#look at the way she puts her chin on his shoulder I'm crying

[pureshoney]

"yeah, they are still together, actually," against dylan's better judgment, but what could she really say? her friends were just as stubborn as she was. had given her friend her opinion, but she'd let the conversation die after two times, and she would simply have to learn the hard way. "i don't have to be in the spotlight, but if they find out i'm even working behind the scenes in hollywood, they'd find a way to start harassing me again," states with a shrug of her shoulders. dylan has been conflicted about this for a long time; the second she moved out of her mother's house at eighteen, she'd immediately gone m.i.a from the media's gaze. but for the last few years, she'd been contemplating working side by side with her father to live out her dream. the problem was that living her dream ruined the solitude life the blonde enjoyed living. it's why she doesn't mind actually visiting keenan at work, because she knows damn well there wouldn't be any paparazzi or lingering eyes there that would out her location to tmz. that, and she gets to see her boyfriend, so it was good in every sense. "hm … no, i don't think so. i think you'll get horny first; you are a man, after all. i could push my ass against you, and you'd get a fucking hard-on," challenges with a teasing glimmer in coastal blue hues. "oh c'mon … you know i won't actually be able to ignore you; that's not even fair, baby." ⸻ "yeah, but you know how much i love rubbing my pussy all over your face," whines with lips formed into a coy little sulk. imagines that it'd actually be even more fun now that her cunt is smothered in pillowy dollops of cream. hips grind down against digits, currently pushing themselves inside her. own chin is covered in whipped cream as their kiss ends, ivories sinking into his lesser and tugging gently. "should put some in your mouth and let me suck it out …" moans at the thought, remembering the times they'd swap cum back and forth until it dissolved into nothing. hips grind down against digits currently pushing themselves inside her, there's no attempt to muffle a kittenish whimper when talented thumb brushes past her throbbing clit. fist pumps up and down his length, making a filthy mess of the cream. her other hand reaches to cup his balls; words only make her more excited at the prospect of getting to have his cock stuffed down her throat. "i look so pretty, too, right? even prettier when i'm crying?" a soft mew leaves her throat when his speed picks up, and she stares at him with a ravenous desire. when he leans over to kiss her again, dylan meets him halfway. cunt throbbing around thick digits, femme can feel herself getting closer and closer to that edge. "you make me feel so fuckin' good, daddy," mumbles against lips, "i think you can squeeze a few more fingers, hm? make me cum really fucking hard."

"oh i'm very happy she decided to chase him around and track his phone, never think i'm not -- i just think he's pathetic and she kind of is too for sticking with his bullshit. are they still together?" not that he cares all that much about the girl, can't even remember her name now he thinks of it. either way dylan coming in to his bar was the best thing that's ever happened to him, even if she did look extremely uncomfortable for the first few minutes. "do you need to be in the spotlight though? i mean, there has to be jobs that you can do that don't involve getting people's coffee orders or having photographers following you around?" he wasn't going to push her, she was far too stubborn for him to dream of influencing her life choices -- but maybe doing something with her father again would be good for her, good for both of them. he might not understand a lot about the world she lives in but he knows a shitty family dynamic and her father seemed to be a decent guy, unlike her mother. "not saying i won't get horny . . . i'm just saying you'll be the first one, i know how much you love my dick inside you princess -- stretching you out when you're about to go to sleep? we might not end up sleeping at all." especially if dylan decided that she wanted to fuck as opposed to get her beauty rest, keenan was only a man at the end of the day and when his girl wanted to fuck he was never going to turn her down. "you could always ignore me getting hard you know, pretend i'm soft as a marshmallow or something." wasn't going to say he wouldn't, not when she's so adorable sleepy, that pussy warm and already slicked up with his cum. "there's plenty of time princess, i've got all night to dive between your legs", homme assures her, grinning against the now sticky skin of her neck. with the way her pussy swallows his fingers each and every time he thrusts them inside her keenan's convinced she was made for him — a slutty outspoken barbie hand crafted for a killer. "mm yeah baby, so fuckin' good", hums against her mouth, sharing that creamy goodness with his girl, thumb swirling across her clit. lips divert from her own as she eases his hardening dick from his trousers, cool air of her kitchen making his balls tighten and body shudder. "fuck princess . . . " hues dip down to his engorged length, a laugh bubbling up at the letter she messily sprays across his throbbing cock. "fuckin' created just for you to enjoy, princess. for you to choke on -- know you fuckin' love crying with my dick in your mouth." unconsciously his pace picks up, those dripping digits curling inside her pulsing heat as his mouth tips down to capture her own once again.

[cherubfae]

Hi 👋

I'm loving your work so far and had to follow for more!

I was wondering, if you're not busy, if you could do the scenario when the reader tells them i can hold the whole world in my hands and the other looks confused and the reader holds their face in their hands with the hazbin crew + striker and how'd they react to it?

If not, it's totally cool. I look forward to what you put out next! 😊

"𝔶��𝔲'𝔯𝔢 𝔪𝔶 𝔴𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔩𝔡" || {𝔥𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔢}

"I can hold the entire world in my hands. Wanna see?"

tags: gn!afab! reader// gn!ftm! for angel, fluff, cuteness, established relationships

Alastor

A crackle of radio feedback as his eye twitches when you reach for him, calms for a second when you cup his face. His clawed hands rest on top of yours. He's rather confused, how is this holding the--

"You're my whole world, Alastor~!" You grin up at him, lovingly.

The facade of a smile he always wears slips for only a second. But it's one second too long and you catch it. His eyebrows relax, lids drooping, cheeks pushing upwards and he beams at you softly. A genuine smile crossing his lips. He cups your face in return, puffing your cheeks like a fish and a muffled laugh track plays. Leaning his forehead against yours, he grins.

Softly, he whispers, "And you are mine, mon cour."

Lucifer

Immediately his eyes well up. He doesn't have the need to act all cool and collected when he's a total softie. He leans his cheek further into your palm, his eyelids fluttering shut allowing for a moment of respite. Tilting your chin upwards, he captures your lips in a gentle kiss.

"I love you more than anything. You are my life, sweetling, my galaxy. I would dismantle Heaven, Earth, and all of Hell to keep you and Charlie safe."

Charlie

The meeting with Heaven hadn't gone to plan and now, she's curled up like a little blanket burrito in her crimson comforter. She doesn't say anything when you announce that you can hold the whole world in your hands, but she's definitely curious in the way she immediately watches you with interest. She's confused when you cup her cheeks but soon gasps loudly in realization, eyes welling up. You always know just what to say when she's feeling blue.

"M-me? I'm your whole world? But you're my whole world, too!" Charlie grunts, breaking free of her blanket cocoon to cup your face in return. "Look! Now I can hold the world too~!"

Vaggie

She expected your reaction to be much worse. Vaggie finally admitted, albeit she was forced to tell, that she had been an angel this entire time. You hadn't been sure how to react and it was clear you were hurt by her secret and she respected that you needed time to process all of this new information. What she hadn't expected was you approaching her a few hours later, gently cupping her face and telling her that she was your entire world.

A valve breaks loose and Vaggie begins to cry. She wanted to tell you for so long! She really, really did, but she didn't know how! You hold her close, slipping down onto the floor with her letting her cry on your shoulder.

"I didn't want to keep this part of me a secret, but there was so much risk in people knowing-- if they would directly come for you, I just... I couldn't risk your safety if you knew what I truly was. I love you so much, I just wanted to keep us safe."

Husk

The glass he had been wiping down would've shattered on the ground had his tail not caught it. His wings instinctively fluff up, setting the cup on a rack with the rest of the clean, empty glasses.

"Didja have to get up there to tell me this?" He clears his throat deeply, gesturing wildly to ask what you were doing. You, currently perched on top of the bar counter on your knees cupping his face.

"Yeah!" You chirp with a grin. Husk sighs, grabbing you by the waist and hefting you down and off the countertop. He doesn't say a word when your legs wrap around his waist and your arms slide around his shoulders. His cold nose presses to your cheek and he chuckles softly, utterly happy and in love.

"You're a dork, huh, hun? But you're my dork." Husk purrs softly, pulling you in for a brief kiss.

Angel Dust

Owlishly, he stares at you. That confusion melts into a genuine smile and a soft chuckle. His third set of arms materializes, tugging you in by your hips while the other two wrap around your shoulders and waist respectively. Pressing his soft cheek to yours, he affectionately nuzzles you with a laugh.

"You're full of surprises, ain't ya, toots? Y-you're my everything, baby. My world. The one light in this whole damned darkness I call my life."

Vox

He was expecting something much different from you when you climbed into his lap, turning his attention away from his displayed monitors. Red eyes flickering, he's confused when you grasp both sides of his monitor screen. This is new...?? Vox's gaze widens as you finish your statement, chuckling deeply. Covering your hands in his, he places your hand to his chest where his dead heart would still be beating. You make him feel alive, no heartbeat and all.

"Fuck, baby, that's pretty cheesy. But I liked it." Vox grins, red dripping from the corners of his mouth. "C'mere, sweets. Wanna kiss ya."

Blitzø

Why do you have to say some of the cutest shit? Ugh, it makes his heart feel all weird and he's not sure how to react, but he does appreciate it nonetheless, especially with the two of you being alone. You know he's been working on his emotions, trying to do better. When he can't find the words to say, he nuzzles your palm softly and gives you a wobbly smile before harshly rubbing at his eyes.

"Th-thank you, ah, fuck.. Why am I crying? Must be a damn ninja chopping some fuckin' onions somewhere." He sniffles, deeply sighing. He grasps your hand in his, squeezing it softly. "I'm not sure if the world is a large enough example.. To, y'know, express my love or whatever.."

Loona

She's pretty taken aback by your statement, a soft blush staining her cheeks. Her tail gives a little wag and she smiles. Bending down to your height, she gives you a quick kiss on the cheek, her hand slipping into yours.

"You're such a sap, babe, but I love you too. You're my world as well. C'mon, let's see what kind of chaos Beel is having at her party tonight. Not every day I can show off how amazing my partner is."

Striker

Saying that he's surprised is an understatement. He recovers quickly, a smirk curling up his lips and he chuckles softly. He kisses each of your palms, gently removing them from his face. He tugs you in close, tail swaying behind him. Tilting your chin up, his claw running along your lower lip. He leans in close, lips only inches away. His voice noticeably deepens.

"You're sweeter than pie, ain't ya, sugar? Got my heart and stomach all twisted in knots like somethin' awful. I'm not the best with words but I'd be happy to show ya just how much your tender sentiment is mutual. If you'll have me."

|| ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇᴘᴏꜱᴛ, ʀᴇᴜꜱᴇ, ᴏʀ ᴇᴅɪᴛ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ɪɴ ᴀɴʏ ᴡᴀʏ! ɪ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴏɴ. ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ꜱɪᴛᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ ᴘᴏꜱᴛ. ᴀʟʟ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ ʙᴇʟᴏɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʀɪɢʜᴛꜰᴜʟ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ʙᴇʟᴏɴɢꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ © ᴄʜᴇʀᴜʙꜰᴀᴇ 2024 ||

[tinyluvs]

I’ve been feeling fluffy Spencer lately too 🥺🥺 esp dad!spencer like just visiting him at work w bub -🌺

screaming, crying, throwing up, tysm for this angel ♡ enjoyy !! also this ended up WAY longer than i planned it to be!

"i'm hungry," your daughter whines, throwing her head back dramatically, her little arms wrapped around your legs while her chin rests on your thighs

you chuckle at her, fingers brushing through her baby hairs, "you're dramatic," you snicker at her confused face, "daddy's office is only one more floor up, you'll be fine,"

as you finish your sentence the elevator pings and the doors slide open, "come on then princess," you hold your hand out, waiting for a smaller hand to slip into it

"princess hazel!" your little girl squeals, jumping out of the elevator, over the tiny gap and out into the foyer of the bau. she runs on ahead, tiny hands wrapping around the handle on the doors, "open!"

you give her a hand, pulling on the door to open it enough for you both to slip through, "hold on," you gasp, bending to grab her hand before she can take off running through the office

it takes you all of three seconds to spot spencer, sitting at his desk reading a book, though his back is turned to you, "i see daddy," you whisper, leading hazel through the office until she can see him too

"daddy!" she shouts, causing multiple people to turn their attention to the child running through the room but she only has her eyes on her dad

spencer gasps, discarding his book on his desk just in time to catch the ball of excitement launching herself into his lap, "hey sweetheart!" he chuckles, tightening his arms around hazel's body, squeezing her

he stands up, spinning around with his daughter in his arms as you finally catch up to them. the little girl squeals and giggles, throwing her head back again, "be careful," you giggle, gently holding the back of her head, "hey,"

"hello," your boyfriend smiles, settling hazel under his arm as he swoops forwards to kiss you quickly, "what're you guys doing here?" he asks, putting your child down

"well, we thought we could have lunch together," you explain, watching spencer hold both of hazels's hands while she tucks her legs up, hanging in front of him in a fit of giggles

"lunch!" hazel repeats, finally putting her feet on the floor but no sooner has she made contact with the ground, she's holding her arms up, waiting for spencer to pick her up, again, "up!"

spencer sighs, jokingly and over exaggerated, "again? but you're so heavy," he says but never one to say no to either of his girls, he crouches, scooping his baby up

silently you watch them, unpacking sandwiches, all wrapped up neatly in foil. out of the corner of your eye, you notice penelope and derek wander into the bullpen, "oh my goodness, my baby!" pen gasps before you can even say hello to her

hazel scrambles, accidentally kicking spencer in the stomach as she leaps from his arms, "auntie pen! uncle 'rek!" both of the adults crouch down, their arms wrapping around the small girl as she barrels into them

you and spencer lean into each other, smiling widely as you distantly hear hazel shouting, "up!" at derek just a few seconds before she's sitting proudly on his shoulders, her chin resting on top of his head

the commotion grabs the attention of dave, jj and emily who all appear from different directions, though they all end up stood in front of derek, talking up at hazel

"she's so loved," you smile softly, looking up at spencer, his arm snaking around your waist and his lips pressing against your forehead

"she is," he agrees, reaching for the sandwiches on his desk. he unwraps all of them, handing you half of yours before holding half of hazel's out, "morgan, come here," he chuckles

derek jumps, sending hazel giggling all over again as they make their way towards you, the rest of the team following. derek bends down, letting hazel snatch her sandwich from her dad

"hey guys," you greet the rest of the team, side hugging them gently, "how is everyone?" you ask after getting a mixed bag of greetings back from them

"much better now hazel's here," jj comments, holding her hand out so that hazel will give her a high five, "good job honey," she nods when your daughter, aggressively, slaps her hand

spencer sits on the edge of his desk, pulling slightly on your sweater until you're moving back, plopping down right next to him while you finish your sandwich

"where's uncle aaron?" hazel asks, twisting her tiny body around violently. a small scowl covers her face as she realises, he's not in the bullpen

emily leans, looking around everyone, "hey, he's in his office, shall we go see him?" she asks, holding her hands out. hazel nods, sliding off of derek’s shoulders and into emily's arms

before they dart off, spencer leans forwards, taking the left over crust from his daughters hands, "why won't you eat those?" he asks, shaking his head slightly

"yucky!" hazel shouts through a laugh when emily hops up the few stairs in front of aaron's office.

"she's getting so big," dave comments, crossing his arms over his chest, "i feel like the last time i saw her, she was half the size she is now,"

"yeah, you should bring her in more often," penelope huffs, plopping down into a spinny chair that you guess is spencers, "or, at least let me babysit every once in a while,"

through open blinds you watch as aaron stands your daughter on his desk, "hey, you guys are more than welcome to borrow her any time," you chuckle, "she's a handful though," you warn

"we can handle her for a few hours, give you and spence some time alone," jj says, her tone suggestive, "maybe give hazel a little brother or sister?" she comments before brushing past, also on her way to aaron's office

beside you spencer blushes a deep red, his fingers drumming against your waist, "jj!" he groans, causing derek, penlope and dave to also laugh as they depart, following the sound of your girls laughter

you lean back to look into aaron's office through the now open door, "she's bouncing on his couch," you snicker, watching the rest of the team bob their heads as they all watch her going up and down

"oh god," spencer gasps, standing, ready to go and stop her but you wrap your fingers loosely around his wrist pulling him back so he's stood between your legs, "pretty," he smiles, looking down at you

his thumbs ghost over your cheeks as they heat, "hey, do you ever think about it?" you ask but spencer just tilts his head like a confused puppy, "having another baby," you clarify

your boyfriend thinks for a second, "well, yeah, of course, why?" he asks, a light smirk playing on his face. his hands slip down your neck, resting on your shoulders

"hazel's going into kindergarten soon, so, it wouldn't be the worst timing," you say slowly, staring up at spencer, "what do you think?"

spencer smiles wildly, humming in agreement before bending to kiss you properly, though it's messy and interrupted by the both of you smiling into it, "sounds perfect," he mumbles, kissing at the corner of your mouth before standing straight

"okay," you whisper, heart racing with excitement as you wrap your arms around spencer's waist, pulling him in so you can hide your face against his stomach, "right, let's go retrieve out daughter before she makes herself sick,"

spencer laughs at you, tangling his fingers with yours as you lead him towards aaron's office. you slot in by the rest of the team while spencer catches hazel mid couch jump, "you'll be sick if you carry on with that, princess,"

"no i won't!"

the team laughs while you lean slightly towards jj, "hey, do you, maybe, fancy having a play date this weekend?" you ask, eyeing her slightly though you don't need to, she knows what you're asking and why

"i would absolutely love to,"

thanks for reading! remember to like! reblog! and comment! i’ll give you a smooch if you do, ily !! send prompts to my ask box!

❥ spencer reid masterlist !!

a/n you know what imma say !! proofread badly, soz x

also; dad!spencer has my mf ♡

[lee-laurent]

Pushing Through - Quinn Hughes

Summary: faye and quinn navigate parenthood

content: pregnancy, angst, fluff, family issues, mentions of sex but no explicit smut, arguments

wc: 15.3k

notes: part two of 'a love like no other' as requested by multiple people! i hope you all enjoy!!! (not proofread)

Faye sat on the edge of her bed, cradling a swaddled James in her arms. The lamp on the bedside table illuminated her tired face, her hair messy, and her body aching. Quinn stood awkwardly by the bassinet, watching her, unsure of what to do next.

"Do you want to sleep?" he asked quietly, stepping a bit closer. "I can hold him for a while."

She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't think I can. Every time I close my eyes, I feel like I'm going to miss something. That he's going to need me and I'll be asleep."

James shifted as much as he could in his swaddle, letting out a cry that sent a wave of panic through her. Faye immediately shushed him, rocking him slightly, trying to calm him down. The exhaustion was a lot, but the fear of not being there for her baby was worse.

Quinn sat next to her, rubbing her back gently. "You're doing great, Faye," he said softly, his hand warm on her shoulder. "He's just getting used to everything, too. This is his third night out of the womb. He's probably still confused. I'd be."

"I don't feel like I'm doing great," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I feel like I'm failing him already. What if... what if I can't do this, Quinn?"

He put his thumb on her chin, forcing her to face him. "You're not failing. You've been doing everything for him. He's healthy. He's here, Faye. We've got this."

Her eyes were full of doubt, but something in his voice reassured her. He was scared too, she could tell, but he was trying--for her, for James. That mattered more than anything.

"Why don't you let me try?" Quinn offered again, gesturing to James. "You can sleep for a bit, just an hour and I'll wake you up."

She hesitated before nodding, her body craving some rest, no matter how short. She carefully handed James over, her hands lingering for a second as Quinn took him.

Quinn looked down at his son, eyes wide with wonder. He rocked him gently, his hands almost comically large compared to the newborn. Faye watched them for a moment, feeling an emotion she couldn't quite name. Maybe it was relief. Maybe it was love. Exhausted, she lay down, her eyes closing as soon as her head hit the pillow.

When she blinked awake, Quinn was asleep next to her. He hadn't woken her up like he'd said, but she appreciated it. She needed sleep. She shifted and a damp feeling woke her up further. Her shirt was soaked, and she groaned softly, glancing down at the growing wet spot on the fabric of Quinn's Canucks t-shirt she'd stolen. The ache she felt was unmistakable--she was leaking.

Quietly, she sat up, not wanting to disturb Quinn, who was still fast asleep. She peeked at James in his bassinet next to the bed, peacefully sleeping after hours of restless crying and squirming. But she knew she couldn't wait.

With a quiet sigh, she picked him up, cradling him in her arms. He stirred slightly, but didn't wake. She leaned over to grab her nursing pillow, cringing when James whimpered. "I'm sorry, little man," she whispered, pressing a kiss to his head. "Time to eat."

She sat back against the headboard, lifting her shirt up, positioning James to nurse. He latched quickly, and Faye felt so relieved. There were times where he struggled, but he seemed to be working with her this time. His eyes were closed, peaceful and content as he ate.

Faye brushed the few strands of dark hair on his head, her eyes drifting to Quinn, who had shifted but was still fast asleep. The sight of him, his arm flung over his eyes, made her smile. He had been so helpful, and seeing him with James made her heart ache in a new way.

James finished feeding, and she carefully pulled him away, wiping a little milk from the corner of his mouth. She lifted him up, quickly burping him before he fell back asleep. "You full, buddy?" The night had been long, so she was praying he'd sleep for at least a couple more hours.

He squirmed, but after a couple minutes he settled, and she placed him back in his bed. When Faye finally climbed back into bed, her body was sore, and her eyelids were heavy. She lay down, listening to the breathing of her boys filling the air, she eyes started to close, and she whispered softly, "We're doing okay, James. We're doing okay."

~~

The air in the apartment felt heavier than usual. It had been two weeks since James was born, and Quinn had to head back to hockey. Faye paced the kitchen, her fingers running through her greasy hair as she glanced at Quinn, who was zipping up his duffle bag. James slept peacefully in his bassinet, oblivious to how his parents were feeling.

"I don't know if I can do this, Quinn," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I've never been alone with him for this long. What if something happens?"

Quinn paused, crossing the room to her. "You're not alone, Faye. I'm a phone call away. Your mom is coming to help. My mom is always willing to help. You can do this."

Her arms crossed tightly over her chest as tears welled in her eyes. "But what if I mess up? What if I miss something? He needs so much, and I just--"

"You won't mess up." His voice was steady, but his eyes were misting too. "You've been doing everything since he was born, and you've been amazing. I've seen it." He took a deep breath, his voice faltering as he looked over at James. "And I don't want to go either. It's killing me to leave him."

Faye saw the first tear slip from Quinn's eye, and it broke something in her. She let out a sob, falling into his arms, and he held her tightly, his chin resting on top of her head.

"We'll make this work," he whispered, his voice cracking as he tried to keep it together for her. "I'll come back when I can. I'll FaceTime every night... I don't want to miss anything either, Faye."

She pulled back, wiping her eyes. "He's going to forget you."

Quinn shook his head, squeezing her hands. "He won't. He'll know who I am. I promise you, Faye."

For a few minutes, they stood in the kitchen, holding each other, the only sound being James' white noise machine. Finally, Quinn leaned down to kiss her forehead and walked over to James, who was still fast asleep. He bent down, wiping a tear from his own cheek before pressing a gentle kiss on his son's head.

"I love you, little Hughes. Dada will be back soon."

He straightened up, wiping his cheeks and grabbing his bag, hugging Faye one last time. "You've got this."

And then he was gone, the door closing with a soft click. Faye stood there, staring at the door while she cried, she wanted him to stay. But a part of her was finally believing that maybe, just maybe, she could do it.

~~

1 month

Faye was hunched in the driver's seat, her back aching with every turn she took. James's cries filled the cramped space, louder than usual, as they pulled into the lot of the pediatrician's office. He hated the car. The only time he didn't cry when driving was if he was asleep. She parked and took a deep breath, squeezing the steering wheel to steady her hands. The pain in her chest, most physical and emotional, had been growing as rapidly as James's appetite.

She looked at him in the mirror attached to the headrest of his seat. His face was bright red, tears staining his chubby cheeks, his little fists clenched in frustration.

"It's okay, buddy. We're almost getting out," she whispered, her voice shaky. Her throat had that tight feeling she got when she was about to cry. Crying had become too frequent, and she was tired of it. Exhausted, actually.

She pulled James and his carrier out of the car, a sharp pain shooting through her back almost immediately. She winced, gritting her teeth. The pain was never ending--between the back pain from months of carrying him and the stabbing soreness in her boobs from endless nursing, it seemed like her body was rebelling against her. How did people do this?

Inside the clinic, she rocked James, hoping to soothe him before they got in to the see the doctor. Faye scanned the other moms in the room, all of whom seemed much more put together than she felt. They probably didn't Google every little thing like she did. She'd spent hours the previous night searching for ways to alleviate nursing pains. Articles about creams, different positions, and "healing times" flooded her search history, but nothing seemed to help.

She glanced at the time on her phone, seeing Quinn's missed text from an hour earlier, telling her about his insurance covering everything except a small co-pay for James' appointment. He called every night since going back to Vancouver, even during travel days. But it really wasn't the same. She missed him being there physically and as much as she wanted to tell him about how hard it had been, she couldn't bring herself to do it over FaceTime. Not when he already looked so sad every time James fussed or cried without him there to help.

James let out another wail, and Faye quickly stood up, bouncing him in her arms.

"We're almost done, baby. Mama promises," she whispered. He'd been feeding constantly the last few days, hitting a growth spurt that left him fussier than usual. The pediatrician said it was normal, but the combination of sleepless nights, endless nursing, and a gnawing anxiety in her gut had worn her thin.

The nurse finally called them back, and the examination felt like a blur. The doctor smiled, congratulating Faye on how well James was growing, how strong her was becoming.

"All those long feeding sessions are definitely paying off," the doctor commented, jotting down some notes. "You're doing an amazing job."

Faye forced a smile, nodding in agreement even as her mind screamed otherwise. She felt like she was barely holding it together. James squirmed as the doctor measured his length and weight, making a small squawk before falling silent.

"Everything looks good," the doctor continued, probably used to seeing delirious new moms. "Just make sure you start doing tummy time with him regularly. It'll help with his development."

"Tummy time," Faye repeated. "Right. We... We'll get on that."

~~

The apartment was quiet, except for the soft hum of the white noise machine on Faye's nighstand. James was finally asleep after hours of cluster-feeding. Faye sat against the headboard, her legs stretched out and a heating pad resting on her lower back. Every muscle in her body ached, and the pain in her chest had barely subsided. Even the act of nursing had become an ordeal, a reminder of how fragile her body still was.

Her phone buzzed, Quinn's contact photo lighting up the screen. She quickly answered, her tired face reflected in the small window in the corner. His eyes, though tired, lit up when he saw her.

"Hey, how'd the checkup go?" he asked, adjusting his position on his couch.

"It was fine," she replied. "He's doing great. He's growing so fast. They told me to start doing tummy time."

"That's great!" Quinn's voice was filled an enthusiasm that Faye wished she could share. "And you? How are you holding up?"

Faye hesitated. She didn't want to burden him, not with the pressure of work and being away from his son. But the truth sat in the back of her throat, burning. "It... It's a lot, Quinn. The feeding, the crying... I really just didn't expect it to be this hard. My back's killing me, and the nursing--" her voice cracked, "I've tried everything but it's still sore."

"I wish I could be there with you," he sighed. "I'm so sorry you're going through this alone."

"You're not gone, Quinn," she whispered, wiping a stray tear away. "You're here, just in a different way. You FaceTime every day. That's more than some people get."

"I just don't want you to feel like you're doing this alone, Faye. I'll come visit as soon as I can. And in two months, our family will be together in Vancouver."

"I know." She looked at James, flipping the camera so Quinn could see him too. "I just... I really don't want him to forget you."

"He won't. We'll make sure of it."

They spent the next half hour talking--about hockey, about James, about the little things they missed about each other. Quinn talked to James, pulling goofy faces even though the baby was fast asleep.

Faye couldn't help but cry as she watched. She couldn't help but feel like everything was falling through the cracks.

~~

2 months

Faye was knelt on the floor, her phone propped up on a stack of books, capturing the perfect angle of James lying on his play mat. His legs kicked in the air, and his tiny fists waved in excitement as Faye set up for their morning FaceTime with Quinn.

"Hey, you two!" Quinn's voice was soft but excited. "How's my little guy doing today?"

"He's ready to show off," Faye said, a grin on her face as she angled the phone more toward James. "He's been lifting his head more during tummy time. Watch."

She gently flipped James onto his stomach, and within seconds, he lifted his head, his chubby cheeks wobbling as he tried to hold the position. Quinn let out a laugh, clapping his hands through the screen.

"Look at him! Strong like Dada," Quinn joked. "Man, I miss you guys so much."

Faye smiled, but she could hear the longing in his voice. James lifted his head again, and his eyes caught the phone, recognizing the sound of his dad's voice. His little mouth curled into a smile, wide and gummy.

"There it is! He's smiling at you," Faye laughed. "He's been doing that a lot lately. I think he's finally realizing we weren't trying to torture him by taking him out the womb."

"That's my boy," Quinn whispered. "You're getting so big."

As they continued to talk, Faye positioned James on his back, watching as he squirmed, trying to roll over. His movements here jerky, uncoordinated, but Faye knew it wouldn't be long before he'd finally manage.

"He's working on rolling," she explained. "He gets so close, then he just stops. But I think he'll get it soon."

They spent the next few minutes chatting while James babbled away, his little coos and gurgles filling the room, making Quinn laugh. "He's making more sounds now, too," Faye noted, adjusting James's onesie. "He doesn't cry as much anymore, thank God."

~~

The routine had finally started to feel manageable. James had settled into a more predictable schedule. He woke around 6 each day, with five short naps throughout the day, and went to bed around 10pm. Faye cherished the moments during the morning and evening when she could actually think, when her whole focus wasn't on feeding and changing diapers.

Since starting to freeze her milk, things had become easier as well. She could give James a bottle at night, which gave her a break from the soreness. She'd learned to power through it though when she had to. It was for James after all.

It was around 11:30pm when James started stirring for his first nighttime feeding. Faye set down her book, grabbing the bottle next to her that she'd already warmed up. He drank slowly, grasping her shirt as his eyes fluttered shut.

After getting him back down, she scrolled through her messages with Quinn, admiring all the photos she'd sent of James. She swore he looked more and more like Quinn every day. She really couldn't wait to see Quinn again.

~~

3 months

James lay on a blanket on the floor, his tiny fists clutching a bright yellow teething toy, occasionally letting out a giggle as he gnawed at it. His wide blue eyes followed Faye's every movement as she worked through organizing and packing all their belongings.

Her parents, who had come to help, were bustling around the room, thought their conversation had shifted to more serious territory.

"I just don't understand why you have to go so soon," her mom said, folding one of James's blankets and placing it in a box. "You have everything you need here. We're here. Your support system is here."

Faye froze mid-pack, her stomach twisting. She had been dreading this conversation from the moment her parents had arrived, and now that it was happening, she wasn't sure if she could deal with it.

"I've already explained it, Mom," Faye replied. "Quinn wants us to be with him. We've been doing this long-distance thing for three months, and it's hard. He wants to be there for James. In person."

Her father, who had kept quiet until then, cleared his throat. "But you're already doing so well here. You've settled into a routine, and with us around to help, you've got all the support you need."

Faye dropped the stack of board books, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. The exhaustion and the stress of moving hit her all at once, and she felt tears prick her eyes. "I'm not staying in Michigan. Quinn needs to be with his son. And I need to be with Quinn."

Her mom exchanged a glance with her dad. "We're just worried, sweetheart. You've already drained, and moving across the country with a three-month-old isn't easy. If things don't work out..."

"I know it's not easy. None of this has been easy, but staying here won't make it any better. Quinn and I want the best for James--together. He deserves to be a part of his child's life every day, and not just over the phone."

Her parents didn't press the issue further, but their disapproval hung heavy in the air. Faye took a deep breath, blinking away her tears. She crouched down next to James, who was contently chewing on his hand, oblivious to what was happening.

She smiled at him, brushing her fingers through his hair. "We're going to be okay. We have to be."

~~

The flight had been long, and by the time Faye and James landed in Vancouver, she was completely drained. Quinn had met them at the airport, grinning from ear to ear as he scooped up James, pressing kisses all over his tiny face. After months of separation, they were finally together again.

They arrived at Quinn's place in the late afternoon, James asleep in his carseat as Quinn carried him up the stairs. The space was modern and clean--clearly the home of a bachelor who hadn't yet baby-proofed his life. But Faye didn't care. It was their home now.

Quinn set James down in his crib--a new addition to his bedroom--and turned to Faye, pulling her into his arms. She melted into the hug, the weight of the past few months melting away. For the first time in months, she felt herself relax.

"You made it," he whispered into her hair.

"We made it," she corrected, tilting her head to look up at him. "We're here."

Quinn smiled. "How's he doing?"

"He's good. Much more aware now. Lifting his head, grabbing anything within reach. You'll see for yourself tomorrow."

They spent the rest of the day unpacking essentials--diapers, bottles, baby clothes--while James slept, blissfully unaware of the major change to his life. Faye couldn't help but smile as she watched Quinn move around the apartment, organizing toys and blankets in his precise, methodical Quinn-way.

They sat on the couch, exhausted but happy. Faye leaned against Quinn, her hand on his knee as they talked quietly about routines and being a family together.

Quinn reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it. "I'm so glad you're here. I missed both of you so much."

"We missed you too. But we're here now. And we'll figure everything out."

"We will."

~~

It was late, pushing midnight, and the only light on in the apartment was a bedside lamp. James was nursing in Faye's arms while she sat propped up against some pillows. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, her t-shirt stained with milk, eyes half-closed with exhaustion. Quinn lay beside her, his arms lazily draped over his chest, watching them both under the dim light.

As Faye moved James to swap sides, Quinn's voice broke the silence. "You know," he started, a smile tugging at his lips, "It's been exactly a year since that party."

Faye looked at him, blinking in confusion for a moment, clearly not connecting the dots. "What party?"

Quinn chuckled, rolling on his side to face her. "The one where we... created James."

"Ew. Don't say it like that," Faye's face flushed, and she let out a soft groan, rolling her eyes at him. "Oh, God. Don't remind me though."

But Quinn's smile didn't fade. His voice dropped to a quieter, more serious tone. "When I saw you at that party, I never imagined we'd end up here." He gestured toward James. "You, me... our son."

Faye swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how close they were. She could feel the tension between them, and she shifted slightly under his gaze. "Yeah, I didn't exactly seeing this coming either."

His eyes lingered on her, a quiet admiration in his expression. "But I'm glad it did."

Faye wasn't sure what to say, so instead, she offered a small smile and turned back to James, who had finally finished eating. Quinn didn't push it, but he still watched as Faye burped the baby and set him back in his crib. Neither of them would say it out loud, but they knew something between them had shifted.

They lay there in the dark, side by side, as the tension slowly dissolved into their usual, comfortable vibe. But somewhere far in the back of Faye's mind, she wondered how long they were going to ignore what was clearly growing between them.

~~

4 months

The lake house was Quinn's sanctuary--a place where he could let loose, hang out with Jack, Luke, and their friends, and forget about responsibilities. But this year was different. James was now four months old, and Faye had come along for the annual summer trip, bringing a sense of responsibility Quinn wasn't used to.

The weather was perfect, the sun glistening off the water, and laughter echoed from the dock where Jack, Luke, and their friends--Trevor, Cole, and Alex--were playing around, just like they always had. But Quinn wasn't out there with them, at least not in the way he wanted to be. Instead, he sat on the dock, not on edge but in the middle, as Faye had insisted. He had a wiggly James in his lap and Faye hovered nearby, her eyes flickering nervously between their baby and the group of people gathered at the water.

Faye couldn't shake the anxiety that she felt. The lake was beautiful, but there were so many people. James had never been exposed to that many people. It wasn't that she didn't trust Quinn's friends; she just felt so out of place. The constant noise and joking around so was different than the quiet routine she'd created with James.

Jack and Luke were in love with their nephew, constantly cooing at him, stealing him away for cuddles, or playing peek-a-boo to make him laugh. Even the other guys--especially Trevor--were coming up to Faye, asking to hold him or play with him. And while Faye knew they were just excited to see the baby, her nerves had her constantly on edge, afraid James would be overwhelmed.

As soonas the boys came out of the water, Trevor was bouncing James on his knee. Faye bit her lip, her heart racing as she watched. "Maybe it's time for his nap?" she suggested hesitantly, not trying to sound overly cautious.

Trevor grinned at her. "Nah, he's having fun! Right, little Hughes?"

Quinn, sensing Faye's anxiety, stood up from his spot, taking James from Trevor. "Yeah, maybe he does need a break," he shot Faye a reassuring look. "We'll be back in a bit."

They retreated into the air-conditioned living room. Faye sat on the couch, holding James close as she rocked him gently, still in overprotective mode. Quinn sat beside her, resting his hand on her back.

"You don't have to worry so much," he said softly, eyes flickering to look at his brothers through the window. "They love him. They'd never do anything to hurt him."

Faye sighed, looking down at James, who was eating his hand. "I know... I just... it's hard. I feel like I'm always on high alert."

"Faye, you're doing great. He's fine. He's more than fine. I think he's obsessed with Luke."

Faye nodded. She knew Quinn was right, but being there made her feel even more protective than she normally did. James had started to roll over and lift his head with ease, his giggles filling the house, and even though she loved watching him grow and interact with everyone, she felt like their perfect little bubble was about to pop.

Quinn glanced outside again, a conflicted expression on his face. He wanted to join his brothers, enjoy the lake like he always did, but things were different now. And though he loved James, he couldn't help but feel trapped in his new reality.

~~

The lake was peaceful at night, but inside the house it was anything but. James's cries echoed through the halls. He had been fussy for days, barely able to sleep, a common sign of the dreaded four-month sleep regression. His routine had been completely upended, and Faye had spent countless nights pacing the floor with him, her body bgging for rest.

Faye sat up in bed, bouncing James gently in her arms as he wailed, his fists clenching and unclenching. Her eyes stung with tiredness, and every muscle in her body ached. Quinn, lying beside her, let out a heavy sigh, his patience wearing thin.

"I don't know how much more of this I can take," he muttered, running a hand over his face. "I haven't slept in days."

Faye didn't look at him, focusing on calming her baby. "Welcome to my life," she said under her breath, though she didn't mean for it to come out so sharply.

Quinn sat up abruptly. "You're not the only one dealing with this, Faye. I've been trying too."

She looked over her shoulder, her exhaustion fueling her frustration. "You've been trying, Quinn? Really? Because all I've seen is you getting more and more frustrated with every cry. He's a baby--this is what babies do."

"I'm young, Faye. We're young. I wasn't supposed to--" He cut himself off, but the damage was done.

"What are you saying?" she whispered.

Quinn shook his head, clearly regretting his words. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Then what did you mean?" Faye demanded. "Because it sounds like you're saying you don't want to be a dad."

I'm just saying... this isn't what I imagined my life would be like right now. I didn't plan on dealing with this--sleep regressions, constant crying..."

Faye stood up, clutching James tightly to her chest, tears spilling down her cheeks. "If that's how you really feel, then maybe we shouldn't be here." Her voice cracked, but her anger kept her moving. "Maybe we should go."

Quinn's eyes widened, panic flashing across his face. "Faye--wait, I didn't mean--"

But she didn't wait. She grabbed the diaper bag and stormed out of the room, heading down the stairs, her breath coming in shallow, painful gasps. James, still fussy, picked up on his mom's distress, his cries growing louder. Faye rushed to the car, buckling him in and driving away from the lake house, her hands shaking on the wheel.

~~

Hours had passed before Faye returned. By the time she pulled into the driveway, the sun was rising and her anger had changed to a deep sadness. James had finally fallen asleep in the backseat, and Faye was feeling drained and hurt.

Quinn had called her countless times, his messages a mixture of apologies and pleas for her to come back. She hadn't answered any of them, but she knew she couldn't ignore him forever. She spotted Quinn standing on the front porch, his face pale and anxious, as she approached with James and his carrier in hand.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I was stupid, Faye. I didn't mean it. I love James. I love doing this so much. I was just frustrated."

Faye didn't say anything, walking past him and into the house. She carefully laid James down in his crib and turned to face Quinn, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Don't you ever," she began, her voice low and firm, "make me feel like you don't want him. Like you don't want us. If you say anything like that again, Quinn... I won't come back."

He swallowed thickly, nodding. "I know. I'm sorry. I swear I'll never say anything like that ever again."

They stood in silence for a couple minutes, until Faye finally nodded, her shoulders sagging. She didn't fully forgive him, not yet, but she was willing to give him the time to make things right.

~~

The tension from the argument still hung in the air, but things were slowly starting to feel normal again. Quinn spent as much time with James as possible, trying to make up for what he'd said. One afternoon, while Faye watched from the deck, Quinn lay on a blanket in the shade with James. He held him up, making airplane noises as James giggled, his tiny hands reaching out to touch Quinn's face.

"Who's the best little guy?" Quinn cooed, kissing James's cheeks and making him burst into more giggles. His blue eyes sparkled as he pulled his son close, holding him against his chest.

Faye wanted to be mad at Quinn, but it was hard when he looked at James with such love and pride.

Later that day, James was the centre of attention on the dock. Jack and Luke couldn't get enough of their nephew, constantly offering to hold him, while Trevor, Cole, and Alex took turns trying to make him laugh.

Trevor waved the bright toy in front of James's face, his goofy expressions earning a high-pitched squeal. "This kid is gonna be the funniest Hughes yet," Trevor said, grinning up at Faye.

"Look at him," Luke chimed in, leaning over to blow a raspberry on James's belly. "Coolest baby at the lake house."

Eventually Quinn had to take him away for bed, earning groans from all the guys. They all decided to head out to some party they'd heard was happening. When Quinn was done putting down James, he found Faye curled up near the fire pit, a baby monitor resting beside her.

"I know you're still mad," Quinn started. "But I'm really trying here, Faye. I want to be better--for you, for James."

She glanced at him, biting her lip as she considered his words. "I know you are. And I appreciate it. It's just... what you said, it really hurt. I don't want to ever feel like you regret this."

Quinn shook his head, reaching for her hand. She tugged it away and his expression fell. "I don't regret any of it. I was an idiot for saying that shit, Faye. I love James, even if I'm too damn stubborn to admit it sometimes."

She let out a soft sigh. As much as she wanted to be pissed with him, he made it really hard. She finally gave in, squeezing his hand. "I'm not saying I've completely forgiven you. But we're getting there."

"I'll keep trying."

Things weren't perfect by any means, but they were moving in the right direction.

~~

The boat swayed gently, the hum of the motor the only sound on the calm lake. James sat on Faye's lap, his hands grabbing onto the front of his bright yellow life jacket, bringing it up to his mouth to chew on. His wide blue eyes peered out from under the little sun hat Faye had tied on him, his legs kicking in excitement as they cruised over the water.

Quinn sat at the steering wheel, sunglasses perched on his nose. He hadn't said much, just a few comments in his baby voice that always made James laugh. Faye could feel the weight of something unsaid hanging between them. But Quinn just stared out over the water, lost in thought.

Faye glanced at him, then back down to James, brushing her fingers gently over his chubby cheek. "He loves this," she murmured, watching their son bounce with excitement at each tiny wave they hit.

Quinn looked over his shoulder quickly before looking back at the water. "Yeah, he does," he agreed, his voice quieter than normal. There was a pause, a long stretch of silence where Faye wondered if he was going to say something else. And then, finally, he spoke, his tone serious.

"I've been thinking a lot," he stopped the boat, turning to look at James who was still gnawing at his life jacket. "About what I said. About how stupid it was."

Faye kept her eyes on James, unsure of how to respond.

Quinn leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I don't ever want you to feel like I'm not in this--like I don't want to be here. With you. With him." His voice caught, and he cleared his throat. "I've never regretted him, Faye. Not for a second."

She nodded, holding James a little tighter.

"I was angry," he continued. "I'm not used to this, ya know? Not having all the freedom I used to have, especially here with all the guys. It used to be just us, messing around. But I was selfish. I didn't think about what you've been through--how hard it's been for you."

"Quinn..."

He held up a hand, shaking his head. "No, let me finish. I love James... and this family we've created. And I know I haven't said it enough, or made it clear. I'm all in, Faye. I'm sorry I made you think otherwise."

"Like I said... I don't want you to ever say anything like that again," Faye whispered, her voice trembling. "I can't... I can't do this alone. And if you ever make me feel like you don't want us... I'll move back to Michigan."

"I know. I swear to you, Faye. I'll never say anything like that again. I don't want to lose you or James."

James babbled as if he was giving his two cents, making Faye giggle quietly to herself.

"You're gonna have to make it up to both of us," she teased.

Quinn chuckled, the sound full of relief. "I will. Whatever it takes."

~~

5 months

The setting sun filtered through the blinds in the living room where Faye was sat on the floor with James. He was fussy, gnawing on a teething ring while she bounced him on her lap, her anxiety mounting as the minutes ticked by.

"We don't have to go if you're not ready," Quinn said gently, coming up behind her as he placed a hand on her shoulder. He was dressed in a nice button-up and some jeans, his hair neatly styled for the first time in weeks. "It's fine if you're too nervous."

Faye bit her lip, glancing down at James, who let out a whine as he chewed on the ring. "I've never left him alone, Quinn," she whispered, her voice strained. "He's teething. What if something happens? What if--"

"He'll be fine," Quinn assured her, crouching down and taking James's hand in his. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't trust her. Emily's got two kids, and she offered. They'll take care of him like he's their own."

Faye knew Emily was trustworthy--one of the other team moms, she's been nothing but friendly and supportive since Faye'd moved to Vancouver. But leaving James with anyone, especially a non-family member, felt overwhelming.

"What if he just cries the whole time? What if he doesn't sleep? What if--"

Quinn placed a hand on her cheek, tilting her head toward him. "Faye, he'll be okay. We'll only be gone a few hours. We deserve this."

She felt like she was going to puke, but she could see the excitement in Quinn's eyes. She had to admit, the idea of a real date, just the two of them, was tempting. After months of sleepless nights, teething struggles, and never-ending routines, she needed a break. And she could tell Quinn did too.

"Okay," she swallowed her fear. "But if anything happens--anything--we're coming right back."

He smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Deal."

~~

Faye thought her heart was going to burst out of her chest when they stepped inside Emily's house, her arms instinctively tightening around James. Emily greeted them warmly, her two kids--ages 6 and 8--rushing over to peek at the baby.

"He's so cute!" one of them exclaimed.

"Yeah, he's... he's a good baby. Just a little fussy because of his teeth."

Emily waved her hand, completely unfazed. "Oh, don't worry about that. We've got teethers, and the kids loving having babies around. We'll take good care of him, I promise."

After a few minutes of reassurances and very reluctant goodbyes, Quinn gently coaxed Faye out the door. She glanced back several times, but Emily's smile never wavered.

"He'll be okay," Quinn said again as they walked to the car.

Faye nodded, though she couldn't shake her nerves. She couldn't believe she was doing this.

~~

The restaurant was intimate and elegant, the soft lighting and quiet music setting a romantic tone that felt miles away from their hectic lives as parents. Faye felt almost out of place in her dress, her hair done up for the first time in months.

Quinn smiled at her as they sat down, his eyes warm and full of affection. "You look beautiful."

Faye blushed. "Thanks. It's weird being here without him, though."

"I know," he reached across the table to take her hand. "But it's nice, too, isn't it? Just us."

Faye nodded. She hadn't realized how much she missed this--missed him. The constant demands of being new parents had consumed so much of their lives, she hadn't had the time or space to really focus on Quinn. But sitting there, seeing him all dressed up, she couldn't deny the attraction she felt.

They talked about everything as they ate--James, their future, how far they'd come in the last few months. Quinn made her laugh, telling her stories about his teammates and teasing her about how nervous she was leaving James with a babysitter.

She giggled, feeling a lightness she hadn't experienced in forever. "Okay. Maybe I was a... little over the top."

"You're a great mom, Faye. You worry because you care. But you're also allowed to relax."

She glanced down at her plate, her heart thumping as she realized something. She was falling for him. The thought hit her with a sudden, startling clarity. She never expected to feel like this about him when they first met. But there she was, realizing how much he really meant to her.

When they finally arrived back at Emily's house, Faye's nerves were back. She was thinking about everything that could've gone wrong while she was gone. But as soon as they stepped inside, her fears melted away.

James was fast asleep in Emily's arms, his face peaceful.

"He did great," Emily smiled. "Cried a little at first, but he calmed down after a bit. He's a sweetheart. Definitely has his dad's personality."

"Thank you," Faye sighed.

Quinn wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. "See? He's fine."

"Yeah, he is."

As they headed home, Faye couldn't help but steal glances at Quinn. Maybe it was more than just co-parenting.

~~

Faye stirred awake, surprised to hear the sounds of James cooing and giggling down the hallway. She blinked, her brain still foggy, then sat up, noticing the empty spot next to her in bed. Usually, James would be fussing by now and Quinn would still be asleep.

She padded into the living room, stopping at the doorway to take in the scene in front of her. Quinn was sitting on the floor, legs stretched out, holding James upright on his lap. James was all smiles, his fists wrapped around Quinn's fingers as Quinn bounced him gently.

"Look at you, buddy," Quinn murmured, his tone filled with pride. "You're getting so big. Almost ready to crawl, huh?"

James giggled, kicking excitedly. Quinn laughed too, his face lighting up in a way that Faye had never seen before. She stood there, quietly, watching, not wanting to interrupt.

A bottle sat on the coffee table, and it was clear Quinn had already fed James without waking her. Watching Quinn like that, so at ease with their son, was almost overwhelming.

"I didn't want to wake you," Quinn said softly, glancing up at her as if he'd sensed her presence. "Figured you could use the extra sleep."

"Looks like you've got things under control," she teased lightly, sitting beside them on the floor.

"Yeah, we've got our routine down, right, little man?"

James babbled happily, reaching up to grab Quinn's hair, and they both laughed. Faye leaned over, resting her head on Quinn's shoulder. "You're getting really good at this, you know."

"I've got a pretty great teacher."

~~

6 months

The sound of tiny wheels squeaking against the hardwood floor echoed through the apartment as James, nestled comfortably in his new sit-in walker, zoomed across the living room. He giggled as he kicked his legs, propelling himself toward the couch where Faye sat, laughing at her son's new found mobility. His chubby hand gripped the clip of his pacifier, his face lighting up every time he managed to turn himself in a new direction.

"Look at him go!" Quinn grinned, standing by the kitchen counter, watching James navigate his way through the room. "He's unstoppable."

James's mouth formed a toothless smile as he bumped into the couch, his feet scrambling to turn himself around. Faye leaned down, helping him redirect his little walker, her heart swelling as she watched him scoot away again, this time heading for the kitchen.

Quinn met him halfway, stopping the walker with his foot. "You coming to help Dada cook, buddy?" He leaned forward, kissing James's cheek and pulling a silly face, earning more giggles from his son.

There was something so beautifully simple about it--the three of them, together, in their cozy apartment. Quinn had become so at ease in his role as a dad, effortlessly balancing his time between the rink and home. The domesticity of it all was something Faye never imagined she would have with Quinn, but it felt so natural, so right.

"Think we should put up a speed limit sign in here?" Faye teased, raising an eyebrow as James headed towards the coffee table.

"Yeah, or maybe some baby traffic cones," Quinn laughed, grabbing James before he could knock into anything else.

James squirmed in his dad's arms, still eager to explore every inch of the apartment. Quinn kissed the top of his head, setting him down to continue his adventure. It was moments like that--watching Quinn and James together--that made Faye realize just how much her life had changed. And for the first time, in a long time, she wasn't scared of it.

~~

Faye stood at the counter, carefully spooning a bit of soft rice cereal into a tiny bowl, her hands moving with nervous precision. James was sat in his high chair for the first time, his legs swinging beneath the tray, eyes wide as he watched his mom's every move. Today was a big day--his first taste of real food.

"He's going to love it," Quinn said from beside her, grabbing his phone off the counter. "I bet he's ready to dive right in."

They had done the research, talked to the pediatrician, and Quinn had been more than eager to introduce James to baby-led weaning. But now that it was actually happening, Faye felt a little uncertain. "What if he doesn't like it? Or what if he chokes?" she asked, glancing at Quinn.

"He won't choke. We've got this, and we'll go slow. He's going to have so much fun with this."

With a deep breath, Faye walked over to James, placing the small bowl in front of him. His little hands immediately reached for the spoon in his mom's hands, eager to grab whatever was in reach. Quinn knelt down, phone camera in hand, ready to capture every moment for their families.

"Here we go, bubba," Faye whispered as she scooped up a bit of the rice cereal and offered it to him.

James tried to grab the spoon again, but instead of trying to put it in his mouth, he smeared it on his hand. "Well... that's one way to start."

Quinn laughed, "Looks like we've got a future artist on our hands."

They spent the next few minutes encouraging James, offering him small tastes of the cereal, though most of it ended up on his face, hands, and the high chair. Every bite was like a new experience of James, who made loud smacking sounds and grunts as he demanded more food.

Later that evening, they tried mashed sweet potatoes. Quinn held a spoonful out to James, who immediately leaned towards it, though most of it fell out of his mouth. But this time, Faye saw his face light up as he tasted it. He definitely liked it more than the cereal. "You like that, don't you?"

James responded with a happy, gurgling sound, orange puree smeared across his lips.

"That's my boy," Quinn said. "Eating like a champ."

Faye exchanged a look with him, grinning as he wiped a stray bit of sweet potato from James's nose. There was a growing closeness that neither of them had fully admitted, but both were beginning to feel.

~~

It was late, around 9, and the only sound in the apartment was the hum of the dishwasher. James had gone down easily after a long day of excitement, and Faye was curled up on the couch with a book while Quinn finished tidying up the kitchen. His eyes kept drifting over to her, the soft curve of her smile as she flipped through the pages of her novel.

He felt it then--like a weight settling on his chest. He was in love with her. Really, truly in love.

It wasn't just that he admired how good of a mother she was, or that they had built this life around James. It was the way she made their chaotic life feel... complete. The way she laughed, the way she challenged him, the way she looked at James like he was her entire world. Somewhere between the late-night feedings, baby giggles, and stolen moments of quiet, Quinn had fallen for her.

He wanted to say something, but every time he tried, the words caught in his throat. Was he supposed to? Was this the right time? He sighed, feeling the uncertainty. With a quick glance to make sure Faye was still absorbed in her book, Quinn slipped into the bedroom and dialed Jack's number.

"Hey, man, what's up?" Jack's voice was loud despite it being midnight where he was.

"I need your help," Quinn blurted out, his voice quiet. "It's about Faye."

There was a pause on the other end. "Wait--what kind of help? Are you in trouble?"

"No, no. Not like that." Quinn ran a hand through his hair, pacing the length of the room. "I think I'm in love with her, Jack. I know I'm in love with her. But I don't know how to tell her. Or if I even should."

"Whoa. Okay, first of all, that's awesome. But also, are you sure? Like... love, love?"

Quinn nodded, though Jack couldn't see him. "Yeah, man. I've never felt like this about anyone. Not even close. It's just... I don't wanna screw things up with her. Especially with James in the picture."

"Look, if you know you're in love with her, then you've gotta be honest. Don't hold it in until it's too late. She probably feels the same way, but even if she doesn't, you'll regret not telling her. You've already built something with her. Just be real."

"You're right. I don't know why I'm so nervous about this."

"Because it's real," Jack replied. "You care, that's why."

Quinn felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He didn't have all the answers, but he knew what he had to do. "Thanks, Jack. I'll figure it out."

He was in love with Faye, and somehow, that felt both terrifying and perfect all at once.

~~

7 months

James was babbling, rolling around on the floor with a bright green baby spoon in hand. The window was cracked slightly, letting in the crisp September breeze. Faye watched James from her desk, her laptop open to a half-finished essay for one of her online classes. Juggling motherhood and trying to finish her degree had been hard, but she was finally starting to find a rhythm, learning how to balance everything with a bit more confidence.

James on the verge of crawling--he could prop himself up on all fours, rocking back and forth, but hadn't quite figured out how to move forward yet. Every time he did it, Faye would hold her breath, wondering if today would be the day. So far, though, he seemed content to sit back down and continue his rolling, chewing on toys as he went.

In the kitchen, Quinn was prepping breakfast--he had been squeezing in family time whenever he could, especially with preseaon training and media appearances taking up most of his days. Hockey season was fast approaching, and as much as he loved being at home with Faye and James, Quinn could feel the pressure building. His days were getting busier, and he hated missing moments with James, especially with how fast he was growing.

"I swear, he's gonna start crawling the second you leave for practice," Faye called over her shoulder, eyeing James as he rocked again. "He's getting closer every day."

Quinn chuckled as he set down two plates on the table. "Of course. But knowing him, he'll wait for the exact moment we're not looking."

James babbled in agreement, kicking his feet as if to emphasize his point. Both Quinn and Faye turned to look at him, laughing as he rolled onto his back and gave them a big, gummy smile.

~~

Later that afternoon, after Quinn had left for practice, Faye sat on the floor, carefully spooning mashed carrots into James's mouth. He scrunched up his face at the unfamiliar taste, but after a few moments, he opened his mouth again, curious.

"Good job, baby," Faye cooed. James was eating more and more baby food, slowly transitioning away from breastfeeding--a shift that made Faye feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. Her plan had always been to stop breastfeeding around the 8-month mark, and with that deadline creeping closer, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of letting go of such a large part of their routine.

At the same time, though, she knew it was the right decision. James was growing, becoming more independent every day. She was proud of him, proud of how far they had come together, even if letting go of that last bit of babyhood felt daunting.

As James player with his spoon, Faye leaned back against the couch, glancing at her laptop on the coffee table. She was doing well with the school balance, using James's naptimes and the quiet moments after he went down for naps. It was hard work, but she liked the structure.

But even as she focused on her future, her mind drifted to Quinn. Over the past few months, she had really noticed the shift in how she felt about him. It was something deeper than co-parenting. Something that made her stomach flutter when he smiled at her, or when they got into bed after a long day.

She wasn't exactly sure when it happened, but she knew her feelings for him had changed. It was no longer just about James or being parents. It was about Quinn. She had fallen for him.

But for now, she kept it to herself, not ready to admit it. Not to Quinn, not even to herself really. There was too much at stake. And the last thing she wanted was to complicate the family dynamic they had created.

By the time Quinn got home, James was already in bed, his tiny snores filling the baby monitor on the coffee table. Faye was on the couch, scrolling through class notes while some medical drama played on the TV.

"You're up late," Quinn said, dropping his gym bag by the door.

"Just finishing up some homework. How was practice?" she smiled tiredly.

"Exhausting," he sighed, their legs brushing as he sat next to her. "I missed James, though. He almost crawl yet?"

"Not today. But you might want to cancel all your plans for tomorrow. I think he's planning something big."

Quinn chuckled, but Faye could hear the exhaustion in his voice. She turned to look at him, sweaty and tired, but still there for her and James.

"You're doing great," she said softly. "I know things are getting busy, but you're still here. You're still with us."

"Thanks, Faye."

~~

8 months

Faye moved through the kitchen, preparing a bottle for James, while Quinn sat on the floor in the living room, watching their son as he crawled around, exploring every nook and cranny he could find. James was fast, his hands and knees carrying him across the floor with a newfound determination. Quinn couldn't take his eyes off him--each moment with James a reminder of how quickly his baby boy was growing up.

"You're fast, huh?" Quinn called out, grinning as James crawled back toward him, babbling away. "What're you trying to say, Baby Hughes?"

James stopped right in front of him, rocking back on his knees. His big blue eyes focused intently on his dad, and he raised his arms as if he was about to say something important. For a second, there was nothing but silence, and then...

"Dada."

Quinn's heart stopped.

He blinked, staring at James in shock, unsure if he'd really just heard what he thought he had. "Did... did you just say 'dada'?" Quinn whispered.

James giggled. "Dada!"

Quinn scooped him up into his arms, laughing with pure joy. "That's right, buddy! I'm Dada!" He pressed kisses to the top of James's head in disbelief.

Faye rushed into the room, a questioning look on her face. "What's going on?"

"He said it," Quinn beamed. "He said 'dada.'"

Faye's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes widening as she knelt down beside them. "He did?! Oh my God, he said it?!"

James, delighted by all the attention, clapped his hands together, clearly pleased with himself. Faye leaned in, pressing kisses to his cheeks. It was just them, their family, in their own perfect little moment.

~~

Faye stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the Canucks jersery she had put on James. The jersey was loose around him, but the back said it all--"Daddy" with Quinn's number 43 beneath it. It was a custom jersey that Quinn had ordered months ago, waiting for the perfect moment for James to wear it. And tonight was that night.

She knelt down, fitting James with his oversized baby headphones. The large, puffy protectors looked comically big on his head, but he didn't seem to mind them. His eyes were wide as she strapped him into the baby carrier, ready for his very first hockey game.

Faye was nervous. It was her first time sitting in the WAG section. She'd met some of them casually, but this was different. She stepping into a world as more than just the mother of Quinn's child.

The women greeted her warmly. A few of them fawning over James, who was peeking out from his carrier, taking in all the sights. "Oh my God! He's adorable!" one of them gushed, lightly touching his jersey. "And that jersey! So cute!"

Faye smiled, pulling him from his seat. "Yeah, Quinn had it made. First game day."

"You guys must be so excited," another chimed in. "You and Quinn must be like so happy right now."

"Oh, we're not... sorry, we are. We're so happy to have James here. Quinn is like the best to co-parent with."

There was a brief pause before the women exchanged surprised glances. "Really? I... wow, I just... the way he talks about you and James, it seemed like..."

Faye felt her cheeks flush, why had she said anything. "It's fine. We're not together... just working together to parent James."

~~

As the game started, James's head bobbed back and forth, his eyes tracking all the things happening around him. Faye held him close, watching the game unfold below as the Canucks took the lead in the first period. She was surprised that the bright lights and noise weren't bothering James--he seemed enthralled if anything.

When Quinn skated onto the ice, Faye felt her heart swell with pride. She glanced down at James, who was happily chewing on his fist beneath his massive headphones. "There's Dada," she whispered, her lips brushing the top of his head. "Look at him go!"

At the end of the first, Quinn looked up towards the family suite, offering a small wave even though he couldn't quite make them out from so far. Faye waved back, but decided it was time to head out. James was starting to fuss and she didn't want to push him too hard. As they left the arena, Faye shot Quinn a text, telling him how proud they both were and how much James adored his first hockey game.

It would be the first of many.

~~

James had officially entered the phase where everything within reach ended up in his mouth. From his toys to Quinn's dress shoes, nothing was safe from his curious hands. Faye and Quinn had been busy, crawling around the apartment on their hands and knees, checking for potential hazards and baby-proofing every corner. The cabinets were locked, electrical outlets covered, and sharp edges padded.

James, however, seemed unfazed by their efforts, determined to chew on anything that came his way.

"Looks like he's after your hockey stick," Faye teased, watching as James, equipped with a teething toy, crawled toward Quinn's gear bag by the door.

Quinn swooped in, scooping James up and giving him a playful toss in the air. "Nice try, buddy, but you're not getting your hands on that just yet."

James squealed his delight. He was becoming more independent in his play, spending longer stretches rolling around with his toys, but there was something about playing with Quinn that always brought out his loudest laughs. Quinn loved it too. Whenever he had a break from the rink, Faye could find them building block towers, playing peek-a-boo, or engaging in a game of chase around the baby-proofed living room.

That evening, after a long day of chasing James around the apartment, Faye had finally gotten him down for the night. She stood in the living room, picking up James's toys scattered around, lost in thought. It had become part of her nightly routine--cleaning up the remnants of their busy days, reflecting on how much had changed.

Quinn emerged from their bedroom, lingering by the doorway for a moment as he watched Faye tidy up. She didn't notice him right away, too focused on straightening up the apartment.

"Faye," he said softly, his voice cutting through the silence.

She jumped slightly, startled by his sudden presence. "Hey. I thought you went to bed."

He moved toward her with a seriousness in his eyes she hadn't seen in a long time. "I've been thinking about something for a while... and I don't want to keep it to myself anymore."

"What is it?"

Quinn took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair like he always did when he was stressed. "I'm in love with you," his voice was raw, vulnerable. "I know I've probably been in love with you for a while now, but I couldn't admit it--to myself or to you. But I can't keep pretending. I'm in love with you, Faye."

Faye froze, the words hanging in their air around them. She wasn't sure what to say. She had felt it too--the growing connection between them, the way her heart raced when he was around, the way he made her feel safe. But hearing him say it out loud, took her completely by surprise.

"Quinn..." she whispered. "I... I love you too."

The words had been spoken. There was no turning back.

Quinn's face softened and he stepped closer, gently cupping her face in his hands. Their eyes met, and the world around them seemed to fade. Slowly, he leaned in, and Faye closed the gap, their lips meeting in soft, meaningful kiss.

It wasn't rushed or uncertain. It was tender, full of all the things they had never said before. When they finally pulled apart, Faye looked up at him, love in her eyes.

"I've been wanting to say that for so long," he whispered, leaning his forehead agaisnt hers.

"Me too."

Everything felt right... more than right. It felt like the start of something new, something real, something they both knew had been there all along.

~~

9 months

James was full of energy, pulling himself up to stand using the edge of the couch, his legs wobbly as he gripped the fabric. Faye stood nearby, ready to catch him if he lost his balance, but James's focus was elsewhere. He had become fascinated by music, especially when James and Faye sang to him. He loved it so much that he would start bouncing to the rhythm, his knees bending as he held onto the couch for support. Just as he was doing now, dancing to the music Faye had playing through the TV.

"Look at you, little dancer," she laughed, watching him bounce up and down, his face lighting up. His giggles joined the music, bounching with the melody.

Quinn, who had just come home from practice, leaned against the doorframe. "He's gonna be a musician at this rate," he joked, walking over to join them. Jame's eyes darted to his dad, his smile widening as he continued to dance.

"Dada! Dada!" he squealed.

As much as Faye and Quinn wanted to believe he knew what he was saying, the pediatrician had told them that James had yet to associate the word with Quinn. It was just the only word he could say, so he said it ALL the time.

Quinn bent down, pressing a kiss to the top of James's head. "That's right. I'm Dada."

~~

Faye placed a spoonful of mashed sweet potatoes onto the tray of James's high chair tray. His hands reached for the food, eager to explore the new texture. He picked up a "handful" and brought it to his mouth, smearing most of it across his face but managing to get some in his mouth. He eyes lit up, and he made a delighted sound, flapping his arms as if to sign for his approval.

"He loves it!" Faye smiled, wiping his cheeks with a warm washcloth.

"Well, we can add that to his list of favourites." Quinn leaned forward, placing a bit of steamed broccoli on the tray next. "Let's see how he feels about this."

James picked it up, his expression puzzled before he shoved it in his mouth. He made a face, spitting most of it out, but then grabbed another piece, curious enough to try it again. Quinn and Faye laughed at his determination to eat the broccoli that he didn't even seem to like.

~~

As soon as James was "realeased" from his high chair, he crawled over to his stuffed rabbit. The toy had been gifted to him by Ellen and Jim when he was born. It had become his biggest comfort, going with him everything, especially when he was upset. Lately, he had become particularly attached to it, making "grabby hands" whenever he couldn't reach it.

"Where's your lovey?" Faye asked as James crawled toward the couch, reaching for the bunny. She handed it to him, watching as he clutched it to his chest, giving it a big hug. "There you go, bubba. All better."

Quinn, too, had noticed this new attachment, and without telling Faye, he had already ordered a second rabbit online. He didn't want to risk a meltdown if something ever happened to the original.

As they got ready for bed, a knock came at the door. It was a neighbour who was asking to see if they'd been having the same issue she was in their apartment. The moment she left, James who had been watching from the floor, waved his hand enthusiastically, repeating his new favourite trick.

"Are you saying 'bye-bye?'" Faye laughed. "You're such a smart boy."

~~

Faye stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress for the tenth time. It had been months since she'd properly gone out. And now that she wasn't breastfeeding, the thought of drinks with the WAGs was tempting. But still, the nagging worry about leaving James tugged at her.

"You look amazing," Quinn said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You should go. It'll be good for you."

Faye met his eyes in the mirror, chewing on her bottom lip. "What if he needs me? I feel like he always knows when I'm leaving."

As if on cue, James, who had happily been playing on the floor, caught sight of her near the front door and immediately starting screeching, his arms outstretched in protest.

Faye groaned, turning to Quinn. "See?"

Quinn picked him up, bouncing him lightly in his arms. "I've got him. Go out, have fun. He's with me, and we'll be fine."

She hesitated, but the promise of a night with the girls, free from mom duties, was far too tempting. "Okay," she agreed, grabbing her purse. "But if anything happens--"

"I'll call you. Now go," he interrupted, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

~~

It felt liberating to be out in the world again, without a diaper bag or baby wipes, just her and the girls.

"You made it!" one of the girls exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. "We were starting to think you'd never leave that adorable baby behind!"

Faye laughed, taking a sip of the cocktail someone had ordered for her. "I almost didn't. He screeched the second he saw me heading for the door."

"That's what they do," another girl said knowingly. "They always make you feel guilty, but trust me, Quinn's got this. He's great with James."

"Yeah, he really is the best."

A few of the girls exchanged knowing looks before one of them grinned, leaning in closer. "So, does that mean you two are, like, official now?"

Faye bit her lip, unable to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Actually... yeah. We're official. Quinn's my boyfriend."

The table erupted into cheers, the girls hugging Faye and bombarding her with questions. They had all assumed for months that something was happening between Faye and Quinn, but hearing it confirmed had sent them into hysterics.

"You two are so cute together!"

"I knew it! He's like so in love with you!"

Faye blushed as the table toasted to her and Quinn. It felt good--really, really good--to finally say it out loud. Quinn was hers, and she was his.

~~

When Faye got home, all the lights were off. She kicked off her heels, tiptoeing into the living room, and the sight made her heart melt. There, on the couch, were Quinn and James--both sound asleep. James was sprawled on Quinn's chest, his tiny fist clutching the fabric of Quinn's shirts, his lovey on the floor next to them.

Faye pulled out her phone and snapped a quick picture, smiling as she set it as her new phone background, replacing the picture of her and a newborn James in the hospital.

Careful not to wake Quinn too suddenly, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Hey, we've gotta get him in his crib."

Quinn stirred, blinking groggily as he looked down at James. "Oh, right," he mumbled, carefully lifting their son into his arms.

Faye followed him into the office they had made into James's bedroom, the two of them working together to get him into bed. As they stood over the crib, watching James settle into sleep, Faye whispered, "I can't believe that we could create something so incredible."

Quinn wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Yeah, we did. I can't believe it either."

After moving across the hall to their room, Quinn spoke up again. "I missed you tonight."

"I missed you too. The girls were happy for us."

"Yeah?"

"They all assumed we were together already," Faye whispered, her breath catching as Quinn leaned in.

"Well, they're right now," his lips brushed hers.

"I love you."

"I love you too"

~~

The house was quiet when Faye, Quinn, and James made their way downstairs on Christmas morning. The lights on the tree reflecting off the ornaments and setting the scene perfectly. Faye's parents were already in the living room, waiting with coffee in hand, their smiles warm but reserved. Faye hated the tension that was still there. Even though they had been kind and welcoming since their arrival, Faye knew deep down, that her parents hadn't fully come to terms with the path her life had taken.

Her father looked up from his tablet, offering a smile when he saw James. "Good morning, little buddy," his expression softening for his grandson.

Faye took a deep breath, adjusting her grip on James as she sat next to Quinn on the other sofa. They were trying to show her parents that things were working, that Quinn was a good day and an even better partner. But her parents' unspoken disapproval of the fact that Quinn had, in their eyes, "ruined" their' daughter's future was still there.

As Quinn moved James to his lap, helping him unwrap one of his gifts, Faye noticed her mom watching them with a furrowed brow. "He's getting so big."

Faye nodded, leaning over to pull a piece of wrapped paper from James's mouth. "He's growing fast."

"We've been trying to get him used to solid foods," Quinn chimed in, telling her parents about their grandson's latest milestone. "He's still not sure about broccoli, though."

Her parents chuckled slightly, but it felt forced. Quinn was trying so hard to prove himself, and she was just desperate for her parents to see what she saw--that he was a loving, attentive father and boyfriend.

And as the morning went on, the mood lightened. James, giggling and crawling around the room with his new toys, brought a warmth to everyone. Faye watched as her dad bent down to play with James, and for the first time that morning, she saw genuine joy in her father's eyes.

"Look at that," her mom whispered to her. "He's a little explorer, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he is. Everyone always says he takes after Quinn."

"Well... isn't that something."

~~

By early afternoon, the family of three had moved on to the Hughes household. Jack and Luke met them at the door, their faces lighting up when they saw James bundled up in his little snowsuit.

"There he is!" Jack called out, basically snatching the baby from Quinn as soon as they were inside. "Merry Christmas, Baby Hughes!"

James squealed in response, grabbing at Jack's hair in excitement. "Dada! Dada!"

"I'm not your Dada, silly," Jack laughed, tossing James into the air much to his delight.

Faye felt an ease that she hadn't felt at her own home. There was no unspoken judgement or grudges. Everyone was happy to be together. To spend their Christmas with people they loved.

"Look at him, all bundled! He's like a Quinn clone, huh?" Ellen said, pulling Faye into a hug, before turning to Quinn. "You two look happy."

"We are."

James spent the afternoon crawling around, pulling himself up on furniture, determined to keep up with his two favourite family members, Jack and Luke. Faye couldn't help but smile as Luke helped him stand, his hands steadying his nephew as he bounced up and down, giggling.

"Babababa!" James exclaimed, earning a nod from Luke.

"I couldn't agree more, James. You're so right."

"What're you two talking about?" Quinn asked, patting his youngest brother on the back.

"He was just telling me that he has the best dad ever."

"He really does," Faye agreed, scrunching her face as Quinn pressed a kiss to her nose.

"I love you," Quinn mouthed, pulling Faye onto his lap.

"I love you more," she whispered back.

"Impossible."

~~

10 months

James babbled as he carefully pilied the colourful rings of his stacking toy on top of each other, only to knock them over and start again, squealing at the result.

"Getting pretty good at that," Quinn nodded, shooting a look to a half-awake Faye standing by the kitchen counter.

"Yeah, he loves those things," she said with a tired smile. James had become increasinly attached to her, to the point that she could barely move without him following close behind, ready to cry.

Faye took a deep breath, trying to mask her weariness. "He's such a mama's boy," she added with a chuckle, though it was clear the constant attention was getting to her. James's separation anxiety was growing stronger each day.

"He'll outgrow it," Quinn said softly. "It's a phase but I know it's hard."

"I can't even go to the bathroom without him losing his mind. I love that he's attached, but... I'm exhausted, Quinn. I feel like I can't get anything done around here."

James, as if sensing he wasn't the centre of attention, looked up from his toys and spotted Faye standing by the counter. His face scrunched up and he let out a loud wail, crocodile tears already streaming, he crawled to her as fast as he could.

She sighed, setting down her coffee and scooping up James, his cries softening the second he had a handful of her shirt. He clung to her like Velcro, his head resting on her shoulder.

"There we go, buddy," she whispered, kissing the top of his head. "Mama's here."

~~

James had been extra clingy, refusing to play unlesss Faye was sitting next to him, but he seeemed content for now, crawling around with his Lovey.

Quinn sat on the floor, his legs stretched out as James crawled back and forth between him and Faye, occasionally stopping to blow kisses, something he'd recently mastered. He loved blowing kisses to anyone who would watch, his hand slapping against his mouth before sending the kiss off with a giggle.

"He's obsessed with you too," Faye laughed as James babbled to Quinn, still clutching his Lovey.

"He's obsessed with you more."

Suddenly, James crawled to the edge of the couch, pulling himself up. He stood there for a moment, wobbling slightly but steadying himself by holding onto the cushions. Faye and Quinn watched quietly, not wanting to break his concentration.

And then, in a moment that seemed to go in slow motion, James let go of the couch.

He stood there, swaying for a second, and then took one tiny step. Then another.

"Quinn, look!" Faye gasped, swatting at her boyfriend's leg. "He's walking!"

"James, bud, you're doing it!"

James took one more shaky step before falling onto his butt in a fit of giggles. Faye and Quinn burst into cheers, clapping for his first real steps.

Faye picked him up, smothering him in kisses as he babbled "mama. dada," between his giggles. He didn't know why they were so excited, but he was eating up the attention. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.

"Growing up so fast."

"Too fast."

~~

11 months

James toddled across the living room, his legs carrying him to his toy kitchen with a newfound confidence. He reached for a plastic pot, stirring it with a spoon, before grabbing a plastic carrot. Wobbling back over to Faye, who was seated on the couch with a cup of coffee, he proudly held it up for her to see.

"Mama, mo!" James said, grinning as he pushed the plastic carrot toward her, expecting her to "eat" it.

Faye laughed, leaning down to take a bite. "Mmm, delicious, bub!" James giggled, returning to his kitchen to give Lovey a taste as well.

"Looks like someone's been busy," Quinn crouched down next to James. "What're we cooking today, Chef Hughes?"

James held up the carrot again. "Dada! Mo?"

"More? Alright, I'll take some more," Quinn also took a pretend bite of the carrot.

James, seemingly satisfied with his parents' reactions, continued to "cook." Throwing things into the small pot that surely didn't go together. Some plastic spaghetti mixed with some plastic ice cream. He was experimenting with flavours, that was for sure.

The only downside of his confidence in walking was that it was even harder for Faye to escape him. His separation anxiety hadn't eased at all, it had gotten worse. He would cry if she dared to leave the room. Whether she was folding laundry, cooking dinner, or trying to take a shower, he was there waddling after her.

"I was thinking about taking James for a walk. You can take a bath, get ready for date night if you're still up for it."

"That sounds perfect. And I'm not missing date night for the world. God knows we need it."

~~

Faye sat across from Quinn, sipping on some expensive wine he'd ordered for them. The conversation between them was flowly easily--telling stories from their university years, discussing James and how big he was getting, simply enjoying each other's company.

"I love when it's just us. Don't get me wrong, James is the best thing to ever happen to me, but... we never got to experience the regular dating stage."

Quinn smiled, "Me too. I like having a moment alone with you that isn't us getting ready to sleep."

Faye had fallen in love with Quinn slowly, over time, but moments like that made her realize how much their love had grown. He wasn't just the father of her child--he was everything.

As the night went on, they moved from the restaurant to a quiet bar. Quinn leaned in closer, his hand resting on her thigh, his voice dropping. "You're so beautiful."

"Thanks, Q. You're not too bad yourself."

His gaze shifted, his fingers brushing lightly over her exposed skin. "Let's get out of here."

~~

12 months

The living room was decorated with soft blue and white balloons, streamers hanging from the ceiling, and a large banner that read Happy 1st Birthday, James! The coffee table held a neatly wrapped pile of gifts, and at the centre of the kitchen room table was James's smash cake--covered in light blue frosting with tiny white stars piped along the edges.

Faye was adjusting some last-minute details while Quinn brought James over to the guests. They had kept the party small, just a few of Quinn's teammates, their partners, and some of their kids. It was the perfect way to celebrate without overwhelming James with too many new people.

"Look at him," Quinn said, pride shining in his eyes as James toddled over to Brock with his Lovey in hand, showing it off to his dad's friends. "He's so big already."

"He really is," Faye replied. Watching James reach his first birthday felt surreal--it was hard to believe how much he'd grown over the past year, how he'd gone from a newborn to this curious, adventurous little boy.

James was in his element, giggling and chasing after some of the older kids, his legs carrying him as fast as they could. He had only recently starting running--well, running as much as he could--and even though he tumbled over constantly, he was always ready to bounce back up, laughing each time like it was all part of the fun.

"He's tough," Elias commented with a grin as they watched James take a small fall before pushing himself back to his feet, his face lighting up as he ran toward Quinn. "Guess that runs in the family."

Quinn chuckled, reaching down to pick him up. "Yeah, he's a little warrior."

~~

When it was time for the cake, everyone gathered around, singing as Faye placed the cake in front of the birthday boy. His eyes widened at the sight of the blue frosting, and without hesitation, he plunged both hands into the cake, squishing it between his fingers before bringing a handful to his mouth.

The room erupted into laughter as James smeared the frosting across his cheeks and nose. He squealed happily, clapping his sticky hands together, making a mess as Faye and Quinn watched on proudly.

"He's having the time of his life," Faye laughed, snapping pictures of the moment while Quinn wiped a bit of frosting from James's dark curls.

"Not sure he's ever been this happy," Quinn added as he watched their son enjoy his first taste of birthday cake.

James, now fully engrossed in smashing the cake to pieces, occasionally grabbed a piece and offered it to Quinn and Faye, babbling happily as if inviting them to join him. Faye pretended to take a bite, saying "mmm" as she wiped more frosting from his hair.

Once he was all clean, James got to open his presents. They were mostly clothes but his favourite was a toy truck gifted by Brock. He wanted it out of the packaging as soon as he tore paper off, pointing at it and chanting "dada."

He was quick to run around the room with it, putting all his toys in the back of it, then dumping them out in a pile and starting again. Faye couldn't believe how confident he'd become around people he knew. He'd grown so much in 12 months.

"Can you believe he's already one?" Quinn asked, pulling Faye into his side.

"No... it feels like just yesterday we brough him home from the hospital."

"We've got a pretty amazing little boy, don't we?"

"We really do."

~~

Faye stood in the bathroom, brushing her teeth and winding down for the night. But there was a nagging feeling in her brain, one that she couldn't shake no matter how hard she tried. Something felt off. But she couldn't quite place it. The only other time she'd felt like that before was...

Was she pregnant?

She didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the thought was ever present. It felt impossible--she and Quinn hadn't even discussed having more kids yet. They were still trying to perfect their balance with James, and now that he'd just turned one, the idea of another baby was very overwhelming.

She dug through one of the drawers under the sink, trying to find the tests they'd bought just in case. Her hands were trembling as she unwrapped it. The wait felt like hours, though it was maybe four minutes, and when she finally glanced at the test, her heart sank.

+

She felt like she was right back where she'd been two years ago, staring at a positive test and trying to process the reality of an unplanned pregnancy. They hadn't talked about this. They hadn't planned for this. They were careful now. They used condoms every time they slept together.

She sat on the edge of the bathtub, her hands shaking. The piece of plastic fell to the floor with a clack. James was just now walking, they had just celebrated his first birthday, and the chaos of parenting had already left her feeling stretched thin. How were they supposed to manage two kids under two?

She felt the same emotions as the first time. The fear, the anxiety, and the excitement. But mostly, she was stressed. What would Quinn think? How would he react? They hadn't talked about having another baby, and she wasn't sure he was ready for this news.

For now, she'd keep it to herself. To process it, to figure how she felt before bringing Quinn into it. But maybe just like James... this was another unexpected gift in her life.

~~

Faye and Quinn were getting ready for bed, the room softly lit by their bedside lamps. Faye was standing by their dresser, brushing her hair, her mind still trying to catch up with everything that had happened so far in March. James turning one, the party, finding out she was pregnant... what a whirlwind.

She gave Quinn some side-eye. He was being unusually quiet, his movements slow as he changed into his boxers. He had been fidgety all day, like something was weighing on him, and Faye couldn't help but wonder if he sensed her unease. She was still trying to figure out how to tell him, in fact, she was still working on processing it herself.

"Everything okay?"

Quinn looked over at her, taking a deep breath, clearly nervous. "Yeah," his voice was quieter than usual. "There's just... something I've been wanting to ask you."

Faye scrunched up her face in confusion as he walked over to his nightstand and pulled something from the drawer. Her heart skipped a beat when he saw the small velvet box in his hand, and suddenly, all her other thoughts melted away.

He took a shaky breath, standing in front of her, his fingers fidgeting with the box. "I know it's early," he began, "and maybe it's not the perfect moment, but... this family is everything to me. You and James--you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I don't want to wait any longer."

He opened the box, revealing a dainty, beautiful ring. "I love you, Faye. I love our life together, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

For a moment, Faye couldn't speak, the weight of his words hitting her like a truck. "Yes," she whispered, clearing her throat. "Of course, yes."

Quinn slipped the ring onto her finger before pulling her into a hug. It wasn't flashy or over-the-top, it was just them, in the quiet of their room, with the life they'd created. And it was perfect.

~~

13 months

James had three words in his arsenal now: "mama," "dada," and his favourite "doggy." Anytime Faye or Quinn took him on a walk, he would eagerly point at every dog they passed, his little finger stretched out, shouting "doggy!" with a wide grin. He was utterly obsessed.

Faye loved how seriously he took his dog-spotting duties, pointing at each dog with the same amount of energy, as though it was the first time he'd ever seen one. He was so curious about the world around him and it brought Faye so much joy.

"Doggy!" James shouted, shoving his plush golden retriever in his mom's face.

"Yeah, that's your doggy."

He had also mastered the art of drinking from a cup--or at least, he was trying to. Every meal came with the thrill of watching James tip his little plastic cup back, usually spilling half the water on himself before getting a successful sip. But he was determined, even if the messes were endless. Strong-willed just like his dad.

But nothing got James as excited as he was when he saw Quinn on the TV. Anytime a game was on and Quinn's face appeared, James would point excitedly, bouncing in place. "Dada! Dada!" he shouted, over and over again, as if the more he said it, the closer Quinn would be to hearing it.

Faye sat beside him, giggling at how easily James recognized his dad, even through the screen. She leaned over, kissing his cheek. "You love watching Dada, don't you?"

"Dada!"

"Can you say 'go Dada'?"

"O Dada!"

"Good job! Go Dada!"

~~

Quinn was sat on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone. Faye had spent days going over how to tell him about the pregnancy. The positive test had been hidden away in her underwear drawer, as if that would keep it from being real.

He had been her rock since James was born, and now that they were officially engaged, she knew he'd be there for her. But this pregnancy wasn't planned again, and the shock of it had her feeling vulnerable, just like she had when she found out about James.

"Quinn, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Quinn looked up as soon as he heard the seriousness in her voice. He put his phone down, his face covered in concern. "What's wrong?"

Instinctively she placed a hand on her stomach, "I... I'm pregnant."

The air between them seemed to still. Quinn's eyes were wide, and he was opening and closing his mouth like a fish, attempting to process what she was saying.

"You're... pregnant?" he repeated, his voice full of disbelief but not in a bad way--more of a he was trying to catch up kind of way.

"I know it's a shock. We didn't plan this, and I've been so scared to tell you because we haven't even talked about having another baby yet. I just... I don't know how we're going to handle this. I'm terrified."

Quinn stood frozen for another few seconds before he wrapped her into a bear hug, rocking them back and forth. "Faye... this is amazing."

"You're not upset?" she pulled away, looking at him with tears in her eyes.

"Upset? No. I'm not upset. I'm... I'm shocked, yeah. But I'm excited. We've made this beautiful little family together, and now we're adding to it. How could I bet upset about that?"

Faye's fear slowly dissipated as Quinn's words sank in. "I was so scared to tell you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I didn't want you to feel like we weren't ready."

Quinn cupped her cheeks in his hands, his thumbs brushing away tears as they fell. "Faye, we're going to be okay. I know it wasn't planned, but that doesn't change how much I love you or how excited I am to add to our family. And this time, you won't go through it alone. I'll be here for everything. Every doctor's appointment, every late night--everything."

"I love you," she whispered, unsure of how to put her thoughts into words.

"I love you too. We're going to be okay, Faye. We've got this."

Faye knew that the pregnancy was going to be a challenge, but she'd have Quinn by her side this time. And that made it feel slightly less terrifying.

Quinn pulled her closer, resting his chin on top of her head. "Our little family is growing... and I couldn't be happier."

"Who knew all of this could come from a college party."

[adams-angels]

If you have the time ofc do you thing you can write a husk X fem reader pretty please like she was sad and he praised her and wrapped his wings around them while they fuck AH IM BLUSHING HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY🤭🤭

♦️of course I can try! I'm not a writer so I might write Husk all wrong and I'm so sorry if this isn't what you imagined! But still I hope you enjoy!♥️

💖 Please send me requests! Send me your own headcanons! I will draw! I'm obsessed rn!💖

Smut below the cut! Minors dni

Today was hard. Trying to be redeemed is hard! Who knew this?! You sure as hell wouldn't of signed up to his dumb hotel if you'd known this. Everything today went wrong and you're no closer at being heaven worth as you were before you started.

You walk into the hotel, slamming open the door. "Ugh." Heading straight to the bar where good ol' friendly Husk is. With a scowl on your face you slump into the bar stool. "Usual, Huskie." You request.

The cat like overlord watched you the whole way. Unimpressed. "Bit early for that don't you think?" His deep voice rumbled. "Listen, your the bartender and I'm the patron so booze me up." You demand, slamming your hand on the bar.

He pours you a drink, placing it down in front of you. You lick your lip and go to pick it up before he snatches it away and downs it. "Hey, what the hell!?" "What?" "You just drank my fucking drink?!" Your voice broke, it was all getting to much. "Give me a fucking drink, Husk!" "Tell me what's wrong first." "What?! What the hell kinda service is this?!" You yell. "Fuck you! Dumb cat, bird, fucking casino dick!" You push yourself away from the bar before storming upstairs to your bedroom. Wiping away any tears that escaped on the way.

You enter your room slamming the door shut like a child sulking. The noise can be heard throughout the hotel. Husk rolls his eyes and heads to the stairs, Charlie sees him on the way. "What was th-" Husk raises his hand to Charlie. "I'm on it."

There's a knock at your door. You wiped your eyes and sniffed. "Go away, Charlie." The voice behind the door speaks "Not Charlie." You look at the door in confusion and frustration. You look over in the mirror at your vanity table and try wiping off any running mascara. "What do you want?" You ask, trying to hold back tears. "Let me in. Let's talk." You groan. Why does he have to care? Does he care? Or is this just something he can bring up later.

You walk over to the door and open in before quick turning back into your room and sitting on your bed with your back to him. "Are you crying?" Husk asks sincerely. "No." You reply. He heads towards you, stretching out his wings and arms as he does. "No, of course not. I mean, why would you? Only nothing is going as you planned."

You sniffed, wiping your nose with your sleeve. "Why is it so hard?" You asked, you know he wasn't going to have the answer you wanted. "You thought this would be easy? Please. You were sent to hell for a reason. You think you can just add a couple please and thank yous and you'd be up there? Come on, man." A man with words. "No, I know I wasn't going to be easy but ... Whatever." You mumble.

He puts his arm over your shoulder bringing you closer. You sigh deeply, resting your head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't of .. y'know." He tuts and looks down at you. "Look, at you." He lift up your chin. "Apologising. Real redemption like." You chuckle lightly. "Shut up, Huskie."

"I hate it when you call me that." He wraps his arms around you lifting you onto his lap. His wings surround the both of you. "You know, I know something that might cheer you up." His deep voice like a melody to your eyes. "hmm, how's that?" He glances down at his crotch pursing his lip. "You're so lame." You chuckle. He kisses your collar bone. "Hm, you love it."

～⁠♡✧⁠｡ I really hope you enjoyed! I'm not a writer by any means but I appreciate any support I receive so thank you for reading! ｡✧⁠♡～⁠

You slid yourself down to unbuckle his belt, he grabs your legs as he stands slightly to help you pull down his pants. His already hard member springing out. "Oh~!" You purr, brushing your fingers against his length causing him to pant. His wing twitches at your touch.

"you looked so sad." He brushes a loose stand of hair behind your ear. "I feel sad.." you pouted. "But I'll make you feel better." He told you, adjusting your body, lining your entrance with his cock. Gently pushing you down, your tightness envelopes him. "F-fuck~"

Carefully, he bounces you on his member. Cuddling as he fucks you, his wings wrapped around you both, protecting you like a dome. He spends the time fucking you tenderly, whispering sweet nothings in your ear and peppering your neck and shoulders with kisses. "You're so tight, y/n."

His hips start stuttering as he feels his release coming, moving faster. Grunting with your moans. He adjusts you in such away that hits your g-spot perfectly, resulting a deep gutteral moan escapes from you. He holds you down as he thrust into finishing inside of you, cum leaking out of your cunt. You both take a moment to catch your breath. "Happy now?" He asks. "Yes." You reply.

[c0eu4]

OP81 | Hard work ☁︎

Summary: After the biggest exam of her entire life, y/n found Oscar in front of her university, waiting for her.

Warning: fluff, anxious reader?

A/N: Just had some inspiration for that after one exam I had and totally fucked up it lol

MASTERLIST requests are open

Her hand hurts, she can't write anymore. Her copies filled with blue pen in front of her, she read it again one last time until the time limit rings.

A weight immediately lifts from her shoulders. She knows she succeeded. She didn't spend nights and days behind her computer, scribbling things on her notepad and repeating her lessons to Oscar for nothing.

She untied her hair down, puts her pens in her pencil case and puts it in her bag. She puts her coat on her back and grabs her copies. She puts her bag on her back, places her copies in the storage area and heads towards the exit of the building.

She closes her coat as she walks, putting on her mittens and shoving her hands in her pockets.

The cold of winter is felt. She pulls up her coat to hide her chin and leaves the building. Her cheeks and nose quickly turn red from the cold as she walks towards the gate.

Once on the other side of it, she walks towards the street which leads to the metro, to return home.

Her friends suggested that they spend time together in their usual little café but she preferred to refuse, knowing that she would be too tired after her exam.

She continues walking a few meters before seeing her boyfriend, leaning against his car, a coffee in his hand and looking at her, a big smile on his face.

She smiles when she sees him and walks more quickly towards him. She takes refuge directly in his arms, on the verge of crying. After all the stress she has accumulated, all the work she has done, she has every right to take a break. He hugged her tightly, warping his warm arms around her waist.

''I'm so proud of you my love.'' She can't help but blush a little more when she hears his compliment, his australian accent still makes her fall in love even more.

She separates from him, taking the coffee that he offers her.

''Don't burn yourself.'' She nodded quickly and took a sip of the warm liquids.

''Thank you baby.'' He kissed her forehead and opened the passenger door for her.

She sits there and Oscar sits next to her, behind the wheel. He starts the engine and drives them to their shared flat.

Throughout the trip, she talks to him about his exam. Passing by the two hundred and thirty three bananas that a man bought in a problem to triangular figures mixing the theorem of Pythagoras and Thales.

He listens to her, without interrupting her, taking advantage of her voice that he hasn't heard all day.

Once home, she continues talking about her exam. She speaks faster and faster and spreads the subject even more. And Oscar feels that it makes her stressed to talk about it.

So he cuts her off, ''Y/n, don't you want to stop talking about that ? You always speak fast when you're stressed.''

She sighed. Not in a disappointing way, but more because she knows that he's right.

''Yeah sorry if I bother you with that.'' She simply says, taking off her shoes and coat.

''You never bother me love. I just said that for you to relax.'' He takes a hanger to hang his and her coat.

They both walk towards the kitchen, she is already taking the milk out of the fridge and him rummaging on the shelf to get two cups.

It's a little ritual that they both have. Every time, when one or the other is stressed, they prepare hot chocolates. Because it's not a secret that Oscar loves chocolate and it's not a secret that y/n loves the feelings of hot liquids.

He puts the cups full of milk in the microwave and takes out the cocoa. She rummages through a shelf and pulls out some little chocolate marshmallow teddy bears.

Once the milk is hot, Oscar adds the cocoa to the two cups and a few teddy bears to his cup.

''I will never be able to understand how you drink your chocolate with teddy bears.'' She always hated putting teddy bears in her chocolate. Not that she doesn't like marshmallows, but she hates anything that's hard and gets mushy (Without a second thought).

''You don't know what you're missing.'' She puts a few bears in her mouth and eats them.

''Na you, you don't know what you're doing.'' He giggles and steals a few bears from her hands to eat it.

''Hey! I'm going to tell Mark what you're doing !''

He kisses her cheeks, putting one of his hands in her lower back, heading her towards the couch. They sit in, they cups of hot chocolate in hand, a warm blanket on them.

She is looking for a new series to watch on Netflix, Oscar eating his teddy bear with his spoon.

When she finally finds something good to watch, she takes a sip of her chocolate and gets a little closer to Oscar.

They end the day like that, in front of their series, cuddling each other.

[sweetbearbakery]

It was my heart you stole.

Warnings: Mention of murder and violence, desperate sukuna, angst, fluff, toxic sukuna, sukuna x y/n.

Sukuna was the king of curses, ‘Lord Sukuna’ the common folk and peasants called him. Feared by all, well not all. You worked under Sukuna, being his most favored and loved concubine. At one point you had asked a guard where the other concubines went.

“They were executed by Lord Sukuna himself.” The guard responded with a cold voice as he looked down at you, scoffing and walking away. Later you had found out that he had also died.

You and Sukuna had an oddly amazing relationship, although as expected, it was a bit toxic. He would always have a guard follow you anywhere when you stepped outside of his or your chambers. He was overprotective of you, very much so that he killed any other guards that looked at you the wrong way or talked to you in the wrong tone. If he wasn't busy with his duties, he would be pulling you around with him, or locking you up with him in his chambers. Sometimes he'd even take you to important meetings. You had grown fond of Sukuna, no, you loved him now. The strange thing was, he acted like he loved you back

But then the horrid day came, the day Sukuna found you crying on your plush bed. Holding onto a pillow as you cried. Immediately concerned but not wanting to seem weak or vulnerable, he stood in the doorway, his arms crossed. “ Hey, woman. What happened?”

You flinched at his voice, tears still running over your cheeks as you sat up. Looking at him with a look of desperation, sadness, and unwellness. Your voice shaking, your hands balling up the soft pillow. “ Kuna…..You're getting married? M-Married?!?” He looked at you, his eyes widening a bit as he sighed. Pinching the bridge of his nose with a small shake of his head. “ I knew you'd find out one way or another. “

Horror filled your eyes, were you no use to him anymore? Was he going to throw you away? Kill you? All you could think of was the worst, who was this woman anyway? The whole thing made your body visibly trembling, your tear stained cheeks overlapping with more tears as you started to cry more.

Sukuna looked at you, his face somewhat softening. He closed and locked your door, walking over and sitting on the bed next to you. His four arms pulling you into a string and caring embrace. “y/n……I still love you. This marriage is only arranged, don't fright. Marrying this woman is the best decision for the kingdom right now.” He said, rubbing your back with one hand and another pet your hair gently.

You pushed him away, standing up as you dried your tears. “ You know what the worst thing is ‘Kuna? She came in here this morning and introduced herself as your wife! Then continued to tell me that I was her maid of honor!”

Sukuna looked at you, his expression a mix of anger and longing. Putting his hand on your shoulder but you just swatted it off. You weren't just upset, you were jealous, angry. “ Yet, I know I shouldn't be affected by it! I mean, you can't be jealous over someone who isn't yours!”

He stood up, grabbing your chin as he looked over you. Looking at you with a pissed expression. “ y/n l/n. That woman means nothing to me, she is not of importance. So don't you dare push me away when all I'm doing is trying to comfort my love-” A snap sound came to Sukuna, cutting him off. A red handprint on his cheek, enraged as he looked at you. Your hand stung, your breath caught in your throat. Backing up as your hands trembled

“ ‘K-Kuna, I'm so sorry. It just happened. I don't know why I did that. Please I'm sorry….” The voice of horror and fear echoed in his ears. Stepping closer as he loomed over your shaking body. Scoffing as he saw you, how desperate you were to get his forgiveness.

“Pathetic woman, I gave you a chance, I told you I love you, and this is how you repay me?!? By slapping me?!?” He said as he pushed you against the wall, tilting your chin up, watching as new tears ran over your old ones. “Maybe I should stop loving you and love my fiance instead.” He scoffed, letting go of your chin and walking out, slamming your door behind him.

Your body crumpled up as you fell to the floor, your body shivering into a ball. Only wanting to be in the comfort of Sukuna’s caring touch. Thinking about how the wedding was only in two days.

Over those two days you avoided Sukuna as much as you could. Not speaking to him at lunch hours, not looking at him during meetings, and staying in your room when you didn't have to eat or use the bathroom. Locking yourself up, not even talking to the guards, just curled up in your nest of plush pillows and blankets. Thinking about how Sukuna had gained feelings for his fiance by now. How you were probably just going to be used as his worthless toy from now on. Although, those thoughts all changed the day of the wedding.

You were getting changed into your bridesmaids dress on your room. Looking in the mirror and doing your makeup, fixing your hair. Hearing a knock on the door as you get up, answering the door. Sukuna was never big on physical affection or touch. Although, here he was, hugging you tightly as soon as you opened the door.

After hugging you he had stepped inside, locking and closing the door behind him. Looking at you as he took your hands in his, his cold gaze admirering your beauty. “You look…Absolutely gorgeous, my dear.” He said, being affectionate all of a sudden. His thumb rubbing the back of your hand. A soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Leaning in to kiss you.

Surprised, you knew it was wrong. Pulling out of his grasp and walking back till you were sitting on your couch. “Sukuna…..You shouldn't be here…..Let alone doing this…” You said as you looked up at him, walking over to you. Closing your eyes, scared he might yell at you or hit you.

Although, when you opened them, he wasn't standing there. Looking down, you were greeted by Sukuna, his face in your dress as he sniffled, holding onto the side of your dress. Was he shaking? Let alone crying? “ Please y/n…..I can't marry this woman…..I want to marry you, we can run away and live a perfect life. Please…..please take me back.”

You looked down at him, shocked as he lifted his head to look at you. His expression was desperate, soft, caring. What the hell happened to him? With a soft palm and a gentle touch, you began to pet his hair. “ Shh, slow down ‘Kuna…..what happened?” You asked curiously, sceptical of his intentions.

“M…..My fiance, sh…..she….I saw her cheating in me…..I went to go check on her and she was fucking another man…..I mean…I never loved her but….a woman cheating on me? ME? I……it made me realize that I should have never treated you so badly.” He said, he was a whimpering, crying, desperate mess. Melting beneath your own touch.

You cupped his face and sighed, rubbing his cheeks softly “ ‘Kuna….I really don't know what to say to you….” He looked at you immediately and took your hands, tears running down his cheeks. “ Please y/n just take me back, please i need you. I'm nothing without you, please!”

To be continued……

(Hello! I'll be writing a part where you accept and one where you decline. Once I finish them both, they be linked to this post.)

@genderfluidnuggettt

[thatacotargirl]

Hiii, I saw your posts about taking requests! (loving Shadows and Surprises btw 👏)

How about a nice fluffy one-shot (take your pick of the bat-boys 😊) where reader wakes up on her cycle with bloody sheets and bad cramps, and she starts apologising about the sheets but she's in a lot of pain, but he immediately takes care of her and pampers her (changes sheets, runs her a bath, gives tea and chocolate, lots of cuddles and kisses, etc)

Ahhh I love this, it's so cute! Thank you so much for the request - I hope enjoy!

Inbox is open for requests so please do send any through!

Warnings: blood, vomit, general pain (?)

To the Ends of the Earth

A Cassian x Reader Imagine

It had been a few months since Rhysand had introduced you to his Inner Circle. What started off as a small part-time job working on his accounts and book-keeping turned into a full-time lifestyle. After the first 2 weeks of proving yourself invaluable to him and his Court, Rhys invited you to move into the House of Wind and work alongside him full-time. Your tiny studio apartment with mould, rats, and goodness knows what else inside the walls was not the most luxurious of lifestyles, and you had already grown so attached to the rest of the Inner Circle that you jumped at the opportunity. It also helped that you had developed a teeny tiny crush on the delicious male that was Cassian, so living in the same home as him made life just that little bit sweeter.

Life had, truthfully, never been better.

Yet today, you felt sluggish. Tired. Frustrated. And what made it worse was that you had no reason to feel that way. You had slept well, eaten well, trained that morning - you should be at the peak of your health. But today was finding every possible way to challenge you. After confusing an 8 for a 3 for the third time that afternoon, you threw your pen across the study in complete exasperation. What was going on!

At that moment, the study door cracked on a touch, and the familiar scent of Cassian wafted in.

"Are you ok in here y/n? I heard a bang?". A bang was an understatement considering you had chucked a gigantic book on the floor in your frustration that near shook the House.

"Yes I am fine" you replied through gritted teeth, refusing to turn and look at him. You had tears in your eyes for reasons you could not explain, and you didn't want him to see you like that. Why on earth were you now crying over a 3?!

Cassian walked over to you and gently held your chin, pulling your face to look at him. You breathed in his scent, feeling an instant calm, and took a deep breath. When your eyes met his, Cassian looked at you with concern.

"You look exhausted, y/n, have you been sleeping?" he asked.

"Yes, Cassian, I have been sleeping - I think I'm just having a bad day that's all" you replied, a little too harshly, pulling your eyes away from his so he couldn't see the tears re-forming in response to his gentle worrying. You response made Cassian's concern grow, so he bent down, scooped you off the chair, and carried you out of the study.

"CASSIAN PUT ME DOWN" you shouted, smacking at his shoulders, mindful to avoid his wings.

"Not a chance. You look like you need to sleep, and considering you nearly bit my head off when I asked, I am insisting that you at least humour me with a one hour nap" he retorted, carrying you up the stairs to the second floor. You noticed that you passed your own bedroom door, and had been walked straight into Cassian's. He put you down on his bed and walked over to draw his curtains. You started to protest, but you couldn't deny that his bed was particularly comfy, and his scent had such a calming effect on you that your lids were already getting heavy.

"Sleep", Cassian said, pulling the duvet up to your chin. "I will wake you in an hour".

You wanted to argue back, but you hadn't truly realised how tired you were, and with the warmth, the scent, the darkness, the quiet, you found yourself quickly drifting off for your Cassian-prescribed nap.

-

The door creaked open exactly one hour late, and Cassian froze. He couldn't sense a threat, couldn't see anyone in his room besides you still curled up asleep in his bed, but he could scent blood. He padded over to you, concern lacing his voice as he gentle called your name and shook your shoulder to wake you.

"y/n? It's been an hour, are you ready to get up?" he asked, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed. You stirred and slowly leant up on your elbows, peering at him with half-asleep eyes. You opened your mouth to respond, but suddenly felt yourself hit with an intense stomach cramp and your mouth watered with nausea. You flew from the bed, pushing Cassian to the side as you headed straight for his bathroom. A few moments later and Cassian was beside you, holding your hair and rubbing your back.

When you had finished, he carefully leaned you back against the edge of the bathtub.

"Are you ok?" he asked, his face etched with worry.

"Better now I think", you replied, "I'm so sorry Cassian I don't know what came over me, maybe I ate something funny, I was feeling a bit off all day before you found me".

"So when I asked if you were ok earlier, you lied" he said, although the corners of his mouth tipped up into a small smile.

"Potentially" was all you could get out, before another wave of pain and nausea took over your body and you crawled back towards the toilet.

"I'm just going to head down and get you a glass of water, ok? Stay here" he ordered, before turning quickly on his heels and heading out.

After you had finished, Cassian still hadn't returned, so you decided to hoist yourself up and get back into his bed, feeling a bit better on the nausea side - although still having some stomach cramps. It was when you reached the side of the bed you had been sleeping on that you looked down and saw the large pool of blood covering the bed sheets. Gazing down, you realised it was not only covering the bed, but also covering you - bright red coating the entire inside seam of your pale blue leggings, almost down to your knees. You shook violently, panic and embarrassment taking over your entire body. You quickly threw Cassian's pillows on the floor and started to tear at the bedding, wanting to get it off and change it as quickly as you could before he could realise, but you had barely got half of the bed sheet off the giant bed before Cassian re-appeared in the doorway.

You turned to face him, a tray in his hands, and crumpled onto the floor. This is exactly what you needed today - the hot General that you have a major crush on has tried to do something nice for you and you have completely put your foot in it and destroyed his bed. Great. Just fab.

"Hey hey" Cassian quickly put the tray on his desk before dropping down to your level. "What's the matter?" he asked. You couldn't even get the words out between your sobs, gesturing blindly at the bed and yourself. You hid your face in your hands, utterly mortified.

Cassian's confusion was so evident that you dared to glance up at him. "Are you ok?" was all he asked. You nodded, then shook your head, then resumed sobbing. He pulled you into his chest and let you continue until your tears turned to small sniffs.

"I guessed when I opened the door" he said quietly, his hands stroking through your hair. "Your mad dash to the toilet was all the confirmation I needed - you almost sent me flying off the bed and, whilst I train you well, you're not normally that strong" he teased.

"I'm so sorry" was all you could get out, head still buried in his chest.

"Nonsense, what is there to be sorry about?" he asked.

"I ruined your bed".

Cassian laughed and helped you both stand up. "I quite literally cause people to bleed for a living. A bit on my bed is hardly cause for concern". He guided you over to the tray he had brought upstairs.

"So, I have got you some peppermint tea to help with the nausea, Rhys gave me a tonic he gives to Feyre to help with the pain - but he said Feyre always complains about how bad it tastes, so there's a lemon drop sweet for after just in case - and I stole a slice of Elain's chocolate cake that was in the fridge because I thought you might like that - oh and some cheese. I'm not sure why, but I thought you might want some, I always think cheese helps make any situation better, but maybe not if you've been sick..."

He was so excited as he showed you all the goodies he had found for you that your embarrassment fell away completely, even though you realised he must have announced your situation to the entire house downstairs. Before you could make any comment, he grasped your shoulders and walked you back to the bathroom, where the House had run you a lavender scented bath.

"Hop in the bath, freshen up, and you can enjoy the cake" he said, with a beam. He handed you a fresh set of pyjamas he had taken from your room and closed the door behind himself to give you some privacy.

After your soak, you changed and headed back into his bedroom. The sheets were fresh, with no sign of your incident, and Cassian was lounging on his side with a book in hand. You noticed that the book you had been reading, a smutty romance recommended by the House, was resting on the other pillow. Cassian must have grabbed it from your room when he got the pyjamas. He smiled at you when you came back and offered you a hand to climb onto the bed next to him.

"You are staying in here tonight, ok?" he said, "I don't want you to be alone and refuse help if you need it, especially since you were so stubborn earlier".

You laughed, quite happy to stay in Cassian's bed. He pulled the tray over to you both and offered you the peppermint tea and a fork for the chocolate cake.

"OH WAIT, take the tonic first!" he said, handing it to you. Feyre was right, it was disgusting. But, it did help the dull ache in your stomach, enough so that you were able to happily enjoy your slice of stolen chocolate cake. You made a mental note to apologise to Elain tomorrow.

After you were quite full and content, and had settled down to read for a while, you felt your eyes getting heavy again. Cassian noticed, and pulled you into him. You revelled in the comfort, enjoying every moment of it - you didn't think you'd ever get another chance to be this close to him and you certainly weren't going to pass it up.

"Sleep", he said "it'll help". He started to read aloud from his book, helping you to ease into a deep, deep sleep. One of the best sleeps of your life.

"Thank you, Cassian, for everything" you mumbled, eyes closed.

"You are welcome, y/n" he replied, pulling you closer to his body.

You were silent then, your body and eyes heavy, your brain slowly quieting and shutting down for the night. You felt Cassian lean down, assuming you had fallen asleep, and place a gentle kiss on the top of your head. As sleep called to you, you heard him very quietly whisper into the dark, "I would go to the ends of the Earth for you, y/n".

[luveline]

a request for kisses before dinner. maybe ave is at school and learns what a divorce is and starts panicking at home thinking steve and r are gonna get divorced and she’s going to have to move away and they have to assure her they’re v much in love and that won’t be happening. srry if that’s too specific. luv ur writing!

this is the loveliest idea! hope this is okay, thanks so much! mom!reader 1.1k

Avery's been a mouse since Steve picked her up from school. 

"What's wrong with your sister?" he asks Bethie.

Bethie, sitting carefully on the counter with a picture book in her lap, glances up. "Which one?" 

Steve nods toward Avery where she's sulking at the kitchen table. 

"I don't know," Bethie says, frowning.

Steve washes the last plate in the sink and puts it with the rest of the dishes on the draining board. He wipes his hands dry and lifts Bethie off of the counter without a word. She squirms under his arm but doesn't complain, only clambers into the chair next to Avery and turns back to her book. He runs his hand over her hair lovingly. 

You appear in the doorway with a freshly changed Dove in your arms. You're kissing her forehead in the same place over and over, and you both look ridiculously happy. He falls in love for the millionth time. 

There's nothing to do until dinner is ready, so Steve sits himself down in the chair next to Avery's at their huge dinner table and holds out his hand. 

She passes hers over reluctantly. 

"Ave," he says, covering her small hand in both of his, hiding it away, "you okay, baby?" 

She nods miserably. 

You look up from your lovefest, mildly alarmed by his question. "What?" 

Steve gets more worried than some parents would think is reasonable when the girls draw in on themselves, and the older Avery gets, the more complicated her emotions. It's like she's learning new knots and Steve's desperately trying to untangle them, neither of them with any instructions. 

He doesn't ask, maybe he should, but after a while you get used to just picking your kids up. Steve slides his hands under Avery's armpits and pulls her cleanly into his lap, the soft cotton of her nightie pooling under her. It's too long. She's still so small. 

Safely transported to his thigh, Steve wraps Avery in a proper dad hug, biceps sealing her in. 

"There's no escaping me," he says quietly. He rubs her back. "Now tell me, what's going on with my Ave? You feeling okay?" 

"I'm fine." 

"I don't want you to be fine, baby, I want you to be good," he says gently. "Me and mom can't fix everything, but we can try."

She squints at him. Steve starts to think he might be laying it on thick for no reason, and that Avery's simply tired from a long week. He twists his neck and tilts his head to face her, her ear pressed to the place under his heart. She turns her nose into his t-shirt and sniffs. It takes Steve a moment to realise she's crying, her tiny shoulders shaking beneath his hand. 

He's shocked. His gaze jumps to yours and you tuck Dove under your chin, pulling an impossibly agile mom-move to squat by his side. 

"Avery?" you ask softly.

Steve is used to tantrums. Softer moments like this aren't as easy to manage. Avery isn't sobbing because she's overwhelmed, or because she isn't getting her way, she's crying with no source in sight. She's sad. Steve pulls her tight to his chest and starts to dot kisses into her hair, rubbing a useless line up and down the short length of her arm. 

"What's the matter?" he asks, regrettably ruined by his daughter's emotions. "Tell daddy." 

"You know Pauline's mommy got a dee-vorce?" she asks. 

You nudge in. "What did she get, baby?" 

"A dee-vorce." 

"A divorce," you say thoughtfully. "And what do you think of that?" 

She pulls her face from Steve's shirt, cheeks shining with tears, and struggles to talk. "I don't want you to get one too," she breathes out. 

"Sweetheart, we're not," you say. 

"Because Pauline said her dad's moving away," she continues, looking up at Steve with a startling, crushing desperation. "You have to stay here." 

Steve's eyes widen, and he laughs though it's absolutely not what he means to do. He wants to be the serious and sincere father, the kind who reassures with a strong, unwavering passion. But he's shocked, and a little freaked. He doesn't like seeing his baby wound up. 

"Avery, I'm not going anywhere. Never ever," he stresses. 

"But I–" 

"I love your mom so much I'd cry all the time if we weren't together, you know that? I can't live without mommy." 

"Right," you rush to say, "me and daddy love each other more than anything." 

"Paulie said that her mommy said that, that they still love each other but her daddy has to go. I don't–" Poor Avery starts breathing shallow, eyes locked onto Steve's face with more urgency than he knows how to handle. "I don't want you to go." 

He has to fight tears. 

"Avery," he says. He takes her face into both hands. "Avery, listen to me. I'm not going anywhere."

Dove starts fussing and the tension of Avery's breakdown abates enough for Steve to remember Bethie at the table, staring at the hubbub in quiet unhappiness. You put Dove down and she wanders off, your freed hands reaching for Avery's bare legs. You press your thumbs into her knees, sighing. "Sweetheart, sometimes parents move away, and it's very sad. Pauline must be really scared right now, and you have to be extra nice to her because she needs it but," —you shake her little legs— "me and dad are forever, okay? Please don't worry about it. I promise daddy isn't going anywhere, I can't imagine it." 

Steve can't imagine it either, a life different than this. He takes care of his girls every single day. They cry and they smile and they laugh, it's the most precious thing on earth. There isn't a reality where he willingly leaves. He can't imagine a life without your hair tickling his cheeks in the morning when he wakes, without Avery's shrieking laughter under his squeezing hands, without Bethie's too smart smiles as he reads to her, or without the sleeping weight of Dove against his chest at nap time. Everyday like clockwork, he wants this life.

"You're staying here?" Avery asks him, looking up.

He glances between her and Beth and you, catches sight of the back of Dove's head where she's talking nonsense to the teddy in her lap across the kitchen.

"I'm staying here. I'm not going anywhere," he says. It's an easy promise.

[emilyprentissluvr]

See You Soon (Dont Blame Me: Chapter 4)

Emily Prentiss x Reader

Summary: Emily knew it was wrong. She knew you were the most dangerous woman the BAU had ever seen. Yet, she couldn't seem to stay away from you.

Warnings: Typical Criminal Minds stuff

Words: 2.2k

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●

EMILY DROPPED her bags on the floor as soon as she entered her apartment. She shed her shoes and jacket as she made a beeline to her wine cabinet, not even getting a glass before downing almost a third of the bottle. She looked at the clock in her kitchen that read 1 AM and immediately went to flop onto her couch.

Hotch had sent them home after looking at the car crash scene. Emily had wanted to stay and do as much as she could to find Y/n. But she knew there was no point. There was no way they would find Y/n before she wanted to be found. 

Luckily Derek was okay, the drugs seemed to be passing through his system. The paramedic said he should be fine by the morning, easing Emily's guilt. The rational side of her brain knew that this wasn't her fault, but she still couldn't help but feel like it was. Y/n only wanted Emily which meant that everyone else was just collateral damage. 

'If only I hadn't gone to the coffee shop' Emily kept thinking as she took another sip of the wine. The BAU was supposed to be a fresh start. A place where the was a distance between her and the unsub. Where all she had to was help create a profile and then make an arrest. 

But now? Now it was personal. 

Emily had been fully content on drinking herself to sleep until she heard a knock on the door. The brunette furrowed her brows as she slowly stood up and put the wine bottle down, reaching for her gun in a hidden compartment under her coffee table. She quietly approached the door and looked through the peephole to see an anxious JJ on the other side fiddling with an overnight bag. Emily let out a sigh of both relief and annoyance as she opened the door, putting her gun on the table by the entrance, "JJ? What are you doing here?"

"Can I um- stay here for the night?" The blonde asked, looking down at the floor. All of Emily's annoyance washed away as she immediately pulled her friend into the apartment. "Yeah of course. You know you're always welcome here." The brunette said as she grabbed JJ's bag and led her to the couch. 

"Thanks," JJ mumbled as she sat in the corner of the couch, pulling her legs up so her chin could rest on her knees. Emily was at a loss for what to do. The blonde had been completely fine when they had left the crime scene so this couldn't be about work. 

"You want a drink?" Emily offered as she sat next to the blonde and held up the half-empty wine glass. 

"No thanks," JJ said as she looked at Emily for the first time. Emily could see that her eyes were slightly red and puffy, she had been crying. She immediately went to comfort her friend and ran a soothing hand along the blonde's back, "What's wrong?"

"It's um- It's Will," JJ said nervously as she gnawed at her bottom lip. Emily's face immediately hardened. She had always hated the guy. Hated the way he treated JJ.

"He moved in last week." JJ continued and Emily tried to hide the look of shock on her face, "I didn't know you guys were getting serious." The brunette said. The last time they talked about Will, JJ had said they were nothing more than hookup-buddies. 

"Well, we weren't planning on it," JJ mumbled as she wrung her fingers together. 

"What changed your mind?" Emily asked and her soft tone broke the dam of emotions that JJ had been holding in.

"I'm pregnant!" JJ immediately burst into tears and Emily's eyes widened in shock as she pulled the younger woman into her arms. "Happy tears or sad tears?" Emily asked pushing away her surprise and putting her full focus on JJ. She didn't want to approach this the wrong way.

"I don't know," JJ sniffled against Emily's shoulder, "Ive- I've always wanted to be a mom but it wasn't supposed to happen like this! I was supposed to be married and in love and...and..." The blonde trailed off as tears fell on her face and onto the brunette's shirt. 

"It's okay, let it out," Emily murmured as she comforted her friend. It was another couple of minutes before JJ's tears stopped and she pulled away from the brunette's embrace. 

"I don't know what to do." JJ said as her blue eyes locked onto Emily's brown ones, "Well you have a lot of options and time-" Emily started before she was cut off by the blonde, "No no, I want to keep the baby. I just don't know what to do about Will." JJ said nervously. "Everything's moving so fast and even though I've known him for two years, it's not like we did a lot of talking," JJ said.

"Not like you'd understand him anyway," Emily murmured under breath and thankfully JJ didn't hear her. "Have you talked to him about this?" The brunette asked, speaking louder so that JJ could hear her this time.

"Yeah, but he said that this is just what people do. I mean he dropped everything to move here to help me with the baby." JJ said and Emily shook her head. "That doesn't mean you owe him anything."

"Don't I at least owe it to the baby to try?"

"I um, I don't know," Emily said, feeling way out of her depth. She wished that Penelope was here to give JJ advice. The bubbly blonde always seemed to know what to say.

"But you need to do what's best for you. And if Will cares about you and the baby he needs to respect whatever you decide to do." Emily murmured.

"I know. It's just hard," JJ said as she wiped away a tear from her lashline.

Emily rubbed her shoulder, giving her a couple of minutes of silence to process her thoughts. "You're going to be a great mom." She said after JJ seemed to come back to herself. 

"You think so?"

"I know so." Emily smiled before grabbing the TV remote and turning on a movie for the both of them to watch. She knew there was too much on her mind to be able to fall asleep and she assumed it was the same for the younger agent. 

They were about halfway through the movie when JJ noticed that Emily had been zoning out. She'd been worried about the brunette ever since they left the crime scene. 

"Em," JJ said as she pulled Emily's attention away from a spot on the wall, "Are you okay?" JJ asked, never having seen Emily so on edge before. They had been best friends for almost three years but JJ still hadn't been able to crack the walls that Emily put up. JJ didn't mind though, she knew Emily was just a naturally guarded person.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Emily shrugged. 

"Well, it can't be easy getting so close to an unsub like that," JJ said and Emily couldn't help but just stare. She had completely forgotten that no one on the team knew about her past. They didn't know what she had to do to accomplish a mission. It wasn't that she was ashamed of it per se, she knew she helped to down a lot of bad people. But just because she wasn't ashamed of it didn't mean she felt good about it either. 

"I'll get over it," Emily said, giving JJ a reassuring smile that said she was both done with the conversation and that the blonde didn't need to worry. 

"Well even if you're over it, it doesn't seem like Y/n is," JJ frowned. 

"She's not the first woman to be obsessed with me," Emily said jokingly,  trying to get the blonde off her case.

"You know that's not what I meant," JJ said rolling her eyes, not amused with Emily's humor as a way to lessen the situation.

"I know I just- I don't want to think about it for too long," Emily murmured, hoping that was a good enough answer and thankfully it was since JJ didn't say anything else for the rest of the movie.

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●

"Any last words?" Y/n asked as she pointed her gun directly at the back of Jonah Herring's head. Her knee dug into his upper back as his face was forced into the ground of his living room floor. 

"Go fuck yourself." He groaned and Y/n just chuckled, "You men are so unoriginal. I can't even tell how many times I've heard that."

"You bitch!" Jonah growled as he tried to free himself from Y/n's hold. But the drugs that Y/n had slipped into his beer were preventing him from overpowering her.

"Again, unoriginal!" Y/n tutted as her gun traced Jonah's jawline. "I'll give you one more chance. How about that?"

"I will fucking kill you!" He spat and Y/n just rolled her eyes. "You know, most of the time you don't want to antagonize the person with the gun," She said as she brought it back to his head.

"And usually I'd take my time and have some fun. But I'm on a bit of a time crunch, unfortunately," Y/n said with fake pity.

Jonah's eyes went wide as he heard the click of the gun, "Wait-"

"Too late!" Y/n smiled as she pulled the trigger and Jonah's lifeless body fell to the ground.  Y/n immediately tucked her gun into her back pocket and rolled Jonah onto his back.

"Now this may hurt a little." Y/n joked as she pulled the branding pen out of her pocket. She'd done this so many times she could probably do it with her eyes closed. Finishing the angel wing only took two minutes before she stood up and Jonah back onto his stomach.

She pulled her phone out and saw that it was almost 3 am. Y/n smiled as she pocketed her phone, the adrenaline of outsmarting the BAU less than a couple of hours ago was still running through her body. They had underestimated her just like everyone else had.

And now they were going to pay for it. 

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●

Emily's eyes fluttered open at the sound of her phone ringing. She groaned as she sat up, her back not thanking her for sleeping on the couch. She checked the time and saw that it was only 7 am causing her to groan.

"Prentiss," She grumbled into the phone. 

"We found another body," Hotch said with the sound of cars in the background as he drove through morning traffic.

"What?" Emily asked, her body now fully awake as she shook JJ, who was fast asleep next to her.  

"The police got reports of a gunshot from an apartment building around 3 am. When they found the body they were able to identify the angel wing."

"A gunshot? Why would she use a gun that makes noise? She always uses a silencer," Emily scoffed and bolted upstairs to get her and a now very grumpy and sleepy JJ a new set of clothes.

"It's a taunt. She wants us to know that she's been close this entire time." Hotch answered easily.

"Of course it is," Emily mumbled as rummaged through her drawers, "Any updates on Derek?"

"Doctors said he's going to be fine and should be discharged within the next couple of hours," Hotch said. He had been with Derek in the hospital when he got the call from the DC PD. 

"That's good," Emily muttered more to herself, "JJ and I will meet you there."

"Okay," Hotch confirmed before hanging up.

It was another 45 minutes before the woman arrived at Jonah's apartment. The crime scene looked the same as all the others, organized with nothing out of place other than a dead body. 

Hotch, Spencer, and Rossi were all standing by the body when Emily and JJ walked next to them. 

"The victim is Jonah Herring, 26. Time of death was approximately 3 am and COD was a gunshot wound to the back of the head," The ME said as she wrote on her clipboard. 

"She must have come here right after escaping custody," Rossi noted.

"Why didn't she leave DC? She had the resources and time to do it," Spencer added.

"It's about the hunt," Emily said as she walked around the apartment.

"The hunt?" JJ asked.

"When we were in the bathroom, she said she missed the hunt and how exhilarating it feels," Emily continued as her eyes focused on a bouquet of Chrysanthemums in a vase on the kitchen counter. The flowers stood out in the very masculine and plain apartment. 

 "She wants us to play into her game," Hotch frowned.

"Seems like it," Emily muttered as she brushed a finger on a flower petal. She felt a sense of unease as she looked at the flowers, the team's voices fading out in her mind. A corner of white peeked out from the base and Emily immediately lifted it to find a small note card. 

"Hey guys!" Emily called out, interrupting whatever Rossi and Spencer were talking about. "She left us a card." The team gathered around Emily as she handed the note to Hotch.

The Unit Chief opened the small piece of paper and the side of his jaw ticked, "Actually, she left you a card." He said as he handed the note back to Emily.

She frowned as she opened the letter and read the simple four words on it.

𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺

"Godammit," Emily sighed as she gave the note to the rest of the team to read. 

"Well its not just the hunt that exhilarates her." Spencer said as he gave the card back to Emily, "It's the fact that you are hunting her."

[ohworm-writes]

Hi!! Im back (Same anon who requested the soft!dom Nikolai), hope your day/night is going well ^^. Okay, for the life of me I cannot stop thinking about Nikolai with a virgin reader, and every time I do it makes me go crazy 😩😩 like, he already knew about the fact she’d never been with anybody intimately and he couldn’t care one bit, simply content with just kissing and cuddling, even being around her. However, one night the reader comes to him and says she’s ready to lose it, and Nikolai couldn’t be more excited. Honestly feel like he’d be nervous, not wanting to hurt her, even as he’s slowly opening her up with his fingers and she’s moaning, or when she’s begging for him to put it in already as he shush’s her and tells her to be patient.

Ultimately I think I’d be the softest experience ever, and he’d be nothing but gentle and attentive to her, do you think you could write something like this?? (Sorry for it being long again omg but I had sm to say 😭) and obv take ur time <33 🫶🏽

I'm so obsessed with your soft dom Nik thoughts anon like you have absolutely no idea. They wrack around in my brain like a pinball machine. I can't explain it to you any better than that, and I absolutely adore it.

PAIRING f!virgin!reader x Nikolai RATING R - Restricted [ Content warnings: 18+ mdni, soft dom!Nikolai, fingering, soft sex ]

He definately wouldn't care whether or not you're a virgin. To him, it isn't something that really matters much to him. If anything, when considering the act itself, it almost brings up, like you said, a sense of nervousness or anxiety to him in the fear that could possibly come with hurting you.

He isn't a small man, after all. In all aspects.

But when you come to him one night when he's lying down on the couch, spread out comfortably and ready to watch a movie with you, hearing you whine and keen out to him about how you need him... who is he to deny you? You - his sweet, precious, beautiful girl, needing to be taken care of.

That's his job as your boyfriend, after all. Is it not?

He brings you onto his lap, hands on your hips gently kneading the flesh of your thighs, keeping it simple at first as he kisses along your skin, slow and calculated, ensuring he lavishes all the attention he can possibly give to you. To worship and adore you in all of the ways that you deserve.

Hot, heavy, messy kisses, nothing short of tongue and teeth. Sloppy. Wandering hands that grab and grope, your flesh spilling out between the gaps of his fingers. Uneven, shaky, gasping breaths from the both of you, so desperate for more, yet equally trying to keep the situation controlled.

But you need more. And he gives it to you.

He switches your positions a bit, making you lay with your back to his chest, one of his big, warm hands shimmying itself beneath the waistband of those pretty, loose shorts that you had been wearing, two fingers gently teasing around your sex.

You're so fuckin' wet and it drives him absolutely crazy.

He'd use two of his fingers to spread your folds apart, his chin resting on your shoulder as he listens to all of the pretty sounds you make as he teases your cunt. Even with two separate layers of fabric separating your pussy from the open air, both of you can still hear just how wet you are.

One of his fingers is about as thick as two of your own, after all, so after long minutes of waiting, even one of his fingers makes you cry and whimper. And fuck, the way he just explores your insides, all slow and calculating, and then, when you're ready, sinking another finger into your drooling pussy.

Nik's singing you praises all the while, too. Pressing soft kisses to your shoulder as your head falls back onto him, whispering about how warm you are, how you're making such a good mess of his hands, how nice you sound, how you look fucking gorgeous falling apart because of him when he's barely even do anything.

You can feel him getting hard under you, too. Especially with the way his free hand presses down on your lower tummy, molding you into him as he slowly finger fucks you until you practically have tears in your eyes. As loving and caring as he's being, he's going so fucking slow, never giving you enough to be able to cum.

Whimper and whine all you want, but he's exploring your pussy! He wants to make sure he knows how every inch of your insides feel, the way your slick drips down his wrist, the little squeezes you make around his fingers. Let a man have his fun. :(

"Patience, апушка (sweetheart)."

He stresses, tutting you softly as you beg for him to go faster, for him to make you cum, and for him to just fuck you already. It's like he's patronizing you, almost - but the honey coating his voice is too similar to a siren's call, and it simply encourages you to listen.

And oh, is it worth it.

Nikolai is a man of many talents, but making you cum in record time and with such accuracy and precision is, in your humble opinion, his most impressive one.

He moves his arm that holds that hand that was inside of you under your leg, his other moving down to your clit as he presses you into him - even if you thrash, it won't stop him - as he just abuses that poor little pussy of yours, fucking his fingers in and out of you with one hand, curling them against and targeting that spot that makes it hurt to breathe while his other slaps and rubs your clit until you're seizing.

He makes you cum so hard you swear on you forget how to breath properly, cries so high pitched you can't even hear them, drool slipping out of the corner of your mouth, foot cramping, sweat coating every inch of your body.

Every sensation is just too overwhelming but gods, does it feel good.

That's why it almost pisses you off when he asks if he went too far and if you're okay, helping bring you back down to Earth with gentle kisses and a concerned voice. He brings his hands away from your sensitive pussy (not before licking his hands clean and almost cumming from the taste), tracing gentle figures across your skin as he waits for you.

He's so worried that, even from fingering you, he might have hurt you in some way. Even when you reassure him that you're okay and that's the hardest you ever came and that you still want more, he's so worried and hesitant even if he doesn't outwardly show it. You're his girl, and he'd never want to hurt you. :(

Beg him a little more and a little harder, though, and he'll cave. After all, he still hasn't taken care of his own arousal, his cock so hard he swears to himself that it hurts, and you're pussy is all stretched out and wet and waiting for him, right? And you still want his cock to fill you up, right?

And he does just that. He pulls his cock out from his own joggers that he had been wearing, shimmying them down just enough as he pushes the fabric of your shorts to the side. And fuck, the way you're drooling from your little hole has him weak - even seeing your pussy has him on the brink.

He's so cocky and smug all of the time, so he can't help himself than to be a bit of a tease, tracing his tip along the outside of your pussy, tapping it against your clit and tracing it down towards your hole, never pushing in, just having his fun. But even he can't take it for long, having to bite his lip and just go for it.

He's so careful, distracting you with a hot and heavy make-out session, hands at your hips, gently massaging them as he sinks you down onto his cock inch by inch. Not only is his cock thick, but it's so big that even a few inches in has you whining and needing a rest before he tries to keep going.

"So good for me... doing such a good job, yeah? Look at you. Look at how well you take me."

He's talking to himself and he knows it, but he doesn't care. Not when you're so warm and wet and willing to take him.

When it comes to him actually fucking you, he takes his time - similar and different to earlier. His fingers are different from his dick, obviously, so now he's especially careful and considerate about your comfort - always checking in, always making sure you're okay and that you're feeling good as he bounces you up and down on himself.

Have you ever heard that thing that guys will avoid looking at you and do things like a times table in their head to stop themself from cumming so quick? No? Yes? Whatever the case, lucky for you, that isn't Nik.

He's so obsessed with the facial expressions you're making, the sounds that are coming out past (both of) your lips that his own climax climbs up with such suddenness and force, slamming into him as he does you.

A broken curse in Russian falls from his tongue as he can't help himself, his balls emptying out into you without warning, the faintest whimper coming from him as he fucks himself into overstimulation just to make you cum. :( He doesn't care how sensitive he is, he just wants to see you fall apart.

And just... ugh. Aftercare king >>>

He makes sure you're comfortable and gets you all cleaned up (even though he himself has trouble walking from how hard he came), bring you some water and some pain killers and something to eat if you ask, and makes sure you get all the praise and love you could ever ask for. <3

[beanarie]

here's another scene for the fic i posted a day or two ago. alternate title: rip philip buckley.

the messenger part two

"I don't want to go," Evan said.

Tommy glanced up from the flight listings on his tablet. Since finishing his delayed shower (alone), Evan had perched on the far end of the bed with his back turned. "All anyone there knew was a nineteen year-old who failed at everything. It- It was never home."

Tommy put the tablet aside. "Evan, I don't give a shit if you go or not." That was blunt even for him, bordering on cruel, but Evan gave a watery laugh. He heard what Tommy didn't say. You're the only thing I care about. Make the decision that's right for you.

Evan made a sad sound and crawled into Tommy's arms. "She's going to be so much," he grated out, his head against Tommy's chest. It wasn't comfortable. Evan ran warm as a baseline. Tonight he felt like he had a fever. "I don't think I can handle it. But I can't- I can't do that to Maddie. What kind of garbage person would make her deal with that alone?"

Tommy ran his fingers through Evan's damp hair. "Maddie won't be alone." Her husband was literally one of the best people Tommy had ever met. Howie had grabbed her hands the instant she and Evan had separated, and hadn't let go of her the entire time. He'd still been holding on when they'd left, Evan bringing up the rear toting a sleeping Jee-Yun.

"Not the same," Evan said, which was true, but Tommy didn't care, not right then.

Tommy looked over at his buzzing phone. "Listen-"

Evan didn't shake. He vibrated, a low level hum throughout his body. "Just let me pretend for a minute that we're not going."

"Okay."

One hand made a loose fist, gathering the fabric of Tommy's shirt at the small of his back. "We're gonna stay here on the other side of the country while they bury my dad. I won't have to hear my mom crying like her heart is in worse shape than his was. No one will tell me I'm a bad son who never came to visit."

Tommy rested his chin on the top of Evan's head. An angle his neck didn't enjoy, but it was worth it. "If anyone so much as thinks that in your direction, I will punch them in the throat."

Evan ran his fingers down Tommy's forearm. "They didn't even tell us he was having surgery."

"Would it have helped?" Tommy asked in all sincerity. They'd both witnessed death numerous times. Was it better when loved ones could see the loss coming? Not always.

"I don't know," Evan admitted. "But things were- they were better, you know? We talked on purpose sometimes and it went fine. I don't understand why they didn't at least tell Maddie."

"Do you think she'll try to throw it in your face at some point?"

Evan flinched, proving Tommy's guess had hit its mark. "God, I- I hate thinking of her that way. She's my mom."

"Motherhood doesn't come with emotional regulation, unfortunately."

"She was better," Evan said again. He exhaled loudly. "Maybe it- it won't be so bad."

"Maybe. I'm here regardless."

After a moment of silence, Evan lifted himself up with a hand on either side of Tommy's hips. They kissed quietly, and he laid his forehead on Tommy's shoulder. "What did I do," he asked, almost to himself. "What did I do to deserve you?"

If pressed, Tommy could rattle off a list. But Evan didn't need to hear about his willingness to set himself on fire for someone he loved, or about how he could see in a glance that Tommy was having a bad day, about how quickly he'd learned what Tommy needed at times like those. "You were you. That's all you ever needed to be."

[allisluv]

Hii can u do something with finnick with reader who is insecure about her looks so she stops eating? So he is very worried and gives her something? I'm sorry if it's something triggering, I just wanted to ask. Hope your doing ok girl love ya! ❤

feelings are not facts.

pairing: finnick odair x fem!reader

summary: finnick notices when you stop eating.

word count: 600 words

content warnings: illusions to an eating disorder / disordered eating, a brief mention of weight, feeling insecure, finnick being sweet. please note that i am not trying to romanticise eating disorders and you are responsible for what media you choose to consume. please read with caution and put your mental health first!!

Finnick O’Dair notices the small things about you; like how your bottom lip trembles just before you’re about to cry or how you push around your food on your plate without really eating anything. 

It doesn’t worry him, not to begin with. At first, he just assumes you don’t have much of an appetite, but then he notices you skipping out on meals and staring at yourself for far too long in the mirror. 

Finnick has never been one for confrontation. It takes him weeks to gather up the nerve to voice his concerns.  

He lays awake for hours on end, tracing patterns down the slope of your shoulders and mulling over his words. Eventually, he drifts off and once he wakes up, your cold side of the bed is what prompts him to sleepily walk through the hallways of your shared home. 

He ventures farther into the kitchen, where he finds you curled up on the sofa in the living room, cradling a book as the television plays in the background. The sun shines through the open patio doors and your hair keeps getting caught in the breeze. 

Finnick flops down on the sofa, careful not to sit on your feet. You glance up at the shift in weight and offer him a weak smile as he leans over to press a kiss to your temple. “Hi honey. Have you eaten anything today?” 

His question catches you off guard and you can feel your eyebrows knitting together. “I– wait, what?” You splutter, abandoning your book altogether and setting it down onto the coffee table. You forgot to mark your page in your haste to brush him off. “Of course I’ve eaten!” you protest, pouting out your bottom lip like a child. 

Finnick can feel guilt eating away at the edges of his chest as he asks, “Honey, what did you have?” He threads his fingers through your hair and gently grips your chin between his finger and thumb, angling your head to get you to meet his eye. “I’m not mad at you, just worried, honey. You’ve not been eating much lately.”

For a split second, you consider crawling out of his lap and lying through your teeth, but it’s Finnick you’re talking to. It’s your Finnick. Your bottom lip trembles and you furiously blink away the tears gathering on your waterline. “I just… I hate the way I look, Finnick.” 

His heart shatters into shards of glass that stab through his ribcage. “What do you mean you hate the way you look, baby? You look beautiful.”

You hesitate. “I don’t feel it.” 

Finnick frowns, and rubs soothing circles down the skin of your hip-dips. “How about we do this, honey?” He makes sure you’re listening before he keeps going. “If you’re feeling insecure or upset or just having a bad day, come and find me; I’m willing to show you all day every day how beautiful I think you are. We’re gonna start small because I know this is gonna be hard for you; what’re you feeling like this morning?”

“I’m not hungry,” you insist, winding your arms around his neck as your stomach growls. Talk about bad timing. 

Finnick arches a teasing brow. “Nice try baby, but that’s not gonna work. How do waffles sound, hm?” 

You shrug your shoulders and thread your fingers through the golden locks of his hair. “I guess you could twist my arm.” The weight in your chest eases as he pecks your cheek and for the first time in weeks, you feel heaps better now that you know you’re not alone

[cheollipop]

hi!! congrats on the milestone 🥹🫶 i’ve been a quiet follower of your blog and i enjoy reading what you put out!!

can i request a sleepover drabble with seonghwa if possible? ^^ reader and hwa are childhood friends w a very distinct dynamic (dom and tease!hwa + quiet and shy!reader) and out of nowhere she blurts out she wants to see him in a skirt and he indulges (bc he’s her best friend and how could he say no)? 🏃‍♀️ once he does put on a skirt and shows her, she’s just at a loss for words. he’s ready to tease her tastes and reaction but he has never seen her react this way before and they end up fucking 👀 bc he finds her so so cute and he just wanted to take care of her right there and then 👀

2𝙠 𝙎𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩

anonnie....I'm ngl, I wasn't planning on writing anything for this, but five seconds after reading it again, the image of riding Seonghwa while he wears a pretty, pink skirt smacked me right in the face with a baseball bat. I'm struggling with burnout right now, so this may not have all the elements you'd asked for, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless!! thank you so much for your kind words <3 happy reading~ ⸜( *ˊᵕˋ* )⸝

pairing: park seonghwa x fem!reader

w.c.: 0.8k

tags: smut, seonghwa is wearing your skirt, unprotected sex (👎), creampie, dirty talk, petnames

nsfw under cut—minors dni!

“C’mon pretty girl, I thought you wanted this.”

Your eyebrows furrowed as the soft-spoken words filtered through your ears, thighs beginning to cramp as you moved yourself over Seonghwa, the smugness painting his relaxed features irking you further. His cock nestled deep within your pulsing cunt, heat searing through your body with every brush of his head against your g-spot, but Seonghwa did nothing to help, simply resting back against the pillow and looking up at you while you struggled to make yourself come.

“Hwa, please,” your eyes trailed down the bobbing throat to his flushed chest, lean muscle detailing his smooth torso with beads of sweat rolling down the curve of his waist, seeping into the dusty pink material hugging the narrow diameter. Fingers tangling into the skirt bunched at his hips, you rutted desperately over his cock, “fuck me, please, ‘want you to fuck me.”

“But you’re so cute like this, making a mess of your skirt,” the smirk stretching the corner of his mouth frustrated you further. It felt so good—so good your vision blurred, thighs trembling around him as he filled you up to the brim.

His eyes glazed over, Seonghwa glanced down at where your cunt swallowed him, heat rushing up his spine with each hurried movement you’d made in search of reprieve. He took in your needy squirming, mouth hanging open while mumbled pleads rolled off your tongue, his cock twitching within your fluttering walls. Sliding a warm palm onto your nape, he guided you down to press his lips against yours, swallowing the broken cry you’d expelled into his mouth when he snapped his hips upwards.

He held you down against his chest, your chin digging into his shoulder while he fucked up into your leaking hole, your squelching cunt masked underneath pathetic moans. You took in the pleasure he generously gave you, forceful thrusts bouncing you on his cock while he savoured the clench of your pussy around him. You eyes rolled to the back of your head when the deep baritone turned breathy, a hint of a whine reverberating in your ears as the soft ‘ah’s dragged on.

The nails digging into his shoulder brushed over his knuckles at your nape, “hwa, ‘wanna see you,” you mumbled, nuzzling your nose into the heated skin of his cheek while the hand on your hip brought you down on his cock. “Please—hnngh!—please, let me see you.”

He eased his grip around your neck, watching you straighten up on top of him and following the trail your eyes made down his torso, a sly smile curling his lips when they stopped on the wrinkled fabric around his hips.

“Dirty girl,” he jerked his hips upwards as the words rolled off his tongue, “getting off on watching me fuck you in your skirt.”

You steadied yourself with hands on his hips, the soft pink tangling between your fingers as his pace picked up, stretching you open on his cock while you sat there, helplessly taking it while burning heat spread through your body.

“Since my pretty girl seems to like seeing me ruining her clothes, how about I wear her favourite panties and put on a show for her next?”

Despite the hurried, ruthless rhythm he’d built up to, cock burying deep within you and leaving a trail of precum behind, your walls stretched and ready to take his load, Seonghwa’s fingers drew comforting circles onto your hips. And while you tried to focus on that, the lust clouding your senses, the numbing ecstasy Seonghwa lavishly fucked into you, and the pure filth falling from his plush, spit-coated lips, were a little distracting. A firm hand grabbed your jaw, your attention shifting back to reality, and away from the image of white lace stretching around honey skin.

“Where’d you go?” He smiled, and for a second, you believed he’d go easy on you. “Or are you not interested in watching me rut against the fabric until my cum makes it all dirty?”

You’d recognized the build-up to your orgasm, but tumbling over the edge still took you by surprise, painting the visual of Seonghwa’s bottom lip tucked between his teeth as he desperately chased his orgasm, using you as a mere cocksleeve while you trembled and shook on top of him, before you squeezed your eyes shut. Fireworks danced in the darkness of your inner eyelids, their heat coming close to that of Seonghwa's cum as if finally filled you up—blazing ropes painting your walls white.

You wanted to rest over his chest, warm his cock until he couldn’t bear the overstimulation, until your cunt gaped and spilled his seed. But Seonghwa had other plans, pulling you off his length before it began to soften and spreading your apart with his thumbs, taking in the slow trickle of his cum out of your clenching pussy. The translucent stream seeped into the fabric, and Seonghwa hoped it’d stain—a memory of how he’d fucked you senseless forever tinting the dusty pink.

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 52: THE FINAL CHAPTER

Long live the walls we crashed through - I have the time of my life, with you ♥️

Masterlist - Previous - Epilogue

"I don't want to leave her..." Charles whispered and I smiled, snuggling closer "I don't want to leave you both..." he turned his head a little, looking at me "I call Fred, Ollie can race for me in Baku." he half-heartedly joked.

"Yeah, sure." I rolled my eyes, chuckling.

Charles sighed, pulling me closer to his side, while he cradled Emmie closer to his chest. Our little baby girl happily babbling, enjoying the warmth of her dad's chest. We spent the last days almost only in bed, cuddling and relaxing, watching over our beautiful daughter. Quiet days. Happy days. Exhausting days. But now, with Charles leaving for Baku, leaving me alone with Emmie, I was scared. From the moment she was born, Charles was a natural with her. It was like he was always destined to be a father. He made it look easy. Waking up in the middle of the night, taking care of her, letting me sleep. He was a natural, calming her down, cooing at her, making her fall asleep. A natural at changing diapers, not once looking grossed out by the atrocities that lingered in the dirty diapers. And then there was me. I was unsure of everything I did. Emmie didn't fall asleep in my arms as fast as in Charles, sometimes not falling asleep at all. She didn't calm down, just from hearing my voice alone and changing diapers was one of the worst things I ever had to do. I leaned my head on Charles shoulder, watching Emmie in his arms, the calm and content look on her face, the tiny smirk on her lips. She felt nowhere else as safe as in her dad's arms.

"You're going to wake her up from all that loud thinking." Charles said quietly, looking at me "What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

"I'm just thinking about how lucky I am. Having both of you here with me..." I said quietly and he smiled.

"Same. But that's not all... come on. Tell me." he insisted, and I sighed a little "Oh, that bad?"

"I'm just a little... worried?... yeah, worried, when you're gone..." I whispered and Charles turned, looking at me.

"Worried?" he asked and I sighed.

"You're so much better with her than me..."

"Okay, that's bullshit now..." he interrupted me and I glared at him "She's asleep and doesn't understand me anyway... why do you think that I'm so much better with her?"

"She's grumpy, you hold her, she calms down and falls asleep. She's crying, you hold her, she calms down and-..."

"I'm going to stop you right there... she calms down in your arms as well? Even faster! This is no competition-…" he interrupted me and I groaned.

"I know that it’s not a competition! It’s just-… you make it look easy… while I feel like I’m struggling… she’s so into you and I-…" I began quietly, but then stopped, sighing.

"Lizzie this little girl adores you, whenever she hears your voice, her eyes lit up and she tries to look your way... she's not even 2 weeks old but tries to turn her adorable little head!" Charles said and I shook my head slightly "It's the truth... she adores you! And whatever you think I do that looks easy? It’s not. And whatever you feel you’re struggling with? You’re not. You’re doing amazing and Emmie loves you… you're her mum and there is no place she loves to be more than in your arms."

"You mean your arms..." I mumbled and he shook his head, carefully getting up, putting Emmie down in her bassinet.

"Okay.." he sat back down next to me, pulling me into his lap "What's going on? Where's this coming from?"

"Observation?" I mumbled, looking down and he gently grabbed my chin, tilting my head up.

"I tell you what I observe, okay? I see my beautiful wife looking at our beautiful daughter with pure love and adoration. I see my beautiful wife checking in on our beautiful daughter every couple of minutes. I see my beautiful wife waking up every night at the tiniest little sound from our beautiful daughter and even when I get up, feeding her, changing her diapers, I know you're not sleeping, how I tell you too, no, you're awake and only fall back asleep when Emmie is back in her bassinet, sleeping herself." Charles looked at me.

"Yeah... you're feeding her.." I whispered and Charles groaned.

"Is that what's bothering you?"

"What?" I looked away, seeing Emmie stir a little in her bassinet.

"Look at me..." he cupped my cheeks "There's nothing wrong with bottle feeding, you know? It's..."

"I'm her mother and can't even breastfeed her!" I let out, louder than intended. Harsher than intended as well. I closed my eyes, feeling them stinging with tears "I'm her mother, and the one thing I should be able to do, is feeding her. But I can't. And that's-..."

"Nothing to be ashamed of. You tried it. Day and night. It didn't work. Again, there is nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn't make you less a mother. It doesn't make you a bad mother either. You heard the nurse, sometimes it just doesn't work, and there is nothing wrong with that." his eyes boring into mine "Please tell me you understand that. Please tell me you don't think like that."

"I- I don't know... I see you with Emmie and it looks so natural. Like you've never done anything else in your life. And then there's me. I feel like I'm failing her. You. When I can't even do the one thing that I'm supposed to do..."

"And you are doing what you're supposed to do! You take care of her, love her, feed her. Maybe in a different way, but that doesn't matter. You are an amazing mum. Can you please believe me?" Charles wiped some stray tears from my cheeks before he leaned his forehead against mine "You are doing amazing and Emmie couldn't have a better mum. Just like I couldn't have a better wife. So please stop thinking otherwise."

I closed my eyes and swallowed hard against the lump in my throat. Up until this moment I didn't even realise how much it affected me, not being able to breastfeed Emmie, and that my insecurities were coming from that aspect.

"I'm trying to..." I began, but my voice broke.

"I know, cara mia, I know. But please believe me, you're doing your best. You're an amazing mother…" he whispered against my lips and I nodded slowly "And now you need to do me a favour…"

"Sure…" I looked at him and he pecked my lips then smiled.

"I need to see this gorgeous smile of yours… please!" he smiled and I rolled my eyes playfully, but then smiled at him "Belissima… and now come on. Emmie’s sleeping now, let’s have some dinner." he got up and pulled me with him, checking on Emmie before he took my hand in his, walking out of the room "Arlo, stay. Watch your little sister." he scratched his head and Arlo laid down in between the door and the bassinet, his eyes on the door.

"He’s guarding her…" I smiled and leaned down, stroking his side "You’re a good boy, watching over Emmie. Such a good boy."

During my pregnancy, Arlo never left my side, always watching over me. His head on my belly, listening to his little human sister and the moment we walked through the door with Emmie, he did the same with her, always watching her, looking around, making sure that everything was alright.

"He’ll protect her with his life. Both of you." Charles smiled as he pushed me down on a stool at the kitchen island, kissing the top of my head.

"That he will… so what do you want to eat?" I replied but he shook his head.

"I’ll cook… don’t look at me like that! It’s technically still breakfast time… or at least a breakfast would be fine… or breakfast food. Just let me-…" he began, pulling out some bowls, a cutting board, knives and whisks, before he walked over to the fridge rummaging around, returning with an armful of food "I saw a video from Jamie Oliver the other day… and I think I can do that, didn’t look too difficult…"

"And what is that exactly?" I asked and he smiled, chopping some mushrooms.

"Omelette with ricotta, spinach and mushrooms."

"That sounds delicious…" I admitted and he nodded.

"Let’s hope it tastes like it too…"

"I’m sure it will…"

Charles POV:

I packed my bags, ready to leave, although I didn’t want to. I just knew I would miss Lizzie and Emmie horribly and wished to be back at home all the time. But I had to leave and after I checked my bag thoroughly, made sure I didn’t forget anything, I sighed and got up, grabbing my phone while I walked out the room, shooting Joris a text that I was ready to go. Then I walked towards Emmie’s nursery and looked inside, my heart almost bursting with love. Lizzie sitting in the rocket chair, our baby girl cradled to her chest, singing a lullaby, calming her down. Lizzie’s voice was soft, almost angelic and I didn’t even think twice, taking out my phone, starting to film the beautiful scene in front of me. One day I would get her to record a song with me. Something I could take with me, listen to, whenever I would’ve been away and would miss her. Lizzie looked up and smiled at me, making a million butterflies go crazy in my stomach.

"What are you doing?" she raised an eyebrow and I smiled.

"Capturing some memories." I pocketed my phone and walked inside, stopping next to my two girls.

"Are you leaving now?" Lizzie took my hand, squeezing it and I nodded slightly.

"Joris is on the way… I don’t want to leave you…"

"It’s only for a couple of days… it’ll be fine…" Lizzie reassured me.

"I know that you’ll be fine… you’ll do amazing… but I’m going to miss you two so much…" I mumbled and she smiled, getting up carefully.

"Here… cuddle her one last time…" she laid Emmie in my arms and I looked down, our baby girl happily chortling and grinning her toothless grin "Isn’t she adorable…" she whispered and leaned in, putting her head on my shoulder.

"She’s beautiful." I said, gently stroking her cheek, Emmie gripping his finger "You’re so beautiful, baby girl, and so strong!" I cooed and Lizzie giggled.

"How did we make something so special?" she asked and I had to chuckle.

"As soon as I’m back from Baku, I’ll show you how." I whispered in her ear, kissing her cheek.

"Charles!" she gently nudged my shoulder, her cheeks blushing.

"You’ll see, hot mama, you’ll see." I wiggle my eyebrows and she groaned a little.

"Don’t call me that."

"Sexy mamacita?"

"That’s even worse." she laughed when my phone vibrated "I guess that’s Joris…"

"Ignore it… it’ll go away." I kissed Emmie’s nose, cradling her closer to my chest "I’m not leaving. Never. Nope."

"You have to, my lovely husband, you have to…" Lizzie said gently, combing her fingers through my hair.

"You have to send me a daily picture of her. Both of you. All together." I looked at her and she nodded.

"I promise."

"Okay…" I kissed Emmie’s cheek one last time "Bye my beautiful little princess. I’ll be back soon. Please don’t grow too much. I love you so much. You and your mum…" then I gently laid her down in Lizzie’s arms "I love you, cara mia." I smiled at her.

"I love you too." she replied and I kissed her slowly, pulling her carefully closer "You’ll have an amazing time… everything will be alright."

"Yeah…" her voice a little off.

"You’re amazing. It’s going to be fine." one last time reassuring her and she nodded "I love you." I kissed her forehead and she smiled.

"I love you too. And now go. Don’t let Joris wait that long…"

"I’ll text you as soon as I arrive."

"And by that time you’ll have your first picture of us."

"I can’t wait." I hugged both one last time and then grabbed my back, walking towards the door, Arlo already waiting "You take good care of our girls, alright?" I scratched his ears and he trotted away, straight to Lizzie and Emmie.

They would be fine. All 3 of them.

"Ready to talk about Emmie and Lizzie non-stop?" Mia chuckled when we stepped into the media pen and I smiled.

"Finally a topic I love to talk about." I replied when we stopped in front of the Sky UK crew, Natalie Pinkham already smiling at me.

"Charles, congratulations on the arrival of the new family member. How are Lizzie and the baby?" she asked.

"They're both doing amazing, thank you." I smiled.

"From revealing that a little Doetterer-Leclerc was underway, to the actual arrival of the little one, not a lot of time went by?"

"Yeah, we were able to keep this a secret for a long time and then the baby decided to come earlier than planned as well."

"I have to ask, because you haven't revealed anything yet, are we talking about a mini Lizzie or a mini Charles. Or do you want to keep it private." Natalie's eyes sparkled and I laughed.

"Hoenstly, I haven't even answered all text's from 2 weeks ago. Didn't check any of my social media accounts. I just got lost in this beautiful little baby girl..." I beamed and she smiled even more.

"A baby girl? Beautiful."

"That she is, I swear. She looks just like her mum, so no real surprise there. But yeah, the moment I left them both, I already started to miss Lizzie and Emmie."

"A beautiful baby girl named Emmie then? Gorgeous. Congrats again from the whole Sky UK team." Natalie smiled.

"Thank you, thank you."

"Is the new dad going to win this weekend for his daughter and wife?"

"He’s definitely trying his best, that’s for sure." I chuckled "Baku is one of my favourite tracks, that also suits our car very well, so I’d say if we can manage to put everything together, everything is possible."

"Thank you Charles, have an amazing weekend."

"Thank you." I waved her goodbye and followed Mia to my next interview, where most of the questions were about Lizzie and Emmie again.

It didn’t even bother me, answering these kind of questions because I loved nothing more than to talk about them. They were always on my mind and talking about them, helped me coping with the fact that they were thousand of kilometres away from me. As we walked back to the hospitality, I checked my phone, smiled at the daily picture of Emmie, Lizzie promised me to send.

"Charles?" I looked up from my phone, Max and Oscar standing in front of me.

"Hey! What’s up." I smiled at them.

"Congratulations man." Max awkwardly hugged me and I chuckled.

"Yeah, congrats. I guess I’m not your son anymore then." Oscar joked and hugged me as well.

"Thanks guys… and yeah, sorry Oscar… but you got replaced by the most beautiful little baby girl." I shrugged and he laughed.

"How’s Lizzie?" Max asked and I smiled.

"Amazing. She’s the best mum, I swear."

"And the little one?"

"She’s the most beautiful little baby girl. Seriously. She’s gorgeous. I could just look at her for hours, not gonna lie, I did that back home… You wanna see some pictures?" I asked.

"Is that even a question?" Oscar rolled his eyes and I showed them the newest pictures of Emmie "Oh wow, she’s adorable."

"What a cute little princess." Max added and I nodded.

"She’s so gorgeous. And her smile? Just like Lizzie’s." I beamed and swiped through the pictures.

"Man, look at you. All grown up." Max said, a big smile on his face "Married to the pretty girl from karting. Father of a beautiful baby girl…"

"World champion." Oscar added and I laughed.

"Yeah. You have it all now, you could stop crushing us on track and, you know…" Max wiggled his eyebrows.

"Oh you better be quiet Mr. 3-time-world-champion Max Verstappen! I only won once!" I nudged his shoulder and he shrugged.

"What about both of you just stop and leave the rest of us alone?" Oscar threw in and Max laughed, shaking his head.

"Yeah no. Not gonna happen, at least not soon, right?" he looked at me and I nodded.

"Yup. I have a family now that I have to make proud…"

"As if they weren’t proud already."

"Maybe, but one title isn’t enough. So, nope, Aussie boy." I laughed when Mia pointed at her watch "And now you’ll have to excuse me, I gotta go."

"Alright. See you later, say hi to Lizzie." Max patted my back and I nodded.

"Yeah, tell her that we miss her." Oscar added.

"Will do." I smiled and followed Mia.

"Sorry but it’s Silvia. You know her." she chuckled a little and I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah… unfortunately I do…"

I sat down on the sofa, Emmie sleeping away in her bassinet, Arlo curled up right next to her, and switched on the TV, ready to watch the race.

"Lizzie?" Mum's voice coming from downstairs.

"I'm up here." I said, zapping through the channels.

"You should sleep, not watch the race.." Pascale said when they rounded the corner and I shrugged my shoulders "He can race without you watching, you know?"

"Golden rule, always sleep when the baby sleeps." Mum looked into the bassinet before she sat down next to me "And you look tired..."

"She didn't sleep much last night."

"That's why you should sleep now." Mum squeezed my hand, but I shook my head.

"When I sleep now, l have trouble sleeping tonight, if this little gremlin lets me sleep, of course..." I yawned while Mum and Pascale exchanged glances.

"You could put the bassinet in the guest bedroom tonight? I’ll take care of her and you have a night’s full of sleep?" Mum suggested carefully.

"She’s like me… every 2 hours like a clockwork… sometimes even every hour…" I mumbled.

"See? If she’s like you I can handle it easily. I’ll take her tonight and you sleep…"

"Yeah Lizzie… you look like you haven’t slept for days… a good night’s rest will do wonders…" Pascale agreed and I sighed, watching the camera pan onto Charles, sitting in his car, visor up.

The camera man seemed to love Charles eyes, zooming in on them, showing the beautiful shades of blue and green, the sparkle in them.

"Honestly? If that’s okay for you, mum?" I said quietly and she squeezed my arm.

"Of course! You sleep I watch my beautiful granddaughter…"

"And I come tomorrow morning and bring some fresh pastries, then we can have a nice breakfast." Pascale smiled and I had to look up for a moment, not wanting to cry.

"Thank you so much… it’s- it’s really not that easy as it always looks…" I whispered and they both chuckled gently.

"No it’s not, but it’s okay to accept help. You’re all alone, Charles gone, a newborn at home… it’s okay to get a little help here and there… especially when it means that we get to spend some time with our beautiful granddaughter, giving you a little breaks." Pascale reassured me and I smiled.

"You’re doing just fine, but a little rest will do wonders, you’ll see. And Pascale is right, everything to spend time with our gorgeous little girl." Mum added and I leaned my head against her shoulder "Let’s watch the race, have some dinner and then you’ll go and have a long bath and then go to bed and sleep as much as you can."

"Sounds like a plan. A really good plan…"

"Can you believe it? She’s already one month old!" I whispered and Charles gently kissed Emmie’s forehead.

"Time is flying… I don’t like that." he mumbled.

"Yeah, same…" I chuckled a little and watched him looking at our daughter with heart eyes "That was a tough race in Singapore…" I began, watching his shoulders tense.

"Lizzie…" he sighed and I squeezed his thigh a little.

"I know you don’t want to talk about it… but, please, don’t beat yourself up…" I said quietly.

"I’m a world champion and still make stupid mistakes like that… I should’ve won… but instead I locked up and had a flat spot…"

"Your brakes were imbalanced…"

"Still… but it’s okay, Lewis won. At least a Ferrari win." he whispered and I nodded.

"You’re still ahead of Max, it’s fine. You’ll win the next races then…" I kissed his cheek and he sighed a little.

"Yeah the next races that separate me from you for such a long time… I think I’m flying home after Mexico… it’s just too long." Charles looked at me "I don’t want to be separated for weeks from you… and with Vegas coming up after? With another 2 weeks break? It’s too much…"

"I was thinking… and I know it’s kinda too early, Emmie is too young, I think… and I don’t know maybe it’s crazy? But what if we fly to Mexico? After the race weekend? We could stay in Mexico for a couple of days, head to Brazil, then stay in Brazil for a couple of days before you’re leaving to Vegas and we can head back home?" I suggested carefully and Charles eyes lit up, a smile adorning his face, dimples on full display.

"Oh god cara mia, I wanted to ask you to come with me, but wasn’t sure what you would say… I would love that! Really!" he kissed my cheek, pulling me close "You think it’s okay? Flying with her already? I don’t want it to be too exhausting for the both of you?"

"It’s going to be fine…" I smiled and he got up, pulling me with him.

"Okay, I’ll plan everything. This is going to be our first trip as family…"

"Tone your excitement down a little or you’re going to wake up Emmie!" I shushed him and he looked at me apologetically.

"Sorry." he said sheepishly and I laughed.

"We need a passport for her. And I have to check my passport. Because I don’t know if mine is still valid now that my name’s changed…"

"I’ll sort it all out, don’t worry, for now I just want to cuddle with my two girls… I missed you." he pulled me with him towards our bedroom.

"But only a little bit! Sissy is coming over later on…" I said and he nodded.

"Only a little cuddle session." he climbed onto the bed, Emmie splayed out on his chest, holding out his hand for me "Come on now!" I took his hand and let him pull me to his side "This is perfection…"

"Almost… Arlo…" I said loudly and our floofball strode into the room "Up." I patted the space next to me and he quickly followed my hand, rolling himself up next to me, his head on my side "Now it’s perfect."

Charles POV:

"Come on, little princess. Let’s give your mummy a little time for herself!" I whispered as I gently laid her on the changing table, she gifted me her gorgeous smile and I kissed her forehead "You’re my beautiful baby girl, right?" I smiled and changed her diapers and dressed her up.

Then I walked back into our bedroom, laid her next to Lizzie and put on some sport shorts and a t-shirt. As I laced my sneakers Lizzie turned her head and nuzzled her nose against Emmie’s, who began to babble and smiled at her mum.

"Good morning my beautiful girl. Who dressed you up, making you look this cute?" Lizzie whispered and I stepped next to her.

"Her stylish dad of course, cara mia. And we’re leaving now, so you go ahead and sleep as long as you want, breakfast is waiting in the kitchen for you. I’ll go for a run and my little Emmie is coming with me, right?" I said and as I tickled her stomach she began to chortle adorably.

I picked her up, gave Lizzie a kiss on the cheek and together we left the bedroom.

"Let’s get you in the stroller and then we’re good to go!" I said and put her in, securing her.

Then I threw my phone and keys into the bag at the stroller, put Arlo’s leash on his harness and we left the apartment. It was a quiet but sunny Friday morning, not many people out on the streets and I enjoyed the solitude. We walked past the harbour when I spotted someone familiar, walking our way.

"Max." I said and he took his AirPods out.

"Hey Charles, Arlo…" he bent down, scratching his ears "And that must be baby Emmie then." he smiled, standing next to me, looking into the stroller.

"That’s baby Emmie." I said proudly.

"She’s adorable." Max looked at me "I guess we can be glad that she looks more like her mum…" he joked.

"Not gonna argue with that." I laughed, shrugging my shoulders.

"How’s everything going at home?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, it’s okay. Takes some time to accustom to everything I guess, but we’re getting there." I said, right when Emmie began to stir, making herself heard "What’s going on, my little princess?" I bent down, carefully picking her up, gently bouncing her up and down "Emmie, can you show Max your beautiful smile? Come one baby girl… yes that’s it." she began to smile a little and Max looked at her.

"She’s so cute. Look at you, with your little daughter on a run… mate we’re grown up…" he said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Yeah… it really seems so…" I sighed a little "But honestly? This is better than I ever imagined, so I take it." I said, Emmie nuzzling her little face into my chest.

"You look happy, truly happy, mate." Max nudged my shoulder and I smiled.

"I am. Really. For the first time it seems like everything is going my way… my private life, my career…"

"I’m happy for you. Really…"

"Thanks mate, I really appreciate it… and who knows… you and Kelly… maybe there’s a little Max coming soon." I winked at him and he held up his hands laughing.

"Oh no. I have time. I watch you doing it for a while first… I think I’m not ready yet."

I laughed, making Emmie looking up at me, her big eyes shining.

"Believe me… the moment you hold your baby for the first time… it just hits you… ready or not, doesn’t matter." I smiled, kissing Emmie’s forehead.

"Yeah, maybe…" he shrugged.

"You just look in their little face and it’s game over… your falling heads over heels…"

"I can tell."

"Yeah… again, not gonna argue with that… but then again, I don’t mind. I don’t mind at all."

"Welcome aboard Miss Leclerc and Miss Emmie, we prepared everything for you…" the flight attendant welcomed us on board and I smiled at her.

"Thank you." I followed her inside and sat my bag down "Your brother is crazy. We could’ve just fly commercial. This is ridiculous." I turned and looked at Arthur, who sat down Emmie’s seat and diaper bag.

"You know him. Nothing's good enough for his two girls… his words not mine…" he laughed and I sighed, handing him Emmie while I pulled the baby carrier out of the diaper bag, securing it around my chest.

"Yeah… but it’s too much…" I said as he handed me Emmie back and I strapped her into the carrier "At least I could talk him out of hiring a bodyguard…"

"That’s why I’m here." Arthur said with a wide chest.

"Sure… you…" Lorenzo stepped inside the jet, followed by Charlotte, and I laughed.

"I would say we are safe because of our two strong bodyguards…" I said and Arthur rolled his eyes a little.

"Whatever." he mumbled.

"Don’t be sour, little one." Lorenzo chuckled and sat down in front of me "Ready for your first flight with Emmie?"

"Second flight…" I corrected him and he looked confused but then it hit him.

"They flew from Italy back home… did you forget about that?" Charlotte said and he laughed.

"Yeah… our little girlie was flying already when she was only 3 days old." I kissed her head, listening to her tiny snores.

"Excited to see Charles?" Lorenzo asked when the flight attendant asked us to put on our seatbelts because we would start in the next minutes.

"Of course! I miss him… we miss him… it’s so quiet at home without him. I only hear my voice the whole day and I swear it’s driving me nuts." I sighed.

"You’ll see him soon enough." he squeezed my hand.

"And I told you to call me, if you don’t want to be alone…" Charlotte looked at me pointedly.

"I know, I know, sorry." I held up my hands when the jet started to take off.

"For now you have Charles to not be alone. And after that, we’ll see…" she smiled and I nodded, looking down at Emmie, who still slept soundly.

I looked out of the window, excited to see Charles after two weeks again. Although it was only two weeks it felt like a little eternity and I knew that for Charles it was even harder to leave not just me, but also Emmie behind. The jet didn’t even properly stopped, the doors weren’t opened yet, the first text of Charles already came through, asking if we already landed. The whole way to the little beach resort he texted, asking how long we would take.

"Go, before he totally freaks out. We handle the luggage." Charlotte smiled and I got out, taking Emmie out of her arms.

I turned around, walking towards the private villa when the door already flew open, Charles sprinting towards us.

"Cara mia, I’ve missed you so much…" his lips on mine, taking my breath away "And you, little princess. I missed you so much…" he cradled Emmie to his chest, pulling me into him "Finally I have you with me again…" he whispered, kissing the side of my head.

"Congrats on your win yesterday…" I whispered kissing his cheek "You were amazing."

"It was nice, yeah, but having you two here is even better…" he mumbled into my hair, inhaling deeply "Come on, I show you around…"

"You don’t want to say hi to the rest?" I scolded him a little "Or help with the luggage of your wife and daughter?"

"Okay, okay…" he sighed pecking my lips once more, before he gently put Emmie back into my arms.

I chuckled and watched him welcome his brothers and Charlotte, helping with our luggage. He then showed us around, Joris already sitting outside on the terrace waving at us, when we stopped in our bedroom upstairs.

"I get Emmie ready to take a nap, and then I’m coming downstairs." I smiled but Charles shook his head.

"I get her ready and you go down and relax…" he kissed my forehead and I smiled.

"Okay… I’ll leave you to it." I kissed his cheek and left, joining the others on the terrace, but when Charles didn’t come down to us after almost an hour I decided to check in on the two.

"Charles?" I looked inside our bedroom, Charles standing over the bassinet "You can leave her alone… she’s safe in there…" I whispered, hugging him from behind.

"I know… it’s just that I missed her… so much! I need just a little longer with her… I feel like I’ve missed so much of her life already, even though I’ve been only gone for 2 weeks." he whispered back, gently stroking Emmies back "I’ll be coming down in a couple of minutes."

I smiled at him, before I placed a kiss on his shoulder.

"Take all the time you need, my love."

"Mhhh I like that…"

"When I call you my love?" I asked and he nodded.

"It’s silly I know, but I like the sound of it."

"It’s not silly." I chuckled and pulled away a little, stepping next to him "I love you. And we’re so happy to be here with you. Having some nice days with you. Watching you race next weekend."

"My two girls watching me means I have to fight even harder, I want you to see me win…" he looked at me and I smiled "And win the title…"

"Of course." I laughed and he pulled me into him.

"I’m so happy that you’re here." he buried his face in the crook of my neck "You have no idea."

"Believe me, I have. I missed you just as much…"

"I love you. Both of you."

"We love you too."

My heart was almost beating out of my chest. Charles and Max both racing like there was no tomorrow, both adamant to set the fastest lap. It looked more than once like one would lose the car and crash out.

"Why are they risking so much?" I mumbled and Arthur squeezed my hand.

"You know them… you weren’t much better as well…" he said and I glared at him.

"I wasn’t that reckless!" I said and looked back on the screen, Charles setting the current fast lap, just for Max to beat the time by the tinniest margin.

I was anxious, almost nauseous with how they were chasing each other, something I felt the first time watching Charles race in Baku, where he was close to grazing the walls more than once. I didn’t know why, but for some reason, watching a race, watching Charles chasing victory, taking risks, was giving me almost a heart attack, more than once. I didn’t understand why, thinking back that just a year ago I was racing the very same tracks.

"Lizzie?" Charlotte said gently and I looked at her, Emmie in her arms crying "I tried to calm her down, but I think she wants her mum…"

"Hey pretty girl…" I cooed at her, cradling her to my chest, gently swaying around.

I rubbed soothing circles on her back, shushing her a little. I didn’t focus on the quali session, only on Emmie, when the garage around us erupted in cheers, and I looked back on the screen, seeing Charles last lap. Always on the limit, always right on the kerb, but he set the fastest lap, and would start tomorrow’s race from pole position.

"He did amazing!" Arthur cheered, gently cooing at Emmie "Your dad did amazing, baby girl. He kicked Max’ ass!"

"Arthur!" Lorenzo and Charlotte said in unison.

"As if she would understand me." he rolled his eyes.

"You’re like Charles…" I chuckled a little, still feeling a little anxious about the way Charles drove.

"Are you okay?" Charlotte looked at me "You look a little tense?"

"I’m good, don’t worry." I forced out a smile and nodded "He did really good."

"He did indeed." Lorenzo smiled at us "You want to come to the fence?"

"Oh no, I need to feed Emmie… I think I’ll head back to the hospitality." I said hastily and he nodded.

I left the garage and walked back to the hospitality. My mind reeling why all of a sudden I couldn’t watch Charles racing anymore, without almost having a heart attack. In the hospitality I sat down, preparing Emmie’s bottle and then feed her, when slowly but steady more and more people joined me inside. All comment about how cute Emmie was and how happy they were for Charles and I. I smiled and thanked everyone, the thoughts of Charles and his reckless driving getting pushed deeper and deeper into the back of my head until Charles himself showed up, telling me to go back to the hotel with Lorenzo, Charlotte and Arthur, that he had to stay a little longer.

"I’ll see you later… or in the morning…" he kissed first Emmie’s cheek and then me "I love you."

"I love you too… oh and congrats on the pole…" I smiled at him and he kissed the side of my head.

"Thanks, cara mia… I want to make you proud tomorrow…"

"Come back to us, be safe, and I’m happy. More than happy." I said and he nodded slightly.

"I will. Always."

Charles POV:

"Where is Lizzie?" I looked around as everyone was congratulating me and Andrea and Joris only looked away "What’s wrong? Did something happen? Is she okay? Is Emmie okay?"

"They’re both fine… it’s just. Well, umm Lizzie’s a bit… a bit emotional…" Lorenzo said and I smiled "Oh, no not in a positive way for you!"

"What do you mean?" I asked as I was ushered away for my interview but I turned away and looked at Lorenzo "What do you mean?" but he just shook his head and I was confused.

The interview went by in a blur as well as the podium celebrations, I looked down but couldn’t see Lizzie anywhere. When I returned to the garage I looked around.

"She’s in your room." Andrea said and I nodded. I carefully opened the door in case that Emmie was sleeping and my heart almost bursted when I saw Lizzie, sitting on the couch, our baby girl in her arms, peacefully sleeping as her beautiful mum sang gently to her. I closed the door and walked closer, then I saw Lizzie’s red eyes, stray tears running down her face.

"Cara mia? What happened?" I asked her and she flinched a little, but she didn’t look up or answered me "Baby? What’s wrong?"

She inhaled loudly, closed her eyes, paused a moment and exhaled.

"I think I can’t do this any longer…" she whispered, still not looking at me and my guts twisted.

"What do you mean?" I asked, voice laced with worry "What can’t you do any longer?" I was scared.

"This! Watching you race like that! Only one mistake from you or Max and you would end up in a wall! I can’t watch you being so… so careless!" she began, her whole body now trembling, fresh tears staining her cheeks "It’s not just you and me anymore! We have a baby now! I don’t want to raise our daughter without you, only showing her pictures from you! There are already too many people Emmie will only know from pictures! I don’t want you to be one of them!"

"Hey, hey! Cara mia look at me! Lizzie!" I kneeled in front of her, one hand under her chin, gently making her looking at me "You know that I’m fighting for the title? That the races will be now a little bit more heated? But cara mia, I would never risk anything that would prevent me from coming back to my two girls! Okay? I know todays race was a bit tougher then usually, but I had it under control, I would brake if I knew that I had to! I would never take the risk of not coming back to you!"

"But you did today!" she said loudly and Emmie woke up, looking around "Oh no, hey my little Emmie, it’s all good. All good baby girl." Lizzie cradled her in her arms but Emmie started crying "Please baby girl, I’m sorry… please don’t cry…" but Emmie felt her mums troubled feelings and wouldn’t calm down "I’m sorry, I’m making everything wrong today! I spoiled your good mood, ruined your win! And now I can’t even take care of our daughter, can’t calm her down! What kind of a mum am I?" Lizzie started now trembling even more and I gently took Emmie from her shaking arms, cradling her to my chest, then I sat down next to Lizzie and pulled her close to my side.

"Hey, stop that, okay? You’re an amazing mum, she just feels that you’re upset and she doesn’t like it when you’re upset! And I don’t like it as well, especially when I’m the reason! It’s okay, cara mia! You didn’t ruin anything! I won a race and I came back to my beautiful girls, nothing could ruin that!" I whispered to Lizzie and gently cooed at Emmie, who calmed down slowly. "We’re good. We’re all good! And look at you, my little princess Emmie, with your gorgeous eyes, the same gorgeous eyes like your beautiful mums! Yes, that’s right my little girl! You and your mum are the prettiest girls! Oh! Especially when you’re giving me that smile my little baby girl! Now I just need that same smile from your amazing mum, right? Yes you want that too, I knew it! So mum? Will you give us that smile? Please?" I looked at Lizzie, her cheeks turned red and she slowly started to smile "Look at that Emmie! There it is! That’s the smile that makes your daddy week in the knees and his insides melt into liquid! Oh and the butterflies, Emmie! The butterflies are the best but also the worst!" Lizzie giggled a little and I kissed her temple. She took a deep breath and gently stroke over Emmie’s head.

"I’m sorry, Charles. I didn’t want to… I didn’t thought that I…umm I don’t know. I just saw you both lock up, you turning into Max, he didn’t give you much space but you going for the corner anyway… and I was scared. I don’t know. Ridiculous. I was driving just a year ago as well on this track, probably just as reckless… it’s just, we’re having Emmie now and I was just so scared…" Lizzie whispered but I shook my head.

"Maybe it was too early, to come to a race? I mean I love having you here! But she’s only 2 months old and I think your emotions are all over the place because of your hormones, cara mia… I know I wanted to have you by my side, because honestly every moment I miss with her is literally killing me… but yeah... we have another week to relax a little and then you’ll fly home and then the season isn’t that long anyway anymore… 3 more races will be fine…" I said and Lizzie nodded hesitantly.

"I’m sorry, I thought I would be strong enough…" she whispered but I only chuckled.

"Oh cara mia, you’re the strongest person out there!" I said and she only shook her head.

"I don’t know, I can’t even watch a race because I’m so scared of losing you… that something happens and Emmie and I would be alone…" she sighed and I looked down at Emmie, who smiled at me, listening to our conversation as if she understood that what we were saying was something important and she had to stay quiet for it. I kissed her forehead and she reached for my face with her little hands, I had everything I ever wanted right here with me, Lizzie was my wife, we had a adorable baby girl, I won the title last year and had good chances on winning it again this year. What else was there to get?

"Do you want me to retire? Stop racing?" I asked and Lizzies eyes widened.

"I would never ask that from you!" she was shocked.

"You didn’t ask me, I’m offering. I would do it, for you, for Emmie! You’re worth more than any title that I could win! I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of, you, Emmie, I won the title… I would retire if that would make you feel better…" I said and Lizzie shook her head.

"No, because I know that you have it in you to win more titles and I know that you would always regret it, no, don’t look at me like that, I know it because I feel the same. I don’t regret my decision to retire. I regret that I had to make this decision, that I had no choice. I miss racing. Every single day. The only thing that keeps me sane is Emmie and watching you race. I love you, Charles, but you’re not doing that! You’re not retiring because you think you have to for me. Today was because I’m still really emotional, give me some time and I will be back to normal!" she kissed my cheek and then Emmies "You’re going now to your press conference and I’ll feed her and then make her sleep again!"

I kissed her, held her close for a moment before I gently laid Emmie back into her arms, and gave both one last kiss on their foreheads and left.

I watched Lizzie sit at the pool, her legs dangling in the water, Emmie in her arm, gently letting some water dropping from her hand onto our little girls back. Both looked at ease. Both beautiful. I took a picture, setting it immediately as my new lock screen when Lizzie looked my way, waving with Emmie’s little hand at me.

"Here you go. Cold drink for the lady. Escort service for the little lady."

"Eww. Don’t ever say that again…" Lizzie scrunched her nose when I took Emmie in my arms, handing her mum her drink.

"But it’s true…" I shrugged, walking back inside with her, taking off her diaper, sliding on a cute little bathing suit and then walked out again.

I adjusted the beach umbrella and sat down next to Lizzie, who sat now in the Baja shelf, the water pooling around my waist, Emmie’s toes dipping into the water, making her giggle. I leaned back against the edge of the pool, Lizzie next to me making sure that Emmie wasn’t overheating, gently rubbing her back and arms with her cool hands.

"I could get used to this. Only relaxing with my two pretty girls, a tropical paradise…" I whispered, turning Emmie around, sitting her down in my lap "Is that too deep?" I looked down at Emmie, now in the water until her little stomach.

"No, I think it’s fine… for a little while…" Lizzie smiled, bending down to kiss Emmie’s chubby cheek "And it looks like she enjoys it as well, so…"

"I enjoy it too, being here with you…" I smiled at her and she squeezed my thigh a little "Seriously, can’t the seasons not be over now."

"It’s over as soon as you won your second title…"

"Hmm… maybe…" I looked down, kissing Emmie’s head.

"Come on, only 3 races left. That’s manageable." she cupped my cheek, her thumb gently stroking up and down.

"Yeah but the next 3 races are all back to back… no break in between…" I sighed, leaning into her touch "That’s more than 3 weeks without you two…"

"I know, pretty boy, I know. But as soon as the season is over, you’ll have plenty of time with us."

"And I will need that time." I kissed Emmie’s head, lifting her out of the water "Time with my beautiful girls."

"You’ll get all the time that you want." Lizzie reassured me, leaning against my shoulder, cooing at Emmie "I fly back home, you win your title and then you’ll come back to us as a two time world champion."

"That easy?" I chuckled and she smiled.

"Yup… that easy… only-…"

"… 3 more races…" I sighed.

"Exactly… 3 more races…"

"Tell me we have it?"

"You have it..."

"We did it?"

"You did it..."

"Ferrari won?"

"Both titles... good job, Charles. What a last lap."

I couldn't believe it. We did it. The team. Lewis and I. We did it. After 17 years, Ferrari finally won the constructors' championship again. Both titles would go to Maranello. I began to cheer. Scream. Sing. It went all by in a haze of emotions, colours and chants from the moment I parked my car next to Lewis', who stood on the hood of his car, celebrating his win. When he saw me approaching, he jumped off his car, straight into me and we began to cheer, the fireworks above us illuminating the sky above Abu Dhabi.

"You did it mate! Fastest lap! We won the constructors!" Lewis clapped my back, and I shook my head.

"We did it! That's the whole team's achievement!" I smiled and we walked over to our team, welcoming us with loud cheers, waving flags and bis smiles on all their faces.

Fred stood at the left, wiping his eyes, old softie, behind him John Elkann, and for the first time since I knew him, he looked truly overwhelmed with emotions, eyes glistening.

We jumped into the awaiting arms of our team, all engulfing us like a wave washing over the shore. A sea of red only. Alessandro, Massimo, Mario, all wiping away their tears. Fabrizio switching between Lewis' and me, littering our helmets with kisses.

After another moment we pulled away, waving at our team while walking back, taking our helmets off and putting them down.

"Congrats, champions." Max said behind us, and we turned around.

I knew Max long enough to know that it was a tough pill to swallow for him, missing out on the title himself for 2 years in a row now, but now also losing the constructors and after tonight's race even P2 in the drivers' standings. But he held his head up high. A genuine smile on his face.

"Thanks Max." I smiled and hugged him.

"It was fun, finally fighting both Ferrari's again..." he chuckled and clapped Lewis back, walking back to his table and I had to supress the laughter when wiping my face, taking a large swig of my water. I watched Lewis walking up to his interview, a big grin, matching my own, on his face. I waved at the fans behind the fence, who cheered and clapped loudly for Lewis, who thanked the team, the fans, his family for the support throughout the season. He then turned to me, waving me over and I raised and eyebrow but followed his invitation.

"And a big thanks and congrats to this guy. I said it years ago, he's going to be a world champion one of the big names. And I was right, he drove another brilliant season and I don't know how he extracted that much pace for the last lap to win us the fastest tap, which was the point that was needed to win the constructors championship." Lewis smiled, handing me the microphone, and Jenson Button, who held the post race interviews looked at me.

"Charles, congratulations on your second world championship. It was already a done deal in Qatar, but still. How does it feel, winning the title for a second time in a row?"

"Incredible? Amazing? Unbelievable? Honestly winning one title already felt like a dream. But you know how they say? The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice." I chuckled and Lewis nudged my shoulder a little "No for real. This year it's even better, with winning the constructor's as well. After 17 years, both titles go back to Maranello."

"Tell us, how big is the party going to be tonight?" Jenson wiggled his eyebrows and Lewis grinned.

"I would say pretty big but yeah, not sure everyone will be in attendance..." he looked at me and I was confused for a moment.

"I don't know where you'll be, but I'm definitely going to cele-..." I began but then followed his look.

My eyes landed on Lizzie and Emmie. My girls. Both clad in Ferrari clothing. Lizzie wearing a shirt, Emmie a cute onesie, paired with Ferrari earmuffs. I only shoved the microphone back into Lewis hand and sprinted off. Running to my girls. Both looking at me, Lizzie's smile only fuelling me on, to run faster. The moment I reached them I pulled them carefully into me, crushing my lips onto Lizzie's taking her and my breath away. As I slowly pulled away, I looked down. Emmie's big blue orbs already on my face, an adorable smile on her little, plush lips, tiny dimples forming.

"Hi..." Lizzie whispered, and I looked up at her, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Hi, my pretty girls." I whispered back, leaning my forehead against hers and closing my eyes "19 days without you is way too much..."

"Someone counted the days?" Lizzie chuckled and I nodded slightly, pulling away.

"Hours, minutes, seconds..."

"Don't be dramatic." she laughed and carefully held Emmie up.

"I'm not dramatic, just honest." I pouted, cradling Emmie to my chest "I missed you so much, my little Emmie."

"I guess I can go then..." Lizzie said and took one step away, but I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close.

"Oh, definitely not. I missed you too. I missed both of you so much."

"We missed you too, like a lot." she said, leaning her head against my shoulder, watching Emmie smiling at us "I thought we could come and say hi, watch you celebrate your second title."

"Watching races is okay again then?" | whispered and she sighed.

"It never wasn't. It's just... I don't know. I was too emotional that day. And had a bad feeling... but we just arrived at the hotel when the race started, so we didn't watch today..." she replied, and I nodded.

"I don't care if you watched it or not. You're here now. Both of you, that's all that matters to me." kissed the side of her head and then cooed at Emmie, who babbled excitedly.

"Charles?" Andrea's voice interrupted my bliss and I turned a little.

"Go, there's a trophy waiting for you." Lizzie took Emmie out of my arms, and I sighed.

"I'll be right back." I kissed first Emmie's and then Lizzie's cheek and then walked off, straight into the cool down room where Lewis and Max were already waiting.

"Look at him, he won his second championship last weekend but didn't smile that hard like he’s now smiling..." Max chuckled.

"Yeah, you can leave the trophies to us, looks like you already won the best ones anyway." Lewis agreed and I laughed.

"You're not even wrong there..." I nodded when Max was called first out on the podium, followed by me and lastly Lewis.

One last time the Italian anthem. One last time les toreadors. One last champagne shower and the 2025 season came to an end. And as the champagne soaked my race suit, the confetti blurred my vision, I looked down. Searched the crowd. There they were. My two favourite girls. Lizzie and Emmie. My whole world smiling up at me. I won 2 titles now. One for each one of the loves of my life.

The End ♥️

Chapter 52 - The final chapter… a well deserved happy ending for Lizzie and Charles ♥️ together with baby Emmie and Arlo they start their new life as a little happy family ♥️

But before it’s the final goodbye, you’ll get an Epilogue with a little more of our little family… stay tuned!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@itsjustkhaos @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @silkenthusiasts @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @shimmermotorsport @janeh22 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09 @fangirlforever2000

All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).

[slutforhaechan]

Mark conforting his s/o by fucking her slow and deep, eyes lost into each other, because she's upset he cut his hair short and now she has nothing left to grab when he is eating her out ;-;.

too lengthy but hope you liked it!🫡

mark showed up to you with his hair trimmed and get really upset by touching his precious long hair, you been love his hair long but when he decided to cut a little he didn't know that you'll get upset by his indecisive decision, "oh why'd you cut your long hair baby?" voice in distress, "why is it ugly? or what" he hugged you and resting his chin on your shoulders, "no, but your long hair is too good for you. why didn't you tell that you gonna cut your hair?" mark behaved for while thinking for valid an explanation on why he cut his hair, "umm i mean it's my choice baby, i didn't mean not to tell you". as he said looking at you and stealing kisses from your lips, "you should've told me so that i prep myself and accept that you'll be no longer long haired mark, i really really like your long hair mark" he chuckled as he heard you talking like a upset little girl, mark holds your face with his both hands to meet his gaze "okay i'm sorry y/n, is there something else that i can make up for you hmm?" he mumurs, mouth taking places on your neck, pecking some kisses, his hands roaming on your body, grabbing your ass real hard to press your body into him, "i think there is" you smirked and looked at him "let's fuck yeah? let me make it up for you, i think you deserve this cock because you gladly accepted my haircut" he picked you up and carried you like a bride.

as he started to kiss you harshly while walking to your room not wanting to break the kiss. mark put your weight now in the bed and breaks the heated kiss, he cups your face gently, admiring your pretty face "god you're so beautiful baby" mark undresses you, and grasp the moments he loved to do with you, even though mark had seen you naked for hundred times he still get mesmerize by your body, he stared at you intently "hey don't look me like that" you shyly said urging to cover your naked body, he giggles by your sudden attitude "sorry can't help to stare your beautiful body all for me" you scan mark and you point your eyes on his bulge eager to touch his cock, you didn't hesitate to palm his clothed cock feeling the form of his length. "i love the way you touch my cock baby" you giggles eyes smiling as he praise you, the upset feeling has gotten back to you because you still can't really accept his haircut "i still get the upset feeling, i have nothing to grab your hair when you're going to eat me out" as you still palming his cock hardly and slowly pulling his pants, "sorry baby" he groans, him losing control on your touches. his hardened cock sprang infront of you pre cum leaking out on his tip, and it made you more needy for him "mark touch me now please" you whine, body burning in heat wanting him to do something. the eagerness crawling up to your body and pussy getting drenched so needy to fill in his cock, you want to feel him, i want to feel him, he stares at you smiling. "spread your legs baby, let me see how wet you are" he can already see your wet patch on your panty, and he getting crazy over it, mark pulled down your panty and reaches his fingers to your soaked pussy "so wet for me" he slide two fingers into you, low down his body facing your pussy and starts to fuck his fingers in you while he eats you out, you felt the realm of pleasure every lick he does to your pussy, you looked at him and mark catches your eyes and wink, you almost pass out to his actions. you grabbed his trimmed hair to get hold on and focusing on his magical tongue and fingers working in your core, the pleasure are currently wringing from your body, "mark im close..." mark fasten his work to aim your high and the release is approaching you already, "mark don't stop i'm..i"m gonna cum" the climax hits you with a breathy cry of his name.

"i want you now y/n.." mark pushing himself up as he positioned his cock between your thighs, he slowly slip his cock in you and started thrusting "god you feel so good" as he leans forward to your face and looked at your eyes deep in soul, mark didn't take his eyes off to you both of you shared same breath blowing out and moans filleds your ears both, "i love you baby" seals his lips to yours, you just moaned in between of kissing, mark fucked you deep and slow, felt every thrust as he slams his cock inside you ramming your walls, your eyes shut in pleasure don't want him to end "let's cum together baby please" you said breathing heavily, mark losses his capacity to respond he just thrusted more slow, his body breaks down when he feel your pussy clenching on him "fucking clenching on me, m'not gonna last long" mark slams his cock more fast to reach his climax also you high approaching fast "im gonna cum y/n.. i'm f-fuck" mark can't form a sentence because of the body breaking feeling "me too mark, please faster" he holds your hands and eyes lost in sight, faces getting fucked out as the release is approaching, the last push made it through your body jolts in pleasure, both of your body trembles in feeling, trying to catch a breath as you and mark panting "you're gonna forgive me now?" he spoke breathy voice, you nodded and smiled at him "silly, yes. can u please make me upset everyday so that we can fuck everyday too" he snorts at your words "you are more silly" pinching your cheeks, both of you laughed.