#my dad is coming over in an hour to put up a piece of board to cover the hole as a temporary solution

[elenadoeslife]

Welcome to the neighbourhood ❤

[luveline]

I know you’re asking for Spencer fics… While I adore single dad!Spencer… How about some single mom!reader and Spencer? 💕

You and your daughter work your way into Spencer’s life one chess game at a time. fem, 1.3k

It all starts with, “Hello.” 

Spencer looks up, and he finds any word he could’ve said dead on his tongue. You smile at him oddly gentle, and he assumes he’s got something on his face your afraid to point out.

“Hi,” you say, unperturbed by his lack of response. You keep your head ducked but seem friendly enough as you lick your lips. “I don’t know if you’re busy, but I was wondering if you’d play chess with my daughter. You don’t have to say yes, but she’s really polite and she won’t cheat, and she really wants to say hi.” 

Spencer looks behind you, where your daughter stands a ways away pretending not to watch. She could only be three of your years old —if she can play chess, she’s a prodigy. She has on stripy tights and a dress, a vinyl coat open over the top, her hands wringing together. 

“Okay,” Spencer says. 

Your smile is even nicer, then. Relief and thankfulness aimed fully at him. “Thank you.” 

You meander back to your daughter and bend down to whisper instructions too quiet for Spencer to hear. Shy, your daughter shimmies forward, then walks proper steps when you encourage her with your hand behind her shoulder. “It’s okay,” you whisper, “let’s say hi.” 

The chess boards are built into the tables at the park. Spencer sits on one stone stool, and your daughter makes herself comfortable on the opposite one. You kneel beside her without worry, knees on the dirty floor. 

“Hi,” your daughter says. She has a high voice, reedy, like she needs a drink. 

You rub her arm. 

“Hello,” Spencer says. “Have you played before?” 

“Me and mom play.” 

“So you know the rules?” 

“Some,” she says. 

Spencer’s only human. He does think about the horror of being trapped opposite of a toddler for the next half an hour bumbling through the steps, but it’s not as though he has other things to do, and, really, he loves people. He’s scared of talking, that’s all. 

“We play a lot on my phone, where it tells her what moves she can and can’t do,” you say. “But it’s okay. I have practice, I can be the phone.” 

Your daughter laughs like this is the funniest thing on the planet. “You don’t look like a phone,” she says. 

“That’s nice of you, but that’s ‘cos you’ve never seen my wires.” 

She laughs again. 

“I know all the rules, too, don’t worry,” Spencer says. “Are those your pieces? Or we can play with mine?” 

“Sofie has her pieces, it’s okay, we don’t wanna lose yours.” 

You let your backpack slip down your back and unveil a chess board box with sellotaped corners. The sleeve inside is unhurt, and you put it in the middle of the table. Spencer takes initiative and grabs the purple ones. You and Sofie arrange the pink ones in a mirror. 

Sofie is surprisingly good at chess, considering her age. Sometimes Spencer ends up playing against you, your advice murmured in her ear, and every time you smile at him he feels a little nauseous.  

He lets her win, of course. The first few times, at least. Over weeks, you and Sofia occasionally see him in the park playing chess, some days in the middle of a game with someone else, other times alone. Sofie comes up to him increasingly confident to ask for the next game, and Spencer realises he’s somehow made two friends. 

“Spencer!” Sofie shouts, tumbling over the grass bank to stop on the end of the retaining wall bordering the chess tables. You’re just behind her, looking tired. 

“Sofie, hi!” 

Sofie jumps down off of the wall before either of you can stop her. “Spencer, where have you been?” She rockets toward him. He stands, worried she’ll fall flat on her face, but she continues to race toward him until she’s throwing her arms around his legs. “I missed you.” 

“Well, I missed you too,” he says, surprised. He gives her back a tentative pat. “I’ve been learning new techniques.” 

“But where did you go?” she asks. 

“I went to Alaska. It was super cold.”

“Hi, Spencer,” you greet, flushed as you plop down on the stone seat opposite him. 

Believe it or not (easily believable), Spencer didn’t ask you your name the first time you met. Or the second. On the third occasion you met, you actually apologised with too much sincerity and said, “I’m so sorry, I never asked what your name was. I can’t believe it. I’m Y/N.” 

So now you’re introduced, and Spencer has a raging crush on you. 

Spencer grins as Sofie sits on his seat, shuffling over so they can sit together. “What, you’re on my team today?” he asks her excitedly. 

“Yes!” She pats the chess board. “Mom, my pieces.” 

“It’s okay, we can use mine.” Spencer’s are already out on the table. He’d been hoping to see you both. 

“I won’t lose them,” Sofie promises. 

“I might. Where have you been, Spencer? Sof made us come here four times last week, we had to play chess with Melinda.” 

“I was working,” he says. “We’re always going somewhere far away, I didn’t realise we’d be there for so long.” 

“‘Cos he’s a special agent,” you whisper to Sofie. 

She puts a finger over her lips, “Mom, don’t so loud!” 

“Sorry, I’m sorry.” You nudge a King back onto his square. “Did I blow your cover?” you ask, your voice a rolling murmur.

Spencer holds Sofie’s back reactively as she wiggles on the seat. He has an answer. He should play along —he’s been reading up on how to flirt like he’s not a lonely weirdo and that’s with confidence and running jokes, but the way you’re looking at him stops him in his tracks. 

No one ever mentions the panic of a shared smile. 

“What happens if people find out?” Sofie asks worriedly. 

“Nothing happens, Sofie, I’m the boring kind of special agent where nothing I do is a secret.” He winces at her crestfallen expression. “I’m sorry. Maybe we can have a secret mission together? Me, you, and mom?” 

“Really?” you ask, surprised. 

Spencer nods enthusiastically. “Oh, yeah! Yeah, of course.” 

“Like… dinner?” 

Spencer bites the tip of his tongue, to an immediate sting. It’s not the first time in his life a conversation he’s in has occurred without him: you’re shared smile was you flirting first. His reciprocation, while not intended, has served as flirtation. 

He didn’t mean to do it, but he doesn’t care, he won’t mess it up, “If you want to?” He clears his throat, his voice returning to a more acceptable tenor. “We could go for dinner… tonight.” 

“Tonight?” 

“Not tonight. Not… unless you want to?” 

“We didn’t have dinner yet,” Sofie says helpfully. 

Your gaze falls to the chess board. “I don’t think I’m dressed for dinner. I had such a long shift.” You’re shrugging, minimising yourself. 

Spencer moves his and Sofie’s first pawn. “You always look beautiful.” 

He cannot look at you after he says it, but he doesn’t need to. 

“Mom, you're doing that smile like when Mr. Mailman brings our letters.” 

“Thank, Sofie,” you say. 

Spencer sneaks a glance at your smile. It’s decidedly shy, and if he were to touch your cheek, he guesses he’d find your skin warming. “What does he do when he brings the letters?” Spencer asks. 

You pin him with wide eyes. 

“He says she’s pretty with a big ‘p’,” Sofie whispers. 

“She is pretty,” Spencer whispers back. 

You move a chess piece with a breathless laugh. “Okay, then let’s get dinner after I wipe the floor with you both.” 

Spencer decides now is the appropriate time to reveal that he is very good at chess. He and Sofie win in ten moves. 

[lacythoughts]

'-anyway, enough about me,' over the phone peter says, even though usually when it comes to peter it never seems to be about anything but him, 'how have you been?'

how has derek been?

the question has derek thinking of late friday night drives to a little cuban food truck that's open 24-7 three counties south. windows rolled down, music blasting, feet up on the passenger dash board that he constantly has to reach over to knock off even though he secretly doesn't mind all that much.

he thinks of the early morning coffee shop stops he makes to order sugar loaded monstrosities he used to stick his nose up at but are now worth ordering because he gets to see that warm sleepy smile.

derek thinks of how he gets to hear how he himself is the one reason why that warm sleepy smile wakes up so early in the morning and even though that smile says it as if it's a complaint - how if it wasn't for derek it would sleep in until the very last minute but derek just has to be a morning person making it his coworkers problem - the smiles admitted before it's glad for the early morning company so

he thinks of that sleepy smile kissing his cheek with thick plump lips and 6 am sunshine gratitude after all of its bitching and moaning.

derek thinks about how he hasn't felt this young in a very long time.

'ive been good.'

peter makes a noise - a scoff more like - as if something unbelievable has happened. 'oh now, is this my nephew derek hale? derek who i have to call constantly because he wouldn't give me the time of day derek? derek who would rather die than say anything positive ever at all? is this that derek hale?'

if this was a month ago - hell probably a week ago - derek wouldn't have felt anything about these comments, let alone care, but now he does feel a bit bad.

and when derek realizes this he curses thick plump lips and 6 am sunshine gratitude.

it's all stiles' fault hes feeling sentimental towards peter of all people.

'my dad's the only family i have left, hell yeah i talk to him every day. i know you complain about how annoying he is - but unless he's a raging pile of shit - you should talk to your uncle. you'll regret it one day if you don't.' stiles said.

and stiles is right, derek of all people should know this.

so here derek is. answering a call he used to decline every other day for the sake of his sanity and patience.

but peter lost his family too. derek's the only one, besides cora, he has left.

and his uncle really isn't all that bad if you look past the over inflated ego and constant teasing.

god derek can be such a dick.

'yeah alright, i get it. ill try calling more.'

'…this doesn't sound like you, what's going on?'

what's going on is derek's parked outside his house sitting in his car and winding down from the amazing day he and stiles had with each other.

stiles wanted to take pictures of the beach for a project his third graders are working on. they drove over 2 hours to get to the nearest one. they loaded up on everything they would need before the trip but stiles still found excuses to stop at gas stations on the way there.

'for memories sake derek! and also for gummy worms, i forgot the gummy worms.' 'i don't know, i just wanna take a picture of that gas pump. you don't see old gas pumps like that anymore.' 'we should get a california key chain, like the ones tourists buy. i want one that says derek, we won't find one that says stiles but we'll get you whichever S name we can find.' (the S name was stan. stiles gagged at it but still made derek buy it and put it on his key chain.)

the beach they went to wasn't popular, it was too rocky, had too many cliffs but it was still very beautiful. stiles took so many pictures.

and when they look back on them later they'll remember why the one of a bright red crab looks crooked and off balanced is because while taking it stiles slipped on a piece of seaweed that had derek running over to make sure he didn't crack his head open because the fall was hard.

they'll remember the one of the older couple holding hands and laughing made stiles tear up because like he said 'older couples being that happy and in love are always very sweet.'

they'll remember the picture of the frightening wave that was at least 15 feet tall happened after derek told stiles he loved him for the very first time.

the confession just slipped out, random but heart crushingly honest. must have been the salt water breeze and sharp seagull cries.

so what's going on is moving back to beacon hills and deciding to be a security guard for beacon elementary was the best decision he's ever made in his life and now that derek finally feels like he can breathe again, derek also realizes he's been a shit nephew.

stiles and his father have such a good relationship, derek wants something like that too.

and that starts with answering his pain in the ass uncles phone calls.

'i met a guy.' derek says.

'oooh well if this guy is getting you to call and actually speak with me then thank heavens for this guy. tell me more!'

so derek does.

[sturnmeovr]

♡‧₊˚ Babydaddy!Chris x Sweetheart!Reader - Will You Be My Valentine, Mommy? (February Au Special)

“Nick, you have to make sure his feet are straight,” Chris groans to his brother, he’d do it himself if his hands weren’t preoccupied holding his two-month-old son above the blank canvas, looking up at the camera that was set on the tripod to make sure it was still recording. A lengthy sigh escaping his lips, “I jus’ want this to be perfect for her.” He had the idea of making you a Valentine’s Day present from Bear — it was your first Valentine’s Day as a mommy and Chris wanted to make it special for you. Of course, his brothers wanted to film it, promising the video would only be posted after you and Chris decided to tell the world about your son. Nick was responsible for making sure the footprints aligned perfectly while Matt was responsible for repainting Bears feet with red after each press to the canvas. Nick sighs, crouching over so he’s eye level with his nephew's tiny feet, “it’s kinda hard when he’s still got the newborn scrunch going on.”

“Hey! — his scrunch is cute, appreciate it while you can,” Matt mumbles before setting his paintbrush in the cup of paint, huffing lightly, “maybe if we do it like this.” Chris watches as Matt takes the Canva, bringing it to Bear’s feet, gently taking a hold of each one of Bear's feet and pressing them to the poster board as gently as he can. A small, sleepy smile makes its way across Bear's face, his tiny body relaxed against his dad's chest, the sight makes Chris melt a bit. Things were a lot better now that you were home, and Bear finally made his arrival. It was hectic at first — sleep deprivation was still a current issue — but it seemed like everything was finally falling into place once Bear was here, like he was the only missing piece that you and Chris relied on to keep your relationship afloat.

Nick squeals, “that’s perfect,” clapping his hands in excitement. Chris hardens his gaze on him, not wanting his noisiness to disturb his half asleep son. Nick was struggling with falling into a newborn baby's routine, no loud music or screaming throughout the house at random hours of the day. He was making an effort, and that’s all that mattered. Matt, on the other hand, took to his nephew very well — he was like a third parent — which was quite hilarious to everyone, considering the fact your whole pregnancy he said he’d rather cut off his own hands than babysit before Bear was fully potty trained. Two months in and the majority of the time you’d have to look around the house just to see which of the boys stole your son this time. Most times they’d have him in the living room, sprawled out on the floor with him as he did tummy time or gently placed in one of the boys’ arms as they took an afternoon nap on the couch. You were more than happy for the extra support, you knew you’d be a mess if it was just you doing everything by yourself.

“Okay but who’s writing it? My handwriting sucks,” Matt chimes in before walking over to the sink to rinse his hands off. Chris clears his throat, “we all have shitty handwriting,” scratching the back of his neck nervously. Ever since he won you back, he had been putting in the maximum effort when it came to pretty much everything — random gifts, breakfast in bed, taking Bear off your hands and running you a hot bubble bath — he was way more attentive than before and you loved every second of it.

The boys decide it should be Chris’ sloppy handwriting; it was his idea after all. Matt takes his nephew, bouncing him gently and pressing light kisses to the top of his head as Chris tries his hardest to neatly spell out the words. A groan erupts from his lungs as he thinks intently once he gets to the word ‘Valentine,’ his brother quickly coming in clutch for him, “V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E,” Nick spells out, biting back a smile as him and Matt share a look. Chris’ face crunches in confusion, “yeah — I wasn’t gonna spell it like that,” a frown pulling at his lips. Matt gently slaps a hand over his shoulder, “we know, buddy. It’s okay,” his subtle joke makes them all crack a smile as Chris finishes up the special painting and Nick takes a baby wipes to the bottoms of Bear's feet.

Chris had sent you out for a mani-pedi earlier in the day as his own way of distracting you so he and his brothers could finish everything and surprise you in the end. Unfortunately, they didn’t realize how time consuming repeatedly painting a two-month-old baby’s feet would be. Everyone knew one wrong move would send Bear into a fit, most times you were the only one who’d be to calm him down so they boys took extra precautions in your absence.

Chris reclined back on the couch, his son cradled in one arm while he studied the dot that floated across his phone screen, giving away your location and telling him that you were down the street. A faint smile spread on his face as the excitement ate away at him, it was the first special moment he had planned for you since Bear's arrival, and he was pretty proud of himself to say the least. Chris looks down at his son, fixing his cute valentines themed onesie so the words are readable.

The soft jiggle of keys cling against the front door as you unlock it, pushing it open, and stepping into your shared home, Chris had the lights dimmed since the baby was sleeping, the faint aroma of a marshmallow fireside candle burns in the background – casting a calming vibe over the whole room. Setting down your keys and your Starbucks coffee, “babe?”

“Living room,” you can hear him call out in a hushed tone, your feet immediately taking action towards his voice. Sure, you missed your babydaddy – but the boy you truly missed was your son, you were never away from him for too long. It was nice you could get out of the house, not having to worry about his wellbeing because you knew he was safe with his dad and uncles. It didn’t stop the mom guilt from rising to your chest every time you pulled out of the driveway, though. A bright smile spreads to your face as you fix your gaze on your baby, “he’s sleeping?” Sinking down onto the seat next to Chris and pressing a light kiss to his lips, a muffled groan escapes his lips as you pull away, “yeah – he jus’ fell out like thirty minutes ago.”

A frown pulls at the corner of your lips, it was a known rule in your household to not wake the sleeping baby, being away from him all day – you just wanted to wake him up, only to see those big blue eyes he inherited from his dad. Chris nearly reads your mind, grabbing a hold of your freshly manicured hand, “I like them – you stuck with the Valentine's theme,” he coos. A blush creeping up to your cheeks at his comment and he presses a kiss to the back of your hand. You bite back a smile, your gazing flicking back to Bear as you notice the long-sleeved onesie he’s dressed in — “Sorry daddy but I’m mommy’s Valentine” — displayed in red letters across the front. A small gasp leaves your lips, you slap a hand over your mouth to keep quiet, “where did you get this?!”

He pushes out a small laugh, “Nick found it at target. We always made something for you — for Valentine's day,” he says quietly, shifting his seat and positioning Bear his arm so he can hand him over as gently as possible. You scoop him up, tugging on his onesie to get a better look at the adorable design, “he made you something too.” You watch as Chris pulls himself to his feet, your eyes following him as he exits the room. Quickly appearing around the corner in a matter of seconds, a small canvas clutched to his chest and a goofy smile etched on his face, “I don’t know if you’ll like it, but I saw it on Insta and thought it’d be a cute thing to do.”

Butterflies swirl in your stomach as he takes a seat next to you on the couch, redness creeping to your cheeks at the thought of him caring enough to make a homemade gift. Chris looks at you for a moment, awe in his eyes and the same goofy smile on his face. He lets out a lengthy sigh before revealing the canvas to you — two red footprints shaped into a heart, the words “will you be my valentine, mommy?” written sloppily across the canvas, making it easy for you to pinpoint that it was Chris’. A small gasp leaves your lips, and you slap a hand over your mouth, not wanting any sudden movement or loud sounds to wake your sleeping son.

“Chris — this is so cute,” your whisper but the excitement in your voice makes itself known. Your pearly whites beam as you study the painting, looking back up at him, “his feet are so whittle,” your baby voice showing as you poke out your bottom lip, “I love this so much — thank you!” He smiles at you, placing a hand on your thigh and giving it a light squeeze, “we can get it framed.”

wc - 1605?? Not proofread yet

♡‧₊˚ Cheys Note - This was longgg awaited & I was to apologize for being so absent. Life has been kicking my ass if you guys have seen my recent posts. I'm trying my hardest to finish my February special by the 28th, but some of them may be posted in the beginning of March. I'm here to stay so don't worry! Also, can't believe I'm a few followers shy from 900 like whatttt??! I love you guys so much 🥹🫶🏻

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[writtenbyan-aries]

can you do a fic that’s like either sam finding out reader is pregnant or like dad sam both would be good if not one them is fine!

∶ Summary: anon sums it up

∶ Warnings: pregnant!reader, swearing, morning sickness, dad!Sam, birth, fluff

∶ Word count: 3.9k

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

“What if you’re pregnant?”

You freeze, staring at your friend across the table, “Shut up, that’s not- don’t even put that out there.”

“I’m serious.” She leans forward, “You haven’t really touched your dinner and you get this every. Single. Time we come here. You’re not getting your normal marg. Something is going on.”

“I ate before I came, and I’m just not feeling like a drink tonight.” You shrug, “Simple explanation, Rey.”

She furrows her brows, “Mhm. Okay. Well, I’m just saying, that id take a test if I were you, you just never know- when was your last period?”

“Like two weeks ago.” You shrug, “It’s never on time, I’ve always had that issue. Nothing new.” You slide your hand to your stomach, “Or maybe I’m getting it here soon, I have been bloated, and that’s normal before I get my period.”

“Okay.” She smiles as she flags down your waiter, “Hi, yeah. I’m going to need some boxes and the check please.”

“We’re leaving already?” You lean forward and she stares at you, “We have bigger fish to fry and gossip over dinner. We need to find out if you’re with child or if Mother Nature is just toying with you.”

As you make your way to the car, you slow down, choking back the urge to throw up. You take a deep breath, trying not to make Rey possibly anymore right.

You open the door, getting in and she looks at you, “You look pale, are you okay?”

You nod, “Y-yep. Uh huh.”

“Are you going to throw up?”

You nod, leaning out of the open door and she leans over to hold your hair back, “It’s okay. You’re good.” She rubs your back with her other hand, “Get it out.”

You lean back, letting out a sigh, “Oh I feel better.”

“Here.” She hands you a piece of gum and you take it, “Thanks.” She starts to drive and you rest your head back, “Do you think Sam will hate me if I’m pregnant?”

“Oh my god, no. I think he’ll be estatic.”

“You think?”

She nods, “Do you see the way he lights up when your nephew is around? How he babbles like an idiot with him and pretends he knows what he’s saying?” She scoffs, “Sam is the best guy you can ever have as the father of your child.”

You rest your hand on your stomach, “You know, a part of me is scared to death, but knowing I’ll have Sam to go through it with me.. just makes me feel better.”

“It should. You need someone who is going to be there for you, and he sure as hell will.” She smiles at you, “I think this will be a good thing.” She holds her hand up, “If you are, you know. We don’t want to jump to any conclusions.”

You nod, “Yeah, no. You’re right. You’re right.”

She pulls up to the drug store and you shake your head, “If I get out, I’ll throw up again.” She lays a hand on your arm, “I will go get it. You stay right here, okay? Do you need anything else?”

“A candy bar, maybe?” She laugh, “I’ve been wanting chocolate all damn day.”

“Got it. Be right back.”

You watch as she leaves and your phone ringing causes you to jump. You pull it from your purse and smile when you see Sam across the screen, “Hey, baby.”

“Hey. I just wanted to call you before we boarded. How was dinner with Rey?” Sam says through the phone, and you smile bigger, “It was good, you know, normal girl gossip. How many hours is your flight again?”

“Five. We should land around three and then I’ll be home around five. That’s if we don’t have any issues with our luggage like last time.”

“Hopefully not. I’ll try and stay up, but I’m not making any promises.” You laugh, which causes Sam to chuckle, “You don’t have to wait up, baby. I’ll wake you up when I get home.”

“Okay. Have a safe flight, I can’t wait to see you.” You rest your elbow against the door and he sighs, “I’m so excited to see you. I miss you so much.”

“I miss you.” You tilt your head, “I love you.”

“I love you. See you soon.”

“See you soon.”

You hang up and let out a sigh as you see Rey walking back out. She gets to the car and slides in, “I got two boxes, each has two tests and oh.” She pulls out a candy bar and you gasp, snatching it from her hands, “Oh I love you. Thank you.”

You tear open the wrapper and take a bite, groaning as it’s everything you wanted all day, “So good.”

“Good. Now let’s go see if you’re pregnant.”

You chat about the possibly and what to expect, your worries and such the whole way home. You walk in, turning on the lights before making your way to the bathroom.

Rey already has one open and ready for you to take before you even turn the bathroom light on, “Here.”

You look at her and take it, “Thanks.. I will..“ you sigh, “Can you come with me?”

“Right behind you.” She follows you in, closing the door and you sit down to pee on the stick. You set it on the counter, resting your hands in your face before standing up.

As you’re buttoning your jeans, you hold your stare on Rey, “I’m going to need you to look at it for me.”

She nods and leans forward, hand slapping over her mouth, “There’s already two lines. What the fuck!” You lean in, your own hand slapping your own mouth as your eyes fixate on the already darkened first line, “Oh holy fuck.”

“You’re going to have a baby!” She pulls you in for a hug, “I know you’re in shock right now, but I’m here.”

You can feel tears welling up in your eyes as you hug her right, “I’m suddenly so scared right now.”

“That’s okay. What you’re feeling is totally and one hundred percent okay.” She leans back, cupping your cheeks, “You have people to help, I promise.”

You nod, “I think I’m going to take the other one here as soon as I can pee again. Oh my god, that wasn’t even a minute.”

“I know!” She scoffs, “Do you know when Sam will be home?” You nod, “He called me when you were in the store, he was getting ready to board. He has a five hour flight, so he’ll be home really early tomorrow morning.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

You shrug, “It’s up to you. I’m going to get a shower and probably come back down to watch tv.”

“Okay, I’ll stay until you’re done with your shower.”

She sat in the bathroom while you showered, mostly talking about how excited she is, and you. Yes, you were nervous, but you couldn’t help but think about Sam being a dad.

After you showered and changed, she hung out a little bit more before leaving.

You were sat on the couch, curled up under the big blanket Sam got you for Christmas. Your hand was pressed to your belly as you scrolled through nursery aesthetics on Pinterest.

You slowly felt yourself drifting to sleep, phone falling from your hand onto the floor as you let the much needed sleep in.

A few hours later, you felt a hand gently shaking you awake, “Hey. Y/n, I’m home.”

You gasped, sitting up as you see Sam bending down to pick up your phone, “You must have dozed off down here.” He laughs and you reach out, “Hi.”

“Hi.” He sits next to you, pulling you into his chest, “Come on, let’s go to bed.” He goes to stand up, but you stop him, “No, I need to tell you something.”

You could hear his heart beat harder in his chest, “Okay? What’s up?”

You sit up, reaching into your sweatshirt pocket, “I wanted to do something more extra but I wanted you to know as soon as you got home.”

You hold out your hand and he takes the test, a small gasp leaving his lip, “Oh.. my god.” He studies the positive line, tilting his head as he sniffles, “Are you okay?”

You nod, “Other than being sick and bloated, I was just really anxious on how you were going to react.”

“I’m happy if you’re happy, y/n.” He leans in to kiss your head, “I’m actually really excited. Holy shit.” He laughs, pulling you in for a hug, “Were going to be okay, we can do this.”

“Rey was with me and she kept reassuring me that you weren’t going to freak out.” You laugh slightly, “Ever since the day you left, I’ve had this anxiety that I just couldn’t get over. I’d cry over everything, but I didn’t want you to worry while you were filming with Colby.”

He shakes his head, “No. if you need me, you call me. Text me. Whatever. You come before the channel, baby.” He pulls you into him, “Especially now. You need anything I swear I will drop what I’m doing and get to you as fast as I can.”

You feel tears welling up in your eyes and you sniffle as you squeeze them shut.

“Hey, hey.” Sam leans back, tilting your chin up. His thumbs swipe away the stray tears, “It’s okay. It’s okay. Look at me.”

You open your eyes, blinking out a few tears before looking up at him.

He gives you a small smile, “It’s okay. I’m happy to do whatever it is you need. I promise.” He gently runs his thumb over your cheek, “Well figure it out over time, alright?”

You give him a nod, “Alright.”

Over the next few months, Sam was anxious himself, more or less leaving you alone for more than a few hours in a day.

You didn’t want him to miss out, or completely stop doing what he does, so you opted to go with him for as long as you could. Of course Colby knew, he was the first person you guys told together, and he was beyond excited.

He made sure you were good, probably just as much as Sam.

You stayed in the hotels close to their investigation sites, receiving calls and texts from Sam every so often, just to check in.

He was at your every beck and call, doing anything you needed, no matter how silly or stupid you thought it was. You wanted something sweet or salty that you didn’t have in the house or wherever, he went out and got it.

No matter where you were, he would make sure you were right by his side, his arm wrapped around you, hand resting on the side of your baby bump.

You didn’t fully confirm anything. You wanted to wait until you actually had the baby before posting anything about it, but it’s not like you were full on hiding it.

You seen a few fans speculate, some people zooming in on pictures to see if you have a bump or not, you really thought it was funny in a way.

You were nearing the end of your pregnancy and you couldn’t fly anymore, which worked out perfect because Sam and Colby had already lined up a few months break to go over their channel and what not.

You were pacing around the nursery one night, making sure you had everything you knew you needed.

“Baby, it’s two in the morning.” Sam’s voice gently breaks the silence, “Are you okay? What’s going on?”

He walks over to you, gently sliding his hands on your hips. You let out a sigh, leaning back into him, “I’m just.. worried we don’t have everything.”

“I made sure we did at the baby shower, both your mom and my mom helped me do it.” He runs a hand up to gently squeeze your shoulder, “You’re freaking out, aren’t you?”

You nod, gasping as you try not to cry. You turn, wrapping your arms around his torso, “I think it’s finally hitting me that it’s not going to just be us anymore.”

“It’s a big change, sweetheart.” Sam whispers as he runs his hand over your hair, “But if it makes you feel any better, this has only made me love you so much more.”

You smile, looking up at him, “I didn’t think I could love you anymore than I already do.” You laugh, “You have been..” you sniffle, “You’ve been such a big help to me, and I know I’ve been crazy with the demands-“

“You’re not crazy, it’s just stuff that comes with being pregnant. You like things and you hate things, I don’t fully get it, but I get it, baby.” He tucks hair behind your ear, “You’re doing just fine, okay?”

You nod, “Thank you.”

He presses a kiss to your forehead, tilting your chin up to kiss your lips, “I love you. So, so much.”

“I love you.” You smile and wrap your arm around him as you make your way back to bed.

The next night, you sat up in bed, your hand flying over to slap Sam’s arm, “Sam. Sam.” He sits up instantly, “Hey, hey. What’s going on?”

“I think, I’m having contractions.” You lay your hand on your stomach, “Yeah.” You breathe out, “Shit, ouch.” He lays his hand on your back, “I’ll get the bags, is there anything you need me to do?”

You shake your head, “No, I’ll call-“ you take a deep breath, “I’ll call my mom, and your mom.” He nods pressing a kiss to your head, “Okay, if you need me just yell. I’lll be right back.”

You nod, watching as he flicks the light on and slips on a sweatshirt. He grabs your packed bags and runs them down by the door.

You call your mom, then Sam’s mom before getting out of bed. You make your way over to grab a sweatshirt and as you’re standing there, you feel a gush, “Sam!”

“What happened?” He runs in, stopping when he sees the small puddle by your feet, “Yeah, I’m going to say your water broke. Come on, I got you.” He walks over, helping you down the steps and out to the car.

He runs back to grab the bags and you squeeze your eyes shut as you try to breathe through each contraction you have.

Sam takes your hand, not letting it go until you reach the hospital.

You make your way inside and you’re taken up to the labor floor. You’re admitted and changed into a gown. Sam is right by your side, wiping the sweat from your forehead and pressing kisses to your head, “You’re doing so good, baby.”

You let out a pained groan, “Oh my god. This fucking hurts.”

“I know, baby. I know.” He rests his head onto yours as you reach up to hold his neck, “Okay.” You sigh, “That one is over.” You laid there panting, turning your head to press a lazy kiss to his lips, “When are they coming back in to check?”

“Should be a few minutes.” He squeezes your hand, “Do you want me to call them?”

You nod, “Yes, something- I think he’s coming out.”

He nods pressing your call button, the nurse comes in and Sam tells her what’s happening and her face goes from a smile to shocked, “Okay, yeah, y/n. I’m going to need you to refrain from pushing, okay? I can see his head, I need to get your doctor in here.”

You sit up slightly and Sam wraps his arm around you, “Don’t push. Try not to.”

“I’m trying.” You gasp, tears welling into your eyes as you let out a loud groan, “S-shit. Sam. Sam.” You grab his shirt and pull him closer, “I-I-“ you tilt your head back, doing everything in your power to not push, it was like the lower half of your body had a mind of its own.

You knew you couldn’t, but it was trying so hard to push.

“I hear we’re ready to have a baby.” A woman walks in, quickly gowning up, “Alright, y/n.” She positions herself at the lower end of your bed and she looks up at you, “Big push, alright?”

“Big push, baby.” Sam whispers, “You got it.”

You squeeze your eyes shut, pushing as hard as you can. You felt dizzy, you felt hot and sweaty. You let out a groan as you came to the end of your push.

“Doing so good, so so so good.” Sam brushes the damp hair from your face, “I’m so proud of you. He’s almost here.”

“Another push.” The doctor orders and you take a deep breath, shaking your head, “I-I can’t, Sam. I-It-“

He squeezes your hand in his, “You can, I know you can. You have to push now, sweetheart. You have to.” He rests his forehead against yours, “One more and he’ll be here.”

You whine, taking a deep breath before giving it all you have.

You felt another gush and something so weird you don’t even know how to explain. The sound of crying causes you to snap your head open and you gasp, immediately bursting into tears, “Oh my god.”

“You did it!” Sam says through tears, “You did it, baby. There’s our boy!” He presses multiple kisses to your forehead, “I’m so proud of you.”

You look up at him with a smile, tears streaming down your cheeks as he presses kisses to your lips.

The nurse brings the baby up, laying him on your chest and you immediately fell more in love with the little face staring back at you.

“He’s perfect.” Sam whispers, gently running his fingers over the baby’s head, “You did so good, baby.” He kisses your head and sniffles, “I love you.”

“I love you.” You kiss him and he smiles, “He’s so.. I can’t even explain it.” He laughs, “Oh I’m so proud of you.” He rests his cheek on your head as he stares down at the little bundle on your chest.

A little bit later, after your moms came in, Colby is brought in.

Colby immediately walks up to Sam, giving him a hug before moving to you. He wraps his arms around you, “How are you? How are you feeling?”

You smile, “I’m exhausted.”

“I’m sure.” He runs his hand over your hair, “I’m so happy for you guys, now where is little man?” He looks around and stops as Sam brings him over.

Colby smiles, walking up to him, “Oh my god, look at him.” His smile drops as he sees the name on the blanket he wrapped in, “Are you- is that-“ he looks from Sam to you and you nod.

Sam gently lay the baby in Colby’s arms, “Colby, I want you to meet Cole Golbach.”

Colby’s eyes immediately well up with tears and his lips quivers as he tries to speak but he can’t. He lays a hand over his eyes and shakes his head.

You instantly burst into tears and Sam follows, quickly wiping them away, “Consider this a thank you for just you being you. You were always there for not only me, but for y/n, too, and we couldn’t think of a better name to give him. We love you, man.”

Colby holds his hand out, pulling Sam into a hug.

Cole makes noise and Colby looks down, “Yeah that’s right, buddy. When people ask, you get to tell them you’re named after the best uncle ever.”

Colby comes over and hugs you, “Thank you, both.” You smile, nodding as you watch him walk over to the chair and sit with the new baby in his arms.

You hold out your arm when Sam comes to sit next to you. You lean into him, letting out a small sigh as you rest your head on his shoulder.

“I think he loves him just as much as we do.” Sam whispers and you nod, “He sure does.” He kisses your head, “You did so good, mama. I’m so beyond proud of you.”

A few days later, you were settled in at home.

You were laying on the couch, trying go rest, but you couldn’t help but watch Sam in dad mode. He was great. He was holding him against his chest, humming quietly as his fingers ever so gently tapped his back.

“You’re so good with him.” You whisper with a smile, “I could watch this all day.”

He smiles, walking over to sit next to you. You lean against his arm, eyes focused on the sleeping baby, “He looks so much like you.”

Sam smiles, “I was thinking he looked like you.”

You laugh, shaking your head, “I don’t see it, but thank you.” He nods, soothing the baby when he starts to fuss. He stands back up, bouncing him in his arms, “I think he needs a diaper change.”

You go to get up, but Sam shakes his head, “No, I got it. You lay back down. I’ll be back in a minute.”

You watch as he walks away and you shake your head, letting out a gentle sigh as you settle back into the couch. A few minutes later, Sam returns and he walks over to lay him down in the bassinet.

He makes sure he’s asleep before coming to sit with you. You lay your legs over his lap and his hands brush gently up and down your shins, “Remember how you said you wanted to do something extravagant when you found out you were pregnant?”

You nod, looking over at him, “Yes?”

He takes a deep breath, moving to kneel in front of you on the floor, “I’m in the same place, but right now, it just feels like there isn’t anything better than this.”

Your eyes search his face, dropping down to watch him pull a box from this hoodie pocket, “Sam.” You can’t help but smile as he opens the box, “When Colby and I went to that old hotel, we didn’t just go there. I went there to get this, too.”

You feel tears welling in your eyes and you cover your lips with your fingers, “You can give me the speech, but I’m saying yes regardless.” You laugh and he laughs, sniffling as he pulls the ring from the soft velvet cushion, “I knew I wanted to marry you from day one, I just never knew when the right time would be, but now that we’re here, I feel like it would be wrong if I didn’t ask you to be my wife. I love you, so so much. There isn’t anyone else I would want to go through life with.” He pauses, “gosh, I didn’t think I’d cry like this.” He wipes his cheeks, letting out a sigh, “Will you please, do me the honor, and become my wife?”

“I love you.” You lean in, pressing your lips to his, “Yes, I will marry you.”

He slips the ring on your finger and pulls you in, pressing his lips to yours, “I love you. I love you so much.”

You wrap your arms right around his neck, sniffling, “I love you.”

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

Thanks for reading! I love you all so much! Catch you in the next one! 🖤

Likes and reblogs are majorly appreciated!

[the-avengers-not-the-nazis]

Bad moon rising II

Summary: After a nasty divorce, you and your family are forced to live with your Grandpa in the lovely notorious Santa Carla, California. Filled with punks, geeks, surfer nazis and apparently all kinds of creatures of the night.

Word count: 2.9k

Poly!lost boys x Emerson!reader

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

A/n: I am gonna be 100% honest with all of yall, I have cried, yelled at myself, and threaten to throw my phone across the room. Because I had no idea how to get the reader and the boys to meet. So, this honestly will probably suck, but I have tried my hardest. Spent too many hours deleting and rewriting for this to be bad. So please enjoy if can

The board walk was unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It was packed full of bustling people, everyone wanting to go through all the rides, shops and games that they had on display. 

Lights came from all around, aluminating your way through the crowd as you tried to decide what to do first on the boardwalk. Screams and laughter sounded from the rollar coaster ride, the bumps and spins tempted you, but you knew that you’d need to ease your way into everything. 

This would be the moment when you’d wish that Sam or Micheal had come with you, they would try to do everything at once. But, unfortunately, right as you three had arrived; the boys had caught wind of a concert, ditching you to go watch Timmy Cappello perform. 

Treacherous dicks. You called them, wishing that at least one of them would have stuck with you as you ventured where you’d be spending the remainder of your summer. 

You wiped your palms against the fabric of your shorts, the heat of the night air causing a faint sheen of sweat to coat your body. After you’d finished unpacking all the necessities from the car, you’d taken a quick shower and changed for a night out on the board walk.

And thankfully so, the gentle breeze against your bare legs cooled you down enough for you to actually enjoy the night out. 

Chimming bells suddenly grasped your attention, facing the noise, you saw a small shop that was isolated from the others. One of the stores windows was cracked, a piece of cardboard covered the inside to prevent the glass from falling out. 

It was a music shop. 

You remembered when your dad would take you as a kid, letting you pick out cassette tapes, and vinyl records for your room. The old record player would run all day from how many times you would listen to Elvis, Buck Owen’s, and The mamás & the papas. 

It was such a shame that you had to sell the record player and half of your vinyl collection to help out after the divorce. With such little money, you had to make sacrifices for your family. No matter how much you regretted it afterwards.

You glanced up at the sign above the door, a wooden guitar with the words Soundscape etched into the body, swayed against the gentle breeze.  A young couple walked out of the store, hand in hand, a paper bag with their purchase held tightly as they ambled away. 

Reaching into your pocket, you felt around for your wallet. The small leather bound material felt weighted as you pulled it out, the sudden urge to spend your money caused you to open the door of the shop. 

The bell rang above you, and a quick greeting sounded from the cashier. You politely greeted him back before wandering throughout the store. 

It was decently clean, a few stray cd’s littered the ground and a couple display posters were a bit too crooked. But, overall, it was perfect for you. 

You trailed your fingers over a couple of vinyls, picking up a few before putting them back in place. Not really looking for anything specific at the moment, you just tried to find something that would catch your eye. 

Stopping infront of the cassette tapes, you let yourself go through each row, the soft clicking as the cassettes bumped against each other drifted up towards your ears. That and the sound of Jeff Lynne’s voice singing Don’t bring me down, was the only noise that filtered throughout the store. 

Your finger graced an Elvis cassette, the image of him and his infamous guitar sat in the clear case. Picking up the tape, you flipped it over reading the listed songs that went with each side. It had a couple good ones; like Blue Suede Shoes, All Shook Up, Return To Sender, Burning Love and of course some others. 

It was his top greatest hits from each album. 

You tapped the plastic against your palm, debating if you should spend the money just to add to your Elvis collection. You actually had a lot of collections that you needed to complete, but, with this specific artist you only had small handful left to find. 

Kinda like Sam’s Batman comics that he’s been trying to find at every book store that you’d passed on the way down here. 

The bell suddenly rang once more, dragging your attention away from the shelf infront of you. A group of men walked in, each leather clad and mullet wearing. The smell of smoke drifted off of them, wafting through the store. It made you scrunch your nose in disgust. 

“Welcome to the SoundScape,” The Cashier told them, the rehearsed words falling easily out of his mouth. “If you need any help, please let me know.”

None of the guys acknowledged the worker, or, they did though they just didn’t pay him any mind. You watched as they each dispersed from one another, going to different displays around the store. Picking up random items before putting them back where they originally were. 

One of the guys walked down the same row you were on, his eyes trailing over the selection of cassettes. You returned your gaze back to your own tape, not wanting to be caught staring at the guy like a creep. 

Eyeing the rack infront of you, wondering if you should buy the Elvis tape or possibly another. If you’d had enough money on you. You kept your eye on a Boney M. cassette, the item practically calling your name. You reached forward fingers less than an inch away from the plastic when a sudden commotion caused you to freeze. 

BAM!

Your head instantly shot up, the sudden noise disturbing the once peaceful silence. It came from a guy in the leathered group, the small one with curly hair, he stood over a fallen display of cd’s. His hands held up in the air, a small smug grin tugging on his lips as he turned to the stores worker. 

“I’m sorry, man.” He told him, his apologie laced with sarcasm. “It just started falling.”

The cashier let out a deep sigh, his smile turning from genuine to forced as he eyed the scattered items. “It’s alright, accidents happen.”

You watched as the curly guy bent down and picked up the stand, purposely hitting the one right beside it as he did so. He let out another fake apology before the worker shooed him away, picking up everything himself before curly messed up the entire store. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the movement of the blond beside you shove something in his pocket. You turned you head slightly, to get a better view, and you watched as he took another cassette from the shelf and put it on the inside of his jacket. 

You glanced between him and the other three guys that he came in with, noticing that with the worker busy they were taking items off of their display and stuffing them deep into their clothes. Hell, the curly guy was trying to fit a whole vinyl record in the front of his shirt. A very prominent square outlined for everyone to see. 

It was a diversion, knocking over enough stuff for the counter guy to get pissed and pick everything up himself. It was clever, but still wrong. 

With your attention kept on the tapes infront of you, you opened your mouth. Voice low enough so that only the blonde next to you could hear. “You shouldn’t do that.”

The man glanced up at you, not at all ashamed of what he was doing. “What’s that?”

“You shouldn’t steal.”

He let out a quiet laugh, leaning his upper body against the shelf. “Oh, really?” He asked, voice drawing out into a tease. “Wanna tell me why I shouldn’t, babe?”

You gestured to the store around you, eyes meeting his. “Because, its wrong. And, just because you and your friends can’t see that, doesn’t mean that it’s right.”

“Well, me and my friends seem to think it pretty damn fun.” He told you, pushing off the shelf as he took a few small steps towards you. “So, your reasoning is pretty much useless in this case.”

The guy stood a mere foot away from you, his eyes trailing across your face. His smile growing ever so slightly as he took you in. “So, watcha gonna do about it?” He asked, voice soft and teasing as he held a tape infront of you. 

“Put it back.”

“Why? There is no fun in doing the right thing.” He waved the item in your face. “Is there, babe?”

You snatched the cassette from his grasp, eyes not once leaving his as you placed it randomly on the shelf. “Put ‘em all back.” You scolded, voice rising ever so slightly. “It’s shitty and disrespectful for the ones that try to make a living working in places like this.”

He glanced over the top rack, eyeing the worker with disinterest. “Yeah, but, it’s also disrespectful to have to work at a place like this.” He turned back to you. “So, if he gets fired then he’ll come and thank us.”

You opened your mouth to retaliate, wanting to tell him how much his point didn’t make since. When you notice how quiet the store had gotten, the music coming from the speakers and the worker picking up the cds were the only thing. Glancing around you couldn’t see the guys friends, all of them gone from where they originally were. 

“Yeah, Paul, put it back.” A voiced suddenly called from beside you, arm slinging itself across your shoulder. 

Peering beside you, you saw the curly haired guy, his eyes dancing between both you and Paul. You didn’t even hear him come up behind you, in fact you didn’t even know that he had moved from where he was across the store. 

You pushed off his arm, the feeling of his body pressed up against your own made your face heat up. Looking back at Paul, you noticed how his body seemed to get more ecstatic, smile forming into a friendly tease. “Oh, yeah? Why don’t you put up that vinyl of yours.” He tapped against the cardboard beneath the fabric. 

Curly swatted his hand away, pulling the vinyl from beneath his shirt and dropping it on the floor. You eyed the disc on the ground, annoyance seeping into your chest at the disregard of store. 

“Pick it up.” You told the smaller one, side stepping away from them both to give yourself some room. 

He tsked, eyes roaming your body up and down. “Well, aren’t you a bossy one.”

“I wouldn’t be bossy if you’d stop fucking-“

“Watch your mouth.” A different voice spoke up, stopping you from finishing your sentence. You glanced over at the voice, taking in his long overcoat and bleach blonde hair. “It’s not nice to treat strangers that way.”

You furrowed you eyebrows, “If your saying I’m being rude, than that’s really the last thing I care about right now.”

A few small snickers came from around you, causing you to look around at each men that surrounded you. The two blondes stood the closest to you, giving you just a foot of breathing room. Then there were the the bleach blonde and brunette. They stood the furthest from you, but their stares alone were enough to make you feel like they were everywhere at once. 

Your body felt like it was on fire underneath their gazes, that and your dignity slowly burning away as realized how much of a fool you must look like right now.  You quickly crouched down, picking up the vinyl and gently setting it on the shelf. Not really caring that it’s not where it belongs right now. 

Someone cleared their throat. You and the guys turned your attention towards the worker, who stood behind the counter with a wet rag. “We’re closing.” He told them, nodding toward the door with little patience. “If your gonna buy something, now is the time.”

You gave him a quick ‘ok’, forced smile gracing your features as you turned to face the men. You eyed them wearyingly, knowing that they could just easily walk out of here without doing at all what you’ve been asking. 

A soft chuckle came from the bleach blonde, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he placed a hand on Paul’s shoulder. “C’mon, Paul.” He said, turning to walk out of the store. “Put ‘em back, we got places to be.” 

You watched as he pulled out a cd, the front of the case covered in a band called Scorpion. He set it down on the shelf, his eyes not once leaving your own. “We’ll see you around.” He muttered, voice low and mesmerizing to hear as he spoke.

It was almost like a fly getting caught in honey. Alluring and sticky, but, it’s just a trap for the prey. 

You didn’t acknowledge his words, instead you just watched as he walked out, the others slowly trailing after him. The brunette hadn’t muttered a single word since entering the store, and apparently didn’t feel the need to as he stepped outside. 

Curly slowly wandered towards the door, turning swiftly to wave his fingers at you before disappearing behind the glass. A simple ‘Have a nice night’ spilling from his lips as he did so. Paul then turned to walked out, his arm resting across your shoulder slide off. Hand coming up to pinch your nose. “Yeah, we’ll be seeing ya around.” He told you, voice indicating that it wasn’t a suggestion, but more of a promise. 

Swatting his hand away from your face, you watched as he chuckled, walking away as he went to join his friends. Leaving you all alone in the isle, with nothing but your Elvis tape and flustered face. 

Engines revved outside as you walked up to the cashier, the sound of the fading bikes meeting your ears as you tossed the cassette on the counter. The worker rang you up, placed your item in a paper bag and thanked you for your purchase. You quietly wished him good night, before turning on your heal and walking outside. 

You were quickly met with the warm night air, the loud noises coming from the boardwalk surrounded you once more. You held on tightly to the paper bag, the cassette softly rattling inside as you quickly walked away from the Soundscape. 

You were still flustered from your interaction with the four boys. The feeling of their bodies pressed up against your own made the night heat all the more unbearable. What if I would have just left them alone? You thought, swerving through a group of people that waited patiently for the carousel. 

They still would have taken from the shop, and that guy would’ve probably lost his job from all the items missing. But, you wouldn’t have lost some of your dignity whilst doing so. 

A sigh left your lips, unoccupied hand going into your jacket pocket. Though instead of the feeling of the scratchy fabric, your fingers graced against a peice of cold plastic. You stopped walking, standing by your lonesome in the middle of the boardwalk as you pulled out whatever rested in your pocket. 

It was a Scorpion cd. The same one that you saw the bleach blonde pull from his coat. You hadn’t even felt him slip the item in your pocket, was it when you were getting on to him or when he was leaving? Was he even the one that slipped it in?

Stupid prick, you thought. Stuffing the disk into the paper bag with your Elvis one, there was no sense in returning it now. The shop was already closing up and how would you even explain that to the poor worker. 

You shook your head, the events of the night tiring you out. 

From a distance you could see both Sam and Micheal standing in the middle of the boardwalk, their attention caught on a girl and little boy. You made your way over to your brothers, the paper bag swaying in your hand as your feet picked up. 

Sam greeted you when you came near, his long over coat brushing against his shoes. “He’s been following her since the concert.” He told you, gesturing with his hand towards the pretty girl. 

“Mmh, hey, peeping Tom.” You tugged on Micheal sleeve, trying to pull him away. “I’m ready to go home.”

He didn’t acknowledge you, his eyes staring longingly at the back of the girls head. You pulled once more at his arm, barely getting him to move when the sudden loud noise of multiple vehicles rushed on the boardwalk. Glancing towards the disturbance, you watched as four familiar bodies stopped infront of the girl and boy. 

They each revved their engines, purposely scaring away anyone that too close. You watched as the little boy made his way over to one of the motorcycles, the brunette pulling him up to sit behind him. 

The girl placed her arm across the bleach blondes chest, hosting herself onto the back of the motorcycle. “C’mon, man, she played you.” Sam told his brother, pulling him away from his rooted spot on the deck. You stayed put for a second, slowly trailing after your brothers as the engines of the bikes faded from earshot. 

Your mind going to when exactly you’d be seeing them again. 

A/a/n: Like I said, this took so long to figure out how exactly the reader and the boys would meet each other. So, I honestly would understand if y'all don’t like this, but, trust me the other chapters are going to be a whole lot better.

[starryriize]

— ✧ • ˳೫˚ part of my valentine event!

೫ pairing: bf!wonbin and gf!reader

೫ summary: you and wonbin spend the entire night making pizzas

೫ genre/word count: really fluffy and cute! 761 words!

೫ author’s notes: stop i love this sm 😭 this is peak love to me fr :(( making food esp pizza >>>> (why do i feel like i could’ve made this so much better fr)

The smell of rosemary and thyme mixed with the aroma of fresh dough filled the entire kitchen,  reminding you of your childhood in your grandma’s home. The idea of making pizza was your boyfriend’s, so he called your dad to ask for his iconic family recipe. He’d given Wonbin the list of ingredients, emphasizing over the phone that he could not forget the most important ingredient: love. “I once made pizza without love and it tasted terrible! So, don’t forget it!” Your dad’s enthusiastic voice echoed in Wonbin’s mind. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, he thought to himself. 

“Y/n! Could you get the flour too, please?” You poke your head out from the pantry, hands filled with various herbs, spices, and of course, tomato sauce. You laugh, putting the ingredients on the countertop. "Sure, love." Flashing a smile at you, he thanks you, carefully adding the flour in. He gestures for you to come next to him, holding his dough-covered hand out for you to grab. You giggle, taking his hand, eyes flicking upward at his face. Removing his hand from yours, he wraps both his arms around your waist, lightly lifting you to sit atop the counter. After placing you down, he goes back to the dough, kneading it lightly.

Turning to look at the dough, you notice the marinara sauce jar is open. So, impulsively, you reach down, dipping your finger in the sauce and wiping it on your lips. "Look honey, do you like my new lipstick?" You wiggle your eyebrows at him, excitedly pointing at your lips. Wonbin lets go of the dough ball, turning to look at you. Throwing his head back in laughter, he leans over, staring at you intently. His eyes flick from your eyes to your marinara sauce-covered lips, resisting the urge to kiss the sauce off of you.

"Yes. It's a pretty red on you." Wonbin softly whispers, leaning in and giving in to his urge to kiss you. It was a soft kiss, like something out of a movie scene. It was in this moment, as he pulled away, that he knew. You were his future. Smiling, he says, “I need to finish the pizza, love. The dough has to prove for an hour or so.” You feel the heat on your cheeks rising as a small smile grows on your face.

Atop the countertop, you had the opportunity to admire your boyfriend as he focused on slicing mozzarella cheese. Taking a small piece, you bring it up to his mouth. Knowing what you wanted, he opened his mouth, letting you feed him tiny pieces of the cheese on the cutting board. “Mmphm-,” he paused, chewing before continuing, “you do realize that I have to use these for the pizza, right love?” You giggle mischievously, flashing a threatening smirk at him. You knew you didn’t look threatening, not with the flour all over you and the residue of dough on your face and shirt.

“You’re not scary, y/n.” He rolls his eyes, pressing a soft kiss on the crown of your head before turning to the dough, carefully removing it from the proving bowl. It smelled amazing, just like how your dad told him. He must’ve made it with love, you think quietly to yourself.

Grabbing two rolling pins, he divides the dough into equal portions, handing you a portion to make into your own heart pizza. “Could you pass me some oil, please?” He nods, momentarily pausing, rolling out his pizza to pass you the oil. He watches in admiration and pure love as you spread oil on the pan itself as well as the bottom of the pizza dough. Taking your hands, you carefully shape the edges and creases, forming it into a medium sized heart.

“I love you.” He whispers out, surprised by how soft his voice sounded even though it was just the two of you in your shared apartment. You giggle, sighing softly, replying, “I love you more.” He smiles, continuing to make his dough look more heart shaped, quietly spreading the sauce and adding some shredded cheese. You put the mozzarella that you’d previously been feeding to your boyfriend, onto your own pizza.

Handing the pizza to your boyfriend, you can watch eagerly as he puts them both in the oven, asking for a 45 minute timer from Siri. The two of you shared more kisses and soft laughter that night as you enjoyed the pizzas you’d both made with love. Your dad was right. Pizza does taste better when it’s made with love.

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"IS THIS... A DATE?"

I wrote another fic with Dave and OMG this is one of the cutest fics I've written with him in my entire life

I hope you like it! 😌🖤☝

As he followed his friends into the house, Dave brought up the rear, wondering how he'd sacrificed an entire night of playing board games to go to that party.

The fact was, he wasn't a person who liked crowds, noise, loud music, alcohol, and all the other things that came with being a teenager, and yet he'd agreed to go to the event that included all of those things.

The decision was made in a state of euphoria, so he didn't realize what he'd said until minutes later, when he got home and was sitting in his room reading the special collector's edition comic he'd just bought.

Then he received a text from Todd, telling him they'd be picking him up in twenty minutes. Dave's eyes widened and he texted back.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Don't you remember? you agreed to come with Marty and me to the party at Irene's house?"

Dave cursed out loud when he remembered that, indeed, that was what he had agreed to hours ago.

"You're not going to back out now, are you?" Todd asked, eager for an answer.

"No," he typed with trembling fingers, "I'll be ready in five minutes."

"That's how I like it," his friend said before going offline.

Dave jumped out of bed and opened his clothes closet.

He looked at the outfits he had and realized that probably none of them were suitable for a party like that, but since they were the only clothes he had, he put on some baggy jeans, a black T-shirt, and a red hoodie before going downstairs to the kitchen to make himself some dinner.

His dad wouldn't be home from work until late, so he left a note on the kitchen counter, saying he was with his friends and not to worry.

And that's how he found himself among a crowd of people his own age and older, laughing, dancing, smoking, or just socializing.

Socializing wasn't one of Dave's strong suits. Actually, he didn't know exactly what they were (if he had any).

That's when he saw you.

It was like seeing a vial of bloody tears after defeating a legendary dragon—a relief, that is.

You were in the same class as him, and he wasn't exactly in love with you, but he could tell you didn't despise him, which he couldn't say about the rest of the girls, who pretended he didn't exist or simply looked the other way when he walked by.

He saw you approaching the table to grab a soda. Then he mustered up all the courage he could muster and slowly walked over to stand next to you. He cleared his throat shyly.

-Hey -he said- great party, right?

You glanced at him, thinking he was some jerk trying to pick you up, but no, it was just Dave.

“Wait, Dave?” you thought. “What's he doing here?” you wondered. It wasn't that it bothered you at all, it was just that you didn't expect to see him there.

-Dave! Hi -you greeted with a friendly smile- How are you doing?

-Not so good, you know -he tilted his head toward the top of the house- My friends convinced me to come over, and I… -he smiled shyly- Well, let's just say this isn't really my style

-I can see that -you said- I like your sweatshirt -you murmured to get him to focus on something else and not be so nervous- It looks comfortable -you added, he nodded-

-I won it last week at an arcade at the mall -he confessed, making you smile- Turns out I'm really good at Tetris

-Wow -you said, surprised- Did you manage to fit all the pieces together, without any mistakes? Yes -he replied, very smug-

-That's impressive -you praised. He blushed- The truth is, I've never played Tetris -you continued- I'm more of a fantasy gamer, you know? Like Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, Dragons Dogma II, and the like

Dave gasped, to say the least. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

-Do you… -he swallowed hard- Play video games?

-Yes -you smiled- I thought I'd made it clear that I'm not like the others, Dave

-Sure… yeah… I-I… -he shook his head nervously- Sorry, it's just… I didn't expect that

You stared at each other for a few moments, during which Dave began to realize how pretty you were and how good the pink lip gloss you'd put on looked on you.

"I should stop staring at his mouth,” he thought, and instantly his gaze fell on yours.

-Do you want to go get some fresh air? -you asked. He nodded slowly-

-That would be nice -he said as he followed you outside-

Outside, you sat on a bench near the house, though not close enough to hear the commotion. Music could still be heard in the distance, but at a more subdued tone.

-What do you want to study when we finish high school? -you asked, making him turn his head quickly to look at you-

-Computer programming -he answered decisively- Maybe a career in software engineering -He laughed- Nerd stuff

-No I find it very interesting -you said, He smiled shyly-

-Really? -he questioned- Aren't you just saying that to make me feel better or anything?

-Really -you assured him. Dave nodded-

-It's good to know -he said- Teachers don't usually take me seriously when I say this -he confessed- They say I have 'a good memory' and that I shouldn't 'waste it fixing computers -he murmured- Anyway, adult stuff

-Yeah -you snorted- Adult stuff -you repeated, making him laugh-

-The party wasn't so bad after all -Dave commented- I might even be glad I came

-I wasn't going to come either -you confessed- I was in the middle of a game of D&D

-No way! -he muttered, his eyes wide open- You play D&D too? -he asked excitedly- You nodded when you saw him like that- What class are you?

-Level 10 Druid -you said proudly- And you?

-Level 12 Wizard -he replied- My level is good, although I'd like to get more equipment

-You can go to the Cave of a Thousand Laments -you added- If you go straight ahead and turn three times to the right and two times to the left, there's a chest that always has weapons -you said- I always go there to stock up

-I didn't know that -he murmured- I'll definitely try it -he said- Oh! And we can role-play together in some games -he blushed- If you want, of course

-I'd love to -you nodded, also excited-

That same day, when you both returned home from the party, you entered the game and found yourselves in the cave you had mentioned.

-Hey again, Dave,- you greeted through your headset-

-Hey Y/N,- he murmured- I like your avatar,- he said, looking at your white and green dress with gold details.- You look like an elf or something

-That was the idea,- you confessed.- I like yours too,- you said, looking at her black leather outfit and the red straps on either side of her hips that held her swords and daggers- So, what do you think about taking down that dragon out there?

-I'd say it's a very good idea, although a bit dangerous,- he said, making you laugh-

-Not bad for a first date,- you blurted out.- Killing a dragon in D&D,- you murmured.- I definitely wasn't expecting that-

-Is this…- he swallowed hard- a date?

You moved the joystick on your controller to move your character as he followed you.

-It is -you said- unless you don't want it to be

-Of course I do! -he quickly replied, making you smile before adding- I think this will be the best date I'll ever have

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Worst Fears Come Alive

Pairing: Jennifer Jareau x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.9k

Warnings: angst, stalking, kidnapping, fluff at the end

Summary: After JJ is kidnapped, you and her team work endlessly to figure out what Mark wants and what his plans are. KNwoing he wants your company, you come up with a plan thatt might be crazy enough to work.

There's Beauty in Tragedy Masterlist

Square Filled: duct tape for @badthingshappenbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

He’s been sitting in front of JJ since he brought her back to his studio. Well, studio is a relative term. If studio means a boarded up old house that belonged to his dad, then sure, studio. This isn’t the first time he’s used this house for nefarious reasons and it’s not going to be the last. JJ isn’t the first woman he’s brought back here, and if everything goes his way, she won’t be the last.

JJ’s head rolls to the side and her eyes flutter open. She tries to move her arms and legs but realizes they’ve been tied down to the chair she’s sitting on. She doesn't have duct tape over her mouth because he wants to hear her pleas. He wants to hear her beg for him to release her. She looks around and panics but not as much as he’d like her to. Her eyes find him and she swallows thickly.

“You don’t know Y/N, do you?”

“I know her quite well. I just lied about how I knew her, that’s all.”

“What are you going to do with me?”

“If you’re lucky and things go my way, nothing.”

“What if things don’t go your way?”

He unsheathes a long blade from his jacket and JJ’s eyes widens in fear.

“Then they’ll have a hard time finding your body when I cut it up into pieces.”

It’s been two hours since JJ said she’d be at your work for the flowers and note. She always takes your safety seriously so you thought she’d be here within twenty minutes. With a shake of your head, you pick up the phone and call the BAU. Come on, JJ. Pick up the phone. Tell me you’re running late. It’s not JJ who picks up the phone, it’s Spencer.

“Hey, Spencer, it’s Y/N.”

“What’s up?”

“Is JJ there?”

“No, she left for your office.”

“She never got here.”

That makes Spencer a bit suspicious but he tries to think of a rational explanation.

“Maybe there was traffic.”

“For two hours? I think something happened to her. You know what? I’m coming down to you. I’ll be right there.”

You hang up and gather your things without the note and flowers. You’ll deal with that later once you know JJ is safe. When you get to the BAU, everyone is gathered in the briefing room. Spencer brought his concerns to everyone else and now they are trying to locate her. She’s not answering her phone and no one knows where she is.

“I would have asked my security team to look at where she might have went but I think you’re faster,” you say to Penelope.

“You’d be right.”

She hacks into the cameras outside of the BAU to track where JJ went. She tracks her all the way to your office building. Instead of going inside your office, a man stops her outside. You’re not sure what they’re talking about and the man is at an angle where you can’t see his face so you’re left to wonder who this is. JJ follows the man to the alleyway next to your office and out of view of the camera. Penelope frantically searches for another camera but there isn’t one pointing to the alleyway. You’ll have to hire someone to put one there now. Minutes later, a black van pulls out of the alleyway and you have a sinking feeling JJ is in there against her will.

“Can you see where the car went?” Derek asks.

“Let me see.” Penelope tries to follow the van, and she can for a few streets until it pulls onto a back road that doesn’t have any cameras. “I can’t follow him in there.”

Your heart starts racing. Your eyes water with tears. Your hands shake. Your entire body feels hot. Panic overcomes your senses. JJ was kidnapped. JJ is in danger.

“Y/N? Are you okay?”

You barely hear whoever said that but you do feel hands on your shoulders pushing you to sit in a chair. A hand flat on your back pushes you down so that your bent at the waist. Your head rests between your knees as you will your fears to go away.

“Okay, what do we know?”

“Can you play that video again?” you ask and sit up straight. You walk behind Penelope and watch the video again, this time paying attention to the man. When he pulls out of the alley, he looks right into the camera. “Stop it right there.” She does. “No fucking way. Sorry for my language.”

“What is it?” Derek asks.

“I know him. That’s Mark Temple. He was in my graduating class in business school.” You tell them the history you have with him. How he’s a manipulator, a thief, and a coward. “He’s been trying to buy out my company for a while now. I refuse to give him the light of day.”

“In most hostage situations, the person will likely demand what they want in exchange for who or what they’ve taken hostage--this case it being JJ,” Spencer explains.

“He wants my company. He wants my wealth, my fame, my designs, everything. I never thought he’d go this far. He was very good at manipulating with words so he never needed to resort to violence.”

Penelope works quickly to look up Mark in her system.

“Here we go. Mark Temple graduated from Harvard with a 4.2 GPA. After college, he bought Silver Linings for a million dollars from one of his classmates before running it to the ground when he couldn’t keep up with it. After that, he bought out Starship Interprises then Tech Mougles then Royalty Jewels. All of them he ended up running them to the ground before selling them and buying out the next.”

“He wans to do the same with mine,” you say bitterly.

“Wait a second. He has a record. He’s never been arrested but there are countless charges of assult and battery, domestic violence, and witness statements from women who he abused. They’re all allegations, though, but the police department kept everything on file.”

“What? He did that to those women?” you gasp at the news.

“Where does he live?” Hotch asks.

“He doesn’t have one. He only has a PO Box he visits regularly.”

You get tears at the thought of what JJmight be going through.

“What is he going to do with her?”

“Hopefully nothing,” Derek answers, “until he makes his first demands.”

“When will that be?”

“Whenever he decides to make the call.”

It as if he’s listening because your phone rings from an unknown number.

“It’s him.”

“Don’t answer it yet. Garcia?” Hotch asks.

“Already on it.”

Penelope works to tap into your phone so she can trace the call. When she’s ready, she nods for you to answer it. It’s so silent that you can hear a pin drop. You answer the call but place it on speakerphone so everyone else can hear. You plan to go into this with a calm head and voice but as soon as the call is connected, you blurt out the first thing that pops into your head.

“I swear to God if you touch one hair on her head…”

“Y/N, baby, let’s not get violent,” Mark says. You can hear the smirk on his face.

“What do you want?”

“You know what I want.”

“Is this what you did to those women and men in college? You’d hurt them and steal their designs and money?”

“What I did back then has no relevance to what I’m doing now,” he says angrily. “I have made it clear what I want.”

“You want my money? Twenty million is yours. Not enough? Fine. Sixty. A hundred! Just let JJ go.”

Mark starts laughihng and you want nothing more than to slap that smile off his fat smug face.

“See, I used to be after the money. Then I realized I can get so much more with their companies. Hand over your company to me and I’ll let her go. No harm will come to her if you comply.”

“Don’t do it!” JJ yells from the background.

Your bottom lip wobbles emotionally. She doesn’t sound hurt but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t touched her.

“Shut up before I make you,” Mark snaps at her.

“You must know by now that she is FBI. Even if you do get my company, you won’t get away with it.”

“You let me worry about that. I’ll give you twenty-four hours to make a decision or I’ll start cutting her up and leaving her on your front porch.”

As soon as he hangs up, you start crying. All your hard work will go down the drain. None of that matters if JJ’s life is threatened.

“Did you get a hit?” Derek asks.

“No. I got a very vague location but nothing to pinpoint where he is.”

You stand up and dial someone very important. There is no question or doubt in your mind on what you have to do.

“Who are you calling?” Spencer asks.

“My lawyer. I have to draw up a contract.”

“Maybe you don’t,” Derek says.

“If I don’t, she gets hurt. I love her, Derek. I can’t let her get hurt because of me.”

“He gave you twenty-four hours. Use them. He couldn’t have taken her far. He took her two hours ago. Where could he have gone in two hours?”

“I will work my magic and try to track that car,” Penelope says and leaves the briefing room.

You sit back down and put your head in your hands as you cry. You can’t imagine losing the one women you’ve loved this much in a long time. Derek walks over to you and places a comforting hand on your back.

“I know you love her but we do, too. We don’t give up here. Get your lawyer to make the contract if you want, but we’re going to use these twenty-two hours to come up with a plan. If it doesn’t work, we’ll do it your way.”

“Okay,” you nod and sniffle.

Your lawyer was pissed when he heard about what happened but was super understanding. He agreed to draft one up along with some other things but you were too emotional to listen to him. You’re still too emotional because all you can think about is what Mark might have done to those women and what he’ll do it JJ.

You’re not FBI. You’re not a profiler. You don’t know what they’re doing but you know you trust this team. JJ trusts this team to do the right thing.Four hours go by without a word from Penelope but by the fifth hour, she walks into the briefing room with her laptop.

“It took five cameras and a few zooming features but I got the license plate of the van. It’s not registered in Mark’s name. It’s registered for Joseph Manning.”

“That’s his real father’s name. He was adopted at an early age.” A lightbulb goes off in your head. “What if he’s staying at a place registered in Joseph’s name?”

“You might be onto something, Miss,” Penelope grins and sits down at the table. You look at the clock and realize you only have seventeen hours left. It’s a lot of time but you can’t help but think you only have minutes to spare. “There is one property in the middle of town that belongs to Joseph. It’s been under construction for years.”

“That’s why he needs a PO box. His mail has to go somewhere,” Derek says.

“We know where he is. Now we need a plan to get in there.”

“He wants me,” you say. “My lawyer came up with a contract that he needs to sign physically if he wants my company. Use me to get her out.”

“We still have seventeen hours to come up with a different--”

“Derek, I have a contract. I know what you’re thinking. Can you find it in yourself to trust me? I know what I’m doing.”

“Okay,” he nods after a moment.

You take out your phone and dial Mark back using the same unknown number he used to call you the first time. You place him on speakerphone so everyone can hear him.

“Am I going to have to get violent in seventeen hours? Maybe I’ll make it two and cut your time short.”

“You want my company? Fine. I have a contract stating it’s all yours. All you have to do is come here and sign it.”

“No, I’ll have someone pick it up and bring it to me.”

“Mark, this is my company that’s worth billions. Lawyers have to be present.”

You hear him curse but he covered the speaker because it’s muffled.

“Where do you want to meet?”

“My office. I’ll have everything ready. I’ll make sure we’re alone. Just us, the lawyers, and JJ.”

“Do I sound stupid to you? Like I’m going to bring her with me and have you skip out on your end of the deal,” he scoffs.

“You did the one thing that would ensure I follow this through. Bring her or no deal.”

“Fine,” he snaps and hangs up.

“He’ll come. We’ll be ready.”

You take this opportunity to tell them your plan. There is no way in hell you’re giving up everything you’ve worked so hard for when you know there is a way to get JJ back and keep what you have. Once the plan is set in motion, you and your lawyer wait for Mark and JJ in your personal conference room. You’re really nervous because what if he knows? What if this doesn’t work? What if he has already hurt JJ? What if--

“They’re here,” your assistant says over the small speaker by the desk phone.

“Let them in,” you respond.

The conference door opens and Mark walks in with JJ in front of him. It’s not surprising that she has duct tape over her mouth. What’s surprising is that he has a gun to her head. Remain calm. He might shoot her if you freak out. JJ is terrified but you have to remain calm if you’re going to come out on top.

“Where is it?” Mark asks.

You point to the thick contract on the table. “Right here.”

“How do I know this isn’t a trap?”

“Did you not hear me over the phone earlier? I love her and I will do anything for her, including this.”

“Back up.”

Mark walks JJ over to the table while you and your lawyer back away from the table. He looks at the contract and flips through the first few pages before shoving JJ over to you. She stumbles but you catch her in your arms.

“You’re safe. You’re okay,” you whisper and smooth back her hair.

Mark does the one thing you are counting on him to not do: reading it. He flips to the tabs and immediately signs it without so much as a thought. If he had read it, he’d know this isn’t a real contract. He keeps the gun on you as he finishes with the last signature. He lowers the gun but keeps it locked and loaded.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” he grins.

He grabs the door handle and pulls the door open but he’s stopped by Rossi, Derek, and Hotch all with guns trained on him.

“Mark Temple, you’re under the arrest for kidnapping, breaking and entering, harassment, and attempted murder.”

“With what proof?”

“You just signed a confession statement,” you say. He turns to you with fire in his eyes. “Everything you did, you attest to.”

“You bitch,” he growls.

He raises his gun to fire at you but Derek is quicker than him. He slams his body into Mark’s and pushes him down onto the table. The gun is knocked from his hands and you pull JJ into you to protect her. Mark struggles against Derek’s body but Derek is much larger than Mark. He doesn’t have a chance. Rossi hands him handcuffs and Derek slaps them onto his wrists. You turn to JJ and gently remove the duct tape.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me.”

“I need a medic up here,” Hotch says as Derek takes a struggling Mark away.

“Hotch, I’m fine--”

“You’re getting looked at. I’m not arguing with you,” you say. She nods and relief immeiately floord through your body. “This time, it’s you who needed saving.”

“As long as you’re the one who is saving me.”

You pull her in cose and kiss her with so much love but also relief that she is okay. The paramedics come and check JJ out, deeming her physically okay. You’re sitting with her on the back of the ambulance with one arm wrapped around her body.

“I don’t care whose house we move into. I need you with me. I want to live with you.”

JJ smiles and kisses your cheek.

“I’d love nothing more than that but I want you to do that not because you fear for my safety but because you want to without any stipulations behind it.”

“Using my own words against me, I see,” you chuckle.

“I’m joking. I’d love to move in with you. I’ll be honest, I quite like your house.”

“My house it is,” you grin and kiss her again.

You’re ready to put this behind you and start the next chapter of your and JJ’s life together.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[kissorkill16]

The New Teacher: A Hello Neighbor Fanfic

By JJ

Summary: What happens when Mr. Peterson takes up a teaching job?

(P.S., based off this idea I sent @ghostly-writers .)

👇

Aaron and Nicky were almost done hooking up the machine underneath the teacher's desk, then they quickly ran back to their desks beside each other in the back row.

"What are you two up to now?", asked Enzo, sitting behind Nicky.

"Oh nothing. Just a little prank on Mr. Murtaugh. When he sits down, he'll be flying in the air and landing on his butt.", said Nicky. "It's gonna be so hilarious!"

They both laughed, and Enzo rolled his eyes and went back to reading his book.

It's been almost a half hour, and the teacher hadn't yet come to the classroom.

"Where is he?", asked Aaron. "It's been 30 minutes."

"Maybe he's sick or something.", said Enzo.

The principal came to the classroom, a blank expression on her face.

"Hello, class.", she said. "Mr. Murtaugh isn't here today, he came down with a really bad cold. He'll be gone for a while, so we're going to be having a new substitute taking over the class. Everyone, please welcome..."

A man walked through the door, and everyone's jaws dropped upon seeing him.

Mr. Peterson.

Aaron's dad.

"Mr. Peterson.", the principal finished. "Sir, please do your best to educate these young ankle biters. I must warn you, the kids at this school are quite a handful."

"I have two hands.", said Mr. Peterson. "I think I'll be fine."

"Very well. Children, behave for Mr. Peterson, don't cause any trouble."

She said that as she looked at Aaron and Nicky, then she left.

Mr. Peterson walked over to the chalkboard and wrote his name on the top corner of the board.

"My name is Mr. Peterson, as most of you already know.", he said. "And as your principal already told you, don't cause any trouble. I would hate to send complaints to each and every one of your parents. Understood?"

Everyone in the classroom nodded, mumbling a quick and quiet "Yes, sir."

"Great.", said the man. He walked over to the desk and was about to sit down. "Now I was informed that you all had homework. Page 43."

Enzo tapped on Aaron and Nicky's shoulders, "Guys, what about the prank?!"

Aaron and Nicky exchanged a look that said "Oh shit!"

Then before Mr. Peterson could sit down on the chair, it sprung off into the air and loudly landed on the floor.

Mr. Peterson didn't say anything, he just looked at the chair with a blank expression, an expression as unreadable as ever.

"Ahem. Like I said, please take out the homework your teacher has given you."

Aaron for sure thought his dad was going to scream and demand who did this, but he was surprised to see that he didn't even raise his voice. But he didn't question any further, he just took out his homework.

For the rest of class time, everyone just kept their heads down as Mr. Peterson taught the class.

"This is so awkward.", Nicky whispered to Aaron. "Why's your dad teaching now?"

"Remember when I told you he'd be taking up a teaching job?", asked Aaron. Nicky nodded. "Well, I thought that meant he was going to be working with Mom, not at our school."

Nicky sighed, "How am I gonna survive the rest of middle school? No. It's okay. He's only a substitute, it won't be so bad. You only have to put up with him until Murtaugh comes back."

"Aaron, Nicholas."

The boys turned their attention to Mr. Peterson, trying to ignore everyone else's eyes on them.

"Is there something you would like to share with the rest of the class?", asked Mr. Peterson.

"No, sir."

"Then it would be greatly appreciated if you didn't talk while I was teaching."

Aaron and Nicky just stayed quiet for the rest of the class.

At the end of class, everyone ran out of the classroom. Aaron and Nicky stuffed their belongings in their bags and were almost out of the room, but Mr. Peterson stopped them.

"Boys. Stay back for a moment.", he said.

So they just stayed in the classroom.

Mr. Peterson waved them over to the desk, and they hesitantly went over.

"Did you have something to do with the chair that sprung out behind me?", asked the man.

The boys felt their hearts drop down to their stomachs.

"No.", said Aaron.

"Of course not.", said Nicky.

But Mr. Peterson didn't believe that. "Do you think I'm stupid?", he asked.

"Dad, no! Of course not!", said Aaron.

Mr. Peterson didn't say anything else, he hummed a little and just waved them away. But not before giving the kids one last warning that sent chills up both of their spines.

"I've got my eyes on both of you."

That was almost a week ago, and Murtaugh still hadn't come back. Kids had to put up with Mr. Peterson for an hour a day until their next class.

One afternoon, Nicky was walking into the class, just trying to get to his seat, but then Mr. Peterson stopped him in his tracks.

"Hello there, Nicky.", he said. "I've rearranged the seating chart, so from now on, you'll be sitting right where I can see you."

He pointed to the desk that was right in the front next to the window, the one closest to Mr. Peterson's desk.

"You've gotta be kidding me.", thought Nicky as he went to sit down.

Then Aaron walked in the room, and Nicky thought he would be sitting next to him so he wouldn't have to face Mr. Peterson alone, but he couldn't have been more wrong.

Mr. Peterson made Aaron sit far away from him, but it was still in the front of the class. Aaron was hesitant, but when he saw that his dad wasn't joking around, he wasted no more time in running to his new seat.

Both boys thought this couldn't get any worse.

Then after school, Enzo, Aaron, Nicky, Maritza and Trinity were hanging out in the science room.

"I feel so bad for you.", said Maritza. "Did anyone else get any updates on Mr. Murtaugh? He's gotta come back soon."

"Yeah, he's gotta. But no one has any updates on him yet.", said Enzo. "God help us all."

Aaron sighed, "I don't know how much more of this I can take. He literally changed the seating chart just so he could keep an eye on me and Nicky.", he said. "At least after school, teachers are already rushing to their cars to grade papers and make lesson plans."

As he talked, he was tinkering with some machine on the table. The machine launched a buzz saw right into the chalkboard as someone was walking in.

As luck would have it, that someone was Mr. Peterson.

He looked at the buzz saw embedded into the chalkboard, then at the kids, who looked at him with wide eyes and opened jaws.

"Do I even want to know what's going on here?", he asked.

It was silent for a moment.

"We were just playing around, sir.", said Enzo. "We promise, that wasn't for you."

Mr. Peterson nodded, then he went to the front desk and sat down.

"I think I'll just be staying here until 4:30.", he said. "Just to make sure no one else gets hurt, and you kids don't get into anything. I would hate to explain an injury to your parents."

The kids just looked at him, worried expressions on their faces.

"Just pretend I'm not here.", he said.

Oh how they so badly wished he wasn't there.

They all were thinking one thing that afternoon.

"It's going to be a long time before he's gone."

[kbade]

Last Friday and Saturday I got to go to the MidSouth Nostalgia Festival in Olive Branch Mississippi with my mom and dad. I pretty much only went because Robert Fuller was going but there were also a bunch of other stars in attendance too, like Patrick Wayne (son of John Wayne), Darby Hinton (Israel Boone in Daniel Boone), Mary Badham (Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird) and a couple more. We drove over to the Whispering Woods hotel (where it was being held) and got our badges then we signed up to meet Robert at his table and to get our picture with Robert and Darby. After we got our tickets we walked into the convention room where there were a couple vendors selling things (pictures of the stars that were in attendance from their various movies and tv shows, old board games and toys, kids western clothing, movie and tv show dvds, and custom made wood carvings) so we walked around and looked at the different tables. There weren’t as many people as I expected but it was still a good crowd (besides me there was only one other younger fan, the rest were all older men and women) After we had looked at everything my mom and I walked to Robert’s picture table which was outside of the convention room and next to the table we bought our tickets at. I bought a picture to have Robert sign for a friend and when it got a little closer to time my dad met up with us and we walked out to the car to get my vinyl record of Robert’s German album so he could sign it and the paper with the messages from the young fans that I had put together. We then sat down in some hotel seats and talked with some other RF fans who were meeting Robert around the same time as us. One of them complimented me on my shirt, which I had posted about months earlier in the Fandom Facebook group.

I wore this one Saturday ⬇️

Finally it was our turn to meet him! We waited in line for about two hours but the volunteers were super nice and handed out chairs and bottles of water to anyone who needed it. One woman even walked up and down the line while fanning us with a piece of paper. When it was finally our turn to meet him, I was so nervous! I was clutching the album and the messages paper so tight 😆 but when we actually walked up to him, I was fine. I did have this moment when he was telling us a story about when Spring Byington first came on Laramie (he and Smitty (John Smith) realized they would have to get their acts together because a lady was going to be on the all-male set from now on but on her first day she told them that she had been in the business for 40 years and had heard everything there was to hear so they didn’t have to worry about her and they could “say them all”) where it really sunk in that this was Jess Harper! He signed my album and the picture for my friend, then I gave him the paper with the messages and told him that they were messages from his young fans. I expected him to just skim over them and give it to one of his helpers at the table, but he put his marker down and read each of them! Say what you want about Robert Fuller but this man truly cares about his fans. He didn’t just sign our stuff and move on, he talked to us! Told us stories, took the time to actually read the gifts we gave him (my dad gave him one of his Sheriff’s Office challenge coins and he took the time to read everything written on it) and when my dad thanked him for coming to spend time with his fans, Robert said “Thank you for coming to spend time with me!” When we were finished with everything, he shook our hands and thanked us for coming out, then we walked down to the end of the table to pay for the items we got autographed. After that I thought we were finished but it turns out that when you pay to meet him, you also get to have an individual picture with him! My parents decided to have their pictures together so I was going solo for mine, which I was perfectly fine with! The line for the pictures moved alot faster, so in no time I was handing my phone to one of the volunteers and side hugging Robert Fuller which is something I never thought I’d say. After the picture he asked me “Were you smiling?” I was indeed!

Saturday we got to Whispering Woods around 12:00 for the Robert Fuller Fandom Q&A, which is only for members of his Fandom Facebook group. Jennifer (his wife) was also in attendance, and she had the whole crowd laughing the entire time! Robert didn’t miss a beat either, joking with her and his friend Tony who was reading the questions to them. It lasted probably two hours, and after it was over it was time for our group picture with Robert and Darby! Just like Friday the line went super quick! There wasn’t really much left to do after that since the convention room had already been cleaned out to make room for the tables and chairs for the banquet that night. We had planned on leaving Sunday but since there wasn’t really anything left to do (we weren’t going to the banquet) and there was also supposed to be some bad weather Sunday, we decided to leave a day early. It was so fun getting to meet Robert and to meet other fans irl, and to get the opportunity to hear Jennifer speak (she really is so hilarious! Those two are made for each other!) I can’t wait for the next convention!

[aurumacadicus]

Can you share your prime rib recipe? 🙏

I don't really have a recipe! I don't do rubs because I don't personally believe it penetrates the fat cap. Others have different opinions of course but I like to make things easy on myself. I can give you the steps I use for oven-searing tho!

1) Do the cooking math so you know when to start cooking. Depending on your oven/elevation, it's 10-13 minutes per pound of meat. (My oven runs on the warmer side so we count for 11 minutes, but keep a meat thermometer handy.) Don't forget to account for fifteen minutes of oven searing and a half hour of resting time! (Basically: Add 45 minutes to your cooking time to know about when it will be ready to serve.)

2) Pull your roast out a couple hours before you plan to cook it. It cooks more evenly from room temperature. If you're going to give it a rub, pat the roast dry and do the rub while it's still cold. (Again, I just use salt, and I probably should be doing it while the roast is still cold, but I'm usually preparing other things so my roast gets it whenever 👌 I've cooked enough that I get to make that choice tho, I always follow the recipe the first time.)

3) It's time to put the roast in! Adjust your oven racks so that your roast will cook in the middle, then crank that oven up to 500F! While the oven preheats, place your roast bone-side down in an oven safe pot. If it's boneless, put it on a rack. Okay now look into my eyes. This is very important. Open your windows and run your vent fans. Take the batteries out of your smoke detector. You are going to put your roast into that fucking hot oven to sear the outside of it. That fat cap WILL crackle and pop and splatter hot fat all over your oven including coils. There will be smoke. You might think you've done something wrong. No! This is just what happens when fat meets high heat. I wish someone had told me this the first time I almost shat my pants. Despite how terrifying this moment is, you will be oven searing your roast at 500F for fifteen minutes.

4) SEARING IS DONE CRANK THAT BABY DOWN TO 325F. Listen we survived. Take a minute to waft that smoke toward the windows/vents. Breathe. But not too long because now your math comes into play. 10-13 minutes per pound. Set your timers. (Mine will be cooking for 1hr15m.)

5) As you reach the end of your cook time, pull out your meat thermometer. For rare meat, you want it to measure 115F. For medium meat, you want it to measure 120F-130F. If this seems a little low, worry not: The meat will continue to cook as it rests. To rest, remove from the oven and set it on a clean cutting board for carving; use a piece of aluminum foil to tent over the meat and let it rest for 30 minutes. This keeps the heat inside the meat to cook to temp instead of escaping.

6) Once done resting, carve into half inch slices and serve with au jus or horseradish sauce (or both!). I've got horseradish but I usually don't use any, that's for my dad lol.

The sides I'm doing are fresh green beans sauteed with almonds, million dollar potato casserole, and orange jello with mandarin slices in it. :)

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

Hi!

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️

Hi!

39 for ⚡️

---

“Your scene, Diaz. I’m here if you need me, but you’re calling the shots.”

Which is the first time that has happened. Eddie is sort of terrified actually. Going from a player on the board to the one moving the pieces. From soldier to commander. So personal feelings actually could be a problem. He has to keep them in check. 

He puts the 118 and the 114 on opposite sides of the operation. The 114 is evacuating a lesser damaged area. The 118 is rescuing victims trapped in a duplex that, apparently, isn’t up to code. 

“Tell me how you chose the assignments,” Yardley asks. “You put your husband in the most dangerous situation we’ve got today.”

Yeah. He feels bad about that.

“I trust Hen, uh… I trust Captain Wilson to do the hardest job the best. To make the right calls, even if they’re hard. I’ve seen her in worse situations.”

Yardley chuckles a little. “Good instinct. I’ve seen people keep their buddies on the lightest task in the field.”

“Oh, they’d hate me for that,” Eddie says. “Especially my husband.”

For the first hour or so, it’s all going fine. Most of the street is evacuated. People are safe. Except the people in the trapped house. The 118 is working as quickly and efficiently as they can, but the house is poorly constructed. Not kept in great condition. And while they’ve got three of five renters out, a couple is still trapped in a room that was added without proper exits. The 114 is the first available house to help. Eddie has no choice but to send them to join. 

“114 and Captain Bowman are coming to assist,” Eddie says into the radio. He hopes Buck hears. Anticipates it and holds himself together. 

“Copy that,” Hen replies. “Appreciate it.”

She’ll come to regret saying that.

---

39 for 🌲

---

He wipes tears from his eyes with the back of his hands. “So, uh… Why don’t you put the pencil down, and we’ll go?”

“Okay,” Chris says. He drops the pencil. It clatters on his desk. 

Buck looks around the room for his crutches. Finds them propped against a wall. Vines have grown around the bottoms. Buck grabs them and shakes them free. There’s one that just refuses to relent until he steps on it, snaps it. The dead remaining tendril falls free. 

Chris is standing, but he does look so tired. Unsteady on his feet. Buck’s heart clenches in his chest. She did this to him. To the little boy he would have died to protect. Who means more to Eddie than life itself. She said she was a safer home for him, stole him away, and hurt him like this. Buck feels sorrow as deep as he feels blind rage. 

“Do you want me to carry you?” Buck asks. “You can sleep until we get there.”

“In the car?” Chris asks.

“Yeah,” Buck smiles. “We have your dad’s truck.”

“Okay,” Chris blinks heavily. He’s speaking so softly Buck is struggling to follow. “Yes, please.”

Buck tucks the crutches under one shoulder and moves to lift Chris. He’s heavier than the last time Buck would have picked him up. He’s been too old for that for a few years now. But today he’s just a little boy again. He melts into Buck like he did when he was eight, head slumping over Buck’s shoulder.

“I got you, okay?” Buck whispers.

“Okay,” Chris yawns. 

Buck adjusts Christopher’s weight in his arms a little, figuring the best way to hold him and the crutches and make it out of the house. 

---

39 for ⚖️

---

Regardless, he can rest easier, knowing that Bobby is well enough to joke. Knowing that he’s not responsible for anyone’s demise anymore. 

Except, he can’t rest long. He wakes up well past midnight, like a dog that has caught a scent. His scale tattoo is going haywire. The feeling of being pulled is more intense than ever. He feels hungry. 

There is someone nearby who needs punishment. 

Not could be punished. Not should be, even. Needs to be. Like the balance of the universe will be wrong if it’s not done. Buck can feel that now; the wrongness. 

He gets up and out of bed, leaves his apartment without even changing out of his pajamas. He follows the pull, as if in a trance. Lets it guide him without a single critical thought. He’s wearing those flimsy Nike slides, crossing the street in the dark. Middle of the night traffic. Not a care in the world. Cars honk and someone even shouts. Buck hardly hears them.

He lets this compulsion lead him right up to another apartment complex, where a man is pacing out front the entryway, yelling into his phone. 

“You need to fix this!” He’s shouting. “I am not going down, this company is not going down, because some little whore is making up lies, okay? I’m just not!”

Buck’s tattoo is aching. His whole arm is pulsing. He doesn’t even feel like he needs to see this guy’s past to know what to do. He just wants to jump. Just wants to make the choice. His whole body is telling him it’s right. 

Buck makes like he’s going to enter the building. Like that’s where he lives, too. He stumbles. On purpose. Trips and bumps into the guy. 

“Watch where you’re going, you fucking idiot!” The man shouts. “Are you high or something?”

[jinxxangel13]

Ancient Enchantment

Chapter 5:

~Masterlist~ ~Prev~ ~Next~

Recap:

The twins said their goodbyes to Sebastian before wandering around the common room together.

“I liked him. Seems like the kind of person you’d hang around, don't you think, Atlas?” Azara looked up at him for a moment before looking back around the room, eyes landing on a wizard's chess game being played back toward where Ominis still stood by the window.

“Oh! Remember when Mum and Dad bought us our first chess board?” Azara smiled up at her brother.

He laughed loudly, ignoring the looks of startled first-years near them.

“How could I forget? We’d sit and play for hours, not even stopping to eat half the time. Come on, let’s go watch!” He grabbed her hand and walked the two of them over to the 2 students playing.

There was a slightly shorter, dark haired girl standing behind the boy with his back to the far windows. She seemed to be trying to help him, but Azara couldn't be too sure. The boy in question was in the process of shifting a piece that she would definitely disagree with the placement, but was interrupted before she could say it out loud.

“You’re not going to move there, are you?” the dark haired girl looked down at the boy, almost in disappointed disbelief, her heavy accent drawing her words together slightly.

“Here, watch this!” The boy did end up putting his piece exactly where Azara thought he would, and she shook her head at that.

“Bad move. It’ll be a checkmate.” she muttered under her breath, but the dark haired girl snapped her gaze up, a smirk on her face as she winked at Azara.

“Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you.” She crossed her arms and stood back up, standing on Azara’s right, opposite of Alistair on her left. The three of them watched as the other player moved their queen and called ‘checkmate,’ effectively ending the game in one last move.

“Told you.” The dark haired girl turned towards the twins fully. “He should have listened. At least I know you would have.”

Azara nodded in agreement.

“Ah, now I know who you are. You’re the new fifth-year Slytherins who barged in with Professor Fig last night. Interesting tactic on your first day, might I add- taking all the attention from the first-years.” The girl nodded to the both of them. “I’m Imelda, by the way.”

“I’m Alistair Valentine, and this is my twin sister Azara.”

“Pleasure. It’s a shame I wasn't with you two and Professor Fig. I could have lured that dragon away. My skills on a broom are absolutely legendary.”

Azara shrugged, her brother turning towards her to answer.

“Maybe if you were, Professor Fig’s friend would have survived.” Alistair raised his shoulder slightly, as if to say ‘what can you do.’

“Precisely. Maybe one day I'll show you a thing or two about flying, if either of you want. I can teach you more than Kagawa ever could. Speaking of which, I'd like to get in some time on my broom before classes.” 

Azara looked back to the empty wizard’s chess board before looking back up to Imelda. 

“Are you a keen wizard chess fan?”

“Yeah, you knew that boy was going to lose the match.” Alistair mentioned.

“So did she. But no, not really. Much too sedate a pastime for me. It’s simply not challenging enough for me. The moves are always so obvious. Why does no one else see it?” Imelda shrugged it off, looking as if she was about to leave.

“Well, do you fly a lot during school? You mentioned being able to teach us a few things.” 

Alistair never knew how to put his foot in his mouth, and Azara just rolled her eyes at him.

“I make time. There’s nothing like swerving through the spiers of the castle and around the Quidditch pitch to clear the mind.” Imelda retorted.

“That sounds fascinating, Imelda. I can't wait to try.” Azara smiled slightly at her.

“Nice meeting you both.” Imelda left abruptly, likely she does that to everyone.

Azara and Alistair let out a sigh after she left, both already tired of speaking and it hadn't even been twenty minutes since they came out of their room. 

Azara pulled Alistair out of his thoughts when she heard someone calling out.

“Are the new fifth-years here? Professor Weasley said she was waiting for you by the stairs.”

Azara started pulling Alistair along. “Come on, we don’t want to be late on our first day.”

[jopetkasi]

Hello, Tumblr friends! I apologize for the lack of posts recently – work has been keeping me busy, but I want you to know that I’ve been keeping up with all your posts as I scroll through and read them. It’s been great to stay connected!

The Chinese New Year has come and gone, and as usual, we made our way to the temple to pay our respects. I had my "kua dit" (fortune reading), and the prediction is promising! According to the reading, it seems like this year will be a good one for me in terms of finances and business ventures. I was also reminded to focus on my health and was advised to wear red and green for some added auspicious energy.

Speaking of Chinese New Year, I’ve had a few people ask me which greeting is more appropriate: "Kung Hei Fat Choi" or "Gong Xi Fa Cai"? Honestly, either works! But for those of us who speak Hokkien, we often greet each other with "Xin Nian Kuai Le" (Happy New Year), followed by "Kiong Hee Huat Tsai", which translates to "Wishing you prosperity and good fortune."

So yeah, I wish us all a prosperous and joyful year ahead!

I’m in the midst of making a big move to the province for good. After talking it over with Dad, he’s on board with the idea of me working offsite, especially after I explained how the city has just become too overwhelming for me. Right now, I’m torn between liquidating my assets in the city or putting them up for lease to generate some extra income. Ewan ko ba, part of me is adamant about this change, while another part is telling me that it’s time to embrace a new adventure—one that’s slower, simpler, and yes, right by the sea.

Chris, my wonderfully supportive (and unassuming) boyfriend, is all for this decision, but he’s made it clear that he can’t uproot himself just yet, for many reasons. I get it. We all need our own space and time to adjust. Plus, he’ll still get to be mine for one week every month, so it’s all good!

Also, a bit of news about my brother—remember he mentioned running for the elections? Well, he’s had a change of heart. He realized that his career in the judiciary offers more stability and long-term security compared to the unpredictable nature of being elected every three years. A very sensible decision, I must say.

I also had a couple of days off from work. My friend, Gerdie (pictured here) invited me to spend some days at their property. it was good naman. i got to spend many hours lingering by the sea with good friends, good food, and conversations.

I also bought pieces of jewelry. I had some extra cash earned from my side hustles so ayan. again, gold keeps on appreciating so it's a good investment.

ayun. it's been a long day. tired to even drive. i made a pit stop at Starbucks and much to my resistance to pay for overpriced meals, I gave in. I mean, minsang lang naman to.

So that's it for me. Take care dear ones.

[ladylooch]

Hockeymom!emma, when lio starts getting into hockey a little more seriously, and timo hasn’t retired yet so he can come to all his games and practices

“You’re going to video me for dad right?” Lio asks as Emma maneuvers his jersey over his shoulder pads. He is gearing up for his first championship hockey game and can barely sit still long enough for her to help pull his jersey over his head. 

“You bet, baby.” I lean forward, pressing my lips to his cheek.

“Mama, no.” He whispers, harshly pulling away.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot you’re too old for good luck smooches. One day, Lee, you’ll want those again… but not from me.” She admits at the end.

“Girls are gross.” Lio mutters. “Hockey is my one love.”

“Uh huh. Good luck. Play hard and be safe.” Emma says, walking from the locker room to grab a seat. 

Emma is at the game on her own today. The rest of the kids are with her parents who are in town visiting Nico and Lexi’s new baby while Nico, and Timo, are on the road. They’re all gathered at the Hischier house so Emma could be fully present for Lio’s game. He’s having a hard time with Timo not being here for his first big hockey game.

“Woo! Go Lio!” Emma cheers as the opening face off begins the game. 

It’s a decent game right off the bat. Lio is flying around the ice, his little 96 jersey flapping in the wind with each of his strides. He’s faster than the other kids and difficult to defend against. One of the defenseman on the other team is getting visibly frustrated with him. His body language skating off the ice after the latest shift is sluggish and defeated. 

The next time Lio is on the ice, he gets taken down by that same defenseman with an accidental trip close to the end boards. Emma straightens, concern tightening her shoulders when he doesn’t pop back up. The ref comes over to him, then waves for Lio’s coach and the tournament athletic trainer to come onto the ice. Slowly, Emma gets to her feet, crossing her arms over her chest, gripping the dainty, gold necklace Timo gave to her with the kids’ initials. Lio’s coach crouches down next to him, then glances into the stands. His eyes meet Emma’s and he waves her down. 

Shit.

“Mama.” Lio is wailing when she gets there.

“I’m here baby.” She kneels on the ice next to him, ignoring the way her jeans get soaked. 

“Hi mom, Lio’s arm is hurt. We are going to splint it quick and then move him off. He is in a lot of pain and can’t rotate his arm. He’ll need to go get an X-ray.” The trainers says as she finishes the splint. “You’re doing a great job, Lio.” She praises him when she is done.

It’s a long couple hours at Children’s hospital for Lio and Emma. She called Timo, but hasn’t heard back from him because of his pre-game nap.

“Hey baby, sorry I missed your call. My settings weren’t working and didn’t let your call through.”

“It’s okay.” She murmurs against Lio’s head. They are waiting for his discharge paperwork and then will be going home. Lio has a sling and they have an appointment in two days for a hard cast to be put on at a different clinic.

“How did the game go? Did he win?”

“Um, well, I’m not sure because we are at Children’s.”

“Fuck, what happened?”

“Mhm, a broken arm. No surgery, but they want another X-ray before his cast goes on to confirm he won’t need pins.”

“How is he doing?”

“Um, not good.” Emma answers honestly. “He’s really upset about missing the game. Lots of tears.” She smooths his hair back.

“Can I talk to him?”

“Yep.” Emma puts it on speaker. “Daddy wants to talk to you.”

“Hi buddy, are you doing okay?” Timo’s voice is sweet and soft with their son.

“It hurts.” Lio mewls.

“I bet it does buddy.”

“Can you come home?” Lio has big tears falling down his face. Timo is quiet on the other end. Emma can imagine him now, eyes closed, lips pursed as his heart shatters into a million pieces.

“I can’t, buddy. I’m sorry. Mama will take good care of you. I bet she’ll make you some mac and cheese when you get home.”

“I’m done now.” Lio hands the phone back to Emma. She takes it off speaker.

“He hates me.” Timo mutters to her.

“No, he just doesn’t understand. He will one day.” 

“I gotta head to the bus. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Okay.”

“Em?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m so sorry I’m not there.” Emma can’t make this better for any of them.

“I know. We love you, T.”