#let her crush her boss and his daughter under some snow

[wishfulsketching]

Happy (Shimmer) Holidays!

Even the chem baron can enjoy a sudden snow day with his family! Too bad his right hand lady decides to use this chance to have some revenge for all the bullshit she has to deal with

(I wanted to draw this three years ago but didn't get around to do it)

[anyamaris]

Purrfect Company

Word Count- 6726

Pairing- Boss!Lee Know x Employee!F!Reader

Trope/AU- Coworkers to lovers AU

Summary- Working at a cat cafe has a variety of perks, though you’re not sure if your crush on the handsome shop owner, Minho, counts as one.  Despite it being the holidays, you have no one to spend it with so you’ve volunteered to take the shift at the cafe on Christmas eve. A power outage and a surprise visit from your seemingly rigid employer has you discovering things you might never have known otherwise.  Maybe Minho has a warmer, softer side than you’d realized.  

Warnings-Vulgar language, sexual language, unprotected sex, forbidden relationship dynamic (boss x employee), lots of pussy (ha!), MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY

This is one of my two entries in our 16 Days of Smutmas 2023 Collab! Check out the other writers as well!!!!

A/N: Firstly, definitely an enormous thanks to @kwanisms for this collab, listening to me flail my way through it AND creating the BEAUTIFUL BANNER HEADER-ISNT IT GORGEOUS? ISNT SHE AMAZING?

A huge huge huge thank you to @sanjoongie for helping me through the many hurdles of writing this and reading snippets to ease my anxiety. It means more to me than you'll ever know. @millennial-fangirl as well for reading part of my smut and giving me helpful criticism, I love it so much!

Thank you to everyone who listens to me whine about everything always, I love you all.

Tags- @cultofdionysusnet @ksmutsociety @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @yoonguurt @shinestarhwaa @stardragongalaxy @kpop-stories-21 @starlitmark@millennial-fangirl @ericssmile @wooahaeproductions@changbinslovelylegs @yeosxxx @millennial-fangirl @starillusion13 @duchesskaren @minki-moo

A huge thank you to @saradika and @cafekitsune for the amazing banners, without you creating them our work wouldn't look so beautiful!

“Goodnight! Happy Holidays!” You wave, closing and locking the door behind the sweet couple who had come in last minute to pick out a cat for their daughter.  You can’t help but smile at the thought of the beautiful kitty who will get to wake up with a new family to love and accept her. 

Turning, you smile at the few cats left in the living room/play area the owner had set up for them.  The three left were napping, one on  the couch and the two others curled up together on a cat tree.  Humming happily, you turn to finish the few closing duties you have left.  You’d closed down the cafe area after the couple had gone in to play with the cats and now you just had to make sure the till was put in the safe.  You planned on spending some time with the last few cats before you made your way home for the evening.

It was Christmas Eve and as you turn to look out the window once more, you frown at the heavy snow coming down.  “Figures, going to be hell going home,” you breathe out as you lock the safe, then the office door.  You stretch and yawn, taking off your apron to hang as you make your way into the kitty area. 

 “Peanut, are you comfy?” you ask the lone orange tabby curled up on the sofa.  Minho, the owner of the cafe, had furnished this area nicely for the comfort of the cats and the people who came to play with and possibly adopt them.  If you took away the cafe portion, this could be the cozy living room in the home of any family.  

Peanut peeks an eye out at you from under his tail to let out a soft trill as you sit beside him, running a hand over his velvety fur.  “Merry Christmas to you, too.  I wish I could take you home with me but I’m afraid I can’t have pets at my tiny apartment.” He purrs softly, leaning into your hand as you scritch his ear.  He gets up and stretches then immediately climbs into your lap, curling up and making you beam proudly.  You’ve always gotten along well with most of the cats here, and it always brought you joy to have them accept you.  

Letting yourself relax, you close your eyes as you pet your comfy companion.  The soft overhead christmas music lulls you into a half sleep and you don’t even realize you’ve drifted off until something draws you back to consciousness.  Blinking yourself awake, you freeze as you suddenly hear a rattling noise from the other room, as if someone is trying at the doorknob.  Peanut perks his ears up and lets out a soft growl at the disturbance, but you soothe him quietly as you lift him from your lap, placing him down so you can go to see what the noise is.  

You’d accepted the shift for Christmas Eve without hesitation because everyone else had plans.  You had only a studio apartment and the prospect of take out at home, so you’d volunteered so no one else had to work.  Minho had entrusted you with the closing duties, and now here you were, faced with a possible break in.  

Your heart pounding in your chest, you creep into the hallway leading to the back employee area, as well as the door to the back of the building.  It feels as if your chest is going to explode from fear and anxiety as you watch the door creak open with wide eyes.  Your thoughts on the cats you are there to protect, you reach out and grab the nearby broom handle, holding it out as you yell, “Stop, or you’ll regret it!” 

The figure opening the door stops, their arms laden with something but you don’t process much else than a harsh sigh, then the lights are being flicked on.  “Really, what are you going to do with that? Sweep me to death?” The male voice greets you and it takes you a brief moment before you realize the voice and face belong to your boss, the owner of this cafe.   

Lee Minho.

Letting out a relieved sigh, you fall against the wall and clutch your chest.  “I wasn’t aware that you’d be here this late, did something go wrong with closing?” Minho asks, then his eyes widen.  “Are the cats alright?” His severe frown as he shoots a look behind you has you immediately responding.  “No, no everything is fine, I just checked on them a moment ago and was going to head home.”  you tell him, rubbing your eyes.

His eyes meet yours again and his eyebrows furrow.  “At one in the morning?” he asks and you just blink at him.  “Excuse me?”  shaking your head, “No…I didn’t-”  you turn around to dash back into the cat room, grabbing your phone.  “Shit.” you say and you hear a soft laugh behind you.  “Lose track of time?” He asks, coming in behind you and setting down the bags he had been holding.  Peanut immediately runs to him, purring around his legs as the other two sleepy cats peek out to see what’s going on.  

“I closed a little after 9pm, and everything was done.  I sat down to pet Peanut and I guess I just….” you shrug, frowning.  “I’m sorry, I promise I did everything for closing before I nodded off.  Don’t worry, I will mark my time slip as off at 9pm.”  you tell him, embarrassed, cheeks heating from having fallen asleep in your workplace.  

“Nonsense, you were keeping the cats company on Christmas Eve.  Peanut needed company, right buddy?” he asks, kneeling down to scratch his ears.  You smile softly, noticing how much your boss seemed to go from the gruff, teasing, sarcastic man to this warm, caring soul when faced with feline company.  Relaxing a bit, you remember your last part of the evening. 

“Sylvie was adopted at the last minute, the couple said that they will let us know if their daughter changes her name when she gets her.  Sylvie really loved them, they were here for a while with her before they took her home. They were very pleased.” you smile, watching Minho look up at you, his eyes widening in excitement as you speak.  You have to stop your heart from thumping as he beams happily at the news.  He was far too handsome for your health.  

You definitely didn’t have a crush on your boss, definitely not.  

“I’m so glad, she deserves a little girl to play with.  How old is the daughter?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.  “Twelve. They said that’s all she wants for a gift is a kitty to love.  So I’m hoping it’s a good fit.”  He smiles and nods, looking back down at Peanut, who is now sniffing at the bags he’d brought.  “You’re stuck with me, pal.  You, Luke and Leia. Christmas with Uncle Lino.” he coos at him, looking over at the pair napping.  You can’t help but smile at the names of the two, one of Minho’s friends having named them when he stopped by.

Blinking at yourself just lingering and ogling your boss, you shake yourself out of it. “I’ll get out of your way.” you say, glancing at your phone again, finally noticing the missed messages.  Frowning, you open a text from your neighbor.  “It’s pretty nasty out-” you hear before your mind is processing the text sent hours ago.  “Well, damn.” you mutter at your phone.

‘Hey-just fyi, power is out in the building. You might want to find somewhere else to stay if you have one!’  it reads and you just deflate from the news.

 Of all things, especially on Christmas Eve when everyone was out of town or busy, you think.

“What’s wrong?” you hear from beside you, Minho’s voice concerned.  Rubbing a hand over your face, you look out the window at the heavy snowfall.  “I guess my building’s power is out.” Looking over at him, you can only smile and shrug, then lean down to pet Peanut as he winds around both of your legs.  “Going to be a terrible Christmas Eve alone with no electricity, huh bud?” you whisper to him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Help me put this stuff away and then you can come upstairs and sleep on the couch.” When you open your mouth to protest he just turns his back and starts unloading the bags.  “If you don’t feel comfortable, you can sleep down here with Peanut.  Either way, there’s no point in going back to a place with no power.  Unless you have someone who you can go to?” he asks, tossing you a look over his shoulder.  Shaking your head, you glance one last time out the large window at the cold, white sheet obscuring any view and just sigh.  

“If it’s really alright, I’ll take you up on it.  I’ll stay.” 

After helping put away the cat food and litter he’d brought in, you smile as he takes another bag of toys and opens each, letting Peanut sniff at them.  Luke and Leia are finally stirring, peeking out to see what’s going on.  You can’t help but smile as they just yawn and curl back around each other.  Lucky kitties, you think.  Am I jealous of the cats? You ask yourself, suppressing a small laugh. 

Minho stands, noticing your look and he clears his throat.  “Come on, I bet you haven't even eaten anything since before your shift started.” He says harshly, but when you look over at him, he’s smiling softly.  “I-” you start, then wince, shaking your head.  “Are you spying on me?” you ask him with a laugh and he just stares at you for a moment, then nods once.  “Of course I am.” 

You can’t help but chuckle at his deadpan expression as he turns to go to the door leading upstairs.  “I hadn’t thought to ask but…what’s upstairs?” Without looking back, he starts up the stairs leaving you to follow behind.  “I live up here, leave the door cracked, please.  The cats like to come upstairs if they get bored down here.” he says and you smile as he leads you into a big open space apartment.  

“Oh wow….I had no idea you actually lived here.” You say, looking around.  He smiles as he turns on some lights and takes off his shoes, and you do the same. You make sure to leave the upstairs door cracked as well, noticing his approving nod.  “Mmm…I bought it years ago, when I first moved here.  The downstairs was being leased out to a bakery.  Once they left when their lease was up…” he just shrugs, shooting you a look over his shoulder as he makes his way into the living area.  

“Wow, what made you want to turn it into a cat cafe?” You ask him as he gestures for you to sit.  “Make yourself at home.  Do you want something to drink?” he asks, heading into the kitchen.  “Sure, whatever you have is fine.” He hums as he goes into the fridge, pulling out some water bottles.  “I’ll make some tea.” He says, turning on the electric kettle, then he comes to sit next to you, handing you the water.  “Thank you.” you say and he smiles, leaning back to look around.

“It’s not a very … interesting story.” he finally answers, his lip twitching.  “You’re likely to think I’m weird.”  he says, eyes darting over to you.  Twisting off the cap to drink, you recap it as you set it down and try not to grin.  “And if I already do?” You say, surprising yourself at your boldness.  Before you can regret your remark, he throws his head back, letting out a laugh and it makes you smile as he looks back at you with a smile to echo your own.  “Well, then I have nothing to worry about.” He quips and you blush, looking away.  

He really was far too attractive and here you were with him, alone, on Christmas Eve.  Ignoring the pleasant warmth in your stomach, as well as the fluttering, you turn your attention back to his words as he answers.

“When I moved here, I really missed my cats back home.” he is saying, smiling as Peanut slips through the opening of the door.  “I have three at my parents house.” he says, watching the big orange cat wander off to explore.  “Aww, I bet that was really tough.” you respond, frowning, remembering your own cats you left behind to move here.  He just nods, continuing.  “Well, one day I found two kittens outside in a box, and I couldn’t leave them.  So I brought them home.  Then another followed me home a few weeks later after I fed it.  The next thing I know, I had seven cats and a space downstairs to lease out.” 

“Wow! Seven cats?” you exclaim, blinking in disbelief at him.  “And counting.” He laughs, shaking his head.  “I couldn’t leave them out in the streets.  I was trying to figure out how to keep gathering all these stray cats and figure out how to rehome them, all while trying to work.” You just look around, taking in the apartment.  While it was spacious for more than one person, you couldn’t imagine having seven plus cats roaming around without the downstairs.

“So you just thought, ‘Oh I'll open a cat cafe’?” you can’t help but smile at him.  He shrugs, tilting his head as he hums softly.  “Pretty much.  I had some help from friends and family, thankfully.” His gaze feels suddenly intimate for some reason as you relax into the conversation, his deep brown eyes warm and soft.  Finding yourself leaning towards him more as you listen, you both are startled when the kettle starts to beep and he clears his throat, standing to go to the kitchen.

“Actually….” he stops halfway there, looking out at the fat snowflakes falling down, then turning to look at you.  “Would you like some hot chocolate?” he asks and you smile at him, nodding happily.  “That sounds amazing actually.”  You lean your head on your hand, watching over the back of the couch as he busies himself in the kitchen, inhaling blissfully as the scent of chocolate slowly permeates the open space.  

Your earlier embarrassment has faded into almost happiness at falling asleep with Peanut, grateful that you’re not in a cold, lonely apartment tonight.  The scent of the cocoa mixed with the euphoria of having an actual conversation with Minho has you in an odd headspace.  In the months you’ve worked for him, you can’t remember having many conversations with him.  He was always on the go, in and out of the shop, most of his time being spent with the cats. 

That’s what started this silly crush, you think. 

Watching him talk to the cats, cooing at them, playing with them when he had any free time.  Admiring the way all of the felines would flock to him, noticing him immediately when he came in bearing food and treats, as well as a variety of toys and new furniture for their temporary living space.  

The way he checked in on all of the cats that got adopted, treating them like each one was his child.  How he cared for them, expression lighting up when he comes through the door to see the beautiful furry creatures; playing, fed and happy.  He truly was dedicated to their well being and watching it over the months you’ve spent working for him, it had definitely interested you in finding out who he truly was.  

You can’t lie to yourself as you listen to him hum a soft tune, smiling as he turns to mix the drink in a saucepan. It was pointless to deny that that simple crush on a handsome man was turning into a little bit more. 

Not that you’d expect anything from it, of course.  He was your boss, you were his employee. That’s not even accounting for his own personal feelings.  You didn’t have any illusions about anything happening, but you just couldn’t deny it any longer.  You’d just keep it to yourself, enjoying that sense of being young and silly, pining over the unobtainable.  Sometimes that’s all you need, just something to look forward to, for yourself. 

“Are you alright?” you hear him say, snapping you out of your thoughts as he walks over, carrying two steaming mugs.  “It’s hot, be careful.” he says, an almost worried look on his face as he hands you one of the drinks.  You can’t help but smile and blush at his concern, feeling suddenly like you’re getting an inside view of what the cats must feel like under his care.  

He raises an eyebrow at you as he blows on his own drink, sipping at it carefully.  “I’m fine, just ….” you look down at the cocoa, the smell making you feel more nostalgic for the holidays than you’ve felt for a long time.  “Just?” he asks, frowning as he blinks at you with those beautiful eyes.  Letting out a sigh, you take a tentative sip, your eyes widening at the flavor.  “Wow…this is…amazing!” you say, taking another sip of the warm, rich beverage.  His eyes light up at your words and he smiles proudly.  “It’s homemade, not the powder, it’s quite different from the packets you get.” He tells you and you nod, savoring each sip.  “Well, it’s delicious.  I don’t think I’ve had cocoa in ages, let alone something this good….ever.” His eyes crinkle at the sides as he looks down and you swear you can see him blush a bit.  You might have to compliment him more if he was going to react like this, you think.  

“It’s fairly easy, I just happened to have the ingredients.  I thought for Christmas Eve it was a bit more festive.” he says, and you nod as you watch him talk.  “Speaking of….” he says, brow furrowing suddenly, “Why did you decide to work tonight?” He asks, settling back as he turns to you, his gaze curious.  

You hum as you raise a shoulder to shrug, “I don’t have family in the area, and we don’t really celebrate together much, as everyone gets really busy this time of year. All the friends I have here all had plans, and honestly, it’s really just another day to me most of the time.  I figured I’d give everyone else the night to spend with people since they all seem more interested in that.”  His hum and pursed lips as he nods has you suddenly realizing he’s alone as well.  

“What about you? You mentioned your parents and cats at home, why are you here?”  you ask and he smiles, rocking his head back and forth as he thinks.  “This year, I decided to send my parents on a vacation since they’ve worked so long and hard all their lives.  I gave them the gift early and they are currently on a beach somewhere nice and warm.  As they should be.” he says, smiling softly. 

 Your heart thumps at his expression, your throat closing at how very caring he was for the people he loved.  Suddenly, you feel overwhelmed with some feeling you can’t define, almost as if the idea of being loved that much made you feel happy and extremely lonely all at once. You almost laugh as tears spring to your eyes and he blanches, looking shocked.  

“Hey, are you alright?” he asks as you wipe at a stray tear and you let out a soft chuckle at your foolish emotions.  “Oh yes, sorry.  Just thinking of how proud they must be of you, to have raised such a caring, lovely son.” Your words take him off guard and he looks down into his drink, blinking rapidly.  “I don’t know if I’d say all that…” he says, his cheeks flushing red.  You bite your lip, having to look away from how adorable he looks being shy.  

“Really, I don’t know many people who think like you do.  How you are with the cats as well as your family…” you shake your head.  “Most people tend to think of the holidays as a time for getting things, I’ve found.”  He hums softly, the silence between you slightly tense but far from awkward as you both enjoy your drinks.  “I’ve been meaning to ask…” he says, clearing his throat as he sets down his mug on the coffee table.  “Hm?” you say, curious.  “I thought you’d be spending the holiday with someone special.  I figured you’d have someone waiting for you at home.” He says, studying you.  “Someone special?” you ask, then realize what he’s asking. 

“Ah…no, I don’t have anyone.  I broke up with my last boyfriend shortly after starting work here.” you gesture around you. “Ah yes, that’s why I thought….” he trails off, looking away. “I noticed a man coming in when you started so I just figured.” He shrugs and you sigh, frowning as you set your mug next to his.  “No, we broke up…he…it’s a stupid story.” you laugh without any amusement, waving it off.  “Oh?” he says, leaning forward a bit.  “If you don’t want to-” You shake your head, making a sour face.  “Long story short, I found out I wasn’t his only girlfriend.  So, I broke it off.”  

The look on his face has you bursting into laughter.  The sheer disgust is so adorably cute, his lip curling as he lets out a ridiculous noise of revulsion that you just can’t help but snort as you giggle loudly.  It only seems to encourage him as he repeats the noise, adding, “Is he stupid?”  You just nod as you wipe your eyes, this time the tears are from your laughter and you can feel your stomach hurting from it.  “Yes, that was my thought, honestly.” you tell him, his sudden smile bringing butterflies to dance in the pit of your stomach. 

“He must be, I wouldn’t-” he stops, shaking his head.  “Any man like that isn’t worth your time.  Better off without him!” he says, throwing his hand up into the air.  You laugh again and this time he joins you, the shared moment has you relaxing back into the cushions as you turn to settle more comfortably on the couch, facing him fully. 

“Yeah, definitely.” you sigh, “Still lonely around this time of year though.” His smile slips and you decide to not ruin the mood.  “What about you? I didn’t even know you lived up here, I thought you’d have some big house with a wife somewhere.” you say and he winces, looking away.  “No, it’s been a while since I’ve dated.  Between the cats and running the cafe, I’ve kept myself from being too lonely.  I have everything I need right here.” he says, eyeing you.  “Besides, being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely,” he says, giving you a look. 

“That’s entirely true.  I do enjoy my time to myself, plus it’s easy to just crush on someone to keep myself from thinking too much about a relationship.  Sometimes it’s better to live in my own head and create my own narrative than to deal with another person.” you say with a smirk and he raises his eyebrows in response.  “A crush?” he asks and you freeze, realizing you’ve likely said too much.  “Sure, why not? Everyone has crushes throughout their lives.” you say nonchalantly, shrugging a shoulder.  

“Who’s this crush?” He asks teasingly, but you swear his eyes darken a bit, almost dangerously.  Swallowing, your cheeks heat up as you look away.  “Nobody it would ever work with, so it’s not really important.”  you respond and sneak a peek at him.  He’s studying you intently, not smiling and the room is suddenly oddly tense.  “Don’t tell me it’s some idol-” he starts but you wave your hand, laughing softly.  “No, nothing like that. I mean, of course I have those as well but that’s not what I meant.”  

“What about you? Or is raising kitten children your only passion?” You tease and he raises an eyebrow, smirking.  “Hm…” he hums, “Strangely enough, my answer is much like yours.  Nothing that would ever work.” It’s your turn to be curious, leaning forward towards him.  “Why wouldn’t it?” you ask him, wondering what would stop this man from pursuing anyone lucky enough to catch his interest.  His lip twitches and he suddenly leans forward with a sly grin.  “It’s one of those taboo things.” he says cryptically, his wicked grin drawing your attention.  “Taboo?” you say, scooching forward and widening your eyes dramatically.  “Well now that sounds interesting.  What’s so forbidden about this person?” you ask softly, trying not to grin.  You’d never seen or heard of him being involved, that’s why you assumed he must be married, or voluntarily single.   

“Well, aren’t you the gossip.” he shoots back and you laugh.  “I mean, yes.  Just wondering what would keep a man like you from doing anything he wanted.”   His eyes widen as his eyes flick down to your lips, then back up and he clears his throat.  “A man like me?” he asks, and you can feel the tension again building at the softness of his voice, the nearness of him.  You take a moment to collect your thoughts, not wanting to sound ridiculous.  

“You’re successful from what I know, of course I don’t know everything about you. Just from the outside looking in.  You’re handsome, caring, you have your own place, run a business. You’re funny, you make amazing hot chocolate-” You stop at his look, at how his adam's apple dips as he swallows thickly.  “Do you plan on pursuing your interest…your…crush?” He asks you in a whisper and your cheeks flush, heating up at the very idea.  What he’s asking...how easy it would be to just lean a bit more forward….

“No…I can’t.” you shake your head, looking down.  “Why not?” he asks softly, and your whole body feels like it’s vibrating from his nearness.  “It would be unprofessional and I doubt he’d even look at me like that.” you say without thinking.  His eyebrows raise then draw together at the comment, confusion on his face for a moment as you feel embarrassment wash over you. 

“But the only guy-” he says, shock registering on his face.  “He’s married!” he gasps and you blink at him as you realize he’s thinking of your other male coworker.  “No! Oh my god, do you think I’m that horrible?” you ask, stunned.  “Of course it’s not him it’s y-” your words catch in your throat as you stop yourself too late, his goading making you thoughtless.  “Forget about it, it’s nothing, really.” you say, turning to stand, to go somewhere-anywhere but here.  

Before you can though, he’s grabbing your arm, tugging you back down, his eyes large, dark and serious as he pulls you towards him.  “Me?” he asks, and there is no way you can read the look on his face.  Your stomach bottoms out as you realize just how badly you just fucked up.  Here you were, in your boss’s apartment, with nowhere to go and a snow storm outside.  

You were going to lose your job, you just knew it.  You know how inappropriate it is to-

“Is it me?” he asks, this time a bit more forcefully, his words snapped out.  Slumping back, you close your eyes and sigh out softly, unwilling to look at him.  “I know it’s not right, you're my boss.  it’s unprofessional and I-” 

“You’re fired.” he says harshly.

Despite knowing it was coming, your eyes snap open to protest just in time for him to close the distance between you; any words that were about to leave your lips dissipates as he slips a hand behind your neck, pulling your mouth into his. Your body stiffens for the briefest of seconds before you’re wrapping your arms around his neck, combing your fingers into his hair as his tongue slips along the seam of your lips.  You shiver at the growl that escapes from deep in his throat when your tongues meet, his arm sliding around your back to yank you closer to him.  

Giving in completely to the moment, you shift with him as he guides you into his lap. Pure instinct takes over as you move together, his fingers prying at your clothing, yours threading through his hair.  As your thighs settle on either side of his and you press down into his lap, he moans into your mouth.  You gasp between kisses as his hand settles on your lower back, pressing you down against his stiff length through your clothing.  

“I want you.” He purrs out as his mouth parts from yours, looking up at you with those rich, lustrous eyes.  You can barely catch your breath as you take in his gorgeous swollen lips, parted as he gazes up at you with desire.  “You can have me,” you declare, your body almost humming for him and without another thought, his hands are traveling up your back, his hips lifting as you grind against him.  “Take me, Minho~” you utter, tugging at his hair.  “Fucking christ-” he hisses, burying his face into your neck.  

As his lips brush the skin of your neck, you tilt your head for him, rocking your hips against his hardness.  You should be ashamed at how your panties are already soaked from his touch but you can’t feel anything but need, pure carnal lust for him right now. 

 Consequences be damned, the way you needed him was the only thing on your mind.  

“Take this off.” You manage to say as you shudder under his mouth.  It takes him a moment to register that you’re tugging on his shirt and his tongue darts out to lick your neck where he was kissing before he leans back and helps you remove the garment, his hands immediately yanking your shirt over your head as well.  

Tossing it to the side, he takes a moment to lean back and admire you, his dark gaze hungry as he runs his hands up your sides.  “Fucking gorgeous, just like I always imagined you would be.” Your breath catches at his words, at the look in his eyes for you.  He leans forward to press his face between the valley of your breasts and you let out a long moan.  “Smell so fucking good, too.”

 Everything he’s doing is causing you to clench like crazy, small mewling noises escaping from your throat as his hands work at the clasp of your bra.  “Minho-” you shiver as you feel him free you from it, sliding the straps down your arms.  “God, keep saying my name.” He groans, his cock twitching against you as he pulls your bra down to reveal your bare tits.  

“So beautiful,” he whispers as his lips close around your nipple.  Your fingers dig into his scalp, your other hand gripping his shoulder as he sucks harshly at the sensitive bud.  “Please…” you whimper as his hands slip up to cup the flesh of your breasts, kneading them as he lets your nipple go with a popping sound, immediately moving to the other to do the same.  Your breathing is ragged as you reach between you to tug at the button of his pants.  

“Not here.” he rasps out, then he’s sliding you off his lap, standing you both up.  Before you can protest, his hands are around your waist, his mouth back on yours, his tongue urgently seeking your own.  You return your hands to the front of his jeans, unbuttoning, then unzipping as he backs you up towards the hallway.  

“Door-” he says between kisses as you are pushed against it.  He reaches behind you to twist the knob and then he’s walking you into the room, the back of your knees hitting the bed.  He stops as you slide your hand into his now open pants, slipping your palm along him through his boxers.  He lets out a low groan as you touch him, his hands cupping your ass before he’s shoving your pants down as well.  

“Tell me you want this-” he gasps out as his hands run over your bare skin, his lips tracing your collarbone.  “I do, more than anything-” you respond, tugging off his remaining clothing as well.  “I need to make sure, I don’t want to make you feel pressured-” he says as he pulls you close, brushing his lips against yours.  “I swear, Minho, there’s nothing I want more than this.” You tell him as he pauses to study your eyes, the concern ebbing away as he watches you, his fingers skimming your lower back.  

“I’ve been dying to hear you say that to me.” he whispers, and the urgency seems to fade as he leans in to kiss you deeply.  For a moment you both stand there lips connected, your arms around his neck, his hands roaming your back.  Then his hands cup your bare ass, yanking you firmly against his stiff cock as he moans your name.  You pull him down with you onto the bed, your mouth never leaving his as he settles between your legs, the underside of his cock pressing along your wet core.  

He growls softly as he moves his hips against you, and you arch your back as the length of him parts your folds.  Breath hitching as the ridge of his head brushes against your clit, you look up into his half lidded eyes as his lips part.  “Tell me again.” he whispers, his hand dropping down to clutch behind your thigh and raise it around his hip.  “Tell me you want me.” he hums as he watches your eyes roll back from the ache of clenching around nothing.  

You reach up to comb your fingers through his hair, digging your nails into his shoulder as he rolls his hips again.  “I need you so much-Minho-please I want you so fucking much-” you manage to gasp out.  His eyes darken as he reaches down between you, pulling back to cup you, his fingers sliding through your drenched lips to part them.  “For me?” he asks, his voice low as he dips down to brush his lips to yours.  He swallows your moan with a kiss as he pushes his finger into you, tasting your panting as you tighten around it.  “All for you-” you cry as his tongue plunges into your mouth.  

He deepens the kiss as he pulls his finger from you, suppressing any protests.  Any dismay at the loss is replaced with pleasure as he guides the tip against your slit, slipping along your folds, teasing at your clit.  There are no thoughts in your mind, only overwhelming need as he rubs his head along you, finally, finally giving in to your wordless pleas as he presses it against your tight hole.  As he thrusts forward suddenly, he breaks the kiss with a cry of his own, your walls giving as he stretches you.  

“Minho….. Minho-,” his name echoes through the room to mix with his moans as he draws back to snap his hips forward again.  “So fucking….tight!” he bites out, his breathing heavy as he drops his head into your neck, his hot breath tickling your skin.  As he starts to plunge in and out of you, your legs wrap around his waist as you tilt your hips for him.  

Your nails run down his back as he fucks you, making his motions stutter as he moans loudly for you.  “So good, oh fuck-Minho!” your cries have him propping himself up to look down at your face.  “Yeah?” he asks, his nose wrinkling as he puts more force behind his thrusts.  “Yeah? Like that?” he asks and you have to clutch his hair as your body jerks, your tits shaking the harder he moves.  “Yes! YES! I - LOVE IT-” you scream, words devolving into loud, animalistic moans.   

“Your-cunt- is so-fucking-divine-” he gasps out, each word punctuated by his cock delving deep and hard into you.  You can feel the familiar tight burning sensation building deep within you as your legs shake, as he slips a hand under your back, as he lunges forward to wrap his lips around your nipple to suck and nip at it.  The friction of his pelvis rubbing against your clit, and his mouth on you has your entire being vibrating and you start wailing his name over and over as you begin to clench.  

“OH FUCK-” his voice grates out as he releases your nipple, his breath hitching as your climax hits you like a boulder, blindly intense as you arch beneath him.  “Fuck fuck fuck I can’t-” he cries out as his hips falter, his pace becoming erratic.  “COME!” you scream out desperately, clinging to him as you shudder and his mouth crashes into yours as he lets go, bursting in a hot flood deep within you.  Your kiss is frenzied, crying wordlessly into each other as you come together.  His thrusts slow, lazily emptying himself into you finally as he gasps with every clench of your pussy around him.  

As you finally come down, he collapses onto you, nuzzling his face into your now sweaty neck, his chest pressing firmly against yours.  You can feel the fast beat of his heart as he places small kisses along your damp skin, along your collarbone and you slowly comb your fingers through the strands of his hair.  “Fuck.” he whispers, kissing his way up to your lips, his own fingers smoothing back your hair.  “Fuck.” you echo and he smiles softly, drawing back to study your eyes.  You can only smile dreamily at him, completely exhausted from the entire experience.  

He slowly rolls you both on your sides, facing one another as he pets your hair, placing kisses to your lips.  “I…” he starts, gasping as you clench around him again and he laughs softly.  Then his face registers a sudden shock as you adjust and he slips out of you.  Your thighs are damp from your combined releases and he blinks rapidly, worry on his features.  “Oh fucking hell-I didn’t even think about-” he cups your face but you shake your head, silencing him.  “I’m on the pill.  Sorry, I ….wasn’t even thinking about that.” he relaxes slightly, pressing his forehead to yours as he closes his eyes.  

“Don’t be sorry, this wasn’t exactly what I expected to happen.” he murmurs, his gaze studying your face.  “Unexpected but not unwanted.” you reassure him, reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ear.  You can’t help but blush as he smiles at you softly, pulling you closer to him to hold onto you.  “I’m glad I wasn’t the only one…” he whispers against your mouth as he kisses you again.  

He rolls onto his back, pulling you with him to settle your head on his chest, playing with your hair as you wrap around him.  The silence settles around you as you savor the moment with him, both of you just touching and kissing each other, exploring one another deep into the night.  

Finally as exhaustion begins to overwhelm you, you look up at him with sleepy eyes and he smiles down at you.  “Tomorrow…we can talk about everything.” You nod against him and then suddenly you remember, snapping your head up.  

“You fired me!”

His laughter makes you frown, and he just kisses your nose.  “Just for now, kitten.  Don’t worry.”  

The cat cafe is humming with excitement, and it’s just another day that you get to watch families take home the much deserving animals to become their family.  Peanut keeps you company, of course.  He was now a permanent fixture at the cafe as Minho had decided to keep him.  As the day winds down and you lock the door, you feel the familiar arms of your boss wrap around you from behind, placing a kiss on your neck.  

“Lee Minho! How dare you do that with an employee!” You berate him, unable to stop yourself from laughing as he spins you around.  “Ah yes, I forgot.  I’m horrible.” he purrs out, touching his forehead to yours.  

“You’re fired.  Now kiss me.”

[spencerreidslove]

Masterlist

This is a masterlist of all the fics I’ve written, along with a short little discription of each one. I will try to keep it updated, but I make no promises.

Requested Fics

Fic one- Reader has a massive crush on Spencer, and gets a little drunk one night, admitting some things to the girls

Fic two- Reader is Spencer’s girlfriend and when she meets the team, they’re not so thrilled.

Fic three- Reader moves into a new apartment and finds out that her new neighbor is very cute.

Fic four- Spencer likes it when his girlfriend, Reader to braids his hair.

Fic five- The team goes out bowling one night, and Reader and Spencer make some discoveries.

Fic six- One day at the park, Spencer runs into a familiar face.

Fic Seven-Savannah invites Reader to a Halloween party, and apparently, her costume is very popular.

Fic eight-Reader gets injured, which leads to a fight between her and Spencer.

Fic nine-The annual BAU Halloween party takes a turn when Spencer and Reader get close.

Fic ten- Spencer isn’t coming home on time and Reader finds it suspicious.

Fic eleven- Soulmate!AU Where Reader gets kidnapped

Fic twelve- Half frozen to death, Reader waits for the team.

Fic Thirteen- No one remembers Spencer’s birthday except for Reader.

Fic Fourteen- Reader is a suspect in a murder, and Spencer has to prove they haven’t done anything.

Fic Fifteen-Male!reader introduces Spencer to his parents.

Non-Requested Fics

Secret- The team shows up one day to find someone unexpected at Spencer’s apartment.

The Best Flu Ever- Reader gets the flu and Spencer comes over to take care of them.

When You Talk- Spencer talks a lot and nobody seems to listen quite like Reader

Cookies and Kisses- A late night baking session that brings Reader and Spencer closer.

Spencer’s Not So Little Seceret- The team shows up to Spencer’s apartment, not expecting him to bed asleep with a girl.

Keep Your Enemies Closer- Reader and Spencer really hate each other. But they also like making out.

A Bet- Reader and Spencer make a bet on how long it’ll be until the team figures out they’re together.

Bed Head- Getting out of bed in the morning can be really hard, especially when your boyfriend is as cute as Spencer

Staycation- Reader and Spencer decide to temporarily live together for quarantine.

So Fired AND So Dead- You’ve heard the story. Boy meets girl, girl ends up being boy’s boss’s daughter.

Only You- When on a case, Reader runs into one of Spencer’s ex’s and gets a little jealous.

It’s Cold- When Reader and Spencer get snowed in at the BAU, they learn each other’s feelings.

Pick-Up- Reader is determined to get Spencer to notice her flirting, no matter what it takes.

Old Friends- When Spencer and Reader run into each other at one of Reader’s shows, what happens when they reconnect?

My Girlfriend is a Witch- Spencer is convinced that Reader has him under her spell.

Tee-Shirt-Reader orders a new shirt and Spencer is very interested.

Puppy Love-Reader’s dog isn’t too fond of Spencer.

Wrong Tie- Hogwarts AU where Reader and Spencer accidentally exchange ties.

Let’s Be Bad AND Our End- Reader and Spencer and a killing duo, set on revenge.

Je’Taime-Reader has a massive crush on Spencer and when she gets drunk those feelings come out...in French.

Grandma Hobbies-Reader has an embarrassing hobby, and is afraid of Spencer finding out.

Tallest- Tall!Reader is worried about wearing heels around Spencer.

Magic- Reader reveals what’s behind Spencer’s ‘physics magic’

Under the Tree- Spencer and Reaer exchange Christmas presents.

Reader’s Choice- Spencer reads Reader’s favorite book.

Multi-Part Fics

Matchmaker Series:

Matchmaker Letters Trick or Treat Spencer and Maggie

Spencer’s daughter has a very pretty teacher

Five First Dates Series:

Five First Dates Mini-Golfing Bowling Ice Skating Movies Dinner

Reader and Spencer agree to go on typical high school dates...as friends

Headcannons

Christmas at the BAU

BAU in High School

[utterlyinevitable]

Do We Have A Future?: August

Part 1 | Part 2: November | Part 3: January | Part 4: April

Paring: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Rebecca Lao) Word Count: 2.3k Warning: Adult themes, mental health triggers, themes of depression, pregnancy complications and termination Summary: Rebecca told Ethan and now they have to live with the aftermath of their decision.

Author’s Note: Sensitive subject matter means I really suggest only reading if you are 18+ years old... I can’t believe it’s over. This story is deeply personal and I never imagined it to be this long - I wrote the first part on a whim. Thank you for reading and encouraging and inspiring me to get my feelings out under the cloak of Becca and Ethan’s love. This has been so cathartic. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you 💗

Taglist: @ohchoices​​ @dulceghernandez​​ @aylamwrites​​ @binny1985​​ @ramseysno1rookie​​ @interobanginyourmom​​ @queencarb​​ @imactuallytheceoofthecompany @rookiefromedenbrook​ @eramsey28​ @choicesficwriterscreations​ @heauxplesslydevoted​ @schnitzelbutterfingers​ @purpledragonturtles​ @ramseyandrys​​ @ermidc​ @mrsdrakewalkerblog​

________________________________________

She finally stopped crying at the memory of the incident and at any infants she’d come in contact with throughout her daily life. It had taken nearly a year for Rebecca Lao to get to this point. 

But how long are you really meant to grieve for the child you never had? 

As her boyfriend Ethan was wary of her every single day, just waiting for the moment that her hard coated exterior crumbled right down in front of him. Some days he noticed how her tear ducts began to swell and her back stiffened whenever they were faced with an unhappy diagnosis. 

As her boss, Ethan eventually let her work on a preeclampsia case with baited breath, watching her like a hawk every step of the way. Every time she’d visit the patient’s room he wouldn’t be more than five steps behind. Whenever she’d assess the lab results, he’d be right there with her ready to break her fall. And when she left the mother’s side Ethan kept in time with Becca, his hand caressing the small of her back as they moved through the motions and onto another case. 

She handed the whole thing better than he could have ever anticipated. Becca didn’t need him at all, not anymore - but she’s damn thankful for the support, however overbearing. In the end, the mother and premature daughter lived happily ever after. Even with all of her self-mending practices, the sight of the infant still stung deep down in Becca’s core. Ethan didn’t notice as he held her hand outside the NICU, her curated mask keeping her emotions at bay. Although she fortified the walls around her heart strong enough to carry out her daily life, still not a day goes by that Becca doesn’t think about what could have been. 

It’d be different if we weren’t together and planning a future. If we broke up maybe it’d hurt less? 

Planning a forever seemed futile when they’d thrown a family away not so long ago. Coming from a broken home, the little doe eyed and innocent girl in the back of Becca’s mind desperately wanted a functional, loving family. A family that put their collective happiness first and nobody ran away. The silver lining to the termination meant they had the option to try again. Properly, when time aligned. When would that be? Would it ever happen? We haven’t had sex since...

Months ago, Ethan finally stopped asking her if she was okay and if she wanted to speak to someone about the experience. As always Becca dutifully declined - the fantasy world she built in her head was all the solace and consoling she needed. 

When the two of them are cuddled on the couch watching a film the phantom daughter of her mind’s eye would emerge. Becca would welcome her beloved mirage by nestling it right across her unchanged chest, coddled safely between her arms and protected from the world around them. 

In the silent and lazy Sunday mornings her phantom would be cuddled close to her heart as Ethan sleepily spooned the love of his life, blissfully unaware of the dream playing out before him on her side of the bed. Happily, Becca would be caressing the thick and curly hair that mirrored her own off of her daughter’s rounded face and giving soothing rubs along her back. Letting herself trail little bits of love over the soft and unweathered skin of her child. A hollow smile forms as the illusion plays out in front of her under the blanket of dusk. But once the strong daylight of reality peered in through their large windows, the tableau vanished. These little moments kept Becca grounded in the present. She needed a happily ever ending. 

As the weeks passed by and the delusion began to solidify into a distant memory, Becca finally had some gusto in her. She didn’t need to hide anymore. Ethan and her were able to joke and chide and taunt each other in the best of ways - just like old times. They were finally opening back up to one another. They let themselves be unashamedly intimate once again. 

The hurricane between them had seemingly passed, the damage was done and swept away at a political pace. There were still some cracks in the roads, but they’d weather them together. 

Becca was making blueberry pancakes one Sunday morning. Ethan sat at the kitchen island with his expert cup of coffee, struggling to breath through his laughter. Becca had just told him the worst joke - so bad that not even the corners of his lips perked up in pity. When she tried to explain why it was funny and Ethan still wasn’t understanding, her face scrunched up with a loud Humph and a stamp of her foot. Her little outburst caused her to slip on a few now-crushed blueberries, tossing what was left of the batter into the air. 

Ethan couldn’t contain himself. The cracks and wrinkles from years worth of living came alight with his bellowing laughter. His ocean eyes shut tightly as he gripped at the center of his bare chest. Once his diaphragm settled he rose to find his girlfriend now laying spread out on the wooden floor in defeat; Becca’s hair spewn over her grumpy face, her hands still holding onto the bowl and spatula but the contents were artistically gracing the lower cabinets and surrounding area.   

He grabbed a kitchen towel from the front of the oven and began to clean up the rogue splatters of batter, utterly bemused. 

The situation caught up with her and Becca chuckled as she discarded the equipment and made a faux snow angel on the floor, letting the lighthearted breath of fresh air take control - it was a stark contrast from the uncertainty and hopelessness that surrounded their every waking moment the last few months. 

“I hope our kids have my sense of humor,” she lamented during her motions.  

Ethan gasped loudly feigning hurt, “What’s wrong with mine?” 

Becca lifted her head slightly to observe him. His blue eyes shining bright with amusement meeting her matching light brown. 

“It’s terrible! You’re such a grump!” she exclaimed, mentally noting all the times she told him a pop culture reference he didn’t understand just like moments ago. Becca placed her head back on the cool wood and said, “Your dad jokes have improved though.” 

Ethan playfully rolled his eyes. I missed this.

He stood and bounded over to her with that silly smirk still plastered on his face. “I hope they have my good looks and intelligence,” He told her, offering his hands to help her to her feet. “They can have your…” he paused for dramatic effect, looking her over - taking in the way she still looked so unbelievably stunning even with batter smeared all over her face and hair wildly pointing every which way. 

“Chromosome.”  

Becca’s jaw dropped at the insult. 

Squeezing his hands hard she sassed him right back, “Ethan Jonah, are you saying I have no qualities you’d like reflected in our children?” 

His eyes softened as he assessed the magnificent woman before him. He had a lopsided grin as he spoke;

“I’d like them to have your curly hair,” he pushed a few strands behind her ear. Her completely enamored brown eyes fluttered closed as she melted into his touch. “Your little button nose,” he booped her nose. “Definitely your spunk and heart,” he gave a nod in certainty as his finger lingered. “And attitude;” her eyebrow rose encouraging him to continue that thought. In complete honesty he told her, “You are a better person than I.” 

It was something he showed her again and again. 

He regretted how self serving he used to be at the start of their partnership and felt entirely undeserving of how she continuously was there for him during his darkest of times - with Naveen’s diagnosis, with his mother and father, the near decimation of his life’s work. She never left his side. He was in awe of how, on the job, she did all she could for those around her, every stranger mattered in her eyes. She found the loopholes for their patients he was too stubborn to see - to make a difference, an imprint on all lives she comes in contact with, for the better. 

Becca’s heart was always in the right place. She had a courage and impulsive intuition he fiercely admired. In these last months she made the decision to save her own life, and she seemingly held her head high. Ethan knew he could never be that strong - if they had swapped places he couldn’t even fathom what sort of mess would have become of him. Ethan remembered how he wasn’t able to be there for her in the ways she needed during the Mrs. Martinez debacle because of his pride and personal ethics. He never forgave himself for letting all those months of what could have been slip through his fingertips and spent every moment of every day of every week in these last few months making sure she knew how important and special and loved she is. Dr. Ethan Ramsey is hopelessly devoted to Dr. Rebecca Lao. Whatever incidents befall them in the future they will tackle together. They’d be strong together. 

They’ve been strong together all this time. 

“I am,” she agreed, her eyes darting open to accompany her sly smirk. 

The two held one another’s gaze, their shoulders relaxing in unison and letting the bright and carefree morning swaddle them. Their worries all seemingly distant. All that mattered was them, their love and the abandoned pancakes. 

The last few months have aged them more than they have realized. The dark circles under Becca’s eyes held a weight she will never be rid of, a lasting reminder of what she’s been through and all she has overcome. She held herself a little higher now - she was done hiding and feeling ashamed. Ethan had a few more worry lines etched into his chiseled features, and next to default indifference of his natural gaze his eyes held clarity at the forefront - as if he had finally solved the mystery of his existence - his morals and personal ethics were damned.

 Becca playfully wrinkled her nose as she said, “They’re definitely not having your big head.” She wasn’t sure if it was the idea of giving birth to a large headed baby that sent a chill up her spine or Ethan’s calloused fingertips gingerly tracing its curvature; up and down, up and down. 

They both knew they had no control over genetics but he smirked anyway as he cradled his arms tightly around her back, “I’ll do my best to keep that from happening.”  

Becca softly touched his cheek, “That’s all I ask. I like my vagina too much as it is.” 

He laughed. A genuine, wrinkle-glowing laugh that rivaled the earlier comedic-induced laughter. She moved closer to hold him in a tight hug, listening to the comforting palpitations of Ethan Ramsey’s heart and feeling of the subtle rise and fall of his chest. There was a certain kind of euphoria in feeling the warmth of his back under her manicured palms.  

I missed this, she thought, tightening her grip.  

The laughter settled and she whispered ever so softly, he wouldn’t have noticed if he wasn’t so entranced by her, “I think... I think I’d want a c-section.” A small part of Becca found solace over the last few months in knowing she made the right decision - childbirth is terrifying and she definitely was not ready for a baby if she can’t even wrap her head around getting it out.   

He pulled away just enough to raise an eyebrow at her.  

“I don’t think I’d be strong enough,” it came out with a breath of air she was holding in, quiet and earnest. Just as easily she joked, “And not being able to control my bladder for the rest of my life is not appealing in the slightest.” 

They laughed it off. It was a jovial statement they knew as truth. 

But it didn’t matter anymore. They could speak about these things - they could speak about the future and pregnancy and babies and cravings, genetics, birthing plans and even last rights. They didn’t need to hide anymore. No secret wishes or manifestations suffering in silence, and not wanting to disturb the grieving process of the other. Everything now out in the open to share together. Revel in together. Carry together.  

The last year was absolute hell and Becca chastised herself for letting all that time slip past. She could never get that time back. She still was not fully at peace with her lost child but accepting it for what it is - it will always be a part of her. 

Through the internal turmoil Ethan and Rebecca grew as a couple and as individuals - they became stronger. They can talk about it and dream their new nuclear dream together. A dream that could quite possibly include a picket fence and a few certificates. 

Becca will never forget her phantom child, but hopefully she can lay her to rest. It had taken months of grieving in the dark depths of her mind and now was the time to face the sunshine. It was time to look forward to her career and enjoy having Ethan to herself, the serenity uninterrupted. The ability to continue making impulsive decisions, whims without any regard, and pulling unapologetic all nighters at the hospital whenever they pleased. There’s many things Becca would like to do before they have a family. 

Me and you. Just us two… For another two years at least. 

They have their entire future ahead of them.

_____________________

A/N: although my story’s a bit different from becca’s, it’s taken almost two years for me to finally be at peace with the fact and mentally move on. no matter your demons, please seek help. whether it be a friend, family or trained professional talking it out helps as i’ve just learned - even if it makes you feel small and stupid. if you need anything please drop me a line - i’m here and will support you, unconditionally. 

[fantasyinvader]

@fireemblems24

Since @teaveetamer already posted their document on the game, I figured I’m going to go ahead as well since I promised you I’d do this. Part of it is me being impatient and just want to get writing this over with, I’ll admit, but it’s better than something I scribble at the last minute.

Okay, let’s start off with something simple. The route split. There is a meaning behind this you might not be aware of. See, Byleth’s personal class isn’t the Enlightened One in the original text. It’s Nirvana.  While it does take some cues from Hindu tradition, namely fusing with the Creator God...dess, in Three Houses it’s tied to a more Buddhist outlook. Namely, the duality between enlightenment and ignorance.

Let me explain. In Buddhist tradition, when he was attempting to reach Nirvana, a being called Mara tried to tempt Buddha away from that using his daughters. In their mythology, Mara represents spiritual death and among other things making bad things look good. However, the story goes that Buddha did not fall for the trap and in order to celebrate this a flag is used as the symbol. This is known as the Banner of Victory.

In Silver Snow, Byleth is presented with a flag. Not only does this flag appear as the route’s save icon, it’s also confirmed to be the game’s Fire Emblem. In addition, the developers have also said that the worldbuilding of Three Houses was done to support Silver Snow. Silver Snow is supposed to represent truth.

But what does that mean for Crimson Flower? It’s meant to be this path of temptation. Even the Japanese name for the route reflects this, as Safflowers don’t represent love like the red rose mentioned in the opening theme but rather attraction. Attraction and used in bouquets to say “I’m trying to attract you.” Even in the game itself, the choices that unlock CF are presented as changing the story.

What’s more, there’s implications.After joining Edelgard’s army, a NPC will talk about how he doesn’t think he should believe everything she says. This is way after Kostas dying, saying he should never have listened to her. There’s another NPC who, in the Japanese, heavily implies Edelgard is using propaganda to try and sway the unsupportive public to her side. We have the aftermath of Arianrhod, with her lying to the Black Eagles. Hell, the full version of the game’s theme song reveals she lied to Byleth during the events of White Clouds. Likewise, there’s a lot of little tidbits hidden in the route that imply it is far less heroic than it initially appears. Stuff like how Edelgard is starving her people to wage this war, how she abandoned the war she started for five years to search for Byleth, how she’s still using Crest Beasts, the fact the troops you liberated at Brigid were Imperial troops rather than Brigid militia like in the other routes (and notice how Catherine says “we just asked Brigid to not support the Empire” in contrast to Petra saying they’re forcing Brigid to join them? Other routes reveal that Brigid would join Rhea in a heartbeat if Petra wasn’t under Edelgard’s control), all optional but they’re there. Just like how her route has endings that contradict each other all over the place, talking about giving the people liberty while Hubert’s imply it’s a police state killing those who don’t accept their new overlord. Or how the Church is still around post-war, just under Edelgard’s control. Or how Byleth’s solo ending makes it still sound like they can use the Sword of the Creator, while the Jeritza ending shows them using the Sword of Seiros. Various bits of information floating around the game also debunk her narrative, if you know where to look. Crests and the Church don’t have as much power as she makes them out to, the Empire was founded on meritocracy but those in charge used their power to oppress the masses, and the Empire’s split with the Church happened because the Southern Church rebelled against their leadership and was crushed by the emperor at the time.

There’s so much evidence that things are changing in Fodlan, with new power structures and attempted reforms, while the Japanese text makes it clear Edelgard wants to put things back to how they used to be. She’s not a reformer, she seeking restoration of the Empire.

Even Byleth’s romance with Edelgard is suspect in the Japanese text. Ferdinand and Hubert’s paired ending makes it clear that Edelgard is jealous of how close they are, while her supports with Byleth flat out say Byleth has become more distant (and likely undoing their development during White Clouds). In addition, Japanese Hubert and Byleth’s support ends with Hubert saying they can be two particular birds flying alongside the eagle that is Edelgard. This bird is from Chinese mythology, representing eternal love...and bringing death, destruction and misery. It has very negative implications, hence why using the mandarin duck is seen as more appropriate since it also means love without any of the other stuff.

CF is the path of ignorance. Hell, the Japanese script says as much when Dimitri calls you out on walking the path of the beast. Nirvana is meant to be extinguishing the flames of hatred, greed and ignorance within yourself, while the path of the beast is one of hatred, greed and ignorance. CF is the antithesis of what Byleth’s story is supposed to be, hence why they lose their powers in it’s ending and aren’t a leader in Fodlan despite having proven themselves capable of the task. Instead, various endings show Edelgard restoring the nobility, albeit with far more control over them. Hell, the Japanese script uses the words conquest a lot more than the English one, the devs even referring to it as such while Silver Snow is the Empire Route and that part of the meaning behind CF is simply getting rid of those who stand in your way. Nothing about liberty or humanity, just Edelgard taking all power for herself.

Or in other words, she’s the hegemon that’s referred to in Byleth’s CF title. This was actually confirmed to be a reference to China’s Mandate of Heaven, and is meant to stand in contrast to Azure Moon. The gist is that unlike the Divine Right of Kings, where a leader has a right to rule given to them by God and everyone else can just suck it up, the Mandate treats their rule as a privilege. If you’re a cruel leader, corrupt,you put yourself ahead of your subjects, or just simply an oppressive tyrant, then you’re walking the path of the Hegemon. The Heavens will then give signs to the people, telling them they need to overthrow you and install a new leader. That’s what Edelgard is supposed to represent, and her route has confirmed rebellions against her. Ironically, her portrait at the end of CF is based off of Napoleon’s coronation portrait, which was meant to emphasize his own divine right to rule. That hand staff is supposed to represent being given God’s approval to rule, it’s call the Staff of Justice...except what we see in the game is inverted from the real thing.

Meanwhile, Dimitri’s path is that of the Righteous Kings. He’s a benevolent leader, one who puts the people first, giving them power and by overthrowing Edelgard he enacted justice. Dimitri at the end of AM and during CF is meant to be the good king, while Edelgard is always the tyrant. Hell, the terms for these in Japanese are used as expressions. Hegemon has very negative implications, like a power-tripping middle manager, while Righteous King has positive ones and can even be used to say a particular way of doing things is the proper way to do things.

Also worth noting that Azure Moon is the only route where you can pretty much save everyone sans Edelgard, Hubert and Jeritza. It seems to be the route that most emphasizes compassion over learning the full truth (hence, it doesn’t feature the flag like SS/VW).

Hell, the same final boss theme plays at the end of CF and AM. It’s Edelgard’s theme, using her own musical cues and stuff. Rhea might be the final boss of CF, but the music makes Edelgard the bad guy. Likewise, there’s many cues in the game linking Rhea with light/dawn and Edelgard with shadows/darkness, even Rhea’s lilies represent purity compared to Edelgard’s safflower.

Claude also has light based symbolism, and the devs confirmed he’s a good guy. He’s supposed to be Fodlan’s new guiding light after Rhea dies and the collapse of Fodlan’s institutions. In essence, he’s a direct contrast to Edelgard. While Edelgard thinks she knows everything and won’t change her mind, Claude learns the real truth and his views change with the route (mostly implied due to his supports). Claude reveals said truth, while Edelgard will keep pushing lies that suit her. The endings were Edelgard loyalists and TWSITD rise up to try and retake Fodlan are less hidden than the rebellions against Edelgard. Claude treats Byleth as an equal, whereas Edelgard pulls rank and says she can only see them as an equal when they propose. Claude doesn’t fall for attempts by TWSITD to turn him against the Church in VW, which creates the impression that they were the ones responsible for turning Edelgard against Rhea for simply being not human.

Claude is legit, especially considering the fraud that is Edelgard. You can’t save everyone as Claude, since the story prioritizes the truth (with SS being in the middle) but there’s a case to be made that it’s meant to be Claude’s path to his own form of enlightenment so he can be your true equal and partner.

So, that’s kinda it. Each of the three main routes are meant to contrast CF in some way. AM is more focused on compassion and saving Dimitri from himself, at the cost of learning the full truth. VW pushes the truth more, but you’re not able to save those you could in other routes. SS is somewhere in the middle, where you can save everyone you take into your class, Rhea if you have supports with her, and Dedue if you can keep him alive. The language the devs used makes them all out to be hero routes, whereas CF is the villain route once you dig under the surface. It’s the route of lies, it leads to tyranny, it lacks sincere compassion, but it doesn’t tell you that because you’re meant to be ignorant because you decided to join her. You put Edelgard ahead of the good of Fodlan, leaving it in darkness while she talks about being it’s light.

The main thrust of the game is SS vs. CF, but VW and AM serve to further illustrate why CF is the wrong way of doing things.

The devs took it a step further in the Nintendo Dream interview. Take all of what I just said, and consider the fact they wanted the players to immerse themselves in Fodlan. They want people to see all the evidence against Edelgard, hence why fighting her = Enlightenment. BUT they also talked about wanting to play a trick on players, and when people complained about how hard it was to “walk with Edelgard” during testing they made it easier to access CF. CF is the trick my friend, it’s the player thinking they’re the good guy when in reality they’re playing the game’s villain route.

[jaehyunspeachparty]

daddy jaehyun

ii.xvi.

"Lee Soo-man, what are you doing here?" You were surprised that the head of SM stood at your doorstep. "May I can come inside?" He smiled and you make his way into the apartment. "And that's your newest?" He pinches your son's cheek and laughs happily. "Yes, that's Sunoh." You stroke your son's head and smile. "Oh, I remember how my boy was so small. They are sooo innocent in this age." He laughed happily again and the atmosphere relaxed now more. Meanwhile, Jaehyun has now noticed that there was a visit. "Lee Soo-man, what are you doing here?" He was frozen and bowed humbly. "I was in the area and once wanted to say hello. I haven’t met your son yet. He is lovely." "Mr. Lee, do you want a coffee or tea?" You ask him while you put Sunoh over your shoulder. "Yes, coffee would be great." The man took off his shoes and looked around the apartment. "It is very comfortable here, very familiar." He looked at the wall, which was full of photos with memories. "Yes Y/N did all these. It is important for her that everyone feels comfortable, she has put a lot of work into the apartment." Jaehyun stood behind his boss, nervously putting his hands in his pocket. "Where is your daughter?" He then asked and turned to Jaehyun. "She's taking her nap right now." He explained and in that moment, you put the coffee on the dining table. Lee Soo-man and Jaehyun sat down with you and you could see that Jaehyun was still tense. "I wanted to ask how it looks like. Can we take your daughter under contract?" He spooned the sugar into the coffee and looked up at you expectantly. He knew for a fact that you were the person who fought the most against it. "To be honest ..." Jaehyun laid his hands on the table and leaned closer to his boss. "We wanted to check the contract with our lawyer first, but now we have another legal problem." Jaehyun cleared his throat, for it was unpleasant to talk about his ex-girlfriend. "Suji sued her for quite a bit of money. I heard about it, and your manager told me." He laughed briefly and then took a sip of his coffee. Jaehyun looked at you a little bit panicked, but you were very calm. So much could not make you upset. "What if I take care of it." The man suddenly became quite serious. He put down his cup and looked deep into his eyes. "Why should you do this?" You were sceptical, you knew exactly that such people always demanded a favour in return. "See it as a giveaway for Miga." You didn’t like your daughter being treated like a commodity. That was all that bothered you about this business. "I don’t sell my daughter. We can handle it on our own." It almost insulted you that he thought you would sell your daughter so easily. You push your son closer to you, who was still over your shoulder and looking around. "You are really a lion mother." He laughed and turned to Jaehyun. "Such women are gold, you need to keep her as close as possible." You roll your eyes and snort. Just because he's the boss, you were not afraid of him. You don’t need to expect anything from him. "Why our daughter? Aren’t there any other children?" You still don’t understand why Lee Soo-man was so obsessed with Miga. Of course, she was special, but that's what every mother thought of her child. "In addition to her good genetics, we see a lot of potential in her. We just want to promote it." With a long sip he drank the coffee and stood up. "I'm not saying you have to make an immediate decision. I would like to invite your family to my chalet in Switzerland, and of course Jaehyun would off his schedule. And Taeyong, Lucas and Mark are also invited." You and Jaehyun also got up and followed him to the door. "I do not know ..." You were unsure, because you didn’t want to be bribed. “It's a personal invitation and has nothing to do with the whole thing here." Lee Soo-man put on his shoes and then offered his hand. "I would be very happy." He looked into your eyes and shook your hand. He patted Jaehyun on the shoulder and then left the apartment.

When the door closed, Jaehyun let out a deep breath. He was under pressure for the whole conversation. You put Sunoh in a cradle and sit down with your husband on the sofa. Cujo jumped up to you and put his head on your lap. You paw him behind the ears and look at Jaehyun. "Lee Soo-man has never invited me to Switzerland." Jaehyun ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Cujo in confusion. "Does he do that often?" You suddenly hear a squeak from your baby. Sunoh started to smile and tried to grab a small stuffed animal. It was so cute and you watch him for a while. "Yes, he invites his "favourites" there every year." Tell Jaehyun and you look back at him. Sometimes you lose yourself when you look at your baby. "For real?" You ask and your husband hums in approval. "Shall we go there?" That had to decide Jaehyun now. It could also be an advantage for his solo album, now that Suji hopefully soon will not be an issue anymore. "I mean, we're not traveling since a long time. It can be funny, Miga could learn to ski." The thought of his daughter on two skis was kind of cute and Jaehyun laughed because of it. "Hmm ... I haven’t been to Europe for a long time, and I miss the mountains. That could be really nice." You already imagined how you look at the snow in the warm Charlet, you imagine how Miga builds a snowman and how Jaehyun teaches her to ski. It was wonderful thoughts. "Y/N should we drive?" Jaehyun asked and put his hand on yours. "Yes." You were determined and smiled because of the idea of being in Switzerland soon.

Jaehyun had warned you that it could be stressful at the airport, but you couldn’t imagine how it really was. The fact that other idols were there with you didn’t make it any better. Fans, saesangs and more were also at the airport trying to get a picture. You had Sunoh clinging to your chest and Jaehyun had Miga firmly in his hand. Although many Securities were with, it was still getting tighter. There was a real thunderstorm from the cameras and Miga didn’t want to go any further as she was scared. She started crying and Jaehyun picked her up quickly. He wanted to get her away from the crowd as fast as possible. You also put your coat around your son, so that he is not disturbed by the flashes of the camera. "Daddy, I want home." Miga's face blushed and hundreds of tears rolled down her face. "It's all good, we made it soon." He hugs his daughter tightly and puts his hand over her head so that the camera flashes don’t blind her anymore. "How long will that take?" You were behind your husband and you are not trying to panic either. It was the first time you could feel how Jaehyun used to when he was traveling with NCT. "All we have to do is go to the passport control quickly. They can‘t go any further and things get quieter." Jaehyun tried to go faster, but it was getting tighter and tighter as a queue had formed in the passport control. Miga kept crying and sobbed into her father's shirt. You were glad that Sunoh slept. You had breastfed him extra before and most of the time his sleep was always very deep afterwards. And thank goodness it stayed that way. "Daddy." Miga's cry became heavier, as some tried to get closer to them. Jaehyun tried to hold her more in front of his chest, so that no one could take a picture of her. It took only a few seconds and you were behind the passport control and thus you had the worst done. It was not so easy for Miga. Although everything has become much calmer, she couldn’t stop crying. She was totally scared. You could understand it, because there were really many people around her. Jaehyun tried to give her a cookie, but she wanted not even this. That was when he was worried, because in the future he would have liked to take her to performances in other countries. But when it was so hard for her and it scared her so much, it was not a good idea. "Hey Miga." Mark came to her and squatted right in front of her. She stopped sobbing and looked at him expectantly while more tears ran down her red face. "We're all going to Switzerland now. Do you know what that means?" He smiled and patted her head. She shook her head and continued to look at him with her big eyes. "That we have a lot of snow, so we can build a snowman together, isn’t that great?" Mark smiled happily and held his hands up excitedly. Miga leaned slightly to her crush and started to giggle. "We can put a hat on him and as a nose we take a carrot." Mark was really good at it. Jaehyun and you watched him closely and you were fascinated how well he could handle the little girl. "This is funny." Miga was clearly not scared anymore and she looked in love again to Mark. "But if you promise, you really have to." Jaehyun crossed his arms and looked at his friend admonishingly. Mark nodded and took Miga on his lap. "Do not worry, we'll have a lot of fun."

It was the first flight for your children, and you were actually a bit scared that they would cry a lot at the start. But both have overcome it well and Miga was allowed to watch her favourite series during the flight. Sunoh was on your lap, taking turns eating and sleeping. After a couple of hours, you look at the clock and see that it was so far that you had to take the birth control pill. You pull the bag up to you while holding Sunoh with one hand. Your bag was not well organized, but you actually knew where your things were. But you couldn’t find the pack anywhere. "Jaehyun, I think I forgot the pill at home." You lean over Miga over to your husband and whisper it so softly that you hope that not even Miga heard it. "What? Do you mean the ...?" "Yes." You answer him quickly before he uttered something that others might hear. Or Miga. Lately, she was chatting with too many people. "And what does that mean?" Jaehyun looked at you with wide eyes. "Well we can’t ... you can’t stick your pen in my sharpener." Even if you use synonymous, you did not want Miga to hear it. "Seriously, sharpener?" Jaehyun laughed at your description and you roll your eyes. "Oh, it doesn’t matter. We're only there for a few days and we're sharing the room with the children anyway. We can probably live without it for a while." You put down the bag again and lean into the seat. "What? Are you serious now? We're in a nice chalet in Switzerland, with log fires and romantic mountain views and we can’t ... sharpen my pen?" Jaehyun looked at you strangely and you just shrug. You can still feel his eyes on you, and you knew it was driving him crazy. "We will came up with something." He then said and winked. You had to laugh, it was not an option for you.

Daddy Jaehyun Masterlist

[theangrypokemaniac]

Ma and Pa James's Second Biggest Fan (we plough a lonely furrow) continues to find Ma Jess's appeal mystifying, since everything about her is negative:

1. Signing up for Team Rocket suggests someone of a morally dubious character to start with, but the truth lies in the clothing, and she's in black!

Black!

It's code for her personality:

• Jessie wears white:

Pure, beautiful, innocent, sweet-natured, not really bad, dealt a severe hand in life but a fighter.

• Cassidy wears black:

EVIL!!! EVIL, EVIL, EEEEEEVUL!!! FOUL SIRENIC TEMPTRESS!!! EVIL HEARTLESS BITCH STEALING JAMES'S NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN WEEPINBELL!!!

Speaking of which:

2. She was Madame Boss's best agent.

You don't get there being kind.

To reach that standing requires hundreds of successful heists, and we aren't talking nicking gold bars. It's living things.

How many Pokémon do you imagine she stole with merciless efficiency?

How many children did she set upon, pinching every animal they had?

How many innocent lives did she ruin by depriving kids of the pets they loved, never to see them again, eaten away with the not-knowing and the false hope?

The glory of her reign ran on the fuel of blood and tears.

What fate do you envision awaited those Pokémon? It's not exchanging one master for another, it's entering slavery.

Jessie and James aren't the epitome of Team Rocket. They are minnows on the outskirts, despised and mocked by most of their fellow members. The actual group isn't particularly famous for prioritizing Pokémon welfare.

The preferable outcome is being handed out to agents to help catch other victims. Otherwise it's transformation into a war machine, forced to fight on and on to the point of exhaustion and death, no doubt tortured and tested on to boot.

What happens if they don't come up to scratch or are pushed for years until too aged and broken to be of any use? Are Team Rocket ready to pension them off to animal sanctuary?

As if. It's euthanasia or on to the streets to waste away, if not fed to the strongest first.

Ma Jess knew this and worse occurred thanks to her, yet paid it no mind, and felt not a single twinge of guilt in that time of service, then met her end trying to draw another Pokémon into imprisonment.

Some might say it was a case of what goes around, comes around. As her behaviour led to God knows how many Pokémon dying alone, leaving their loved ones to wonder and grieve, so in turn did she die alone in the snow, and Jessie had to carry on without her.

I'm not against Ma Jess, I neither feel like or dislike, but I don't understand how so many fans can happily overlook her murky past of inflicting pain, instead elevating her to a semi-divine tragic heroine, yet apparently Ma and Pa's heinous offences of not stealing and treating Pokémon well are beyond forgiveness.

3. It's the Red Ribbon Army! Save yourselves!

Jessie joined Team Rocket to follow in Ma's footsteps. James went with her. Both moved (upwardly in scale, downwardly in morals) from Sunny Town's gang of petty thief kids to a complex Mafia organisation stretching its wriggling tentacles around the world to crush the air from its lungs.

Why? Ma Jess's baleful influence led the two down that path.

Of course Jessie wants to copy Ma, how and where else can she feel close to her?

There's not even a grave to visit!

Rising in the ranks and Giovanni's favour is both to strike it rich and take her place, becoming Ma in essence. That would make her proud, which is all Jessie ever wanted.

What alternative is there? Stay with Chopper and Tyra forever, ekeing an existence pickpocketing and shoplifting, until mortality comes calling sooner than is welcome, or get loaded quickly and retire early?

James theoretically could've gone home at this point, but when it came to which angry redhead he preferred to beat him up, he chose Jessie.

He was henceforth obliged to go whenever she led, even if it meant following the ghost of her mother into the jaws of evil.

They have an excuse, but what was Ma's for getting involved?

However much they boast and revel in their wickedness, the motto proves the couple still believe themselves on a noble quest, despite everything to the contrary, and why?

Jessie isn't about to accept that Ma Jess, whom she's probably idolized as one of few people to love her and a role model of how a woman should be, was nasty or unpleasant. If she was in Team Rocket, it must be good, whatever the outer appearance.

Except Jessie and James are bad at being bad. They are not master criminals. All their plans fail, rendering them poor and starving in consequence. The inner circle of Team Rocket will always be barred to them because they lack the inner darkness it requires.

The joke is they flourish in any other occupation, whether that be Salon Rocquet, reporters, or flogging merchandise and food at the League. If employed elsewhere they'd be better off, but they have to stay because Jessie can't let go, or bear the thought she might be a disappointment to her mother's name. A different career looks unworthy by comparison.

What, so Ma and Pa have got no son because of Ma Jess? They just wanted him to be a gentleman!

If she hadn't set such a terrible example to her daughter she might have an increased quality of life, but then had she done so Ma wouldn't be dead in the first place.

4. Can't pick 'em can she?

What was it that first attracted Ma to Windy Miller? Does she go for the rustic charm, or the promise of a lifetime's supply of bread to feed the abundance of babies planned?

Don't do it, Ma! He's an alky!

Some birds are like that you see. It's the maternal instinct gone haywire. They find a local reprobate and somehow decide he's really a damaged soul crying out for love, the scapegoat of a cruel society.

He's not evil, he's just misunderstood!

This is why you get nutters wanting to marry the Yorkshire Ripper: they put his 'mischief' down to bad women mistreating his gentle heart, but they of course are devoted to his happiness. They can change him.

You don't know him like I do!

In their fantasy, under the influence of a 'proper' woman he'll transform in to a flower-picking hippie, but not too much, they still like him to be dangerously 'manly' (keeps 'em on their toes), then they can feel smugly superior and more truly female than the 'lesser' breed who failed to tame his sexy pashuns.

And if there's one thing Windy has in abundance, it's raw animal magnetism.

Stop it, Ma! You can't help those who don't want helping!

She put up with the boozing, the flour dust and his somewhat limited communication skills, but what really let him down was the company he kept.

Ever after she would insist Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub led him astray. That's firemen for yer.

Cuthbert? That name's died out.

Sure enough, some point after Ma Jess was stuffed up the spout, old Windy legged it back to Camberwick Green, like the rascal he is, and not a sweet penny piece did she receive in maintenance, the bastard.

At least Ma James got pregnant by a man who stood by her.

She wasn't married to Windy Miller!

Oh, you mean they were living over the brush? I see.

It's all in your head!

Do it my way, and we have Pa Jess. Do it yours, and we're back to a cavernous emptiness. Unless you can supply a picture of the 'real' (pffft) Pa Jess, this is the best available.

Anyway, 'Jessie Miller' just sounds right.

Coincidence? I think not.

5. She went to look for Mew dressed like this.

I could forgive it had she gone in her normal uniform, that's just whimsy, but to have made some effort emphasises that it's not enough!

Some part of her understood a mountain might be a bit parky out, but this was deemed sufficient coverage!

What happened?

She bloody died didn't she?!

6. Ma Boss points the way to doom.

Ma Jess was at least loyal to the mistress she served, but it was a wasted dedication. She squandered her life obeying a heartless virago who could cast aside apparently valued staff without a qualm, whatever thanks she owed them.

The millions Ma Jess accumulated for Madame are probably uncountable, yet she was so worthless that, when dispatched to the mountain, on her own, expected to catch a Legendary Pokémon, by herself, which many doubted even existed, and wasn't likely to come quietly, or put up with orders, but then didn't come back, Madame Boss allowed her only child to sink into poverty and the infamous 'care' of the State.

Everyone knows what goes on there. Entering a home has replaced the workhouse as the place of dread.

Jessie might have been killed or attacked and it didn't remotely concern Madame Boss, unwilling to spare a meagre fraction of her massive fortune to give the girl she made an orphan any comfort or security.

What did she matter? Her mother failed. Why reward that?

In her turn, Jessie became just as obsequious to an undeserving master, who went further than his mama and actively tried to murder her, and still she suffers to please him.

Team Rocket devoured her mother, and now it's swallowed her.

Oh, and Madame Boss got her way upon discovering Mew's fossil, so Ma Jess died for nothing.

7. This.

I'm not surprised Mew wouldn't go with Ma. She probably sensed the vivisection awaiting, and didn't give a toss about the avalanche in revenge.

Mew hasn't got where she is today falling for any old shallow promises from a stranger, thank you.

Suppose the mission had worked, with Mew caught and gift wrapped for Madame's delectation: what then?

Perhaps Mew's power, proving so impressive, would've pushed any cloning scheme aside, leaving Mewtwo unborn and Mew as the mightiest weapon. Or in greed Madame Boss demands more, and in arrogance the scientists promise the earth, the seas and the heavens.

Mew I could see subjected to some non-lethal form of dissection, just to understand how she ticked, that is if they could build the cage to hold her.

As they couldn't, and catching Mew was never a possibility, then Ma Jess's sacrificed herself on a fool's errand, which was obviously one from the outset. If Mew was easy to handle she'd have been captured long before now.

Either Ma dies, Mew's safe, but Madame Boss starts the cloning scheme anyway, or Ma's victorious, Mew is a tool of Team Rocket and the scientists have more sample to experiment upon. Mewtwo is still made, alongside short-lived creations and dozens of unseen freakish abominations preceding.

Now Mewtwo isn't what you call at peace with himself, nor has he received a particularly wholesome experience. One could think Ma indirectly caused that. Her branch of the project may have fizzled to cinders but she still played her role.

What would her legacy have been but to help bring forth the being that wiped out mankind? Where's the future for Jessie when there isn't one?

It's not her fault, but she died in the name of cloning a biological disaster, the creation of synthetic life leading to the destruction of it all.

8. Let's have a gander at Ma in the anime:

• Can afford rent.

• Can afford a tray.

• Can afford crockery.

• Can afford condiments to add flavour to food.

• Can't afford any actual food.

Something's wrong there.

I intended to include affording clothes too, but now I'm not so sure.

I never took Ma to be a brown-all-over kind of woman. At least she gave the fancy stuff to Jessie.

For years I've assumed she wore a brightly coloured jacket, but now I suspect it's a red one heavily patched up, because buying a replacement isn't an option.

Really old clothes are being mended with whatever can be salvaged from even more worn-out clobber.

Best agent Madame Boss has and she's practically living in her own filth.

Team Rocket takes care of its own, eh?

Oh no, let's not get a proper job, one that allows me to provide for my daughter and doesn't ask for my life. Let's stay in this one!

9. Look at Jessie's face!

By her own admission, being tricked into eating snow is the best thing that ever happened to her during an 'otherwise wretched childhood', to the extent she doesn't know it was wrong!

I don't hear Ma and Pa doing that. The only ice James got was an ice-cream sandwich.

What kind of infancy did Ma Jess give the girl for her to be nostalgic about almost dying of malnutrition?

If we say that's a foster mother as in the sub, it means Jessie's fondest memory is after Ma died, which is too brutal for me.

Yeah, thank goodness she's snuffed it.

You think Ma might have taught her not to eat snow! She left her so ill-prepared!

Consequently the sub version makes Ma Jess an awful creature, although I don't see why that Jessie would so desire to mimic a mom she apparently doesn't care about.

10. She's not even bloody here!

I have no picture to signify absence, therefore I must show whom she left behind.

Ma Jess is Pokémon's answer to Bobba Fett: background figure, barely involved, no information, dies early, yet became a fan favourite nevertheless.

If nothing really exists, what is there to like? Why are you contented weaving smoke?

When Rocketshippers put forward the manga as proof, the Anti-Ships used to insist that it 'didn't count' for being set in a 'separate universe'.

If that still goes, and only the contents of the anime apply to the anime, well then it's bye-bye to Ma Jess and Madame Boss, because they aren't real either.

I sometimes think that's true. However traumatic, would Jessie not have acknowledged her mother by now otherwise?

We grasp the characters all had two parents in a nebulous fashion, although not being real people means they don't 'technically' need them, but Ma Jess is the only one who vanished to be granted a face. Why is she then ignored?

She's briefly glimpsed in a passing scene of a single episode of the first series and is never seen or referenced again. The sub doesn't even have that. Where was the use in creating her if only to leave that thread of the tale billowing in the breeze?

We may decide her actions affect Jessie's but we're only imprinting assumptions. She might as well have remained unwritten for all that's made of her.

What we can glean doesn't bode well, irrespective of things left unmentioned.

Her one redeeming deed was dying, thus at least she didn't choose to abandon Jessie. We may presume she'd have stayed with her girl given the chance.

By my reckoning that puts her as Fifth-Best Mother Of Pokémon, behind Ma Brock, Ma James, Dame Ketchum and Ma Boss, in that order.

Then they're those who claim she never died, so she just pissed off like everyone else, rendering her devoid of a single positive quality.

This is the woman you sigh and agonise over for decades.

Ma and Pa are right there, man! Show 'em some love!

[inu-jiru]

Tomoe, The Eastern Tigress - Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven - Hougen’s Cruelty

The blizzard raged on that night. Inside the shed, Gin, John, and Akame had finished their meal and were fast asleep. Akame’s ear would flick occasionally; ninja dogs were light sleepers, their ears trained to pick up sounds of danger even while sleeping. Before it’d reached midnight, the Kishu’s ears picked up the faintest sound of paws walking through the snow. Akame was awake almost instantly.

“Gin,” he barked. “John.”

“Mmmph...” John grunted as he stirred. He flashed the Kishu an annoyed glare. “What the fuck, Akame...?”

“Something’s not right,” Akame explained. Padding towards the windows of the shed, he glanced out. As he feared, the small structure was surrounded by a small army of dogs. “We’re surrounded...!” 

Gin and John immediately felt more awake at that news. They stood up, joining Akame at the window. It was just as he said. Neither of them could even count just how many dogs were standing there, partially obscured by the snow. Two dogs approached the shed, a Borzoi, like Reika had described, and what had to be the largest Great Dane they’d ever seen. 

“They’re in there, sir!” the Borzoi was saying. “They’ve got nowhere to run to!”

“That big guy...” John muttered, his fur bristling. “It’s obvious he’s the leader, but something about him rubs me the wrong way. He’s not like that Nero guy...”

“It could be Hougen,” Gin suggested. “I didn’t think he’d find us so quickly...”

“Heh...” John licked his chops. “Then we’ll just have to take him out right here and now. I’ll crush him easily.”

“It won’t be that simple, John,” said Akame, though John was already padding up to a hole in the roof of the shed and jumping out. “John!”

John ignored Akame’s warning as he stepped onto the snow-covered roof. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins as the Dane’s eyes locked onto him. The Shepherd showed no fear; his body was already lowered into an offensive position.

“Yo,” the Dane yelled as he came to a stop. “I hear you three are the top dogs of Ohu. Is that true?”

“Who’s askin’?” John shot back.

“I am,” the Dane replied boldly. “Now answer the question: are you three Ohu’s top dogs?”

“Tell me who you are first, and maybe I’ll consider answering.” The air grew tense as the two males challenged each other, neither showing signs of backing down. Gin and Akame joined their friend on the roof.

“What do you want from us?” Gin asked with a firm voice. The Dane’s eyes wandered over to the Akita, his jowls stretching back into a smile.

“Aha...” he cooed. “That tora-ge fur...those scars...you’re definitely Gin.”

“And you’re Hougen, I presume?” Gin refused to show any signs of fear. If this was Hougen, as he assumed, then Gin knew that any display of weakness would be preyed upon. That’s the sort of male Hougen was, according to what the trio had learned in the past six months. The Dane chuckled at Gin’s confidence, before slowly turning and squatting over the snow. John’s eyes widened.

“What the...?” he said in alarm. The Great Dane’s followers gasped as they watched their leader force out a lump of fecal matter. With one final grunt, it fell out onto the snow. The Dane sneered up at the three leaders.

“I’ll tell you what,” he barked slyly. “How’s about a deal? That mouthy Shepherd eats my shit, and maybe I’ll tell you if I’m Hougen or not.”

“You disgusting piece of shit!” Rage filled John’s body. “Someone as filthy as you can only be Hougen! I don’t need to eat shit to prove that!”

“How childish...” Akame grunted, also disgusted by Hougen’s lack of decency. “But John...don’t buy into his games. He’s only trying to embarrass us.”

“I know that...!” The Shepherd snapped. “Grrr...! What do we do then!?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Hougen interrupted. “Surrender and make things easy for me. It’s inevitable that I’ll take over Ohu, so why not give in while you can? Gehehe...” As the male spoke, Gin whispered to his companions.

“We need to make a run for it,” he said. “If a dog gets in your way, take them down, but we need to focus on leaving.”

“I’m not a fan of running away...” John grunted. 

“I know,” replied Gin. “But we need the rest of the army to know what’s coming. If we die here, who’ll warn our families about Hougen?”

John didn’t respond, but Gin already knew the answer. He looked at Akame, and the Kishu nodded to him. The plan was set. Together, the three dogs leapt from the roof and onto the ground below. Hougen perked.

“Oho? So you’ve decided to welcome death after all? Well, in that case...” Hougen lifted his head, shouting aloud. “All of you! Rip ‘em apart!”

A fierce battle cry filled the air as Hougen’s army advanced on the three males. As Gin commanded, John and Akame didn’t focus on trying to take anyone out if they could avoid it. They slipped under pouncing dogs and kicked away any fool that got too close. Some of Hougen’s males would try to attack all at once, latching onto the fleeing dogs in an attempt to slow them down.

“Hrah!” Gin jumped into the air as dogs clung to his body. He landed on his back, crushing them beneath his weight.

“Gyaaaaaah!” A dog cried out as John slashed his throat. Akame, meanwhile, stepped on the heads of several dogs like stepping stones. Out of the corner of his eye, he searched to see of Hougen was anywhere nearby. Oddly enough, the Dane was nowhere to be found.

“Akame!”

The ganin turned his attention over to Gin. The Akita stood nearby, panting as he struggled against a swarm of attacks. Looking over at him, Gin ordered:

“Use your shinobi techniques! Escape while you can and head to Ohu!”

“Uh...?” Akame gasped. “Are you sure, Gin?”

“Yes...!” Gin brought down a paw on an enemy’s head, knocking him unconscious. “One of us needs to warn Ohu! John and I’ll keep distracting them. You go!”

“Yeah, Akame!” agreed John from afar as he knocked away a few soldiers from his body. “We’ve got this!”

Akame grunted in dismay. Though it was a reasonable plan, it just didn’t sit right with the male to leave behind the comrades he’d respected and saw as his family. Still...Gin was his leader, first and foremost; Akame couldn’t refuse his command. Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth, Akame forced himself onward. 

“Gin...! John...!” Akame performed a great leap over the last of the dogs, making his way to the nearest gathering of trees and climbing his way up. He felt a tear stream down his face. “Please...don’t die!”

“That’s enough, you bastards!” 

The battle came to a sudden halt as Hougen spoke. John and Gin paused, bracing themselves as Hougen reappeared in front of them. Rocket’s brother, Missile, was hanging onto a squirming dog. Gin’s maw fell open in shock.

“Reika!”

Both Ohu males stared in dismay as the unfortunate female was brought before them, whimpering and sobbing as Missile’s fangs threatened to tear into the side of her neck. Hougen looked at her, smirking, before returning his gaze to Gin and John.

“I don’t have any mercy, so...” Hougen paused to chuckle sadistically. “Keep resisting if you want. Just know that this cutie dies if you do.”

“Boss...!” Reika cried. “I’m so sorry! They ambushed me! Please...don’t stop fighting on my account...!”

“How low can you get, you bastard!?” a furious John roared.

“Shut up!” Hougen snapped. “As long as I win, it doesn’t matter what tricks I have to use, gyahahaha!” As Hougen laughed, his followers began biting Reika’s legs and belly. She screamed in pain. Gin shook his head, his ears flattening against his head.

“Stop...!” he begged. “Just stop! Let her go, Hougen!” The Dane flashed a toothy grin at Gin. Finally, everything was falling into place. Raising his head again, he howled to his soldiers:

“This is it, boys! Take them down!”

Gin and John watched, bracing themselves, as Hougen’s males grew closer and closer...

Two days had passed since Kaibutsu’s death. As Jerome had said, the humans returned to Futago Pass once more to retrieve the monster’s body. The Ohu soldiers had gathered at the near the base of the waterfall, watching as Kaibutsu’s body was airlifted away, never to be seen again. Jerome made sure to stay out of sight, still feeling great shame over how he’d failed to die alongside his comrades. If his masters believed him to be dead, then so be it.

Once the humans were gone and peace settled over the Pass, the remaining members of Ohu attempted to continue living as they did before. As of now, there were only 29 dogs. The Dog Paradise, once lively and filled with dogs, was eerily quiet. Dogs who’d died and not been laid to rest were given burials; a lengthy task, but no one complained. Inside Gajou, a large chamber had been created due to the cave-in, one big enough for everyone to gather inside and sleep during the night. 

The evening of the second day came quickly. Tomoe sat in front of Gajou, looking up at the darkening sky with a look of content on her face. It’d been so long since she could properly gaze at the stars. 

“Hello there, youngster,” a voice called to her. Looking over her shoulder, Tomoe saw Ben padding up to her. She smiled.

“Oh hey, Uncle Ben,” Tomoe chirped. “I thought you’d gone to sleep already.”

“Not yet.” The large male took a seat. “Had something on my mind.”

“Mmm?”

“Gin, John and Akame have been gone all this time...” Ben’s blind eyes looked towards the sky. “And no one can be sure when they’re coming back exactly. We don’t have the substitutes anymore, so we need someone to fill in.”

“I thought you were already doing that, Uncle,” Tomoe said, cocking a brow.

“You could say that,” replied Ben. “But, really, I only took up the job because I used to be Ohu’s General back when Riki was alive. I plan on going back into retirement now that things have calmed down. And who better to take my place than John’s own daughter?”

“Eh...!?” Tomoe stood up, staring, wide-eyed, at the old male. “You want me to lead Ohu!?”

“Hoho...calm down, youngster. You won’t be leading by yourself. Your father’s the new General these days, so you’ll be filling in for him. Meanwhile, Gin’s role will be filled by Weed.” Ben then glanced back, making a beckoning motion with his head. “Come on out, you two.”

As if on cue, Weed and Jerome appeared from the entrance of Gajou. Tomoe stared at them intensely, her eyes narrowing.

Oh, great... she thought sarcastically. The pipsqueak and his new lap dog... In all honesty, Tomoe wasn’t exactly sure why Weed rubbed her the wrong way. Jerome was a different story; his cold demeanor and odd obsession with Weed was obnoxious to her. The puppy, however, hadn’t really done anything to her, aside from getting singled out because he was Gin’s son. Perhaps that was the main reason. A petty one, maybe, but a reason nonetheless. Tomoe kept those negative thoughts to herself as the Akita mix and the Shepherd joined the conversation.

“Mr. Ben talked it over with us already,” Weed said. “He thinks I should fill in as Boss until my father returns to Ohu.”

“I’ve offered to act as his advisor,” Jerome added. “It’s the least I can do. Weed offered me a new purpose, and this one seemed the most appropriate.” It took all of Tomoe’s willpower not to roll her eyes. “Consider me as your number three until that Akame fellow returns.”

“I know both you and Weed are young,” Ben said to Tomoe. “But long ago, Gin proved to me that even a child could do great things. If you feel any doubts, you just need to talk to us. You won’t have to be alone, Tomoe.”

“Mmph...” the young bitch murmured as she thought it over. “Just until Dad comes back, huh...? Well...alright. I’ll do it, Uncle.”

“I’m glad,” said Ben with a calm smile. He stood up, yawning. “Alright. I’ll go and settle down for now. You youngsters don’t stay up too late, hmm?” 

Ben slowly made his way back into Gajou, his nose and ears guiding him. Weed, Tomoe, and Jerome were left alone, all of them silent. The mountain winds blew about, ruffling their coats. After a moment of silence between the three of them, Weed decided to speak. 

“I don’t think we’ve officially met,” he said with a grin. “I’m Weed.”

“So I’ve heard,” replied Tomoe coolly. Jerome watched her closely, listening to the tones in her voice and examining the emotions in her eyes. “The name’s Tomoe.”

“I’m sure we’ll make a great team,” Weed said, his tail swishing. 

“If you say so.” The female lazily ran a tongue over her paw.

“Hmm? What’s the matter? Don’t you think so?”

Tomoe didn’t respond at first. Glancing at Jerome, she could see the clear distaste in his eyes. She snorted. She wouldn’t apologize for not falling head over heels for a puppy she barely knew.

“I never said I didn’t,” she finally said. “I’m just not sure if you’re actually ready for this, kid.”

“He’s ready,” Jerome cut in. His voice seemed almost defensive. Tomoe scrunched her muzzle. “Don’t worry about him. Like I said before, I’ll be his advisor. The Veterans have given their approval already. Of course, if you also need assistance, I’d be happy to oblige.”

“I’ll be fine,” Tomoe assured bluntly. “I’d like to figure things out for myself, if you don’t mind.”

“Mmph,” was Jerome’s reply. Weed looked between the two Shepherds. He could tell there was some tension in the air. Quickly, he spoke up.

“Maybe tomorrow we can organize a big hunt with the rest of the army?” he suggested. “It could be--”

“WEED!”

The three dogs perked their ears at the sound of GB’s voice. Looking towards the woods, they could see the Setter emerging, printing towards Gajou.

“Come quickly!” he shouted. “It’s Akame! Akame’s here! Tomoe, you come too!”

“Uh...!?” Tomoe gasped. “If Akame’s here...”

“Father must be back!” an ecstatic Weed cried. Hastily, he rushed to meet GB, Jerome following behind him. Tomoe, however, didn’t see so certain that all was well. She couldn’t explain it, but there was a bad feeling deep in her gut. Something wasn’t right. Tomoe rushed to catch up with the other dogs, and together they ran to the base of the Pass. When they arrived, they could see Ken, Kagetora, Harutora and Nobutora already there, surrounding a familiar, white Kishu who was lying in a thin layer of snow.

“Uncle Akame!” shouted Tomoe. The other dogs looked up, seeing GB, Weed, Jerome and Tomoe approaching. 

“Ah, there they are, sir,” Ken said, looking back at the ganin. “Weed and Tomoe.”

Akame looked up, his eyes widening at the two youngsters. When he looked at Weed, he momentarily believed that he had fallen into the past, and that a younger Gin was approaching him. The resemblance between Weed and Gin was uncanny; one would never even guess that the puppy had Kishu blood. Akame then looked up at Tomoe. When he last saw her, she was about the size of Weed, maybe a bit bigger. Now, she was a young adult adorning scars of battle. Her resemblance to John was 100% the same, but it was definitely close.  

“Uncle...!” Kagetora whispered in awe. Akame snapped back into reality, feeling the wetness of tears on his cheeks.

“If only your fathers were here to see you both...” The ganin whispered softly.

“Where are they, Mr. Akame?” Weed asked, looking around. “Didn’t they come with you?”

“I...” Akame paused, biting his lip. “I’m afraid that Gin and John are in terrible danger...”

Everyone was taken aback. The air had suddenly gotten chillier as Akame’s words sank in. Danger? What sort of danger!?

“What’s happened to my father!?” exclaimed Weed. He stepped closer to the Kishu. “Tell me, Akame!”

“Give him space, damn it...!” Tomoe snapped, forcing the puppy away with a paw. Her voice quivered, something that neither the Kais nor Ken had ever heard from Tomoe before. She wasn’t the type to scare easily. It was obvious that whatever had happened to John was causing her great distress. Regardless of this, Weed narrowed his eyes at the female.

“We’ve been investigating a series of rumors and violent pack takeovers in the Southern Alps,” Akame explained. “We found out about a male named Hougen and his plans to take over Ohu...”

“What!?” Harutora exclaimed.

“We were on our way back, but...” Akame continued. “Hougen ambushed us...! Gin told me to escape and warn everyone.”

“They’re not dead, are they?” asked Tomoe quickly.

“I doubt it,” the Kishu assured. “Gin and John are strong males. A couple of common dogs won’t be enough to kill them. If anything, Hougen’s probably going to hold them prisoner.”

“We can’t just stand around here then...!” said Kagetora. He looked to Weed. “Weed! We need to go and rescue them right now!”

“But...” Weed murmured in uncertainty. Tomoe snarled.

“What do you mean “but”?” she spat.  “All that talk about meeting Gin and you’re hesitating?” Jerome stepped towards Tomoe, uttering a low, warning growl. Tomoe ignored him.

“It’s not like that!” Weed defended himself. “Ohu only has 29 soldiers now! How can we leave the Paradise!?”

“29 soldiers!?” Akame echoed, unable to believe his ears. 

“Unfortunately, we lost most of the Ohu soldiers due to an attack from a monster,” Ken was quick to explain. “It’s a long story...Weed has a point, though, Tomoe. If this Hougen guy wants to take over Ohu, leaving the Paradise without dogs would be foolish.”

“Let’s discuss this later,” Nobutora spoke up. “Please...Mr. Akame needs to rest.”

Everyone had to agree. For Akame’s sake, they’d stopped arguing. Easing the Kishu onto his back, Ken led the group back towards the stronghold. Little did they know, their entire conversation had been watched. 

Hiding in the shadows, taking in every word, was Rocket. 

[dracosollicitus]

sequels and follow-ups

Hey friends! Now that Damerey December is over, I’d like to see if anyone wanted a follow-up or a sequel (or even a check-in, headcanon ramble) for any of the 23 fics.

I’ll list them below (most will be under a read more), and go ahead and let me know which you’d be most interested in seeing more of/which were your favorites.

(Note: The ones I already have plans for a sequel for will have *** next to them)

There’ll Be Parties for Hosting Rated G

After a disastrous year of working together, Poe Dameron and Rey Smith are sworn enemies; when their boss, Leia Organa, requests that they co-plan the office Christmas party, they try to put their differences aside to make the holidays bright for everyone else.

Hearts Will Be Glowing Rated G

Finn Storm waits until the day of their Christmas party to let Poe Dameron know that he purposefully rigged the Secret Santa Exchange this year so that Poe would get Rey Kenobi.

(And maybe that's because Finn's a little tired of his best friend pining after his other best friend, and wants to speed things up a little)

You Spin Me Right Round Rated G

Poe Dameron does not have high expectations when his friend drags him to the JCC for a dreidel competition - but, as luck would have it, he sits down next to the prettiest girl he's ever seen. Maybe Singles Night isn't the worst thing ever.

Rey Kenobi and the Happy Christmas Rated T ***

Six months after she graduates from Hogwarts, Rey Kenobi celebrates the holidays with Obi-Wan and Kes Dameron. While she's unsure if her boyfriend will be able to make the festivities, she finds herself surrounded by love on Christmas Eve.

You’re the Gift (That’s Made All of My Dreams Come True) Rated G

Poe Dameron volunteers to keep watch over Central Command while the rest of the Resistance celebrates Life Day.

His boring night becomes a bit more interesting when the resident Jedi decides to hang out with him.

But If You Really Hold Me Tight (All The Way Home I’ll Be Warm) Rated T ***

Rey Smith, a well-trained nurse, does not need any nonsense in her ER on Christmas Eve. Especially if said nonsense arrives in the form of a very handsome, wounded firefighter fresh from saving multiple lives.

The Twelve (Bad Dates) of Christmas Rated M

Regrettably, Rey Kenobi lost a bet to her friend, Jessika.

Now, she has to suffer through twelve terrible dates, right before Christmas. It wouldn't be so bad, if Rey didn't have to come home to her perfect, funny, gorgeous, kind roommate at the end of every failed, disastrous date. This wouldn't be so awful, if she didn't have such a crush on Poe Dameron, who's woefully out of her league, and is there to comfort her and cheer her up when yet another Tinder-bro sticks her with the check after talking about his gains all evening.

There's no way this is going to end well.

One Christmas Party a Year is Enough  Rated G

Rey Kenobi has to attend her friend Kaydel's Christmas Party because not to attend would be to admit defeat.

With her awful ex-boyfriend in attendance, Rey doesn't want to face the holiday get-together alone; and, she's out of options for fake romantic interest, as her only male friend, Finn, is well-known by her other circle of friends, as is his girlfriend, Rose.

Luckily, a friendly stranger overhears her plight and offers his services as a fake boyfriend - scratch that. Fake fiancee.

Baby It’s Cold Outside Rated T

While the Resistance is stationed on Hoth, Poe and Rey have a Life Day holoreel marathon in Poe's room when Rose and Finn occupy Rey's bunk.

They get through a few holos; but when the power goes out, and the heat goes down, Rey and Poe might have to get a little ... closer than anticipated.

Couldn’t Help But Notice Rated G

When Poe looks out his window on a snowy afternoon, he's surprised to see a girl outside, trying to make a snowman.

And that wouldn't be that surprising, except she's wearing a t shirt. And leggings. In the snow.

He's out the door before his dad can ask him what he's doing. (High School AU)

Dear Stranger Rated G

Poe and Rey sign up for a postcard exchange around the holidays; they never could have imagined that an actual friendship (and maybe something more) would have come from it.

But as Long as You Love Me So Rated G

After a break up that came seemingly out of the blue, Poe Dameron agrees to attend Christmas Eve dinner with his ex-girlfriend, so Rey doesn't have to explain to her parents that they're no longer a couple.

What could go wrong?

You Will Get a Sentimental Feeling When You Hear Rated T ***

Finally free of her abusive ex-manager, pop star Rey Niima is starting a new stage of her career by launching a national tour during the holiday season. While loneliness and isolation have been her constant companions since being thrust in the spotlight at a young age, she encounters a small child in Chicago who just might change her fate.

Sugar Plum Rated E

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring - Except for Poe Dameron, who was both infuriating and amusing his long-suffering wife.

(A little snapshot of post-Sugar Sugar married life)

The Sunshine of My Life Rated G

With Poe home at last, Rey witnesses a special moment between father and daughter.

Oh, Darling (It’s You I’m Without)

Rey Skywalker has been writing the same lyrics, over and over again, since she turned 18. Whenever there is a pen in her hand, the words sprawl out onto paper -

Heroes and thieves at my door/I can't seem to tell them apart anymore/And just when I've figured it out/Oh, darling it's you I'm without.

Soulmates are growing more and more uncommon - however, all the soulmate stories she's heard involve each person knowing one half of their shared song. You find your soulmate when you find the person whose half matches yours.

But, Rey can't seem to find the tune to match her words. Clearly something is wrong with her.

Rumor Has It Rated G

On a normal day in December, something causes quite a stir at Alderaan Enterprises -

Assistant Manager Poe Dameron, notorious bachelor, is spotted flirting with a pretty, young accountant named Rey...who happens to wear a wedding ring.

The Nutcracker Pilot Rated G (Still need to finish!)

England, 1917:

Rey Solo celebrates Christmas Eve with her family at Alderaan Abbey, just outside of London. When her beloved godfather and uncle comes to visit, he brings her a peculiar nutcracker, dressed as a pilot.

After her brother harms the nutcracker in a fit of cruelty, Rey fixes the toy as well she can; but, at the stroke of midnight, the Supreme Leader of the wicked Order of Mice attacks, and the truth of her nutcracker pilot is revealed.

A Most Festive Yuletide Rated T

Several months into their arranged marriage, Captain Poe Dameron and his wife celebrate their first Christmas together.

A Dameron on Hoth Rated T

3 ABY and 35 ABY

The Dameron men spend time on Hoth, thirty two years apart.

Hit the Slopes Rated G

After her co-worker abandons her in a time of need, Rey Kenobi finds herself stranded without a clue at the top of Mount Crait - she has half a mind to take off her skis and clobber Ben Solo over the head with them when she gets to the bottom of this stupid mountain.

Luckily, she gets some advice from a handsome stranger.

Maybe skiing isn't the worst thing after all.

A Wish for Poe Dameron Rated G

Poe and Rey talk about wishes and fears on the eve of their final battle with the First Order.

The Greatest Gift Rated G

Rey's best friend is in desperate need of a kidney, and the perfect donor shows up - and then turns out to be perfect in all respects.

[averagemarvelbitch]

Pride and Joy

Summary: AU where Tony Stark has a daughter, but then shit happens.

(Future Stony/ mentions of child abuse)

Chapter Four

March, 2005

Washington, DC, USA.

The table was covered in pictures. Men and women, of all ages and races, staring back at him with dead, unseeing eyes. Strangled, poisoned, shot, stabbed, drowned. A particular man, probably in his mid thirties, stood out. His skull had been crushed; brain, bone and blood covered the cold floor. Even after years on the job, Clint Barton still felt sick every time he had to look at scenes like that. He was no stranger to human cruelty. He had known, from a very early age, what people were capable of when given the right incentive. Still, seeing things like this, it always upset his stomach.

He took the file once again, re-reading the information SHIELD had managed to acquire on the infamous Black Widow. Truth be told, there wasn’t much. They knew she was a woman. They knew she’d been trained by the Red Room, some sort of academy for assassins and spies, as discovered by Director Peggy Carter years ago. And that was it. That was all the information they had. They didn’t know what she looked like. They couldn’t even confirm if all the kills credited to her had actually been her work. The Black Widow was a ghost and it was Clint’s mission to put an end to her.

He had forty-eight hours before the mission. SHIELD had planted the information that Andrei Mikhailovsky was in Germany and currently negotiating with an American agent, trading Russian secrets for asylum. The plan was to let the man wander through the city and go to a specific location while Clint kept an eye on him from afar. It was a risky plan, but it was their only chance to finally neutralize the Black Widow.

“Already familiar with all the details, I hope, Barton”, said a voice from the door. Clint didn’t turn nor did he acknowledge the new comer in any way, continuing to stare at the pictures on the table as if the other man wasn’t even there.

The man rolled his eyes and shook his head as he carefully approached the archer. As he got closer, Clint seemed to finally notice his presence, turning to look at him. The archer smiled and quickly turned on his hearing aids.

“Hey, Phil. Just getting acquainted with our little spider over here.”

“A very deadly little spider, try not to forget that part”, the older man answered, pressing his hands on the table and pushing his upper-body forward to take a better look at the pictures. He took one (the man with the broken skull) on his hands, examining it with a frown. “Very, very deadly spider”.

“I’ve face worse, you know that”.

“She’s killed half the agents we sent after her, Clint. And the other half just disappeared. Excuse me for worrying”, he said, throwing the picture back on the table.

“Hey”, Clint said softly, standing up and taking Coulson’s hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “It’ll be fine. I’m pretty damn good at this job, boss”.

“This is highly unprofessional”, he answered, but did not move his hand.

“Oh boy, if you think this was unprofessional, you’re really not gonna like what I’m gonna do next”.

Clint did not give Coulson time to answer, pulling the older man to a deep kiss. He felt strong hands on his hips, pulling him even closer, as he circled Coulson’s neck with his own. God, he thought to himself, tongue caressing every inch of his partner’s mouth, I could kiss this man forever.

Too soon, they broke the kiss, foreheads touching as they tried to catch their breaths. They stayed like that for a moment, just breathing and admiring each other’s faces. Coulson touched Clin’ts red lips softly with his thumb, all his blood immediately going south when the younger man bit on it with a smirk. He took a step back, adjusting his suit and returning to his usual, very professional self.

“You have a plan to catch. Don’t die out there.”

“Oh, don’t worry, boss, I have plans this weekend that I really can’t miss”, Clint replied with a wink.

Coulson had his back turned to him as he left the room so Clint couldn’t see his face, but he’s willing to bet his bow and arrow that his partner was fighting a smile.

Clint couldn’t stop thinking about the Black Widow. He read and re-read the file a thousand times on his way to Germany. Peggy Carter’s neat handwriting was oddly soothing even though the words written brought Clint no peace of mind.

“According to the information acquired, the place is known as the Red Room, an academy for the training of assassins and spies in the Soviet Union. The place was discovered during a mission, in 1984, in which the Howling Commandos, SSR agent Jack Thompson and I infiltrated a facility believed to be a Leviathan base camp in Belarus.

Upon investigation, we discovered the facility had a structure similar to that of a school, with many rooms posing as classrooms, including a video room we believe was used to dispense subliminal messages through movies.

A young girl, around 10 years of age, was found in the facility. She stabbed Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan, managed to steal his weapon and shot Jonathan “Junior” Juniper, who died instantly.

We believe the Red Room trained young girls to become elite assassins and undercover operatives through a process of indoctrination and desensitizing, teaching them hand-to-hand combat and other tactical skills. We also believe other facilities similar to the one found exist throughout the Soviet Union.”

It was hard to believe something like this existed. Where did they even get the “young girls”?, he thought as he looked out the window, staring at the clouds. The pictures kept showing again and again on his mind. The brutality, the complete lack of empathy, it astonished. The worst part was he didn’t even know why he was so shocked with what he had read and seen. He had faced worse people in his life, both as a SHIELD agent and as a dumb teenager, but this one woman, knowing what she had probably gone through and what she had done, it made him sick to his stomach.

Maybe Phil was right. Maybe he really was projecting his own emotions on this target. He had had a very complicated childhood, followed by a crappy adolescence. Clint had gone through things no child should have to go through, and he knew in his heart that, if Phil Coulson hadn’t given him a chance that day, he’d probably be the one being target by SHIELD today. He owned his life to Phil and SHIELD. They had given him a chance to be someone else, something more than just the dishonest, murdering piece of shit that others had made of him. What if someone gave this woman the chance I was given?, he couldn’t help but wonder, would she choose the right side if someone gave her the chance?

February, 1983

Waverly, Iowa.

Barney was late. Again.

He really has no self-preservation skills, Clint thought as he slowly dragged a huge bag of garbage outside. Barney was supposed to be helping Clint clean the shop, but, as usual, he’d left early in the morning and had yet to return. God, Clint could already hear his father’s booming voice inside his head. You were supposed to help your brother, Barney, he would scream, you need to pull your weight if you want to live under my roof, you useless fucking cunt. Then Barney would scream back, because of course he would, he did every single time, the utter moron, and their father would get angrier and angrier and just smack both of them a good few times before passing out drunk in the living room. Sometimes having a brother fucking sucks, he thought to himself, throwing the bag into the garbage bin, trying so very hard not to rip it because, really, the last thing he needed right now was to be covered in rotten meat and bones.

 He went back to the shop, wrinkling his noise at the stench of old, dead animal, running straight to the sink to try and wash it off.

“Hey, shrimp”, he heard from behind him, turning around to see Barney, who was entering the shop with a big smile on his face. Clint was immediately suspicious.

“Where the hell were you? I had to take all the trash out by myself, asshole”.

“Hey, chill. I was helping Mr. Connor out with some boxes”.

“You’re supposed to be helping ME”.

“Yeah, well, that fat ass Harold doesn’t pay me”, he replied with a smile, putting his hand inside his pocket and taking two little pieces of chocolate out, “but Mr. Connor does. Here, take them, I already ate two!”

Clint didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly patted his hands on his worn out, dirty pants, trying to get them dry as fast as possible, before lunging himself at Barney, taking both pieces of chocolate. He put one in his mouth and almost moaned.

“Oh, man, that’s one of the good ones”.

“Yeah, none of that shit that tastes like cardboard! He gave me the expensive ones!”

“Awesome!”, the younger brother replied, already chewing the other piece with a  satisfied sigh.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s pretty good, now get your ass upstairs, I’ll finish up here”.

“Okay. Only thing left is mopping the front”.

“Yeah, I’ll do it. Take a shower, you stink”.

Sometimes having a brother can be pretty cool.

March, 2005.

Nuremberg, Germany.

It was cold. Too fucking cold. God, how he hated snow. He was wearing the new suit SHIELD had given him. It was warmer than the last one because science. The girl ― was it Fitz? Or Simmons? He always got confused with those two ― had explained to him every single new feature of his suit and Clint pretended to listen with interest while debating inside his own head what would be the best way to ask the girl if he could take one of the donuts on the nearby table. Still, even with all the thingamabobs they had put in his suit, it was fucking cold. Too fucking cold.

He was at the top of a building, bow and arrow on his back, watching Andrei intently and trying to find anything suspicious or out of place. Missions like this during winter were the worse. Everybody wore big coats with scarves covering their faces. Stupid winter.

“Hey, Andrei, you doing good, man”, Clint said on his comms, “you’re almost at the creepy ass house, just a little longer”.

“Do you see her?”, the Russian asked in a whisper, sounding terrified.

“Not yet, but don’t worry, I got you covered”.

“Why do I have to carry briefcase? Waste of time, makes it hard to run”.

“Come on, man, you were a spy. You know this shit. She sees the briefcase, she’s gonna think you’ve got something important there. That way she’ll only try to kill you in a place where she has easy access to it”.

Andrei huffed. “If you think that would stop Black Widow, you are more fool than I thought”. Clint decided to ignore the reply completely and just kept following him.

He knew the ex-KGB was scared. Damn, if it was him at Andrei’s place, he’d be scared shitless too. The man was a sitting duck, a literal walking target, and he was being hunted by one of the best assassins in the business. He had a damn good reason to be terrified. Clint couldn’t blame him for that.

It was a hard mission. Clint knew that. Andrei knew that. So many things could go wrong. The cold and the snow were problematic, he had no idea what the Black Widow looked like or even if they had really sent her in the first place. He had no idea what to expect from this. It’s true that was Clint’s specialty, going into the unknown with nothing but his courage, bow and arrow and devilish good looks. But this, this was another level entirely. Protecting a mobile target from an unknown threat was always hard. Protecting a mobile target from someone who once killed a man in the middle of a party with 400 people without being detected was, well, let’s just say it again, Andrei had a very real reason to be terrified.

Soon enough, Andrei reached the final destination of his little tour. And that’s when Clint saw her. She wore a black overcoat and had a blue scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, her red hair falling down like a fire waterfall. He barely had time to draw an arrow before she took out running. She was fast, even with the snow. Suddenly, a knife was flying through the air, aimed straight at Andrei’s head. She was fast and skilled. Well, I’m fast and skilled too, lady.

The arrow hit the knife with incredible precision. Clint smiled, proud of his own work and looked at where the supposed Black Widow was. She looked up, most likely trying to find him.

“Andrei, you might wanna run, man”, Clint said over the comms. It was pointless, really, because Andrei was no fool. He had already taken off, running as fast as he could inside the house.

The Black Widow soon followed. Clint aimed an arrow at her leg. He missed. Goddamn it, he thought, already drawing another arrow and trying to hit his target through the windows. Missed again.

“God fucking damn it”, he exclaimed, taking a “rope arrow” and aiming just above the window on the second floor. Using his bow, he quickly descended through the rope, slamming his body at the widow, glass going everywhere. He heard a gunshot. Shit shit shit.

Ok, so Clint was man enough to admit, the woman was terrifying. She stared at him like she was ready to cut him mouth to anus, open him up like a Christmas ham and feast on his insides. So, yeah, terrifying.

They fought. She was good. She was better than good. The Black Widow fought like she had been born for it. She fought like someone who had been fighting since preschool and had no problem in using every means necessary to win a fight. Clint knew his orders. Coulson’s voice suddenly appeared in his head as she broke his nose.

No one is going to cry too much over Andrei. Your priority is to eliminate the target. If it comes between saving his life and eliminating the Black Widow, you eliminate the target. Do you understand, agent?

He reached behind his back, trying desperately not to choke on his own blood as she pressed his own bow harder at his throat. Finally, he managed to grab one of the sedative arrows. He quickly covered his mouth and nose as pink smoke came out of his quiver. The Black Widow let go. Clint fell to the ground, covering his face and trying not to breath. He heard the sound of a body hitting the wooden floor and turned back. The Black Widow was down.

The smoke dissipated. Clint turned around, still sitting on the floor, and looked at her. He had a gun. He could make it fast, easy. She was heavily sedated, she wouldn’t even feel it. It would be mercy, really.

There’s no point in interrogating her. She won’t talk. Torture doesn’t work and she has no weak spots. Eliminate her on sight.

But shit. She looked young. Barely an adult. God, she was probably the same age he was when he… Damn. I had a second chance. Doesn’t she deserve one too? He knew it was different, but… Was it really? Were she and him really that different? She’d had a shitty childhood, much shittier than Clint’s, that’s for sure. Harold had been an abusive dick, but he was no Red Room. They had taken everything from her. Just like they had taken everything from Clint. Maybe, maybe she was more like him than he thought. Maybe all she needed was a chance to be good.

He turned his head, looking straight at Andrei’s body, blood covering the floor. Shit, he thought, getting up and walking towards the woman, Coulson is going to make me sleep on the couch for a year.

September, 1985.

Waverly, Iowa.

It was a good night. And Clint was aware how rare good nights were in his house, so he was determined to enjoy it. His mother was making steaks. Steaks! He couldn’t remember the last time he ate steaks. He started salivating just thinking about it. His father only ever let them have the crappy meats, the ones no one would buy. But today he had been in a good mood. According to Barney, some fancy guy had bought a shitload of meat from the shop and Harold was smiling from ear to ear. And when Harold was happy ― which was VERY rare ― so was the rest of the family.

Clint was sitting at the table, drawing in a piece of paper. He sometimes raised his head and watched his mother for a few minutes, cooking and humming a song he didn’t recognize. She looked happy. She deserved to be happy. He smiled. Barney was cutting potatoes, sometimes glancing longingly at the steaks. The whole kitchen smelled great. It was a great night. So, of course, Harold had to ruin it.

He came into the kitchen so fast Clint didn’t even notice him before he grabbed his hair and pulled him from his chair. He cried out in pain, trying to escape his father’s death grip.

“WHERE IS THE MONEY, YOU FUCKING CUNT”, he screamed, eyes wide and face as red as a tomato. He stank of alcohol. This is not good, was all Clint could think of.

“Let him go, Harold!”

“HE STOLE THE MONEY, EDITH, HE CLEANED OUT THE REGISTER, I KNOW IT WAS YOU BOY, WHERE IS IT”.

“He didn’t steal nothing, you fucking drunk, put him down”, Barney exclaimed, and when the man didn’t listen, he took the knife he was using before and waved it around menacingly, “PUT HIM DOWN”.

That finally got his father’s attention. He let go of Clint like he was a dirty sack of potatoes and stepped closer to his older son.

“Oh, is that how it is. You’re a big man now, aren’t you, you useless piece of shit? I bet it was you, wasn’t it. You’ve always been a greedy little bastard”.

“No one took your money, Harold, for the love of God”, Edith begged, putting herself between her son and her husband, “please, stop this!”

But Harold was having none of it. He took his wife’s arm and twisted it, pulling her closer. “You want to protect these little fuckers? FINE”.

He started dragging her out of the kitchen. “Stay with your brother”, Edith said when Barney tried to go after her, “stay with him, okay, dear?”

She was obviously trying not to cry, but both children could see the solitary tear streaming down her face. Harold slammed the kitchen door closed. Barney went straight for Clint, hugging his younger brother. “It’s gonna be okay”, he whispered as the boy covered his ears with both hands and cried, “it’s gonna be alright”.

This could have been a good night.

March, 2005.

Nuremberg, Germany.

She was still out, which was good, because Clint had no clue what he was going to say to her. Shooting people with a bow and arrow? Easy. Infiltrating the heavily guarded mansion of the boss of one of the most dangerous cartels in the world? Ugh, at least give him a challenge. Now, social interactions of any kind? Yeah, that was a big no-no.

So here he was, sitting on the floor, eating some cup noodles while he stared at the red headed woman in front of him, thinking what the hell he was going to say to her and how the hell he was going to convince her to join SHIELD. They were inside an old police station used by the agency as a safe house. There was no one there but Clint and the Black Widow. He had bound both her arms and legs and put her in one of the cells, locking the door and hiding the key. Not that any of this would actually stop her, he thought, wincing as he touched his broken nose. But it was the best he could do right now and that would just have to do.

He had called Coulson. Informed him that Andrei was dead, that they needed a cleanup crew to take care of the scene and that he had taken a very much alive Black Widow to a SHIELD safe house, surprise! Needless to say, his partner was not happy. He maintained a professional stance, like he always did, the perfect bastard, but Clint knew his Phil enough to notice the strain in his voice, the worry in his words. There were so many ways this could go wrong. So many. She could manage to run away and inform her employers that SHIELD was on to them. She could kill Clint in the process, leaving Phil to bury a disfigured body (if there even was a body in the end). She could accept Clint’s offer, betray him, steal a shitload of SHIELD’s secrets and return to Russia a hero. So many damn things could go wrong. But Clint knew that, if he didn’t do this, if he didn’t try, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Phil had been very honest with him. You’re projecting, agent Barton, he had said over the phone, she’s not you. She’s nothing like you. She doesn’t have what you have. And Clint knew what he meant. She didn’t have a Barney. She didn’t have a burning regret that destroyed her very being and reminded her everyday of how easy it was to succumb to a life of hatred and revenge. But maybe she had something else. Something that would make leaving this life of torture and complete lack of autonomy an easy choice, a smart choice. He could only hope that was the case. He was too young and handsome to die a horrible death on the hands of the world’s best assassin.

The woman stirred slightly. She moaned in a soft tone, moving her head slowly to the side, her eyes blinking as she woke up. The sedative was a strong one. She wouldn’t be able to actually move her body for at least three more hours, so that gave Clint plenty of time to talk to her. I hope. He continued to eat his noodles and stare at her. She stared right back at him, her face giving away nothing. She can put Coulson’s Neutral Face of Displeasure right out of business.

“Hi. I’m Clint”.

Oh for the love of fuck, did I just say “Hi, I’m Clint” to the world’s greatest assassin? What the ever loving fuck is wrong with me?

She said nothing, just kept on staring at him with dead eyes.

“So… I’d offer you some noodles, but I’m pretty sure you’d just get sick and throw up all over the floor, which would be gross. And, I’m gonna be very honest here with you, I’m also scared that if I get any closer you’re gonna bite my ear off and use it as a weapon”.

Still, she said nothing, but he could see the ghost of a smile on her lips.

“So, yeah. To summon up, I’m Clint. I work for SHIELD and they sent me here to kill you. So… Yeah, nice to meet you”.

“Why didn’t you?”

“I’m sorry?”

She cocked her head slightly to the side, assessing him. “Why didn’t you kill me?”

“Oh, right. Yeah, no, I made a different call. I thought we could, you know, chat a bit, talk about the weather, our favorite TV shows, that sort of thing. You watch Friends?”

“You want information, then. You’re wasting your time”.

“No, no”, he replied, stuffing his mouth with more noodle, which made a bit hard to properly talk, “I mean, I’m not a complete sucker, you feel like giving me some information, I’m not gonna say no. But no, that’s not the reason you’re still alive. I mean, I read your file. SHIELD knows there is nothing we could do to you to make you talk, so yeah, that would’ve been a complete waste of time”.

“You talk too much”. Her voice was still a bit sluggish, but Clint could still hear the heavy Russian accent.

 “So I’ve been told. So… Uh, are you by any chance looking for a new job? ‘Cause we could definitely use you at SHIELD. Plus we’ve got medical, dental, and the pay isn’t bad either”.

“You... Are you trying to hire me?”

“Yeah. Wasn’t it obvious?”

She raised an eyebrow, looking a bit confused. “I’d say this is the most bizarre job interview I’ve ever had, but then I’d be lying”.

“Good, Honesty is good. Honesty is the main foundation of any relationship. So, you’re interested?”

“If I say yes, will you let me go?” When Clint hesitated to answer, she smiled, “That’s what I thought”.

“Hey, come on, we just met. We need time to bond, to trust each other”.

“My employers trust me. You and your SHIELD could never. I’d be watched all the time, every step, every move. It doesn’t sound like a very fun work environment”.

“Do they? Your employers”, he clarified when she cocked her head in question, “Do they trust you? Or do they think you’re a pretty robot who can’t think for herself and just does as she’s told without ever questioning orders?”

She smiled. “So you think I’m pretty”.

“I’ve met someone else from the Red Room. Her name was Dorothy Underwood. SHIELD has some footage of her questioning. I noticed a few things, you know. Like the fact that she didn’t develop a personality, probably because the Red Room keeps their assets a blank slate to make it easier to control them and to mold them into whatever character they need to become to achieve their goals. Three people interrogated her. She mimicked them, like a mirror, the way they talked, the way they moved. Then, another person would come in, and she would change completely. You’re not like that, though. I can see it. Which means that you’re not a mindless puppet. Am I wrong?”

The Black Widow did not move. She did not take her eyes from him. Her face was as blank as it was when she first woke up. She said nothing.

“I don’t think I’m wrong. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that maybe you’ve thought about leaving. You’ve thought about what it would be like to make your own decisions, to be your own person. To be more than just the Black Widow, to be… What’s your name again?”

“Natalia”, she replied in a whisper, “Natalia Romanova”.

Clint wasn’t expecting that. Maybe she was lying, just saying whatever name popped in her head, but… She looked sincere. She was looking down, pensive. Like she herself couldn’t believe she had just said that. If it was true, if that was really her real name, then maybe this would work. Maybe Clint was getting somewhere with all his crazy talk.

“Is that your real name? Or is that the name they gave you?”

“My real one. My parents gave me this name”.

“What happened to them?”

“Too poor. Hungry. Cold. They were offered money. They needed money. They could always make another child”.

The words. They sounded rehearsed, like the woman had been made to repeat them again and again and again until she knew them but heart. Until they became her truth.

“Is that what they told you?” Clint asked. She did not look at him, nor did she answer. “Where are your parents now?”

“I don’t know”.

“Wouldn’t you like to know them? Wouldn’t you like to know if that’s the truth?”

“What does it matter?” She answered, looking up at him. Her eyes hid some much pain Clint could almost feel it. “The past cannot be changed. The truth will change nothing”.

“You’re right. You can’t change your past. But you can change your future.”

“What future is there for me? You say you read my file. You know what I have done. What future is there for someone like me?”

“If I can have a future, so can you”.

This time, she laughed a humorless laugh. “I have stolen, and killed, and tortured in the name of my country”.

“I know. I’ve done that for SHIELD too. And…” He stopped, looking down at his now cold noodles with a sad smile. “I’ve done that before SHIELD too”.

The Black Widow was silent. Then, “Tell me your story”, she whispered.

Clint looked at her, surprised. “Okay. My father was an abusive drunk. He would hit us and shout at us. My mother took the heat when she could. They died when my brother and I were young. Car accident. He was drunk.”

Natalia nodded. “And then?”

“Foster homes. Hundreds of them. Well, not really, I’m clearly exaggerating, but yeah, a lot. Last one was the Millers. Nice couple, took Barney and me to the Circus one time. Three days later, Mr. Miller punched my brother so hard he had a concussion. We got the hell out of there after that. One abusive asshole had been enough to last a lifetime, thank you very much”.

“Where did you go?”

“The Circus. We hid on the back of one of their trucks. Trick-Shot, one of the carnies, found us. Gave us a lecture about hitching a ride without asking permission and told us he would call social services to take us home. We told him what had happened. He said ”fuck the system” and let us stay. Barney and I, we worked hard. I learned this…”, he said, patting the bow and arrow beside him on the ground, “… And I was good. Well, you saw it”.

“I did. It was quite impressive. For a man in a purple unitart”, she replied, with mirth.

“Yeah, well, I was the best. And I liked it there. But Barney wanted to leave. He wanted to join the army, so he got out. And I stayed. And I trusted the wrong people. His name was Jacques, the Swordsman. I caught him stealing money from the Circus. He beat me up to a bloody pulp, worse than even Harold ― my asshole of a father”, he explained when the red head shot him a confused look, “worse than he had ever done. He would’ve killed me if Trick-Shot hadn’t found us. He drove the asshole away and helped me get better. Then he told me about this business of his, easy money, easy job. We stole from some people, killed some other on the way. I figured, he saved me, you know. Least I can do is help him out. So I did. Then, one day he told me he had a big job, a game changer”.

“What was the mission?”

“Steal from Marko, the guy who loaned money to Jacques.”

He has a lot of security, so we need a sniper. You kill all the guards with that bow and arrow of yours while I get inside and take the money.

“What happened?”, Natalia asked in a whisper.

Clint huffed, shaking his head. “Turns out, my brother had done real great in the army. He became a CIA agent. His first job was to cover Marko’s ass. Protect him at all costs. I didn’t know it was him. Put an arrow through his heart”. Clint? Is that you? “He recognized me. He was coughing blood, could barely talk. Trick-Shot knew the whole time. He didn’t tell me”. No, no, please, Barney, no! “He died in my arms. I got pissed. Tried to kill Trick-Shot, but he was better than me. He took one of my own arrows, impaled me to a tree with it and left. Told me he would come back to kill me properly some day. SHIELD showed up”.

“And offered you a job?”

“Hell no!”, he laughed, “Arrested me. I told them all I knew, didn’t care either way. Than Co… This agent showed up. He tried to convince me that I was worth a damn, that I could do some good. It took him months to actually get through my thick skull, but hey, I had just killed my brother and been betrayed, again, by someone I considered family. It was hard to trust anybody else at that moment, especially a guy in a fancy suit”.

“How did he convince you?”

“He offered me something I desperately wanted but didn’t think I could have”.

“What was that?”

“A good life”.

Natalia was silent. She looked away from Clint, a thoughtful expression on her face. Clint waited.

“I will do it. I will be loyal to your SHIELD. I will do everything they tell me to do. But there is one condition”.

“Name it. I’ll see what I can do”.

“There is a girl. In the Red Room. I trained her. I want her”.

“To be an agent?”

“To be a person”, Natalia replied immediately, looking at Clint with determination, “she never submitted to the handlers, not the way others have. She follows the rules, she pretends to be compliant, but I know her. She will slip, make a mistake soon, and she’ll be killed for her actions. I can’t let that happen”.

“Ok. That sounds reasonable. I’ll talk to SHIELD, we’ll track her down. We won’t stop until we find her”.

“Then I’m yours”.

And in that moment, looking into Natalia’s eyes, he finally realized. As it turned out, they did have something in common. They both had someone they wanted to protect, someone they failed, someone they desperately needed to have safe and sound even if it cost them everything. In Clint’s case, it was already too late. Barney was dead, he was never coming back. But Natalia still had a chance. Natalia could still safe her Barney.

“What’s the girl’s name?”

“Anastasia”, she replied with longing in her voice, “her name is Anastasia”.

[empathetixss]

Margaery Tyrell Verses ( taken from my old blog )

( V: YOU WERE JUST A ROSEBUD ONCE (YOUTH) )

Margaery as a child growing up in Highgarden.

( V: THE GOLDEN ROSE OF HIGHGARDEN )

Margaery as a teenager in Highgarden. (ages 13-14)

( V: LOVELY AS A DAWN (GOT/ACOK) )

Margaery during her marriage to Renly. sub versus: (listed with particular players.)

When Winter met Spring (Robb Stark marries Margaery after Renly dies)

( V: GROWING STRONG EVEN UNDER LION’S CLAWS (ASOS) )

Book Canon. Margaery of House Tyrell. She is gentle and kind, sweet and beloved by the small folk. Recently engaged to one Joffrey Baratheon. She is the QUEEN to be, though the real question is, does she desire it? Verses that are housed under this verse LOTR Verse - Elvish Rose - Mace Tyrell is Half-Elven. He marries a human, Alerie Hightower and chooses the fate of the mortals. His children have the choice as well, His youngest has not chosen her fate yet. Lady Rose - Lady of a keep. Margaery is a mortal, that lives close to Rivendell. (or in some verses Mirkwood)

( V: OF THORNS (AFFC/ADWD) )

During Margaery’s Trial by Faith. She’s held in a tower by the septa’s and The High Sparrow. After the evidence falls away from Margaery, she is released into the custody of Randyll Tarly.

( V: UNE ROSE DANS DE LE NORD )

After House Tyrell falls on the ‘wrong side of history.’ Loras is sent to the Stormlands, Garlan is sent to the vale, and sweet, young, Margaery is sent to the North. On top of all of this, the Tyrell’s must pay a certain amount of gold every year to the crown to keep the children fed. Or so they are told. Margaery wins over House Stark and eventually ends up betrothed to Robb Stark.

( V: WINTER IN OUR BONES )

Margaery is engaged to marry Robb Stark, but it all ends at the Red Wedding. Jon Snow, now Jon Stark, saves her life. (with: @moreastark )

( V: THE FRANKISH ROSE )

Season 2-3: Margaery is the daughter of Frankish King Mace Tyrell. He’s done his best with all three of his sons, now he wants Margaery in on the game. Yet there was a reason she was kept hidden. To keep his kingdom safe Mace was forced to give up his beautiful daughter to King Ragnar. Now in Kattegat, she has to survive.

Season 4B: Margaery is the daughter of a Frankish Lord. She resides in Paris and among Princess Gisla and Duke Rollo's court. She's just a lady in the court, curious about the Viking Raiders among them at the moment.

( V: DRIPPING IN GOLD )

A royalty au currently under construction. (Verse with: halfawolf)

( V: HOIST THE COLOURS )

grim tides/Black Sails/POTC/Pirate!Queen Margaery. Queen of the Pacific, and Agean, The Rose of Highgarden has truly come a long way. From stowing away on a ship as a small child to escape the British Attack on her family, to having her own crew, she’s practically unstoppable. It doesn’t hurt that many of her male counterparts doubt her ability as a pirate captain because she’s a woman. She proves them wrong, Every. Single. Time.

( V: THINGS WE LOST )

From a young age, Margaery was betrothed to Jon Targaryen. The Heir to the Seven Kingdoms. Now, it’s time for them to bring their families together. (w: halfawolf)

V: THINGS WE LOST TO THE FLAME

Jon is exiled and stripped of his title, Margaery is forced to wed another, life is not as she planned it until Jon comes back to her. (w: moreastark)

( V: THE RELUCTANCE OF THE WOLF )

(A WANTED VERSE) Forced into marriage with one another by Lady Olenna and Lady Catelyn’s arrangement. Margaery tries to make the best of her fate. Lady Catelyn is a joy and kind to her. Wonderful in every way. While Robb… Robb is cold to her. Margaery becomes scared that she is trapped in another loveless marriage and struggles to understand her cold & grim husband.

( V: A MODERN ROSE )

Margaery works for her father a respected lawyer in the Tyrell Firm. In her spare time, she paints.

Gangster Lawyer: assilat-vojjor Drogo is a respected Gang leader on trial for a murder he didn’t commit. Margaery is his Lawyer. Our Gentle Sin: astormcrow. Margaery and Daario get close to one another, start an affair. At the same time, he kills people for a living. Crushing them in high heels and pearls: wintersking. Margaery is Robb’s boss. Currently they’re having a torrid affair.

If you let my soul out (it’ll come right back to you.)  Reincarnation verse.

The Drifter: Margaery Tyrell runs into Jon Snow while wandering the streets of Paris. & she can’t help but be drawn to him. Little does she know that he is hiding a secret. (w: moreastark)

( V: A COLLEGE ROSE QUEEN )

Margaery is the Youngest of the Tyrell’s. Attending Harvard Law in the fall, Margaery is just trying to make it in a family that vacations in Europe for the hell of it. Mostly she’s just looking for fun.

( V: OBLIVION )

Margaery Tyrell is a British-born scientist, working for the government. She double majored in biology and anthropology. She’s never really thought much of the superhero’s other than the fact that they’ve saved the world. She proud of the work she does and believes in what’s right for the future. That being said, her loyalty is not easily swayed or bought. (Notes for Marvel-verse)

* Recruited by Nick Fury. * Security Level Clearance: 5 (sub verses): Webbed Roses with webheadedhero You Can Keep Your Shield On with buyxwarxbonds Notes for DC verse * Recruited by the Secretary of Defense. * Lived in Metropolis

(V: A LADY IN WAITING (TWQ) )

The White Queen Verse: Margaery is a noble lady. Her family has the symbol of the Golden rose. They are neither York or Lancaster. Tyrell’s are really all for themselves.

( V: A LADY IN WAITING (TUDOR) )

Upon hearing of the death of her beloved cousin Anne, Margaery ventures to King Henry VIII’s court for answers. - She’s managed to ensnare the king in her thorns and finds herself caught as well, because her feelings fro him have grown beyond what she thought they would. (Timeline: Anne of Cleves is queen, but before Kitty Howard meets Henry.) - Anne sent for her cousin before her death and she has been there since her second miscarriage. verse with vivatreginam -Margaery arrives after the death of her cousin Anne, taking in Elizabeth and offering up her home as a place for her. verse with any elizabeth

( V: A ROSE OF FRANCE )

French born, but Spain raised Margaery Tyrell, is brought back to court along with the rest of her family when they hear of Prince Francis’ wedding to Mary Stuart. Of course they are overjoyed and offer their services to the young couple swearing themselves to them. While Margaery’s ambitious grandmother seeks a powerful marriage for Margaery perhaps with a royal of Scotland, Margaery skeeks to get to know the future queen better. Hoping to call her friend one day.

( V: LA BELLE PETITE ROSE )

BBC’s The Musketeers Verse. Margaery is the King’s Cousin, but that doesn’t mean much in France. Serving under Queen Anne as a Lady in Waiting, she is happy with her position. Although, she is intrigued by The Musketeers in the service of the King. 

Une Rose de Versailles: A Noble Catholic Lady from the south of france, originally she’s engaged to the Dux De Baratheon known as Joffrey. She’s not very happy with the match, as the man has a reputation for cruelty. She has come to Versailles, when the King moves court from Paris to there. She finds herself a bit more at ease there, she is able to be herself more and be around women other than her future mother-in-law. Her fiance hates it and wishes to return to Paris. She has hope that she might catch the king’s eye, but she knows that women here are everywhere each wanting a piece of the king.

( V: OF IRON THORNS )

Margaery has taken the Iron Throne through her son after the death of her husband. Now she has to keep it. (husband can be Renly, Joffrey, or Tommen.)

( V: THE TALES ARE REAL )

The Original Rose Beauty: Margaery was a noble lady in Snow’s court, but also a friend for Queen Regina until her identity as a Princess and future Queen of her own realm was reviled. Margaery was Aurora’s mother, the first sleeping beauty. Sometimes known as Briar Rose. She tried her best to shield her daughter from the curse but was unable to do so. When the first curse hit, she was swept up and sent to Storybrooke. Living under the curse, she works in the flower shop owned by Moe French. She spends her days doing inventory and ordering new flowers when needed. The day that repeated for 28 years, she would visit the sheriff's station with coffee, and cut flowers in the shop. When Emma came to town, she was curious about the woman who seemed to be hanging around Young Henry but said nothing of it. Sticking to herself and the solitary life the curse forced her to lead. After the curse breaks, every memory is brought back to her. She believes she is without her brothers, her husband, and her daughter in this land without magic and would give anything just to see them again.

( V: LIFE IS WAR )

A modern twist on a love story. Verse with moreastark

( V: A LOYAL KNIGHT )

Athos entered Margaery’s service when she was still married to Joffrey. The sadness that surrounded the man caught her attention and she did everything she could to get him to smile. Little did she know she would fall head over heels in love with the knight. They hide it as best as they can although she would rather be with him than apart from him. (w: dettexhonneur)

( V: DON'T FEAR THE REAPER )

Margaery had gotten out. More than that. She had made a place for herself outside of the MC. Her father had just been the MC's lawyer, it wasn't like she had to be anything to them, right? She could go and do whatever she wanted. That is until, she came home. She came home for a funeral and saw... Him again. Jon. She had been to High School with him. He had been her first everything. She had thought for a while, he would be her everything. Until she grew up. She went to college, became a lawyer, and seeing Jon again, made her feel like a teenage girl. Especially on the back of his bike. Now she's got a choice. Stay, start over with the man she loves, or go back... (verse with: moreastark)

( V: DON’T LET YOURSELF BE HUNTED )

When Margaery was a child she always knew there was something different about her, and her family. She always just thought it was odd that her father could influence those around him with a word, her grandmother’s plants never died, and her brothers… Well, Willas’ super memory and intelligence was next to none, and his ability to seemingly communicate with Animals, Garlan and his super strength, Loras and his agility, she wondered what her powers would be. At nine the voices started. She could hear them even in her sleep, it was all so very loud and overwhelming, she just wanted it to stop, but it didn’t. It just got worse and louder, it wasn’t until later that she learned these voices were not in her head, they were in the heads of others. She also learned that she could feel other’s emotions as well and project her own on them. Margaery harnesses the powers of empathy and telepathy, her grandmother does her best to help her control it.

Her family is heavily involved in the Hellfire club, and Margaery didn’t have much of a choice, but to do the same. She has always admired the X-Men though and is considering switching sides.

( V: IN A LAND OF WONDER )

Margaery Tyrell is visiting the Kingdom of Camelot with her father and brother.

( V: MAGIC AMONG US )

Growing Strong. It’s the Tyrell House motto, it’s also Margaery’s personal mantra. She's a Ravenclaw.

( V: GROW TILL YOU CAN’T ANYMORE )

District Eleven, Margaery, and her family have much knowledge about plants, orchards, and people. When Margaery is picked as a tribute, she proves herself and wins her games… Allowing herself to be taken in by the charms of the capitol like her brother before her. She’s become the favorite of many. Alt verses: Burn it all down - Margaery joins the rebellion.

[bazypitchandsimonsnow]

Rough Day

Rating: T

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 3055

Summary: After a hard day at work, Baz comes home to one more wonderful disaster. Based on "playful kiss" request on Tumblr.

Read on AO3

AN:  Another done! This is so fluffy and cheesy I love it. Thank you to @carryonmylovelies for helping with this fic and so many others. Enjoy :D

Baz

Today has been a nightmare. My boss decided to be a total wanker and make me rewrite all my reports. I had to stay for an extra two hours. My bones ache and my brain is foggy. Being a responsible adult with a job really sucks sometimes. I told Snow to order in since I wouldn’t be home to make dinner. All I want to do is eat some disgustingly greasy take out food, then maybe that ice cream sitting in the freezer for desert. A dream come true.

I walk in through the front door of our apartment. I violently kick off my oxfords and drop my briefcase on the ground with a thud.

“I’m home!’ I announce. There’s a faint smell of tomato in the air. Snow must’ve ordered pasta or pizza. Both sound good right now.

Little feet pad down the hallway closer and closer. Tasha nearly slides into the wall with her fuzzy princess socks. She runs up to me with big happy 5 year old smile. My mood immediately improves.

“Hi Papa,” she says.

“Hello, Tasha,” I reply, ruffling her curly black hair.

She lifts up her arms. “Can I have a hug?”

My arms are tired beyond belief, but who can say no to that freckle covered face? I sigh and pick her up in a big swooshing spin. I can lift her over my head even at her age (vampire strength has it’s benefits.) She squeals and giggles gleefully, little feet kicking in delight. When I slow, she wraps her arms around my neck. I rest her on my hip and hug her fiercely.

I remember the idea of being a parent scaring me when I was younger. How could a monster like me care for a child? But when I see the way Tasha looks at me, I realise she doesn’t care what I am. All she sees is her Papa.

“How was your day, little puff?” I say.

“It was great! Ms. Taylor gave me a gold star for reading.”

“Oh that’s wonderful. Good job, sweetie. You’ve been working hard at that.”

She puts her hands on her hips and smiles smugly. (Snow says she gets the pompousness from me.) “I have. Soon I’ll be reading all your grown up books.”

I tickle her stomach, making her writhe and giggle. “I bet you will, love. You certainly did very well today. I think you deserve an extra slice of pizza.”

Her face scrunches up in childish confusion. “What pizza?”

“Well, from the sauce smell I assume your Daddy got us pizza. Hopefully it’s at least the mildly good stuff.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Daddy said you aren’t allowed in the kitchen.”

My heart stops. I stare at her very seriously. “Tasha, why am I not allowed in the kitchen?”

“Because Daddy destroyed it. But he said that I’m not supposed to tell you that.”

“Natasha Penelope Snow-Pitch, you are a rotten rat!” Snow’s loud voice carries down the hall with ease.

Tasha frowns and leans in closer to me. “What’s a rotten rat?”

“It’s nothing, sweetie. Daddy’s being silly. Now go play with your toys.”

She smiles brightly. “Okay!”

She slides down out of my embrace and is off like a little rocket. With calm but brisk pace, I walk to our kitchen. I freeze wide eyed in the doorway. Destroyed is an... apt description.

There’s about ten different pots out, all filthy with various substances. The counter is covered in dirty cooking utensils and different foods and spices. Spaghetti covered in tomato sauce clings to the wall. Baby Ebb is just playing with his blocks in the corner, blissfully unaware of the destruction around him. (He's as oblivious as his Daddy.) Snow stands in the centre of the room like the eye of a hurricane. He looks just as tired as me, tomato sauce on his face and in his hair. Crowley, I think there’s even some on his wings.

“Good evening, love,” I say as calmly as possible. “Did the Tasmanian Devil come to visit?”

Snow scowls slightly. “Our daughter is a betrayer. She gets it from your side.”

“Yes, Bunce.” I receive a steely blue glare. “But I’m very glad she did tell me. What in Merlin’s name happened here?”

He groans and rubs his forehead, getting more sauce on it. “I got your text, and decided to try to make fancy all homemade spaghetti. You know, to surprise you. But I’ve never done it before. And uh... I probably should’ve read the recipe more closely.”

“You are terrible at following instructions.”

“I know.” He sighs heavily. “I’m sorry, darling. I wanted to make you a nice meal after such a stressful day. But all I’ve done is make more stress. Ugh, I’m a disaster.”

Two long strides later, I’m standing right in front of him. With one finger, I knock up his chin so we’re eye to eye.

“Yes, you are certainly a mess, Simon Snow,” I say quietly.

He frowns (it’s scary how similar his is to Tasha’s). “Gee, thanks, I-”

“Shut up, I’m not done yet.” He closes his mouth. “You are a mess. But you’re a wonderful, kind, thoughtful mess. Who I am proud to call my husband and father to our children.”

His face turns more red than the tomato sauce. “Oh. You should’ve lead with that, you jerk.”

I chuckle and lean forward to lightly kiss him. We both smile between every press of lips. I trail my mouth over to kiss the sauce off his cheek. He laughs heartily, throwing his arms around my neck. I playfully peck every tomato splattered part of his face. It’s like we’re careless teenagers all over again. I hold his lower back and press him to me. He’s comfortably warm like always. How lucky I am to be able to know that. With one head tilt, he crushes his mouth against mine. I groan and hold him tighter. He runs a hand through my hair. My stress melts under his lips.

“Ew! Daddy and Papa are snogging!”

We both pull away and sigh. I turn to see a little girl standing in the doorway, her tongue sticking out very far.

“And where did you learn that word, Tasha?” I say flatly.

“From school.”

Snow leans in close my ear. “I think we need to have a talk with our daughter about appropriate language.”

“Agreed.” I scan the disaster zone that was once a kitchen. “There is no way we can eat in here. How about we order a pizza and camp out in front of the TV?”

“Yeah!” Tasha throws her arm up for effect.

I turn to Simon with a half smile. “Tasha seems to approve of my plan.”

Snow rolls his eyes like their two footballs in a tumble dryer. “Of course she does. She’s five. Pizza and telly are her two favourite words.”

“Well what do you think?”

“Well,” he sighs, observing his destruction, “I don’t think we have any other choice.”

“There’s the sensible man I married.” I pat his cheek.

His eyes narrow at me. “You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”

“I’ve been mocking you since we were 11 years old, Snow. Keep up.”

He frowns again. But with one peck from me it turns into a soft smile. We reluctantly pull away from each other. I realise there’s a sauce stain on my shirt now.

“I think I need to go change before the rest of my clothing is desecrated.”

“And I will order the food! But...” Snow walks over to Ebb and scoops him up. “While you’re getting changed, I think someone else needs a change too.”

Snow holds our 1 year old in front of me like he’s a teddy bear. Ebb gurgles and grabs my tie, immediately sticking it in his dirty baby mouth. (Having nice clothing and young children is absolutely impossible.) I sigh and take him in my arms.

“Very well. C'mon Ebenezer, let's both get cleaned up.”

Ebb coos and keeps gumming my tie. Tasha runs over to Snow and starts tugging on his trouser leg. “Daddy, can we get a pizza with pepperoni? And sausage? And olives?”

Snow scoops her up this time, resting her on his hip. They walk off towards the undestroyed living room. “You, my darling, have the weirdest taste buds.”

I chuckle as I move in the opposite direction. Ebb has now abandoned my tie and chosen instead to gnaw on my collar. Over my years as a parent, I’ve realised many things. One being that no matter how bad your day may have been, it's impossible to stay cross when your adorable child is trying to eat your shirt. Today is no exception.

“And then,” I say, “with their magic combined, the two princes defeated the dragon, sending it back home. The great castle was saved!”

Tasha squeals and claps her hands. I sit on the edge of her bed, bouncing a giggling Ebb on one knee. She leans forward with wide eyes. “What happened to the princes after?”

I just look at Tasha's sweet innocent face for a moment. Someday, I'll tell her and Ebb the hard parts of this story. What happened to both their namesakes, why I drink “tomato juice” all the time, and why Snow has wings and a tail. But for now, they don’t need to know all that. I'll save those stories for when they can understand them better.

“Well, by working together, the princes realised they had more in common than they thought. They became friends, and eventually fell in love.”

“Like Anna and Kristoff?”

I sigh under my breath. Currently everything for Tasha is somehow related to Frozen. I slightly regret showing her that movie. “Yes. Just like Anna and Kristoff.”

“Did they live happily ever after?”

I smile at her softly. “Yes, most certainly.”

She grins. “Good. I like happy endings.”

I cup her face, running a thumb over her cheek. Damn right I got my happy ending. I’m looking at it. “Me too, sweetheart, me too.” I stand up, practically looming over her small bed. “Now, it's time for this little princess to go to bed.”

“I’m not tired,” she literally yawns. She’s adorable in her stubbornness.

“Well, you can just put your head down. You don’t have to sleep. That's up to you.”

“Okay.” She lays down, snuggling into her blue pillow.

I kneel next to Tasha, brushing some stray hairs out of her face. She’s already almost asleep. (Tiredness always wins out over stubbornness.) I kiss her forehead. “Goodnight, little puff. Love you lots.”

She smiles, humming happily under her breath. “Love you too, Papa.”

I turn off the light as I leave, sneaking one last look before I shut the door.

Ebb’s crib is in our room. Partially because our London apartment isn’t huge, and mostly because he has a habit of waking up in the middle of the night in need of feeding. I lay him down. With his own big yawn, he stretches out and falls asleep. I pray to Merlin and Morgana he’ll stay that way for at least a few hours.

As I’m reading the Times, I hear the characteristic thumping of a dragon man trudging down the hall. He arrives at our door triumphantly, hands on his hips and grin nearly splitting his face in two. There’s still spaghetti remains on his hands and face.

“It is done!” he shouts.

“Snow!” I hiss. “Erratically sleeping baby, remember?”

He looks at the crib, expression immediately falling. “Oh right. Sorry.”

I shake my head with a chuckle. “Come here, you big idiot.”

Snow crawls up onto our bed and I open my arms, wrapping them around his shoulders. He holds my torso and snuggles into the crook of my neck. His warmth makes me sigh happily under my breath.

“You know I could’ve helped with the kitchen,” I whisper.

He shakes his head, hair tickling my skin. “We always tell Tasha she has to clean up her own messes. And I think parents are supposed to practice what we preach. Besides, I wanted to impress you. The kitchen is sparkling like always.”

I look down at him with one raised eyebrow. “Snow, we have two small children. That kitchen hasn’t ‘sparkled’ in five years.”

He sighs and nods. “Okay true. But it’s mostly sparkling now.”

“Good job, darling.” I kiss his head. He holds me tighter, nuzzling against my shirt.

“So your boss was a jerk today, huh?” he mumbles into the material.

I grumble slightly. “M-hm. Selfish jackass made me rewrite four reports. The wanker doesn’t seem to understand we have lives outside of work.”

“I’m sorry, love.”

“No need to apologize. It’s not your fault I work for an asshole.”

“No.” He pulls away to look right at me. His blue eyes are round and caring, but his mouth is a determined thin line. “I mean that you had a shit day and I made it even more stressful. I’m truly sorry about that.”  He looks to the side, obviously embarrassed.

I sigh and turn his head to face me. “Simon, I meant what I said earlier. What you tried to do was lovely. You’re an incredibly thoughtful person. You just messed up a bit. We all do sometimes.” I tap our foreheads together. “You didn’t add to my stress at all, love. Seeing you and Tasha and Ebb always makes me feel better. No matter what.”

Snow smiles and closes the small distance between us. I can feel the love behind his kiss, which I gladly reciprocate. If I could stay here forever, I’d be in heaven.

He hugs me again, squeezing me tight. “How did I get someone as amazing as you?”

I shrug. “Hm. Good question. I think you seduced me with all that raucous snoring and ravenous scone eating.”

He gapes at me with his mouth hanging open. “I do not snore!”

“I’ve slept near or next to you for over two decades, Snow. You snore.”

He pouts like our daughter when she doesn’t get ice cream. “Well, your nose whistles.”

I pull him back to me. He doesn’t resist. “Then I guess we’re made for each other.”

“Duh.” He nuzzles closer. His tail wraps around my leg protectively. “Like you always say, we match.”

“That we do.”

We silently hold each other, contentment hanging in the air. He’s right, we do match. And we’ve created an amazing life together. It’s the kind of calm, domestic, easy life I never thought I’d get. Neither of us did, really. We just bask in the wonderful reality of it all.

“I should take a shower,” Snow says quietly. “I smell like oregano and spaghetti.”

“No,” I grumble. “I’m never letting you go. Till death do us part.”

“I don’t think that’s what that means.”

“Too bad. You’re never leaving this bed again.”

I roll him onto his back and use my legs to pin him down. “Hey!”

I shut him up easily with a bruising kiss. He groans and arches up towards me. I grip his shoulders tightly. Strong fingers weave into my hair. His wings stretch out beside us. My head is swimming. And... it feels wet.

I pull away and feel my hair. My fingers come back red and goopy with tomato sauce. Snow smiles sheepishly.

“Well, I told you I needed a shower.”

“That you did.” I release his torso and stand next to him with my hands on my hip “And now we both do. Your kitchen disaster is contagious.”

He stretches out with his thin arms behind his head. “You can go first, if you like.”

“I was thinking we could, save on water?” I dance two fingers up his thigh.

Snow nods vigorously. “Good plan. Gotta save the environment and all.”

My arms fall limp at my side. Sometimes I cannot believe him. Age has not improved his ability to pick up on subtlety at all. I just keep staring at him blankly until he looks over.

“What?” He says.

I raise an eyebrow. The realisation slowly dawns on him, his eyes widening and his dumb perfect mouth falling open.

“Oooh. You're trying to be sexy.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “Yes, you lovable moron. Crowley you are thick sometimes.”

He kneels on the mattress and tosses his arms lazily around my neck. With one flash of that gorgeous Simon Snow patent smile, my heart stutters out of control.

“You love me,” he whispers playfully.

I sigh, running my hands up and down his stomach. “That I do. Despite your thick headedness.”

“And I love you despite your smugness. Fair is fair.”

He leans in to kiss me, but I pull back, almost making him fall over. His arms flail about wildly. Luckily those wings are good for balancing. Snow stares daggers at me.

“You’re such an arsehole,” he grumbles.

“And you married me anyways. Now,” I saunter towards the door with a swing in my hips, “I’m still a bit stressed from today. Care to fix that, Snow?”

I walk down the hall without looking back. But I don’t need to. I can hear Snow’s fast, incredibly eager feet following me.

Afterwards, we lay silently in darkness on our bed. There’s no sound except for our breathing and Ebb’s, (still sleeping, thank Merlin). Snow is on his stomach. His wings lay flat on his bare back in total relaxation. I hold his left hand, touch lingering over the gold ring on his finger. He chuckles under his breath.

“Checking to make sure it’s still there?” he mumbles.

“Nope. Just admiring it.”

“Hm, understandable. It’s very pretty. So’s your’s.”

“Of course. I picked them.”

Snow sighs and throws his arm over me, pulling us closer. I press a feather light kiss to his band, making him giggle. He takes my hand and intertwines our fingers over my stomach. He touches my wedding ring, spinning it slowly.

“I love you, Baz,” he whispers sleepily.

I squeeze his hand and play with his soft curls. “I love you too, Simon.”

He smiles as he drifts off into slumber. I can hear our son and daughter both sleeping peacefully. And I know now more than ever, no matter how tough the day to day can get, this life has all I could ever ask for.

AN: Hope y'all liked that future domestic fluff.

Sidenote: I'm starting university in less than a week, and there are three more kiss requests left. I will try to do them, but uni is going to kick my ass so they probably won't be published until Christmas break. So sorry. Life gets in the way sometimes. But I shall do my best! :D

[badwolf1988-blog]

Let it Snow

Summary: Emily gets caught in a snow storm on her way home from an evening class. She seeks shelter from her brother, Jason, only to discover that he's out of town on business. Luckily, his boss, Sonny Corinthos is home across the hall and offers her his penthouse to ride out the storm.

Rated: Light Teen

Disclaimer: Haha, you’re funny if you think I own GH.

Disclaimer II: Real Genius and all related quotes are copyright © TriStar Pictures. The Breakfast Club and all related quotes are copyright © John Hughes and Universal Pictures. All quotes are in italic.

Disclaimer III: Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow is copyright ©, Dean Martin.

Author's Note: This story is an alternate universe. Carly and Zander never happened.

Author's Note II: This story was requested by @AnitaBeach (on wattpad)

A BIG thank you to my beta reader, Meghan!

Status: COMPLETE

Mid-December 2001

Emily stomped the snow off her boots, earning herself a glare from the Harborview Towers doorman, before heading towards the elevator bank. She really hoped that Jason was home.

She had stayed behind after her evening chemistry class at PCU to do some research. She was a sophomore and studying pre-med. Her chemistry grade had been struggling recently and she had wanted to get a little more studying in before winter break began. Unfortunately, she hadn't checked the weather that morning and she had no idea that while she had her nose in her books, a nor'easter was slowly bearing down on Port Charles. By the time she had gotten a clue, the buses had all been shut down, the cabs had cleared the streets, and the school phone lines were down. She really needed to invest in a cell phone. Luckily, Emily knew that her older brother's penthouse was only a few blocks from PCU so she had made the short but freezing walk.

She had just stepped off the elevator on the top floor of the building when the lights started to flicker.

“Emily, what are you doing here?”

Emily gasped and spun towards the familiar voice to find Sonny Corinthos standing at the closed door of her penthouse. “Crap, Sonny, I didn't see you there.” She brought a hand to her chest in an attempt to calm her racing heart.

“Obviously.” The handsome older man chuckled. “Seriously Em, what are you doing out in this weather? It's dangerous out there. I was just about to go and tell my staff to go home.” He was looking at her with true concern on his face.

“I stayed too late at school,” she admitted. “By the time I got out of class, most of the city was shut down. I was hoping that Jason was home so I could stay with him.”

Sonny slowly shook his head. “Jase is out of town on business.” She really hoped that business wasn't killing someone. “You really need to get yourself a cell phone, sweetheart.”

“I know,” Emily growled in frustration as she stomped her foot like a petulant child.

Sonny full on belly laughed. “Calm down, querida. Jason may not be home but you can ride out the storm with me. I doubt that I'll be going anywhere... at least for the next few days.”

Emily's heart felt like it had done a backflip in her chest. Ride out the storm in the home of Sonny Corinthos? Her brother's boss, Lucifer in the eyes of her family, and the man that she had harbored a crush on since she was fourteen? Could she do that? Did she really have any other choice? It's not like she could go back out into the storm.

Day 1

After calling her mom to her let know that she was safe, Sonny had offered to let Emily use his steam shower while he cooked dinner for the two of them. Suddenly realizing that the snow she had been covered in had melted and she was now soaked to the bone and freezing, she had readily accepted this offer.

As she stood under the hot cascade of water, Sonny knocked on the bathroom door.

“Yeah?” she called.

She heard the door open. “I'm leaving a shirt and bathrobe for you on the back of the door.”

Emily was surprised when she got out of the shower and discovered that the shirt that he had left her was one of his dress shirts. Something about slipping into a piece of fabric that had been on Sonny's body warmed a place inside of her that she had only recently discovered.

A small smile played on Sonny's lips when she finally joined him downstairs at the dinner table. “You look good in my clothes, querida,” he told her as he held out her chair for her.

“Thanks,” Emily mumbled and blushed.

“How old are you now, Emily?” he asked as he retook his seat.

“Twenty,” she replied, confused as to why he was asking.

Day 2

The next morning, Emily had woken up to discover that, instead of easing up, the storm had actually gotten worse. Another nor'easter had moved in during the night and, colliding with the first one, had created a superstorm over Port Charles. The snow was expected to last for another forty-eight hours at least.

Slipping into her now dry jeans and sweater, Emily had walked downstairs to find Sonny seated on the couch going over some paperwork.

“Snow days are for fun, not work,” she chided as she plopped down next to him.

Sonny tossed the stack of papers onto the coffee table and turned an amused smirk on her. “What kind of fun do you suggest we have, sweetheart?”

The way he was looking at her, like she was prey, made her uncomfortable so Emily ended up blurting out the first thing that came to mind, “Let's watch a movie.”

Half an hour later found them with the lights dimmed, a bowl of popcorn between them, and the movie Real Genius playing on the television.

“Would you be prepared if gravity reversed itself? The only thing I can't figure out is how to keep the change in my pockets. I've got it! Nudity!”

Emily was laughing so hard that she had tears in her eyes.

“Do you realize how stupid this movie is?” Sonny asked as he grabbed a handful of popcorn out of the bowl.

“Do you mind if I name my first child after you? Dipshit Knight has a nice ring to it.”

Emily giggled. “Come on, this is Val Kilmer at his best,” she argued.

“No.” Sonny shook his head. “Top Gun was Val Kilmer at his best.”

“We plan this thing for weeks and all they want to do is study. I'm disgusted. I'm sorry but it's not like me, I'm depressed. There was what, no one at the mutant hamster races, we only had one entry into the Madame Curie look-alike contest and he was disqualified later. Why do I bother?”

Sonny just looked at her and nodded at the screen like Val Kilmer's insane monologue proved just how stupid the movie was.

Emily threw a few pieces of popcorn at him. “It's an 80's movie. It's supposed to be stupid.”

Day 3 (very early)

Emily was damn near shivering as she knocked on Sonny's bedroom door. The power had gone out at some point during the night and, apparently, the heating system was electric. She really hoped that he had some extra blankets hidden away somewhere.

“Em, I was just about to come and check on you.” Sonny was wide awake when he opened the door.

Emily could see that he had a fire going in the fireplace that the lucky bastard had in his room. “Yeah, I was hoping you had some extra blankets. It's freezing in here.” She rubbed her arms. “How long has the power been out?”

“A few hours.” Sonny stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. “And the guest room's chilly normally, it must be an igloo right now. You can sleep in here with me.”

“What?” That was an offer that she had no way in hell expected.

“We're grown ups. We can share,” Sonny shrugged. “The fireplace keeps it pretty warm in here.”

As Emily cuddled under the comforter and got a whiff of Sonny's unique coffee and cedar scent, a small shiver of desire escaped her. She was actually in Sonny Corinthos' bed. A place she had wanted to be since she had pretty much hit puberty.

“Are you still cold, sweetheart?” Sonny scooted closer and spooned against her back, wrapping his arm securely around her waist.

When she shivered again at the contact, Sonny's entire body went stiff for a brief moment before he gently rolled her over to look at him. “You want me.” It wasn't a question. “How long?”

“Since Jason first introduced us when I was a kid.” She was caught, she might as well be honest. “I understand that you don't feel the same way. It's no big deal.”

Sonny snorted, “Don't feel the same way? You know, querida, for such a smart woman, you can pretty dumb sometimes.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked as her heart sped up.

Sonny reached down and gently stroked her cheek with his knuckles. “Sweetheart, I've been trying to keep my hands off of you since I saw you get off the elevator. Damn it, Emily, when did you grow up to be such a knockout?”

She blushed. “Sonny, kiss me,” she demanded softly.

He happily obliged.

Day 15

Emily and Sonny had been seeing each other in secret ever since the snowstorm and while, normally, she was fine with all the secrecy, today was one of the days that it sucked. It was Christmas and she wasn't getting to spend it with the man that she was slowly growing to love.

It was after Christmas morning service at Queen of Angels Church and Emily had escaped to her room to get away from her family's bickering. There, sitting on her bed, she found a red gift box. Curiously, she opened it... to find a brand new cell phone and a note from Sonny.

**This way you can call me the next time you feel like getting snowed in. You're on my plan, sweetheart. I better hear that beautiful voice often.**

Day 66

Their secret was blown on Valentine's Day of all days. While out for a romantic dinner a town over in Queens Point, they had the misfortune of running into Emily's parents. Emily hadn't noticed them until after they had already witnessed her dancing in the arms of the man they hated and sharing a kiss with the feared mob don.

To say that Monica and Alan Quartermaine were upset with their daughter's choice in a romantic partner would have been an understatement. They had given her a choice: Ditch Sonny or find a new place to live. That's how she found herself curled up on Sonny's chest in what was now their bed as she softly cried.

“I know this is hard, baby,” he gently stroked her hair. “They'll come around,” he assured her. “In the meantime, you still have Jason and you'll always have me.”

He was right. Jason had known about them pretty much from the beginning and was completely fine with the relationship so long as Emily was happy and safe.

“I know.” She laid a kiss on his bare chest.

His arms tightened around her. “I love you, Emily,” he told her huskily.

That was the first time he had said the words aloud. Emily had known for awhile that Sonny loved her. The proof was in his actions, not the least of which was allowing her to move into the penthouse with him. As for her? She had known that she was in love with him ever since Christmas when he had gifted her the cell phone.

She picked her head up to look at him. “I love you too, Sonny.”

He grinned, his dimples on full display, as he pulled her down and stole her lips in a passion filled kiss.

Day 365

“Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place.”

It was a typical Saturday night for them. Sonny was seated at his desk, working on paperwork while Emily lay on the couch indulging in her love of 80's movies.

“Hey, how come Andrew gets to get up? If he gets up, we'll all get up, it'll be anarchy!”

She'd never be sure if he had done it on purpose but Sonny chose that exact moment to throw down his pen and get to his feet.

“Alright, sweetheart, that's enough John Hughes for tonight.” He grabbed the remote off of the coffee table and turned the TV off. He held out his hand to her. “Come one, I have a surprise for you.”

She let him pull her to her feet. Keeping one hand interlocked with hers, he pulled her out onto the terrace, pausing only to turn on the CD player that had suddenly appeared on the table next to the door. Sonny wrapped her arms around her from behind and they gazed out over the city as Dean Martin serenaded them.

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we've no place to go

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...”

“You know that it was a year ago today that you stepped off that elevator and changed my life, sweetheart.” He lightly nuzzled her neck as, ironically, a small flurry of snowflakes began to fall.

“Man, it doesn't show signs of stoppin'

And I brought some corn for poppin'

The lights are turned way down low

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...”

“I love you, Emily.” He kept his arms around her waist but opened his right hand to reveal a diamond ring lying in his palm. “Will you do me to honor of being my wife?”

She turned in his arms so quickly that he almost dropped the ring. “Yes!” she cried as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Sonny slid the ring on her finger before pulling her in for a kiss.

FINIS

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Snow White Chapter 40 (Epilogue): Once Upon a Dream

[Epilogue; modern AU. Twelve years old Seol is an only child of Wang So-Ho and Go Ha-Jin, beloved by her uncles. Five years ago, she met reincarnated Wang Ju, who is now named as Hwang Ju-Oh and has developed a big crush on her since he saw her singing. The episode ends with Seol introducing her parents and uncles her new friend much to their shock and dismay. Reincarnation!!]

“Seol, wake up.”

Twelve years old Seol blinked her eyes, still dizzy from her sleep. She opened her eyes and saw her mother Go Ha-Jin waking her up. She has long hair, fair skin, and her face was wearing with natural-styled make-up, bringing more beauty from her. Her mother was wearing simple but elegant white blouse, long black pants and her left hand as a ring on the fourth finger.

“Time to get up, young lady.” Ha-Jin said with smile.

Seol yawned loudly, rubbing her eyes with both of her hand. Today was her first day at the preschool and her mother prepared her clothes. After she prepared herself with clothing and backpack, she went down and began to eat breakfast. She was sitting between her mother and father, Wang So-Ho. Her uncles and cousins called her out and she greeted back with smile. Her grandmother Soo-Young prepared a lunch for her and put it inside Seol’s backpack, telling her to make sure she doesn’t get too picky with foods.

“By Seol~!”

Her cousins Heung-Gyu, Gyeong-Won, and Gyeong-Hwa left first, going to their high school. When Seol finished her breakfast, she grabbed her backpack and called her mother. Ha-Jin took her out and just in time, the bus arrived. Ha-Jin greeted the teachers as Seol bid her goodbye to her parents and hopped on the bus. The elementary school was actually connected to the international school of Korea and although it was small compare to other prestigious ones, it was good enough to let Seol attend since there are no school violence happened.

Seol get off from the bus and went inside the school building with other students, went to her classroom. She arrived and stored her backpack on her locker, pulling out books, notebooks and pencil case. She sat down and was greeted by her friends.

“Hi!” one girl with her hair tied in pony-tail, Hwang A-Ran greeted cheerfully.

She smiled as she greeted back. Cheon Jeon-Wu was among the most mischievous boy who likes to tease and play sports which was her favorite activity. A-Ran actually as two younger sister and one year older brother, but Seol didn’t see him. She remembered the first time she met A-Ran’s brother, it was five years ago.

It was a recess and children went outside the playground. Seol watched them screaming wildly as they were all playing together, her hand was holding a sketch book. One other thing she got from her father, is that when she’s in bad mood, she dislikes crowded place. So she went to the corner where there was a tree and flowers planted. Little Seol smiled at peace and began to sing the song her mother used to sang when she had a bad day. As she end the song, she heard a small twig broke and turned to see a boy around her age stood frozen. His eyes were wide in surprise, embarrassed to be seen caught.

“What are you doing?” Seol asked as she frowns.

The boy couldn’t say anything as she walked closer to her. Sensing that she might have scared the boy, her expression grew softened.

“Hey, I don’t bite,” Seol smiled widely, “I’m Wang Seol. What’s your name?”

The boy with timid demeanor looked at her. His eyes were staring at her large ones, feeling the sensation of a somewhat longing and nostalgia. Making a small smile, he answered.

“Hwang Ju-Oh.”

“Oh, so you’re A-Ran’s brother? Nice to meet ya!” She said.

They heard A-Ran and Jeon-Wu calling out for them. Seol grabbed Ju-Oh’s hand and ran towards them, unaware of a pink blush on his cheeks.

Seol heard someone tapping on her shoulder. She turned to see Ju-Oh smiling. The rest of day was great for both of them. After school, they sat beside together, along with A-Ran and Jeon-Wu inside the bus. When the it arrived at Seol’s house, Ha-Jin was waiting for her daughter. She noticed Seol bidding her goodbye to a boy who shyly waves his hand back.

“Who were you talking to?” Seol’s mother asked.

“My friend,” she replied, “mom, can I go to Lotte World with Ju-Oh?”

Ha-Jin blinked her eyes. Ju-Oh… ‘Oh…Yeon-Hee’s son!’ Hwang Yeon-Hee. Ha-Jin remembered the woman who was another incarnation of princess she met as Hae Soo. But in another world, Yeon-Hee was already married but divorced and managed to become the boss of Hwang Industry and they are forming a rather cordial relationship ever since they Yeon-Hee met her at the cosmetic shop Ha-Jin was working at. Seol’s mother smiled as she sent her daughter inside.

“Sure. I’ll prepare clothes tomorrow early morning.”

Saturday came fast and Seol couldn’t wait to see her friend coming over. Her giddy behavior didn’t go unnoticed by her father, uncles and cousins.

“What’s with giddy face, little princess Baek-Seol?”

So-Ho and Baek-Ah approached with grin.

“My friend’s coming here to visit today and we’re going on a date!”

As the word “date” come out, most of her uncles spat their drink.

“Aww, that’s great!” Eun-Hyuk came with his girlfriend Seon-Deok, “good thing we brought some cookies, chips and drinks after you come back!”

“Eun-Hyuk, I told you children under the age of thirteen are NOT supposed to drink beverages with high amount of caffeine and carbohydrates.” Yo-Sub came, scolding his brother.

“Oh come on! You’re being too strict! Give our niece some freedom.” Jae-Won said.

“So what’s your friend’s name?” Jung-In intervened with frown, asking Seol.

Speaking of…Seol heard a sound of doorbell rang. She was quick enough to run over the front door to greet her friend. When she opened the door, she let Ju-Oh in. She grabbed his hand and marched to the living room to introduce him. Some of Wang brothers’ smile faded slightly as they eyed the boy.

“Everyone! Meet my friend.” Seol said with smile.

Wang brothers didn’t expect Seol to bring the boy, for they predicted she was making friends with little girls. Jung-In, Baek-Ahn, and So-Ho’s eyes grew wide at the boy’s appearance.

“He is my friend, Hwang Ju-Oh.”

The Wang brothers’ eyes grew more wide.

‘Wang Ju?!’ Jung-In, Baek-Ahn, and So-Ho screamed in their thought.

Myung-Ha, Chae-Yung, Seon-Duk, Eun-Hyuk and Jin-Mu “aww”ed at the boy’s timid behavior. Yo-Sub’s eyebrows were raised but frowned still, bothering with the fact that his niece had brought a boy in the house. After all, Yo-Sub wasn’t immune with Seol’s cuteness. Sang-Wook’s eyes were furrowed for he also recognized the boy. Jae-Won whistled in amusement.

“Mom, me and Ju-Oh will be back before seven!” Seol told her mother.

“Alright, sweetie! Don’t forget to call if something happens.” Ha-Jin said as she went to the kitchen.

Most of Wang brothers—except Eun-Hyuk, Jin-Mu—glared, in unison, at the spot where Ha-Jin left. Seol dragged Ju-Oh to outside where Yeon-Hee was waiting for the children inside the car, while the girls giggled, already fan-girling over them.

“Did you see the boy’s face?” Chae-Yung asked Seon-Duk, “he was behaving so cute towards Seol!”

“I know, right?” Seon-Duk said, squealing, “I think Seol’s got herself a secret admirer~!”

Jin-Mu and Eun-Hyuk chuckled at the words, while rest of Wang uncles were glaring at outside. Looking at each other, Wang brothers smirked.

“You’re all thinking what I’m thinking?” Jung-In asked.

The “Protect Seol” club members nodded in unison. Ha-Jin face-palmed. All brothers went to their respective room, changing their clothes and went back down to get on their car, followed by the girls. Ha-Jin sighed and she decided to follow along, just to stop her husband from nearly tearing the couple apart.

“Oh, look at you two,” Yeon-Hee smiled as she drove, “such a cute pair!”

In all honesty, Yeon-Hee was surprised to learn that her son become friends with a daughter of her friend Ha-Jin. When the car arrived to the amusement park, Ju-Oh got off first and held Seol’s hand, in which she accepted with giggle.

“Oh, thank you gentlemen.” Seol said with smirk and Ju-Oh merely nodded. Little did they knew, her uncles in their black suit, sunglasses and hat were hiding to see them.

“Ohh, that punk…stealing my precious princess!” So-Ho growled.

“Easy, bro. They’re just kids.” Baek-Ahn said with nervous smile, bothered with So-Ho’s wolf-king aura.

“What are you doing?”

Wang brothers and Ha-Jin’s friends jumped in surprise as Yeon-Hee stood beside with questioning yet annoyed look.

“They are here to spy on our kids.” Ha-Jin replied on tired voice.

And Yeon-Hee found herself joining the group.

“Sheesh, our Seol’s too young to date! But they are so cute together.” Eun-Hyuk said.

“Oh Ju-Oh’s not the only one going gaga over your niece.” Yeon-Hee said in as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

“Excuse me?” So-Ho managed to speak.

“My nephew Chi-Yoon is in same class as Seol,” Ju-Oh’s mother replied, “and he once told me he has a crush on Seol.”

Wang brothers groaned as the girls were squealing.

“Ohh, someone’s popular~!” Seon-Duk screamed.

They were watching Seol and Ju-Oh rode on many rides. Most Wang brothers and So-Ho’s eyes grew darkened when they saw the couple was holding their hand. However, Ha-Jin and Yeon-Hee found a comparison within their kid. Compare to Seol’s cheerful attitude, Ju-Oh was considered to be less talkative. And his behavior somehow reminded all about a certain fourth prince when he was very young.

Ju-Oh and Seol was eating their ice-cream while sitting on the bench. The watchers all noticed Ju-Oh’s expression and Seol also become aware of it.

“What’s wrong?” Seol asked, concerned.

Ju-Oh seemed hesitant to say but he gathered his courage to tell.

“…I have been thinking…that ever since we met I have this feeling I know you long time ago…have we met before?” the boy asked, innocence filled in his voice.

Wang brothers were frozen. Unaware of them, the girls tried their best not to make any squealing sounds. So-Ho, Baek-Ahn, and Jung-In’s face tensed. Now that she think about it, Seol also had a same feeling when she met him for the first time.

“Well,…I have this crazy dream yesterday, about me got married to a prince…and this prince somehow looked just like you.”

Ju-Oh blushed. In honesty, he also had a same dream of him as a prince married to a beautiful girl who was strikingly resembled with Seol.

“Well…I know it’s weird but…it’s like my favorite fairytale my mom made for me,” Seol brought the book with pictures drawn and stories written by Ha-Jin, “here. We can read this all and keep out talk as a secret between us.”

He nodded his head. Then, two kids were on the small, squishy couch together and read a book together. Most of Wang brothers glared, dark aura of overprotectiveness looming over. Even Yo-Sub’s son Gyeong-Won grew this sister complex as he already formed a feeling of animosity towards the boy. All watchers noticed how Ju-Oh only focused on Seol as he was blushing.

“You know…, you don’t talk very much…,” Seol smiled widely then, “but I like ya!”

Jin-Mu and Eun-Hyuk “aww”ed as Myung-Ha and Yeon-Hee silently giggled. Chae-Yung and Seon-Duk almost squealed. Other Wang uncles and So-Ho’s face grew darkened, but a bit sorrowful.

“Oh noooo—!” Jung-In screamed, overreacting.

“Oh..kids…they grow up so fast…” Jae-Won sighed dramatically.

“Not fast enough though…” Sang-Wook corrected him.

Ju-Oh looked down, bashful at Seol’s words for he think he might have another dream again when he return to home and go to bed. The parade was about to begin and the small couple watched the show with sparkling eyes. The show was mainly about brave, beautiful girl become the prince’s bride, protecting her from evils. It was just like a same dream Ju-Oh and Seol dreamt.

Just like how they met.

Once upon a dream.

Note: One series complete! This chapter is directly involved with “Snow White and Seven Uncles”. Thank you for reading my “Snow White” everyone~! I love you all!!!

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