just excited' henry slumped, melting into his seat. Thank fuck for that! His relief quickly became excitement at the prospect of hearing you! Actually speaking to you properly having an actual phone call? Fuck yes!

'😊😊I was actually trying to find the time to mention it myself, i know its only been three weeks but it feels much longer.'

'Omg thank god! I thought you would think i was rushing you😅here xxx xxxx xxxx' henry was quick to pull out his phone and type the number in, not wasting any time in creating your contact info into his phone book. And whislt doing that also replied to you putting you at ease.

'No not at all, I'm excited I cant wait to hear you🥰'

'Oh god don't build your hopes to high I don't have the most attractive voice it may be the deal breaker😅'

'I doubt that anything could put me off you love, your gorgeous, smart, funny, kind everything I could of dreamed of and soo much more'

'I'm glad its not only me Hank, I have to say I was frightened by how quickly we have become friends, but I suppose it makes sense we are two peas in a pod' henry grinned reading the message and nodded to himself pressing the small green call button and held the phone to his ear feeling confident as he re-read your last message.

You hummed nibbling your lip, chewing it nervously after giving out your number. You couldn't help your mind dredging up all the horror stories of Ted bundy-esque creepy ass psycho killers, luring in prey on the internet... Fuck you were a bigger girl so easy to sweet talk. You whined and snuggled into the massive furry lump on your lap, lacing your fingers into the dogs thick fur. Petting her as your over active imagination conjured scenario's that could end up with you in a eight foot hole in someone's basement ,being told to 'put the lotion in the basket'. Jesus Christ. But it was fine right? He wasn't weirded out or anything? He seemed happy. You were sensible, or at least you thought you were.

You yipped at your phone suddenly vibrated in your hand, you almost threw it across the room. The screen lit up with 'unknown number' you swallowed eyeing the device then nodded answering the call heart beat thundering in your chest your breath picked up you made to speak but couldn't quite make sounds, unable to force the words to roll off your tongue. There was a deep chuckle, gorgeas and rumbling even if it was quiet.

"You have no reason to be frightened darling I'm just as eager to move on" you gasped as the thick voice spoke in slow syllables, calling you by the nick name he had taken to calling you. You'd asked a few girls at work about it, worried things were going to fast. But they had calmed you down saying it was his way of avoiding being freind zoned. You had to admit the cute little names always made you grin and blush, but this? God this was better then anything! His low timber and slightly more eloquent accent uttering the name sent a shiver up your spine.

A surprizing reaction in all honesty, you'd never really thought about voices much, never had a voice kink or really thought anyone could have an attractive voice. Well not a real voice anyway, sometimes characters on tv with low raspy voices got you going Geralt and Alcide to name a few. He almost sounded like the former if you thought about it... Just more refined? A regal soft lilt.  It was definetly a voice you could listen to all day, this man could read you a bloody take away menu and you wouldn't even gruff at the extortionate prices. You wet your lips and dug your fingers into the warm dog in your lap breathing deep, filling your lungs with air trying to ease yourself and draw in some courage.

"O-oh your? Really there? Really.. real?" you stuttered slowly. You chided yourself for sounding so silly, so childish. But you couldn't help it you felt completely unprepared. Which irritated you because it was you who'd offered your number, what were you expecting him to do with it? Use carrier pigeon? Of course he was going to call you.

"I'm most definitely real love" he spoke again with a small chuckle, he was clearly amused by your flustered question. You blushed and squirmed on your seat trying to breath quietly, you didn't want him to hear just how on edge you were.

"Oh gosh that's.. wow I cant even, I don't know what to say" you huffed trying to think of something- anything else you could focus on rather then the absolute sex that was his voice, then he spoke once more

"Now, now don't be shy love, I want to hear you, your voice is just as I thought it'd be" henry tried encouraging you wanting to hear you and revel in your sweet voice, wanting to commit it to memory.

"Oh? And what's that then?" you asked trying to be playfull but in all honesty you wasn't hitting the mark, you were to nervous. You'd never really thought about your voice, was it attractive? Or too high? Deep? I mean you were normal, you spoke normal and if anything sounded common.

"Pure and delicate, playful and charming all in one just like the woman it belongs to" henry's breathing hitched as you giggled. The sweet tinkling laugher warmed his heart and made him huff out a chuckle himself. He was so happy he could have cried. It was just so overwhelming to hear you finally, to put a voice to the amazing woman he was slowly falling inlove with. He sometimes grew wary thinking you were too good to be true, that you were a catfish yourself. But here and now he knew. You were as real as him and all it did was solidify his resolve, he was doing the right thing. He was falling for a genuine woman. A real woman with no strings attached, and with any luck you were feeling the same.

"well I think I just found my mans flaw~" you giggled once more blushing under the weight of all the compliments. He was really smooth, smoother then you'd thought and that was saying something.

"really darling? Care to enlighten me?" he quipped playfully you usual banter and teasing between you both flowing just as effortlessly as it had when messaging each other.

"your clearly deaf! Well have no fear, i will talk a little louder and learn some sign language for you~" you laughed out loud he joined you low echoing chuckles that sounded as if they came from a deep wide chest. It was enough to drive you mad with lust, but that may be the new found voice kink brewing.

"well its nice to know you are so committed to your man and his disability love" suddenly you froze and trembled panic and anxiety washed over you clogging  your wind pipe at his words... Fuck!

"oh god- no I? Your not really deaf are you? I'm sorry I didn't mean to make fun-" you began apologizing not quite picking up on his sarcasm. Henry was quick to cut you off and stop your guilty rambling.

"No love I'm not deaf I was just pulling your leg" his voice was strained as if he was trying not to laugh at you, but you couldn't really say anything. You were the one nervously crack jokes then immediately trying to take them back. Stumbling your wat through the very first real conversation with a man you were crushing on. God you were such a dweeb!

"oh Jesus you scared the crap out of me" you heaved a sigh wanting to bury yourself into the covers and hide despite knowing he couldn't see your glowing face.

"I apologize darling, I have only the purest of intentions... Well maybe not that pure~ but I don't want to scare you" he grinned when you gasped at his little flirtatious comment. And he wasn't kidding, he found you incredibly attractive and wanted to do all manner of very filthy things with you. It didn't help when you were sending him photos of you drenched nipples hard and drawing him in like a moth to a flame. You probably hadn't even noticed that and he was thankfull for it because you wouldn't have sent it otherwise. It was his favourite photo, apparantly it had been a husky escape from the bath as you switched his lead to another hook.

"your fine, I'm just a little nervous is all" you huffed finally somehow managing to sort yourself out and think clearly overcoming your excitement and nerves.

"I understand but just remember its just me love. So have anything else planned for today?" henry hummed sweetly before giving you a chance to change the topic, you'd never know it was because he was barely holding himself together. He was almost bursting at the seams wanted to laugh and cry and shout all at once. He was completely overwhelmed with joy and relief and wanted to listen to you as much as he possibly could.

Both you and henry then began the nightly ritual of phone calls and texted all day. He even had a new nick name. Puppy. And he couldn't be more thrilled you'd said it was because he made tiny cute puppy whines when you teased him. But he didn't care, he would happily be your puppy anyday!

The weeks became one month, then two and before you knew it you were one week shy of three months. And that was when it happened. Those fateful words left his mouth as he spoke to you just before bed. He had asked to meet, he was certain and confident he wanted to meet you and take this further, and he hadn't really planned to ask it just happened.

"So your really letting lord whiskey in your old groom space? That's incredible, I'm so proud of you for letting them in love. It says volumes for you and your business, that its not all profit driven" henry spoke down the phone as he stirred his tea getting ready to go up to bed.

"I mean it just seems right... No matter the income everyone should be able to get medical care for their animals. And I'd be lying if I didn't hope some people will come into the shop or realise that we are here and come back for our facilities." he smiled at that. You wasn't just trying to make a great profitable business, you cared and wanted to give everyone a reasonably priced alternative to pooch care. And he was right behind you, he loved that you were trying to give owners the chance to spoil their fur babies without breaking the bank. In slashing your prices you'd attracted more customers and been making a great profit, so much so that you could afford to just give away your old groom rooms to the charity for free.

"shop? You have a shop?" he pondered padding about the kitchen giving Kal his nightly biscuit treat and motioned for him to take it upstairs. Which he didn't need to do, Kal new the jig and was already carrying the treat to the stairs.

"yeah it opened last year? The year before maybe? Its small but here with food and treats a few toys and leads... I try to use smaller businesses the brands that you wont see in the bigger shops" you said slowly and he heard a small yawn and rustle of paper. You had said you were packing up and heading to bed for the night soon.

"I may have to pop over with the bear~" he teased coyly humming to himself as he sipped his tea.

"pop over? I.. Well you could I suppose?" you hummed quietly, henrys eyes almost popped out of his head were you inviting him to ask you out? He coughed quickly trying not to choke on the mouthful of tea and then rocked his head from side to side. I mean he could come over and see you.

"I'm only ten minuet's away darling, Kensington... I've actually used your grooming service once or twice getting the bears nails and teeth done"

"oh?! I didn't know that." you said trying to picture the owners of the akita you saw, but honestly? You had soo many customers now it was hard remembering everyone, that and you wasn't really front of house now, you had more and more to deal with back of house, even with the new manager.

"well you do now sweetheart... So? Do you want to meet up tomorrow?" he asked placing his tea down in favour of crossing his fingers hoping he had read your signals right.

"Yeah of course I'm covering for walking duty tomorrow... So I can't really do anything in the morning or early afternoon" henry fist pumped and grinned faking a silent shout of victory as he managed to wrangle a date.

"That's fantastic actually... I could meet you in the park? I'll bring the bear with me and we could walk the dogs and grab a coffee or something?" he said somehow managing to quell his excitement enough to arrange the date properly, placeing a hand on his heart as it beat wildly. The realisation that he could see you- meet you face to face!

"Yeah that sounds like a brilliant idea, will noon be alright? That's when we do a switch over and go back to feed the dogs in day care so I'll have an hour lunch break" you said stuttering a little when it began to sink in that this was happening!

"Its a date I will see you tomorrow at noon love" Henry anounced eagerly suddenly tomorrow couldn't come soon enough!

"See you then puppy, good night sweet dreams" you said needing to hang up and squeal into a pillow or something.

"sweet dreams love" as soon as he hung up he was already scrolling his phone selecting the number he was after and called in a tizzy.

"Piers?! Piers! I'm? Oh god- were meeting tomorrow and fuck- I'm freaking out already! What do I say? What should I wear- kal's coming too do I put his halti on or just his collar- fuck I don't know what to do!? Please help!" he yelped down the phone to the unsuspecting man drawing a deep sigh from him before he began talking him down.

[comfortwriting]

Best Friends Brother Part 5 - G.W

Masterlist, Requesting Rules, Writing Prompt Masterlist

George Weasley x Fem Reader

Part 5 of my 'Best Friend's brother' series, Please Read Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 if you haven't already.

Want to be tagged? Let me know!

Warnings: Swearing, Mention of food and eating.

Holding onto the photo album you opened it, expecting to see pictures but you were met with nothing but empty spaces.

"I've bought this for us," George said softly "I want us to fill this with pictures, we need to make up for the three months we've been together with no photographs to show for it."

You felt your heart enlarge and flush your body with warm blood, your veins pumping it throughout your body, getting high on the feeling of this happiness - this love.

"Oh, George..."

Hearing a door opening and footsteps up above, creaking down the stairs, your face and George's dropped.

"Hide!" He mouthed, snatching the photo album from you.

Quickly rolling off the sofa and crouching on the ground with your head staring at the floor, you quickly hid behind the chair Arthur would sit in when he wasn't messing around in his tool shed. The footsteps grew closer and closer, George hid the photo album under a pillow and the blanket and tried his best to appear awaking from a deep sleep.

Yawning and stretching, he looks over to his younger brother Ron, searing through the cupboards for some snacks.

"What are you doing up?" Ron whispered, noticing George from across the room.

"Could as you the same thing, mate." George shot back lowly.

"I'm hungry," Ron replied "What's your bloody excuse?"

"Fred won't shut up snoring," George rolled his eyes, "If you're looking for leftovers you'd be smart and check the fridge."

Ron mimicked George talking but looked in the fridge anyway, pulling out some strips of cooked bacon from earlier, stuffing it in his mouth as he wiped the grease on his pajamas.

You peeked out from the chair and watched, your heart thumped so hard you could hear it in your ears, what were you thinking?! You were being too risky, sharing glances and meeting up whilst everyone was sleeping - you'd be lucky to escape tonight without being noticed.

"Well, since I'm going back up you probably should too if you're that bloody tired."

"But Fred's snoring," George reminded him "I won't get any shut-eye all night."

Ron shrugged "Punch him in the nose or wake him up and get him to turn over."

Having no excuse to object, George had to comply, he slowly got up from the sofa, making sure not to accidentally drop the photo album, as he followed Ron up the stairs, mouthing a 'sorry!' to you on the way up.

Breaking out from the shadows, you tiptoed from behind the chair and retrieved your present from George, holding it close to your heart as you sneaked back into Ginny's room, making sure not to wake her or Hermione up.

The next morning, you and George were too tired to join in the regular morning banter across the kitchen table, but you both tired and put maximum effort in any way, but you were caught off guard whilst swallowing down some toast.

"Were you alright last night Y/N?" Hermione asked, sipping some orange juice.

You knitted your eyebrows together "Yeah? Why wouldn't I be?"

Hermione put down her glass, everyone else continued to eat and drink.

"Well," she sighed "I woke up during the night and you were there, you were gone for quite a while and I know that after Penny you..."

You choked on your toast, widening your eyes as Ron's glance quickly landed on you.

After Penny's death, you would wake up during the night and early hours of the morning and panic when Penny had not arrived from her hunt, you were so in denial about her death this became a bad habit for a little over a year.

Crying in the common room, you collapsed in front of the fire, waiting for your owl with hot tears streaming down your face, George walked in from a late-night prank and saw your head in your hands, hurrying to your side.

"Y/N, what's wrong?" he held you close to him, pulling you away from the flames in case you fell forwards.

"I forgot she was gone," you sobbed "Penny, she's gone, and I keep thinking she's coming back."

"Oh, yeah!" you nodded "I haven't done that for a while, I think I must've forgotten again..." you trailed off, staring at your plate, feeling other eyes on you.

"But you've got that new low haven't you?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah," you smiled "he helps but he's only an owlet."

"Where did you get him anyway? He's beautiful." Ginny smiled, staring at him and his small feathers.

Think. Think.

"My mum and dad finally decided to get me him after months of desperate letters."

That's a good enough lie.

"Well, at least it wasn't because of someone snoring." Ron butted in, "Apparently you were at it all night, Fred."

Now it was George's time to choke.

"What?" Fred pulled a sour face, glaring at Ron "I don't snore! You can bloody ask Angelina!"

"Not according to George, he was sleeping down here you were that bad." Ron shuffled more food onto his plate.

Fred stared at his twin, pissed off that he lied about him without asking or telling him first.

Why is he lying? What is going on? Why would he need to sleep downstairs?

"Sorry mate," George smiled sheepishly "Didn't want to crumble your ego."

Everyone but Fred continued to eat their breakfasts, he started to go through everything that happened earlier on that seemed out of place - how could everyone push this aside despite that is going on?

"Well?" Asked Fred, staring at his younger brother who walked out of the owlery.

Ron shook his head with an annoyed expression on his face "She's not there" he replied.

"I wish you had that map, you know, you should nick it from him when he's sleeping."

"I would" replied Fred "but he clutches to it when he sleeps."

Throughout the day, Fred gravitated closer to Ron, whispering to him, warning him about you and George - how things don't add up, how something much more is going on. Ron denied it at first, but the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to find out the truth, even if it meant catching you both together.

"I'm telling you, there's something going on," Fred grumbled, helping Ron and with the garden Gnomes whilst you and George helped Arthur across the field.

"Well, how are we going to catch them?" Ron grumbled, soil getting in his hair, "Do you think she was down there with him last night?"

Fred fell back, his clothes now like Ron's hair, coated in soil. Brushing it off and kicking a gnome he sighed "Well, we'll just have to wait downstairs for them tonight."

"And what if we don't catch them?"

Fred hesitated for a moment "We'll keep trying until we do, we need to make Ginny and Hermione aware too - we won't be able to know if she's left the room unless they tell us."

Stepping out of the bath and drying yourself off, wrapping a towel around you, you leave the bathroom, and bump into George who was standing there the whole time, desperate to get a moment alone with you.

"Y/N, we need to talk, quickly - now."

Your cheeks went red and started to burn, George had never seen you in little clothing before, but you knew now wasn't the time for either of you to have stars in your eyes - George sounded urgent, and he was always laid back.

Following George into his room, he quickly shut the door behind him and pushed a chair against the door, if he did any magic he could count on his mum shouting at him to come downstairs at once.

"They're onto us," George freaked, sitting on the bed putting his head in his hands.

You sighed and sat next to him, gripping your towel in place with one hand, whilst stroking his hair with the other.

"We both knew this wasn't going to be easy," you chewed your lip nervously, "but that doesn't mean we can't get through it."

"What are we going to do?" George stopped pressing his eyes against his palms and looked into your eyes, his worried-filled ones boring into you "It's obvious we can't sneak downstairs."

You stayed quiet for a moment, shifting through your thoughts and ideas, "Well, we'll just have to meet up outside the house. We both leave and come back at different times, so you leave before me, and I'm back when you're already going to sleep."

"The sun doesn't go down here until very late out, it gets cold, and I don't want you to-"

Cutting George off, you went through his drawers, pulling out an oversized, fluffy hoodie.

"Freeze to death?" you smirked, throwing it to him "I'll wear this if you fetch it."

George swallowed hard, the windows of opportunities started to close one by one, and the finish line of your relationship started to get closer and closer, only making his heart more eager and desperate to claim you as his own.

"Tonight?" he asked softly "What time?"

Planting a small peck on George's head, you walked over to his bedroom door, "wait for my owl, when he goes out to hunt, that's when."

Slipping out of George's bedroom, you hurried into Ginny's searching through your trunk to find some clean clothes.

Just as you were going into Ginny's room, Ron, Fred, Ginny, and Hermione sat downstairs coming up with a plan to dismantle your happiness - Ron felt betrayed, and at this moment, he didn't care if you hated him afterward - you fell for his older brother, something you promised you would never do.

"Since when did you know my brothers?" Ron piped up, mouth full of food.

Hermione grimaced at him, packing away her study books "Ron! Swallow your food first, don't be so foul!"

You shrugged "In the Owlery, they're really nice-"

"No, they bloody are not!"

"Ron, relax, it's not like I fancy them-"

Ron shuffled "well, everyone else does, and you better not."

You raised your hands up in defense "I won't! I promise!"

taglist: @amourtentiaa @alwaysnforeverfangirl @reeophidian @inglourious-imagines @horrorxweasley @carisi-sonny @g0ldenwanda @obsssedwithjustaboutanything @sebby-staan @xmalfoyweasleyx 

[donaidk]

Looking at me - Arthur Leclerc

Thank you so much for requesting! I already had an idea in my head for something like this and you just gave that last push! It was my first time writing in third person, and I really-really need the practice. Still I hope you will enjoy this 😀🧡 Have a great weekend everyone!

Inspiration song

Masterlist | Taglist/Queue | Request

Getting a chance to walk a well known fashion show at the age of 19 was a huge step in her career. She had jobs and photoshoots all the time, but everyone knew that you’re becoming a name in the industry when well known brands ask you to model for them. She already had a photoshoot with one of them a year ago, but having that break since then and now made her think she probably wouldn’t make it into the real fashion world. However, after Alpha Tauri gave her a chance thanks to Pierre, she was contacted by a well known brand just days after the release of the pictures and they asked her to attend their show at the end of the year. Having the promise of such a big show got her through every harder moment throughout the year and she felt like December couldn’t turn up quick enough.

Luckily as it was well after the end of the season for Pierre he could attend with their parents and siblings. She couldn’t even imagine going through something like this without them. Y/N used her last two guest seats to invite both Charles and Arthur. They were friends of their family and she knew Charles was into fashion and would always take the opportunity to attend shows. He probably could have bought tickets to it himself, but it wasn’t the same as being invited by someone who worked for the company that time. It was also probably the only way to make it seem less strange that Y/N would have liked Arthur to attend. No one asked questions why he was there if he came with his brother. There’s no easier way to do it.

The two of them were quite good friends, as they spent most of their childhood together and later could connect over being younger siblings to well known athletes. It was probably easier for her as she at least went her own way while Arthur was following in Charles’ footsteps, exactly. He was a talented driver, but people and the media always loved to compare the brothers, always bringing down at least one of them even though they were never really in the same championship or position at the same time. They usually talked at least weekly, but after harder races or attacks from the media either Y/N reached out to him or the other way around. It was just easy to support each other as they understood each other’s challenges and hardships. They couldn’t complain though, as both had family and other friends who supported them in their careers and personal lives also.

“ They’re outside. ” Pierre’s voice got her to jump in her chair a little before Y/N took in what he said. “ I’ll get them to the seats and we will meet after the show, yeah? ” He asked, taking the passes from the table next to her. She knew they wouldn’t have time for her to greet their friends and get back here in time.

“ Yeah, thank you. Enjoy. ” Y/N nodded with a grin before getting a kiss on her cheek from him. “ I’m gonna try not to trip. ” She added with a chuckle before he left, watching as he closed the door after himself while she could still hear him laugh. She leaned back in her seat as everything was already done for the show, and it was now just minutes until the start of the show.

She finally chose a photo from the morning when we arrived at the avenue, to share it on her story. Making sure it uploaded fine she could see Arthur’s profile picture in the bottom left, telling her that he already saw it, making her smile immediately. Y/N sent him a quick selfie with her eyes closed and holding up a peace sign as the grin still didn’t leave her face. She was just about to put her phone down when he sent one back, mimicking her pose and making her laugh out loud. He did look silly and seeing Pierre so confused in the background of it just made it even better. She wanted to respond but then had to leave when they were calling her name from the hallway. With one last deep breath she fixed her hair in the mirror before leaving the dressing room and following all the girls to the backstage.

She felt like an anxious mess right until it was her turn and had to step out onto the stage as they counted down for her from the sideline. She made sure her dress wasn’t in the way of her steps, although knew they practiced for any possible outcome and knew she would manage even in a dodgy situation. Her heart was beating so loud Y/N wouldn’t have been surprised if the people watching the show could hear it over all the music and talking. She still tried to look cool on the outside, her grin not faltering for one bit as she walked down the length of the stage stopping at the end and turning for the cameras. Her way back was a bit more relaxed already, knowing she did her job and just had to get back from where they started. She had one more dress at the end of the show but that seemed a lot easier after such a smooth sailing first appearance. The second one felt like a treat for a job well done and she was ecstatic as she changed into her outfit for the after party. Her body felt sore from all the excitement and then adrenaline that already left. However, her mind was still running and looking forward to the night as she went to the lobby where she knew the others would be waiting for her.

“ You looked stunning out there, Y/N! ” Charles greeted her with a tight hug, making her chuckle quietly. Stepping back from his embrace the next ones were Pierre and her family before Y/N could finally turn to Arthur, not forgetting about him in any way.

“ Thank you for coming. ” Y/N said before hugging him, although it was something that was for his brother too, not just him. “ Hope you’re not too tired yet. We have a long night ahead of us. ” She let out another laugh after letting go of him but she didn’t even get to step away too much before he held up a bouquet of blooming flowers.

“ Just a little congratulatory present. Wanted to give it to you prior to the show, but that didn’t really work out. ” He said with a little blush creeping up onto his cheeks, as she took the flowers from his hands, immediately smelling them.

“ Thank you, they’re beautiful. ” Her eyes were still fixed on the bunch of them, taking in how sweet it was of Arthur. It was made from all of her favourite types of flowers, not missing any from the short list she could make up in her head. “ I’ll make sure they get home safe. Wouldn’t want to kill them at the club. ” Y/N let out a little laugh, turning to her mum while they exited the building together.

Luckily her family offered to take her things back home while they went straight to the venue of the after party. Her other siblings went home too after some last minute hugs, leaving the four of them to be the only ones to attend. There were cars that took the guests to the rooftop bar that was decorated perfectly for the occasion. The moon was shining onto the balcony, but there were also lights running over them, making sure everything was visible and people wouldn’t trip over each other or the few steps around the bar and dancefloor. It was the perfect setting for a party that was relaxed but at the same time a true after party, where everyone could let out their pent up energy and adrenaline from the show.

Minutes after they left the elevator, that took them to the floor of the balcony, they were already standing next to a table with their drinks on it. They were watching the crowd dancing just inches away from them while discussing the day. Pierre and Charles were deep into  one of their usual disagreements about their past season, making Y/N shake her head. It wouldn’t have been them if they got through a day spent together without a silly argument. That would have been too easy. She has been watching the crowd blocking out the bickering coming from next to her, gathering courage to join the dancing even though she never backed off being the center of attention it wasn’t the same with strangers. She knew just a few people from here, almost half of it being the ones she invited herself.

“ A dance? ” She turned to Arthur in the end when she could see that his glass was empty. He froze for a second, looking around them. “ You don’t have to, but I would rather turn deaf from the loud music than them roasting each other. ” She chuckled, cocking her head towards her brother and Charles standing across them. She took the last sip of her drink and was about to get into the crowd when Arthur nodded and putting down the glass from his hand was ready to follow her.

“ I’m not a big dancer, I’m warning you. ” Arthur sighed, but wouldn’t have denied himself the chance to spend some time with her in a more private setting. They never mentioned anything about stepping up their friendship, but that didn’t mean they never thought about separately, in their own heads. 

Y/N took his hand with a grin, pulling him towards the dance floor, weaving through the people standing close, leaving them a sliver of space to navigate their way. They had to stop a few times people stumbling in their way or bumping into them while they were getting closer to their destination. Y/N saw two of the girls she knew a bit better, and decided it will be better to be with friends than alone. Arthur greeted them, quickly introducing himself and even though they were already safe, standing in a less crowded space, in the moment Y/N didn’t let go of his hand while they enjoyed the music and the company. Arthur did take part in the dancing, although several of his moves ended up making them laugh and him blush a little although it never made him stop. He was happy to be the source of their joy for the night.

A few songs later Arthur excused himself from the group to get a drink for himself, while the girls stayed in the same position. Y/N spotted a few guys just seconds after he left, watching them, and approaching their group as soon as Arthur was out of the view. They were quite rude, not caring about how the girls tried to ignore them and get them to leave finally. Y/N was about to just leave and not even look back when she felt a hand come around her waist. Without looking up at the owner of the hand she got to know who was standing behind her by just the voice.

“ I think you should search for another company. The ladies aren’t interested. ” Arthur informed the intruders and by knowing him for years, Y/N could tell he was really focusing on the pronunciation. He seemed serious, like never before and it did the trick, getting the guys to turn around and leave mumbling some swears in his way.

“ Thank you! For both. ” Y/N smiled up at their saviour, taking the half full glass from his hand as he held it out for her. Arthur just shrugged his shoulders, relaxing his shoulders and taking a sip from his drink.

What they didn’t see was Pierre and Charles paying close attention to their group from afar. Her brother still had his fists clenched but he was slowly letting up as the situation got resolved and the younger ones could continue enjoying the party and drinks. Looking at each other they agreed with a sigh at being glad Arthur was there with them and helped them get out of a sticky situation. From the outside they did see how the younger Leclerc and Y/N were around each other, although neither of them wanted to push them towards a goal. It seemed simple, inevitable, but they wanted them to find their own way. It wasn’t rare that the only possible way wasn’t the best way in the end. Meaning, even if they looked compatible for an outsider, it was possible that a relationship between them wouldn’t be long-lived.

They stayed until their legs felt sore from dancing and standing around, and their minds were in a comfortable fuzzy state from the few drinks they got. The night wasn’t young anymore when they got into a taxi, heading for Pierre’s apartment that had enough space for all four of them. They all took turns in the shower and decided on who will sleep and where. There was only one guest bedroom and in the end Charles gladly gave it up to Y/N saying she was the one who worked today, taking the couch with a duvet and a pillow. She was about to just go and finally get a chance to fall asleep, when Arthur stepped out of the bathroom now in his pajamas. For a second she debated if she should just let him sleep on the other couch or maybe act on her idea.

“ We can share the bed if you would like. It's big enough for two people. ” She offered in the end, with a shy smile, pointing towards the bedroom down the hallway. “ I promise I won’t snore. Unlike Charl. ” Y/N let out a quiet laugh, making sure the mentioned brother didn’t hear it and wouldn’t try to get back at her for it.

Arthur had to agree with a sigh that sleeping in the same room as her brother, would have been on the same level as some late torture methods. He couldn’t really deny the offer, taking his things as they wished goodnight to the others and walked down to the bedroom. Within seconds they were both under the duvet, managing to share it and not pull it off the other one. They did start out quite far away from each other, but Y/N couldn’t be fed up when she woke up in the middle of the night to an arm draping over her waist. It grounded her while she had to get used to her surroundings and helped her get back to her dream right until the delicious smell of lunch got them back to reality around midday. They shared a moment, gazes locking, before getting out of bed with grins on their faces, both deciding to push the conversation to another time. At least until lunch, as Y/N’s stomach grumbled as soon as she was standing next to the bed.

[fellulahh]

How he’d be meeting MC’s parents (all characters!)

Lucifer:

- he might be a little awkward in that he’s really formal. He’d probably greet MC’s parents with a handshake and maybe even a bow (MC’s mum would joke saying ‘we’re not the royal family you know, you don’t need to do that here’)

- He’d be really poised and probably wouldn’t make any jokes at the dinner table but would have his hand on MC’s thigh the entire time

- His kind words about MC though win her parents over; he speaks so fondly of her! They can tell how much he loves him from just the way he talks about her

- He’ll probably warm up over the evening and will lose his stiff, serious demeanour (perhaps after a few glasses of wine)

Mammon:

- Mammon would be super shy and awkward when MC’s parents answer the door, he’d try his best to keep his cool but he’d probably trip over the doormat on his way in

- Immediately starts laughing at MC’s baby photos that are on the wall “Aw ya were a cute baby ya know?” “Mammon that’s a picture of my brother.” “Oh”

- He’d be pretty quiet at the dinner table, mostly because he’s terrified of MC’s dad

- Tries to compliment her parents for the cooking but just stutters the entire sentence, her Dad then makes a joke about his nerves which then causes Mammon to go completely red

Levi:

- (MC basically had to force him to come and meet her parents)

- “N—nice to meet you.” He mumbles to them as he hides behind his hand

- MC’s mum is really fascinated by his hair and asks “what hair dye do you use? Or do you go to a salon?” “Oh my hair isn’t dyed.” “...right”

- He probably wouldn’t talk much to her parents at first but they’ll see that he’s much more comfortable when he’s whispering to MC because they’ll see an unfamiliar smile on his face, as long as MC’s happy they’re happy

Satan:

- Satan would be smooth as fuck. As soon as he steps through the door he’d dazzle them both with his charm and eloquence

- MC’s mum is super impressed

- He’s a really smart demon so any conversation or question MC’s parents fire at him, he’ll know exactly what to say

- Gets super excited when he discovers they have a cat

- Compliments their home like a good guest should and then even offers to help with the dishes after dinner’s eaten

- When they’re leaving, MC’s mum pulls her to one side and demands that MC ‘keeps this one’

Asmo:

- he’s super excited to meet her parents, as soon as the door opens he’s probably grin and go ‘hello!’ While waving his hands

- Both of MC’s parents welcome his bubbly personality immediately, they think he’s such a nice character! One you can have a laugh with

- He’s really flattering toward her Mum, she absolutely loves Asmo! She’d only have known him for a couple of hours but can’t wait until he comes over again

- MC will get really anxious about how touchy he’s being with her in front of the parents (but in reality they hadn’t even noticed because they’re asking him about the aftershave he’s wearing!)

- what a well kept gentleman!

Beel:

- MC and Beel would probably have a pep talk before they knock on the door, “what are you not going to do tonight?” “Eat all of the food!” “And what do you get after we’ve left if you succeed?” “McDonalds!”

- Both of her parents are taken aback by the size of Beel as they open the door

- Her Dad immediately asks him, “so does a man of your size play any sports then?”

- MC’s mum whispers to her ‘where did you find such a rugged man??’

- Beel’s eyes light up when he sees MC’s mums over the top dinner table filled with way too much food

- Her Mum tells MC he’s welcome back any time because for the first time ever there was no waste left over at the end!

Belphie:

- he’d be quite quiet and shy but he’d still greet MC’s parents at the door

- In all truth he’s absolutely terrified because - not that it will ever happen - but what if her parents find out about what he did to her?

- He has to force himself not to overthink and with the help of MC squeezing his hand under the dinner table, he somewhat cools down

- Slowly, he begins to open up to her parents and will start talking about what a nice person their daughter is

- Her parents fully understand that he was just nervous and don’t hold his quietness against him

Diavolo:

- as soon as the door opens, MC’s mum practically falls in love with Diavolo herself

- MC can’t believe how well he immediately gets on with her parents, he has all the charm and charisma needed. He makes conversation at the dinner table, shares interests with both of them, makes jokes...MC’s left in shock

- MC’s mum would just stare dreamily at him whereas Diavolo and her Dad would share a father/son bond literally within an hour

- He’s so nice that her parents even offer for them both to stay the night so that they can have a family drinking night together!

- (MC’s mum demands ‘you NEED to marry him or else I’ll divorce your Father and then I will!’)

Simeon:

- Simeon does everything perfectly when he meets MC’s parents, he’s incredibly pleasant and easy to talk to, he’d compliment the home and the cooking, he shows genuine interest in MC’s parents - he basically does every just right

- He’s very smooth with his words. MC’s mum in particular seems to be put into a trance when she listens to him speak

- He’d hide his religion if he sees that MC’s parents don’t have the same faith

- Her mum jokes at one point to MC saying ‘have you brought home an angel? He’s lovely!’

Solomon:

- Solomon wouldn’t have any worries, he just spend a year in a realm filled with demons - he can handle meeting two humans

- He’d be very charming, as soon as he sees MC’s mum he’d probably use the line ‘I can see where MC gets her beauty from!’

- I can imagine he’d be quite cheeky with some of the things he says and will make a lot of jokes at the dinner table (he immediately gets along with both parents)

- Tells MC’s mum that her lasagne is the best he’s ever had - or in other words, he just got invited back for dinner again

- MC questions him on why he’s being so oddly charming (she finds it funny)

Barbatos:

- MC’s parents are a little intrigued with him at first. One, because he looks so deadly serious all of the time and two, his hair is teal

- However, even though he looks serious 99% of the time, he still holds a conversation really well. Her parents are impressed by his intellectuality and articulacy

- He’d probably be well prepared too and would bring some flowers or a bottle of wine to thank her parents for having them over

- He is incredibly polite for the entire evening and is just really pleasant company to be around, MC’s parents have no worries about the strange coloured haired man