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daisyblog · 2 years ago

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Kiss and Make Up

Our Story Masterlist Summary: Harry and YN have their first argument. Warning: swearing

YN’s POV: The Take Me Home tour was well underway, I felt so lucky to be able to join the boys on the tour being Louise’s assistant. I’d learnt so much already and it had only just begun. Tonight the boys are playing at LG Arena in Birmingham, they had just finished rehearsing ahead of the evening show so were now free to do as they pleased. In the boy's shared dressing room, Niall was sitting on the arm of the large sofa, that Liam was laying across, strumming random tunes on his guitar and Louis and Zayn were yet to appear. Harry’s arm was draped over my shoulder as we sat as one on the opposite sofa to the two boys. I was scrolling through my Instagram and Twitter as the boys chatted about the tour so far, how they were excited to play in their hometown and just overall how happy they are.

“So..Liam are your Mum and Dad comin’ tonight ‘en..because Birmingham is close to them isn’t it?” Niall asked as he continued to strum his guitar. “Uh yeah they are actually..I dunno if my sisters are though” Liam explained from his position on the sofa “Do I need to warn them about your thing for the boy's sisters Harry?” Liam teased.

I felt Harry chuckle next to me, and the next thing said made my chest tight and my stomach twist “Yeah..once I get bored with YN, I’ll charm yours and win them over”. The three boys laughed but Harry’s arm around you suddenly felt heavy on your shoulder. Was that all I was to him, someone to use until he found better? I couldn’t stay in this room any longer, I needed to get out. I could take a joke, heck I loved the jokes and pranks the boys would pull but this wasn’t funny. I got up without saying a word and stomped towards the door “Where you going?” Harry asked, completely oblivious to what his words had done. I ignored him, not wanting to talk right now and continued to walk out the door and down the corridor heading towards the bathroom at the end of it. The tears were going to spill any second, I felt them in the corners of my eyes making my vision blurry.

“Aww there she is..you alright Tiny?” my brother’s voice startled me. The minute Louis saw the tears streaming down my face, he panicked and pulled me into his chest “What’s wrong? What’s ‘appened?”. “H-h-harry..” I sobbed into his chest, I didn’t get the chance to finish explaining what had happened because Louis left me to go and headed towards the dressing room. I was going to tell him not to but there was no point, once Louis had something in his head he was going to do it regardless. I just carried on heading towards the bathroom to avoid what was about to happen.

Harry’s POV:

YN had just walked out of the dressing room door without answering me when I asked where she was going. “What’s wrong with her?” Liam asked no one in particular. “You know what girls can be like…fine one minute and in a mood the next..hormones or some shit” Niall spoke “Are you gonna go after her?”

“No, she’ll be fine..probably gone to phone her Mum or something” I said “I know she’s been missing her a lot since the tour started” The door flies open and almost hits the wall behind it, and Louis appears. “What the fook ‘ave you done to my sister?” Louis raised his voice at me. At this, the two boys looked at me and matched the same confused look that I had. “Mate..nothi-“ Liam began. “I’m not askin’ you Payno..I’m talkin’ to Harry” “Lou..I-I..I don’t know what you're talking about..she just walked out without saying anything” “Well why the hell was she just sobbing in my arms and all I got out of her was your name?” Louis spoke “Do me a favour..go and find her and sort it out..will ya? ‘cause if you don’t I’m gonna punch you this time” Niall and Liam adverting their eyes back and forth at the seen in front of them.

I got up from the sofa without saying another word and headed towards the door. I didn’t understand what had happened, and how things can change so quickly. One minute we were cuddling on the sofa and now she’s crying because of me. It almost felt impossible to find her in this building, I’d looked in every room almost and no sign of her anywhere. I’d asked Louise if she had seen her and all I got was ‘thought she was with you’, I’d asked the 5SOS boys, who were our opening act, but still no luck. The crew members who were sitting having some lunch in the kitchen hadn’t seen her either. I almost gave up looking until I passed Paul in the corridor, and he told me he saw her going into the small room at the bottom near the toilets. As I approached the room, I took a deep breath before pushing the door open. As I walked in and let the door close behind me, I noticed she was sitting on the red sofa with her knees tucked up in her chest and wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her jumper. The scene broke my heart. My legs took me over to her “Baby..what..why are you crying?”. “Just leave me alone” she mumbled. “No..no..I’m not going anywhere until we talk about this”, I went to wipe a tear that was rolling down her cheek but she swatted my hand away. “YN..Baby please” “Just fook off…you’d rather be with someone else anyway” she spat out. “What are you talking about?” “Once I get bored with YN, I’ll charm yours and win them over..I think that’s what you said” she repeated my words from earlier. “Aww c’mon…that was a joke and you know it” I defended my words. “No..jokes are funny…that was just arrogant” “You’re just being sensitive now” I snapped at her. “YOU JUST DON’T GET IT” she shouted “Nobody ever gets it” she whispered the last part. “THEN FUCKING TELL ME YN…'CAUSE I DON”T COME WITH A CRYSTAL BALL TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING..FOR FUCKS SAKE” after raising my voice, I regretted it instantly “I’m sorry..I didn’t mean to shout” She was silent for a few moments until I heard her voice “Do you know how many comments I read every day telling me I’m ugly and fat..o-or how you could do so much better than me…thousands…and when you said that you would move onto someone else once you get bored of me..It made me think maybe they’re right..why would Harry Styles want to be with me, when he could have anyone he wanted” “I don’t want anyone other than you” I spoke “and if I can’t have you then..I don’t see the point” I spoke gently. She sniffed and wiped a stray tear that rolled down her cheek and hit her lip “It really hurt me what you said” “I know..and I’m really sorry baby” I held my arms open for her, and she slowly moved so her head lay on my chest. I kissed the top of her head and moved my fingers up and down her arm in a calming motion. After a few moments, I decided to speak “Baby?”, she lifted her head to look up at me “You’re beautiful…please don’t listen to those comments…they’re just people who don’t have anything better to do than tear people apart”, I dipped my head to meet her lips and moved mine with hers softly. I brought my hand up to the side of her face as the kiss deepened and became a little sloppier. As I was about to move for her to fall on top of me, the door abruptly opened. “Ahh fook...me eyes” Louis's dramatic voice startled us “Right..well I’m glad you’ve made up…but maybe keep the kissing part until later yeah…right well..umm…I’ll leave you to it” and walked back out, closing the door behind him. As I looked back at YN we burst into laughter at what just happened. “I love you” I confessed, leaving a peck on her lips “I love you” she mumbled against my lips.

Tag List: (let me know if you would like to be added) @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @harrys-flower

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lilithyvenus · 1 month ago

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talk your shit! silencing yourself is active self harm - pick a card reading

hi bambinos ❤️ thank you for your support! it's bittersweet to know the mother wound reading resonated, but i'm comforted by knowing it was helpful. now that it's a wednesday, let's address how holding our tongues tells our inner children that what they have to say still doesn't matter. even anger needs to be voiced. my Black women and nbs, i'm talking to you especially here.

for people with marginalized identities, you speaking up is the very least you can do for your ancestors. i'm southern african; my grandmas were maids for white south africans just 60 years ago, and for their own safety, they had to silence and censor themselves. i have had to recognize this and if you can't do it for yourself, do it for the people whose compliance ensured your presence here, now. you better fuck shit up!

channeled songs

- mad by solange

- under the table by fiona apple

- fsu by fidlar

- eartha by jamila woods

- wannabe by the spice girls

today's pile selection is my collage art :3

group one

the song referenced in the collage you chose is starring role by marina.

your cards: two of pentacles + five of cups + queen of cups in reverse + queen of pentacles

you seem to be under the impression that there's a time limit to grief and healing, and there isn't. please, if you're not talking about it because you fear everyone is tired of you bringing it up, where will the burden you're carrying live besides in you? it will always feel like we're doing too much when we give ourselves time to dwell in our sorrow because we're socialized to prioritize productivity over health. you don't need other people to validate you to make the pain justifiable – you feel it and that's enough. by talking to someone patient, you will let yourself gradually let more light in. i stress that they have to be patient, because you don't need someone who makes you consider for a second that you revisiting the grief over and over is burdensome. for those of you who feel alone in this, please use the kokobot here. it isn't 100% effective, but it's knowing that there's someone else put there who doesn't need to know you to be warm and supportive of you. baby yourself too! what tf are they gonna do, unbaby you?

channeled media

heartaches by patsy cline

do it for her from steven universe

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (2004)

the year of magical thinking by joan didion

wake up alone (the demo/original version) by amy winehouse

lonely comin' down by dolly parton

group two

the song referenced in the collage you chose is just the same but brand new by st vincent.

your cards: seven of pentacles + queen of pentacles in reverse + knight of pentacles in reverse + magician

you're allowed to be exasperated with the way things are going. did someone tell you you can't be pessimistic or it'll undo your manifestations? that is something people who already come from privilege say – of course you didn't have negative thoughts, bank of mum and dad is always on it! you're putting the physical work in but you aren't seeing the progress you like, and both that lack of physical progress and your annoyance are okay! please talk about it, rant and rave about it, but don't let yourself lose hope completely. you might be too focused on one aspect that isn't where you want it to be, but don't minimize what you've accomplished already. talk to your ancestors and guides. they are your relatives and they have your highest good in mind, they don't mind you ranting to them. in fact, outright ask them to show you how to shift your focus while they work in your favour. also, your words hold weight so you may as well affirm that your doubt doesn't chase away what is meant for you. also, idk who needs to hear this but sevdaliza has been making music for over ten years now and charli xcx for over fifteen, and they got their undeniable mainstream success last year. notably, both brown women embracing their outsider status. imagine if charli's legacy was boom clap.....

channeled media

there's gotta be something better than this from sweet charity

after the storm by kali uchis

fetch the bolt cutters + shameika by fiona apple

waiting for godot (if you can, watch a bootleg of the stage play)

rhode by sevdaliza

group three

the song referenced in the collage you chose is window seat by erykah badu. it's also inspired by the rock scene in everything everywhere all at once.

your cards: seven of pentacles + six of swords in reverse + knight of wands + strength

is someone dealing with a fuckboy? i hope they die. that's not a bit, i'm so serious. but in general, someone is playing in your face and there's only so much diplomacy you can practice when the other person can't respect you enough to at least let you know they can't deliver + give you what you need. would you do what they're doing to someone else, especially someone you claim to hold dearly? we often fall into the trap of projecting our morals onto other people, and we get hurt because unfortunately, some people have no home training. this person needs a tongue lashing and don't spare yourself. the relief you are going to feel after telling them about themselves is worth it. actually, it's what you deserve since they can't deliver or even own up to their failing you.

channeled media

stfu! by rina sawayama

gettin' in the way by jill scott

army of me (feat. skunk anansie) by bjork

bossy by kelis

these boots are made for walking by nancy sinatra

1, 2, 3 & tut tut tut by the tuts

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mariswxt · 1 year ago

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we can be more | dean winchester | 9

Summary: Ivonne Rainer was practically a trained killing machine. Stripped to the bone then built back up by her father in order to become one of the best, like he was. She was forced into hunting when she was nineteen, having developed powers that couldn’t be explained. That is, until she was paid a visit by Azazel’s lackey. Her powers were gone, she needed help, and that’s when she found her father’s journal. Pointing to Sam and Dean Winchester.

SERIES MASTERLIST

CROSSROAD BLUES

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : CROSSROAD BLUES - ROBERT JOHNSON

“Hey, jellybean.” Dad smiled into the camera, sharpening his knife. “This hunt is pretty dangerous, I’ll have to admit. These vamps are beating the hell out of me.”

“Hey, Mick!” A hunter yelled. “Are you talkin’ to your daughter again?”

“Oh, come on, Ed, you’d do the same if you had one.” Dad retorted. “It’s a shame that no girl’s ever looked your way, huh?” He turned back toward the camera. “Y’know, I’d give anything to be home with you. I’ve been such a bad father these past few years. I missed your graduation. Your orientation day in Princeton too. You didn’t even go to prom because you wanted to see me come back from a hunt but I didn’t until a few weeks later. I think…” His voice broke off.

There were happy shouts in the background, but Dad didn’t seem so happy.

“I think that the last time I’ll ever see you is this picture I keep in my pocket.” He pulled it out, taking a look. “I keep you with me every day. I love you so much, jellybean, but I don’t think I’m comin’ back. I know I promised, I know, but I don’t think I am. I trained you to keep yourself safe. Keep your mother safe. And Lils, and Carter too, because if I don’t come back then I don’t know what sorta things will come after your blood and I know they will, so please, be safe. You’re a Rainer, Ivonne, don’t ever forget that. I love you more than life itself, sweetheart. Don’t come looking for me. I’m sorry.”

I gasped once I saw the video message, immediately searching for my phone. I dialled my mom frantically, holding the phone to my ear.

“Please, please…” I muttered, pacing and trying to keep tears from falling.

‘Honey?’ My mum answered. ‘What’s wrong?’

“Mom, Dad’s in trouble. He sent me a message saying that this could be the last he sees me, but I…“

‘Did he tell you where he was?’

“No, he just told me not to look-“

‘Then don’t. He’s said it for a reason. The term’s almost over, wait for another message and if not, come straight home, ok?’ She cut the call, and I collapsed on my bed, hyperventilating.

What if I never see him again?

I can’t do any of this without him.

“So much for our low profile. You've got a warrant in St. Louis, and now you're officially in the Fed's database.” Sam sighed, checking the police database and showing us the mugshots of Dean.

“Dude. It’s like I’m Dillinger or somethin’.” Dean grinned excitedly.

“Mhmm.” I nodded. “You’re a wanted criminal in the FBI’s database, which is a huge drawback cause we travel everywhere, and you’re rejoicing. But hey, at least they got your good angles.”

“Well, what do they got on you two?”

“Nothing on me, cause James managed to clear me of all charges.”

“You’re lucky your police boy could help out.”

“Well, I caused no evident law breaking, so they can’t press.”

“What about Sammy?”

“I’m sure they haven’t posted it yet.” Sam muttered.

“What? No accessory, no nothing?”

“Shut up.”

“You’re jealous.” Dean laughed.

“No, I’m not!” Sam protested, giving Dean a look.

“As if someone would be jealous of being wanted for murder, breaking and entering, escape and grave desecration.” I scoffed.

“What do you got on the case there, you innocent, harmless young woman, you?” Dean grinned, so I looked at the case file.

“Architect Sean Boyden plummeted to his death from the roof of his home, a condominium he designed.”

“Hmm. Build a high-rise and jump off the top of it. That's classy. When did he call animal control?”

“Two days before.”

”And did he actually say ‘black dog’?”

“Yeah. A vicious, wild, black dog.” Sam nodded. “The authorities couldn't find it, no one else saw it; in fact, the authorities are a little confused as to how a wild dog could get past the doorman, take the elevator up and start roaming the halls of the cushiest joint in town. After that, no more calls, he doesn't show up for work, two days later he takes a swan dive.”

“Do you think we’re dealing with an actual black dog?”

“Maybe.”

“What’s the lore on it?”

“It's all pretty vague. I mean, there are spectral black dogs all over the world, but... some say they're animal spirits, others say death omens. But anyways, whatever they are, they're big, nasty.”

“Well, it could be a death omen.” I suggested. “Spectral black dogs never attack without reason. We could be dealing with a Grim sort of thing. Like, you know, Harry Potter.”

“You have… the Grim.” Dean mimicked, making us all laugh.

“So, you and Sean Boyden were business partners for almost ten years, right?” Sam asked. We were interviewing his business partner.

“That's right. Now one more time, this is for...?”

“A tribute to Mr. Boyden. Architectural Digest.” The man laughed, drawing a weird look from us. “This funny to you?”

“No, it... it's just, a tribute. Yeah. See, Sean always got the tributes. He kills himself, leaves me and his family behind... well, he gets another tribute.”

“Right.” Sam nodded. “Any reason why he would do such a thing?”

“I, I have no clue, I mean he lived a charmed life.”

“How so?”

“He was a flat-out genius. I mean, I'm capable, but next to him, I... and it wasn't always that way, either.”

“No?” I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms.

“You wanna know the truth? There was a time where he couldn't even design a pup tent. Hell, ten years ago he's working as a bartender at this place called Lloyds. A complete dive.”

”What changed?”

”You got me. But overnight, he gets this huge commission, and he starts designing... he starts designing the most ingenious buildings anyone has ever seen. It was like, the level of Van Gogh, and Mozart...” He trailed off.

“What?”

“It's funny. True geniuses, they seem to die young, don't they? To have that kind of talent? Why... why just throw it away?”

“So…” Sam drummed on the glove box. “Dean.”

”What about Dean?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

”You two care for each other a lot.”

“That’s natural.”

“A lot.”

“What are you implying?”

”That you and my brother could be a… a thing… someday.”

“Keep dreaming.” I laughed. “Dean and I have a good thing goin’. Plus, he flirts with every girl his age he sets his eyes on.”

“If you say so.” Sam grinned, nudging me. “In the meantime, you can flirt with James Rhodes. Keep your options open-“

“Shut up.” We started giggling, but then Dean came back.

”So?”

“Secretary's name is Carly. She's twenty three, she, uh, kayaks, and they're real.” Dean grinned.

“Spare the details of your latest hookup, Dean.” I sighed. “What did you get on the black dogs?”

“Every complaint called in this week about anything big, black, or dog-like. There's nineteen calls in all. And, uh,” He pulled off a post-it note from his clipboard, “I don't know what this thing is.” I took it and raised an eyebrow, handing it to Sam.

“I have no idea what this is.”

“You mean Carly’s MySpace address?” Sam chuckled.

“Yeah, MySpace, what the hell is that?” Dean frowned. “Is that some dating site or somethin’?”

We had been round most houses, but they were just cases of barking Pomeranians. Naturally, Deans as starting to get mad.

“I swear, if this is another freakin' Pomeranian barking in the neighbour’s yard...” He knocked on the next door, and a lady opened it, looking nervous.

”Afternoon, ma’am.” I flashed my badge. “Animal control.”

“Oh, someone already came yesterday.” She blinked, and we shared a look.

“Oh, we're just following up.” Sam excused. “We're looking for Dr. Sylvia Pearlman?”

“The Doctor, well, she, I don't know exactly when she'll be back, she left two days ago.”

“Ok. And you are..?”

“Ms Pearlman’s maid.” She stammered.

“So where did the Doctor go?”

“I'm not sure. She just packed and went, she didn't say where. That stray dog, did you find it finally?”

“Oh, not yet. You know, you didn't ever happen to see the dog yourself, did you?” I asked, feigning concern.

“Well, no. I never even heard it.” Dean looked at a photo, analysing it. The maid continued nervously, “I was almost starting to think the Doctor was imagining things, but she's not like that, so...”

“Hey, you know I read she was, uh chief surgeon at the hospital. She's gotta be what, forty two, forty three? That's pretty young for that job.” Dean probed casually.

“Youngest in the history of the place. She got the position... ten years ago?”

“Ten years?” I raised an eyebrow. “An overnight success, too.”

“Yeah, we know a guy like that.” Dean nodded, gesturing to the painting. “And, look, Lloyd’s bar.”

We pulled up at Lloyd’s bar, and outside there were yellow flowers growing around the door. I pulled out my pocket botany guide, flicking through it.

“Yellow flowers?” Dean scoffed. “Wanna pick ‘em, Beanie?”

“Not just any yellow flowers.” I replied, reading the page I’d found. “Yarrow flowers. They’re used in summoning rituals. Someone planted them here.”

“So, two people become sudden successes about ten years ago. Right around the time they were hanging out here at Lloyd's.”

“Where there just happens to be a crossroads.” Sam frowned. “You think?”

“Let’s find out.” We went to the crossroads, taking a shovel and digging in the dead centre. We eventually hit something solid, and we shared a look. “Yahtzee.” I pulled out a box, opening it and checking the contents.

“Graveyard dirt, black cat bone, all hardcore and unmistakeable methods to summon a demon.” I informed, tapping the side of the vial of graveyard dirt.

“That’s serious hoodoo.”

“No, not just to summon one.” I shook my head. “Crossroads are where pacts are made. These people are actually making deals with the damn thing. You know, 'cause that always ends good. These people aren’t seeing just spectral black dogs. These are hellhounds. Demonic pit bulls that guard hell’s gates and drag anyone who belongs there in if they’ve sold their soul or belong there.” You can bring people back by summoning demons. Bring anyone back.

‘Yeah, whoever this demon is, it's back and it's collecting.” Sam sighed.

“And that doctor lady?” Dean grimaced. “Wherever she's running? She ain't running fast enough.”

“So it's just like the Robert Johnson legend, right? I mean, selling your soul at the crossroads, kind of deal?”

“Yeah, except that wasn't a legend. I mean, you know his music. You don't know Robert Johnson's songs? Sam, there's, there's occult references all over his lyrics, I mean, Crossroad Blues? Me and the Devil Blues? Hellhound on My Trail?” Dean rolled his eyes when Sam didn’t follow. “The story goes, he died choking on his own blood, he was hallucinating, and muttering about big evil dogs.”

“And now it’s happening all over again.”

“We've gotta figure out if anyone else struck any bargains around here.” I resolved, dusting off my hands.

“Great. So we've gotta clean up these peoples' mess for 'em? I mean, they're not exactly squeaky clean. Nobody put a gun to their head and forced 'em to play Let's Make A Deal.” Dean frowned.

“They’re human. We can’t leave them to die.”

“Somebody goes over Niagara in a barrel, you gonna jump in and try to save 'em?”

“Dean.”

“Fine.” He conceded. “Rituals like this, you've got to put your own photo into the mix, right? So this guy probably summoned this thing, let's go and see if anyone inside knows him. If he's still alive.”

I was preparing for a big gymnastics tournament, stretching and testing my flexibility for the big moment. This could be my one chance to get to the Olympics.

“Why so nervous, jellybean?” Dad was at the door, holding my bottle of water.

“If I don’t get this, I don’t get the Olympics.” I sighed, taking the bottle. “Thanks.”

“No problem, sweetheart.” He patted my shoulder with a smile. “You’re gonna be fine.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because you’re Ivonne Rainer.” He smiled, bending to my height. “You’re the toughest girl I know. You take after your mother. She used to hunt, but after she had you she stopped. But I’ve never seen a lady like her until you grew up. You can load and shoot a gun faster than I can, so flying across that room should be child’s play to you.” He kissed my forehead, clasping our hands together. “So, who are you?”

“I’m a Rainer.”

“Who are you?!”

“I’m a Rainer!”

“I can’t hear you, solider! WHO ARE YOU?!”

“I’M A RAINER!” He hugged me tight, patting my back.

“Knock ‘em dead, tiger.”

We walked up the stairs in an apartment building, looking at a picture.

“What's this guy's name again?” Sam asked.

“George Darrow.” Dean informed. “Apparently quite the regular at Lloyd's. Though this house probably ain't up next on MTV Cribs, is it?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “So whatever kind of deal he made-“

”Wasn't for cash. Oh, who knows. Maybe this place is full of babes in Princess Leia bikinis.” We gave him a look, “No, I'm just saying, this guy's got one epic bill come due. Hope at least he asked for something fun.”

“Look at that.” Sam pointed at a black powder outside Darrow’s door, and I recognised it from somewhere. I touched it, staring at it.

“Is that pepper?” Dean scoffed.

“I… don’t know.” I frowned.

“Who the hell are you?” Darrow grumbled, the door swinging open.

“George Darrow?” Dean asked.

“I’m not buyin’ anything.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, looks like you went for the wrong shaker there. Usually when you want to keep something evil out you go for the salt.”

“I don't know what you talkin' about.”

“I’m talkin’ about this.” Dean held up a picture of a hellhound. “You seen this yet?”

“Look. We want to help. Please. Just five minutes.” Sam begged. He let us in wordlessly, and we stepped in, cautious not to disturb the black line. “So what is that stuff out front?” I blew on the black dust, and then I got it.

“Goofer dust.” Darrow and I said at the same time, but Sam and Dean stared at us.

“What, you boys think you know somethin' about somethin' but not Goofer dust? Girl gets it.” Darrow lectured gruffly, tossing Dean a brown sack.

“Well, we know a little about a lot of things. Just enough to make us dangerous.” Dean replied casually.

“What is it?” Sam asked.

“Hoodoo. My grandma taught me. Keeps out demons.“ He waddled over to a chair. “Four minutes left.”

“Mr. Darrow. We know you're in trouble.”

“Trouble that you got yourself into.” Dean sniffed.

“But there’s still hope, alright? There's gotta be something we can do.”

“Listen. I get that you boys want to help.” Darrow sighed. “But sometimes a person makes their bed, they've just got to lie down in it. I'm the one called that demon in the first place.”

“What d’you do it for?” I asked, gaining a stunned look. “You heard me. Why did you do it?”

“I was weak. I mean, who don't want to be great? Who don't want their life to mean something? I just... I just never thought about the price.”

“Was it worth it?”

“Hell no. 'Course, I asked for talent. Shoulda gone for fame. I'm still broke, and lonely. Just now I got this pile of paintings don't nobody want. But that wasn't the worst.”

“Go on.”

“Demon didn't leave. I never counted on that. After our deal was done the damn thing stayed at Lloyd's for a week. Just chattin'. Makin' more deals. I tried to warn folks, but, I mean who's goin' to listen to an old drunk?”

“George, how many other people are there? Like you?”

“Uh, the architect, that doctor lady — I kept up with them, they've been in the papers. Least they got famous.”

“Think, George.”

“One more. Uh, nice guy too. Hudson. Evan, I think. I don't know what he asked for. Don't matter now. We done for.”

“No.” Sam refused, “No, there’s gotta be a way.”

“You don't get it! I don't want a way!”

“Look-“

”I called that thing! I brought it on myself. I brought it on them. I'm going to hell, one way or another. All I want is to finish my last painting. Day or two, I'm done. I'm just trying to hold them off 'till then. Buy a little time. Okay, boys. Time you went, go help somebody that wants help.”

“We can’t just-“

“Get out! I have work to do.”

“You don't really want to die.”

“I don’t?” He scoffed. “I’m… I’m tired.”

“C’mon, Sam.” I gently took Sam away. “Thank you for your time, sir. It was good meeting you.”

“You too, girlie.”

We knocked on Evan Hudson’s door, and he opened it a small bit.

“Yes?” He whispered.

“Evan Hudson?” Sam asked.

“You ever been to a bar called Lloyd's? Would have been about ten years ago.” Dean added, but then Evan slammed the door. “Come on, we're not demons!” I focused, forgetting about the rune etched into my arm, and my eyes momentarily glowed blue, but then I felt a searing pain in my arm and stopped, falling back against the wall. “Beanie! What happened?”

“I’m fine, I just tried to use my…” I gestured to my forearm and he understood. “Got any bright ideas?” Dean reared up, then went to kick the door open, but I opened it just by pushing the handle down. Dean collapsed in a crumpled heap, and Sam helped him up with a smirk. “Evan?”

“Don’t hurt me!” Evan whimpered, jumping out from behind a bookshelf.

“You know, if we were demons, that’s a terrible thing to do.” I sighed. “We’re here to help, not hurt you. We know about that deal with the demon 10 years ago.”

“What? How?”

“Doesn’t matter.” Sam said. “All that matters is how we stop it.”

“How do I know you're not lying?”

Dean shrugged. “Well, you don't, but you're kinda running low on options there, buddy-boy.”

Evan started pacing. “Can you stop it?”

“Don’t know.” Sam frowned. “But we’ll try.”

“I don't want to die.”

“Of course you don’t, not now.” Dean smirked.

“Dean, stop.” Sam hissed.

“What did you ask for, Evan?” I asked intently, stepping forward.

“My wife.” Evan gulped.

Dean scoffed. “Right. Gettin' the girl. Well, that's worth a trip to hell for.”

Sam glared at Dean, who, I’ll admit, was getting out of hand. “Stop, Dean.”

”No. He's right, I made the deal.” Evan nodded. “Nobody twisted my arm, that... woman, or whatever she was, at the bar? She said I could have anything I wanted. I thought she was nuts at first, but... I don't know how to— I was desperate.”

“Desperate?”

“Julie was dying.”

“You did it to save her?” Dean frowned.

“She had cancer, they'd stopped treatment, they were moving her into hospice, they kept saying... a matter of days. So yeah, I made the deal. And I'd do it again. I'd have died for her on the spot.”

“Did you ever think about her?”

“I did this for her.”

“You sure about that? I think you did it for yourself. So you wouldn't have to live without her. But guess what? She's going to have to live without you now. But what if she knew how much it cost? What if she knew it cost your soul? How do you think she'd feel-“

“Will all of you just shut up already?!” I burst out, silencing everyone. “We’ll figure something out. Evan, keep a close watch, grab anything pure iron in your house and have it as a weapon. Boys, we need to figure this out.” Evan rushed to find something iron, while Sam, Dean and I talked. “Dean, are you ok?”

“Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” Dean shrugged. “Hey, I got an idea.”

”What is it?”

“You throw George's hoodoo at that Hellhound, keep it away from Evan as long as you can. I'm gonna go to the crossroads and summon the demon.”

“Summon-“ Sam scoffed, “are you nuts?!”

“Maybe a little. But Beanie and I can trap it. We can exorcise it, and can buy us time to figure out something more permanent.”

“But how much time are we talkin’?” I asked, folding my arms.

“I don't know, a while. I mean, it's not easy for those suckers to claw their way back from hell and into the sunshine.”

“No. No way.” Sam refused.

“You’re not allowed to say no, Sammy, unless you’ve got a better plan.”

“Dean, you can forget it, all right? I'm not letting you summon that demon.”

“Why?” Dean challenged. “Why not?”

“Because I don't like where your head is at right now, that's why not.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You know, you've been on edge ever since we found that crossroads, Dean, and I think I know why.”

“We don’t have time for this-“

“Dad. You think maybe Dad made one of these deals, huh? Hell. I've been thinking it. I'm sure you've been thinking it too.”

“It fits, doesn't it? I'm alive, Dad's dead. The yellow-eyed demon was involved. What if he did? What if he struck a deal? My life for his soul-”

“That’s enough.” I interrupted through gritted teeth. “Neither of your heads are in the right place at the right time and it’s frustrating because you’re meant to be here and now, not stuck in a decision that John made. Dean, you feel guilty about it and I get that feeling more than anything, and Sam, you want to keep everyone as safe as possible, but, right now, we need both of these things,” I tapped my head, “to be clear so we can actually pull off a plan. Sam, take the goofer dust and make a circle around you and Evan. Once it breaks, book it. Dean, you and I are going to summon the demon. Once we get it in the Solomon trap, I’ll exorcise it. We good with that?”

“Yeah.” They nodded meekly.

“I think I hear it! It's outside!” Evan called from inside.

I turned to them both, taking out my book of exorcisms. “Keep Evan alive, Sam.”

Sam frowned. “Ivy-“

“Just do it!”

Dean placed his ID in George’s hoodoo box, burying it in the centre of the crossroad. I was in hiding, having already painted the Solomon trap.

“So. What brings a guy like you to a place like this?” The crossroads demon was behind Dean as he stood up. He looked her up and down, and I studied the Latin I needed to read. “You called me?”

”I’m just glad it worked.” Dean smirked.

“First time?”

“You could say that.”

“Oh, come on now. Don't sell yourself short. I know all about you, Dean Winchester.” She started circling him, almost like a panther prowling around its prey. The irony was satisfying, really.

“So, you know about me.”

“I get the newsletter.”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What have you heard?” I know you’re stalling, but, really, Dean?

”Well, I heard you were handsome, but ... you're just edible.” I gagged from where I was hiding. Who says that? “What can I do for you, Dean?”

“Maybe we should do this in my car. Nice and private.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“So I was hoping we could strike a deal.” Dean offered as they strolled to his car,

“That’s what I do.” The demon smirked.

“I want Evan Hudson released from his contract.”

“Oh, sorry, darling. That’s non-negotiable.”

“I'll make it worth your while.”

“Really? What are you offering?”

“Me.” WHAT THE HELL-

“I see. Sacrificing your life for someone else’s. Like father, like son, I guess. “You did know about your dad's deal, right?” She chuckled darkly, giving him innocent eyes, but I knew they weren’t as advertised. “His life for yours? Oh, I didn't make the deal myself, but... boy, I wish I had.”

Dean opened the car door, teeth gritted. “After you.”

“Such a gentleman.” She was about to get in, but stopped upon seeing an inscription poke out from under the car. “A Devil's Trap? You've got to be kidding me. You stupid, stupid... I should rip you limb from limb.“

“Take your best shot.” Dean retorted almost pleadingly, backing towards the actual trap.

“No. I don't think so. I'm not going to put you out of your misery.”

“Why not?”

“Because your misery's the whole point. It's too much fun to watch. Knowing how your daddy died for you, how he sold his soul. I mean, that's gotta hurt. It's all you ever think about. You wake up and your first thought is, ‘I can't do this anymore.’” Keep with it, Dean. “You're all lit up with pain. I mean, you loved him so much. And it's all your fault. You blew it, Dean! I could have given you what you need.”

“What-“

“You’re not the only one who feels this way. Imagine Ivy Rainer, forced to live the life her dear brother was meant to. You can make a deal on behalf of her, not Evan Hudson. Now those are terms I can negotiate. Your Beanie can be happy, Dean. Have her family back, and she can be whole.” I gasped silently, glancing towards where the box was buried.

“What do I need?”

“Your father. I could have brought him back. Your loss. Seeya, Dean. I wish you a nice long life.” She started to walk away-

“Hold on.” She stopped, smiling.

“You're lucky I've got a soft spot for lost puppies and long faces. I just can't leave you like this. Besides. You didn't call me here to bargain for Evan. Not really.”

“Can you bring him back? My dad?” He asked.

“Of course I can. Just as he was. Your dad would live a long and natural life, like he was meant to. That's a promise.”

“What about me?”

“I could give you ten years. Ten long good years with him. That's a lifetime. The family can be together again. John, Dean, Sammy. The Winchester boys all reunited.“ She walked towards him. “Look. Your dad's supposed to be alive. You're supposed to be dead. So we'll just set things straight, put things back in their natural order. And you get ten extra years on top. That's a bonus.”

Dean turned and walked further away. “You think you could...” He turned to face her, “throw in a set of steak knives?”

She advanced towards him, ”You know, this smart-ass self-defense mechanism of yours...” She stopped, noticing that she was in a Solomon trap. “Dean!”

“Now you’re trapped.” Dean grinned. “That’s gotta hurt. Beanie, you can come out now.” I emerged, holding my book.

“Let me out. Now.” She hissed.

“In a bit. Thanks for the consideration, but if I wanted to make the deal, I’d have done it.” I smirk. “Alright, here’s our terms, because before you walk free, we need to make a deal. Evan walks free, and you call off your hellhounds. Do that, and you walk too.”

“I can't break a binding contract.”

“There’s a difference between ‘can’t’ and ‘don’t want to’; it’ll do you a favour to learn it.” I retorted. “Last chance. Evan and his wife get to live to a ripe old age. Going, going...”

“Let’s talk about this-“

“Ok, gone.” I pulled out a rosary, and she glanced at it.

“What-what are you doing?”

“You’re just going on a trip.” Dean grinned. “Way down south.”

“Forget Evan. Think of your dad. Both of your dads-“

“Regna terrae,” I read, pacing around her. “cantate deo…” I continued reading, watching her shiver and cry out in pain. “in potentis magnife!”

“Release!” She cried, and Dean and I shared a triumphant look. But then she cupped the nape of Dean’s neck, pulling him in for a kiss. I looked away, shutting my book with a snap as he pulled away.

“What was that for?” Dean spat.

“Sealing the deal.”

“I usually like to be warned before I’m violated with demon lips.”

“Evan Hudson is free. He and his wife will live long lives.”

“How do we know you’re not lying?”

“My word is my bond.”

“Oh, really?” I handed Dean the Latin book and the rosary.

“It is when I make a deal. It's the rules. You got what you wanted. Now let me go.” Dean fiddled with the rosary, contemplating it. “You're gonna double-cross me? Funny how I'm the trustworthy one.” She scoffed. “You know, you renege? Send me to hell? Sooner or later I'm gonna climb out, and skinning Evan Hudson will be the first thing that I do.” Dean stashed the rosary, breaking the circle. She stepped out, giving us a look. “I gotta tell you. You would have never pulled that stunt if you knew.”

“Knew what?” I raised an eyebrow.

“About your dads. You should have made that deal. See, people talk about hell, but it's just a word. It doesn't even come close to describing the real thing-“

“Shut your mouth.”

“If you could see your poor daddy? Hear the sounds he makes 'cause he can't even scream?” She sneered to Dean.

He advanced on her. “How about I send you back there?” He growled. She screamed, ichor pouring out of her mouth and flying into the distance. The lady fell, and we caught her, but she looked terrified.

“What... how did I get here?”

“You take care of her.” I sighed. “I’ll bury the box where no one will find it.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He nodded, and started to help the girl away. I looked at the box, digging it up and pocketing Dean’s ID. Then I took out my own, putting it in the box and burying it in the centre of the crossroads.

“You called?” I turned, seeing a male crossroads demon this time, wearing a suit. He had brown hair and clever blue eyes, and he walked up to me. “Oh, I know you. Ivonne Rainer. You’re a celebrity back where I come from.”

“Glad to know.” I retorted. “I want to get back to Sam and Dean before they get suspicious, so let’s get this over with.”

“Damn, you’re more of a sexy woman than you were put out to be.” He smirked, looking me up and down. “If I was human, well, I’d have asked you out. Anyway, what can I do for you?”

“Bring my father back to life. Bottom line. No reviving his corpse, actual, healed, human.”

“I can do that.” He nodded. “Really simple.”

“Good. How many years do you want from me, then?”

“No years.” He glanced down at my neck. “I want that necklace.”

“Why?”

“You don’t need the burden of how many years you have left, you have enough of a weight on your back already.” I thought about it. “Necklace or no necklace?”

I took it off and gave it to him, sighing. “Ok, now kiss me, but make it short and sweet.”

“That takes the fun out of it, but ok.” He kissed me for a millisecond, then winked. “It was fun doing business with you.” He then disappeared, and I walked away, confused.

My necklace?

I had made dinner for the boys, who were eagerly eating it with cups of cocoa by their plates. I sipped one myself, munching on the food.

“This is the best pasta I’ve ever had, Beanie, dear God.” Dean praised through a mouthful of food. “This is heavenly.”

“This is amazing, Ivy.” Sam grinned, sipping his cocoa. Then the doorbell rang, and I stood up, going over to the door while preparing to reach my gun from behind my back, tucked in a holster above the waistband of my shorts. I opened the door, and my heart almost dropped out of my chest.

“Jellybean?” My dad stood there, ruffled hair and all, looking just like the last video he sent me eight years ago. He cupped my cheeks, looking at me with tears in his eyes. His index touched the gap between my eyebrow, complete with a scar in it. “That’s your scar. And your freckles. Yeah, it’s you. It’s really you. But you’re all grown up…” He laughed, wiping a tear off my cheek.

“Dad…” I whispered, throwing my arms around his torso. “You’re here, you’re really here.” He hugged me tightly, smoothing down my hair. Sam and Dean came into the hallway, staring at Dad like they’d seen a ghost. I detached myself, hurriedly drying my tears.

”Who’re these two, jellybean?” Dad asked, looking confused.

“O-Oh, uh… Mr R-Rainer.” Dean stammered. “We didn’t expect to see you here. At all.”

“Come in, sir, make yourself at home.” Sam gulped, giving me a look. “Ivy, we need to talk.”

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#dean winchester #dean winchester fanfiction #dean winchester x reader #dean x reader #dean winchester x oc #spn #spn masterlist #supernatural #dean winchester x you #ivonne rainer

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pacifymebby · 1 year ago

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you're not the only one // chapter four

Time passed but the dread I felt didn't. Every shift i worked with Sam was stifled and awkward and even though he was still driving me home when Johnny asked him to, I felt more and more awkward every day.

The worst thing was, he seemed awkward too.

Sometimes at work I'd be sure I could feel his eyes on me, I would be certain he'd opened his mouth about to say something, only to change his mind a moment later.

So many times I'd gone out for a cigarette to see him drop half a cig on the floor, stamp it out and go inside as if he'd finished.

I was beginning to dread the shifts I knew we would be sharing, the little bar feeling more and more claustrophobic by the day. I'd phoned in sick two days in a row, and though I'd considered phoning in again that night, I knew there was no way I'd get away with abandoning everyone on a Friday night. We were always busy on Fridays and I'd only feel guilty if I called in sick. I'd feel stupid too, calling in sick because I was too anxious about a boy to go to work.

So i went into work and felt that skin crawling stifling anxiety all evening, dreading the end of my shift when I knew he'd be driving me home. We would sit in silence and I would find my thoughts racing, all of them caught in my throat like a stone. And he'd be lucky that he could focus on the road, pretend to be concentrating.

I stood behind the taps all evening, pouring pints quietly, smiling shyly when one of the regulars came in and asked after mum and dad or Johnny. Everyone knew me as Bondy's little sister, not as Dylan or Wyn, but that was alright, I quite liked only ever having to answer questions about my brother.

"Areet you," Sam's hand on my shoulder made me jump, my flinch leaving me blushing, feeling stupid as I turned around to him, holding the tip I'd just been given in the palm of my hand, nearly dropping it.

"Hi," I said, my voice barely leaving my lips as he chuckled at how jumpy I was.

"Don't panic lass," he grinned, "a was just comin take over like, yas havent had a break all night,"

"Oh," I said, trying to smile, "thanks," but the smile didn't reach my eyes and his didn't reach his either and we were once again locked in this strange, stifled awkward moment. Neither of us sure how to escape, both of us desperate to.

I ducked beneath his arm as he went to serve the next customer, scurried out back for a cigarette, pulling my blue fleece around me, the cool evening air getting to me immediately.

I closed my eyes, shaking fingers rolling my cigarette. I tried to just enjoy the peace and quiet but it was difficult because all I could think about was my embarrassment. How humiliating it was having to work in such proximity to a lad I'd gone from quietly crushing on, to being genuinely frightened of. And he wasn't oblivious to that fact either. That made it so much worse. The fact that I'd kept my crush hidden for so long but couldn't keep this hidden. he could tell I was being awkward, he could tell I was jumpy and scared.

When I went back inside he was laughing with some of his mates who'd just come in. He was pouring their cider and blacks and making some joke about the other night. I only knew he was talking about the night I'd been out with them because when I walked back up to the bar one of them grinned, their voice startling me when they said my name.

"There she is wee Dylan! When ya gan let our sammy take you out again ey lass?" they grinned, their eyes lit up, friendly, only messing around. Their friends laughing, all of them turning their attention to embarrassing Sam, enough so that I thought I might be able to sneak away, start serving someone else and pretend I'd not been talking to them at all.

But I couldn't and they kept on talking and like it or not I was dragged back into their conversation more than once, only ever squeaking out some pitifully shy response to a question. Mostly just nodding or awkwardly laughing along at the jokes they made.

By the end of my shift though I was exhausted from it, his friends had stayed all evening, trying to convince us both to stay on after our shift, and though I wished I could have been the kind of girl who would say yes, though I wished I could be laidback as they were, I wasn't that kind of girl and I just couldn't imagine a positive end to that evening.

And Sam used me as an excuse, saying he had to drop me back and he'd never get back before last call. It was a lie, clearly he just didn't feel like going out that night, his own pallor kind of pale and nervous looking, though I assumed that was down to my presence.

"Areet Wyn," he yawned, "lets get gan before a drop dead," he said, offering me a smile over his shoulder as he waited by the back door for me to get my shit together. He took my jacket down off the hook and our hands clashed as he went to help me with it. Another awkward fumble making me wish the ground would swallow me whole.

I followed him quietly across the car park, neither of us saying a word until we closed the car doors and he let out a long sigh.

"Fckin knackered so a am," he groaned his grin still lingering, his relentlessly laidback smile making another appearance. It showed my tired smile up and when he looked over at me he looked away again too quickly. As if he couldn't stand the sight of me.

So I turned to the window and just nodded.

"Yeah," I replied a little to late to sound as though I was responding to him.

He turned the engine on, put the car in gear and we pulled away, the silence which followed the tyres rolling over the grit shrouding and suffocating us both. I tried to pretend I hadn't noticed it but I couldn't, leaning forward to turn the CD player on, not seeing Sam's expression change until he was apologising and awkwardly laughing.

It was one of his demos, I could tell because it was only a guitar and a drum machine, nothing else, and none of it quite sounded right.

"Fuckn 'ell that makes me seem like a reet knobhead, a promise am not just drivin around listenin to meself singin," he grinned awkwardly, running a hand through his hair as a blush stained his cheeks. "Honest a promise am not a total wanker like its just someone told me its good to play tracks in the car to get an idea of the mix cause thats where most people listen to music like..."

I couldn't really say anything, I could think of sarcastic, teasing quips but I couldn't say them. Didn't have the voice to make a joke that wouldn't come out awkward and shakey and probably fall flat.

"A don't think youre a wanker," I said quietly, listening to the CD because I didn't want to start awkwardly messing with his radio. All I could do was keep listening, and it was a nice song, catchy, his voice was the same rich smooth tone I recognised from when Johnny had played me snippets of demos.

The drive wasn't long and when we pulled up outside my house I could see lights on. I fumbled with the seatbelt, relieved the awkwardness would soon shift and fade as I said goodbye and raced up the driveway out of the cold night air.

"Thanks for the lift,"

"Aye, nae bother lass, say hi to your brother for me aye?" he said, his eyes lingering on mine, his friendly little smile making me wish once again that I could relax, that I could be normal for five seconds.

"Aye," I said, hesitating before I closed the door, wanting to make him feel better about his CD wanting him to not feel awkward about it. "You shouldn't be embarrassed about your singin like..." I said, noticing how his eyes flickered away from me then, only glancing occasionally back at me, his own awkwardness returning. "Its nice,"

He looked a little knocked for a moment, frozen like he'd forgotten how to speak or at least what we'd been talking about.

"Thanks Wyn," he said, my name struggling on his tongue like it was a chore.

And then I was turning away, letting the car door close and running up the slope of the pavement to get to the front door.

Johnny was just coming down stairs with an empty cup of tea in his hands and if he hadn't been I probably wouldn't have passed Sam's hello on, but as he was and because he asked me how work was, I did.

"Aye it was jus lowlights want it," I shrugged, "Sam says hi by the way..."

"He doin alreet?" he asked, that friendly, northern brand of nosiness everyone round our way seemed to possess.

"Aye a think so, dunna talk to him much,"

"Sounds like you," he chuckled, his smirk lingering then, a spark in his eyes when he turned back to me, hand hovering over the door handle in his pause, "ey someone said they saw you an him gettin cosy the other night ya nar..."

"What?" I asked, my eyes wide, all the tell tale signs of guilt I didn't even know I possessed until he started laughing, highly entertained.

"Aye, reckon they saw you snoggin,"

"Oh my god Johnny piss off don't talk to me about this!" I couldn't contain my panic then, my voice quiet but riddled with humiliation, I was mortified, hands coming to cover my gaping jaw. "Fuckin hell..."

He was laughing, his eyes bright.

"Ey don't worry I don't mind what you're gettin up to, Sam's a nice lad..." he sniggered still teasing me probably thinking the whole thing was just a ridiculous rumour. Johnny knew me better than anyone and the thought of me snogging anyone, never mind someone I'd been harbouring a secret crush on for years, was absurd. It just wouldn't happen.

But it had happened.

Now that he had mentioned it I could remember that it had happened.

"Jesus fuckin..." I started, changing my mind, shutting up, desperately embarrassed as I pushed past him and disapeared upstairs.

"Oi Dyl dya want a brew?" he called back, knowing to make me one despite the lack of reply he got from me. Just then I was far too embarrassed to speak, my head swirling with all kinds of thoughts.

He was right, whoever had told him that had been right. We definitely had kissed that night, and the more I thought about it the more I could remember. How I'd spent all evening sitting in his lap, getting cosy with him, and how when we'd kissed we'd kissed more than once only to go inside and not mention it.

And Sam hadn't said anything about it later that evening, nor had he said anything about it the morning after.

Why hadn't Sam mentioned it? Was this why he'd been being so awkward, was this why he wouldn't look at me? The more I thought about it he more sick I felt.

It must have been a mistake, he mustn't have meant what he'd said to me, whatever it was he'd said, I couldn't quite remember his words, could hardly remember anything, all my thoughts clouded with embarrassment and shame. Shame because he was too ashamed, too embarrassed to bring it up. Didn't even want to remind me of it long enough to tell me that it was a mistake.

When Johnny brought my brew up for me he was still smirking, but I was mortified, sitting quietly on my bed just starring at the wall, lost in my humiliation.

"So has he said owt to you then?" he asked, knocking my knee with his as he sat down, still smiling away still finding it hilarious.

"Fuck off John!" was all I could manage only leaving him laughing harder as he got up and made his escape all surrendering hands above his head, giggling as he closed my bedroom door behind him, not without one more joke.

"That what you were doing at work tonight?"

"John!"

#sam fender fanfiction #sam fender imagine

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theboysfromaustin · 7 months ago

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October 23, 2016

“Dad?”

Kazuo looked up from doing dishes, “What is it, Nana?” The 11-year-old shifted in her seat, staring at her English homework, “Um…uh…” “Ohh, are you…I can go get…” “No, it's not that! It's….” She looked over at Ian, who was hauling laundry over to the laundry room, and Gav, who was outside, watering the flowers, “I, uh…I like someone.” “Oh?” Kazuo took up a seat, “Who is it? Do they like you back?”

“I don't know! It's…it's Morgan…” “Morgan…” He couldn't place a face to the name. “She's shy, lots of kids bully her, mostly because she’s, um….” Nanami bit her lip, “She was born a boy. The word is, uh…” “Transgender?” “Yeah!”

Kazuo stroked her hair, “You know your grandma Shirley, right? She was transgender. Your dad Ian helped her a lot…” “I want to get to know her better. She's sweet, and she's really good at art and writing, and…” Nana blushed, “She's got really pretty blue eyes…” “Have you ever talked to her?”

“Kind of…I mean, she's quiet, but she's one of the kids that's never bullied me about….y'know…” Kazuo squeezed her hand. He knew some kids had been assholes - well, more so than usual middle schoolers - about Nana having three dads, “Middle school sucks. So does high school…if you were me, at least.”

“I want to get to know her better.”

“Well, Halloween's next Monday…you want to invite her over? I mean, our house is pretty legendary for candy.” “Really?” “Yeah, it'd be nice. She sounds like a good kid.” “I'll ask her tomorrow! Thanks, daddy!” Nana threw her arms around Kazuo, and he hugged her tight.

Their little girl was growing up.

“Kaz? Can you bring the detergent out of the pantry?” “Comin’, honey. Let us know if you need help…maybe not Gav, he doesn't need to know about the end of Where the Red Fern Grows.”

Gav came in, “Alright, gettin’ too dark out there.” “Your clean nightclothes are in the laundry room, c'mon dirt man,” Kazuo hoisted the new jug of detergent up, the two going over to the laundry room.

Ian leaned on the wall, reaching out as Kazuo and Gav entered, “Thank you, lovely.” Gav began to strip off his dirty clothes, grabbing the clean ones. Kazuo cleared his throat, “Gentlemen, we have another milestone.” Gav paused, shirt half on, “Well, at least it's not puberty this time…” Ian shook his head, “Oh my god, they make too many types of pads and tampons.”

“It's kind of a puberty thing.”

“What do you…?” Ian gave him a questioning look. “Our baby girl likes someone.” “Oh…wow…who?!” Gav finished pulling his shirt on. Ian sat down, “Oh, it's started…Kaz, make her stop growing up, it's going too fast.” “Girl named Morgan. I told her to invite her over for Halloween.” “Good call, best holiday,” Gav replaced his pants.

“We might want to talk to Maureen about lady dating…if things….blossom…and…” Kazuo sighed, “This girl gets bullied. For being transgender.” “Oh,” Ian said softly, Shirley's face appearing in his mind's eye, “Poor girl. Is her home life…good?” “I don't know. I hope so.” “Well,” he stared at his feet, “If they want to become friends, that's great, if they want to date, that's also great. I want Nana to keep feeling like she can talk to us about anything.”

“Of course,” Kazuo nodded, “I can't wait to meet her. I want her to know that…that our family is a safe family.” “Yeah,” Ian smiled, standing, pouring in detergent. Gav leaned on the wall, stroking his goatee, deep in thought. “What's up, red?”

“Sex ed.” “Oh….” “She's…had….some, right?” “This is Texas,” Ian grimaced, then pulled out his phone. “Who are you calling?” Ian sighed,

“Hello, mum? Big favor…”

#oc #original character #my boys got an au

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itoshi-s · 2 years ago

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ooooooo i might whip up sum cute lil pastries 2morrow :3 nothin crazy but it makes me excited nonetheless

#✧.* ʕ •ᴥ• ʔ zaria speaks #my dad's mum is comin over #and we have plenty puff pastry sittin in the fridge #ready to bake but the good kind (it was so ridiculously pricy it's like 40% french butter lol)#n we have so much jam !! strawberry mostly which is YUM homemade too #but also.. candied orange peel owo i rly RLY wanna use it maybe sprinkle it on just by the end #make lil pinwheels .. or crescent rolls these would be yummy !!#all accompanied by a fresh cup of coffee made w my brand new french press HEHE #this is so exciting food is my love language lol

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inej-ruination-ghafa · 3 years ago

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PLAYING WITH THE BOYS - B.B

PART 1; THE RIGHT TIME TO WALK AWAY

Warnings: none really, mentions of ghosting, mentions of a plane accident

Summary: Robin Benjamin who's been working at Top Gun for the last few years is called in for a special mission. Except this one brings back the ghosts of her past.

Wordcount: 1.5k

Robin walked down the steps into the bar, looking around at the busy hustle and bustle that she had gotten used to.

She loved living in the bar and working at Top Gun helping out new recruits but after she'd been told about the new mission that would bring back the best pilots in the country and they'd need her to help man the mission as the Communications director, she didn't know who'd be coming back.

There was a group of them that she knew like Hangman and Phoenix but she didn't know many of the others.

Someone that she did know was the older man that was sitting at the bar. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell was the man who broke up with her mother but was also a major family friend.

She walked over, standing behind the bar and taking over the shift of the other man.

"Uncle Pete," she said, smiling as she leant over the side, seeing him sitting there, "What brings you back to Fightertown?"

She knew Pete very well. Not only had he dated her mother for a while but he was a close friend of her father's. Her dad had been in the Navy same year as he had been and they got on like peas in a pod. She had been born the same year that her dad had gone to Top Gun so she had practically known Pete her entire life.

"I got a job at Top Gun, some secret mission thing that I'm gonna be leading," he explained and she leant over the side, nodding her head, "What are you doing nowadays kiddo?"

She shrugged, "Not much, I'm not a WSO anymore but I adore my work in coms now," she explained, trying to raise her voice slightly over the noise.

"Your dad never told me why you stopped," he said and Robin froze, tensing up as the subject was brought up.

Luckily she was saved by her mum walking through the crowd and joining her behind the bar, "Pete Mitchell, I never thought I'd see you around here again,"

Penny smiled as she began to talk to her old friend, Robin zoned out completely, thinking about her days as a WSO.

It was a short lived journey when she had gone to Top Gun and being a weapons system operator was like being an RIO back in the day. She loved her job but after the accident it had become too much for her.

The bell rang and she was snapped out of her trance, looking over to see Pete staring at the sign on the bar in confusion, "Ahh, phone on the bar, wrong move there Maverick," Robin joked, putting on a smile.

Penny pointed to the sign and he sighed, realising that he was now going to have to pay for the round of all the people in the bar.

The girl sat back, cleaning up the side as she looked over at all the other Lieutenants getting ready for the mission. She missed the days flying of course but it wasn't something she was ready to do any time soon.

Robin actually had just gotten a message that morning that she was going to be working in Top Gun as the lead communication director for this new mission; it was the biggest mission she'd ever had.

She was getting on with her job when the door swung open and she saw him standing there. Bradley Bradshaw. She froze for a second, taking him in.

She hadn't seen him in seven years, not since they'd both attended Top Gun together. He was just as attractive as the day they'd parted, maybe even more so. She had always loved the way he would wear those Hawaiian shirts over the white tank tops.

Robin had to pull her eyes away from him, her face going red as she tried not to swoon over him too much. Penny chuckled, watching the 31 year old lean against the bar, fanning herself as she tried to compose herself.

That's when Hangman walked over, leaning against the bar with a smirk.

"Hey Benjamin, can I grab four beers, drinks for him?" He asked, smiling at Pete from across the bar.

"Comin' right up Hangman," she said, reaching down and beginning to make the drinks for him.

"Rumour has it you're working on this top secret mission too,"

She scoffed, "And who said that?"

"A little birdie told me. Why don't you take a quick break from the bartending and coke hang out with us? What do ya say?" He suggested, picking up the four beers as she passed them across the bar.

Before Robin could interrupt, Penny leant over her shoulder, "She's actually just clocked off, I'm sure she has time to spend with you lot," the older woman said.

She sighed, pulling the rag off of her shoulder and walking along with Hangman, feeling slightly out of place with the others in their uniforms.

"Fellows, lady, I now present back from temporary retirement, Miss Robin Benjamin," Hangman announced, the group turning to look at her, "This is Payback and Fanboy, the newcomer Bob, you already know Phoenix and I know you are well acquainted with Rooster over there,"

At the sound of her name, Brad's head whipped towards her, his face contorting into shock for a split second before his pride got the better of him. He put on his iconic smirk and leant back against the wall, trying to act casual.

"Hey Robin," he said, his voice level as he looked at her. He didn't seem distressed at all by her being there.

"Hey Brad," she said and everyone began to talk, continuing their conversation.

She turned away, looking over to where Pete was sitting and talking to her mum. She didn't want to talk to Brad right now so she excused herself to grab a few more drinks, walking over to the bar.

He handed over some money to pay and Penny laughed, "That is not enough to pay it off," she said, handing her the receipt. His eyes went wide when she handed it to him.

"I'll pay you back tomorrow," he promised.

Robin laughed, "Rules are rules Maverick," she said before turning back to the group, "Boys, we got someone who can't pay," she called out.

Penny rang the bell and Hangman and Payback strolled over, laughing as they grabbed onto his arms, pulling him away and chucking him out onto the sand. He smiled at the group, looking at them through the glass.

"You okay kiddo?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's just seeing Brad after so long, I missed him and it hurts," she said, looking at him with a sigh. They had spent some time together when she was in Top Gun with him. He had broken it off when it had finished, never calling her back or even explaining to her what happened and now she had to pretend that nothing ever happened between them and she hadn't spent the last seven years trying to forget him and the feelings she had towards him.

"I'm sure it'll get better, maybe you'll even find out what happened," she said, patting her daughter on the shoulder.

She had Robin young and has regretted it during her youth but now, she could never imagine a world without her.

She froze when she heard fingers on the key of the piano, the loud drum of his favourite song beginning to echo through the bar, all the patrons listening to it.

Robin turned around, smiling at him as he played the piano, looking up at her through his glasses. He cooked his head, calling her over as he began to sing.

She walked over with a stroll, standing next to the piano like she used to when they were together, a grin on her face. He began to sing, Natasha grabbing her and pulling her for a dance. The girls chuckled as they spun around, "It's great to see you again Nat," she said through the loud music.

"Yeah, this is gonna be a fun five weeks," Nat joked, the two girls laughing.

Everyone joined in with the last part of the song, screaming, "Goodness gracious great balls of fire!" at the top of their lungs.

Brad laughed, turning his head back to look at Robin whilst still playing the piano from muscle memory and singing along. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

To Brad, she was just as beautiful as the day that he had ghosted her. That wasn't his intention but he knew that she'd never forgive him for seven years of ignoring her.

Now she just had to prepare herself for next five weeks getting ready for this mission with her ex-boyfriend who she still harboured feelings for.

Series Masterlist Part 2

A/N - I think that this is gonna go well. I'm really excited about this new series and would love to get as many episodes down as soon as I can. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and I was thinking about a tagliatelle so if anyone wants to be added to that, just send me an ask. Thanks again for reading.

#brad rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #brad bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #rooster x reader #rooster top gun #rooster bradshaw imagine #rooster x you #top gun #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw fic #bradley bradshaw fanfiction #brad bradshaw fic #brad bradshaw fanfiction #playing with the boys series #mj writes nonsense

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anglophiletraveler · 2 years ago

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In My Life, Chapter 21

It Must Be Christmas

By Chris Young

******

So we’ve come to the end of our Christmas Day, and it’s a Christmas Day for the Poldarks family like for most families. As much as we try to make everything perfect like a Norman Rockwell painting, most holidays are never perfect, but the most important part is that we are with people that we love. Thanks again to me friend Karen Bockius for helping me through another chapter!!

*******

Ross had changed into his new jumper Demelza had given him for Christmas and had joined her in the kitchen to help out with preparations. He was watching Demelza flit around the kitchen like a whirling dervish and noticed that her hands were shaking. He walked over and took her hands.

“Demelza, what’s wrong? Why are you shaking?”

“Let go Ross, I need to finish what I’m doing before your parents show up.”

Ross looked around, the table had been set for the meal, now she was running around dishing up food and doing this and that. “Demelza, what else needs to be done? What can I do to help? Hey, stop, stop. Look at me, Dem.”

Demelza finally stopped and let out a big sigh, “What?? I have stuff to get done before your mum and dad get here!”

“ Darlin, why are you so nervous? Are you nervous about being with my mum and da? You’ve been around them a couple times already. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is because it’s Christmas and I’m cooking this huge dinner for them!! I want everythin to be perfect!”

“Sweetheart, everything is going to be just fine. You’re an amazing cook, and they’ll love it. Tell me what else needs to be done and I’ll do it while you go upstairs and change and calm yourself down.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! You know I can cook and fill platters and whatever else you’re doing here.” He gave her a reassuring hug and kiss. Demelza finally gave up and told him what else needed to be done, and then went upstairs to change before everyone started to arrive.

**********

Ross had set out the meat and cheese trays and crackers and veggies and dip, and was now in the process of plating the sausage rolls and the maple-sriracha Devils on Horsebacks, tasting one for good measure of course! Seamus was sitting next to him hoping to catch whatever may drop on the floor. The doorbell rang and Ross yelled for whoever it was to come in. He heard Drake and Michael come in the front door. “Hi guys, c’mon in! Happy Christmas!” He walked over to shake hands with the lads.

“Well, everythin smells delicious! Where’s sister?” Drake asked.

“She’s upstairs getting changed.” He started whispering to Drake “She’s been a bit nervous this morning about the cooking and all, so I told her that I could finish up while she went upstairs to get changed. So hopefully she’s more relaxed when she comes back down.”

“Demelza nervous? About cooking? Well what can Michael and I do?” Drake asked.

“Can you take these out to sit on the tables in the living room, and make sure Seamus doesn’t get his nose into any of it, and I’ll bring out the prawns and cocktail sauce.”

Drake and Michael took everything else out to the living room. “Prawns! That’s fancy. Is there going to be any room leftover for dinner? Drake, you didn’t tell me this was going to be fancy.” Michael asked.

“It usually isn’t fancy. I don’t think she’s ever fixed prawns before. I suspect she’s nervous about Ross’s parents comin.”

Ross walked in with the prawns. “Right, everything looks perfect to me, don’t you think? Do you lads want something to drink?”

“Nah I’m good mate.” Michael replied.

The doorbell rang again, so Ross went to open it, greeting his parents. “Mum, da, Happy Christmas! C’mon in! Let me take your coats.”

“Thank you dear. Oh my everything looks delicious. Demelza didn’t have to go to all this bother for us.”

“Well, help yourself. Demelza should be down shortly. Would you like anything to drink?”

“I’ll just have some water for now, thank you.” Joshua said.

“Same for me, sweetheart. Do you need any help?” Grace answered.

“No, no, everything is taken care of, just sit down, relax and help yourself.”

Ross was getting some bottles of water for everyone when Demelza came downstairs. She had straightened her hair and put a dash of makeup on. She had decided to wear her green jumper with the v-neckline so that she could wear her new snowflake necklace that Ross had just given her. “Hello everyone! How is everybody?”

Grace got up to greet her and give her a hug. “Demelza, you look beautiful. I love your hair straightened like that! Very chic! And all of this food! You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”

“Thank you Grace. You look lovely as well. Well, I know Drake and Ross have hollow legs so I wanted to make sure there was enough food for everyone!”

“Oi! Sister I’m right here ya know, and I’ll have you know tha I don’t eat nearly as much as Michael here does!”

Demelza stuck her tongue out at her brother, which made Grace laugh at the two siblings. Ross came out with bottles of water for everyone, and sat on the floor close to where Demelza sat on the couch.

“I love your snowflake necklace, Demelza. It’s very pretty.”

“Oh thank you Grace. Ross gave it to me this morning. I love it! I guess it’s no secret that I love snow.”

Joshua spoke up. “Demelza, that was such a beautiful service last night. Ross said that you’ve performed at that church before?”

“Aye. I think I’ve been there four or five years now. It’s wonderful to get asked back to play with my friends. They give us free rein with the music we play so that’s nice to be able to change it up a bit.”

“Ross, that’s a lovely jumper. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear something like that before. I love the colour.”

“This was one of my Christmas gifts from Demelza. Oh let me show what else she surprised me with.” Ross got up and went for the Star Wars poster. “Look at this! It’s autographed by Mark Hamill! Isn’t this great!” Ross was beaming.

“Bloody hell!” Michael screamed. “Would ya look at that! Well Ross, if you don’t have a place for it, I can take it off your hands!” Everyone was laughing at Michael’s statement.

“Uh no thanks mate. I don’t think I’ll have an issue finding a place for it.”

“Where are you going to put it Ross?” Demelza wondered out loud. She wasn’t sure until now where he would want to hang the huge poster. She didn’t even think about that part.

“Hmmm maybe above our bed?” He had a cheeky grin on his face.

“I don’t think so. How about yer office?”

Joshua had to join in, “Oh Demelza, I think that would be lovely hanging above the head of your bed.”

Demelza didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t sure if Joshua was pulling her leg or if he was serious, so she just sat there and smiled and nodded. Then they chuckled at the expression on her face.

Grace stepped in, “Oh Joshua quit teasing the poor girl. Ross, maybe you could hang it in your home office if you don’t want to take it into work.”

Ross gave Demelza a reassuring smile. “That’s probably what I’ll do, luv. Dinner won’t be ready for a couple of hours. Should we open gifts now while we wait?” Ross asked their guests. Ross passed out the gifts so that everyone had their own stash to open when it was their turn to open their gifts.

*********

The atmosphere was one of love, gratitude and cosiness as everyone enjoyed each other’s company and easy conversation. The room was glowing from the lights on the tree, and various candles scattered around the room. Ross had found a Christmas music channel on the tele to play softly in the background. Demelza was touched by Ross’s parents giving her snowflake earrings that match the necklace that Ross had given her earlier. Drake and Michael were in their own world after learning that Joshua was going to be an investor in his dry cleaning business so that he can get a loan to buy it from his boss. They were thinking of ways to expand the business slowly, and who knows, maybe open another store at a different location.

*******

Ross and Joshua had their heads together going over one of the family photo albums, Joshua pointing out relatives that Ross wasn’t aware of.

Ross took a moment to glance up at his mum admiring the painting that he’d given them of Claude and himself, and dad looking through a photo album. He was thinking back to when he opened their gifts earlier … “Oh look, a box! What on earth could this be?” He gave his parents a questioning look. He finally cut through all of the duct tape holding the box together. Ross pulled out four photo albums. He opened a couple of the albums and recognized the pictures. They were full of family photos. Not just his immediate family, but of the Trenwith Poldarks, and then his Poldark grandparents and great-grandparents, the Vennor grandparents and great-grandparents. Then he found an album that was full of pictures that had Claude Anthony in them. Ross started tearing up and looked up at his parents. “My God mom and da, where did all of these pictures come from? Are these copies or originals?” He was obviously touched. Joshua could tell that Grace was speechless, he cleared his throat, “Most are copies, but some are originals. We just thought that it was time that you become the keeper of the family history. The family Bibles should also be at the bottom of the box, along with copies of both family trees.”

The more he thought about the way his parents had been acting, the family trees, the photo albums, and especially his father acting more sentimental than he’s ever seen him act, the more he thought that something was definitely going on - something that they weren’t telling him. And that really scared him.

******

Demelza quietly left the room and stepped into the kitchen. She was smiling and thinking of the moment when Joshua told Drake that he would invest in the dry cleaning business. “Sir! I would love that if you’re sure ye would have a mind to do so. And I promise that I’ll work hard every day, and I won’t waste a penny of yer money, you can be sure of that, sir.” “No more turkey TV dinners for Christmas.” Demelza said aloud.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Demelza jumped at Grace’s voice. “Oh I’m sorry, love. Didn’t mean to scare you. You seemed deep in thought. Everything alright?”

“Oh, I was just thinking about how wonderful the day has been. Hopefully the turkey will be done soon. This is my first time cooking a whole turkey.”

“Those earrings look lovely on you. I hope you like them. A little elf told us that you were getting a snowflake necklace and showed us a pair of matching earrings.”

“Oh thank you again. I do love them.”

“Did you just say something about turkey TV dinners?” Grace asked.

“Oh um, yeah, I was just thinking back to Christmases past. And now that Drake is going to be set with his business, thanks to you and Joshua, he won’t ever have to eat turkey TV dinners on Christmas Day. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get emotional.”

Grace put her arms around Demelza and gave her a motherly hug. It was a feeling that Demelza hadn’t felt for a very long time. “Your family didn’t have turkey for Christmas?”

Demelza took a step back, “I think we may have once or twice before mum died, but after that we were lucky if we could afford a turkey breast. Most of the time it was turkey TV dinners. And the last couple years at the flat Henry has done the cooking. Sooo… “

“Soooo don’t worry about the bloody turkey, Demelza! I’ve overcooked plenty of turkeys in my time! Especially when Joshua and I were first married. I just always made sure that there was plenty of gravy to drown it in!!.”

Demelza was practically gobsmacked! “Really? You, overcooked turkey? I don’t believe it.”

“Of course I have! Every woman has! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Nobody is perfect. Now let’s see what temperature is that turkey?”

********

In the living room, Drake and Michael were playing video games, and Seamus was sitting on the sofa next to Joshua, telling him about all of his problems of a dog’s life, while there was a kerfuffle in the kitchen between Grace and Ross over brussel sprouts. Ross was doing his best to carve the turkey but Grace wasn’t having any of his explanation. Demelza was getting a kick out of watching Ross getting in trouble from his mum.

“Honestly Ross! I can’t believe I’ve made brussel sprouts for you every Christmas, and you don’t even like them!” Grace rapped Ross on the back of the head with a wooden spoon. Demelza was giggling at the scene.

“Ouch mum! That hurt!” Ross was rubbing the back of his head.

“Good! Why didn’t you ever tell me that you didn’t like them?”

“I have! I did! After a while I just gave up so I didn’t hurt your feelings. Now can I finish carving this bloody turkey!”

Grace and Demelza just laughed at him as they finished plating the side dishes and setting them on the table. Joshua came in to see what all the commotion was about and gave Grace a big hug and kiss. Ross stopped at the site of his parents. Demelza looked at Ross to see his reaction.

Ross stabbed the turkey with the knife, “Oi! What the hell is going on with you two!”

Joshua and Grace just stared at Ross.

“You two have been acting very strange lately, and I want to know what is going on.” Ross demanded.

“Ross. What is wrong with me giving your mother a hug and a kiss?”

“Because you never do that, so that makes me think that something is going on. Something that you’re not telling me.”

Demelza decided to try to step in and calm Ross down. She was rubbing his arm, “Ross, love. I think it’s sweet. I hope we’re like that someday.”

He looked Demelza in the eyes and then looked back at his parents and shook his head and turned around to plate the turkey. “Right. Let’s eat.”

“Ross…” Demelza reached out to Ross.

“It’s fine Dem, let’s just finish getting the food on the table and eat.” He smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek.

“It was Claude.” Joshua said out of nowhere.

Grace gave her husband a strange look, “What was Claude?”

“It was Claude that liked brussel sprouts.” Joshua answered.

Ross dropped the fork in his hand.

*******

Roasted potatoes and carrots, peas, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and Yorkshire pudding were all on the table and Ross was filling glasses with whatever everyone wanted to drink. Pretty soon everyone was standing around the table as Ross brought the platter of turkey over to their applause! “Dad, would you like to say grace?”

Joshua smiled at his son, “Certainly. Would everyone like to hold hands.” He looked around and smiled at everyone at the table. “Gracious Father. We thank you for this past year and the blessings we have received. Thank you for the wonderful meal that we are about to partake in and bless the hands that made it. We know this day isn’t about the gifts under the tree, but the gifts around this table. New friends, new loves, new family. I personally thank you for this beautiful woman to my right and for the joy and love that she has brought to my life and our family. Thank you also for bringing Demelza into Ross’s life, bringing light and love to his heart and mind. And with Demelza we now have Drake and his friend Michael in our lives and the eagerness that they bring us is more than welcome. We also think about our loved ones who are not at this table, but are in our hearts and minds. We ask only for peace, love and good health in the coming New Year. In your name we say Amen.”

“Oh Josh that was beautiful. Thank you for that.”

“Yes da, thank you. That was lovely.” Ross turned and looked at Demelza and saw a few tears in her eyes so he reached over and hugged her and kissed her hair. He noticed that Drake and Michael seemed choked up as well.

Everyone pulled on their Christmas crackers and placed their paper crowns on their heads. Demelza cleared her throat and spoke up, “Well lets eat before everything gets cold!”

*******

Everyone was chattering away while enjoying the meal. Drake and Michael were teasing Ross about the Star Wars boxers that Demelza gave him for Christmas. “I really think you should model them for us Ross!” Drake was egging him on.

“Not a bloody chance in hell mate! Now what about you Drake, when are you going shopping for new clothes?” Ross raised his eyebrow at Drake.

“Oh I’ll get around to it soon enough. Sister, did you make cranberry jellies by any chance?”

“Oh yes, I did. I’ll go get them out of the fridge.” Demelza jumped up to get the jellies out of the fridge.

Grace looked at Ross confused. “Cranberry jellies?”

“Apparently, they had it at Christmas when they were growing up,” Ross explained.

Drake added, “Ais, we couldn’t afford real cranberry sauce, so our mum made cranberry jellies as kind of a dessert for us. If we were lucky she had that spray cream on it. I know it sounds silly, but it was a treat for us.”

Grace smiled at Drake, “I understand.”

Demelza came back with the tray of cranberry jellies in small bowls with spray cream on top, and handed them out to everyone. Demelza smiled at the reaction on Drake’s face when he dove into his jellie.

“Well, Demelza you’ll certainly be warm this winter with your new coat, scarf, gloves and boots,” Joshua said.

“Well the plan is to take Demelza to Switzerland for a long weekend. I had thought we could go over New Year’s but I haven’t made any reservations yet, so we may go later,” Ross said.

“Oh.” Grace said suddenly. “I was hoping the two of you could come to Nampara for New Year’s… it’s been so long since you’ve been home Ross.”

Ross and Demelza looked at each other. Demelza wanted to please her possible future mother-in-law, so she quickly accepted the offer. She turned to Grace, “That would be lovely Grace. Thank you for inviting us. Can we bring Seamus?” Ross noticed Demelza looking pensive after the decision was made. He wondered if she was worried of the possibility of running into her father somewhere in the area. He remembered that she had told them a while back that she hadn’t gone back to Cornwall for years because she didn’t feel she had anything to go back for. He chanced a look at Drake and saw him give Demelza a half smile - half worried look. Yes, that was it. He’d have to make sure that Demelza knew that he understood and he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. He would have to let his parents know as well so they understood the situation. Ross heard his mum chatting and he shook his head of the thoughts for now.

Grace was relieved and smiled at Demelza, “Oh Seamus is a repeat visitor at Nampara isn’t he Ross. We’ve always loved it when Ross brings him down with him.”

“Um yeah, Seamus loves it down there,” Ross answered.

Grace continued, “Oh and Demelza, I believe your friend Caroline will still be in Cornwall at that time. I’ve heard talk of them hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Maybe you and Ross could go to that?”

“Oh really? I hadn’t heard that yet. We’ve both been busy and haven’t had time to actually chat except for an occasional text. I’ll make a point of calling her tomorrow. Do you have plans tomorrow for Boxing Day?” Demelza asked.

Grace looked at Joshua as he spoke up, “No, I think we might just head home. Take our time driving, maybe make a few stops along the way.” Joshua smiled at Grace and held her hand.

Ross caught this moment between his parents. He set his cutlery down on his plate, trying not to drop it. He covered his mouth with one of his hands and felt a lump in his throat. He felt nauseous, as if he was about to lose his dinner, so he excused himself from the table and went upstairs to the bedroom trying not to look like he was in a hurry. As soon as he reached the en suite, he vomited into the toilet. He felt horrible, hoping Demelza didn’t know what he was doing. The last thing he wanted was for her to think that he hadn’t enjoyed her Christmas dinner. He knew it must be his nerves. Thinking of all of the little smiles and touches between his parents, his father doting on his mother, things that Joshua never does, combined with his mum, looking pale, not acting well, and almost passing out yesterday, was starting to make him wonder if his mum was sick. That’s the only thing that made sense to him. He thought back to the Christmas gift his parents gave him, all of the photo albums, family Bibles, and then with his mum wanting them to spend New Year's at Nampara… that must be when they want to talk to him about it. “Good God,” Ross said aloud.

“Ross, are you alright?” Demelza had come up to check on him.

Ross jumped when he heard her voice, “Yes, love, I’m fine. I just had a small bone or something caught in my throat and had to get it out.”

“A bone? A turkey bone? Ross, that doesn’t make sense. You’re the one that carved the turkey. Did it taste bad to you?”

“No! I promise you everything is delicious.” He put a hand to her shoulder and was rubbing it. “Honestly, I think I might be coming down with a bug or something, and I didn’t want to make a scene in front of everyone downstairs. I just needed some air and splash some water on my face. I’m fine.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

“Are you sure?” She placed her hand on his forehead to see if he was warm. “Well, you do feel a little warm. Maybe you should have a lay down.?”

“No, no, I’m fine now. I feel much better. Let’s just go back downstairs.”

“Well if you’re sure?” She had a concerned look on her face.

“I’m sure.” He pulled her in for a hug. The thought of possibly losing his mother caused him to shiver. “I love you so much Demelza. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you.”

“Well good thing you’ll never have to find out. I love you too Ross.”

***********

When Ross and Demelza came back downstairs, they found Drake and Michael horsing around while doing the dishes, Grace clearing the table, and Joshua playing with Seamus outside.

“Mum here, give me those dishes, you go have a lie down and rest. Demelza and I will take care of these things.”

“Oh shush, I don’t need a lie down for goodness sake!”

“Well, just go sit down. We’ll take care of all this. Won’t we Dem.”

“Ais Grace, you and Ross go on and sit down and have some nice mother son time, hmmm? Between the boys and I, we’ll get this all taken care of in a jiffy,” Demelza offered.

“Well, that’s not very fair for you to do all the cooking, and me not help clean up. Before you know it, people will be calling me lazy bones!” Grace said.

Ross put his arms around his mum. “You deserve to be lazy after taking care of me and dad and half of Cornwall all these years. Now if you don’t go into the living room on your own, I’m going to pick you up and carry you in there myself!”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Ross started to pick Grace up in his arms, “alright, alright I’ll go on my own. Bloody hell!” Ross gave his mum a cheeky smile and an arm for her to take. Drake and Michael were laughing at Ross as he took his mum into the living room.

Demelza turned around to look at the plates of food. “Now, we need to fix you boys up with some leftovers to take home with ya.”

Michael gave her a smile, “I’m not going to fight you on that. Just make sure that you put in plenty of gravy. That was the best gravy that I’ve ever had.”

“Well, I won’t tell your mum you said that,” Demelza said.

“Oh no worries on that. I haven’t seen her in years….” Michael stopped talking and looked up at Drake.

Demelza looked at the two of them and got a strange vibe. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry Michael. Uh just take whatever you want. You’re more than welcome.”

“Sister, why don’t you go sit and relax with Ross and his mum. We’ll finish up in here.”

“Okay. Thanks brother!” Demelza pinched Drake’s cheek in fun and left the kitchen and Drake rolled his eyes at Michael “That was close.”

“Yeah you’re right. Why don’t we bugger outta here soon?”

“Okay, but let’s finish cleaning up first. I don’t want to leave her with a mess to clean up.”

********

Demelza joined Ross on the sofa while he was chatting with his mum.

“Mum, what is going on? I can tell something is up, so why don’t you just tell me.”

“Ross, why do you think something is going on?”

“Well, for one thing, dad has been acting strange. He’s never been one to hold your hand or kiss you in front of people. And he’s certainly been a lot nicer to me than he has been in years. And what’s with all of that with the photo albums and stuff?”

Joshua walked in just then. “Ross, you sound a bit bonkers. Stop questioning your mother for bloody sake and leave her alone.”

Ross looked at his father, “I will when you tell me what’s going on…”

Demelza had been watching Grace and could tell that she was tense and didn’t look well. She didn’t know Ross’s parents that well, but it did seem like they were hiding something but weren’t ready to talk about it just yet. Ross questioning his mother wasn’t helping either. She decided to try to change the subject.

“Is anyone ready for pudding? I have mince pie, which I fully admit is store bought, and I also have a lemon blueberry tart that is Ross’s favourite. Ross love, do you want to put the kettle on?” Ross looked at Demelza with a sneaking suspicion of what she was trying to do.

“Sure, love.” Ross got up and headed into the kitchen. Grace mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to Demelza.

**********

Ross shut the front door after saying goodbye to his parents for the night. Drake and Michael had left earlier loaded down with leftovers. Ross leaned against the shut door watching Demelza blow out the candles around the house.

“Fuck! I am so glad this day is over. I’m knackered, how about you?”

“Oh it wasn’t that bad. It had its moments.”

“I’m sorry love. I know it wasn’t exactly the day that we both had envisioned.”

“Don’t worry about it. Holidays aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. But Ross, what I don’t understand is why you kept pushing at your parents?”

“What!! I wasn’t pushing at my parents? What are you talking about?”

Demelza backed up a little. She had never heard Ross raise his voice quite like that. “Whoa, wait a minute, calm down sparky!”

“I am calm!!!”

“Clearly you’re not! Stop yelling at me please.”

“I’m not …. Yelling. I am yelling.” Ross rubbed his hands over his face. “I am so sorry, love. I am just so frustrated.”

“Obviously. What is going on with you? And what was up with you throwing up your food? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worked up.”

“Ah, well, the food thing hasn’t happened in a very long time. It started happening after Claude died. My mum sent me to a therapist when it started happening. The therapist suggested that it was a reaction to the stress I felt with da, but it hasn’t happened in years.”

“That’s terrible. I wish you would’ve told me.”

“Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it in such a long time. I just got so upset seeing da all over mum like that, and she just looked so worn out and pale. None of it makes sense to me.”

“Do you realise that you’re upset that your da is showing your mum affection? Baby, that sounds a little barmy.”

“It does when you put it that way. He’s never been someone who is overly affectionate and loving in front of people. And then he was so nice to me. That really threw me for a loop.”

“Again. Your complaint sounds strange.” She wrapped her arms around Ross. “Why don’t you go upstairs and get in the shower and relax. I’ll take care of Seamus and lock up down here and I’ll meet you upstairs. Oh and I have one more Christmas pressie for you!”

“Really? Now that sounds intriguing. Don’t take too long.”

“Yes Ross.”

**********

Demelza hurried up and got into Ross’s last Christmas present while he was still in the shower. It was more of a joke than anything, and she felt kind of nervous about wearing it, but she bought the most modest outfit she could find. She had bought the new negligee when she went shopping with Caroline, but she thought Ross would get a kick out of one that was Star Wars themed, and she was able to find something on Amazon. She was still putting it on when she heard the shower turn off so she had to hurry. She turned off the bedroom light except for the lamps on the night stands. She caught a look of herself in the mirror, Was this a mistake? She was starting to shake. Maybe I haven’t really thought this through, especially since we were just together for the first time last night. Would he think of it as slutty? She grabbed Ross’s robe and put it on over the outfit to give herself some more time.

“Demelza, are you up here yet?”

“Uh yeah I’m here.”

Ross walked out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, and saw Demelza standing there wearing his robe, looking awkward. “Hiya…. Are you alright?”

“Um yeah, I think… I’m just going to the bathroom.” She grabbed something out of the closet and headed for the bathroom.

Ross put his hand on her arm, “Demelza. What’s going on? Do you have something on under the robe?”

“Mmm yeah, but I’ve decided to put something else on. I’ll be right back.” She gave him a quick smile and headed for the bathroom.

Ross decided not to push it because she was obviously uncomfortable about something, and the last thing he wanted to do was make her more uncomfortable. After all, they had just been intimate with each other for the first time last night. Unfortunately, today was a busy day with Christmas and they hadn’t had much time to just be together in the afterglow as he would have preferred. He got a smile on his face while he slipped on a pair of his Star Wars boxers, and thought he would go get something to drink from the kitchen to give her some more time. He yelled through the bathroom door, “Demelza, I’m going downstairs to get something to drink. Do you want anything?”

“Um yeah, a Cola would be nice.”

“Okay I’ll be right back.”

Demelza opened the door a crack to see if Ross was still in the room. She ran out into the bedroom and threw the Star Wars negligee under the bed and hung up Ross’s robe on the back of the door, and jumped into bed. She had changed into the new baby doll nightie that she bought when she was with Caroline. She heard Ross coming back up the stairs and was smoothing out the blankets and was trying to seem all calm.

“Hey, I didn’t know if you would be hungry so I brought up some crisps as well.” Ross handed Demelza her drink and leaned down and gave her a kiss.

“Thank you. That was sweet of you. I see you’ve slipped on some of your new boxers!”

“Mmmm yes. I couldn’t resist modelling them for you.” He stepped back and put a hand on his hip while he strutted in the room and did a turn. “How do I look?” Demelza couldn’t help but give him a big smile.

In a low, seductive voice, Demelza said, “Oh Ross, I like your lightsaber!”

Ross had a mock shocked look on his face, “Why Demelza! I’m scandalised by your insinuation!” They were both laughing now.

Ross slid in under the covers and pulled his ginger in for a long kiss. He pulled back and looked at Demelza and sighed. “Is that a new nightie?”

A shy Demelza looked down at her hands, “Yes. I bought it that day when Caroline and I went shopping after we went to the day spa.”

“It’s very pretty. I like that colour on you.”

“Thank you.”

“Is that what you were wearing earlier under my robe?”

Demelza rolled her eyes and huffed a laugh, “No, that was somethin else, but then I changed my mind and put this on instead. Do you really like it? I mean, it’s not that see-through or sexy.”

“What are ya going on about, love? I do like it. It’s very pretty and it is sexy. It’s lovely, and it’s perfectly you.” He leaned over and gave her another long kiss. He leaned his forehead against Demelza’s. “I’m sorry that we haven’t had much alone time today after last night. It wasn’t what I would have wanted for us, you know, after last night.”

Demelza smiled, “Well it couldn’t be helped. But we do have all day tomorrow to just lay around and be together.”

Ross backed off a little and closed his eyes.

“Ross, what is it?”

“We really won’t have the whole day to ourselves. There’s something that I haven’t told you because I haven’t felt like it was my place to do so. But Drake promised me that he would come over tomorrow and talk to you about it, but the more I think about it, the more I think I should warn you…”

“Ross, what are you talking about? Why is Drake coming over tomorrow? You’re scaring me.”

“Demelza, the day that I picked up your dress from the dry cleaners, I walked in on Drake kissing someone.” Demelza got a smile on her face and started to say something. “No it’s not what you’re thinking, love. Drake was kissing Michael.” Ross watched Demelza carefully, and saw the confusion come over her face. “I didn’t think I should be the one to say something, and Drake promised me that he would finally tell you, so he is planning on coming over tomorrow to tell you. But the more I thought about it, the more I just thought that I should tell you. I didn’t want you to think that I’d been lying to you and hiding things from you.”

“Are you sure Ross? This doesn’t make any sense. He would’ve told me. He’s never once acted like he was gay, or anything. This doesn’t make any sense. Are you sure they weren’t just horsing around?”

“I’m very sure. They were in a definite embrace and kiss. And he admitted it to me, love. He and Michael have been in a relationship for three years. I think they even live together.”

“What!? No Ross, he would’ve told me. Three years! Why wouldn’t he tell me?”

“I don’t know love. I think he was just scared and didn’t want to lose you. He’s been hiding it from everyone this whole time. Demelza… are you alright? Are you upset with me?”

“What? No, no I’m not upset with you. I just don’t understand why Drake never told me. We’ve always been so close. I wouldn’t have been upset with him. I just hate that he’s going to have a hard life because of it. I have so many questions.”

Ross pulled Demelza into his arms and kissed her hair. “I’m sure you do. You can talk to him as long as you want tomorrow. I think he’s going to come over around 1:00. Now, can I get anything for you? Do you want to unwind and watch some tele?”

“No, I just want to lay here in your arms and have you hold me.”

“Well, that’s easy, I can do that. What a day, huh.”

“You can say that again.”

Ross scooted them both down in bed so that they could lay on their sides, facing each other. “Here, let me cover us up. You’re shivering. Better?”

“Yeah, better. Thank you.”

Ross was rubbing her arm in a comforting way. “I’m sure this is a big shock for you. I know it was for me when I walked in on them.”

“I bet it was. This was the day that you picked up my dress?”

“Yes. I walked into the dry cleaners and I stood there waiting to be waited on. Nobody came out front, so I walked into the back room to find Drake, and there they were in an embrace, kissing. I cleared my throat to get their attention and they were just as shocked to see me as I was to see them.” He brushed her hair out of her eyes tenderly. He could see the worry in her eyes. “Are you alright, love? Should I have waited until tomorrow to let Drake tell you himself?”

“No, I’m glad you did. It’s just a lot to take in ya know? I don’t love him any less…” Her eyes started tearing up again.

“Shhhh, love. How about I hold you while you fall asleep, hmm?” He kissed her eyes gently then brushed his lips against hers before pulling her into him, caressing her back. Ross had hoped to make love with Demelza again, but it was obvious that she needed to be comforted more. “I love you Demelza. I want to take care of you forever.”

********

So the song and title for this chapter isn’t a Beatles song or a Billy Joel song. I found this song by country singer Chris Young, so I apologise in advance to those who might not be country music fans. I just chose it because I liked the lyrics, particularly “And you drive all night only to be near the ones you love, well it must be Christmas”.

It Must Be Christmas

Weather’s getting cold again

The leaves are falling off the trees

You can almost sense it’s time

For jingle bells and wrapping things

Every drive way’s full of cars

Kids out of school in the yards

When there’s lights on every street

Snowflakes on everything

Well it’s just what you’ve been waiting for all year

When you believe in Santa Claus

When you give gifts just because

And you drive all night only to be near the ones you love

Well it must be Christmas

All you see is red and green

And people wearing winter coats

Every church has a Nativity

For everyone to see

That’s how you know

It must be Christmas

*******

#aidan turner #modernpoldark #six sentence sunday #demelza carne #eleanor tomlinson #work in progress #ross poldark #poldark #demelza poldark

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tobesolonely · 4 years ago

Text

birthday dinner

summary: harry and y/n’s daughter turns seventeen and reveals she has a boyfriend within the timespan of like, 2 days, and harry cannot process it </3

a/n: this gif has nothing to do with the story i just think he looks so hot❤️ i literally wrote this all today it just came to me... kinda proofread but kinda not?!

warnings: no smut but like one very brief mention of sex, fluff, maybe like 1 angsty part? kinda? not really , mentions of drinking alcohol

word count: ~3.6k

my ko-fi! thank you :)

let me know your thoughts!!

When you and Harry excitedly told your family and friends almost seventeen years ago that you were expecting your first (and unbeknownst to you at the time— your only) child, you were both over the moon. The people in your life who already had children told you to cherish every moment, the good and the bad because she’d be all grown up before you knew it. You took everyone’s advice graciously but of course, as an expectant mom, there was no way for your mind to even think that far ahead.

Everyone was right, though.

Now your daughter, Mona, was nearly seventeen— you felt like all you did was blink and she was this independent, beautiful, young woman. She was the perfect mix of both of you. She had her father’s kindness, patience, and determination. She had your willpower, grace, and wit. Neither one of you could be any more in love with the beautiful human being you’ve created.

In the months leading up to your daughter’s birthday, you constantly badgered her about how she wanted to celebrate. She would always respond with a nice dinner with you and Harry— unlike her father she tended to shy away from attention— but Harry wasn’t on board with the idea of anything that wasn’t a ginormous party.

“She doesn’t want that,” you told him one evening as you were setting the table for dinner. “You know how shy she gets. She’s not like you.” Harry rolls his eyes at your comment.

“I feel like tha’s supposed to be an insult, but I’ll ignore it,” he leans against the counter, arms crossed. “You only turn seventeen once. We gotta do somethin’ she’ll never forget.”

“Well, we’re not the ones turning seventeen, hmm? That was quite some time ago if I’m not mistaken.” Harry gives you a cheeky grin.

“So happy she’s not anything like us when we were seventeen. ‘Member all the shit we used to get into when we were her age?”

You laugh, shaking your head as you recall memories from your teenage years. “Yeah, we’re raising an absolute angel compared to what we were.” Your husband hums in agreement, walking the short distance to the dining table to snake his arms around your waist from behind.

“Speaking of our little angel,” he places wet kisses to your neck. “Still got a bit of time until she’s home from volleyball practice, haven’t we?”

You move away from Harry, giving him a warning look. “You’re insatiable, I swear! I’m still recovering from last night,” Harry laughs at how dramatic you were being. “We’re not as young as we used to be, y’know.”

“Oi, don’t remind me, love,” he places a quick smack to your butt, walking out of the room before you can reprimand him.

Just as you finish tossing the salad and reach for your phone to check and see where your daughter is, she walks through the front door, tossing her sports gear in a messy pile at her feet.

“Mom, dad,” she calls loudly. “I’m home!”

“You don’t have to tell us,” Harry calls back from upstairs, probably in his office. “Can smell you from all the way up here.”

You giggle silently to yourself, already able to see the look of annoyance on your daughter’s face. She rounds the corner and appears before you in the doorway of the kitchen, her curly hair a mess and her face slick with sweat.

“Hi mom,” she chirps sweetly, a dimpled grin on her face. “What’s for dinner? I’m starving, mom. Our coach made us run sooooo much today and we had to do all this conditioning and my legs literally feel like jelly.”

Your daughter reaches her hand in the salad bowl to grab a cucumber and you quickly slap it away, tsking loudly. “Mona! I haven’t seen you wash your hands yet!”

“Mom, my hands are clean. I used hand sanitizer when I got in my car after practice,” she tells you matter-of-factly, rolling her big, brown eyes at you. “You’re such a germaphobe.”

“What’s this ‘bout callin’ your mum a germaphobe?” Harry walks into the kitchen, his curls now pulled back with one of his daughter’s many headbands. He presses a kiss to the top of her sweaty head and wrinkles his nose. “Yeah Mo, you smell a bit. Why don’t you go get washed up before we eat?”

“Dad,” your daughter responds, clearly exasperated. “You don’t understand. I’m literally starving.”

“Mo,” Harry imitates your daughter. “You don’t understand. You literally smell like shit.”

Your eyes widen and you smack Harry on the chest as he bursts out laughing, not being able to help himself once he sees the annoyed look on his daughter’s face. “Don’t be an ass!” you scold, placing your hands on your hips. “She’s hungry. She can wash up after.”

“Thanks, mom,” Mona says, turning her head dramatically to face you. “Dad is so mean sometimes.”

“I’m just messin’ with ya, Mo,” Harry tells your daughter, nudging her gently. “You smellin’ like shit jus’ means you’re workin’ hard at practice. So I’m proud of you.” Your daughter rolls her eyes for what seems like the hundredth time since she walked in the door, quickly moving away from your husband to wash her hands.

“You’re seriously so annoying,” Mona mumbles, shaking her wet hands all over the tiled kitchen floor. “Can we eat now? I think I’ll faint if we don’t eat now. Seriously, guys.”

Your daughter takes her usual seat at the table, immediately reaching for the salad bowl and filling her plate. She avoids all the tomatoes and onions, opting for just lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers. She watches you closely as you take the lasagna out of the oven and you swear you see her drool a little bit.

“So,” Harry says after you and Mona have fixed your plates. “Your birthday’s comin’ up, Mo.”

Mona shoves a big forkful of lasagna in her mouth, wiping her mouth with a paper towel before speaking. “Yeah, two days.” She has a big smile on her face. “I’m so excited, dad. Did you and mom look into that place I showed you? For dinner?”

“Yeah, about that,” Harry takes a sip of water. “Y’sure you just want a dinner? No party? Your mum and I can put together a party for you last minute with no problem, bub.”

“Dad, I already told you that I’m not really into parties like that.”

“But you’re turnin’ seventeen.”

“How is it any different from sixteen?”

“Mo–”

“Harry,” you interrupt, placing your hand over his. “It’s her birthday. If she just wants a nice dinner with us then so be it.”

“Actually…” your daughter looks between the both of you. “I wanted to know if I could bring a friend.”

“‘Course y’can, Mo,” Harry’s eyes light up. “You can bring as many people as you want, darlin’. Jus’ lemme know ahead of time so I can make the reservations…” He trails off, already making a mental note to ask his assistant about making reservations for Mona’s restaurant of choice.

“Well,” Mona begins picking at her cuticles, one of her nervous habits. “It’s just one friend. Uh, a boy. I mean, I guess he’s more than a friend. He’s kinda like, my boyfriend?” Your daughter has a giddy look on her face, but it’s quickly replaced with that of fear when she sees the incredulous look her father has.

“A boyfriend? You have a boyfriend, Mona?” he slams his fork down on his plate. “Since when? What did your mum and I tell you about dating?”

“I don’t know dad, it’s new! Why do I have to wait until I’m in college to date but you and mom have been together since you were my age? How is that fair?” Your daughter is staring back at your husband, beyond irritated.

“I know what sixteen-year-old boys are like, Mo! I was one!” Harry raises his voice. “Absolutely not, Mona. You’re not allowed to date and he’s not allowed to join us.”

“He’s seventeen, for your information. And anyway, I’m sure sixteen-year-old boys are different today than they were fifty years ago,” your daughter retorts, standing up and grabbing her plate of food. “I’m eating in my room. You’re being annoying.”

“I just turned forty and you know it, Mona,” Harry calls after her. Your daughter says nothing in response and you’re met with the sound of her door slamming shortly after. Harry looks at you in disbelief.

“Did you not hear anything our daughter just said, Y/N?” the vein in his forehead is prominent and you know your husband is just as upset as Mona is.

“I did,” you start slowly, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. “I mean, she has a point. Why did we decide she wasn’t allowed to date until college when we were together at her age?”

“Y/N,” Harry says, clearly annoyed. “We were jus’ talkin’ about the shit we used to get into when we were her age. Isn’t that what bein’ a parent is? Not wanting your kid to make the same bad choices as you did?”

You scoff at your husband. “So now you’re saying our being together was a bad choice?”

“Love, you know that’s not what I meant.”

“Harry,” you sigh. “We can’t shelter her forever. That’s not fair to her. She needs to go out and make mistakes and have fun and figure things out for herself. Who knows, this boy could be the man she–”

“Please don’t,” Harry cuts you off, knowing what you were getting at. “I don’t even want to think about that.”

“Harry, I think you know that we need to give this guy a chance. We can’t make any judgments until we meet him for ourselves, and I think Mo’s birthday dinner would be the perfect time to do that.”

“But Y/N,” your husband whines, clearly completely against the idea. “I don’t wanna encourage it.”

“You’re being a child,” you tell him, annoyance lacing your voice. “Mona’s bringing her boyfriend to her birthday dinner and that’s that. If we meet him and he’s just a terrible human being, then we can re-visit this conversation. If you don’t think you can be an adult and be supportive of our daughter’s relationship, just keep it to yourself.”

“Y/N–”

“I’m eating dinner somewhere else, too,” you tell him, standing up from the table and grabbing your plate. “You can join me when you want to be a mature adult. Oh, and apologize to our daughter.”

“Love–”

Slam!

The tension in your household is thick in the two days leading up to your daughter’s birthday. Whenever Harry enters a room she’s in she quickly leaves, not wanting to talk to her father. Harry doesn’t make any effort to speak to her, either. Harry upsetting your daughter, in turn, makes you upset with him. You find yourself much quicker to snap at him than you usually are. He busies himself with work to distract himself from the fact that both of you are pissed at him.

On the morning of your daughter’s birthday, there’s still tension, but you and Harry try to put it aside for the sake of Mona.

“Happy birthday to you,” Harry sings quietly as you enter your daughter’s bedroom, a big stack of pancakes with a ‘17’ candle stuck in the top in your hands. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dearest Mona, happy birthday to you.”

You both sit on the edge of your daughter’s bed as she groans, pulling her comforter up higher over her head. “You guys, it’s so early.”

“Mona, don’t be a grouch! You’re seventeen today,” you hand Harry the plate of pancakes, pulling her covers down. “C’mon missy, make a wish.”

Mona sits up and tries to give you both her best annoyed-face but you know she’s not actually mad, far too excited about her birthday, and the day ahead of her. She was just telling you the night before how happy she was that her birthday fell on a Saturday this year, too.

She closes her eyes for a brief second before blowing out the candles on her birthday pancakes. “Thanks, mom and dad. I feel like things have been a little bit, I dunno, weird? Since I told you about Noah. I really love you both though. I’m sorry I didn’t talk about things with you first.”

Harry leans over to place a kiss on the top of her head. “‘M sorry I blew up on ya like that, princess. It’s jus’ hard for me to know you’re growin’ up. Your happiness is the most important thing in this world to me though so if he makes you happy, I’m gonna give him a chance.”

You smile at the sweet moment between your husband and daughter. At the end of the day, your daughter was a huge daddy’s girl and although you gave both of them a hard time about it, nothing made your heart more full than their special bond.

“Dad, you’ll seriously love him. He’s literally so funny,” she gushes and Harry just nods, taking a bite of her pancakes. “He’ll even laugh at your dad jokes. Like, he thinks shit like that is funny.”

“Language, Mo,” Harry warns. “He really likes dad jokes, though?” Your husband sounds a little too hopeful, causing you to giggle.

“Yeah, dad. He always tries to tell me his jokes and I’m just like, ‘Ew, stop! You sound like my dad!’. Oh, he loves One Direction by the way.”

“What about my solo stuff?”

“He thinks it’s cool,” she says nonchalantly, causing you to stifle more laugher. Harry continues nibbling on her pancakes, a troubled look on his face. “Can you guys go out while I change? I’ll be downstairs in like, two seconds.”

“Sure thing, Mo,” you tell your daughter, taking her plate of pancakes from Harry before he eats them all. “Do you want me to make your coffee or anything?”

“It’s okay, mom. Noah said he was gonna drop off coffee for me this morning,” she looks down, a small smile on her face. “I guess you and dad can meet him before dinner then if you want?”

You see Harry tense up slightly out of the corner of your eye but he surprises you by staying calm. “Sounds great, poppet. Your mum and I will be downstairs.” He places a quick peck on your daughter’s cheek and quickly walks out of her room, leaving you to follow after him.

“You okay?” you ask him quietly once you’re out of earshot of your daughter’s room. He nods quickly.

“Yeah love, all is well,” he assures, but his facial expression says otherwise.

“I’m sure Mona was just giving you a hard time. I’m sure Noah enjoys your solo stuff just like anyone else does.” You try to reassure your husband, standing on your toes to give him a kiss. You feel Harry smiling into the kiss and you pull back, a look of confusion on your face. “What’s wrong?”

“S’not that, love,” he says. “I jus’ wasn’t ready to meet him now. Thought I had all day to mentally prepare.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” you warn, moving to pour yourself a cup of coffee. “Please don’t do anything to embarrass her.”

“I know, Y/N,” Harry says exasperatedly. “I’m not that terrible. I know how to control–”

“He’s here,” your daughter informs the both of you as she runs down the stairs and hurries by. You catch a whiff of the expensive Gucci perfume Harry got you a couple of years prior and you make a mental note to tell Harry to pick her up a bottle of her own when he gets the chance.

Harry’s face is a little pale and if you didn’t know any better, you’d of thought he just saw a ghost. “Are you okay, H? It’ll be okay.” You rub small circles on his back. Your daughter flings open the door and immediately envelops her boyfriend in a tight hug and you can’t help but let out an audible, ‘aw’. He has balloons, coffee, donuts, and a card that you’re sure your daughter will never let either one of you ever read.

She invites him inside, bouncing from excitement and what you assumed to be nerves. “Mom, dad. This is Noah.”

He immediately extends his hand, nearly dropping Mona’s coffee in the process. He chuckles nervously and quickly hands it to her before holding his hand out again. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Styles. It’s, um, it’s nice to meet you both. Uh, thank you for allowing me to join in on Mo’s birthday dinner tonight.”

You reach out to shake his hand and give him a warm smile. “It’s so nice to meet you, Noah. Please, call me Y/N– I feel like Mrs. Styles kinda makes me sound a bit old.” Mona rolls her eyes at this, taking a sip at her coffee. There’s an awkward silence and you nudge Harry, waiting for him to say something.

“Mr. Styles is fine with me. It’s great to meet you, Noah,” Harry says gruffly. Noah nods and looks over at Mona, clearly uncomfortable.

“We’re gonna go upstairs,” she informs you, grabbing Noah’s hand and leading the way.

“Door stays open,” Harry calls after her. “Don’t let me come upstairs and see your door’s closed, Mona.”

Your daughter turns to look at you, widening her eyes in embarrassment. You shake your head at Harry and go back to fixing your cup of coffee. “Harry, you’re so horrible. I’d be mortified if I was them.”

“Good. That’s what I was tryin’ to do,” he goes next to you and picks up your coffee mug, taking a sip. “S’good. Can I have this one?”

“Harry!” you give him an amused look. “Make your own cup!”

“You make it taste so good though, love,” Harry gives you that look that he knows you can never say no to, and you sigh before giving in and handing him the cup of coffee you just made.

“Whatever happens with Mo and Noah, I hope he’s not as big of a fuckin’ pest as you are.”

“This place is amazing,” you tell your husband, completely in awe. You were out to dinner at the tallest rooftop restaurant in all of Los Angeles, seventy-three floors above the ground. You could look out and see the entire city and although you were normally terrified of heights, the view left you speechless.

“Mo’s the one that picked it,” he tells you, leaning over to whisper in your ear. He has his arm slung around you as he gently rubs your shoulder. “Gonna drink with me tonight, hm? They got some fancy soundin’ drinks on this menu.”

“One drink,” you emphasize. “I don’t wanna wake up with a hangover.”

“Mom, isn’t this place so cool? Can you take a picture of us?” your daughter hands you her phone, leaning closer to Noah. You feel Harry tense beside you but he doesn’t say anything.

“It’s very cool, Mona. I think you have expensive taste like your dad,” you joke, holding up her phone. “Okay, one, two, three.”

You snap multiple pictures of your daughter, remembering how she always told you that the only way to take pictures was to take at least twenty at a time to leave options open when deciding which picture to post on Instagram. You hand the phone back to Mona and she thanks you, analyzing the pictures with her boyfriend. Their heads are touching and your expression softens as you think back to how you and Harry always found reasons to be close to each other when you were your daughter’s age.

The night goes beautifully. Your daughter has a big smile on her face the entire time and Harry even refrains from being unnecessarily overprotective, opting to let Mona enjoy herself and be close to her boyfriend. The more drinks he throws back the more he engages in conversation with Noah, even answering his burning questions about One Direction.

When the waitress comes around to give Mona her slice of birthday cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ with the wait staff your husband is singing the loudest, slightly off-tune due to how inebriated he was. Your daughter laughs, hiding her face in her hands.

“Mom, dad’s being embarrassing,” she groans. You know she’s not actually mad but you nudge him, warning him to knock it off.

As you’re getting ready to leave, Harry tells everyone to wait, hiccuping before speaking. “Wait. I’ve got somethin’ to say.” He’s slurring slightly and you laugh, signaling for your daughter and Noah to sit back down.

“Noah,” Harry starts. Mona gives you a worried look and you’re debating whether or not you should interrupt Harry, not knowing what he was going to say. “I’ve seen the way you’ve been lookin’ at Mo all night and makin’ her laugh. Swear she hasn’t stopped smilin’ since we got here. I like that, Noah.” You decide not to interrupt your husband’s drunken rambling.

“Thank you, sir–”

“I had my doubts at first,” he continues on, taking another sip of his drink. “What dad wouldn’t? She’s my baby girl. Don’t care if she’s seventeen, she’ll be my baby ‘til the day I die. You make her so happy though, and I appreciate that.” He holds up his finger, gesturing for them to give him a second while he thinks about his next words.

“Don’t call me sir, makes me sound old. Call me Harry.”

#harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fluff #harry styles x reader #harry styles one shot #harry styles blurb #harry styles x y/n #harry styles fic #dad!harry

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taegyuun · 4 years ago

Text

月が綺麗ですね?

request: Can I request a ni-ki fluff where u both are besties but love each other and u try to confess but ur to shy so he kisses u ?🥺💗

word count: 1.5k+

note: his outfit is inspired by what he wore in his lie cover and italics are your thoughts :) 月が綺麗ですね means “the moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” which is a more poetic saying of “i love you” in japanese

it was a around 4 pm and the sun was beginning to set. you promised to yourself that one last time, before riki left for a few months to go to a dance company, you’d see the sunset with him for old times sake.

but a teenager needs their sleep, right? right. so you overslept through your alarm.

you look at your phone in disbelief for a few seconds, letting your half asleep brain render what you’ve done. and then once you realise that the sun would be setting in 30 minutes, you scramble out of bed - legs still tangeled in your sheets and run to your wardrobe, pulling out a random hoodie that coincidentally belonged to the boy you were meant to be meeting in about 15 minutes.

you pull it over year head before checking yourself in the mirror and deeming your messy outfit enough, he is my best friend, you think to yourself.

ah yes, here’s that word again - best friend.

it was a cliché trope, the one where one of the two friends fall for the other and they either suck it up and deal with their feelings till they move on and possibly miss their chance at one of their best things in life or they confess and potentially ruin their friendship. you were a brave one, or at least that’s what you told yourself, and you decided it was the best choice to finally get your feelings out in the open - hoping they would be reciprocated.

and hey, if it didn’t work out, at least you wouldn’t have to see him for a month minimum and that would give you time to get over the embarrassment of ruining your tight knit friendship.

you snap out of your thoughts with a shake of your head and the sound of a message coming from your phone - it was from riki.

riki :D : hey u comin? 16:08

y/n <3 : hi yeah sorry got caught up with sumn 16:08

riki :D : alrighty i’m waiting outside 16:10

you furrow your brows at the message. outside? you both planned on meeting in the field and stuff yourself with your favourite food one last time before he had to stick to a diet - but you didn’t question it further and quickly ran down the stairs ready to run out the door to see your best friend.

instead, you’re met with your mother gushing over him in the kitchen and your father congratulating him on his future career - even as a 15 year old. it was common sense that your parents liked him, you’ve been best friends since elementary school but what you didn’t expect was your mother almost at the brink of bursting into obnoxious tears at the thought of the nishimura riki leaving okayama and her child behind.

to be quiet frank, she was completely more bothered about the fact that riki was leaving okayama, more so than the fact that he was also leaving you behind - she loved him as if he were her own son. “remember to call us ok? tell us how it’s going.” she gripped his shoulders tightly before caressing his face and pulling him into a tight hug. he quickly wrapped his arms back around her, reciprocating the feeling of homesickness even though he hadn’t left yet, before muttering a, “don’t worry, i’ll make sure to call everyday.”

he shared another hug with your dad, more manly than the one with your mum before your mother saw you waiting at the stairs, ushering you to come forward before shoving a bag full of snacks for you two. “make sure to stay safe with riki and don’t go wandering too far - oh also don’t stay out too late... have fun!” before she shoved the both of you out the door, quite stunned.

you then open the bag, seeing it full of yours and his favourite snacks and some... hearts? flowers? what on earth-

“hey, come on slowass... let’s go before it gets too dark,” rikis voice calls out before he softly grips your hand and tugs you along, a bright smile spreading across his face. “what are you wearing?” you look at his outfit and see him covered in a slightly large white dress shirt and black jeans. he looked... put together.

“oh this? i had a dance cover i had to do today, ignore it.” you usually wouldn’t pay attention to what he wore - especially if it was for his dance covers but what you couldn’t ignore was the slight blush that dusted his pale cheeks. is it because i’m wearing his hoodie? no that can’t be it. he never minded before - actually he was always the one to hand you his hoodies. so what could it be?

“let’s sit here, it’s a good spot for the sunset,” he pats the spot of grass next to him on the hill, indicating for you to take a seat. you place the bag at his feet before sitting down onto the cool grass, feeling it tickle at your ankles. 4:33 pm. the sun should be setting right about now-

“riki, uhm, uh well i was gonna uh-“

“spit it out, y/n,” he giggles through his words as he digs his hand into the bag before pulling out two snacks and handing one to you. easier said than done, einstein.

“do you really have to go?” you curse under your breath for being such a coward and not just saying what you wanted to say straight away. “yeah, unfortunately,”

“unfortunately? don’t you want to go? it’s your dream, riki. for the love of god, don’t tell me you’re starting to question it.” you voice raises slightly in bewilderment. he chuckles lowly while looking out into the sky: orange, pinks, purples and hints of blue mixed in the sky like water colour being dipped in a glass half full. “no i’m not... questioning it, i’m more concerned about what i’m going to leave behind.” he takes another bite before speaking again, “i’ll miss okayama, y’know? and all my friends... even that weird, janky shop on that corner that no one really goes to. but it’s the fact that i’m leaving you behind thats making me want to stay here... i don’t want to leave you.” as he speaks, the moon peaks through the clouds more, becoming more apparent to the human eye. it almost reminds riki of his own feelings - hidden for so long before finally becoming clear.

“riki, you two-braincelled dumbass, stop being worried about some janky corner shop and go follow your dreams! you won’t be gone forever, a few months at top and sure, i may not be there in person but... you’ll always have me y’know? i’m your best friend after all!” you end your little speech with a gentle push from your shoulder to his and a wide smile, making him chuckle.

but it was humourless.

“you good?” your smile fades and instead is replaced with a small frown. he looks out into the sky again, the beautiful sunset colours suddenly replaced with a darker blue and grey transparent clouds covering a tiny part of the moon. “best friends... yeah.” it was a very quiet mutter - clearly not meant to be heard by you but it was just loud enough for your ear to catch.

this is my chance.

his quiet words gave you a slight boost of confidence and you suddenly sit in front of him, making him jump slightly in surprise. “what are you doing?”

“riki, shut up for a second,”

“right ok well, i was meaning to say this for a very long time but i kinda didn’t want to ruin anything so i decided to be a genius and basically leave it till the day before you leave so incase i did mess anything up it would give us some time y’know? but anyways uh i just wanted to say that i uh... well ok so i - well basically-“

“y/n, shut up for a second so i can kiss you.”

“i’m sorry what?” that’s what you tried to say, but instead your words got muffled by his hands softly grabbing your face and connecting his lips to yours in a warm, slow kiss.

oh good lord.

kissing riki felt like midnight strolls. walks under a roof where the rain bounced off. mario kart competitions at friendly gatherings. ordering a takeout when you don’t feel like cooking. finding your favourite shirt after misplacing it for months.

it felt so... normal. so exciting yet homely. it was something you were so happy to experience - yet it made you feel at peace and as if you were meant to be there.

as he pulled away, your cheeks warmed in delight and he shyly smiled down at the ground. in return, you lift his face and place another soft peck onto his pink lips and smile brightly after. his black pearl eyes then flicker to look behind you, smiling tenderly as he looked back at you before opening his mouth to speak.

“月が綺麗ですね?”

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smcc212 · 4 years ago

Text

Hope to Hunter

Pairings- Thomas Shelby x ftm son!reader, Shelby family x ftm reader(platonic)

Word count- 477

Warnings- Unsafe binding, mentions of gender dysphoria, coming out. Let me know if I missed anything.

A/N- DO NOT BIND WITH BANDAGES! IT’S VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN DECREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING TOP SURGERY IN THE FUTURE!! Now that that’s said, this is entirely self indulgent. I’ve kinda, sorta come out to my mum. And I’m terrified to tell my dad, so, yeah, some supportive Shelby family makes me feel a little better. Hope you enjoy!! Xx

He’d done it. He’d finally done it. No more ‘Hope’;she was dead. He’d cut his hair, shaved the sides and back just like his father did. He grabbed some bandages, wrapped them tightly around his chest before grabbing one of Finn’s suits and dressing himself in it. He raked his fingers through the small tuffs of hair at the top of his head. Looking at himself in the mirror, he let out a breath. Finally, he looked in the mirror and saw himself.

“Hope! Breakfast!” Polly called on him. He cringed at the name, looking down at his feet. It was now or never. Time to come clean; time to tell his family.

“Comin’, Pol!” He called back, cringing at the voice he heard. It didn’t sound like it should. He took a deep, cleansing breath and headed downstairs to face his family.

“Finn! Wait til Hope is here to eat, we’re not animals,” He heard Polly chastise. He cleared his throat, his heart racing as his family’s eyes fell on him.

“Hope,” His dad, Thomas, began.

“I’m not Hope, my name’s Hunter,” He tried to sound strong but his voice wavered, fear ate away at him but he had to do this.

“What?”

“I’m not your daughter-“ He gulped. “-I’m your son. And my name’s Hunter.”

“Wha-how?” His dad’s brows furrowed as he stared at him.

“I, umm, I was born in the wrong body. I’m a man, dad, I know I am.” He’s never been more scared in his life than when a pregnant silence filled the room. He shuffled his feet, waiting to see what his father was going to say.

“Okay,” His dad spoke slowly. “I’ll try to... understand it...”

“Thank you,” Hunter breathed out, tears of joy filling his eyes.

“What did you say your name was?”

“Hunter. My name’s Hunter.” His dad exhaled heavily.

“Okay.” He stood up, addressing the rest of the family. “This is my son, Hunter. And you’ll all address him as such. It’ll be difficult, but we’re gonna try, okay?” A sea of unsure “okay”s filled the room. Thomas wrapped his arm around his son. “Who cut your hair?” Tom asked.

“Me, why?”

“You missed a spot,” Tom said, poking his head.

“Shit.” Hunter’s hand flew back to find the part he missed.

“Hunter,” Tom chuckled slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll sort it for you. Then we’ll go get you some suits so you don’t have to wear Finn’s.”

“Thanks, dad.” Hunter flung himself into his father’s arms, squeezing him tightly.

“You’re welcome.”

“Well,” Arthur’s gruff voice spoke up, “guess this makes you peaky-boy now, Ho- erm, Hunter... Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Arthur,” Hunter replied as he pulled away from his father, going over to hug his uncle. “Thank you for accepting me.”

“Of course, kiddo.”

“We’re family.” His dad began. “You don’t turn you back on family.”

Taglist:

@the-makingsofgreatness

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adzre · 3 years ago

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June Hols r here peeps!!! Btw, Raya has passed. N I must say, it was the most tiring but best Raya ever! I guess after 2 years of almoz no celebration, can say all out lah kan. I m truly humbled to those who make my way to raya visit to my abode. Ameen2.

Work has been stable too alhamdullilah. Feeling more confident to handle n managed cases. Not too quick to give solutions But more of analysing the situation and the factors arnd the child. Work is merrier now too with an addition staff. Which means more work for us but all is good. Inshaa Allah ameen. Come July, my idea of presenting a poster presentation will be up. Hope it will be helpful to all.

Family wise-I will say follow the wind. In my household, all is calm. However, mum once a while and stills want all of us to be back mcm dulu. I know her intention, I knows her being a mum that's all she wants to see her children all on gd terms But I guess years of shoving it aside or just keeping it in have finally taken a toil on adek n me. Adek totally still traumatised with him. N the sight of him send her to a state of depression and distress n jitters n tears. With me, I m more ok but I wud be lying to say its all good. Whenever he calls mum or I know he is comin over to see mum, I truly cnt help feeling all nervous n anxious in case he start all his nonsense again. Of course I still cannot take his behaviour of still having to call mum everyday, asking $ n all. Honestly, I dunno what the future holds for us siblings. All I know I m leaving my bro to Allah swt. Only the mighty one knows and to give us the siblings strength n calmness. Yes we have forgive him but it's very hard x 1000 to forget of course. I feel with bro, it's all up to him now. Yes I know how he is trying to be good according to mum too But if feel he truly has to stepped up much more n the wife also another story lazy to talk. So best, we wish each other well, pray For the best. Yes of coz I feel sad that we r not those siblings that spent time together with our spouses n all but I guess Allah swt knows that each family works differently. For me, I juz want both mum n dad to age gracefully, away from any worries. As for me n sis, for us to be calm n juz work hard to. Our own family's n of coz and to be close to Allah swt alwaz.

Do pray for us k..

K gtg. Gonna enjoy my 2 weeks of protected time. Gg JB tmr. Can't wait😊

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cybershadow · 3 years ago

Text

February, 2016. Escape

- Perspective Two of Four -

Little noise. Controlled breathing. And running. That’s all I could tell was happening. I was trying to bury my eyes into Madi’s shoulder to stop the fog. Everything was so foggy, making it harder and harder to think. Mom...all nine weren’t supposed to be taken at once, they weren’t a Nine-way vaccine...motherfucker, she was trying to kill me. I knew that for sure.

“Are we at the checkpoint yet?” I mumbled into Madi’s shoulder, afraid to lift my head and get overwhelmed by the visuals. We were breaking the rules...but we always did that. Dad wasn’t aligned with the city...but why was Madi carrying me then?

I took the risk, I looked up. Flames. Flames staring small and growing around and in our house...I could hear mom inside, screaming for dad and Madi...swearing at me. I held onto their shoulders tighter and buried my face again, trying to block out the images and sounds. Madi kept running, the house getting smaller and smaller, blacker and blacker.

Too much, too much. Head and house on fire. Wait, no. My body wouldn’t stop shaking, as if burning off the drugs through tremors. “M’ head isn’t on fire.”

“We’ll get that fixed up,” Madi whispered while running. I could hear them controlling their breathing, speaking between breaths. “Gotta get to Beta first.”

“...it’s a left at the Avenue...”

“Thanks.”

Madi was a quiet sprinter. It was habit by now and they were smooth, taking long strides through the nighttime. I had the route memorized, going through it in my head, each turn just a reflected image of the map in my mind as Madi ran. Leaping over fences and obstructions as if they were nothing. The biggest noise they make is when they slide into a stop, I could hear their shoes skid despite the spray to minimize noise.

“Th’ ‘ells’ wit’ her?” I heard dad’s gravelly voice against the night as Madi set me down, helping me rest my back against a wall, already chugging a water bottle as fast as I could manage with the shaking.

“Mum overwhelmed her wit’ it all,” Madi’s accent thickened in response. The air became tense as they stared at each other. One spy and one stuck between city and rebels. Madi’s gaze hardened, even in the night their eyes were cold. For a moment I wondered if dad would even let them try, or if he would kill them.

“There’s nah goin’ back from ‘ere,” dad looked around a corner and handed Madi a rifle...my rifle. I held my hands out for it in response and they handed it over as he looked at them. “Are ya comin’ wit’ us then?”

“I am.”

Madi’s gaze grew shocked when dad pressed it further. “If ya do, y’know what’s gonna happen. Ya can’t continue doin’ whacha do.”

“I’m not staying here!” They hushed their voice but kept its firmness. They crouched next to me and felt my forehead. “What they’re doin’ to me, it’s not right.”

Dad said nothing, just nodded and peered around the corner again. The grip on his pistol tightened as he returned to the dark alley. His usually messy hair was contained for once, meaning he was probably undercover before meeting us here. That would explain the clothes too. Madi helped me stand as dad gestured for us to move.

He stepped into the light as we heard voices.

#antecedent action #Spy Siblings Escape

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svnflowervol666 · 5 years ago

Note

I was wondering if you could write something where Harry’s wife tells him she doesn’t want him in the delivery room when she gives birth. She figures having maybe Gemma or Anne with her. She comes from a family of women, so she just doesn’t think she needs him. Harry’s left torn between agreeing with her because it’s her choice and absolutely broken up over it, because he wants to witness his first child come into the world. In the end she chooses to have him by her side. 🌻💛🌻

Word Count: 2.5k

Author’s Note: THANK YOU for this dad!Harry request!! It is quite apparent that I can ramble about dad!Harry for ages, so if anyone has anything dad!Harry they’d like to discuss, my inbox is open and I will give it my all! Enjoy! Take care and tpwk.

Harry found her by the pool, her already glowing body veiled by a thin layer of sweat. Her sun-kissed legs were crossed one another, body completely bare sans the skimpy swimsuit that she only wore at home due to her current situation. She was nearly 7 months pregnant with hers and Harry’s first child, having gotten to the point where even the thought of leaving the house exhausted her. Knowing this, it made sense to Harry as to why he found her in such an unusual place when he came home from his workout at the gym. She’d always claimed that the hated the oversized pool that took up room for a potential garden in the backyard of their home, so she was rarely seen dipping her toes in the cool, blue water. Harry supposed her cabin fever had gotten the best of her and she’d had to find new ways to entertain herself whilst they both waited anxiously for their baby to arrive.

He could see her through the large, glass windows that faced the backyard, her cell phone perched in one hand while she rubbed absent-minded circles around her swollen bump with the other. Sounds of her sweet, cherubic laugh trailed in through the cracks of the french doors, immediately warming Harry’s chest and causing him to smile in a way that showed off his cavernous dimples. This pregnancy had brought a lot of emotional turmoil in terms of the way her hormones would render her depressed and misanthropic for weeks at a time in some cases, then bouncy and cheery the next as if nothing had been wrong. Harry supposed today had been one of those good days.

It came as second nature to him to make a double batch of the smoothie he routinely drank after he exercised. He’d found out early on in her pregnancy that she’d always try to sneak sips of the sweet, fruity blend due to her new cravings, so he’d eventually just started making two drinks each time to satisfy them both. As he juggled the two glasses in his large, ringed hands, he slid open the door with the full intention of joining her in her sunbathing escapades to cool down after his intensive workout. Maybe he’d even convince her to stick her feet over the edge while he swam a few laps around her. That was until he’d caught the tail-end of the sentence that she’d muttered to whoever was on the other end of her phone line.

“…I was just thinking maybe you or Anne in the room during the delivery, and then Harry can come in and see the baby right after.”

Harry felt his heart sink into his arse at what he’d overheard, almost in disbelief at what he’d just heard her say. Surely, he’d missed a key part of this conversation and the tidbit he’d just stumbled upon was not her saying that she didn’t want Harry by her side when she gave birth to their first child. They’d never discussed it, but he’d always been under the assumption that he’d be right there next to her, holding her hand as their son or daughter made their appearance into the world. However, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling like that was exactly what she had just said.

“Yeah, totally. And then- Oh! Hi, Harry!” She stopped mid-sentence and perked up upon realizing her husband was home.

Harry smiles cheesily back at her, though there was a hint of disappointment in his expression. She was too entranced in her conversation to notice.

“Brought ye’ a smoothie,” Harry raised the glass towards his face to show off the perspiring glass of blended fruit and protein powder.

She wiggles her toes in excitement, the shiny lilac polish gleaming in the sunlight. Harry had painted them for her last week, her having been too far along in her pregnancy to reach her own toes. He always did little things like this for her so she could feel beautiful no matter how atrocious she was convinced she looked in her state. If it were up to Harry, he’d keep her like this for as long as possible; he had fallen in love with her ten times over since she’d been pregnant.

“Thank you, lovie. Gemma’s on the line. She says hi. And also that she’s still your mum’s favorite,” she said to Harry as she pulled the phone slightly away from her ear.

Harry couldn’t help but chuckle at his older sister’s immature banter as he sat the smoothie down next to his wife and leaned down to press a kiss to her damp hair.

He spoke clearly into the speaker so that Gemma was certain to hear him, “Just wait until the baby gets here. Then mum won’t give a shit about either of us.”

Harry didn’t hear Gemma’s snarky response, but he did hear her laugh loudly on the other end mixed with his wife’s own sweet giggles. He gave her bump a few pats with his hand that was cold from holding the glass and silently gestured to her that he was headed back inside. What he had overheard on the phone had killed his desire to lounge in the pool with his wife. He needed to be alone, whether it was to come up with a way to convince her otherwise or simply sulk about in his misery. His wife blew him a kiss which he subsequently pretended to catch and stuff in his hoddie pocket before ducking back into the house.

Whilst Harry was washing off in the shower, his mind was racing. Did she really not want him in the delivery room with her? It was his child, for christ’s sake! Of course he wanted to be there, more than anything, to be there when their baby took their first breaths, when they came out covered in goo and kicking and screaming. All Harry had ever wanted was a family to call his own, and now that it was within arm’s reach, he wanted to experience it all.

Of course, she was going to be the one quite literally pushing a life force out of her body, therefore Harry had no say in the matter. At the end of the day, even if his future efforts to convince her otherwise were unsuccessful, it was her choice and Harry would have to respect that. It just struck him right through his core to think that his own wife didn’t want him there beside her as she gave birth.

Amidst his racing thoughts, he’d lost track of time. The water had since run lukewarm, but he didn’t realize this until he heard the creak of the steamy shower door open and saw his pregnant wife step inside, still dressed in the skimpy swimsuit that she wore when she didn’t want any tan lines.

“Stealing all of the hot water now, aren’t you?” she teased as she stripped herself of the sopping wet material, then tossed it halfhazardly into the corner of the large, stand-in shower.

Harry mumbled a quiet, “Sorry,” before stepping out of the way of the faucet to let her rinse off.

“‘S alright. I’m still pretty warm from being outside,” she reassured him as she worked shampoo through her dripping locks, “Everything alright?”

“Ye’, why wouldn’t it be?” Harry answered his wife’s question, though he knew that wasn’t the truth and he couldn’t hold eye contact with her so he opted to watch as the soap suds ran from her scalp and down around her belly.

“Just seem kinda off is all,” she dismissed her quandaries and reached for the conditioner.

“‘M fine,” Harry lied again, “Wha’ were ye’ talkin’ to Gem about?”

“Oh, just baby stuff. She wanted to know if we’d decided on a theme for the nursery yet so she could start buying us gifts and then we just ended up talking for a while.”

Harry nodded silently as he worked a foaming cleanser into his skin, waiting until she was done rinsing her hair to take his turn back under the running water. He could say something, he really could. He knew that he should, because communication was key and he needed to be prepared for the heartbreak he’d experience when she told him that she didn’t want him in the delivery room with her. But he was nervous, scared almost. It was as if he actually didn’t want to know how she felt and would rather just forget the whole thing happened. However, now was not the time to be cowardly. This was his child and if he wasn’t willing to talk openly with his wife about how they’d approach the situation, maybe he wasn’t really ready to be a father after all.

“Did I overhear you tellin’ Gemma you don’t want me in the delivery room with ye’?”

She stopped running the silky soap through the ends of her hair to look at Harry directly.

“What do you mean?”

“I heard you say somethin’ about mum bein’ in the delivery room with ye’ and then me comin’ in right after. Do ye’ not want me in there?”

Harry’s voice sounded trembled as if he didn’t want to hear her answer his question. She finally picked up on his trepidation, and the look on her face was one of confusion.

“Harry I…I didn’t say that,” she was merely at a loss for words.

“Ye’ kinda did. Heard ye’ say it,” Harry snided.

“I didn’t say I didn’t want you in the room, Harry. My family’s always had only the girls in the delivery room. I just figured I’d do the same. Plus, I didn’t know you even wanted to be there.”

“Of course I want to be there,” Harry stressed, “‘s my baby for cryin’ out loud.”

Right then, she felt an intense flutter in her abdomen that caused her to cup her bump with her arm. This baby sure did love the sound of their father’s voice. Nothing was said between them, only awkward, unbearable silence. The water suddenly felt ice cold, raising chillbumps all up and down her arms and legs. Was Harry mad at her? She didn’t know. There was no malice with her intentions to give birth to their child without Harry in the delivery room, she genuinely hadn’t thought twice about it; it’s how she had been raised to believe how a woman should give birth, with strong women by their side. He was looking at her with glassy eyes like she had utterly broken him and caused irrepairable damage and it made her heart feel heavier than the weight of her baby bump that killed her lower back.

“I didn’t know, Harry,” she whispered, barely audible over the hissing of the faucet.

“Kinda common sense, now, innit? ‘S fine. ‘S your body.”

Harry quickly rid himself of any soap residue and left his wife alone in the ice cold shower before she could say another word. He left her the fluffier, more comfortable towel that he’d chosen for himself, because that’s just who he is.

He avoided her for the rest of the evening. He shut himself in his office for the better part of nearly three hours, hoping to turn his feelings into art and potentionally crank out a verse or two. The thoughts buzzing in his head were far too loud to concentrate on any chord or key, so he turned to answering emails, still not coming out of the room to resolve the argument he’d had with his wife in the shower. He wasn’t even sure what to say, or if there was anything to say at all.

She’d done the same, cooping herself up in their bedroom and taking a nap instead of finding Harry and demanding that they squash this immediately. She was so startled over the entire thing, having been bombarded with more information than she could handle. It hurt her to know that she’d hurt Harry, but at the same time she believed she hadn’t done anything wrong. This was clearly miscommunication on the most basic level, though it didn’t make her feel any better having realized that. Uneasiness settled deep into her bones as she drifted off into a light, relaxing slumber.

Harry tossed the garlic around in the pan with a wooden spoon blindly, only cooking to fill his stomach and not to enjoy it. It was her favorite meal, so he’d figured she’d enjoy the leftovers, at least. His mind kept drifting off to two months down the road, when his baby would be arriving in the sterile, chilly delivery room whilst he, on the other hand, wouldn’t be there to see it.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt two arms wrap around his middle and a protruding bump poke him in the small of his back.

“‘M sorry,” her voice sounded muffled from where she was talking into his shirt.

Harry reduced the heat on the stove and turned around in her grasp to face her. He took her head in both of his hands, forcing her to look at him when she spoke.

“‘S okay. It’s your choice. I didn’t mean t’ upset ye’.”

“No, H. It’s not okay,” she couldn’t stop the hormonal tears from pooling in her eyes and running down her cheeks that were still warm from the nap she’d taken, “I should have asked you what you wanted. It’s your baby too. I just wasn’t thinking. I don’t you to be mad at me.”

Harry wiped her tears away with the pads of his thumbs, hating to see her cry like this.

“I’m not mad at ye’, love. Just caught me off guard. I’m fine now. I’ll wait outside the delivery room if that’s what ye’ want.”

He really hoped that wasn’t what she wanted, but he knew it was the right thing to do. After a long pause of her collecting her breath and nuzzling into Harry’s soothing touch, she found her words once more.

“It’s not what I want. I want you there. Beside me. Holding my hand when our baby gets here.”

This time it was Harry that started to cry, though he didn’t let her see the salty tears fall becaues he burried his head into the crook of her neck and held her in the dimly lit kitchen they stood in. All she could hear were his sniffles and his rapidly beating heart through is chest.

“I love you,” Harry mumbled into her neck, tickling her sensitive skin.

“I love you, too. So fucking much, Harry,” she gave his abdomen a tight embrace before pulling back.

“But promise me you’ll still want me after you see the baby come out of me. I’ve seen it before and it is not pretty.”

Harry choked on his remaining tears as a laugh roared through his chest. He wiped the wetness from his face with the sleeve of his sweatshirt.

“’M only gonna want ye’ more after that. Promise,” Harry then raised his left pinky towards her in sincerity, the wedding band on his ring glimmering in the stovetop light.

#harry styles x reader #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles x pregnant!reader #dad!harry #dad!harry x reader #dad!harry x pregnant!reader #harry styles blurb #asks

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softlass27 · 4 years ago

Text

whoops, this is long after midnight. oh well!

Robron Week Day 6: Family

Fed up with Chas and Paddy fighting in front of Eve yet again, Aaron decides to take her away for the day.

AO3 link here

“Ah, shit,” Robert muttered, frowning at the bread bag in his hands.

Aaron looked up from where he was shoving an extra bottle on suncream into a bag. “What’s up?”

“Bread’s gone mouldy.”

“What, already?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, I’ll nip to David’s and get some fresh – ”

“He’s closed the shop today, remember? Him and Eric have that family do on.”

“Okay, we’ll just have to stop at Tesco or something and buy some sandwiches.”

“Or you could nip to the pub and see if Marlon’ll make us some? Maybe those chicken and avocado ones he’s started doing?”

Aaron sighed and set the bag down. “Seriously?”

“What?” Robert shrugged innocently. “They’ll be nicer than some shop-bought ones.”

“Why do I have to go?”

“Look, if you go now, I’ll get the rest of the food sorted and handle getting Seb ready. Deal?”

“Fine.”

Aaron power-walked up to the pub, checking the time on his phone as he went. It was a bright, sunny Saturday morning – the first warm weekend of the year – so they’d decided to take Seb to the beach for the day.

The pub wasn’t due to open for another couple of hours, so Aaron bypassed the main entrance and went straight for the back door, only to stop short at the sight in front of him. There on the doorstep sat Eve, still in her pyjamas with her knees pulled up to her chin and tears streaming down her face.

“Hey, squirt.” He approached her slowly, keeping his voice soft. “What’s with the tears?”

Eve just shrugged, wiping her nose with her sleeve.

Aaron crouched down to her level, lightly chucking her under the chin.

“Come on, what’s the matter? Has something happened? Someone upset you?”

She hesitated for a moment, before getting to her feet and pushing the door open to step inside. Aaron followed her and was immediately assaulted with the sounds of his mum’s furious shouts coming from upstairs, loud enough to echo through the house. They were soon followed by Paddy shouting back just as angrily, his voice high-pitched and defensive.

Aaron sighed and picked Eve up for a cuddle. “What’s going on?”

“Dunno,” she said into the fabric of his t-shirt, breath hitching. “Mummy’s been cross with Daddy since last night.”

“For god’s sake.” Aaron muttered through gritted his teeth, scowling as her carried her into the back room.

His mum and Paddy had sworn to him that this sort of thing would stop, that if they had to fight, they’d at least make sure Eve wasn’t around to see or hear it. He set her down in front of the TV, where Saturday morning cartoons were playing.

“Okay, I have to speak to Uncle Marlon really quick, then I’ll be right back. Wait here, alright?”

He darted through to the pub’s kitchen, where Marlon was preparing food with the radio blaring. When he caught sight of Aaron in the doorway he jumped a mile and scrambled to switch it off.

“God, make a noise, would you?”

“Yeah, sorry. Can I ask a favour?”

Marlon sighed heavily, putting his peeler down on the counter. “I suppose?”

“Me n’ Robert need some sarnies but our bread’s mouldy and David’s is shut. I was wonderin’ if you wouldn’t mind whipping us up a few?”

“Sorry, you think I have the free time to just make you and your husband a packed lunch?”

“It’s not like the pub’s open yet.”

“I’m still busy!” Marlon threw his hands in the air. “Just because there’s no customers doesn’t mean I don’t have meals to prep, do you know how long it takes to do ratatouille?”

“… I don’t even know what that is. Please, you’ll be doin’ us a massive favour, I’ll owe you one.”

Marlon held out for about five seconds, before rolling his eyes and grabbing the bread. “Fine. How many am I making for?”

“Three.” There was a sudden loud thump from upstairs, the sound of something being shoved or thrown to the floor, shortly followed by the loudest shout yet.

“They’ve been at it all morning,” Marlon grumbled irritably. “That's why I had the radio on so loud.”

Aaron glanced up at the ceiling, thinking quickly.

“Y’know what, make that enough sandwiches for four, actually.”

He left the kitchen without waiting for an answer and returned to the back room.

“Hey, how d’you fancy a day at the beach with me, Rob and Seb?”

Eve’s head whipped away from the TV to look at him, her eyes lighting up hopefully. “Today?”

“Yep, we can go right now. What d’you think?”

“Yes!”

They went to Eve’s room upstairs so Aaron could help her get ready, digging some beachwear and a swimming costume out of her wardrobe and doing his best to distract her every time the sounds of shouting from behind her parents’ closed bedroom door increased in volume.

“Oh no,” Eve froze as Aaron tied her shoelaces for her, looking at him with alarm. “I don’t have a bucket and spade.”

“That’s alright, we can get you a bucket and spade when we get there.”

“Will they have pink ones?”

“I’m sure they will.”

Picking her back up with one hand and grabbing her backpack with the other, he tiptoed down the stairs and made his way back to the kitchen.

“Those sandwiches ready, Marlon?”

“Here you go.” Marlon handed over a tupperware box. “There’s some leftover crisps in there, too.”

“Cheers, you’re a lifesaver.”

“Marlon!” Eve waved her current favourite stuffed bear at him with excitement. “I’m goin’ to the beach!”

“Wow, lucky you!” Marlon grinned at her. “Alright for some.”

Aaron let her slide down to the floor and passed her the tupperware. “Why don’t you go wait by the door for me, yeah?”

Eve nodded and exited the kitchen, holding onto the sandwiches tightly.

“Do, er, do Chas and Paddy know you’re taking her?”

“Nope.”

“Is that wise? Not letting them know?”

“Marlon, they were so busy tearing strips off each other they didn’t even notice me comin’ upstairs and getting her ready to leave with me.” He sighed heavily. “They can’t keep doing this in front of her, it’s not fair. I couldn’t just leave her sitting around by herself, not with all that goin’ on.”

Marlon chewed his lip. “I suppose you’re right. I always tried to keep my relationship problems hidden from April when she was that age – not that I always managed it,” he added with a slightly sad smile. “I wish those two would try a bit harder sometimes. Eve’s lucky to have you for a brother, honestly.”

“Cheers, Marlon. And good luck with your rata-whatever.”

“Ratatouille.”

“Yeah, that.”

He led Eve outside, pulling his phone out of his pocket and tapping on his mum’s contact. It took a few rings before she answered.

“Hi love, now’s not really a good time – ”

“This won’t take long,” Aaron cut her off sharply. “Just thought I’d let you know that Eve’s with me, I’m takin’ her out for the day.”

There was a short silence, followed by a noise of confusion. “Wait, what? What do you mean she’s with you? She’s downstairs watching cartoons.”

“She was, but now I’ve got her. I’ll bring her back sometime tonight.” He glanced at Eve, who was playing with her bear a couple of feet away, and lowered his voice. “Or I can always just let her stay over at mine, if you and Paddy need some more time to hurl abuse at each other?”

“What? No, we’re not – I’m just, I’ve been so tired this week, Aaron, and Paddy was getting on my last nerve, you won’t believe what he said to – ”

“Save it, Mum, I really don’t care. I’m just letting you know where your kid is, in case you were interested. Talk to you later.”

He hung up and slid the phone in his pocket, before taking Eve’s hand and leading her towards the Mill. She talked excitedly the entire way, all traces of her earlier upset gone as she babbled about everything she wanted to see and do at the beach.

They entered the Mill to find Robert and Seb sitting on the sofa, shoes on and ready to go.

“Hey,” Aaron kicked the door closed behind him. “Room for one more?”

Robert’s eyes briefly flickered down to Eve before he looked back at Aaron. They held each other’s gaze for a split-second, before Robert nodded in understanding.

“Course there is.” He got to his feet and grinned at Eve. “Come on then, sooner we get there, sooner we can get started on the world biggest sandcastle.”

Seb whooped loudly and took off outside, grabbing Eve’s hand as he went, the two of them chatting animatedly to each other as they dashed for the car.

“Your mum and Paddy at it again?” Robert asked quietly.

“Yelling loud enough to make the windows shatter. She might need to stay over tonight if that’s okay?”

Robert sighed and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Like you have to ask. Come on, we'd better get a move on before Seb tries to drive off without us.”

The four of them had a great day. They managed to snag themselves a decent spot on the sand, with enough space for them to build what did turn out to be a pretty epic sandcastle. They took the kids paddling and rock pool exploring, Aaron kicked a football about with Seb while Robert helped Eve look for seashells. And when the kids were happy enough playing with each other, Aaron got to stretch out in the sun next to Robert, sighing contentedly as his husband played with his hair with one hand and held a book with the other.

Saturdays didn't get much better than that. Aaron must’ve snapped about a hundred photos on his phone, saving a great one of Robert with his freckles coming out in full force as his new wallpaper.

As the afternoon drew to a close, they packed up their things and wandered along the seafront until they found a nice-looking pub on the seafront, deciding to stop there for their tea before heading back home. Since the air was still warm, they parked themselves on one of the outdoor tables, a young waitress bringing out a couple of children’s menus and crayons for them.

While they waited for their order to arrive, Eve started using the crayons on the colouring-in section of the menu, tongue poking out in concentration, while Seb pulled a few handfuls of rocks and pebbles out of his pocket, pouring them onto the table.

“Dad, are any of these fossils?”

“Let’s have a look.”

Aaron spread them out and the two of them bent their heads over each one, Aaron showing Seb what to look for. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eve repeatedly pushing her hair out of her eyes with increasing frustration, only for the coastal breeze to blow it back in her face again, blocking her view of the picture she was trying to colour.

“Rob, can you get – ?”

Robert nodded and pulled Eve along the bench towards him. “C’mere, let’s get this sorted otherwise you’re gonna end up with a proper bird’s nest.”

He grabbed a hairbrush and a bobble out of one of the bags and started brushing Eve’s hair, doing his best to tame the messy tangle of curls. He’d just finished putting it in a neat-ish plait, when the waitress reappeared with their food. Aaron quickly moved Seb’s rock collection aside so she could put the plates down and Robert picked up Eve’s colourin, carefully folding it and putting it away so she could finish it later.

“Thank you,” Seb said to the waitress when she set his plate down in front of him, keen as ever to talk to adults like he was one of them.

“Fank you!” Eve immediately copied him, even as her mouth was full with a handful of chips she’d already started scoffing.

The waitress smiled fondly at them both. “You’re very welcome.” She glanced towards Aaron and Robert. “Well-mannered, aren’t they?”

“Hm, when they want to be,” Robert said lightly, tucking a napkin into Eve’s collar before she inevitably got ketchup all over her t-shirt.

“You should see them in the mornings,” Aaron added. “Then you might change your tune.”

She just laughed and shook her head. “You have a lovely family.”

Huh.

Aaron froze, eyes flicking to Eve before he looked at Robert, who also had a slightly surprised expression on his face. It was a fair assumption, he supposed – no one would guess he and Eve were siblings, not with their age gap, not when he and Robert were closer in age to most parents than his mum and Paddy were.

“Oh, uh, actually she’s my – ”

“Thank you,” Robert talked over him loudly, mouth upturned in a polite smile. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“Is there anything else I can get for you?”

They both shook their heads and she went back into the bar, while the kids both tucked into their food hungrily, oblivious to what had just happened. Aaron slowly picked up his knife and fork, catching Robert’s eye.

“She thought… ”

She thought Eve was ours.

“Yeah.” Robert popped a chip in his mouth, raising an eyebrow at him. “Is that so bad?”

Aaron stared at him for a moment. He thought of his mum and Paddy, probably still back at the pub screaming bloody murder or giving each other the silent treatment, filling the house with a frosty atmosphere. Or perhaps Paddy had stormed out, hiding in the surgery and leaving his mum to stew, oblivious to anyone or anything other than her own anger.

He thought of how Eve would have spent her day if he hadn’t popped into the pub for sandwiches, and felt his stomach turn. She would have spent it stuck in among the tension, miserable and lonely and probably spending her Saturday bored out of her mind. He shot a glance at her now, sitting across from him with a happy smile on her face, cheeks pink from the sun as she nattered away to Seb in-between bites of her food.

“Nah. It’s not.”

#robron week #rw2021 #my writing #meh i'm not totally happy with this one but oh well #robron

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