#ladies and gentlemen with just 15 minutes left they made it on the right day

[hellcifrogs]

✨️🍥✨️ 10/10

[drakenology]

Yeah, My Boyfriend’s In A Band

guitarist!todoroki x fem!reader

summary: something straight outta wattpad! you go to a rock band’s concert and stand front row of the stage. The band’s vocalist /guitarist catches your eye and.. well, the rest is history! this is the story of how you first met.

author’s note: soooo.. how yall been? i kinda said fuck it to the schedule i made. why force myself to make content when I just can’t ya know? I’d much rather upload content when it’s at it’s best. so enjoy! I used some lyrics from some of my favorite rock songs for this, can you guess em? Also the art work above isn’t mine!

warnings: smut (duh.), drug use (weed), size kink, pinch of daddy kink, spitting, degradation

It was a hot Saturday night. You were all dressed up and excited to see your favorite heavy metal band the Diaspora play in your city. You were a huge fan, their posters adorned your bedroom walls. You’ve been a fan since they first came out as a cover band.

The members were all pretty fuckin cute, especially the band’s front man. Todoroki Shoto.

He was so handsome; black and red half and half hair, grey sullen eyes, the sexy scar on the left side of his face only adding to the edginess of his visage. His tattoos coated his left arm in a sleeve, his eyebrow pierced as well as his lower lip. He was fucking hot. Obviously not the kind of guy who would pay any attention to you right?

You threw on the Diaspora t-shirt you bought just weeks before the show and tied it in the back so it could be a little cropped and called your uber, frantically spraying perfume in a panic that you were going to be late to the concert. You ran outside, saying goodnight to your roommate as you rush out the door and jump into the car.

“Hey. I’m Shoto Todoroki and I’m the lead singer and guitarist for the band The Diaspora. Hope to see you guys at the show tonight at 8.” You hear as smoothe and sultry voice play over the radio.

You swoon and text some buddies who were also going to the show in excitement, the rush going straight to your brain in a haze as you blast some of their music in your headphones.

When you arrive to the stadium, you spot your best friend from highschool Nejire Hado. You two actually grew up together and even graduated together. It was like you two were sisters, inseparable since birth. Nejire saw you and waved excitedly, squealing with glee and motioned you to come to her spot in line.

“Y/N!!!! Over here!!” She yelled, causing you to run over and jump up and down with her.

“I can’t believe we’re finally here!” You say.

“Me either! Hey, did you hear? There’s rumor’s going around that their having an after party after the show! We have to go, Y/N please say yes.” Nejire rambled, clapping her hands with an inability to contain her excitement.

You look down at your shoes, unsure at first. What if you aren’t even allowed inside? It could be VIP only.

“Fuck it. Let’s go!” You say, causing Nejire to scream and laugh with joy.

Suddenly, the band’s security comes outside to greet the fans waiting to come inside for the show.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please enter in a single fil-“ the poor guy couldn’t even finish his sentence before hundreds of eager fans rush past him and squeeze into the stadium doors, running as fast as the could to get to their seats.

Luckily for you and Nejire, you had front row tickets. Those days of refreshing the page for them as they sold out every second really paid off. You grab Nejire’s hand and run inside, elbowing and clawing your way through to your spot with your best friend by your side. The lights suddenly go dim and the crowd goes insane.

The show’s about to start. You heart seemed to float up into your throat as you stood sweating and nervous, Nejire screaming her head off and jumping up and down when the band came rising up from the bottom of the stage. Smoke covers them for a while until it clears and all you see is Todoroki standing above you, the real him finally being exposed to you as you gaze from the crowd.

He was even more handsome in person. Tonight he wore black jeans and a white band tank top ,showing off his muscular and tattooed arms. Chains hung on his hip and his boots as he propped his foot up on the amplifier in front of him.

“YOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” He screamed into the mic, causing the crowd to scream impossibly louder. He smirked, causing you to feel woozy just seeing him look so smug, as if he knew the effects he had on his fans.

You could’ve died right there a happy woman as the band started to play their hit single, the gritty sound of the electric guitar sending chills up your spine as you and Nejire headbang and dance to the music. You sing along to the top of your lungs, watching as Todoroki owned the stage. You gaze up at him again to see something completely and utterly unbelievable.

He was looking right at you.

You gasp, your eyes widening as you lock eyes with him. Shoto kneeled down towards you and reached his hand out to you. You almost scream and grab his tattooed hand with both of your own and smile at him, keeping your eyes focused on his. Shoto took your hand and kissed it as he sang a pretty racy part of his song to you,

“I wanna take you home.” (sleeping with sirens fans?? your nickle aint worth my dime???? NO?)

Oh. My. God

“OH MY FUCKING GOD! Y/N, HE-“ Nejire screamed, just as excited as you. You stood there shocked and flustered, staring into space. Todoroki fucking Shoto just kissed your hand. Shoto smirked and let your hand go, continuing the rest of his show in hopes you got the message. He wanted you. It was common sense that you go to the afterparty now.

The show continued for another 2 hours, Todoroki now dripping in sweat from the hot lights shining upon him and his band.

“Thank you all so much for coming out. For those invited, I’ll see you all at the afterparty! Goodnight everyone!” Todoroki bellowed to the crowd, causing them to cheer him and the band off the stage.

You stand there, high off of every guitar riff and belt from the performance feeling sad that the concert was over. But a rush of hope filled your heart in knowing that you were going to see Shoto again soon. You and Nejire walk out of the stadium hand in hand as you discussed the plan to get to the party.

“So the party is not too far from here, exactly 15 minutes away. We could totally call an uber.” Nejire explains, saying that it’s going to be held in Todoroki’s mansion.

When you both arrive at Todoroki’s Mansion your jaws drop. A huge fountain greeted your uber driver’s car, cobblestone driveways leading you towards his front door. There were hedge sculptures all over the front yard and expensive cars adorned the driveway as you and Nejire step out of the car to see the line to get into the party. Damn. More lines.

You approach the security guard; the same one from earlier that night with a nervous wave.

“U-Um excuse me sir, we’re on the list..” You said unconfidently. Nejire nervous laughed and nudged you for sounding so unsure after giving you a long confidence pep-talk in the car.

“Sorry, kiddo. I’m not seein’ an ‘Y/N’ or a ‘Nejire’. Back o’ the line, ladies.” The security guard huffed, hardly even looking at his list.

“Nah it’s cool, Ben. Let them in.” You hear a familiar voice utter before you get the chance to turn around and walk to the back of the line. Sure enough it was Todoroki standing there, joint lit and eyes hazy. Clearly stoned.

It was like he got more gorgeous as you got closer to him, your cheeks heating up as you realize you’re literally standing in front of your fucking celebrity crush. Nejire squeals and runs inside to go find the drummer and get his number, she says drummers do it harder.

Shoto took you by the hand and led you inside the rager in his foyer. The smell of beer and weed absorbs your nostrils as you walk inside with Shoto in hand, watching as Nejire talks up the drummer with ease as if she already knew him from way back when.

Todoroki sat down on the most comfortable couch you have ever sat in with you next to him, taking a big drag of his joint and motioning it towards you.

“Wanna hit? It’s not laced. Promise.” He said cooly, slowly blowing out the smoke. You take it and take a hit, coughing a little as you puff out the smoke.

Damn this must be what rich people smoke.

“Good huh? Grew it myself. Heh.” Todoroki laughed a little as he watched you take another hit.

“Shit. I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Y/N. Nice to meet you, finally.” You say, nervousness coating your tongue. Shoto gave you a warm smile, his hazy eyes gleaming in the dim lights of the room.

“Gorgeous name for a gorgeous girl.” Shoto said, kissing the same hand he did at the concert.

You heat up, your panties becoming slightly wet at him touching and kissing you. He smirked and grabbed you by your chin to make sure you look him directly into his grey orbs.

“When I saw you in the crowd, I almost couldn’t keep my eyes off you.” He said into your ear, causing your mind to block out any outside sound that wasn’t his voice. You gulp, blinking dumbly as you try to find the words to say something.

“I-I, um. Th-thank you.” You say, looking down into his lap. Shoto pulled away to smoke his joint a little more. You two talked all night, everyone around you both becoming irrelevant as you seemingly grow closer together.

Strangely, none of the rumors about Todoroki were true. He wasn’t this stuck up asshole the media made him out to be. He was calm and gentle, the sweetest guy you’ve ever had the pleasure of having a conversation with. You learned so much about him that night. He was so misunderstood.

You’re high now and completely hazy as you and Todoroki make out on the couch. You’re not sure how you two even got to this point but you loved it. One thing led to another and now you were straddling him on the couch, his hands in your back pockets as he groped and squeezed your ass.

Your lips mingled as you moan into the kiss, Todoroki’s tongue slipping into your mouth to make home of it. The kiss got so hot your pussy was sopping wet underneath your jeans as you mindlessly grind against him for some kind friction.

Todoroki pulled away and started kissing your neck, damn near ripping your clothes off in front of the entire party. You’re gasping and grabbing at his clothes, forgetting where you are as you become desperate for him. You wanted him so bad and you knew he wanted you too.

“Wanna get out of here? Go upstairs I mean.” Shoto asked, huffing into the skin of your neck as his hard dick poked at your thigh.

“God yes.” You say breathily. As soon as he got your consent he carried you upstairs, the party raising their glasses and their blunts in celebration for Todoroki getting some.

“YES! Y/N tell me everything okay!?” Nejire yelled drunkenly, pulling away from her makeout session with the band’s drummer. You giggle and wave down at her, Todoroki laughing softly as he watched the interaction between you and your best friend.

“Just so you know, princess. I’m not going to go easy on you.” Shoto said, pinning you against the hallway wall.

“I don’t want you to.” You mewl, leaning into his neck to nip at it. Shoto let out a low chuckle and nearly kicked down his bedroom door, tossing you onto his luxurious california king bed.

You take a quick look around his darkly colored room, black walls with coordinating grey funiture. Posters of his inspiration adorned his walls, almost similar to your room just $100,000 richer. He had a mirror above his bed as you look up at your reflection you see Todoroki crawl on top of you, unbuttoning and pulling your jeans off in one fell swoop.

You’re immediately embarrassed, forgetting it was laundry day at home so you threw a thong on because you didn’t have anything else to wear. It was black and lacy and oh so skimpy you quickly move your hands to cover up in shame, Shoto grabbing your wrists and pinning your hands above your head.

“Heh. How’d you know I love lace?” Shoto teased, practically salivating at the sight of your smooth legs beneath him. “You’re so beautiful, you know that?” Shoto said, running his hands along your sides as if he was a lion playing with his prey before he ate it.

You bit your lip, dripping and hungry for some kind of touch in the places you needed him most, your nipples prodding at the thin fabric of your band tee. Yeah, you forgot to wear a bra. Shoto pulled your shirt above your head, tossing it somewhere and hissing at the sight of your bare breasts.

“No bra either? Man.. it must be my birthday. I’m gonna have fun with you, princess.” Todoroki says taking a nipple into his mouth, not breaking eye contact with you as he suckled gently following with short lick causing your entire body to catch flame.

You start moaning miserably, your whole body begging him to take you. Shoto pulls away from your nipple with a light pull of his lips and slips his hand down to your slit, caressing it agonizingly slow to tease you. He takes his other hand and presses his thumb to your lips.

“Open your mouth.” He rasped. And you did, sucking on his thumb as he rested it on your tongue making Shoto moan at the sight, humming a ‘good girl’ under his breath. Shoto held your mouth open and spit, pulling you into a sloppy kiss as he plunged his thick digits into your needy hole.

You arch your back off the bed, biting down onto Shoto’s lip as he finger fucked you without mercy. Your moans filled the air, Shoto watching you intently as he took your breast into his mouth once more.

“Sho- ah! I-I’m gonna-“ You bellow, trying to hold onto something for dear life as he brought you closer and closer to your peak.

“That’s daddy to you, princess. Try again and maybe I’ll let you cum around my fingers.” Shoto hissed, slowing his pumping fingers a bit to ensure you got the point.

He was in control. You pant, your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath only for it to get caught in your throat again. Desperate moans fall out of your mouth as you beg him to let you cum.

“D-Daddy!~” You gasp, Shoto leaning into your neck, his ear right next your mouth as you scream for him. You collapse into his arms, fucked out and stupid off Todoroki’s strong fingers. All those years of guitar weren’t for nothing.

“That’s it baby.. fuck, you made a mess.” Shoto cooed, slowly dragging his fingers out of you as he watched your slick stick to him sloppily. At this point, he’s so hard you can clearly see the veins in his dick jumping out of his pants, his size making you wince in pain before he even entered you.

“Think you can take all of me, princess?” Shoto asked, throwing his contricting pants and boxers somewhere across the room, releasing his impressive size for you to see. You gulp but nod, licking your lips at the sight of him.

Shoto smirked at your reaction and pumped himself a few times before teasingly tapping the head of his dick against your clit, causing you to yelp from the sensitivity of your abused core.

“Pleaseee.” You whine, Shoto grabbing you by the neck and choking you almost to tell you to shut up and be patient. He wastes no time in plunging into you, the thickness of his dick stretching your walls with a delicious sting.

You claw at his back as he bottomed out, gasping sharply as he filled you completely.

“Am I hurting you?” Todoroki asked with what little sympathy he had left in his body. You shook your head no, moaning as he stayed still inside you.

“P-P-Please move..” you mewl, chewing your bottom lip. Shoto smirked and began rutting his hips into yours at a rough pace, not really caring if you adjusted to him or not. Hard slaps and the sound of your whiny moans filled the room as the headboard of his bed slammed against the wall, probably alerting the entire party downstairs.

You’re screaming now, a moaning mess beneath him as he split you wide open. As your eyes rolled to the back of your head, Shoto throws your legs over his shoulder and starts pounding into you.

He’s going to make sure you’re unable to walk straight for the rest of the week, marking you as his.

“Fuckkk, daddy. S-Slow down.” You pleaded only for Shoto to ignore you and continue his pace, laughing at the shocked and fucked out face you were pulling.

“Told you I wasn’t taking it easy on you. Did you forget already, princess?” Shoto breathed, moving his hands to rub shallow circles into your clit.

Your toes curled up tightly as your orgasm ripped through your body, your moans reaching a cresendo as your scream Shoto’s name.

He hissed as your walls fluttered around him, your pussy gripping him tightly as he fucked into you continuosly.

“I hope you didn’t think I was through with you just because I made you cum. I’m not done yet, doll.” Shoto muttered through your pathetic whines for him to slow down.

He cooed praises at you, a “good girl” here and a “you take my dick so well” there until his thrusts got rusty and sloppy; a sign he was close to cumming.

“Shittt, where do you want me to-“

“I-Inside m-mee! Fuck, cum inside me!” You shriek. And so he did, fucking his hot stickiness into you for a while as you both moan and pant. Shoto rode out your climaxes for a while before slowly pulling himself out as he watched his cum ooze out of your abused pussy.

As Shoto flopped on the bed next to you, you both stare up at the mirror on his ceiling. You’re both sweaty and your hair was a fucking mess from being tossed around the bed for what seemed like hours.

“Shit. Probably late as fuck by now. You wanna stay the night?” Shoto asked, taking your hand and famously kissing it once more. You smile and nod, unable to form coherent sentences as you feel yourself doze off.

Todoroki jumps from his bed and opened the door, screaming from the top of the stairs, “Oi! All you motherfuckers can fuck off home!Party’s over!” You laugh and throw a pillow at him.

“Don’t be so mean, Sho. Uh.. C-Can I call you Sho?” You ask embarrassed.

“You keep fucking me like that you can call me whatever you want, angel.” Shoto groans, grabbing you by your face and kissing you sweetly.

“Honestly, I wanna go again. You down?”

[pettyvxbes]

You Feel Like Coming Home - Colson Baker x Reader

This is my first time posting my writing on Tumblr, be gentle. 😂I decided to split this off into two parts. Mostly because I wanted to see if anyone would actually read/enjoy my work before I put more time into it.

PART I

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at LAX…." The pilots' voice flooded the cabin. You sat comfortably in seat 3A, rereading the most recent text messages between you and the tall blonde boy you had been "talking" to for almost a decade, Colson Baker. Many people knew him as Machine Gun Kelly.

You two had met through mutual friends and quickly hit it off. You were best friends with undeniable chemistry, which always left you teetering on the edge of something more, something real. You could blame it on timing, cause let's be honest, timing's a bitch. Or you could simply chalk it up to the unfortunate reality that you two never had a chance to be in the same city long enough for a real relationship to bloom. But that didn't stop either of you from trying. 

"Local time is 3 pm. We're looking at a lovely 70-degree day, clear skies with sunshine all around. Welcome to Los Angeles and as always, thank you for flying American."

The pilots' voice pulled you from your thoughts of the handsome man that would soon be gracing your presence. You toggled off airplane mode, and the first notification you received made your stomach flutter.

The plane was starting to deboard, so you decided to respond once you arrived at the hotel. You quickly slid your phone into the back pocket of your ripped jeans before grabbing your carry-on from the overhead compartment and exiting the aircraft.

After checking into the hotel, you took a quick shower to freshen up, making sure to snap a quick photo for Colson. You sat on the counter with your feet up, your messy wet hair flowing across your bare shoulder. Your knees blocked your exposed chest, and your feet were crossed at the ankle, keeping your center perfectly hidden from view. It was the definition of tease, and you knew it would drive him crazy.

After a few moments of no response, you started getting nervous. Letting all of your insecurities flood your mind. Overthinking was your downfall. You set your phone down and finished getting dressed. Trying to occupy your mind with something other than Colson and the outlandish idea that he, Richard Colson Baker, didn't like your nude photo. About 15 minutes later, your phone buzzed, startling you.

You laughed at his response. Wondering how he could be so cute even when he's making such a stupid face. Just as you started texting back, your phone started ringing. "Hello"

"I'd love to have your thighs wrapped around my head right now" He grinned, desire dripping from his husky voice.

"COLSON!"

"Y/n!" He mimicked, "You can't just send me shit like that and not expect me to feel some type of way" you chuckled at his forwardness. "Seriously, y/n, you just took my productivity in the studio to a zero. My entire attention has completely shifted to you, and I'm now hard as a rock. Thank you!"

"Sorry, I won't send one next time," You joked.

"Nooooooo!" His response was quick, almost cutting you off at the end of your sentence. "Always send them! I swear I would walk around with a boner for the rest of my life if it meant I got to see that every day."

"You're nuts," You laughed, opening the door for room service to drop off the extra pillows you had requested, but to your surprise, you were met with something much better.

"What about my nuts?" the tall, beautiful man you had just been on the phone with standing before you. You let the excitement take over your body, and without even thinking, you lunged toward him. Your legs were wrapped snugly around his waist and your arms around his neck. His hands found their way to your ass, assisting you as you clung to his lean body.

Colson stood in the doorway holding you for a moment, just enjoying you being wrapped around him. It had been too long since you were last in his arms, and at that moment, he realized how much he missed it.

"Fuck y/n, I missed you," He sighed, stepping into your room fully and letting the door fall closed behind him. You unburied your face from his neck and looked into his blue eyes. Before you could respond, his lips met yours, making your heart skip a beat. You kissed him in a way that would leave no doubt in his mind about the way you felt about him, how much you yearned for his presence. Colson let out a soft moan in response to the passionate kiss, making you smile.

"Alright, put some shoes on," He ordered as your perfectly manicured feet hit the floor. "I want to take you somewhere," He said. Hearing his voice was like the comforting sound of rain when you're trying to sleep; it made all of your anxieties and doubts vanish. However, actually being able to look into his eyes, feel his arms around you, and his lips on yours…that hit different; it felt like coming home

"Yes, sir."

"Be careful" He smirked. "You keep talking like that, and we're liable to not leave this room for the next 72 hours" He bit his lip as he watched you intently. He was in complete awe of your beauty. He looked at you the way you needed to be looked at. Like the whole world could crumble right then and there, but he still wouldn't blink.

💀

[vintagedolan]

Post fix concept #1- how did gray propose???!

this makes me so 🥺

Indiana barely had time to let out the breath she had been holding before Grayson’s lips were on hers. He pulled her to him by her hip, grateful that there wasn’t a barrier between their seats.

“I’m so fucking proud of you.”

Indy smiled, her adrenaline still pumping enough to make her fingers shake as she ran them over his scruff. She rested her forehead against his for a moment, catching her breath as the flight attendant came over the intercom.

“G’day, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Sydney Australia Airport. Local time is 9:04 am and the temperature is a lovely 29 degrees. For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign.”

“29, what is that, like 85 fahrenheit?” Indy asked, eyes moving to the windows that were opening on the opposite side of the aisle. They revealed a new place, a new world. It felt different somehow. Calm, and welcoming as she looked out over warm tones of brown and the far off ocean.

Grayson looked up the aisle, spotting his brother and Eden in first class, peaking their heads out to look back and check on Indy, no doubt. He threw them a quick thumbs up while Indy wasn’t looking. There had been a few moments on the flight he’d missed his usual first class ticket across the pond. But he knew with the wall between the seats, he’d have more trouble getting to Indy if she needed him. So, they went one step down, to the reclining wide seats next to each other in economy plus, big enough for Indy to climb over into his seat and sleep throughout the 15 hour flight if she needed him. Most people were there so long they forgot they were even in the air.

Indy didn’t. She slept more than she expected to though, only lulled off by Grayson’s gentle snores in her ear as he held her tight. Her body was confused, but it wasn’t anything worse than a hard 12 hour shift at the hospital. Still, her adrenaline from landing made her legs wobble when she stood in the aisle, hard enough for Grayson to stabilize her hips from behind her.

“You good?”

“Yeah, just ready to finally be off a plane,” she chuckled, reaching back to squeeze his fingers as they squeezed her waist. The group walked slowly through the line of people, made it through the airport, got their bags and made it out relatively quickly, and fresh air never smelled sweeter than on the curb before they climbed into their uber. 

It didn’t hit Indy until they were there, scrunched up in the back with her between both the twins and Eden in the passenger seat.

“I did it. I actually fucking did it,” she said to herself. She turned to Grayson with a smile. “We’re here. I’m in fucking Australia!” Despite herself, she started to tear up a bit. Somewhere, tucked away, was ten year old Indy, leaping for joy at the fact that she’d accomplished something she never thought she’d be able to do.

“Hell yeah we are!” Ethan cheered, wrapping an arm around Indy’s shoulder and shaking her just barely. “Proud of you sis.”

Indy blinked back her tears and leaned against Grayson, closing her eyes as they made their way to their home for the next week and a half. 

Grayson held her head against his shoulder for every bump and turn they encountered, turning his head to kiss her hair. 

His mind? Well, other than keeping his girl comfortable, it was wandering to his bag in the back. Specifically, to a small wooden box that was wrapped up in one of his speedos for safe keeping. 

A box that Grayson was paranoid that Indy would find every minute that he didn’t have his eyes on her. He’d been so excited to show her his favorite place, and even more excited to have his girlfriend all to himself in a king size bed that he hadn’t bothered to find a better hiding spot for it.

It worked out - there wasn’t a minute that he didn’t want to spend with her anyways. They packed their days with everything adventurous they could think of - snorkeling, beach days, exploring the outback. They went ziplining, and held koalas and pet kangaroos and learned about Australian history and culture. 

Every night, they found themselves showering off the day together and crawling into bed with just enough energy left to get lost in the rhythm of Grayson’s hips and the sound of their lips on each other’s skin. 

Except for the night of September 23rd. That night, Grayson put on his nicest shorts with pockets and slid the ring box into them with shaky hands before he went down the hall to find his brother. 

Ethan perked up, confused for a moment before he smiled. 

“Today’s the day huh?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“You know so. You sure you don’t want me to take pictures or anything?”

“Nah, just want it to be us. I’m fucking scared bro.”

“That just means you love her. “ Ethan stood up and pulled his twin in by the shoulder, giving him a tight hug. “You got this man. Can’t wait to see you all when you get back.”

Grayson nodded and tried to settle his breathing down. 

It picked right back up when he walked into the room and saw Indy in front of the mirror. She was in a sundress - a short dusty blue number that kissed the tops of her thighs, resting delicately on the curve of her ass while she leaned closer to the mirror to put on her mascara. 

She smiled when she saw him, finishing quickly and turning around.

“Hi baby. I’m almost ready, just gotta pick out a lipstick.”

“Lipstick makes you sticky when I kiss you,” he pouted, making her roll her eyes playfully at him. 

“Fine. Just for you.” She kissed him softly as if to prove her point, humming when he pulled her in by the hips. She melted against him for a moment, getting lost in his like she always did before her mind wandered back to her. 

“We’re gonna be late to our reservations.”

“I made them for later. Wanted to show you something first.”

Indy was never one for surprises growing up, but the nervous excitement was welcomed now. She knew she could trust him, wholly, with anything. So she slid her shoes on took his hand and let him lead her to the car. 

She bit her tongue when she wanted to ask where they were going, what they were doing. But it didn’t stop the worry when she pressed her fingers into Grayson’s wrist in the car, pausing the hearts she was tracing.

“Your pulse is 104. Are you good?”

“Okay human apple watch,” he laughed, pulling his arm away from her dramatically for a moment before giving it right back. “I’m fine baby. Maybe you just make my heart race.”

Indy snorted. “You wanna pull over for me to throw up or should I just do it out the window as we’re going.”

She kissed the back of his hand as they laughed. 

Grayson on the other hand was 99% sure he was the one who would puke when he put the rental car in park. 

Indy cocked her head to the side for a moment. Then she craned her neck up, trying to see over the embankment. 

“Is the restaurant down there somewhere.”

In a moment of panic, Grayson raced to put his hand over her eyes, hitting her nose in the process.

“Okay ow?” Indy muttered.

“Fuck, sorry, sorry baby.” He leaned over and pressed a fleeting kiss to her temple. “Just close your eyes, I want it to be a surprise. Don’t open them until I say.”

“You coulda just said that,” Indy grumbled as Grayson got out of the car and went to her side. He pulled her door open, heart pounding so loud he was sure she could hear it when he leaned over to unbuckle her seatbelt. 

“Okay, come out here.”

He guided her out of the car to stand up, putting his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her shoes - dainty sandals - and then at the thick sand they would have to get through to get to where he wanted on the beach. On the horizon, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of purple and pink. Avalon was the most beautiful beach he’d ever been to, and he knew it would only be even more special after that night.

“Get on my back.”

“Huh?”

“Just jump on my back,” he said, turning around and putting her hands on his shoulders.

“My ass will be fully out in this dress if I do that,” she countered.

“I’ll cover it with my hands or something, just jump.”

“So demanding,” she teased, but she jumped anyways. He smoothed the fabric down over her butt and held her up as he moved through the sand to the lookout he had in mind.

She rested her chin on his shoulder as he walked, eyes still squeezed shut.

“I hear the ocean,” she hummed, already content. 

When he got to where he wanted, with the perfect view of the beach, he closed his eyes for a moment and sent a prayer up to all his angels that he would find the right words to say. 

He sat her down gently on her feet and moved behind her, pulling the box out of his pocket. Slowly, he knelt down, watching her dress blow in the wind. 

“Okay, open.”

Indy opened her eyes. The sun burned for a moment, and then she took it all in. The water was a painting of bright hues, reflected back off the sunset that tinted the clouds. The beach was pristine, fine white sand laying perfectly for as far as she could see in either direction.

“Oh wow. This place is perfect.”

And then she turned around. 

The ring caught the fading light, sparkling in it’s little box lined with velvet. His smile was brighter. And nervous, more nervous than she’d seen it in so long. She watched him swallow as he looked up at her.

“Oh my god.” She covered her mouth, her legs feeling like jello beneath her. 

“Indiana-”

He forgot his entire speech in the moment, and it didn’t matter. 

“I love you. I knew I wanted you to be a part of my life from the first day that I met you. And then I fell in love with you, and I knew I was going to love you for the rest of my life, no matter what. I want everything, all of it. The wedding and the honeymoon and the kids and the good days and the hard days and the days when we’re old and gross but we still have each other. I want forever with you, and for me, marriage is the promise for that. And you have me, forever, no matter what. So... Indiana Jamie Cross... will you marry me?”

“Yes. A million times yes.”

She couldn’t kiss him fast enough. She crouched, cupping his face in both her hands as he stood up, desperate to have him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, spinning her around and sending sand flying that neither of them noticed as they laughed with tearful eyes. 

indy was dizzy when he sat her down, hands shaking as he held up the box again. The ring was beautiful and delicate, with thin gold all the way around the stone.

“I got it custom. And I had them round out the top and bottom edges just a little bit so it doesn’t get caught on your gloves at work,” he explained. 

“I love you so much. Forever,” she whispered, kissing him again just because she could. He breathed her in, squeezing her again before he pulled back and reached for her left hand, sliding the ring on, letting out a relieved sigh when it fit. 

“Oh my god that really just happened,” Indy whispered, and all they could do was laugh and hold each other as it sank in. 

Gray kissed her hair. “No going back now, you already said yes.”

She smacked his shoulder playfully, admiring the way the ring caught the light when she did. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, nuzzling into her hair as the swayed back and forth, soaking in the moment.

“Also, sad news. I totally lied about the reservation, and Ethan’s contribution is cooking dinner tonight. So we might be celebrating our engagement with food poisoning.” 

Indy laughed into his shirt. “Well hey, at least if we’re puking our guts out later we’re doing it as fiancees.” The word felt foreign but somehow electrifying coming off her tongue. 

“Fuck yeah we are. You ready to go home, or do you wanna stay another minute.”

“Just a few more minutes. I wanna remember this forever.”

Gray smiled his brightest smile and kissed her slow and warm before wrapping her up again, closing his eyes as they held each other again.

Against his back, through his shirt, he felt her finger move. 

H-U-S-B-A-N-D

bonus: this is the ring :’)

[operation-619]

plus size reader x homelander perhaps

Homelander x Plus Size Reader 

Edited 17-01-21

15+

Just want you to know that the colour of skin in this Gif doesn’t determine the colour of the skin of the reader. 

Warnings; Language, mentions of indecent exposure, blood, indecent thoughts, mentions of anxiety and past trauma and BLOODPLAY. Read at your own discretion. 

WC - 2.4k

MASTERLIST

The suns’ arms were surrounding the city, squeezing it tight in its’ warm embrace. The light bounced off the windows and made the city look crystallised. (Y/N) stood with her eyes solely focused on the horizon; the warmth penetrated through the window and caressed her cheeks. She closed her eyes and sighed. This was what she needed after today, the man-child Translucent was caught up in another public scandal – he was caught being a peeping tom, again.

(Y/N)’s eyes closed as she released a deep breathe before she plonked her head onto the cold glass window, the contrasting temperature soothed her rising headache.

“I need a glass of whiskey, make it a whole bottle.” (Y/N) whispered under her breath. She was so close to braking down and everyone around her knew it, she wasn’t snapping at everyone like Ashley or Stillwell did. No, she would just stare at them and walk away because if she were to open her mouth god knows what would come out. It is not like they could fire her, they fucking needed her, but god was she close to killing a super.

She turned her head and made eye contact with the tray of alcohol that was beckoning her over, she weighed the options in her head – she is still technically working but if she doesn’t leave the room then no one will know.

The smile that graced her face was what sealed her fate.

The whiskey warmed her throat deliciously on its way down that she almost forgot about the man that caused her so much stress, almost. Groaning loudly, she placed the glass back on the tray and grabbed the bottle of whiskey by its’ neck and walked over to the desk that was tucked in the corner of the room.

“Fucking Translucent, always causing me trouble. I should’ve told Stillwell no when I had the fucking chance,” she opened her laptop and began the work she had been dreading since this morning; Mondays were supposed to be her good days, the start afresh day were Mondays and that nonce had completely shat on that for her.

She was immersed in her temper tantrum that she jumped out of her skin when her phone rang. ‘Madelyn Stillwell’ was calling, she couldn’t stop staring at the name in bold that was screaming at her to pick up the phone. She didn’t even know what she was going to say.

‘Fuck’.

“Hello (Y/N) (L/N) speaking.” The silence made her heart shrink in on itself.

“Ahh, (Y/N) good to finally speak to you I have been trying to get a hold of you since this morning.”

“Sorry Madelyn, I have been trying to figure my piece out. I just needed to be shut away from everything for a minute.”

More silence followed, she hated it. (Y/N) drummed her fingers against the glass table-top impatiently as she waited for Madelyn to speak up again. After a few seconds she pulled the phone away from her ear to check she was still connected to the line.

“(Y/N) hello? Yes, sorry about that, I completely understand. I just wanted to let you know that the conference is in two hours. And after today you can have the week off. Okay?”

“Say that again?” laughter echoed through the phone, (Y/N) grimaced as she realised, she just said that out loud.

“God, five years on the job and you still surprise me (L/N), you have the week off. We, sorry I will deal with Translucent properly after the conference okay. I will see you in two hours.”

“Ok- “the line was disconnected before she could properly thank Madelyn. (Y/N) tried to break down the conversation that had just taken place, Stillwell sounded happy, but was she?

‘That week she wants me to have off is going to turn into never coming back, (Y/N) you asshat’, (Y/N) let out a shaky breath before looking at her watch, she could do this. It’s the same as last time, apologise to the press and explain the circumstances. The circumstance being that Translucent was being a peeping tom in the ladies visitors bathroom and got caught by a bystander.

“I’m going to kill that invisible son of a bitch.”

Two hours later….

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you could take your seats please the press conference is about to begin.”

The room was buzzing with talk and bodies, but (Y/N) didn’t notice.

She was too busy staring out the floor to ceiling window looking at the people passing below her, such simple boring people naïve to everything around them. The corruption and selfishness that she has witnessed ever since she started working at Vought has made her regret taking off her rose-gold glasses. The world she lives in now is scary, she use to fall asleep at night knowing that she was safe and that the superheroes would defend her no matter what. But now, when she shuts her eyes, she is drowning in the screams of those that could have – could’ve been spared, could’ve been saved – they never leave her because they know she’ll crack eventually. And she can see it, her face is puffy from the lack of sleep, her eyes are practically swimming in their bags, her shoulders can’t even carry the weight of alcohol – they use to carry everything she had going on her life.

And she had a really painful ingrown toenail that has been biting her for weeks.

(Y/N)’s hands smooth down her dress, the folds that use to make her weak and anxious now give her strength and a power of her own. She has struggled with the way she looked since she was a young girl, but her mother had always made her realise that she didn’t need to look like Victoria secret model to command the attention of everyone. Her rolls, cellulite and stretch marks have been with her through everything and she sure as hell will never make them leave her.

(Y/N) notice that Stillwell’s speech was coming to an end and checked herself in the reflection of the mirror, she went to go turn around when something in the corner of her (E/C) eyes made her turn back around to look out the window. But before she could investigate further the roar of applause made her turn her attention to Stillwell welcoming her on stage.

Smoothing down her dress one more time she strutted on to the stage and waved gracefully at the camera. Giving Madelyn a quick hug she turned to the podium and spoke with her voice loud and confident:

“Thank you all for making it today, Randy looking beautiful as ever,’ the crowd chuckled as Randy bowed towards (Y/N), ‘but we need not be distracted by Randy’s radiance. Unfortunately, there has been an incident involving Translucent exposing himself to a member of the public, and I can tell you know that the woman has our sincere apologies.” (Y/N) placed her hand over her heart and smiled sweetly at everyone, god it made her sick.

“As you all know, for Translucent to be, well, Translucent he has to be as naked as the day he was born. And recently we have had a few security threats in the building. He was following a lead that led him to a part of the building that he doesn’t quite know. Our bathrooms are gender neutral, to make everyone feel safe in included. We have talked to the victim of the exposure,’ (Y/N) made sure her chin was high and her voice was clear, if she stopped her true feelings were going to come out. And she couldn’t afford another scandal, ‘she was understanding about the situation, and we made sure she had everything she needed. I can assure you, ladies, gentlemen, and others. That once Translucent comes back from Palestine, you will have a sincere apology from the super himself. Any questions?”

She instantly regretted that question as the light and noise that arose once she finished talking made her believe she was entering heaven and hell.

(Y/N) closed her eyes briefly and took a deep, deep breath in before opening her eyes and smiling widely.

“(Y/N)! What do you think about the new member of the seven? Starlight?”

_________________

(Y/N)’s heels were off and she couldn’t be more grateful, she slumped her way back to the room she came from with a smile on her face remembering that she had left a half empty bottle of whiskey on the desk. Her eyes were halfway between closed and open after the media conference that went from two hours to six.

The soles of her feet were crying to be out to rest, and her back was already dead. She felt like a zombie, probably looked like one with how slowly she was walking. But when she saw the door to her room, her back straightened and her feet came back to life.

She completely ignored the fact that the door was open as she was too focused on the bottle of heaven calling her name; throwing her shoes into the closet, she turned on the lights and glided over to the desk only to halt when said bottle of heaven was missing.

“What the fuck?” she lifted up the laptop, papers and plant searching for her liquid gold.

“Looking for this?” the scream that left her mouth was surprisingly loud for such an exhausted person, whipping around (E/C) eyes pierced into electric blue. (Y/N) stumbled back into a wall as she tried to comprehend what was right in front of her, or rather who.

He looked different in civilian clothes, boxer shorts and a white t-shirt adorned his body, hiding the perfection underneath. He was sculpted by gods, his thighs made (Y/N)’s mouth water and he knew it by the smirk on his face.  He was stood in his signature pose, hands on hips. And it drove her wild.

(Y/N) bit her lip subconsciously as she looked him up and down before stopping at the bulge between his legs, it was calling her attention begging to be held.

The man in observation raised his eyebrow and cleared his throat. He watched gleefully as (Y/N)’s face contorted into a look of embarrassment, but the smile dropped as he met her eyes and saw the tears threatening to fall.

“Come here.” No question needed; (Y/N) threw herself at the supe in front of her and the tears released themselves from their prison. She stuffed her head in his neck and breathed in his scent, and for once in the past week she finally felt at peace with everything.

“God, I missed you so fucking much,” her voice broke as she moved her head to look into his eyes, her solace. (Y/N) found it ironic how stormy his eyes get yet she finds them so calming, so peaceful.

He was her solace.

His hands cupped the back of her thighs and hoisted her up. Once he got to the bed he turned around and dropped himself onto the bed, never letting go of (Y/N)’s legs. He just sat there, (Y/N) straddling his lap, watching her. He noticed the bags under her (E/C) eyes, and the dried blood on her lips from the continuous lip biting. It brought a sadness to him as he watched the bountiful goddess before him struggle.

“Let it go.” And with those words (Y/N) let the tears stream down her face, the numbness washed itself away with the tears of pain and sorrow. (Y/N) felt the weight that had been dragging her into the floor finally lift off her shoulders.

No more pain, no when she has everything she needs right here.

“I love you John,” and he was all she needed.

She ran her fingers down his neck, the feeling of something sticky caused her to stop and withdraw her hand. Crimson covered her (Y/S/C) hand, coating it to the bone. She started at it, wondering how it got there, the metallic smell invaded her sense as she watched it run down her forearm.

Without a thought, she brought her finger into her mouth and slowly licked the sweet and tempting blood off her finger. Humming to herself, she closed her eyes and tried to saviour the taste for as long as she could. The warmth of the blood lingered in her throat, coating it as it travelled down her trachea. (Y/N) opened her eyes as she finished swallowing the last drop and smiled sweetly down at the man trapped between her legs.

“Did they suffer?” her tongue swept over her teeth, licking off the remainder of the pleasant treat her man brought home. She watched at the smirk stitched itself onto his face, answering her question. She giggled softly before diving towards him, biting his bottoms lip before devouring him into a kiss of passion and lust.

John grunted quietly as he felt her pierce his bottom lip, but that grunt turned into a delicious moan as (Y/N) suckled the wound.

“Did they scream?” her question was breathless and quick as she frantically tore apart his shirt, hands roaming the body sculpted by God. (Y/N) pulled away, smiling to herself when she watched John try to chase her lips, she looked down at his body and frowned slightly when she realised, he healed before he came back to her.

Looking up at John through her eyelashes, she slightly traced the muscle of her superhero.

“Can I Homelander.” The eyes of the man in question turned dark with lust as he pieced together what (Y/N) wanted. He watched intently as she leaned over to the side and withdrew a knife from the end table. He watched the little sparkle in her (E/C) eyes turn into an explosion as she pierced his skin, he watched as her tongue swept through the valley of blood on his stomach. He watched everything his woman did to him and he loved every last bit of it.  

John cupped (Y/N) face after a while and brought it towards his face, he wiped of the blood on the corner of her mouth. The life had come back to her face, the tears had dried and the bags look less looming. His girl was back, and he was going to make sure that joy he sees now, never leaves her face. Even if it means killing a few people, or a few thousand he’d do it without a second thought.

“I love you (Y/N).”

[revengeoftheantichrist]

Such Selfish Prayers

Warnings: Blasphemy, Catholic high school setting, teasing, inappropriate use of a chapel AO3

Friday morning mass had to be the most boring part of the school day. Listening to the priest go on and on about some bullshit parable made you want to run into traffic. You had zoned out until your head of year got up to make an announcement. “Ladies, those of you in Mr. Jones’ theology class are expecting some new students. Due to timetable clashes, some of the boys from Holy Cross will be joining your lesson until your exams. Please do give them a warm Sacred Heart welcome, and do not forget we are good catholic schoolgirls, so behave.” You rolled your eyes and tried not to huff. That was your theology lesson that was about to be invaded. The boys of your brother school were known for their abhorrent behaviour. Of course, the girls in your school weren’t angels, but you knew when you needed to behave; you had a reputation to maintain. You hoped they wouldn’t be too disruptive; you were already re-sitting final year and could not afford any fuck ups. //// Catholic theology; final period. The last hour between you and spending the weekend stoned or drunk, whichever came first. You were stopped by Sister Catherine on your way up to the lesson. “Y/N if I have to tell you one more time to pull your skirt down, that’s two weeks of afterschool detention, you know the rules.” You rolled your eyes and muttered a quick ‘yes sister’ and pulled your skirt down. As you walked into the classroom, you noticed that your friends were sitting in different spaces than usual. Mr Jones explained that he had rearranged the seating plan, to immerse the new boys into the classroom, and prevent a divide. You knew what he meant, you Politics lesson had a clear split between boys and girls, hurling insults at each other across the central aisle. You would be sat one boy and one girl; your seat being in the back corner, just behind your best friend Claire. You sat down and began to chat to the girl in front of you, the lesson couldn’t start without the boys and they were late. 15 Minutes had passed before they decide to show up. “Ah gentlemen, I’m glad you could make it,” said Mr Jones. “We’re sorry we’re so late sir, we got lost,” said the boy. The conversation in the room stopped at hearing his honey like voice. An American accent? Rare in your small English town. There weren’t any official government offices here so he couldn’t have been a diplomat’s son. Strange. His blond hair was perfectly styled, his uniform pressed to perfection. He looked so much more put together than the rest of his peers. You should know, it was the same school your younger brother went to, they never enforced uniform rules. You were surprised the boy wasn’t bullied for how nice it looked. “Well, don’t let it happen again, I can enforce detentions,” finished Mr. Jones. He started reading names and assigning them seats. The American boy was the last one standing and the seat next to you was the only empty one. You knew already he would be difficult; you weren’t here for it. “And finally, Mr. Langdon you will be sitting next to Miss. Y/LN. She just has a resting bitch face but I’m sure shell take good care of you,” said Mr Jones. The boy smirked at you and sauntered over. He sat down and unpacked his bag, taking over almost the whole desk. He finally turned to you, holing out his hand for you to shake. “Michael Langdon, nice to meet you.” You stared at his hand before shaking it, it was surprisingly soft. “Y/N,” you replied, tuning your attention back to the teacher, taking back your half of the desk by pushing his things to the side. You felt him staring at you. This was going to be a long lesson. //// Finally, the lesson was over. Michael had spent the whole time elbowing you and loudly bantering with his peers. If it wasn’t for you being in class, you would have hit him. You began to pack your stuff to leave, Mr Jones mentioning homework for Monday. Fuck, you’d have to see them first thing on Monday too. You resisted the temptation to leap through the window. The boy sat next to Claire turned to you,” your brother said you’d be a colossal bitch.” You furrowed your brows, “I haven’t even said anything to you, where’s this coming from? Also, my brothers in year 10 what the hell are you doing talking to him?” “You’re sat next to boy wonder over here and you haven’t said a word, he can pull conversation out of anyone,” replied the boy. You shook your head, “this is by far the stupidest conversation I’ve had in this classroom. Even stupider than the ‘is the anti-Christ sexy?’ one that we had last week.” It was Michaels turn to speak, “and what was the conclusion of that one.” Claire replied, “okay so, we thought ‘yes’ because he’s supposed to lead people into sin, right? So, you have to be sexy if people are lusting after you. Also, Satan was an angel so there’s that factor too.” “Girls!” shouted Mr Jones, “do not start that debate again we wasted a whole lesson on it already, go home its Friday I have shit to do.” You both laughed and left the classroom, not paying any mind to the boys behind you. //// Monday had arrived; the worst day of the week. To say you were hungover was an understatement. You walked in just before the lesson started, saying your good mornings before taking a seat. “you look like shit,” said the new boy. “I didn’t ask,” you replied. Mr Jones started talking to the class, “as the boys were late last week, we didn’t get to do introductions properly, so turn to your partner and tell them three things about you. Not including your name.” You rolled your eyes. “If you keep rolling your eyes, they’re gonna get stuck to the back of your head.” “again Langdon, I did not ask,” you huffed. She shot you a sarcastic smile, clearly annoyed by your short answers. “well then, what three things do you want to know about me?” “preferably nothing, but to make it go faster, where are you from?” “Los Angeles,” he replied. “ooo, California beach boy, are we? What brings you to this little catholic school in England then?” you asked. “My father sent me here, as for what he does, that’s classified.” “I wasn’t going to ask. Anyway, what’s your favourite food then?” “French toast,” he smiled. These three answers told you nothing about him, you didn’t want to admit it, something made you want to know more. “what do you want to know about me then?” you asked, not really wanting to give him any personal information. “what’s your favourite food?” “fettuccini alfredo.” “here’s what I really want to know,” he started, moving closer to you. “Who shoved that pole up your ass?” You raised your eyebrows and blinked slowly. Who did he think he is? “Why? Do you have something better?” “I might,” he replied, trailing his tongue over his teeth. “sorry. I’m not into blonds,” you finished. Turning back around to face the board. “I’m not finished asking questions,” said Michael. “I’m done answering them.” Mr Jones interrupted the class before he could argue. You hoped the class would fly by. You sat resting your chin on your hand, trying to listen to Mr Jones. Suddenly, your arm was elbowed out from beneath your chin, making you smack your chin off the table. Michael had elbowed you. “What the fuck is wrong with you!” “MISS Y/N!” “Michael elbowed me!” you said. “actually sir, her hand slipped,” Michael interjected. Mr jones looked pissed, “You know what? I really don’t care. Both of you are going to clean the chapel after school on Friday.” You sat there; gob smacked. You really did not want to spend any more time with Michael at all, but this was your final behaviour warning. Michael seemed surprisingly giddy; he was enjoying this far too much. //// Throughout the week, it seemed that Michael was doing anything he could to piss you off. Pushing you in hallways, taking your usual seats at lunch and in the library, even sitting behind you in mass, kicking your seat. “listen here you little blond bimbo bitch, if you don’t stop kicking my seat, I swear to god I’m gonna kill you,” you seethed. “Y/N! turn around were in the middle of mass!” your head of year whispered to you, trying not to disturb the priest. Michael kicked your seat even harder for the duration, even pulling your hair on occasion. How old was he? This wasn’t primary school. //// You were dreading the theology lesson today; it was the beginning of the two hours you would have to spend with the boy wonder. You took a breath to calm your nerves before walking into the classroom. ‘Revelations’ written on the board in red ink. You thought this was the most exciting book in the bible. Michael was already seated, grinning at you as you made eye contact. You moved to the other side of the aisle so he couldn’t attempt to trip you over. “Are you excited Y/N? you get to spend the next two hours with me you lucky thing.” “As soon as I see you outside these school gates it’s on sight mickey,” you replied. “Mickey?” “You look you’re an intellectual property of Disney,” you argued. “so, you think I look like a Disney prince then. I’ll keep that in mind princess.” “More like a prince of darkness, you’d be the villain actually.” He looked at you like you’d told him the funniest joke in the world, “you’re not far off,” he finished. What the hell did he mean by that? You decided not to press any further. “How do we think the world will end? Using biblical references,” Mr Jones’ voice broke through the silence. Michael had a glint in his eye, as if he knew something the rest of us didn’t. “how about Y/N? what’s your answer?” Had God decided that you were going to spend the rest of the year getting picked on? It seemed like it. “Erm well, the revelation about wormwood could easily refer to a nuclear bomb or something, looking at it in a modern context,” you gave your answer. “That’s a really good answer, nice to know your listening,” Mr Jones turned back to the class, leaving you be for the rest of the lesson. //// The lesson had ended. Mr Jones was walking the pair of you to the chapel in the convent that was connected to the school. It was silent. Just before you could walk in, Sister Catherine had spotted you again, “Y/N! SKIRT! PULL IT DOWN!” she shouted at you. You looked her in the eye, and slowly pulled it down, finishing with a smile. “This is a catholic school, I don’t know where you girls got the idea that short skirts were now acceptable,” she huffed, before leaving you alone with Michael and Mr jones. The chapel was beautiful. It was all white marble, stained glass and hardwood pews. Fresh flowers and statues of the virgin decorated little alcoves. Above the alter, the image of the crucifixion. You felt judged under his sombre gaze. Mr Jones handed you both the materials and gave you instructions on the cleaning. He’d be back in an hour. You were left alone with Michael. He made his way to the pews and sat down, putting his feet up and his hands behind his head. You rolled your eyes and got to dusting your side of the chapel, no way in hell were you going to do his work for him. You could feel his gaze on you as you dusted away. You stopped briefly to remove your blazer. You bent over to pick up a prayer card dropped by the alter. The prayer to Saint Michael. Unfortunately, the Michael in the room was anything but. “wow, your skirt really is short,” he said. You tried to get up to pull it down, but he was behind you. “Don’t be a perv and do your tasks!” He pulled you back against his chest, his arm around your waist and you head on his shoulder. “what the fuck Langdon!” you shouted. “You are far too mouthy princess,” he brought his hand around your throat, squeezing as a warning. He started to trail his fingers up from your knee. “You know,” he started. “I never got to ask that third question last week.” His fingers reached the hem of your skirt, slowly making their way underneath, making you shiver. You swallowed. “w-what did you want to know?” He had bunched your skirt up around your hips, exposing your legs. His fingers started to trace the hem of your panties. “I want to know if you’re a virgin y/n? Is he the only man you’ve ever gotten on your knees for?” he asked, nodding to the image of Christ. You had had ‘almosts’, but never the whole nine yards. His palm came across your ass and you squeaked. “Answer the question princess.” “Y -yes,” you replied, your skin heating up. He let go of you and you breathed a sigh of relief; reaching to tug your skirt back down. He gripped your wrists before you could, turning you around to face him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” His face was so close, you could smell the mint gum he liked to chew loudly. Something made you want to lean in a little further and kiss him, but you hesitated. “I’m going to be your new messiah from now on Y/N,” he said, pushing you onto your knees. His thumb stroked your cheek, before putting it in your mouth. “Don’t bite, or there’ll be consequences,” he warned. He ran his thumb along your tongue, before replacing it with two of his fingers; thrusting them in and out your mouth. You were too captivated by his eyes to respond. The low lighting of the chapel illuminating his golden hair like a halo. He finally pulled his fingers out, connecting to your lips with a string of spit. “Keep your mouth open,” he ordered. He reached for his belt, unbuckling in. You started to shift around, the marble hurting your knees and your arousal begging for attention. He said a quick ‘sit still’ before finally pulling his cock out. It was actually really nice to look at. He gripped your jaw, forcing you to open your mouth even further, before slowly sliding it in. He hissed at the sensation of your warm mouth. “This is the best was to shut you up.” He pushed until you gaged, the sensation so foreign to you. “C’mon princess, use your hands, I’m not here to do all the work,” he said. You took the base of his cock in your hands, moving it in time with your mouth. Michaels moans echoed throughout the chapel, adding fuel to your own arousal. You felt him twitch in your mouth. He grabbed your head and pulled you off, panting. You watched his wet cock bob against his clothed abdomen. “Get up” he ordered, so you did. He pushed you back, so you were lying on the alter, looking up at the frescoes on the ceiling. The image of God looking at you in disgust. Michael put his hand around your throat, “Look at me, I’m your god now.” He peeled your panties off, pocketing them. Pervert. His hands held your thighs apart, inspecting the wetness of your folds, before running his finger through. The sensation made you jolt and whine. “Keep quiet or they’ll hear you.” You nodded. He brought his fingers up to show you your arousal, you tried to turn your head away in embarrassment, but he had gripped your throat again. He continued to toy with your clit, bringing little gasps out of you. You cried out as he thrust two fingers inside. It felt so good, his touch was electric. “You’re so tight, I think I might break you,” he grinned. He noticed the prayer card still in your had, getting an idea. “Read that little prayer out while I defile you on the alter, your final prayer to your old god,” he commanded. “I- I can’t,” you managed to squeak out. Tears were welling in your eyes. He pulled his fingers out of you, licking them clean before humming. “You will,” he stated. He lined himself up, looking at you, waiting for you to start. "S-Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us i-in battle.” He pushed in, groaning as he did so. “Be our protection against… against the wickedness and snares of the d-devil.” He began to move, thrusting into you, making you forget your words. “You’re so tight, like you were made for me,” he panted out. “May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,” you managed to get out. Michael squeezed his hand around your throat. “And do thou, O Prince of the H-Heavenly Host.” He gripped your hip hard enough to leave bruises, picking up the pace. “By the power of God,” you couldn’t think anymore. The only thing on your mind was him. He slapped your ass, “by the power of god? Finish it.” He brought his hand down, rubbing circles around your clit, you squeezed around him. “Thrust into hell S-Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the r-ruin of souls.” Michael grinned, his eyes turned black and his skin pale. You were too far gone in your pleasure to scream at his demonic face. He reached under your shirt collar, yanking your gold crucifix off your neck. You could feel your release coming on fast, Michael could too. “Let’s finish the prayer together hmm?” “Amen,” you both moaned at the same time. Your orgasm hitting you like a tidal wave. Michael wasn’t too far behind, coating your insides with his seed. Slowly pulling out of you, watching your mixed fluids drip onto the alter. Coming out of your haze, you finally realised where you were and what you had done. “What are you Michael?” you whispered. “You read about me an hour ago,” he said, tucking himself back in, his face back to its normal state. Your eyes widened, it finally clicked. The Anti-Christ. You looked up to the crucifix above you, the statue crying blood. The faces in the stained glass twisted in sorrow. The statues of the virgin weeping blood. A wave of nausea hit you. Michael pulled you up, putting your skirt back in place. He smirked at you and pulled you in for a kiss, his tongue invading your mouth. He took your hand and placed your necklace in your palm. The cross had been inverted. “I’ll be over tomorrow, just introduce me as your boyfriend. You still have some more repentance to do.” With that he left you in the chapel. Leaving you clean up the mess, alone.

[rason-rodd]

The Night(wing) Before Christmas

Summary: Damian tries to convince Dick to come to dinner for Christmas. But duty calls and a weird surprise awaits Dick. Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Warning: No pairing. Just a family Christmas-themed OS.

Author’s note: This would certainly be the last Bat-Christmas one shot. I decided not to make it a Dick x Reader (though it was initially the plan) because I wanted to give Dick and Damian the chance to reconnect. Hope you will like it. 

Blüdhaven was never quiet. Blüdhaven was always restless. Lively. Noisy. Blüdhaven was like him. In shades of jet-black and neon-blue. Shining. Glowing. Like a beacon by the ocean.     But tonight, Blüdhaven was not blue. Blüdhaven was red. Blüdhaven was green. Blüdhaven was yellow. Blüdhaven was merry. Blüdhaven was childish. Blüdhaven was a little boy waiting for his gift in a small circus trailer, counting days and eating chocolate. Blüdhaven was getting ready for Christmas.       But Dick Grayson was not.   “You know Father still insists that you come celebrate Christmas with us at the manor this year.” Slumped on the chimney, feet hanging and swinging in the air, Damian Wayne was playing with a birdarang like a bored child waiting for action, demonstrating nonchalance and casualness that could have almost seemed natural and sincere if it hadn’t been for his little green eyes peeping at his brother’s every reactions. “I still have to think about it, Damian.”     Damian clicked his tongue and crossed his arms over his chest to sulk in silence. “Todd said he was coming.” Dick snickered at the boy’s remark – which sounded more like a reproach - finding certain amusement in seeing Damian’s childish disappointment. “So who are you going to spend Christmas with? The poor waitress you used to date?” Those last few words were enough to erase the smile on Dick’s face. “Bea and I are over, Damian. I told you, didn’t I?” Damian shrugged and jumped from his perch to come and kneel by his brother by the edge of the rooftop they were on. “She wasn’t good enough for you, anyway.” And that was a lame attempt at comforting by Damian Wayne, ladies and gents.             “Well, if I listen to you, Damian, no one is ever good enough for me. You said the same thing about Shawn when we broke up.”         “Shawn? Oh right the mediocre artist/ villain you thought you had got pregnant. Almost forgot about her. What a lousy list of conquests you have under your belt, Grayson.” Dick’s jaw clenched to prevent any hurtful commentary to come out of his mouth. There was no point in debating with Damian in that situation. Dick knew well than to take his words seriously. After all, they were just part of a clumsy technique to attract attention, not ill intentioned at all and not to be taken seriously.

Police sirens suddenly screamed in the avenue under their feet, flickering blue and red. A code of alert. A perfect way to escape Damian. “Got to go.” And without any other word, Dick leaped over the edge of the building, grapple gun in hand, ignoring his little brother yelling at him “See you next Thursday at 6.” and his classic “Grayson, you fool.” when he didn’t get an answer.

Dick wasn’t a huge fan of car chases. Though appearing as simple and routine at first sight, he found them to be the most dangerous and scariest of a superhero’s everyday (or night) missions. They needed an extreme vigilance that was hard to fully have: requiring his attention to be sharp and focused on both the criminals and the police as well as the road and especially any citizen who were unfortunate enough to be on the way. But full vigilance didn’t mean no light-hearted commentary.     “Where are you guys going with an organ recovery vehicle? The hospital is the other way. Might wanna update the GPS and reconsider the music. Last Christmas I stole you your heart would be more fitting for organs traffickers”     “Nightwing!” The driver exclaimed as his partner in crime pulled his gun from his holster to shoot him. “Yeah that’s me.  And you might wanna give me that.” Dick said as he quickly seized the gun to throw it through the car window. “Now pull over before Santa hears about what bad boys you two have been this year.”   “Screw you, punk!”   “As you wish.” Dick rolled his eyes, acting dramatically annoyed, and grabbed the wheel, taking the two men by surprise. “What are you doing?” They asked, screaming at him. “Checking the airbags.” He declared as he voluntarily led the speeding car towards a barricaded construction site knowing perfectly that there were no workers in there tonight. ”Hang on.”

The car hit the metal fence, bending it as if it was a mere piece of paper. Then it left the ground and flew right towards a hole of fresh concrete. When it landed, all the bodywork crashed like a can of tomato soup and the windows broke, leaving the two criminals screaming in fear. But their yells were brief, chocked by the airbags that suddenly inflated due to the powerful noisy impact.             “Airbags, check. MOT test, over. You may get down of the vehicle gentlemen.” Nightwing said as he opened the door. But the two men were so stunned and terrified they couldn’t move. “Or you can wait here. That’s fine as well.”

The police car who had been chasing the two men suddenly parked on the site and a couple of officers ran to the accident car, guns in hands. Among them Detective Elise Svobada, Nightwing’s own Jim Gordon except that Jim Gordon had never kissed Batman. A memory that still made Dick want to puke. “Good job, tights.”             “A compliment? Christmas makes you soft, Svoboda.” Dick smirked as he let the woman pushed the driver out of the car. “Don’t get used to it.”   “Detective, the heart must be delivered in less than 15 minutes. We won’t be there on time. Not with this traffic.” Svoboda’s partner declared, panicking and trembling like a Chihuahua.           “Damn it!” Svoboda kicked the tire of the car, angry and wondering what to do now. “Nightwing, do you think you can…” But there was no need to finish the sentence as the vigilante was already far away, swinging from building to building, the box containing the precious organ in his hand. “Thanks, kid… Nelson, call the hospital. Tell them there’s a special delivery.”

There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing you saved a life, except maybe knowing that you saved a life on Christmas. Makes you feel like some heroic caped Santa Claus in a way.           But Dick never chose to become a vigilante for gratification or fame. He never wished for a thank you or some sort of admiration. Dick chose to become a vigilante to help people, to see the smiles on their face, that glimmer of hope shining in their eyes when they thought all hope was gone. Dick chose to become a vigilante to make the world a better place.            

“That girl owes you her life.” The white-bearded doctor said as he shook Dick’s hand with a gratitude that was making the happy tears in his eyes sparkle like stars. “She doesn’t owe me anything.” And no one could doubt his sincerity. “Still what you did was very noble, boy. Thanks to you this young lady will be able to spend Christmas with her loved ones. And I hope you will as well. After all there’s nothing more important than family.”           “We’ll see about that. Merry Christmas, Doctor.” He said as he headed towards the exit. “Merry Christmas, Richard.”

Dick froze and quickly turned around, wondering if he had heard right or if it was his fatigue playing tricks on him. But the old doctor was already gone and nowhere to be seen. Did he know the Batman’s disappearance act, too? “You really need to sleep, Nightwing.” “Indeed you look awful.” The nonchalant voice of Damian Wayne suddenly made Nightwing jump. That little demon could be so stealthy sometimes. “Would not want you to look like a walking dead at dinner. We already have Todd for that.”           “How did you find me?”       “Heard the police radio. No need to be a genius to do so.” He clicked his tongue as he crossed his tiny arms over his small chest. “So you saved the mayor’s daughter. Congratulations. What now?”           “The mayor’s daughter?”   “Yes. The two criminals wanted to use her as a way to corrupt the mayor.” Dick frowned. “What? Did you really think there was some sort of organs trafficking in Blüdhaven? Hello! It’s Blüdhaven not Gotham! You know the place where you’re expected on Thursday.” Dick laughed and tousled his little brother’s hair to annoy him. “Alright, little guy. I’ll be there.”   “Thank you.” Damian sighed deeply.         “Don’t thank me. Thank Santa.” Dick corrected him, still thinking about that weird old doctor. “Don’t try to choke with some cheesy Christmas spirit.” Damian declared as he pointed his fingers at Dick who were chuckling. “Alright.” He complied, gently grabbing Damian by the arm. “Wanna go drink some hot cocoa at my place?”           “Are you sweet-talking me?” Damian glared at his brother, not really knowing how to take the offer. “Maybe.”             “Would there be marshmallows in the cup?” Dick grinned and hugged his brother. “Of course.”    

[timebird84]

🎄 PotO Advent Calendar 2020 🎄

By @frostydaae​

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

It was two days until Christmas. The main streets of Paris were lined with shoppers and merchants alike, dressed quite festively in colors of red, green, and white.  Two young men and a young woman made their way down the road of merchants.  At a glance, one might easily mistake the three for siblings.  The two men were in fact brothers, but the young woman they were escorting had no interest in sharing the brother’s De Chagny title. The younger of the two men led the group in the direction of a jewelry shop. While the young, blonde girl made her way inside, the oldest brother, Phillipe, held his younger brother back for a moment.

“Raoul,” said Phillipe, cautiously.  “I know I have asked you this many times already, but are you sure that this is the path you want to choose?”  Raoul gave a light chuckle to his brother’s concern.

“Phillipe,” replied the youngest, “I am certain.  She is what I have been missing for all of these years.  I lost her once before, and I do not want to risk losing her again.”  Phillipe heaved a sigh and Raoul placed a hand on his older brother’s shoulder.  “I know that things will be difficult.  I know that she is not considered to be a ‘proper match’, but I am ready to deal with any torment that may be thrown my way, and shield Christine from it as well.  I just hope that you can support me in this decision, no matter your stance on the matter.”  Suddenly, a chipper voice was heard from the doorway.

“Come along, you two.  We haven’t got all day!”  Raoul had asked the young ballerina to come along with him to pick out a ring for his (hopefully) soon to be betrothed.  He had figured that since the two were best friends, Meg could serve as a proxy for Christine’s taste in style.  It also didn’t hurt that the two friends had very similar bodies, hopefully making the ring sizing a bit easier.

The two brothers entered in behind the young ballerina, making their way to the various counters, each filled with rows of jewels.  From behind the counter, an older gentleman met them and began to speak.

“Is there anything in particular you gentlemen are looking for today? Perhaps for a nice, young lady?”, gesturing towards Meg.  Raoul chuckled at this comment.

“Yes sir.  We are actually looking for a very special ring.  I am hoping to propose to my love on the upcoming holiday.” Raoul informed the older gentleman.

“I see…”, the older gentleman, Maurice said.  “I suppose you are here to give a woman’s thought then?” He said, addressing Meg once more.  Before Meg had a chance to utter a response, Phillipe butted into the conversation.

“Yes sir, and I’m afraid we are in a bit of a hurry.  This was somewhat of a last-minute decision and my brother’s train to Perros leaves in 4 hours.”  Phillipe said, hardly taking a moment to breathe.  

“Ah, I see.  There is some urgency behind this decision.  Give me just a moment then.”  Maurice disappeared behind the counter for a moment, only to come back with a small tray of jeweled rings.  “These are some of my most lovely selections.  On your left, a princess cut on a silver band.  Here in the middle, an oval cut on a gold-plated band. And on the right, another gold-plated band with a round cut opal.” Meg audibly gasped at the fine jewelry.  Raoul felt himself begin to feel even more nervous about his decision.  

“These are all lovely,” Raoul told the older gentleman, “but our relationship is not as traditional as expected.  I feel like she should have something that is unexpected, just as unexpected as to how she reentered my life.  Phillipe looked at his brother, a bit puzzled at his remarks.  Maurice gave Raoul a look, almost as if he was calculating an equation in his head.  After a moment, he finally spoke up again.  

“Give me a moment to run to the back.  I have something I think may fit the description you’re looking for.”  The three watched as the man disappeared once more, this time for a longer amount.  When he reemerged, he was holding a closed velvet box in his hands.  He sat the box down on the counter and slowly opened it.  Inside was the most perfect opal cut sapphire, sitting on a simple silver band. Raoul instinctively reached out for the item, staring in awe.  

“This ring is one of a kind.  I made it by hand myself over 50 years ago. I proposed to my wife with this ring, and it stayed on her finger until the day she died.” The older man sniffled, and it was apparent that he was holding back a few tears.  “It has been nearly 15 years since her death and I have kept it on my desk every day since.  However, I can tell that your young lady means as much to you as my Charlotte meant to me.”  Tears filled the eyes of the four in the room.  “It is time for this ring’s legacy to live on.”

“Monsieur, are you quite certain?  It is absolutely stunning and would be perfect for her, but I can’t simply take such a prized possession from you.”  The older gentleman chuckled.

“Young man, this ring has been collecting dust for nearly fifteen years now. It would be my privilege to pass it onto you.”  The two men engaged smiles.  “Mademoiselle, I assume you are here as a stand-in for the soon to be bride?”  Meg nodded her head enthusiastically. “Let us see if the ring is a fit then, shall we?”  Meg held her dainty hand out as Maurice took it in his, sliding it onto the young blonde’s finger.  The four all gasped at the near-perfect fit that was before them.  “I believe it is settled then, Monsieur.”  Meg slipped the ring off her finger, handing it back to the elder gentleman who promptly placed the ring back into its box, and the box into a separate bag.  

The two brothers and the not-sister exited the shop, quite content with the purchase they had made.  Meg bade them farewell, wishing Raoul luck as she left.  The two brothers rode in a carriage back to the family’s chateau, where Phillipe helped make sure that everything was ready to go for his brother’s trip to Perros.  

During this time, Raoul slipped the box out of the merchant’s bag, promptly slipping it into his own coat pocket.  Over the entire duration to Perros, Raoul methodically brushed his hand over the box in his pocket, checking every minute or so to make sure that it was indeed still there and had not all been a figment of his imagination.

As the train came to a stop, Raoul felt his heartbeat begin to quicken. He knew he was not even going to propose to Christine until the next day as the clock struck midnight, but the very thought of the event being so soon made him feel anxious.  He retrieved his luggage and ordered a carriage to take him to the Valerius residence.  

As the carriage rolled up to the grounds of the widowed Madame Valerius (or Mamma, as she would insist), he noticed bright green eyes peering out the window, like a child on Christmas morning peering at the white snow.  The carriage rolled to a stop and Raoul stepped out, paying the driver as he removed his luggage from the back.  Before the carriage could even pull away, the young brunette came running down the entryway to the house, tightly embracing the love of her life as if they had not seen each other in decades.  Raoul returned the embrace, just as tight.  

“Raoul!” Christine exclaimed, “I can’t believe that you’re really here! You know you didn’t have to visit me over the holiday.  You could have stayed with your family.”  The two let each other go as two servants began to bring Raoul’s luggage inside the house.  

“Christine,” Raoul said, taking hold of the young woman’s shoulders, “there is absolutely nowhere else I would rather be for Christmas than right here with you.”  As the servants made their way inside, the two shared a brief kiss.  

“Oh Raoul, you being here is present enough for me!”  Raoul once again felt as if butterflies flew around his stomach, knowing that a much bigger present would be coming her way.  The two made their way through the front door, where Raoul was eagerly greeted by Mamma Valerius.  The three shared pleasantries in the doorway before Raoul excused himself for bed.  It had been a very long day, and he would certainly need his rest for the day ahead of him.

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

The next morning, Raoul was awakened by his own senses.  The curtains were still closed, but he could see the sun peeking its rays through. He wagered a guess that it was somewhere close to noon.  Feeling his stomach grumble, Raoul quickly dressed and made his way down the stairs, where he saw the two women sitting down for lunch.

“Good afternoon, sleepy-head.”  Christine giggled at her own comment. “We were wondering when you would join us.”

“My apologies, ladies.  I’m afraid the train ride must have been more tiring than I had expected.”  Raoul sat down at the table, joining the ladies in enjoying their wonderful lunch.  After lunch, Christine and Raoul decided that they would like to walk around the small, village-like area.  Dressed quite warmly, they went on their merry way.  

Making their way through the light snow, they ended up venturing a bit beyond the village, making their way into the main town square.  They visited the various shops and made a stop at one of the many cafes, deciding to each get a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying each other’s company.  After leaving one shop, they found that the doorway had been marked with mistletoe as they shared a kiss underneath.

Time grew later and the world became darker as the two journeyed back to the Valerius estate.  Mamma Valerius was already rushing around, preparing to leave for Christmas Eve mass.  Raoul looked at his watch, noticing that the time was just close to 7 o’clock.  They had most definitely not meant to spend that much time out, but they were both grateful for every moment of it.  The two made their way to their respective rooms, changing into different clothing, more suited for a church setting.

After finishing, the two made their way down to the dining room once more, where Mamma Valerius was waiting for them to join her for dinner. The three took their time, enjoying their delicious dinner.  As the sky grew to be fully dark, Mamma Valerius made her way outside to order a carriage to take them into town for Christmas Eve mass.

As the carriage pulled up, Raoul realized that he had left his coat upstairs in his bedroom.  He ran up quickly to grab it, checking once more to make sure the ring remained in the pocket.  The three made their way to the church as many gathered outside of the doors.  For some reason or another, the main church in Perros decided that they would hold their Christmas Eve mass earlier in the evening; perhaps to allow families with small children to still be put to bed at a reasonable time.  

Mamma Valerius sat between the two hopeless romantics during the service, and Raoul could not be more grateful for it.  He could not seem to stop squirming, checking the pocket of his coat as it lay next to him seemingly every other second now.  The three joined in hymns, Christine’s voice noticeably shining through the chorus of those in worship.  There were a few different times that Raoul simply stopped singing to enjoy the beauty of Christine’s voice.  To him, there was no one else in the room but her.  As they were seated again, the two caught a glance of each other, both blushing as they settled back into their seats.  

The time neared 11 o’clock as the service let out.  Many stayed behind to chat with each other, whereas Raoul was determined to make his way back to the estate with time to spare before midnight.  The three rode in the carriage back to the estate, as time seemed to move in slow-motion for Raoul.  He had now gone from not only checking his pocket for the ring box but also checking his watch every few minutes.  Thankfully, Christine had fallen half-asleep, rested against his shoulder, and did not notice his nervous behavior.  

As the carriage jolted to a stop, it took all of the self-control Raoul had to not burst from the carriage and run inside the property.  He remained calm as he escorted the two ladies inside the house.  By then, Christine had woken up a bit more than she had been in the carriage.  As Mamma and Christine made talk about various people they had seen at the service, Raoul excused himself to go and dress for bed.  As he changed into his nightclothes, he sat by the door, eagerly awaiting Christine’s footsteps.  

After a few minutes of waiting, he heard the pitter-patter of delicate footsteps making their way up the large staircase.  He knew that he needed to give Christine a few more minutes in order to change into her own nightclothes.  Raoul made his way to the balcony of the guest room, looking up at the night sky.  He had taken the ring out of his coat pocket and inserted it into the pocket of his pajama pants.  He took it into his hands once more, opening it to look at the beautiful sapphire jewel that sat on top of the silver band.  He thought back on the older gentleman that had parted with such an important memory of his departed wife and Raoul wished that he could be everything that Christine wanted and needed to have his wife adore him as much as Maurice’s wife must have.  Raoul looked to the sky once again.

“Monsieur Daae,” he began, hoping the soul of Christine’s father could hear his words.  “I know I have already spoken to you on this matter, but tonight is the night I am going to ask your daughter to marry me. I know I cannot even begin to replace the role of being the most important man in her life, as I believe that position will belong to you forever.”  Raoul lightly chuckled before becoming more somber. “Monsieur Daae, I love your daughter so much.  I cannot even begin to put it into words the feelings I carry for your sweet girl.  I only wish you were still with us so that I could speak to you, face-to-face.  So that you could share in what will hopefully be her excitement, as well as being able to walk her down the aisle.” Raoul heaved a great sigh.  “I only hope I can make her as happy as you once did.  Thank you for allowing me to do this sir.”  

Raoul suddenly realized how bitterly cold it was outside, so he made his way back into the room, shutting the balcony doors behind him.  He supposed that Christine must be dressed in her nightclothes by now, so he checked his pajama pocket once more for the ring box as he turned the handle of the door.  He made his way across the hall to Christine’s bedroom.  He noticed his hand shaking as he raised it to knock on her door.  He took another deep breath, hoping that would calm him down a bit more, knocking lightly on her door.

“One moment!” Christine’s light voice echoed into the hallway.  She opened the door to reveal herself in a beautiful flowing nightgown colored in the shade of light rose.  “Raoul!” She exclaimed, quickly closing the door.  Raoul became very confused at this but was relieved as the door reopened a few moments later, Christine now wearing a white dressing gown on top of her beautiful nightgown. Raoul cleared his throat.  

“Ch-Christine, would you care to join me downstairs for a cup of tea?”  Raoul asked, a slight quiver in his voice.

“Now?” She replied, a bit surprised.  She glanced back into her room to see her clock.  “Why Raoul, it’s nearly midnight.” Replied Christine as she feigned concern for propriety.  Raoul began to stammer and shuffle a bit.  She giggled to herself and said “Raoul, I jest.  I would love nothing more than to enjoy a cup of tea with you.  Raoul let a sigh of relief out, hoping he had not let onto what he had planned for the evening.  As Christine closed her bedroom door behind her, Raoul held out his arm as Christine took hold of it, making their way down the stairs.

By the time the two had reached the kitchen, Raoul was finding it even more difficult to keep himself from shaking with anxiety.  Christine poured them each a cup of tea as Raoul took a seat in the parlor. For a final time, Raoul brushed his hand across the pocket to check for the ring box.  A moment later, Christine made her way into the parlor, carrying a tray with the full teacups, sugar, and milk, setting it down on the table in front of them.  Christine poured a tiny bit of milk into her tea as Raoul sipped his, hoping to quench some of the thirst his anxiety had brought upon him.  After a few moments of silence, Raoul finally found his voice once more as he cleared his voice.

“Christine…” He stopped in his tracks before he could say any more.  What if he messed this whole event up?  What if he couldn’t find the right words?  As these thoughts entered his mind, he heard a voice that was seemingly behind him say:

“Do not worry so much, child.  You know Christine as well as I do.  Your heart knows the words you want to say.  Lead with your heart.” Raoul whipped his head around, searching for the source of the voice.

“Yes, Raoul?  Are you alright?”  Raoul turned back to face the woman that he loved once more.  

“Yes, my love, I thought I heard something is all.”  Raoul cleared his throat once more.  “Christine, I promised you many months ago that I would guide, guard, and love you forever.  I know they may have seemed like simple words of a fool in love, but I want you to know that I meant every word that I spoke that night, as well as every word I have spoken since.”  Christine looked lovingly into his eyes.

“And I as well, Raoul,” she said, smiling sweetly.

“I am glad to hear that you return the sentiment..  Oh, Christine…” Raoul said as he stood from the couch, walking across the room, his eyes on the clock, which was now only a minute away from midnight. “What I am trying to say is that…” he searched for the right words to say once more.  “Is that I am completely enamored by you and everything that you do.  Your smile, the way you love others, the way you love me.  The way you find a way to turn any situation into a positive one.”  He turned around to face her again as the clock struck midnight.  He stared at her in awe, fishing the box from his pocket as the chimes rang through the parlor.  As the chimes subsided, he made his way to kneel in front of the beautiful woman that he loved.

“Christine Daae,” he began, “will you marry me?”  By this time, tears were streaming down Christine’s face as Raoul opened the box for Christine to see.  She gasped when she saw the ring inside.  It was absolutely perfect in her eyes, although Raoul very well could have presented her with a piece of twine and she would have been just as happy.  For a moment, Christine could produce nothing but sobs from her mouth.  Tears now fell from Raoul’s eyes as well.

“Yes,” Christine whispered. The word was so faint that Raoul swore that he had merely imagined it.  He knew that it was not so as he heard the word many times following the first.  “Yes, yes, yes, yes yes!  A million times yes!”  The two continued to cry as they joined together for a kiss.  This kiss was unlike any other they had shared before.  This kiss was nothing but the purest form of love and affection two people could ever have for each other.  After what felt like a heavenly eternity, the two pulled apart.

“Oh, Raoul.  I didn’t think that this holiday could get any better.  All I wished was for you to be with me.”  She smiled so much that it nearly caused her pain.  “I feel guilty though,” she said as Raoul removed the ring from the box, revealing a perfect fit to Christine’s dainty finger.

“Why is that, my love?” Raoul questioned with a worry in his voice, wiping another tear from his new fiancee’s cheek.

“I have no gift for you that can match what you have given me tonight.” A few more tears fell from her eyes as Raoul wiped each one away, kissing her soft forehead.  

“Christine,” Raoul leaned in for another kiss, which Christine gratefully accepted.  As they pulled apart, Raoul continued to look deep into Christine’s emerald eyes.

“You are my gift.”

[itsmyblogandillreblogifiwantto]

The new cast member.. Part 1

A/N: Hi everyone, this is a new mini series where reader is cast as the new agent on Criminal Minds, and Matthew has the biggest crush on her! I’m not sure how many parts I’ll do yet, but hopefully more than three! 

Everyone placed their votes over the next month and you won, the crew just needed to get hold of you to ask you, if not, they’d go with the runner up, Jodie Comer.

Flashback

“Okay guys... We’re halfway into this series and we will start to film the next one in two months, but we need your input. After the departure of Agent Smith, we need a new agent and would like all of you to vote for who you’d like to be casted.” The director, Simon, began, “Obviously, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to please all of you, but we have had letters from fans with suggestions.”

“Those suggestions are Jodie Comer from Killing Eve, Y/N Y/S/N who’s a comedian from the U.K and has a Netflix special, Ellen Page from the Umbrella Academy and Phoebe Waller-Bridge from Fleabag.” Daniella, Simon’s assistant said, reading from her laptop.

“Isn’t Y/N Y/S/N the one you have a crush on?” Shemar whispered to Matthew.

Matthew’s cheeks flushed, “No.”

“Your cheeks say otherwise.” Kirsten said squishing his cheeks, unlike his character, Matthew loved PDA. “So cute.” She added.

“We can all vote for her if you want Matthew.” Thomas said sipping his coffee.

“She’s so funny, I think she has a gig here next month. We should all go.” A.J suggested to everyone on the table.

“She is. Matthew and I watched her comedy special on Netflix and I wet myself laughing.” Paget said as Matthew’s cheeks continued to flush as he sunk into his seat.

“I’ll sort tickets.” Daniella said, looking at her laptop. “Anyone who wants to go let me know by the end of Wednesday.”

“I don’t even think Y/N Y/S/N has an agent, so she is probably the easiest of the four to get hold of.” Matthew finally said.

“Are you going pretty boy?” Shemar asked Matthew with a smirk.

Matthew nods, “Yeah. Like Paget said, she’s hilarious.”

“And you totally have a crush on her.” A.J said as Matthew’s cheeks went red again as he sipped his coffee.

One month later, you are in California for your week run at a comedy venue whilst the cast and crew are getting in their seats whilst you are backstage going over your jokes again. It’s your last day of the show but you are here for a week more to explore the city.

“I can’t believe we get to see her live, one of the ushers said the venue was sold out for the entire week!” Kirsten said, all excited, just like her character, Penelope.

“Anyone want a drink from the bar?” Joe asked

“Sure, I’ll give you a hand.” Matthew said getting up. “Everyone want their usual?” He asks

They all nod.

At the bar

“Are you excited Matthew?” Joe asks, as he sips his beer.

“Yeah. I’m a bit nervous too, for some reason. I feel like I’m the one about to go on stage.” Matthew laughed to himself.

“It’s because you like her, we all know.” Joe said as Matthew sips his beer, rolling his eyes as he pays for the drinks as Joe paid for the ones at dinner.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the show is going to start in 10 minutes, if you’d all like to go the bathroom, get a drink from the bar, go for a cigarette, whatever, I don’t care, just be back in 10 minutes. Oh, and exclusively for my last show here, I’m doing a 30 minute Q&A after the show so if you tweet your questions to me with the hashtag #asky/nshit , my Twitter name/handle is @Y/T/N and I will answer some of them at the end of the show, as well as talking to you lovely lot who have questions but don’t have social media.” You say through the intercom.

“My girlfriend saw the show yesterday, she said she wet her pants, she felt like our baby was going to come out there and then.” A guy said to his friend at the bar.

“That’s reassuring.” Matthew said to them as he joined Joe and went back to their seats

“Group selfie!” Kirsten said once Joe and Matthew got back into their seats and posted it to Instagram with the caption, “Team Criminal Minds on a night out seeing the hilarious @Y/N !!”

Meanwhile backstage, you hear your phone ping, you only have your notifications on for your favourite Instagrams, Twitters and texts.

You look at the photo Kirsten just uploaded and liked it, “Enjoy the show guys, I certainly enjoy yours! Thank you for coming!” You comment on it, trying not to glance at your favourite, and crush, Matthew.

“2 minutes Y/N.” The stage manager smiled at you. “The bar said they’ll bring you up a glass of water and a beer during the interval too.” He said

“Thanks Tommy, you’ve been awesome this week for my first time in America. I’ve left you and the team a present in your office.” You said with a smile

“Oh my god! She replied guys!” Kirsten squealed at her phone as Matthew glances at it with a smile.

You walk on stage after introducing yourself, with a little crowd work and then you start.

“And that’s why I don’t take my Grandma out for dinner anymore.” You say finishing the joke as everyone is left in stitches and crying of laughter. “Okay everyone, little 15 minute break so I can scream into the void, and you can all get another drink, cigarette, have a quickie, whatever … and then I will be back to for the Q&A so there is still time to tweet me a question or think of one and I’ll pick on you in the second half!” You say and walk off stage leaving everyone laughing and clapping.

“Her material is so clever, she swears but it’s not offending anyone.” Shemar says.

“Have you asked a question Matthew?” A.J asks

“No. I can’t think of anything.” Matthew lied

“Are you single? Asking for a friend. #asky/nshit” A slightly tipsy Paget tweets

“No don’t tweet it...” Matthew said trying to grab Paget’s phone off her.

“It’s gone lover boy.” Joe laughed

“I need a drink.” Matthew groaned

“Coming right up.” Thomas said and went to the bar with Shemar and Kirsten

“Delete that. Please.” Matthew pleaded to Paget

“Nu-uh. It’s time you got out there Matthew.” Paget winked

15 minutes later the show starts again, as does the Q&A

“Okay so first question, from @TomS89, what is your favourite TV show? Oh that’s easy… Criminal Minds.” You smile, winking at the cast but choose not to say they’re in the audience.

You go through a few more questions, “Ha this one made me laugh from @pagetpaget Are you single? Asking for a friend. Paget, I’m a single pringle. Your friend can talk to me as long as he’s cute.” You smile, wondering who her friend could be.

You continue your questions for the remaining 20 minutes, overrunning slightly as you were thanking the team at the venue for everything that they did for you. “Thanks guys! I’ll hopefully be back soon! If anyone has any recommendations for what I should do, please tweet them to me, I’m here another week.” You say, bow and walk off stage and the lights go back up as everyone applauds.

“My cheeks hurt laughing from laughing so much.” Kirsten said, as Shemar wrapped his arm around her waist as Matthew looked down, wishing he had someone special to do that to.

“Do you mean your ass cheeks or your facial cheeks?” A.J asked laughing

“Both.” Kirsten laughed

“Anyone up for a drink at the bar down the road? We don’t have filming tomorrow.” Thomas suggested

“Sure.” Everyone agrees and heads to the bar.

“We should have tweeted asking if she’d join us at the bar.” A.J said nudging Matthew

At the bar

“Is that… No way...” Kirsten said, with her jaw dropping.

  To be continued!

Taglist: @pumpkin-goob , @jpegjade , @andiebeaword , @hopebaker , @hotchsbabygirl , @hercleverboy , @cupcake525 , @gubetube , @aperrywilliams , @cosmic-psychickitty , @marleyhotchner

[liliesoftherain]

My Hero Academia Main 3 Boys x Reader

Ch. 15 Hakamata vs Bakugou

Masterlist

A/N: OKAY WAIT I CAN EXPLAIN SDFJEVJ- 

A big thank you for everyone who was waiting patiently. I know I haven’t been active lately, and I’ve been getting asks about this story and honestly I felt terrible for not updating, not because I was feeling pressured. So don’t think it was anyone pressuring me, honestly it wasn’t. I haven’t been feeling that motivated to write. School had kicked my ass the last few weeks, especially with this covid and everything happening, I’ve been exhausted. My job was ‘essential’ enough to keep me working throughout everything, and i had been picking up shifts and working my ass off, and honestly? I’m over work but lol need that money right

But I want to continue this story, I want to finish it. I have so much planned and I don’t want to abandon it. So I wont(: Get ready for updates, cause they’re coming. My other stories, I don’t really know what to do, I’ll make a post about that later. For now, enjoy this; it’s short, but I’m already working on the next chapter(: 

SORRY FOR THE FIGHT SCENE THIS WRITING BREAK MADE ME EVEN WORSE WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING THEM LOLOL SORRY HUNS MUAH ENJOY ANYWAYS. 

If anyone wants to be added to the taglist, or if i missed you, please send an ask and I’ll add you!!

TAGLIST: @rizamendoza808 !(: @iris-suoh !(: @quicksilverfangirl​ !(: @shortperson202 !(: @noodlenerd101 !(: @matchamidoriya​ !(: @thorsbtch-captainnoobmaster69me​ !(: @pastel-prynce​ !(: @sunkissedneptune​ @monetfatalia​ !(: @legit-fandom-trash​ !(: @lovethewitchofendor​ !(: @dekuxlink​ !(: @water-melone98​ !(: @helena-way07​ !(: @nothing17-7​ !(: @hopelessdisasterr​ !(: @karmaboundlife​ !(: @lunamoonmint​ !(: @ihatemyselftoinfinityandbeyond​ !(: @beew​ !(: @kaylees1414 !(:

You watched the next battle feeling more upbeat, thanking everyone as they gave you their congratulations. You were in awe at the fight between Bakugou and Kirishima, seeing as the former was on the defensive until the latter was suffering due to the overuse of his quirk. Bakugou had sent relentless attack after attack, managing to knock Eijiro out and win the battle. 

“With that vicious win, Bakugou advances to the third round! Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at our final four.”

You glance up to the big screen to see a picture of you along with Bakugou, Todoroki, and Iida on it, the cheers erupting all around the stadium. You chug down your 5th bottle of water before turning on your heel to walk out; you hadn’t sat down, choosing to stand by the entrance just to watch the fight. 

You throw your bottle in the trash as you head down the hallway, spotting a boy making his way towards you,

“Hey, Izuku,” you wave, a smile on your face, “you’re looking, well, better.”

“O-oh, hey! Yea, I guess so,” he smiled back sheepishly, his arm in a cast and he was bandaged all over, “Recovery Girl healed me up, enough to walk at least.”

“Shouldn’t you be resting up then? It’s not smart to make your injuries worse you know.”

“I’ll be fine, really, I don’t want to miss any more battles. This is where everyone’s efforts are paying off, including yours. Congrats on being top four, (y/n).” He beams, there was that excited gleam in his eye, the one he gets when he watches a pro at work. 

“O-oh, thanks-” You blush at the look, being cut off as he starts to rant.

“Tokoyami is super strong, and you managed to win! I mean, since I also found out about Dark Shadows and Tokoyami’s weakness I assumed you would have no trouble taking him down. Not saying you wouldn’t have won without a weakness! I don’t doubt you and your abilities, really, you’re an amazing fighter! I wish I would have been able to see your fight, but at least I’ll be able to watch you go up against Kaachan-”

Your laughter brought him out of his word vomit, and he felt the blush grow along his face. He knew he often had issues with muttering whatever he thought, but for some reason it was worse when he was with you; his tongue felt heavy in his mouth, his head was light, and he couldn’t help how he spoke his mind. He liked talking to you, telling you everything he thought. You always gave him your full attention, no matter how crazy, long, or irritating it was.

Maybe that’s why he found you so captivating?

“S-sorry, I was doing it again..”

“Don’t be, and you were with me in spirit Deku! Even if you didn’t get to watch. Plus, I doubted myself against Tokoyami in the first place, I wouldn’t blame you if you did.” You watched as his eyes widened.

“But I didn’t! I-”

“I know, thank you. I mean it,” you bite your lip to contain the grin that wants to break across your face, “you always believe in me and I appreciate it. You’re the best, Izuku.”

The large blush that spread across his body made you giggle once more before you continued forward, glancing back to give a dazzling smile. 

“Now go watch those matches, I’ll be listening for your cheers when it’s my turn!”

“Ye-yeah…” The goofy grin stayed on his face the rest of his journey to the stands. 

You made it to the waiting room, breathing in deeply as you steal your nerves for the next match. You were calmer this time, not in the sense of feeling confident, oh no.

You were going up against Bakugou Katsuki; one of the strongest and smartest guys you've ever met. He had such an incredible display of reflexes and skills, for this fight you knew you had to be smart and cautious if you wanted half a chance against him. 

The more you thought about it, the more you felt as if your head would explode. There weren’t really a lot of ways to go about it; he didn’t have a huge drawback like yours or Tokoyami’s, his greatest weakness was most likely the prolonged use of his quirk, and the strain it provided on his muscles and fibers in his arms. He wasn’t stupid either, he quick reaction times and well thought up plans-as long as Izuku wasn’t involved.

He always lost it when it came to Deku. 

The sound of announcements rang overhead, and you snapped out of your thoughts to see you've been sitting for about five minutes or so. You stand and leave the room, heading out of the waiting room and towards the arena. 

Walking up the steps, you saw your opponent already waiting. The pillars in the corners erupting with flames, the crowd being drowned out by the booming voice of Present Mic. 

“And now, Bakugou vs Hakamata! These two have been coming out high in the ranks all day, let’s see which one can handle the heat better! Those destructive explosions or that fiery light! There could have also been sparks of a burning romance between these two, will this be the end of it!?” 

“You’re jumping to conclusions again.”

You desperately ignore the teasing words, knowing your dad was definitely going to have a talk with you once this was all over. You noticed the slight flushing of Bakugou’s face, knowing he must’ve been annoyed by the accusations as well. 

“Oh well, ready!? BEGIN!”

Wasting no time, you spring forward, using your quirk to give you a boost as you drew your arm back for an attack. Bakugou cocked his own right arm, setting off an explosion to get you to back off. You dodge, bringing your arm down and having light extend to the ground to push off and throw you up into the air. Maneuvering behind him you extend your leg, knocking an elongated beam of light into his back.

He let out a grunt, and without missing a beat turning and reaching to grab a hold of your ankle. You willed the light to wrap around your ankle, raising the heat in hopes of him letting go.

“Fuck!”

He still held on, despite any pain, throwing you over his shoulder onto the concrete. You caught yourself, landing in a crouched position. There wasn’t a clear way to beat him from a distance, nor was there a clear victory to beat him in close combat. The longer he continued, the more he’d sweat-the more his quirk would be fueled.

All you had to do was bring the heat, be fast, get him out of bounds. 

Bakugou stared straight into your eyes and saw how determined you were, the steely focus that left him feeling weird. As if he were hyper aware yet dazed at the same time; you were strong, there was no doubt in his mind that you could kick some ass, even if you had some doubt against yourself. 

However, no matter how large your smile was, how bright that stupid sparkle in your eye was after you won a match, he couldn’t afford to lose. He was angry; angry at people for thinking less of him, angry with people assuming he was all talk, angry with Icy Hot-acting as if Deku was more of a threat than he was. He needed to fight to prove himself, and he’d take down anyone in his way. Even if it was you. 

He threw an open palm towards you, a large exploding firing that you couldn’t dodge went straight towards your face. Thankfully you weren’t sent flying back, your quick thinking allowing you to extend your light as a brace to hold you steady at the impact, mentally thanking Todoroki for the move.

Since you were able to steady yourself, along with having the cover of the smoke, countering was a move Bakugou clearly didn’t expect as you lunged forward and landed a punch against his cheek.

“That was a solid hit little miss Hakamata delivered!”

The moment your fist connected you saw the look on his face; that glare and that feral grin of his as it spread across his lips.

“FUCKING DIE!”

His shout accompanied a larger, more forceful explosion, this time successfully knocking you back. You rolled along the ground, quickly picking yourself up as you sent multiple beams of light yourself to counter his explosions. They were hindering your aim, knocking into each other and effectively missing him. 

It was all too frustrating.

You thought of a way you could beat him, but to do so you’d be taking an even bigger risk than you did with Tokoyami. At least in that battle, you were pretty darn sure your light would do the trick. You tried a move, a calculated risk, and it all fell into place thankfully. This time however, you had one chance and if you screwed up; it’d be all over. 

If there was a way to maneuver him closer to the edge, you could rush at him with your light speed and hit him with a giant blast of light to knock him over the edge. 

All you needed to do was get him to step out of bounds, you could do this. 

Throughout your thinking, you had been countering Bakugou’s explosions, and vice versa with him flinging explosions your way to counteract your light. It was getting easier to see his power growing, the more sweat he was able to produce was giving him that boost. While in turn, your body only began to grow even warmer, uncomfortably so. You wanted nothing more than to rip off the new jacket you put on, to cool off in some way, but you were unable. 

This battle was going on for too long, and you couldn’t risk it continuing, so you slowly started to back away and put distance between you two. 

Bakugou didn’t seem to notice, so you hoped, as you made it far enough away to not be so close to the edge but just enough to give you a boost. You grunt, the heat feeling stronger as you let it course through you, glowing once more and rushing at the boy in front of you. 

When you were using your light speed, despite how fast you traveled, you were able to see just about everything around you. The contrast was weird, but it was one you were used to with practice. You were unable to grab or touch anything in this form, since you were practically light yourself, so to be able to get Bakugou out of the ring you had to quickly go back to your original state. 

Doing so, you only had a split second to see Bakugou’s eyes widen as you used your body to ram into his chest. You hear him gasp out, the force of you slamming into him causing the breath to escape from his lungs, as he was sent flying back. 

Your hands on his chest draw light, extending it to help you further, sending you both in opposite directions; instead of following him out of the ring, you fall backwards as he skids across the ground and flies through the air towards the ground.

‘This is it,’ you think to yourself, watching him fall. 

The smile on your face was immediately wiped away as you saw how Bakugou twisted in the air, arms pointed down towards the ground as he used his quirk to propel himself upwards. You try to stand, pushing away your dizzy spell as you try to send more light beams to get him off course and have him fall. 

It was no good. 

Katsuki used his quirk to rush you this time, just as you did him, and sent wave after wave of explosions your way while still in the air. Just like that it was over, the force of his quirk knocked you off, the heat only making your head spin as you fell onto the ground off the arena.

Your body was hot, it was aching, and you were trying to breath but found it difficult to do so-you reached your limit. Two big moves in one day was too much for you to handle, and you saw black in the corner of your eyes. 

The stadium was silent for a moment, Midnight’s voice being the last thing you heard before your eyes fluttered closed.

“Hakamata is out of bounds, Bakugou is the winner!”

[asthmark]

❝ lucky ❞, z.c

pairing → chenle, reader

genre → fluff, angst? a lil??

word count → 3.1k (woah!!)

summary → "you just deserve… so much more than that. do you realize how true that must be for a boy you just met today to see it?"

a/n → this is 1000% inspired by this pic that dropped yesterday like.....chenle looked so good it reminded me why i bias him!!!! anyway i kind of like this it has rich chenle and daddy issues thats all xoxo (also i did not proofread like at all so if theres any typos it was taeil's fault lol)

everyone in the room is utterly unbearable.

you understand it's rude to think so but you're sure that if you were to tell any of them this they would instantly agree with you. of course, you would never do that. because you're a ceo's daughter; you're not allowed to have an opinion that would make you look imprudent, rude or anything less of perfect.

so what do you do? you smile. you make small talk. you try your best to ignore your sore feet that are confined in your pumps and the way your dress rides up your butt. your lack of manners could not and would not be the reason your father missed out on any chance to make some more money. he made that very clear to you. after all, the only reason he dragged you along to all these house parties was so you could make make a stellar impression. he wanted all the businessmen in the room to remember mr. l/n and his charming young daughter when they got in their limousines and drove back home so that they'd remember when they discussed mergers and new projects.

you were never comfortable with the idea of your father essentially using you as some sort of accessory but you sometimes went days on end without seeing him so you took what time you could get. of course, helping him build his empire and boost his reputation wasn't your preferred daddy-daughter activity but you would never tell him that. it would just cause problems in your already rocky relationship and you certainly didn't need that.

"y/n." speak of the devil. "why don't you make conversation with the other guests? or better yet, come talk to these investors. i'm sure they'd love to meet you."

you know exactly what your father means by that so you try to find a reason to decline. anything would be better than watching him suck up to anyone with deep pockets and try to get you to do the same. "um." you repress a relieved sigh when you catch sight of yuna entering and handing her coat to a housekeeper. "actually i see my friend over there. i think i'll just go talk to her."

he frowns and you realize his face seems to be permanently stuck like that when he was around you. you can't remember the last time you'd seen an authentic smile from him. you suppose that was reserved for when he was trying to seal a deal.

"just behave yourself," he says. he leans into your ear. "remember, people are watching."

then he's gone, leaving you standing alone for a split second before yuna comes and takes his place.

"hey!" she draws out the word for dramatic effect.

"hi," you respond, your greeting lacking the enthusiasm hers held. she wasn't your favorite person but it was nice to talk to someone who wasn't observing your every move. it gave you a break from the ridiculous standards everyone else seemed to hold you to.

she brushes her bangs out of her eyes as she sized you up. "ooh, i love your heels! how much?"

"like 15 bucks." her jaw drops and you can't help but giggle. "yeah, i bought them at a thrift store. just don't tell my dad."

she grins. "wow, i always thought thrifting was for poor people but i just might have to check it out now."

that was the thing about yuna. she was stupid rich and she wouldn't have it any other way. she loved designer brands and houses so big you could get lost in them. you didn't blame her for any of that but it was the fact that she didn't mind the stuffy dinner parties and being shown off that was a little puzzling to you. unlike you, she had perfected her fake laugh and polite small talk long ago and sometimes you wondered if she really did care about all these companies and powerful men. but you know that as long as she gets to wear her thousand dollar dresses and go home to her cozy mansion, she'll be happy. she did what it took to keep her lavish lifestyle and was a little too materialistic for your liking and you guess that's where you and her are different.

you finally answer her. "yeah, definitely. it's a lot of fun."

her eyes light up. "we should go together one of these days!"

your silence is definitely too long but thankfully, yuna doesn't notice. her short attention span had caused her to focus on something else—more specifically, someone.

"oh my god," she says. "who is that?"

a boy who looks around your age has appeared, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a suit. the older man is more put together by far but you still can't help but stare at who you assume to be his son. he's wearing a black jacket on top of a striped shirt and you notice that chains hang from his neck. a belt holds up a pair of dark and tight pants. and, god, is he wearing converse?

you can't help but crack a smile at that. you envy his comfortable look; you would trade all the chanel and prada in the world just to wear a t-shirt and pair of sneakers and not have everyone in the room judge you for it. but his outfit isn't the only thing you admire. he must have crazy amounts of confidence to show up looking like he does when being surrounded by so many managers, executives, and company heads. you can only imagine what they're thinking and yet, the boy didn't seem to care or look uncomfortable in the slightest. in fact, he seems oddly at ease, his eyes scanning the room. at one point his eyes sweep over you and you lock eyes.

you watch as he brushes his bangs out of his face, almost like he's trying to get a better look at you. you only stare back, shifting your weight from one leg to the other. he offers you a half smile, his eyes squinting slightly and cheeks growing. you can't help but smile back, noticing just how the stranger's had an adorable baby face.

he looks away when he notices his father gravitating towards a group of businessmen and follows him. you almost wonder if he was in the same position as you were, if he was nothing but a poster child who was shown off at every event and party there was. then you notice how his father holds him tightly and smiles widely—genuinely—when he introduces him to others.

your father never did that. he wouldn't let you wear clothes like that either. you could only assume that this boy and his father were different from the rest of you. maybe they sat down and had dinner together everyday? talked to each other about their day? you almost throw the idea out of your head completely because it seems just too foreign to you.

"oh my god," yuna says. that seemed to be her favorite phrase. "i've never seen them before. what do you think they're doing here?"

you shrug. "maybe they're new to town?"

she hums. you both stay silent, observing the pair before yuna seems to grow impatient. "well i'm gonna go meet them. i can't handle being out of the loop. wanna come?"

you say agree. you feel obligated to. for the first time in forever you're actually interested in something at one of these dull parties, you're not going to stand around and just watch.

you approach the newcomers, both your fathers and a couple other businessmen conversing with them. you wonder if they've already asked them how much they're worth or if they had the decency to wait a minute before sticking their noses in their business. but, you knew how people like them operated; decency was way too much to ask.

"hi daddy!" yuna enters the conversation swiftly.

"hi, sweetheart," her father responds, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "this is my precious daughter, mr. zhong." he turns to yuna. "he and his son are visiting us all the way from our china branch. yuna, introduce yourself."

she doesn't need to be told twice. "hello, i'm yuna. i'm 17 years old and i'm studying at daewon preparatory. we're glad to have you here.it's a pleasure to meet you both."

mr. zhong smiles fondly at her. "the pleasure is all mine, young lady. what a beautiful daughter you have, mr. shin. she seems very capable."

yuna's father pulls her close to him, smiling at mr. zhong then her. "she sure is." you catch the subtle wink he throws her way, a silent 'good job' for that cute little introduction she did which was sure to score them some popularity points with the zhongs.

your father pulls you close to him and wraps an arm around your figure. both mr. zhong and mr. shin seem to be quite the fans of physical contact and although your father was not, you know that if that's what it took to make a good impression, he would become one, at least for the night.

"this is my daughter, mr. zhong." he turns to you and you take it as a cue to say something.

"hello, mr. zhong. i'm y/n." your introduction ends there and you feel your dad's grip on your arm tighten, indicating how unsatisfied he was with your brief answer.

you catch mr. zhong's son smile for the second time that night. although there is no mysterious eye contact this time, just a cute boy probably making fun of your lame introduction.

"well, how old are you, y/n?" mr. zhong asks, making conversation for you.

"i'm eighteen."

"oh, so is my son! isn't that right, chenle?"

his son—chenle—nods.

"well, i think we should leave the children to become acquainted. what do you think, gentlemen?"

everyone seems to agree. then, all that's left is the three of you.

to your surprise, chenle speaks first and it's a reintroduction. "i'm chenle."

you copy him. "i'm y/n."

"and i'm yuna. so, you're from china right?" she doesn't give him a chance to respond. "i read that there are over four million millionaires there. are you one of them?"

he furrows his brows and you can't help but sigh at yuna's question. she was fixed on the money aspect of things, as usual.

"i guess," he says, giving it little thought.

she practically squeals. "you're probably one of the youngest in the country! have you ever thought about that?"

"not really. i don't really like to think about money or these companies or big shot business dudes or any of that," he says, bluntly. "i mean, it would just make me feel more privileged than i already am. besides, it's all just a big headache. i'll leave it for the old man."

yuna's face falls and you hold in a laugh.

you finally chime in. "you know what, i have to agree. so much money can drive a person crazy. sometimes it even goes straight to their heads."

chenle can't hold back his amused snort. both him and yuna know exactly who you're referring to.

she wastes no time defending herself.  "but, with reason y/n. to be fair, only 1% of millionaires are under 35 and here i am at 16."

you restrain yourself from scoffing. "well i'm sure the other 99% of the population doesn't get things handed to them on a silver platter by their daddy, yuna."

she stares you down, her huge, hazel eyes never leaving your e/c ones. "i think it'd be best if i excused myself. i'm going to go find my father, if you both don't mind."

"not at all," chenle mumbles as you both watch her stomp away.

you exhale loudly. "i knew i was gonna snap one of these days."

"well, if you didn't i would have," chenle responds.

"frankly, i don't regret a thing," you say, turning back to his smiling face.

"mm, and what if she tells daddy?" he inquires, folding his arms.

you playfully raise a brow. "i'll have you know, i'm one of the 1% of millionaires that are under 35, i think i have the advantage."  

he giggles. "oh god, that was unbelievable. where did she even get those numbers from?"

"i have no idea but it was just… painful to watch. i'm gonna need a breath of fresh air after that."

he nods in agreement and you both walk towards the nearby balcony.  you step outside, the breeze whipping your hair all over the place and leaving goosebumps on your skin.

"you know," he begins before silence can settle upon you two for too long. "i was really hoping there would be someone around my age here tonight. and i don't know if you usually come to these things or if you don't but either way, i am so glad you're here."

this comment reminds you of the way he had stared you down upon arriving and it makes your face feel a little warm despite the cool air of the night. "'cause i'm the only thing standing between you and a wonderful night with yuna."  

"oh i'm sure it would've been real wonderful." he gives you a 'yeah right' look. "we couldn't even hang around each other for more than five minutes, i'm positive it would've been a long night."

you nod. "every night with her is. usually she's the only person i end up talking to at these things and let me just say, i think she's more money-hungry than all the men in there combined."

chenle whistles, lowly. "combined? that's dangerous."

"yeah, she takes after daddy," you mutter, picking at your nail polish that has begun to peel.

"what a relief you don't," he says. "or else i think i would have thrown myself off this balcony by now."

"well, you don't have to worry about that. you and i are on the same boat. money doesn't interest me all that much. definitely not to that extent."

"what does interest you?" chenle asks, turning his attention to you instead of the city lights in the distance.

you shrug. "i haven't figured it out yet. i'm too busy trying to be perfect. and i have a long way to go. just ask my dad, he seems to have really strong opinions on the matter."

"oh, i get it," he says. "you're so focused on being the perfect daughter that you haven't figured out what's going on in there." he wiggles his finger around your forehead.

"i just… want to make him happy. i want to see him smile because of me. even if 'me' is that daughter he expects me to be. i'm okay with being her. i'll take it."

chenle furrows his eyebrows and suddenly he doesn't seem to get it anymore. "you really... become an entirely different person? just for him? i mean, you seem like a good daughter. i don't understand that, y/n."

"and you won't understand, chenle," you respond. "because your dad loves you. he lets you wear your edgy clothes to business parties and doesn't worry about what everyone else is gonna think. he doesn't worry about first impressions, he doesn't force you to become someone else for strangers. he doesn't put any business deal above you. he doesn't chose his job over you, chenle and that's great. i'm so happy that's not the case with you. but it is for me. and when you know that the only time your dad is going to want anything to do with you is when you can help him make a quick buck or good impression, you resort to facades and doing anything you can to make him appreciate you. just a little."

chenle's arms envelop your shivering figure before you can say another word. his hands run up and down your arms and his chin rests atop your head. he inhales deeply, taking in your wonderful scent. he knows it's probably some off the wall expensive perfume.

"i'm so sorry, y/n," he mumbles into your coconut scented locks. "i'm sorry that you have to do that and that i won't ever be able to understand it. you just deserve… so much more than that. do you realize how true that must be for a boy you just met today to see it? and it breaks my heart that your own father doesn't because you really shouldn't have to suffer through that. he doesn't have his priorities straight but that shouldn't be an excuse for him to neglect his own daughter." he detaches from you so he can look directly into your glossy eyes, holding you at an arm's length away.  "and he has no idea what he's missing out on, y/n. you're so headstrong, so humble and so much more than just a pretty face or someone's daughter. and if he can't treat you like the incredible individual you are then...." he exhales and you catch his breath blow in the air. "then please let me."

your bottom lip is quivering. you had never heard such nice words. and you don't have the slightest idea what he means by that last bit but you still nod and jump right back into his arms. because you have decided that's where you feel safest. where you can be yourself, freely and unapologetically.

"the second i walked in this place, i hated it," he mumbles and a laugh escapes your lips. "but then i saw you. and it got a little better. then i met you. and it got a lot better. we just met but i already can't seem to get enough of you, y/n." he chuckles as if he can't believe it himself. "you must be something really special. and i have the privilege of seeing that."

you move away from his chest and look up at him. your hands thread through his tufts of hair that match the darkness of the night sky. his hands stay planted firmly at his waist. you feel like he has no intention of letting go. you would be lying if you said you did either. and neither of you seem to have a problem with it.

"i can't wait for you to finally feel what it's like to be treated how you deserve. and i can't wait to be the guy to show you. i am so, so lucky."

you smile, your teeth on display. "i'm actually so glad i came tonight. that is definitely a first."

he laughs. "speaking of firsts..." he trails off, shyly.

you raise a brow, just to tease him a bit. "what are you getting at, mr. zhong?"

he knows you're joking yet his heart pounds as he leans in and asks for permission to kiss you. "may i, ms. l/n?"

"you may," you respond, meeting him halfway.

[hopesangelsprite]

Sin City | KSJ (1/?)

Pairing: Demon!Receptionist!Seokjin x Reader

Summary: In a world were angels and demons co-exist with humans, an angel meets the most beautiful yet dangerous demon in the world... her brother’s bestfriend. (Slight crack tbh)

There were three kinds of people in this world:

Angels. Demons. And Humans.

Angels were pure-hearted, kind souls who spent their days bringing joy and purpose to peoples’ lives. They were generous and caring, but, most importantly, they were accepting. No matter who or what you were, they didn’t care. They loved you all the same.

Demons, however, were opposites of Angels. They were known for causing mischief and discord. The nights and shadowy places were where they thrived the most. They were top-notch manipulators, whispering lies and truths here and there. Making it impossible to tell which was which.

Humans were just… in between. They were neither good nor bad. They could be moral when they wanted to be, but if they wanted something and you stood in their way, they proved to be incredibly ruthless. The lives of Humans tended to be influenced by the people they lived with. A Human, who was around more angelic folk, was more compassionate and benign. Humans who held the company of the more demonic sort were mostly cruel and malevolent.

Cadence King was born a pureblooded Angel to Nicolai and Charity King during the Winter Solstice of 2002. Unlike her dark-haired and brown-eyed parents, she had snow-white curls and mismatched blue and green eyes. Her mother, who had been told that she was physically incapable of bearing a child and thought that her caring Cadence was a miracle from Heaven above, was ecstatic when she held her tiny baby girl for the first time. The couple vowed to raise her as lovingly as they possibly could.

And they did… until a fateful summers night in Daegu stole them away from this world. Mr. and Mrs. King had been killed in a mugging, leaving poor little Cadence orphaned and alone on the night of her fifth birthday. There were no living relatives to take her in, so she was placed into foster care with the Min family.

The Mins were a four people family that consisted of Mr. Min, Mrs. Min, and their sons, Junki and Yoongi. Although the Mins were Demons, they accepted Cadence into their family and treated her like she was their own. Junki and Yoongi, who were 17 and 15 at the time, watched over her as overprotective brothers tend to do. They taught her all kinds of Martial Arts and made sure that she was able to defend herself when it was time for them to leave for college a few years later.

Mr. and Mrs. Min focused all of their time and resources on Cadence’s training and studies after their youngest son, Yoongi, left to study music in the city. They raised her to be a responsible and thoughtful child. She was obedient, kind, and beloved by all who knew her. As she grew older, she remained well-mannered and intelligent. Soon, it would be time for her to leave home just as her brothers before her had.

* TIME SKIP TO PRESENT DAY / THE REST OF THE STORY WILL BE IN CADENCE’S POV *

I stared out the train’s large window in boredom. Trees and meadows passed by in green blurs as we zoomed through the countryside. Earlier this morning, my mother and father had helped me finish packing my suitcases and put me on the train with sweet goodbye, from my mom, and a stern ‘be careful’, from my dad. I had finally turned 18 a week ago, and mom and dad made a phone call to Yoongi asking if I would be able to stay with him in Seoul. He’d agreed and now I was 15 minutes away from seeing the brother I hadn’t seen in 10 years. Yoongi had left on bad terms and he promised to stay away until he was ready to come home. Yoongi was always good at keeping his promises.

I sighed before unlocking my phone and checking my recent messages. As usual, they were filled with threats from my crazy ex I’d dated when I was 16. It started pretty well until he hit me. He promised he’d never do it again, but he did over and over and over again. After the eighth time, I left him for good and told him that if he ever came near again, he’d have my brothers to deal with. He stayed away physically but continued to threaten me to come back to him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll be arriving at Seoul National Station in five minutes. I repeat, five minutes.”, the voice of the elderly conductor informed from above. As if on cue, a message from Yoongi came through saying that he wouldn’t be picking me up because of his daily 3:45 nap. I rolled my eyes and began readying myself for the exit soon to come.

Within the next ten minutes, I was in a cab on my way to Yoongi’s. The city of Seoul was beautiful and diverse in many ways. Groups of Angels, Demons, and Humans socialized amongst each other peacefully. Street performers attracted cheering crowds and healthy tips. Food trucks and venues filled areas with delicious smells and dishes. A small bit of happiness filled my chest. This was my new home!

Soon the cab stopped at a luxury condo in the heart of the city. After paying my fare, I collected my things and made my way inside. At the front desk, a beautiful receptionist sat quietly clicking on the keys of his keyboard. I walked to the desk causing him to lift his head and display a million-dollar smile. “Hello, love. Welcome to Seoul Condominiums, how may I help you today?”, he inquired in a velvety voice. “Hi… Seokjin! I-I’m here to see my brother Min Yoongi.”, I responded softly after reading his nametag receiving a nod from him.

He picked up a sleek black phone from the desk and, after punching in a few numbers, put it to his ear. After a short wait, he spoke into the phone. “Hello, Mr. Min!... Your sister is here to see you. Shall I send her up?... Of course, Mr. Min.”, he spoke. Giving me a bright smile, he put the phone back and smiled. “Up you go, love. He’s in suite 777.”, he informed before helping me into the elevator. After a short ride, I found myself in front of a door that had the number ‘777’ in beautiful gold font displayed on it. I knocked but received no answer. I raised my hand to knock again, but as soon as my fist collided with the door, it slightly opened.

I frowned in confusion and worry before opening it fully and dragging my luggage in. I looked around in the beautifully furnished condo, hoping to catch a glimpse of my older brother. “Hello? Yoongi? Where are you?!”, I called out whilst taking a step forward. The hairs on my neck stood to attention and adrenaline filled my veins. I quickly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding being tackled by a dark hooded figure. I dropped to the ground and put my knee on the person’s chest before unmasking them.

Underneath me laid a very pale and very proud male. “Looks like you maintained your training pretty well, little one.”, Yoongi drawled out in a voice that I didn’t recognize. I stood and assisted him in getting to his feet before taking his face in my hands. I gazed at the boy who used to have chubby cheeks and horrible acne. Now his face was strong and defined with pale, clear skin. He was a bit taller, too.

“Who are you and what have you done with my Yoonie?”, I asked with a soft smile. He chuckled before pulling me into a warm hug. “I missed you too, little one.”, he cooed. I sighed with content before pulling away smacking his arm and glaring. “Don’t ever try to scare me again. I could’ve hurt you, bro.”, I demanded causing him to chuckle and roll his eyes.

After picking up my luggage for me and leading to my new room, Yoongi helped me unpack my stuff. It went relatively fast mostly because I didn’t have a lot of stuff. I sat on my bed and looked around. The room was twice as large as my old bedroom with a connecting bathroom. Yoongi had had it painted baby blue, and he’d personally hung little cotton clouds from the ceiling that glowed a soft blue. He’d gotten me a large California King canopy bed with white curtains and a blue bed set to match the walls. He’d even installed Tik Tok lights!

“You did this all on your own?”, I asked. He nodded and sat in the hanging egg chair across from my bed. “I had a little help from a friend with choosing the color scheme, but it was mostly me. I don’t know if mom and dad told you this, but I’m gonna spoil the hell out of you here. Just a small warning before.”, he spoke proudly. I chuckled and nodded.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, “Come out, you sleepy bastard! I brought you food that I slaved over, so you better be hungry.”. Yoongi stood and pulled me up afterward before dragging me into the spacious living area. There stood the handsome receptionist from earlier. Instead of his work attire, he was dressed in black ripped jeans and a pastel pink button up. His hair had changed, too. The blonde tresses had been transformed from a sleek and elegant look to messy bangs that screamed danger.

Upon our entrance, he glared at Yoongi. “There you are! Boy, do I have words for you. Did you make your sister carry all that heavy shit from the train station?! I know damn good and well I raised a gentleman and most definitely not a fool!”, he raved angrily. Yoongi muttered something along the lines of ‘loud-mouth ass’ causing the blonde to pause his rant and look at Yoongi with wild and incredulous eyes. “Did… did you just BACKTALK ME?!! AH HELL NAH! UH UH! NO! NOT TODAY! I’M FINNA WHOOP YO ASS RIGHT NOW!!!”, he snapped before setting the bags down and lunging at my brother.

I stepped aside and watched as he put my brother in a chokehold whilst pulling his hair. “Cadence! Help! Me!”, Yoongi managed to choke out causing his attacker to look around until his eyes met mine. He paused before dropping my brother and approaching me. “I’m so sorry you had to witness that, love! I’m Seokjin, by the way. Welcome to Sin City on behalf of me! Let’s have lunch together sometime!”, he spoke before reaching down to grasp my hand before pressing a kiss to it.

What the actual fuck had I gotten myself into?

(A/N):

Should I turn this into a series? Lemme know if I should!! Please like, share, and comment your thoughts!

[urimaginespimp]

Michael Gray: Better Man pt 13

When Ada was successfully out of the apartment probably giving herself a pat on the back, Olivia and Michael were left still in the living room, just trying to wait and see who'd ask whom first.

"So..." Olivia started.

"Are we sharing my room or yours?" Michael asked. He didn't even sound hesitant to ask.

"I uh... was thinking that maybe whose room would Ada take would just sleep here on the living room couch." Her cheeks were getting hot again.

"Nonsense, Livy. It's not like we've never shared a bed before." He chuckled.

"W-we were dating then!" She objected, trying to hide how what he said made her insides turn.

"And? There were instances that we'd only sleep the entire night." Michael crossed his arms together, amused at her reactions.

"Let's just talk about this on our way to the office." She stated, now walking towards her coat.

Today was a cold day. The two of them were now walking side by side to the office, with hands in their coat pockets.

They passed by an elderly lady who was trying to open her apartment door, while carrying a bag of fruits.

Michael being the gentleman that he is, approached to help. After helping her place them down on her kitchen table, she turned to him.

"Oh, thank you so much, dear. It's so rare to have gentlemen like you in New York these days."

"Well I'm not from here ma'am. And it's no problem." He smiled at her.

"You're a handsome young man." She commented, and tilted her head to look at Olivia standing by her doorway. "And you have a lovely wife."

"Oh no ma'am, that's Olivia." He turned to her, and she offered the lady a smile. Facing the old lady again, he whispered "She's not my wife yet" with a wink, which made her giggle.

"Well, I don't want to keep you long from wherever you two have planned. Thank you again, dear. It was nice meeting the two of you."

After exchanging goodbyes to the nice lady, they were both out on the streets again, and Olivia was giving Michael a questioning look.

"Flowers for your thoughts?" He asked her.

"What did you say that made her giggle so much?"

"Livy, you can't be jealous of a sweet old lady, right?" He teased her, laughing. Earning a slap on his arm.

"In your dreams, Michael.'" She defended.

"Well it's a secret between the sweet lady and I."

She scoffed. "You don't even know each other's her names."

"Nope. But she knows yours." He grinned.

Arriving in front her office, she turned to him when he didn't get inside.

"Are you just going to stand there and wait for other ladies to share secrets to?"

He laughed at what she said. "No, but I am going to get something first. I'll be right back." he told her, and she nodded in response.

Olivia was already halfway through her paperwork when Michael came back, with his right arm behind him, seeming to be holding something.

"Here." And when he finally presented to her what he went out to get, she was faced with a bunch of apple blossom flowers, wrapped with garden ties.

"Is that for me?" She was almost embarrassed to ask.

"Well I did tell you I'd give you flowers for your thoughts earlier." He gave her a full-blown smile.

"Sneaky. Where'd you even get them?" she smiled, taking it from him to admire.

"I took it from someone's garden." He casually answered.

"You stole this???"

"I was going to, but the man who owned them caught me, and when I told him who they're for, he helped me cut them."

"What did you tell him?"

--------

"Young man, giving someone apple blossoms mean that you prefer them before all. So, if you're going to get them to someone you'd treat as temporary, I'd consider this as stealing."

A large man was on his doorway, looking at him while he was holding three flowers on his left hand, while the right was on the process of picking another one.

"I know that sir, which is why I chose this particular kind. The flower shop nearby didn't have 'em. And I really want to give them to the woman I'm pursuing again."

"Again?" The man furrowed his brows, intrigued at what he said.

"I was younger then and did some stupid things."

"Well alright, I'll get my clippers and ties."

--------

"Oh, that it was for a sweet old lady." he lied, shrugging. "Anyway, I've been thinking about the Ada situation."

"I'm listening" she answered, still admiring the flowers.

"How about this... " Michael said, seeming to be in deep thought. "Ada said she'd be home by the time we're back at the apartment, right?"

"Yeah, what about it then?"

"Let's place bets on what time do we think she'd actually get back. Winner gets to keep their room, and decide where the loser sleeps." He suggested.

Olivia was thinking about his proposition. And since Ada is her best friend, she knows her damn well that she'd probably be back before dinner. She's used to Tommy making her go home early. This brought a smile to her lips.

"Okay. If I win, you sleep downstairs on the couch. I'd say she'll be back by six." She declared confidently.

Michael grinned and nodded at her. "I'd take my chances on her arriving at seven. And if I win, we sleep in my room, my bed."

And they shook on it.

--------

Both of them were now back at the apartment, sitting across from each other in the kitchen, just staring at each other and listening to the clock tick.

"It's 6:55" Michael smirked at her.

"That 5 minutes is longer than you think, Michael." She cocked an eyebrow at him, but deep inside she was begging for Ada to hurry the fuck up.

A few minutes more of just staring, Michael stood up from his seat.

"Where are you going?" She asked, an eyebrow raised at him.

"Well I figured I might as well just tidy up my room by now." He turned to leave and head upstairs.

She checked the clock: 6:58pm

Groaning, she stood up to head to her room and get the stuff she needs for the night.

When Ada got back, it was 15 minutes past seven.

"Where the hell were you? I was worried sick!" Olivia exclaimed to her friend, which was followed by a snort by someone in the background.

"I told you I was sightseeing." Ada shrugged casually.

"Have you eaten?" Michael asked his cousin.

"Yeah I think I had too much food actually." She pats her tummy. "Anyway, have you guys decided yet?"

"Why yes, Ada, we most certainly have." Michael answered, playfulness lacing his voice.

"You're getting my room. And I'm going to have to stay with him." Olivia explained.

"Perfect! Now if you two would excuse me, I'd like to rest now." She grinned at them, just making a quick pause by Olivia, and whispered go get some before giggling like she was in her teens again.

--------

"Come on, Livy, we're just going to sleep." Michael huffed, slightly annoyed and amused at her.

She had been stalling by brushing her hair in-front of his mirror. And it's been fifteen minutes.

Sighing, she placed the brush down and approached the bed.

"By the way, try to keep your hands to yourself, Livy." Michael teased her.

"Oh, you should be worried, Michael. My hands just might find their way up and squeeze your neck." She looked at him with a dead expression, which made him chuckle.

"Now come on, I won't bite." He pulled the covers to let her settle in.

Finally getting under the covers, she was laying straight, just staring up the ceiling. If someone would've told them months ago that they'd get to spend a night together in a bed again, Michael would've literally slapped them with a thick wad of cash, and she would've laughed at their face.

"Are you all settled?" Michael turned to face her.

"Yeah..." She answered, keeping her gaze straight to the ceiling. "Good night, Michael."

"Good night, Livy." he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, making her turn red again.

At least for the past few nights when he did that to her, she could easily just enter her room the moment she turned crimson. But now that he's right next to her, she has never cursed blushing so easily as she did now.

Michael was about to turn the other side to turn off the lamp, when he shook his head and faced her again, this time, resting his head on his hand.

"Alright, I promised Ada I'd talk to you after she leaves, but I guess now's a good time because we both need it, and it's too damn early to sleep."

She finally faced him, and asked "What are you talking about?"

"Look, Livy, it was amusing at first - you getting all red and confused when I do something sweet. But then I realized that this ordeal may be fun, but it won't do us any good if we keep it this way without talking about labels."

"I see..." she replied, not really sure what to say to him.

"So, I'm just going to be upfront about it." And before she could even ask what he was on to, he cupped her cheek with his free hand and said "Your forgiveness isn't the only thing I'm after, Olivia. I want you back." He declared, looking at her.

Her breath hitched at his sudden declaration. "Oh." That was all she could muster.

"Now I just want to know how you'd want me to go about it. Normally I wouldn't ask, but it's you. Would you rather us start over with a clean slate? or keep the history and make up for what I messed up?" He asked, now gently caressing her cheek with his thumb.

She hadn't realized how this was making her emotional until she felt a tear run down her eye. Wiping it with his fingers, she nodded at him. "Fuck starting over, Michael. Out history brought us here, and we both grew from it." She smiled at him.

"Now I don't want you to say it back until you're sure about it, but I love you, Olivia. I know I fucked up in the past, but please believe me when I say that I hadn't stopped doing so. I thought I did, until one day I realized that I hadn't been able to feel the way that I did when you were still there. There were countless attempts from my end to fill that void. But I could never. Not when you were here all along."

She nodded. "Okay, Michael. But let's try not to fuck it up again this time, yeah?" She smiled at him through the tears.

Michael wiped her tears away, and pulled her close to his chest.

They spent the night just holding each other, both thinking about how they've missed things as simple as this, until they finally fell asleep.

[marvelislove10]

Promiscuous

In which Aaron falls in love, Amelia plays ball, and the Tveits get drunk.

Y’all. After about 15 million years on this website I finally discovered how to do “read more” haha. So enjoy a tumblr post version of the next fic! (Although I’ll also post the AO3 link like usual). P.s. totally retconned myself but I could care less. Enjoy!

It was an honest accident.

After being a bit too cavalier with protection once Aaron had received a clean bill of health from the doctors, they endeavored to be more responsible. Things had been going really well. Amelia’s period arrived like clockwork for months.

Until one month before the reopening of Moulin Rouge, it didn’t.

She blamed Tam. He and his wife had taken to inviting Aaron and Amelia over for drinks. One night, one thing lead to another and she and Aaron had wound tangled up together in their bed.

And against their front door.

And on their couch.

Even though they both had been thoroughly intoxicated, she had some pretty vivid memories from that night. The thought of it alone made her toes curl. But two weeks later, her period never came.

Mary had brought them the pregnancy tests and made herself scarce. When they saw the positive sign on the three different tests, she couldn’t deny it any longer. Aaron had actually cried with happiness.

Those were the memories that she tried to remember as she vomited for the second time that morning.

           “Babe.”

Aaron knocked softly against the bathroom door.

           “Yeah?”

           “We gotta go.”

           “Ok. Shit. Hold on.”

Aaron gathered her coat and her purse as she cleaned herself up.

           “Alright, let’s go.”

She put on her coat and threw her purse over her shoulder. He handed her a coffee mug full of ginger ale.

           “Oh bless you.” She said gratefully.

           “Least I can do for the mother of my child.”

She smiled at him and he leaned down to kiss her.

On their way to the theater, Amelia had a million thoughts going through her mind. But it wasn’t until they reached the front door that she froze.

           “It’ll be ok Ames. They’re all going to be over the moon.”

           “I know. It’s just going to make it feel real now that we’re going to tell more people than just our parents.”

He kissed her temple.

           “I get it but we’re in this together.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. She kissed him deeply as heat pooled in her lower body.

           “Amelia.” He cautioned, not wanting to upset her.

           “I know, I know. Sorry. My hormones are all over the place.”

           “Later. I promise. They’ll be mad if we’re late on the first day back.”

She nodded reluctantly but smiled when he pecked her lips. They walked through the halls as they made their way to the auditorium for the meeting with the entire Moulin Rouge team.

           “Shit.” Amelia swore.

Aaron stopped cold.

           “What?! What’s wrong??”

           “Oh sorry Aar. I just realized something.”

She rubbed her chest.

           “What?”

           “Costuming is going to kill me.”

Aaron laughed.

           “Why?”

           “Well aside from the impending baby bump that we’re somehow going to have to hide even though I’m always wearing lingerie, my boobs are already huge.”

He laughed again.

           “Are they really?”

He made no attempt to hide his gaze as he surveyed her chest. She hit him but he just grabbed her forearm so he could pull her closer for a kiss.

           “I thought you said later.” She muttered against his lips.

He harrumphed in discontent.

           “Don’t remind me.”

She giggled.

           “Aaron! Amelia! Welcome back! Are you coming?”

Aaron pecked the crown of her head.

           “Yeah we’re coming.”

They entered the packed auditorium and were greeted loudly by the cast and the rest of the team.

Amelia kissed Aaron’s cheek as she took her seat in the second row while he, understandably, sat in the front.

The meeting was long. They had a lot to catch up on, of course. Amelia, thankfully, only had to get up once to be sick. She thought that hadn’t distracted anyone but when she broke out the somewhat illicit saltines that definitely drew attention to her.

           “Does anyone have any questions?” Alex asked.

Aaron subtly turned his head towards her and she shook her head. She wanted to let everyone ask their relevant questions before she would inevitably blow up the meeting with their announcement.

           “Anyone else?”

Amelia took a deep breath and raised her hand.

           “Yes, Amelia?”

Aaron turned his head so fast that she was afraid he was going to hurt himself. She just smiled at him nervously and he smiled warmly back.

           “I just have an announcement to make.”

Everyone was staring at her and for a split second she was terrified.

           “I uh I’m pregnant. And Aaron’s well he’s the father.” She said nervously.

The initial silence was deafening. She looked at Aaron in alarm fleetingly.

But she had no reason to be nervous as everyone lost their minds with excitement. Before she knew it both she and Aaron were being swallowed by their castmates and the crew.

However, it was Karen who made her laugh hardest. She flicked her in the shoulder after hugging Amelia for a solid five minutes.

           “Ow! What was that for?” She yelled rubbing her smarting arm.

           “Of course Aaron’s the father, you weirdo!”

Amelia died laughing at that.

______________________________________________________________

Amelia was so excited to do this concert series with Aaron. It had been a long time coming. They had talked about it for years but now it had finally come to fruition.

And they were sure as hell going to have fun with it, if the first song was any indication.

           “Ladies and Gentlemen! It is my pleasure to introduce Amelia and Aaron Tveit.”

Amelia followed Aaron out onto the stage, admiring his ass in his tight jeans.

           “Hello everyone! Thank you for coming tonight. We’ve got a great set for you.” Aaron said, waving hello to the crowd.

Aaron tossed Amelia her microphone and she caught it gracefully.

           “This song is 100% unorthodox but it’s after dark and I think we all deserve to have a little fun. That’s what music’s all about anyway right?”

The crowd cheered and Amelia walked over to Aaron. She pressed her back firmly against Aaron’s front. He wrapped his free hand around her hips while the other held his mic.

           “Am I throwing you off?” She asked.

           “Nope.”

She smirked at him.

           “Didn’t think so.”

           “How you doin’ young lady? That feeling that you giving really drives me crazy. You don’t have a play about the joke. I was at a loss for words first time that we spoke.”

Amelia not so subtly ground her body against his as she moved to the strong beat of the song.

           “You lookin for a girl that’ll treat you right? You lookin for her in the daytime with the light?”

Aaron’s hand left her hip and drifted across her body seductively, making her shiver.

           “You might be the type if I play my cards right. I’ll find out by the end of the night.”

She spun out of Aaron’s hold, grinning widely at him. This was fun.

           “You expect me to just let you hit it?” She pointed to him as she sang, a faux offended look on her face.

           “But will you still respect me if you get it?”

Aaron snagged her free left hand as he teased with the next few lines.

           “All I can do is try, gimme one chance. What’s the problem?”

He partially leaned down toward her as he sang the next line.

           “I don’t see no ring on your hand.”

She couldn’t help but laugh when he leaned down and kissed the rings that adorned her finger.

           “I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m curious about you, you seem so innocent.”

She separated herself from him after he had kissed her and danced off to the side on her own for a moment while he sang before turning back to Aaron.

           “You wanna get in my world, get lost in it?” She asked, cocking her head.

           “Boy, I’m tired of runnin’, let’s walk for a minute.”

She crooked her finger, beckoning him to her. He crossed the stage in a few strides which allowed them to sing together.

           “Promiscuous girl, wherever you are. I’m all alone, and it’s you that I want.”

           “Promiscuous boy, you already know. That I’m all yours, what you waiting for?”

Aaron stepped up to her as he sang the next line.

           “Promiscuous girl, you’re teasin’ me.”

He dragged his pointer finger from her temple and down her cheek, his eyes darkening as he did so. He took hold of her chin in his hand as he sang his last line.

           “You know what I want, and I got what you need.”

           “Promiscuous boy, let’s get to the point. Cause we’re on a roll, you ready?”

She spun away from Aaron to face the crowd as they kept singing the song. Aaron was a decent dancer but Amelia was better so periodically throughout the song she found herself dancing alone much to Aaron’s amusement.

It was certainly a bit of a dirty song to open with but they found they didn’t really care. They just enjoyed flirting and performing with each other. It was fun to tease each other and the audience.

They neared the end of the song and found themselves in much the same position that they had started in.

Aaron held a hand out to her as he sang which she took.

           “Promiscuous girl, wherever you are. I’m all alone, and it’s you that I want.”

Aaron reeled her in slowly as she sang back, a lewd look on his face as he did so.

           “Promiscuous boy, I’m callin’ ya name. But you’re drivin me crazy the way you’re makin’ me wait.

“Promiscuous girl, you’re teasin’ me. You know what I want, and I got what you need.”

“Promiscuous boy, you’re one and the same. So we don’t gotta play games no more.”

Amelia sang the outro with her bottom firmly pressed against Aaron’s front. He had to keep his eyes firmly trained on the crowd instead of looking straight down his wife’s top.

He knew she could tell that he was struggling because she was looking up at him coquettishly through her eye lashes. He wanted to kiss the look right off her face.

Aaron cleared his throat noticeably.

           “Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to our show.”

______________________________________________________________

Amelia was tucked firmly into Aaron’s side, his arm slung over her shoulder as she chatted with Karen, who was sitting in a chair beside her, at the loud bar.

They had all taken a much needed night off and went to the bar after the show to blow off some steam. Amelia was only a few drinks away from feeling the need to dance which would inevitably involve dragging a reluctant Aaron with her. Granted she knew most of his reluctance was just for show, she just loved to tease him for being a stick in the mud. Really, he was the life of the party just as much as she was.

Every so often he would twist his fingers into the bottom of her braid and pull. The subtle PDA made her warm from head to toe. In response, she would snuggle her body closer into his side.

Amelia continued to chat with Karen as Aaron finished his beer.

           “Oh.” He winced.

She turned to him in concern.

           “Babe?”

           “I’m fine. I just really need the bathroom now.”

She pouted at the thought of having to move from beneath his hold but slide out of the booth anyway.

           “Well since I’m up, anyone want another drink?”

The assembled cast all but screamed at her.

           “Oh my God. One at a time.”

           “Shots!” Danny yelled.

           “Shots?”

All of the yelling seemed to be in agreement with the suggestion.

           “Ok. Two rounds?”

Everyone yelled at her again.

           “Oh my God. Stop screaming! Y’all are impossible.” She said, clearly teasing.

Karen just shoved her away and toward the direction of the bar. Amelia worked her way through the crowd and finally made it to the front.

           “Hey, can I order two rounds of shots for the big group in the corner.”

The bartender acknowledged her request, taking down how many shots they would need and asking what type of alcohol they wanted.

           “Ok you’re all set.”

           “Cool. You can put it on the Tveit tab.”

           “Aaron?”

           “Yeah.”

           “Ok we’ll bring them over to you all.”

           “Thanks!”

Amelia made her way back to their group and found that somehow the bar was more packed than when she had left.

She was finally able to see over the throng of people and spotted her castmates. She was a tiny person so that was no mean feat. She was only a few steps away when suddenly someone grabbed her ass.

She spun around expecting to see Aaron and was deeply alarmed when a stranger was staring lewdly at her.

           “Hey! What the hell was that?” She yelled indignantly.

           “Just trying to get your attention sexy.”

Amelia’s skin crawled at the comment.

           “By grabbing my ass?”

She heard her castmates quiet behind her as she continued to raise her voice.

The guy tried to snag Amelia around the waist and she took several steps back.

           “She’s married arsehole.” Tam yelled.

She looked over to see the entire cast watching the situation with concern.

           “What was that?”

           “He said, I’m married asshole.” She said, irritated.

She shouldn’t have bothered but she held out her left hand anyway, brandishing her engagement and wedding rings in the man’s face.

           “Well I don’t see him anywhere.”

           “Dude. Seriously. Take a fucking hint.”

           “Excuse me?” The man said.

She could see the anger crossing his face.

           “I said take the fucking hint. I’m not interested.”

           “Amelia?”

She had never been so happy to hear Aaron’s voice in her life. She may be a fairly independent person but that didn’t change the fact that this asshole was at least 10 inches taller than her.

           “Hey Babe.” She said, trying to maintain a calm tone.

Aaron not so subtly stepped in front of her, separating her from the jerk. Amelia rolled her eyes as the guy puffed up his chest. He wasn’t even cute.

           “Can I help you?” Aaron asked with an eyebrow raised.

           “We were just talking man.”

Aaron didn’t hide his skepticism well. She slipped a hand into Aaron’s and tugged against him gently.

           “Aar. C’mon.”

He turned around slowly and faced their assembled group. He grabbed her hand tighter and pulled her towards their table.

           “Have a good night asshole.” She said as she flipped him off.

           “You don’t talk to me that way, bitch.”

Amelia should have calmed down and thought this through. But she didn’t. She just reacted.

           “Excuse me?” She yelled, deeply offended.

She didn’t even see the punch coming. One second it was ok and the next her head was snapping back with the force of the blow.

Chaos erupted around her as she stumbled and then tripped towards the ground. Aaron sprung on the jerk, wasting no time in throwing a punch back to defend his wife.

           “Aaron! No. Don’t!” She yelled.

She tried to stand to keep Aaron from beating the shit out of the guy but swayed.

           “Woah.”

           “Hey, hey. We got you.”

Karen flocked to Amelia’s side and pulled her away from the scrum. Tam and Ricky meanwhile were flying in as she saw Aaron throwing punches at the guy.

           “Wait-Aaron. He can’t get arrested.”

           “Tam’s got it. He’ll be fine.”

Karen and Holly hustled Amelia out of the bar.

           “It fucking hurts Karen.” Amelia said close to tears.

           “I know babe.”

Karen was inspecting the blow to Amelia’s head while Holly held up her phone flashlight.

           “I want my husband.” She whimpered.

Now fully removed from the situation, Amelia was just miserable, in pain and a bit drunk.

           “I’m going! I’m going! Dude, Tam! Stop shoving.”

The women looked over to see Tam and Ricky pushing Aaron bodily out of the bar.

           “Where the hell is my wife?”

           “Aaron!” She yelled.

Their eyes connected and he hurried over to her side. Karen and Holly wisely got out of his way.

           “Let me see. Are you bleeding?”

           “No.”

Aaron didn’t look great himself. His lip was split, there was a decent bruise on his cheek and his dominant hand was all bloodied.

He analyzed her quickly, turning her head gently back and forth to assess the damage.

           “Oh my baby.” He said softly.

She whimpered as he took her in his arms.

           “I’m sorry. I should have done more to protect you.”

           “I shouldn’t have provoked him.”

Aaron buried his face in her hair.

           “Don’t you dare, Amelia Tveit. He had no right to hit a woman and you know that.”

           “I should have punched him the second he grabbed my ass.”

Aaron gave a short chuckle at that.

           “Can we go home?” She whispered.

           “Yeah baby. Of course we can.”

Aaron pushed back and kissed her lightly. With his split lip even that was difficult though.

           “Car’s on its way.” Ricky said, answering their unspoken question.

           “What about-“

           “Tam’s closing your tab and we dealt with security. We’re not going to have to deal with the cops or anything unless the jackass presses charges.”

Amelia shuddered at the thought.

           “I did try to stop you, you know. Alex is gonna kill us.” She said.

           “Alex can deal with it. I was never going to let you fend for yourself like that.”

She smiled up at him gratefully and placed a gently kiss on the edge of his jaw.

           “I love you Aaron Tveit. You’re amazing.”

           “I love you too Ames. Always will.”

______________________________________________________________

Amelia rolled out of bed reluctantly, pulling her tangled hair out of her face. She had a slight, nagging headache when she woke up. One of the many pleasures of pregnancy.

She walked into the bathroom to find Aaron already in there, hair still wet and with a towel around his waist.

           “Morning.” She said, her voice hoarse.

           “Good morning beautiful.”

He leaned forward to kiss her but she stopped him.

           “I’ve got morning breathe.”

           “You really think I care?” He asked, smiling at her.

He leaned back in and kissed her deeply. For a split second, she felt a spike in desire. It was a welcome feeling as her libido had been woefully small with all the morning sickness. But unfortunately, the desire gave way to dizziness and she had to pull away.

           “Sorry got a bit dizzy.”

He kissed her forehead.

           “Don’t apologize. How’d you two sleep?”

           “Pretty well. It should help me get through tonight.”

He made a noise of understanding.

She turned away to turn on the shower and faced him again.

           “You know we could have showered together and saved some water.”

He smiled at her again and ran a hand through her hair.

           “You needed the sleep. Plus I didn’t want to be tempted.”

Amelia frowned at the last part. Their sex life has definitely suffered in the last few weeks. She felt bad about it.

           “I’m-“

           “Don’t apologize. You have nothing to apologize for, ok? We can have sex again whenever you’re comfortable with it.”

She continued to frown.

           “Stop frowning.” He said.

He reached for her and pushed her lips into a smile making her giggle.

           “There’s my girl.” He said, softly.

           “You know maybe now that the morning sickness is going away we can consider alternatives for you.”

           “For me? What do you mean?”

           “I might not be ready for sex yet but that doesn’t mean I can’t help you out.”

His eyes flashed at her suggestion and she smirked at him.

           “God I love you.”

She winked at him before pulling her ratty old college top over her head and kicking off her shorts. He pointedly looked away making her laugh again. But she got in the shower anyway instead of teasing him further.

15 minutes later she was hopping out of the shower. She squeezed the water out of her dripping hair and Aaron, who was still in the bathroom but wearing a pair of boxers now, gave her a quick glance.

           “Woah, Ames!”

           “What?” She said.

           “Is that a bump?”

She looked down quickly at her stomach. It did look a bit round.

He scooted out of her way as she hurried over to the mirror. She looked at her naked body straight on and she did look different. Her boobs were definitely bigger.

She turned to the side and Aaron, who was standing behind her shoulder, shuffled out of the way.

There it was. It wasn’t large but that was definitely a baby bump.

           “Oh my God.” She said softly.

She ran a hand over it, marveling at the new development. She looked behind her to see Aaron nervously surveying her.

           “Oh get over here.”

He came over and pressed himself against her back.

           “Here. Give me your hands.”

He did so and she placed her hands on top of his. She slid them slowly over the bump so that he could feel it.

           “That’s our baby.” He whispered softly.

           “Mmhhmm.” She said, tearing up.

           “Don’t cry Ames.”

           “I know. It’s just the hormones.”

He let go and moved so that he was in front of her. He crouched down and cupped her bump with both hands. He leaned forward and kissed her clean skin.

She brushed back some of his hair as he rested his cheek against the little bump.

______________________________________________________________

From Aaron ❤️: Come back to set

To Aaron ❤️: What? Why?

From Aaron ❤️: The guys want to meet you.

She groaned. In any other circumstance she would be more than happy to meet Aaron’s castmates. But she had just blown her boyfriend and was feeling deeply unsatiated.

To Aaron ❤️: Aaron

From Aaron ❤️: I know babe. But if you don’t come sometime soon they’re going to ask why and I’d rather not have to explain.

She groaned again. They were probably going to be suspicious based on the state of her jeans anyway.

To Aaron ❤️: Fine. Coming.

She left Aaron’s trailer and made her way to set. It was clear that they were done for the day. But boys being boys, they were screwing around now that work was over.

           “Amelia!” Chase greeted cheerfully.

Aaron looked up at the sound of his girlfriend’s name and his whole face lit up. God she was beautiful.

           “Hey everyone.”

Aaron jogged over to her and took her hand.

           “I’m sorry. How do you feel?”

           “Sexually frustrated.” She said with brutal honesty.

He at least managed to look sheepish at her words.

           “Sorry.” He said again.

           “You can make up for it later. Now introduce me to these boys.”

He kissed her temple and managed to wrangle his castmates long enough to introduce them to Amelia.

           “Ms. Hillux, you are gorgeous. You can do so much better than this guy.” Tyler said in jest.

They all laughed, even Aaron, although he did flip Tyler off. Before Aaron knew it, they had welcomed her with open arms. And it was quite amusing to see her playing catch in her jeans and crop top with Chase.

Aaron watched them from the other side of the fence while he answered some of Elin’s nagging messages.

He heard, thanks to the cleats, more than saw Joe saddled up beside him.

           “Hey man.” Aaron greeted, stashing his phone into his back pocket.

           “Hey.”

They both watched Amelia as she laughed after she failed to catch Chase’s toss for the second time in a row.

           “So you buy a ring yet?”

Aaron’s head snapped in Joe’s direction so fast that he thought it would hurt.

           “Dude!”

The look on Joe’s face told Aaron that it was a serious question.

           “You guys have been together for what? Four years?”

           “Yeah.”

           “And you’re telling me you haven’t considered buying a ring?”

Aaron cautiously looked towards Amelia before looking back at Joe.

           “You wanna see it?”

Joe’s eyes widened.

           “Seriously?”

Aaron smiled slightly and slid over to Joe, flipping through the photos on his phone. He held out his phone to Joe and he stared at the ring.

           “It’s vintage. She loves history so I knew it would be perfect.”

           “It’s beautiful. Aren’t you worried she’s going to see the photo?”

Aaron smirked.

           “The text chain between me and my brother will be the last place she’ll look.”

           “Smart.”

           “Yeah I thought so too.”

           “Congrats man.” Joe said, slapping Aaron on the back.

Aaron shook his head good naturedly.

           “I haven’t asked her yet.”

           “She’ll say yes and you know it.”

They looked up as the noise from the ballpark set had grown significantly.

           “Throw the fucking ball Chase Crawford!” She yelled.

Aaron chuckled when he noticed Amelia was brandishing a bat.

           “Oh my God.” Aaron said under his breathe.

Aaron opened the fence gate and walked onto the dirt.

           “What on earth are you doing?” He asked.

She grinned brightly at him.

           “I’m batting.”

           “In jeans and a crop top?”

He could see her tongue peeking out from between teeth and he knew she was teasing him.

           “Do you even know what you’re doing?”

           “I played softball!”

           “When?”

           “When I was 12 I think.”

They all laughed. Aaron walked up to her, wedging himself firmly against her backside.

           “I know what you’re up to.” He said quietly.

           “I won’t lie. I want you to put your hands all over me in front of all of your friends.”

Aaron just let out a groan into her ear.

           “Alright. Spread your legs.” He said softly.

She giggled.

           “Not like that.” He said, shaking his head at her.

He straightened her hips and then wrapped his arms around hers to place her hands correctly on the bat.

           “This is such a cliché you know that right?” She asked.

           “I’m aware but maybe it’ll help alleviate a tiny bit of your frustration.”

She turned her head and saw the teasing look on his face.

           “Oh you so owe me.”

           “Throw the ball Crawford!” Aaron yelled.

           “Are you two done flirting?” Chase yelled back.

           “Just throw the damn ball.” She yelled back.

______________________________________________________________

“Good morning Karen!” Amelia said, greeting her fellow castmate.

           “Morning Ames! Merry Christmas!”

           “Merry Christmas to you too!”

Amelia continued to make her way to costuming. She had ripped part of her corset dancing in the show a few days ago so they had to fit her for a new one.

           “Good morning y’all!” She greeted the costuming team.

           “Good morning Amelia. Let’s get this show on the road so you’re not late for lift call.”

She nodded and pulled her ‘Merry fuckin’ Christmas’ sweater over her head. They fitted and adjusted her new corset as fast as anyone could fit a genuine French corset.

           “Alright Amelia. Sorry just suck in one more time.”

She swallowed her breathe and just prayed for it to be over.

           “All done.”

           “Thank God.” She said, releasing her breath.

She dressed quickly and ran to rehearsal. She was already a few minutes late. She crossed from backstage and into the wings. It was distant but she could hear her husband’s voice.

So he had managed to get to rehearsal on time. She had tried to engage him in a quickie before she had left for work this morning but he was dead to the world.

           “Oh look who decided to show up to rehearsal.” Robyn teased.

           “I had to get my new corset fitted ok?”

There was a collective groan from all of the corset wearing cast members as that fitting was not pleasant whatsoever.

           “Has it been a good morning at least?” Robyn asked as they began to stretch.

Amelia shrugged.

           “What happened?”

           “Nothing bad. I just er had an itch that needed scratching this morning and couldn’t convince Christian the Composer over there to wake up from the dead.”

Robyn laughed.

           “Getting your payback will be easy. All you have to do is go over there and stretch in your shorts and he’ll be all hot under the collar.”

           “Guess that’ll just have to do.”

She got up and walked towards her husband, who had yet to see her, as Robyn shook her head. She stood on Aaron’s right side, facing out toward the empty theater.

           “Morning Ames.” Hank, her dance partner, greeted.

           “Morning!”

She continued her stretches, her ass very clearly facing in Aaron’s direction, when she felt a pair of eyes on her.

She stood up and cracked her back before turning to Aaron. She was about to say something snarky but his outfit stopped her cold.

           “What on earth are you wearing?”

He was wearing a red sweater that very clear said “You done messed up A-A-ron.”

He laughed, his Santa hat bobbing as he did so.

           “Good morning to you too Amelia.”

           “You are such a goof. Who gave you that?”

Aaron’s face broke out into a grin.

           “My brother.”

           “Oh my God.”

She rolled her eyes and went back to her stretches. But then suddenly a pair of arms snagged her around the waist and she was being lifted off the ground.

           “Aaron! Put me down!”

He finally did so but only after they were face to face.

           “I know what you’re doing.”

           “I’m not doing anything.”

           “Oh bullshit.” He swore.

She grinned and snagged his hat off his head, placing it on her own instead.

           “I’m sorry about this morning. Obviously, I wasn’t exactly coherent because under normal circumstances I would never have ignored your proposition. Now can I please have my hat back?” He asked.

           “Hmmmm. Apology accepted but no. I think it looks good on me.”

           “It does as do those shorts.” He said, eyeing her long legs in her heels.

His words caused her to shiver and not from the cold.

           “Can you just kiss me already?” She asked.

           “Anything for you Mrs. Tveit.”

He finally wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. She couldn’t resist the urge to curve her body into his and deepen the kiss. They broke apart for a moment and she could barely breathe.

She tangled her hands in his sweater, holding him to her.

           “Is it ever going to stop?” She asked, their lips millimeters apart.

           “What?”

           “The burning for you?”

She looked up at him from under her lashes and he had never wanted her more.

           “I should hope not. I think that wouldn’t bode well for us if it did.” He said, a slight smile on his face.

She giggled lightly and stretched up to kiss him again. Maybe, he thought, they could sneak away and he could make it up to her for being a zombie this morning. Hopefully nobody would notice.

           “Aaron! Amelia! Can you guys cool it with the foreplay? We have a rehearsal to get to.”

           “Busted.” Amelia whispered, still giggling.

Aaron leaned down to kiss her again but with less heat this time. She reluctantly disentangled herself from him but made sure to take his hand.

           “I do like the sweater you know. It’s perfect for you.”

He rolled his eyes at her.

           “Glad to have your seal of approval.”

           “No seriously. I love that sketch.”

He shook his head at her.

           “I mean it. It’s funny plus everything looks good on you, Aaron Tveit.”

He leaned down and pecked her lips.

           “Now can I have my hat back?” He asked.

______________________________________________________________

Amelia sat with her feet propped up onto the counter. She rubbed her growing belly as she sat in her director’s chair wearing little more than a sports bra and a pair of new maternity leggings.

Her costume sat on the hanger behind her. It was her second one in two weeks. As her chest and her stomach grew they had to get more creative as to how to dress her in lingerie while trying to hide her pregnancy. This was also her last full week with the show before she went on maternity leave. It was too strenuous on her body with the long hours and extreme amount of exercise.

There was a knock on her dressing room door.

           “Hey you.” She greeted.

Her husband smiled at her as he walked into her dressing room.

           “Hi back.”

He walked over and lifted her up without a word. He held her bridal style in his arms while he sat back down in her chair. She curled her body into his and burrowed her face into his collar.

           “How are you feeling?” He asked as he ran a hand up and down her leg.

           “Much better. Not as tired and my boobs don’t hurt.”

Aaron laughed.

           “It’s not funny. I know you’re happy about my ballooning chest but you’re not the one dealing with it every day.”

           “It’s a little funny.” He said, still chuckling.

           “I am hungry though.” She said, pointedly ignoring his comment.

           “Good thing I came prepared.”

He pulled, seemingly out of nowhere, a package of peanut butter crackers.

           “Oh bless you. You’re amazing.”

He kissed the top of her head as she opened the snack. They sat in silence just enjoying each other’s company. Between the show and her developing pregnancy, they rarely had quiet moments like this to themselves.

           “Amelia! Oh hey Aar.”

The couple turned towards the door.

           “What’s up Karen?” Aaron asked.

The look on Karen’s face did not indicate positive news.

           “Oh no. What’s wrong?” Amelia asked.

Amelia extricated herself from Aaron and stole Holly’s empty chair. Karen meanwhile rested against the counter in between their two chairs

           “It’s leaked.” Karen said solemnly.

           “What has?” Aaron asked.

           “Your pregnancy.”

Looks of disbelief and shock crossed both of their faces.

           “No. No way. You can just now see the bump. I barely look pregnant.”

“They have pictures.”

“Of what?” Aaron asked angrily.

“Before and after pictures of Amelia in costume.”

“From the show?” Amelia asked, floored.

Karen nodded and handed Amelia her phone. The information was in every Broadway gossip entity possible, that much was clear.

The photos were pretty damning. There was a noticeable difference so long as one was suspicious.

           “You can explain it away though.” Amelia said.

           “Yeah but between your impending maternity leave and well-“ She cut off.

           “What, Karen?” Aaron asked.

Amelia could hear the anger in his voice.

           “It’s not just the show photos. They have photos of Aaron feeling your bump.”

Aaron yanked Karen’s phone out of Amelia’s hand and immediately his face darkened.

           “Fuck.” He swore.

Amelia leaned over and saw it. Someone had taken a photo of Aaron and Amelia enjoying what had clearly been a private moment. They should have been more careful but Amelia never considered that someone would catch them within the theater’s non-public area.

           “Thanks Karen.” Amelia said softly.

She nodded and left, closing the door behind her. The second they were alone, Aaron stood up and kicked the chair he had been sitting in. Amelia just watched it as it skid to the back wall.

           “What do we do?” She asked.

           “Karen’s right. With you leaving the show next week, it’s going to be obvious.”

She felt close to tears. Damn hormones.

           “I didn’t want to go public.” She said, choking on tears.

Aaron crossed the room and cupped her face in his hands. He kissed her softly and wiped the tears from her face.

           “Fucking hormones.” She said, laughing darkly.

He snorted but then grew serious.

           “Whatever you want to do, we’ll do it.”

           “We don’t owe anybody anything.”

           “No we don’t.”

She sniffled while deep in thought.

           “Elin and Mary release a vehement statement about protecting our privacy.”

Aaron nodded.

           “I’ll post when I leave the show but I won’t say anything about the pregnancy and then when the baby is born we can release a statement.”

           “And if anyone asks me during an interview, I’ll tell them to mind their own damn business.”

She smiled at the venom in his tone. He had always been quite protective of her and now with the baby it was ten-fold.

She sighed heavily.

           “I’m sorry babe. I feel like this is my fault.” Aaron said.

           “We were naïve to think this wouldn’t happen. I mean we’re big Broadway stars in one of the hottest productions of the year. I know I wasn’t planning to be a hermit obviously and I knew it would become apparent eventually but I thought I’d have at least another month or two.”

He hummed appreciatively.

           “Nobody’s gonna fuck with you. Or the baby. I promise you that.”

She leaned forward and kissed him gratefully.

           “I trust you. We trust you.”

Aaron smiled softly at her and placed a hand on her belly, rubbing it lovingly. She placed her hand over his and he couldn’t resist the urge to lean forward and kiss her again.

______________________________________________________________

           “You sure you guys will be able to make it home ok?”

           “We’ll be fine Tam.” Aaron said.

Amelia meanwhile, who was sprawled on the floor, was struggling just to tie her converse sneakers. The look on Tam’s face told Aaron that he was not convinced.

           “Mate. You’re both hammered.”

           “We’ve got it Tam. We can handle our liquor.” Amelia said from the floor.

She let out a belch which did not inspire confidence in their friend.

           “Just-“

He cut off and pinched the bridge of his nose.

           “Just promise me that you won’t vomit in your uber.”

Aaron gave Tam a thumbs up and he just shook his head at them. Amelia walked out the Mutu’s front door and immediately stumbled down the hallway toward the elevator.

She didn’t even remember getting into the uber. The next thing she was cognizant of was Aaron’s fingers gliding under the skirt of her dress and up her thigh.

He pushed aside her thong and swallowed her gasp with a kiss as he slid his fingers into her. Ordinarily she would never sanction such actions in public but she was too drunk to care.

Thankfully, they didn’t live that far away from Tam and his wife so they were back in their apartment before she knew it. Within seconds of closing their front door, Aaron had her pinned against it.

           “Oh God.” She moaned as her head thumped back against the door.

He ripped her underwear apart with one hand and that alone nearly made her knees buckle. She had been close to the edge when the Uber had pulled up to their place so Aaron wasted no time in finishing her off.

The noises emanating from her own mouth as she came down from her high didn’t even sound like her. Aaron leaned forward and kissed her brusquely. He started to undo his belt but she stopped him.

           “Nuh uh. My turn.” She said, her voice hoarse.

She dropped to her knees as she reached up for his half-done belt and khaki shorts. When she freed him from the confines of his boxers, she wasn’t surprised to see that he was fit to burst.

If she knew him, and she did, it wouldn’t take long for him to come. For as long as she could remember his typically remarkable stamina always crumbled whenever she gave him head. It was his Achilles heel.

She couldn’t stop smiling as she watched him come undone above her. He tangled a hand in her hair as he neared the end. She choked at the movement making Aaron growl.

A few seconds later, he broke, letting out a loud groan as he did so. She released him with a pop and he felt her grinning against his thigh.

           “Stop smirking.” He mumbled.

           “Make me.”

He yanked her up by the shoulders and the sudden movement made the room spin.

Yup. She was drunk.

Now that she was eye level with him again, she realized he was too.

           “You’re drunk.” She said, her words slightly slurred.

           “So are you.”

They just stared at each other and the sexual tension crackled between them. Then clothes were flying in their haste to completely undress each other. Aaron kicked off his shorts and underwear as Amelia whipped his shirt over his head.

Aaron picked her up, stumbling a bit in his intoxicated state, and held her firmly under her ass. She crossed her ankles against his lower back and kicked off her sneakers, flinging them out of their path to the couch.

Aaron meanwhile loosened one hand and yanked at the zipper of her dress. The cool air hit her bare skin and she could feel the goose bumps ripple. Eventually, they reached their destination. Aaron plopped down with a soft ‘oof’ as Amelia straddled him which allowed her to pull down the straps of her dress.

He moved them so that she was underneath him and yanked her dress off, throwing it behind him. He also wasted no time in relieving her of her bra.

Amelia pushed up and kissed him deeply. She could feel him hardening again and thanked her lucky stars that she could count on one hand the number of times he had ever had whisky dick.

           “Ready?”

           “Mmmm.” She said.

He snapped his hips and they both groaned at the feeling. Their movements were sloppy but in sync. Amelia felt the familiar coil in her lower stomach as Aaron’s hot mouth trailed down her throat to her chest.

           “Fuck.” She swore.

Even in her addled mental state, she found herself appreciating how good he was at sex.

           “Come on Baby Girl.” He goaded.

She was right on the edge when she felt his lips at her ear.

           “Come for me.”

With a loud cry, she felt herself explode. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, she was cognizant of Aaron coming too but she had lost her ability to think.

Aaron collapsed on top of her, burying his face into the crook her neck. She felt a sharp pang in her bladder and knew immediately that she needed the bathroom.

           “Aaron. Move.”

           “Hmmf.” He groaned.

           “I need to pee.” She whined.

She scrambled out from under him, wincing slightly as he slid out of her, and stumbled to the bathroom. She ran into the wall several times before finally making it with a sigh of relief.

She left the bathroom to find Aaron, now in their bedroom, laying buck naked on top of their bed.

           “The room won’t stop spinning.” He said.

The hoarseness of his voice made her heart leap. She wobbled to the bed and crawled over to him. She reached his side and placed a hand on his half-hard member. When she was satisfied, she threw her legs over his hips and settled down on him.

He grunted and cracked an eye open to look at her. They moved much slower than the last time, their movements less frantic and more sleepy now.

Neither of them lasted very long as they were both overstimulated from before. And with the touch of Aaron’s nimble fingers, she came undone again, sighing loudly.

Aaron, who had pushed himself up to kiss her, collapsed below her after reaching his own release and she rolled off him.

           “Fuck Amelia.”

She gave a breathless laugh as she tucked herself into his side. She laid there for a few minutes, trying to catch her breath.

           “I see what you mean about the spinning.” She mumbled.

           “Hmmm.” He acknowledged.

He gracelessly and lazily kicked their covers down. He rolled her with him and managed to toss the comforter over them.

           “Night Love.” He said.

           “Mmm night.” She mumbled.

With their drunken stupor finally over taking them, neither of them gave any thought to the unopened package of pills sitting on her nightstand.

______________________________________________________________

           “You have the most interesting accent, I must say.”

Amelia batted her eyelashes at Aaron as she spoke. She looked gorgeous with her curled hair and costume. They had managed to refit most of the costumes to Amelia so they hadn’t had to worry about finding a fresh set of costumes or suitable designer pieces.

           “Lima, Ohio.”

           “Lima, Ohio! Of course!”

As he continued to speak she could see the mirth in his eyes. She hated Ohio with every fiber of her being. She had made it very clear within days after their first date how much she hated Ohio and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

So the fact that she was being forced to listen to any of this was highly amusing to Aaron. They continued with the scene and Amelia loved how flirtatious she was able to be with Aaron. It was corny, but it was a dream come true.

           “Ooh hoo.”

Amelia pulled him in by the lapels and thrust her hips into his.

           “Shut up and dance with me.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him and she watched his eyes flash.

As the scene broke, Aaron quietly whispered blocking in her ear, helping to coach her through it. She may have seen the show a million times over but that was nothing in comparison to actually playing Satine.

           “We were victims of the night. The chemical, physical kryptonite. Helpless to the bass and the fading light. Oh, we were bound to get together. Bound to get together.”

Amelia gripped Aaron’s arm tight as he sang.

           “She took my arm. I don’t know how it happened. We took the floor and she said.”

Aaron hopped off the platform and continued the blocking while Amelia danced dirtily by herself.

But then he hopped back up and offered her his hand as he sang.

           “Why so serious?”

She took it as he grinned at her and suddenly she felt like she was transported to another time.

2009. Their first “date” at the Tony’s afterparty where they had gotten to know each other and danced all night.

But she suddenly snapped back to the real world as Aaron took her in his arms. With a hand firmly on her waist, he lead them in a circle as they danced.

           “She said shut up and dance with me.”

She had no idea how to describe Aaron’s dancing in that moment, it was ridiculous as usual, but she loved him for it.

Then he took her in his arms again and she felt so safe. She rolled her head back and when they came back face to face, he gave her a smirk and a wink. She grinned at him.

He then lifted his arm to spin her and, for a second, she was back with a much younger Aaron as he tried to impress her.

She squeezed his side as they finished their dance and she walked off the dais.

           “Oh and by the way, would you like me to call you your Grace?”

           “Uhhh…if you want?” Aaron said.

And with that Amelia squealed and ran off.

______________________________________________________________

Amelia Tveit was very, very pregnant. She had been nesting for the last few weeks and Aaron had just watched with a bemused look on his face.

So as she sat in Aaron’s dressing room alone, she couldn’t resist the urge to clean that too. She finally sat down and was able to rest her sore feet. The only problem was that the baby’s head was clearly on top of her bladder so she kept running to the bathroom every five seconds.

She walked out of the bathroom for what felt like the millionth time just as ‘The Pitch’ scene played over the intercom system. She rummaged through Aaron’s mini fridge for a water and sighed with relief when she found it.

As her due date neared, Aaron wanted her close just in case so despite her maternity leave she found herself all but living in the Al Hirschfeld theater once again.

She went to sit down but a sudden pinching in her lower abdomen made her pause. She placed a hand against her lower back and tried to will it to stop. She had occasionally experienced Braxton Hicks contractions so this was nothing new.

She tried to readjust her position as that usually made them go away. But then they didn’t. They just kept going.

           “Fuck.” She cussed as another painful cramp hit her.

She barely heard people passing the open door as she just tried to breathe.

           “Amelia?”

           “Son. Start counting.”

Sonya Tayeh, their choreographer, had been walking by and had spotted Amelia doubled over, gripping Aaron’s chair.

           “What?”

           “Clock the fucking contractions.” She hissed.

Sonya held her hand as Amelia tried to breathe through the pain. Thankfully, Sonya had the thoughtfulness to only wait for two to pass before saying anything.

           “Seven minutes apart.”

           “Shit.” She swore again.

           “Amelia. Are-“

           “Yup. I’m in labor.”

Sonya pulled her phone from her back pocket and hit several buttons. Amelia was struggling too much to notice.

           “Alex. It’s Son. We’ve got an emergency. You need to pull Aaron now.”

The pain finally subsided and Amelia was able to focus again. She could just hear the start of Elephant Love Medley.

She made it through another painful contraction, which were growing in frequency, when she heard a pop. She then felt a trickle down her leg.

           “Sonya.”

           “Yeah?”

           “My waters just broke.”

Sonya gave her hand another squeeze and took a few steps away to make another frantic call to Alex, imploring him to pull Aaron as soon as possible.

Amelia meanwhile, rubbed her large belly.

           “Well nugget, at least you waited until Daddy made it to intermission.”

Amelia felt a little kick and smiled at the movement. Before doubling over to moan with the next contraction.

At some point, she noticed the commotion coming from the hallway. She looked up and there was a very pale Aaron, still in costume, staring at her.

           “Hey babe-Oh my God.” She moaned as the contraction hit her again.

Even in his terrified state, Aaron had the wherewithal to hurry to her side. She grappled blindly for his hand and squeezed it hard.

When the pain finally subsided, she looked up at him. He looked petrified.

           “The baby’s coming.” She said, with a little bit of humor.

Aaron swallowed noticeably.

           “I heard.”

           “I think we should go to the hospital.” She said with remarkable calm.

           “Alex is getting his car. He’s gonna drive us.”

She nodded and buried her head into Aaron’s side.

           “Aaron?”

           “Yeah babe?”

           “Contractions really fucking hurt.”

He laughed a little at that.

           “I bet they do Ames.”

Eventually they hustled out of the theater. Well Amelia wasn’t. She was wheeled out as she was in little position to walk.

As they waited for Alex, Aaron had regained a little bit of his color.

           “Aaron?”

           “Yeah?”

           “I love you.”

He broke out into a wide grin and crouched down to her level.

           “I love you too.”

He leaned in to kiss her gently, making her smile despite the ongoing pain. When they broke apart she felt him smile against her lips too.

           “What are you smiling about?”

           “We’re about to have a baby and I couldn’t be happier.”

She grinned back, pulled him in by the lapels of his costume and kissed him again.

______________________________________________________________

It was 5:30 in the morning and Amelia was already riddled with anxiety. She had only been at the theater for a half hour and she was already feeling the pressure.

The entire costuming team was in the room and spilling out into the hallway. Everyone was working around the clock to make sure she had something presentable, and frankly fabulous, to wear while she played Satine.

Amelia could feel the bruises blooming as she was poked and prodded and laced into corsets. Her husband, meanwhile, was sleeping against the back wall of the costuming department’s room. Every so often he would make a soft grunt or snort in his sleep and everyone would suddenly remember he was there.

Two hours later, she was finally free from costuming. They had managed to take enough of Karen, Amber, and Ashley’s costumes and refit them to Amelia. Now all that was left was to do was resew everything to her measurements.

But there was no rest for the wicked as Amelia found herself dancing her ass off as she tried to learn the entire Diamonds medley in just a few hours.

Sonya was a godsend, she thought, as she walked back to her dressing room dripping with sweat.

           “Well good morning sleeping beauty.” She greeted.

She walked into her empty dressing room to find her husband sitting in her chair, two coffees in hand.

He stood up and handed her one of the cups which she took gratefully.

           “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” He said with a sheepish smile.

           “I don’t blame you. It was 5 AM.”

He reached his now free hand forward and cupped her jaw. His hand was still hot from holding her coffee. He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. The whiskers on his unshaven face scratched against her skin.

           “You need to shave.” She said.

He rubbed a hand over his stubble before looking at her with a suspect facial expression. He grabbed her chin and rubbed his whiskers against her cheek as she squealed. After a few seconds he stopped and gave her a firm peck.

           “How are you feeling?”

           “Stressed.” She said with honesty.

He nodded and leaned in to kiss her again. She had to resist the urge to melt into him.

           “I need to run lines.” She murmured against his lips.

           “I’ll help. We’ll mostly be in the scenes together anyway.”

She nodded and rummaged in her bag for the show script that she hadn’t looked at in almost two years.

As the day went on, the cast and crew began to come in to the theater. Even though this was their traditional day off, everyone knew it was going to be all hands on deck if they were going to pull this off.

She spent hours running number after number, scene after scene with everyone. Amelia had to control herself so that she wouldn’t meltdown every time she forgot a line or messed up her blocking.

The scene, if she was being honest, that she was most worried her aside from the Diamonds medley was Chandelier. She was an amazing dancer. But she had never danced with wings before and the complexity of it all made her nervous.

It was about 7 PM when everyone agreed to run Chandelier separately before they ran the show in its entirety.

Aaron hadn’t seen Amelia in an hour or so. He just hoped that she was doing ok. She was a strong woman but he worried that all of this stress was really going to hit her sooner rather than later.

As he ran through the number with the rest of the cast he couldn’t help but feel like the words were finally true. Nearly every thought he had was about Amelia. He thought of her when he awoke and when he went to sleep. She was very rarely not on his mind.

As he stumbled to his mark, he waited for Amelia to drop from the ceiling.

           “Christian.”

Amelia’s voice echoed throughout the auditorium as she dropped down on the trapeze.

Aaron’s heart jumped into his throat when he realized that Amelia was in full costume. She was laced into the black and green corset with the wings twinkling as she hit the lights.

He felt horribly underdressed in his jeans, Cowboys t-shirt, red snapback and Jordan 3s.

She unhooked herself from the trapeze, raising her arms dramatically as it shot back into the ceiling. She spun on her heel and faced him.

He couldn’t breathe. She was breath-taking with the immaculately curled hair and blood red lips.

They began their dance and he could see her hand shaking as she pushed him back upstage. She turned again so they were facing each other and curled her body into his.

Neither of them noticed the show’s official photographer as she reached out a hand and brushed her finger tips against his cheek. Aaron cupped her elbow as they continued to spin and she leaned in nearly kissing him. But then she tore away from him, shaking her hips and throwing a look at him over her shoulder. He chased after her, desperation clear on his face.

The cast continued to spin around her as she trounced across the stage, hitting her ballet turns. Despite her fear, it didn’t take her long to slip into character. It was fun playing the malicious green fairy as she mocked Christian.

She braced herself against the ladder as Aaron tore across the stage towards her. She curled around it as Aaron dove under it.

He dove towards her and reached a hand out to cup her face. He managed to caress it and for a second she leaned into him. The look on his face made her heartbreak. He was such a talented actor.

           “I’m gonna swing. From the chandelier.”

She shoved him away again, grinning devilishly as she did so.

“From the chandelier.”

Amelia flitted off stage as the cast finished the rest of the song. She waited for the orchestra to stop playing the song before she came back out.

Everyone went crazy when she reappeared and she blushed deeply. It didn’t take long for Aaron to suddenly appear in front of her.

She opened her mouth to say something to him but before she had the chance, Aaron’s mouth enveloped hers. He didn’t care that he was going to be covered in lipstick, he just needed her lips more than anything in that moment. Amelia herself melted into the kiss. The day had been incredibly stressful and so affection from Aaron was exactly what she needed in that moment.

When they broke apart, she rested her forehead against his. It took her a second to open her eyes again. She wanted to stay in this moment as long as she could.

When she did finally open them, Aaron’s blue eyes were sparkling with unshed tears.

           “You are…just something else Amelia Tveit.”

She felt her emotions overwhelm her and she got a little choked up.

           “Thanks.” She said, her voice cracking.

Aaron smiled at her lovingly and leaned in to kiss her again. They broke apart once more and Aaron took her into a hug. She buried her head into his chest and tightened her hold on his body.

           “Alright everyone. Let’s take an hour for dinner and then we’ll run through the show.”

Everyone patted her on the back or gave similar gestures of support but Amelia still didn’t disentangle herself from Aaron.

Before she knew it they were alone. He didn’t say anything. He just rubbed her back and pecked the crown of her head. She was exhausted and scared.

Eventually, she mustered up enough courage to look at him. She couldn’t help but let out a giggle at the state of his face. He was covered in deep red lipstick and some of it had even managed to get in his worsening stubble.

She reached up and tried to scrub it from his face. He just laughed when she eventually gave up at the futile act and leaned forward to peck her forehead.

______________________________________________________________

Aaron knew the exact moment that he realized he was in love with Amelia Hillux. They had been dating for about a month. He had come back to her apartment after a nice dinner out and now found himself eating a piece of cake with their fingers on her living room floor.

She was laughing at him, not caring that she had a mouthful of cake. And when she winked at him after he wiped some chocolate off the corner of her mouth, he realized he was head over heels.

But he was too chicken to tell her. He hadn’t told many people that he loved them. His family, of course, his high school girlfriend, the girl he had briefly dated before he left Ithaca. But it had been a long time and there was something special about him and Amelia. He didn’t want to scare her off.

So he waited.

Amelia meanwhile realized she loved him on their third date. He had managed to con his way into a pair of Fleetwood Mac tickets. She loved Fleetwood Mac. She looked over at him and he was having the time of his life as he joyfully sang along.

He held out a hand to her and she took it. He tugged her into him and she giggled. He wrapped an arm around her waist as they danced in a circle.

           “Thunder only happens when it’s rainin’. Players only love you when they’re playin’.”

He sang along as they twisted, his lips close to her ear. She pulled back to look at him and saw his eyes were shining.

           “When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know. You’ll know.” She sang along with Aaron.

As the music continued to play, she rested her head against his shoulder and Aaron pressed a kiss against her hair.

After that, she knew she was in love with him. But she didn’t want to be the one to say it first. She was too afraid to get hurt if she was being completely honest. She trusted him but the second after they had met he had her wrapped around his finger. And she was terrified that if he didn’t love her back, it would break her.

But it didn’t take long for him to finally crack. She had come to see him on the set of Gossip Girl before they went to dinner. As she walked towards him through the set every single eye was on her. She commanded everyone’s attention and he could see in her eyes that she knew it.

She looked amazing in her long, winter coat and knee-high suede boots.

           “Hey handsome.” She greeted.

She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

           “Hey! You look gorgeous.”

           “Thanks. You ready to go?”

           “Yeah let me just grab my bag.”

He gathered everything and took her hand. He pulled her closer to him so he could whisper in her ear.

           “Everyone is watching you.”

Amelia smiled at him.

           “I know.”

He laughed, impressed with her confidence, and she couldn’t help but giggle back.

Her response just made him love her more.

Later that night after a delicious dinner, Amelia found herself playing with Aaron’s chest hair.

           “Amelia?”

           “Hmmm?” She responded, pecking his chest.

           “You’re confidence astounds me.”

She pushed on his chest to look at him.

           “Thanks Aaron. I’ve-ehmm-worked really hard to get to that point.”

           “I’m so proud to be your boyfriend.”

She pushed forward and kissed him languidly. When they broke apart, she felt tingly all over.

Aaron reached out and pushed her hair back.

           “I love you, Amelia.”

She blinked a few times as she processed the fact that he had actually said it. He loved her. He was in love with her.

           “I love you too, Aaron. So much.”

[z-iridest]

(A/N: Okay! I'm aware of what time it is, but I can't help it! I got a cute idea for a one shot, this time for our baby cinnamon roll, Izuku Midoriya! With that in mind, I give you....: )

Well, your night was going well.....

Stood up by yet another date, you were bitterly gulping down the carbonated substance in the glass in front of you. You looked down at the tattoo on the inside your wrist, the tattoo that had been there since your 15th birthday. Just when you thought you would meet your soulmate on the blind dates Mina set up for you, you were stood up by each one. The tattoo itself was a timer, counting down the years, months, days, hours, minutes and exact seconds that you would meet your soulmate. It had shown up with mere months to go, but now?

It tauntingly read: 7 minutes, 15 seconds and counting.

You let out the biggest sigh of your life as you put your chin in your palm, watching the couples on the dancefloor with a scowl of envy. You wished your soulmate would just pop up... You'd give anything for this agonizing wait to finally be over... You finished off the soda, glancing at your wrist every now and then. Just as that timer hit 2 minutes, 30 seconds and counting, a pounding beat started, causing you to perk up. You knew this song...

Ladies and gentlemen, we've got a special treat for tonight

I'm gonna call my friend Olly up here to sing to you ladies

Olly!

Let's go, man

You closed your eyes, the scowl replaced with an easy smile. Your head bopped along to the beat, failing to notice that the timer on your inner wrist had hit only 1 minute and 42 seconds to go the same instant a classmate of yours walked in, the male's green eyes instantly landing on you.

My name is Olly, nice to meet you can I tell you, baby

Look around there's a whole lot of pretty ladies

But not like you, you shine so bright, yeah

I was wondering if you and me could spend a minute

On the floor up and close getting lost in it

I won't give up without a fight

To say that he was nervous the second he saw you was an understatement. He had always thought you were absolutely beautiful, but he had never gotten the courage to talk to you in class... You didn't even know his name, having only been hanging around the girls with what was, so far, the whole school year at U.A. He glanced down and the inside of his wrist and his heart came crashing to a halt. The soulmate timer was gone! He nearly died then and there. Were you his soulmate? Oh, boy, did he hope so... He gulped. Okay, no big deal, Izuku. You've dealt with ruthless villains, some more monstrous than others... Asking her to dance should be no problem! He attempted to give himself a mental pep talk, but it only made him want to run from the situation. However, his body betrayed him before he could even think about setting one foot back out the door, his feet leading him straight to you.

I just wanna, oh baby

I just want you to dance with me tonight

So come on, oh baby

I just want you to dance with me tonight

You felt a light tap on your shoulder, your eyes opening as you turned around, your e/c eyes meeting a pair of emerald green ones. You blinked, recognizing the fluffy green hair. Izuku gulped the second your eyes met his. It wasn't helping that you were beautiful, but that look just then? "H-Hi, um... I-I'm so sorry to bother you, b-but... I-I was w-wondering... I-if y-you... m-maybe... w-wanted to... d-dance w-with m-me?" It was honestly a miracle the poor boy could even get a understandable word out considering how much he was stuttering. He watched as a blush crossed your own face before you nodded.

"I-I'd love too... B-But... I-I don't know how to d-dance." Your cheeks flushed darker in embarrassment as you stuttered out a confession that you had no idea how to dance with a partner. Dancing alone? You could handle no problem thanks to Mina, but with a partner? Forget it. An adoring smile crossed Izuku's face.

"I-If you want, I-I could teach you." He stutter out in response before holding out his scar littered hand to you. You looked up at him before taking his hand. You didn't fail to notice just how tenderly he held your hand, or how perfectly your hand fit in his own as he gently helped you stand before walking with you to the dance floor.

We're getting sweaty, hot and heavy in the crowd now

Loosen up and let your hands go down, down

Go with it girl, yeah just close your eyes, yeah

I feel the music moving through your body

Looking at you I can tell you want me

Don't stop keep moving till the morning light, yeah

Izuku stopped with you in the middle of the dancefloor, still holding your hand. He was so damn thankful in that moment that his mother had taught him how to dance in his childhood years, that he remembered all the moves. He took your free hand and placed it on his shoulder before wrapping his arm around your waist, pulling you into him. "Follow my lead." He told you softly, his eyes not leaving yours as he led you into the dance. Your eyes, however, stayed on your feet. You followed his lead, keeping your eyes on your feet to make sure you wouldn't step on his feet accidentally. You both moved to the beat, however, you weren't exactly trusting yourself at the moment.

When I saw you there

Sitting all alone in the dark

Acting like you didn't have a care

I knew right then, you'd be mine

We'd be dancing the whole damn night, like

Oh baby, I just want you to dance with me tonight

So come on, oh baby

I just want you to dance with me tonight

Izuku noticed it and let go of your hand for a quick moment to make you look up at him. "Trust me." He whispered to you before retaking your hand, effortlessly continuing to dance with you. His green eyes never left yours, and somehow, you found yourself unable to look away from him this time. Your feet still moved in time to the song with his, and a smile started crossing both your faces as you danced together.

Break it down now (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Shake it like that (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Now bring it all back

To dance with me tonight

One more time, one more time, come on now

(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Do your thing (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Everybody sing

I just want you to dance with me tonight (come on)

I just wanna, oh baby

I just want you to dance with me tonight

A giggle escaped your lips as he spun you a couple times before pulling you back into him, placing his forehead against yours as your bodies kept in time with the music. Both of you were smiling brightly as you two danced, not a care in the world.

Everybody, everybody, come on now

Pretty girl, just close your eyes

We can dance all through the night

I just want you to dance with me tonight

And everybody sing

Pretty girl, just close your eyes

We can dance all through the night

I just want you to dance with me tonight

So come on

Pretty girl, just close your eyes

We can dance all through the night

I just want you to dance with me tonight

Laughter bubbled out of you as he dipped you just as the song hit its last notes, your arms wrapped around his neck as his were around your waist. The crowd around you began to clap, both of you blushing scarlet red as soon as the two of you realized that you two had had an audience the whole time. He pulled you back up, holding you close to him as a slower song began to play. His green eyes held a tender look as he held you close, his arms staying around you as he started to sway with you, not that either of you were paying attention to the new song. Both of you had what you'd been missing your whole lives.

Your soulmate....

Maybe your night hadn't been so great to start with, but it sure ended on a sweet note...

Fin

[ask-de-writer]

KURIN’S FOLLY : World of Sea : Part 2 of 15

KURIN’S FOLLY

Part 2

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

23,699 words

© 2020 by Glen Ten-Eyck

writing begun  2006

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.

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New to the story?  Read from the beginning.  Part 1 is here

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Kurin looked up at him with a boldness that she did not really feel.  High Cloud was sharing his utter confidence in himself, as one of the premiere predators of the air, with her.  It helped.  A lot.  With that deceptive calmness that Master Juris had seen and learned to fear during the trial up north in the Dragon Sea, she replied  “Yes it is, isn’t it?”  Then she turned to the cabin boy and asked, “Bron, would you be so good as to get Captain Mord and Purser Alor?  Their presence is needed for legal reasons.”

“You don’t need to bother the Captain,” said Master Juris, with a sinking feeling.  He turned to try and stop Bron but the cabin boy was already gone on his errand.  

Learning that Kurin did not bluff had been a hard lesson and one that was still sinking in.  The years of Kurin’s apprenticeship to him had made him overconfident of his ability to manipulate her.  Now that she was an independent journeyman and had found out from the Grandalor what self-respect meant, she no longer needed to take his arrogance.

Shortly, Bron came back, leading both the Purser and Captain.  Both seemed upset.  It was Alor who spoke for them.  “Kurin, why didn’t you come to your welcome back party?  Most of the crew were hurt or angry that you didn’t even send us a note to say you would be late.”

Surprised, Kurin said, “There was a party?  When?”

Captain Mord Halyn said, “At ten in the morning.  We wanted to have some time to celebrate before we sailed at noon.  The decorations are still up in the mess.  Why are you surprised?  Master Juris sent you the invitation.”

Kurin’s mouth went round as she took a breath before saying, “Ah, that explains everything. Captain, this is for you.  Please sign this receipt and put it into the Log.  Alor, this one is for you.  Sign here.  This needs to go into the ship’s legal record.”  Kurin produced a pen case and ink along with the documents.

Master Juris started to say, “I think that I should go to the boat shop.”

Alor stopped him.  Looking up from the document, she snapped, “Master Juris, did you write this?” She held out Kurin’s document.

With ill grace, he took it, glanced at it and snorted, “Of course not!  This isn’t my handwriting at all!”

Alor’s eyes became angry slits.  “Of course it’s not your writing!  This is a Fleet Certified True Copy of the original!  The references at the bottom tell where the original is in the fleet archive!”  Tightly, she finished, “Did.  You. Write.  These.  Words?”

Master Juris tried to dismiss it with, “Merely a prank!  Nothing more!”

Captain Mord read aloud, “The Longin sails at three.  Be aboard by two.  Juris.  – Master Juris! You have got us provisionally charged with violating the Wergeld agreement between the Longin and the Grandalor!  We are in danger of losing our ship and being Scattered!”

Juris looked down his prominent nose at Kurin and said, “Her white hair reflects the fog that passes for her mind.  Kurin overreacted.  That’s all.  It’s done with now.  She’s here.”

Kurin responded with that mildness that held more threat than any shout, “And the Grandalor?  My ship . . . remember that I own her? The diversion to get me here has cost her more than a day of ship time.  Adults pay for losses that they cause by pranks.  I’ll settle for fifty skins, drawn from your Purser’s account, Master Juris, and then we can all have a laugh at your sense of humor.”

Master Juris snapped, “Ridiculous!  I won’t pay you a block!”

Tiredly, Captain Mord simply ordered, “Bron, get all of the Craft Masters and off duty officers to the mess immediately.  We will be having an emergency meeting of the Combined Councils of Crafts and Officers.  I will get the duty officers that can be spared.”

Alor shook her head and put a hand on the Captain’s shoulder.  Sadly, she said, “I was afraid that things would come to this head, son.  I will go and get the Minutes and other documents.”

As they left, Master Juris snarled, “Now look what you’ve done!  First, you left us for - - - for the Grandalor!  You nearly destroyed us. You made a fool of me in front of the court and over a fourth of the crew got scattered.  There have been three sent to Dark Iren!  Now this, and it’s all your fault!  Why did you have to go and defend the Grandalor of all ships?”

High Cloud on her shoulder, Kurin was carrying her bags toward the companionway that led to the ship’s mess.  Looking sadly back over her shoulder at Master Juris, she said, “Little things that someone I still respect once taught me were vital.  You know them.  Justice.  Honor. Observing the Great Laws.  They were denied their rights.  It had to be fixed.”

Down in the gloom of the passage, Master Juris continued his tirade.  “What about that monster war catapult that they built?  That thing’s a danger to everybody as long as it exists.  It should be dismantled.”

As she slid aside the mess-room door, Kurin said frankly, “They wanted to.  I ordered it kept.  We did install hunting blocks, though.  We can take them out quickly if the need arises.  I made them keep some antipersonnel shot, hull breachers and rigging destroyers too.  Trying not to use it, up north in the Dragon Sea got a friend of mine killed.  

“Too late to save Morga, Captain Sula taught me the value of being prepared. She told me that the one thing that you can’t do is let your own folk be the ones to die because you weren’t ready.”

Several officers and three Craft Masters, including Mistress Daeron of the Rope Walk, were in the mess already and overheard Kurin’s remark.  They looked at her as if they had never seen her before.  The Kurin that they had known had been a pacifist.  

They also remembered the damage that just one shot from that catapult had done to their ship during Kotance’s ill fated attempt at piracy against the Grandalor.  It had taken three days, with the help of the Grandalor and the Soaring Bird, to repair the mainsail and rigging.

Kurin set her bags down and looked for a place to sit.  She saw party streamers and a big ‘Welcome Back!’ banner across the forward bulkhead.  Most of the looks that she was getting were outright hostile.

Captain Mord entered, leading a contingent of officers.  He saw the situation at a glance. “Gentlemen and Ladies,” he said in a clear voice, “hold your anger until you hear the facts.  Things are not as we believed.  As soon as everyone is here, we will begin.”

At last, everyone was there. Most had taken out tallow-slates and styluses to make notes.  They were giving Kurin dark looks, assuming that it must be something to do with her, since she did not belong in a Council meeting and had missed both her party and their sailing.

The silence stretched.  Finally, Captain Mord said, “Master Juris, you are the head of this Council. Will you begin the meeting?”

In a surly voice, he replied, “You called it, you open it.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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