#no ma'am its not okay to act the way you did. quit if you want

[weathernerdmando]

Our manager quit two Fridays ago. This Friday the coworker who I was friends with and who had come back to take over as assistant manager quit because I told her she'd been heard shit talking and I shouldn't have let it go as long as it did out of fear of her reaction, and that I was owning up and doing what I needed to make wrongs right.

Which didn't involve firing people she'd worked with for less than a week and had not given a fair chance. Who aren't bad workers and are completely willing to learn and improve from bad habits instilled by the GM I replaced.

She called me a bad manager, person, etc and said some other immature, crude statements. I was being a bad manager being scared of her and not shutting her down back when it started. I wasn't when I told her I was stopping it here and now.

Can't say I regret accepting her quitting.

[antimatterz]

interesting turn of events

dan heng x gn!reader

typical "there's only one bed" trope but i've never written one before and wanted to do it once so here we are. no warnings.

content under the cut | masterlist

something about the dark, glum streets of boulder city left you with a smothered feeling. it was as if a weight lay upon your shoulders, slowing you down with its heaviness. it was exhausting, and the more time you spent outside, the more tired you became. maybe that was why all the citizens seemed so dull and gloomy. this town was completely void of a spark, nothing that brightened the misery. just being here made the sense of depression sneak up on you, and the continuous stress of the underworld netizens was contagious. 

along with your travel companion, you made your way through the town that was shrouded in darkness perpetually, looking for a place to stay and get some much-needed rest. 

     "you feel it too, huh?" dan heng asked, breaking the silence that had lingered between you for a while. 

     "feel what?" you asked, not immediately grasping what the male was getting at. 

     "the absence of hope," he explained, gazing into the dark distance afore you. "there's no joy here, no liveliness, nothing that brings a reason to live to these people. it's... depressing." 

     "yeah, it is," you agreed, nodding as you listened to his words. "i've spent a few days here and it's already weighing upon me. imagine having to spend your entire life here in the underworld." 

     "it's never been easy here, but ever since they sealed it off, the life has been sucked out of this place," dan heng mused, solemn eyes still looking ahead of him. "i can't wait to resolve this all and get back to the surface." 

     "i'm afraid it won't be fixed overnight," you sighed. just like dan heng, you weren't looking forward to staying here much longer. 

of course you had march with you, who brought quite some liveliness to the sullen atmosphere, but even the cheerful girl was affected by the gloominess of this place. and then there was dan heng, ever the pessimist – or realist, as he prefered to call it. everyone dealt with the situation here in their own way, and so did you. you made sure to keep a close eye on all your companions, and did what you could to console those who appeared to be heavily affected by the misery that had intricately weaved itself into the underground. 

     "i'm starting to fear that we have no other option than to spend the night in the goethe grand hotel again," dan heng commented as you passed through yet another alley. 

     "aww, you're acting as if it was that bad," you lightly mocked him. "okay, the mattress wasn't soft at all and it smelled really suspicious but at least we had a place to sleep." 

the male muttered something under his breath that sounded a lot like an additional list of complaints he had regarding the goethe grand hotel, but he still led you through the dark streets towards the mentioned hotel. 

once inside, you were greeted by gertie, the owner of the old hotel. as cold and run-down as the building might've seemed, the woman greeted you warmly. 

     "hello ma'am, do you have two single rooms available for us?" dan heng asked politely. 

     "please, just call me gertie," the woman behind the desk waved dismissively. "i'll check right away, give me a moment." she went through a log on the desk in front of her, flipping through some pages before she found what she was looking for. "hm, i'm sorry. i only have one room available tonight. would that be a problem?" 

you and dan heng exchanged a look, and his face was as unreadable as ever. you had no idea what he thought about the situation that unfolded, and you had no idea what to say. a silence followed, in which gertie's face grew from questioning to mildly confused.

it was dan heng who first cleared his throat, shaking his head.

     "it's no problem," he answered, and you just nodded along.

     "it isn't," you agreed.

but really, wasn't it? on the inside you were freaking out mildly. you barely just met dan heng, and though you got along just fine, you wouldn't say you were on sharing-a-room terms. but it was either that or finding an even lousier place to stay, which held no appeal to you at all. 

     "excellent, here are your keys to room six," gertie announced, handing the keys to the male next to you. "enjoy your stay, and don't forget to leave a review." 

you instantly thought back to the reviews you already left behind, twice. your reviews had been nothing but positive, even though the hotel wasn't all that great. gertie was a kind woman, and you simply couldn't find it in you to leave a review that voiced your true feelings about the facility. but to leave the same review yet another time? hm. maybe you'd just ignore the parchment in the dresser. 

you followed your travel companion up the creaky wooden stairs that brought you to the first floor, and the male swiftly opened the door to hotel room six. it was dark and plain and it screamed poverty, much like the rooms you previously stayed in. there was, however, something that caught your eye – and judging from the way dan heng's eyes had widened, he noticed too. there was one bed, a single-person bed, and nothing close to a couch or sofa or anything else to sleep on. you felt your heartbeat pick up as realization hit you.

     "uhm," you brought out. "dan heng, there's only one bed." 

     "so i noticed," the male replied dryly. 

     "what do we do now?" you asked. 

     "simple. you take the bed, i'll sleep on the floor," dan heng shrugged. it wasn't even a suggestion; it was a solution already set in stone – for dan heng, at least. you weren't quite having it.

     "i don't think sleeping on the floor is a good idea," you hesitantly brought up. "we're supposed to meet with serval tomorrow and who knows what will happen after that? we need all the rest we can get, and sleeping on the moldy floor won't result in proper rest." 

     "so what do you suggest, y/n?" dan heng questioned, arching a brow. 

     "i-i was thinking, why don't we just... share the bed?" you reluctantly spoke up, eyes trained on the wooden bed as you refused to look at him. "that way, no one has to sleep on the floor." 

     "a single-person bed isn't made for two people to sleep in," dan heng stated matter-of-factly. "but i see your point, i don't think sleeping on the floor would do us any good." 

and with that, it was pretty much decided. you and dan heng – the mysterious guy you secretly admired from the very moment you opened your eyes and found him about to perform cpr on you – were about to sleep in the same bed. to be fair, you were struggling to keep your cool, but you didn't want to make a fool out of yourself in front of your travel companion. so you turned around, telling dan heng that you were going to change into your sleeping attire and heading into the bathroom. once there, you breathed out. it's no big deal, you kept telling yourself.

really, it wasn't.

as you deemed yourself ready, you exited the bathroom and the male went in after you. hesitantly, you made your way over to the bed and crawled under the covers. now it didn't matter what dan heng would do; you had secured your spot on the bed. maybe he would have a change of heart and decide to sleep on the floor regardless – no, that was unfair to think. it was you who came with this suggestion in the first place.

you lay in a manner that made your back face the bathroom door, nervously awaiting it to creak open. eventually, it did, and dan heng came out. you shut your eyes tightly, and your heart did multiple somersaults when you felt the mattress dip besides you as the male sat down. you heard the covers rustle as he shifted, and you shuffled as close to the edge as you could. it was uncomfortable, but imagine accidentally touching dan heng? no, you would spontaneously combust out of sheer shame and you were positive he wouldn't necessarily appreaciate it, either.

it wasn't comfortable, as you lay stiffly, afraid to move – or do so much as breathe in and out steadily. you were hyperaware of the body that lay next to you. because the bed was so small, he was close to you, regardless of how much you tried to keep your distance. your back was facing him, but you inhaled his scent nevertheless, and boy, he smelled good. fresh and comforting, like the fleeting touch of jasmin flowers. it made you want to crawl closer to him, to breathe in deeply and fall asleep against him, basking in comfort. but aeons, you would never have the guts to do so. dan heng would surely be freaked out.

or would he?

"y/n?" he muttered after a long silence.

a little surprised, you halfheartedly turned around. it had been quiet for a long time, and you were certain he would've been asleep by now. well, apparently he wasn't. you caught his gaze, illuminated by the dying oil lamp on the nightstand.

"good, you're awake," dan heng stated.

"yeah," you said, very much confirming the obvious. "what's it?"

"you know..." the male began, trailing off after barely speaking two words. he seemed to think, his eyes darting away from you momentarily. he didn't look like he would speak up anytime soon, but you didn't urge him on. dan heng was the quiet type, usually not too happy when he was forced to talk. so you let him, waiting patiently.

you followed his gaze, only to find that he was looking at nothing in particular. though the oil lamp casted a warm hue upon the furniture and walls, it was hard to make out details and dan heng was pretty much staring into a void of nothingness. that was really out of character for him; even though he was silent often, his gaze was always focused and aware. now you fully turned around to face him properly, temporarily forgetting about your previous worries.

"were it anyone else, i would've objected," he spoke up after recollecting himself. "as in, i would've slept on the floor."

"what?" you questioned dumbly, not getting it.

"i like you," dan heng bluntly said. "that's why i agreed on spending a night in the same bed as you. i thought about it and realized, were it march who asked me to, i would've refused blatantly. i don't mean any offense but –"

"hold up," you said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "you what?"

"i said what i said, y/n. i like you," the male repeated, finally looking straight at you. "i simply found you attractive from the start, but as we are spending time together here in belobog, i grew attracted to how you are as a person just as much. i'm sorry if this catches you off-guard, but i've been thinking it over and felt like i had to say it."

you stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. dan heng liked you? now that was something you never dared to hope for. surely, with you it also started with an infatuation, but spending time with dan heng made you realize that you also liked him. and now he was telling you he liked you back?

"you didn't inhale too many geomarrow particles, did you?" you hesitantly joked, not believing what was happening.

"i'm dead serious, y/n." dan heng shook his head. "you know me, i barely joke around, let alone in a situation like this." his hand reached out to find your cheek gently, and he looked at you solemnly. "now, i am slowly losing my facade if you don't say something back."

you instantly cracked a smile, placing your hand on top of his.

"i would've never suggested sharing a bed if it wasn't you," you told him. "i like you too. it started when i opened my eyes and found a hot guy bent over me, about to give me cpr, but as time passed –"

"you think i'm hot?" dan heng asked, and for the very first time, you caught a hint of amusement lingering on the edge of his voice.

"ah, forget i said anything," you uttered, instantly turning around so your back was facing him once more. aeons, that was stupid!

you heard dan heng chuckle, and two arms snaked around your waist from behind. he pulled you closer to him, gently hugging you against his chest.

"don't lay so close to the edge of the mattress, you might fall off."

you only nodded, inhaling his scent as you realize your previous wish had suddenly come true. who would've thought? was this real? were you dreaming? or were you the one high on geomarrow particles? you had no idea, but you decided not to care. smiling softly, you nuzzled closer to the male. you'd see tomorrow; for now you were going to enjoy this.

[fumikomiyasaki]

For the wrong wedding ( okay no angst but chaos and maybe reverse-)

Chizuko and Flynn ( an abduction by force )

Cattleya and Louis ( kidnapped I think- demon ma'am looks angry at the bride for stealing )

Cattleya Eye Reveal:

I Object! I have counted this as the boys get stolen from what I got from this so

He was tired... usually it was hard to catch him like that, especially cause he was used to fleeing and getting away... now he was here... caged in chains in a fancy suit... trapped by a crazy woman who wanted to always marry a "Vampire." Not noticing that Flynn never was one but only acted as one... and now forced to a marriage altar thanks to her... for the first he felt a bit of regret... after all he wanted to save himself up for his precious Onyx... he wanted to lead her down the aisle in a pretty dress... and as he went to this fantasy in his head, suddenly the door bursted open and some people rolled him down the wedding location... what was his best action... just to distract them with entertainment and hope to flee.. there was not many options with all of the people being on "her" Side.

Arriving at the altar and hearing the priest talk his head started to spin and the voices in his head mocked him... untill he suddenly heard the sound of breaking glass about him... somebody broke through the glass mural... and stood before him in a blood stained red dress... his dear Onyx.

"You have got the wrong bride.... because I am here to take the count back where he belongs."

He noticed she was emberassed acting that way but did it for his sake. As he played along.

"It is true, i was promised to this beautiful gem,so you can't wed me... I am a shamefull man If I seemed like you had a chance-"

"What are you doing just staring, get her!"

"You really want to marry him in such a tacky dress... well then... you have to go through me."

The rest of what happened Flynn blanked out cause of his voices... all he know he woke up to a tons of blood on his suit... Chizukos dress dyed as well and her holding him in his arms.

"You really are an idiot."

"I am sorry Onyx... I will promise to be less reckless."

She still punched him on the chest... deserved really... but despite the horrid scenery around him... there was somethign calming and beautifull about holding his dear Onyx like that... he was truely glad he had her... and one day he wants to see her in a dress like this... just not stained in blood.

In actuality he was just waiting cause he got a ton of things for Cattleya as he promised... but eventually some demons took interest in the handsome young service and his pure appreance... to the case of one group taking him away to a woman who fell in love at first glance... wanting to make him hers fully.

And so he was wrapped up in this make shift wedding that freaked him out a lot. Seeing so many different demons just not caring about what he actually wants... while this demon lady just eyes him like a love crazy fool... how could he get out of this... his screaming wasn't heard... yet suddenly the room felt dark and silent... many turned to the door behind him.

He was surprised because for sure he recognized it was his dearest but... he rarely saw her showing her eyes if at all. Cattleyas glare was almost deadly at the bride.

"This wedding is canceled."

"Its her this is not good."

"What are we gonna do, we upset her."

Many were quite, even the bride was shook to the core seeing her approach and undo Louis ties.

"This one is mine... and I will not let anyone take him, keep that a warning for the future."

Nobody dared to object or lay a finger on them.... as they got out of the venue he quickly wrapped his arms around her.

"Thank you so much... I owe you my whole life... as well as I promised it before I will serve you for all eternity."

"That is what I wanted to hear... for now lets get back and let you take a breather from the shock... we have some things to discuss later."

Her tone towards him was far more calmer... he barely felt any of the fear the others felt... just admiration and moreso... he fell for her even more that day... his promise was true... he would dedicate his life to her only to be with her... and that promise he wanted to keep in mind.

[splashink-games]

Potion Economics!

okay so I bought Potionomics on release. an impulse purchase. but I knew I was going to love it.

(screenshots are probably spoilers, I'll probably talk about spoilers, so here's your spoiler warning)

so again, I bought the game on a whim. my wallet cries in agony.

I love games like these where you take care of a store and some of my favourites from this genre are Moonlighter and Recettear. super fun times.

Potionomics is a fabulous game with a lot of personality, a simple, well-executed story, and an immensely fun game loop.

to start with the bad (which are few and far between).

my biggest negative for the game is that there is zero voice acting. which was really depressing. for how animated and unique these characters are, I was surprised there were no voices at all. and not like voiced dialogue. there aren't any vocal sfx. no quips. no barks. I would've loved something to make some of the visual novel aspects more entertaining

secondly, this was not a kick back, chill game where you can endlessly make potions for whatever witch, hero, merchant, cat, bird, dog, dragon that comes into your humble little store. no sir ma'am. it was a game with a time limit (which I hate btw) and stress (quite literally). 10 days to get ready and go. and then do that 4-5 times. not the potion I wanted, but not enough to turn me away.

next, we've just got a few release bugs, 80% of which I avoided by waiting like a week to play the game. but I did encounter stuff not showing up, but nothing game breaking.

so for all the lovely positives for the game.

all the characters are so great! they're sometimes cringe, but in a good kind of way. they're all kind of self-aware of their flaws, which makes them a less annoying to be around, but it also made them stronger characters because it was obvious what they needed in order to grow.

their little scenes were all very nice too! I focused on my favourites until about 70% through the game where I decided I could get all the achievements. some of them were lacklustre, maybe because of burnout or because I was hunting achievements, but I think they were all strong in their own rights. and also my favourites did not disappoint. I will always be Salt and Pepper's blood brother <3

even for the characters who I thought I wasn't going to like (cough Roxanne and Baptiste cough) I found that I couldn't hate any of the characters and the rivals are no exception. I think that's a sign of good character design, if I may be so bold.

the story is simple—uncle died, Sylvia inherited debt and needs to manage the store to win competition money. its simplicity allows the game to breathe and you can get so much more from adding details to this story like they did (rather than making a complicated story).

for example, each of the rivals. they're made to each have a main strength and an antagonistic personality. for example, Roxanne (the first rival) is a fraud who uses charm to win. we see what she needs to grow as a character, we see her strengths, and we see her goal.

I'm also extremely happy that the story is complete! which is a little counter to my "this is not endless chill game" problem. the ending wrapped everything up

and now for the absolutely delicious gameplay loop

making potions in Potionomics is a blast. all you do is put ingredients in a cauldron and try to get the right ratio, but holy moly was it fun for me. for a meticulous person like me, I loved it. spent hours on it. but getting higher tiers is kinda frustrating when you've only got crappy ingredients. the gating was real (either I had to wait for harder areas or better equipment).

accepting the requests were also fun little challenges! they weren't really required, I imagine you could essentially beat the game without them, but having to make potions with certain good traits inevitably made me actually good at making potions.

the card battling aspect was also really nice! this was one of the first times I've seen this kind (where you're not out to kill) and I loved that it enhanced the narrative aspect of the game.

one little gripe I have about the deck-building is that you always needs 20 cards. seems balanced enough. it was clearly more than enough to win me the game. but I did want to change up my tactics sometimes, which included wanting less cards. in the end, I pretty much kept the same strategy until the late game where 1. I had too much stress and needed to get some stress reducing cards and 2. I got the really good cards from maxing out relationships.

I haven't even gotten to talking about the art and the music!

the art and music was phenomenal. loved the character designs. loved the places. the animations were smooth and believable, flashy and unique to each character's personality. the art was one of the things that drew me to the game in the first place, because the cute characters and handsome characters dragged me in. I'm a sucker for them.

the music... was pretty good, all things considering. I liked the music. I liked the sound effects. but I found the audio to be the weakest aspect of the game. that doesn't mean it was weak. it was damn good. just everything else was so high quality, I couldn't pay all too much attention to it. having no voice acting also affected that, though.

Potionomics has a great story, amazing characters, and fun gameplay. there's no doubt in my mind that it's one of my favourite games of the year.

as always, enjoy gaming!

[thot-writes]

reader doms virgin katsuki who always flirts with reader. but she finds out katsuki is all bark no bite <3

yes!! bakugo HIGHKEY needs to get put in his place hes such a brat its ridiculous

i wonder if someday i'll be able to write porn without needing 500000043 words of backstory leading up to it.... one can only dream

also i 100% did not intend for this to get so long i was just having too much fun

katsuki gets what's comin to him (18+ NSFW);

(CW, underaged drinking)

Someone with an attitude like Katsuki's is hard to get along with, let alone be able to read his true intentions. You only just recently met the 19-year-old when you worked together to save a group of civilians from being terrorised by a drugged-up villain.

And for the last two months since then, he just cannot stop flirting with you.

You found yourselves working together semi-regularly since that first instance, and almost every time Katsuki has found some way to give you a backhanded flirtatious comment.

"You got that guy, huh? Guess you're not all just good looks."

"Stay back and let me handle this, idiot, you wouldn't want 'em to damage that face of yours."

"Can it, supermodel."

"It's way too dark in here. Guess ya can't distract me with your face, though."

"That hero costume is ridiculous, are you just tryna seduce the villains?"

Frankly, it was annoying. You were several years older than him and could kick his ass hard enough to send him crying back to his mother, yet he always seemed to act as if that wasn't the case. He showed you no respect and his attempts at flirting were absolutely abysmal - you'd never met anyone quite so infuriating.

And you're working with him again tonight.

You both responded to a call of suspicious behaviour that had civilians concerned of a potential villain attack. It was bullshit, though, just a couple of delinquent teenagers wearing hoodies.

Katsuki stands behind you with his arms folded over his chest, his face twisted in the all-too-familiar scowl he always seemed to have. It's clear that he's just as annoyed about this as you are.

"So you grabbed the drinks, and then what?" you asked, irritation tingeing your words at the ridiculousness of the situation.

The teens looked tough, but their personalities showed they were anything but. As soon as you told them about the calls, they broke down in tears and insisted they were doing nothing wrong. "W-we paid for them but we didn't have enough s-so we said 'ah, damn it!' and put the drinks back - that's all w-we did, I swear!"

You believed them. Phony calls like this were all too common. Sometimes people were just way too jumpy, and it made taking care of real problems more of an issue than it needed to be. "Alright. That's okay. You can go now boys, sorry for the inconvenience."

They nodded, and the scrawnier one of the two spoke up. "H-how do we avoid this happening again? We've n-never done anything illegal..."

You shrugged. "I dunno. Get plastic surgery," you mused light-heartedly.

"Yes, ma'am!" they answered as they rushed off, too fast for you to tell them you were only joking.

"Geez," Katsuki grunted. "What a waste of time. There could be a real crime takin' place and these idiot civilians just called us out for nothin'."

You hummed in agreement. "It never gets less annoying, I'll tell you that."

He smirked. "Those kids seemed eager to listen to you though. Maybe seduction is just your quirk huh?"

There it is. He knows full well that seduction is not your quirk, but arguing has never dissuaded him - if anything, it empowered him. You turn to look at him and decide to be direct, "Listen, Bakugo, it's clear that you want something to happen between us. We've got time, my apartment is only a few minutes from here, what are we gonna do about it?"

For the first time since you've met him, he looks genuinely shocked. His face flushes, and you can see the tips of his ears turning pink. "Eh? What are you saying? T-that's way too bold..."

You take a step closer, and he inches back. "You're not the first person I've worked with that wanted to mess around, don't get all shy now. My place is close, so let's go."'

He stares at you in stunned silence, and you just barely hold back from smirking. His throat has turned impossibly dry, and he swallows hard to try and regain his crumbled composure.

You speak before he does, "Don't tell me you can't handle it."

His eyebrows twitch in annoyance - his pride demands he never back down from a challenge. "Of course I can handle it!" he bites back, cheeks still burning. "Let's go! Hurry up!"

He storms down the sidewalk to try and lead you to your apartment, which is hilarious since he doesn't know where it is. You point a finger in the opposite direction. "It's down that way."

He turns on his feet and stomps over. "I knew that...!" he grumbles as he passes you. You snicker as you follow him.

Once you enter, you tell Katsuki to take a seat on the couch, which he reluctantly does. You go over to the fridge and grab a couple of beers out. "I know you're technically not allowed to drink this, but you're close enough to twenty, right? I won't tell anyone."

It's right. Legally, he's still not allowed to drink alcohol for another eight months, and he hasn't ever tried. But he wants to impress you, so he folds his arms and says, "Whatever. I drink all the time." A blatant lie.

You take a seat next to him and hand him a can. He eagerly chugs it, ignoring the urge to spit it out - this is alcohol? It's disgusting! How can you stomach it?

You eye him curiously, a smile creeping up on your face as he downs the beer. You can tell he's struggling, but he finishes the whole can in one go anyway. "You're not supposed to drink it that fast, you know."

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and scowls. "Of course I know that! I was just thirsty, that's all." Biting back a comment about its abhorrent taste, he adds, "Get me another one."

"Really?"

"Yes, really! Go get it!"

You roll your eyes but say nothing and grab him a second can from the fridge. He then asks for a third, which you get, but when he asks for a fourth you tell him no. You've barely made it halfway through your first one - someone needs to tell this kid to stop trying so hard.

"You've had more than enough," you say.

"Ha! I've had way more than this, y'know. That stuff was weak." He crosses his arms and averts his gaze. His speech is slightly slurred and his cheeks are a dark pink; he's definitely drunk. Or at least tipsy.

You smile as you toy with the tab on the can. "You're actually pretty cute, Bakugo. You act like you don't care about anyone's opinion, but you try really hard to impress them."

He turns to glare at you. “Are you stupid? Where’d you get a dumb idea like that from?”

You set the can down on the table and shuffle closer to him. He instinctively goes to move away, but you catch his chin between your fingers before he can. “Am I wrong?”

“O-of course you’re wrong!” His eyes dart to your mouth, and he can’t find it in himself to look away. He swallows thickly.

The hand on his chin trails along the bottom of his jaw then rests on his cheek. He lets out an almost inaudible squeak as you do this, and you can’t help but grin. “I think you’re more than just a rude jerk. I think secretly you’re sweet... and I think you really want me to fuck you.”

“I don’t...” he weakly defends.

You inch closer to him, so close that your lips are a mere hair’s breadth away from touching. Katsuki can feel himself growing hard, but he refuses to pay attention to it.

Your thumb strokes the soft, warm skin of his cheek as you gaze into his eyes. “Huh. So then I guess you won’t react if I do this.” You close the distance between you and press your lips against his, immediately earning a quiet moan out of him as he squeezes his eyes shut.

Your tongue enters his mouth and he almost pulls away, but your other hand is on the back of his head and holds him in place. He licks your tongue, almost timidly, and tries to match your pace — but this is his first kiss and his skills are limited. In fact, it becomes painfully obvious to you that he’s had no experience, but he’s cute so you can’t say that you mind.

Katsuki’s head is swimming when you finally pull away, a string of saliva connecting you together still. His defined chest heaves as he takes in uneven breaths. “That was... alright, I guess.”

You eye him incredulously. “Says the virgin.”

He almost jumps up from his seat. “Virgin?! Who’re you callin’ a virgin?!”

You poke him in the chest. “You. I can tell a virgin when I kiss one.”

He grits his teeth. “Fine! You’re right, who cares?! I’ve been too— too busy to do that kind of thing anyway...”

“I’m not judging you. It’s cute.”

He glares at you. “I’m a man, you know? We don’t want to be called cute.”

“Maybe stop being cute then.”

“You—you’re so annoying! You better shut up or I’ll make you so— agh!”

Before he can finish his sentence you’ve pinned him down on the couch. He stares up at you as you kneel above him, sliding one of your legs between his and pressing deliciously against his crotch.

You chuckle. “You’ll what? I didn’t catch that.”

“Shut up...” He looks away.

You rest a hand at his crotch and his hips twitch at the contact. You smirk at him as you massage his cock through his pants and he bites his cheek to keep from moaning.

His body feels impossibly hot, be it from the alcohol or the arousal he can’t tell, and he squirms against your touch.

You’re both still in your hero gear (minus the shoes of course, you’re not animals), and you work on getting him out of it. You take off his gauntlets and let them drop to the floor, then his collar and knee-guards.

As you’re still palming him, you lift his shirt up high enough to expose his toned abs and impossibly pink, cute nipples. Before he can protest what you’re doing, you duck your head down and take one of the pink buds in your mouth. He lets out a gasp as your tongue circles it, teeth grazing the skin of his chest as you do.

“Mmph... cut that out, it’s embarrassing— I’m not... a girl—ah!” He jolts up into you as you gently bite his nipple.

You pull away from him and he almost whines as you do. You quickly take his belt off and unzip his pants, tugging them off of him and letting them join the growing heap of garments on the floor. His dick struggles against his boxers, a small wet patch forming where the tip is. Looking down at him you think about just how pretty he is. You take a moment to watch him before you hook your fingers into the band of his underwear and tug them down, springing his reddened, hard cock free.

Katsuki’s lips are slightly parted as he watches you intently when you throw his boxers to the side. He goes to sit up, but you put your hands on the underside of his strong thighs and push his legs up. He yells out in surprise as his thighs are pressed up against his torso, giving you a clear view of his pink asshole.

“Oi! What the hell are you doing?! What kind of position is this?!”

You bend down, gazing at him as you stick your tongue out and give a long, languid lick to his hole. He struggles against you, trying to push you away, but you only double down in your efforts. Your hot wet tongue traces circles around him, and he lets out a shaky whimper at the feeling.

You lick and suck at his hole, sneaking a finger in and earning moan from Katsuki. “Fuck! T-that feels good...”

You chuckle in response, the vibrations sending a pleasurable feeling throughout his body. You slip a second finger in and take your mouth away as you thrust your digits in and out of him. He whines and reaches a hand down to touch his aching cock, slick with his own precum.

You smirk at him. “I don’t saying you could do that— but this is your first time, so I’ll forgive you.”

“Nnngh... You’re gonna make me cum if you keep doing that...” he moans. It seems to you that he’s abandoned all inhibition and has become lost in the pleasure.

His reaction is only urging you on, and your fingers speed up as they fuck him harder. He tilts his head back into the cushions of the sofa and cries out. The slick, wet sounds of your fingers going in and out fill the room — it should embarrass him, but it just makes him hotter.

His cries become ragged as he moves his hips in time with your fingers, his grip on his flushed cock tightening as he gets closer to the edge. “Please... please... fuck, please..!”

You put your fingers in as far as they’ll go, making a come hither gesture as you stimulate his prostate. His entire body trembles as he desperately bucks up into his own hand. Ropes of hot, sticky cum shoot out from his cock and all over his chest and face. His eyes roll back and he groans, his motions slowly stopping as he comes down from his high.

You withdraw your hand from him and fish around in your coat for your phone. You snap a picture of him lost in pure bliss, and he opens his mouth to complain then gives up before he even gets a word out.

You stand up and start stripping, and his attention turns to you. He bites his lip as he eyes the contours of your body, and you climb on top of him. “I made you feel good, now you’ve gotta pay me back.”

He blinks up at you. “How?”

You position yourself over his face, bracing yourself on the arm of the sofa. “Eat it.”

He gulps, but nods. You put your pussy on his lips and he eagerly sticks his tongue out to lick you up. His puts his hands on your thighs and pulls you further in as he laps up the wetness dripping from you. Your eyes drift shut as he eats you out, letting out soft sighs or praises from time to time.

You rock your hips back and forth on his face, and he moans into your cunt sending pleasant shivers up your body. You entangle a hand through his hair as he inserts his tongue into you— you note that for a virgin, he’s surprisingly good with his mouth.

Katsuki starts to get hard again and he turns up the intensity, your juices dripping down his face and intermingling with his own cum. As you get closer to finishing, you move your hips faster and harder until you’re fucking his face. He can’t breathe, his lungs are starting to burn, but he’s too turned on to stop now. He squeezes your thighs with his hands and helps you thrust faster.

“Haaahh, you’re doing such a great job, Katsuki— just a little more...” You bite your lip hard, feeling your orgasm bubbling up in your core.

With a few more quick, decisive thrusts against his mouth you cum onto his face. Your whole body trembles and you lift yourself off of him. He takes in big gulps of air, grateful to be able to breathe again but disappointed he’s not tasting you anymore.

He licks his lips to savour the taste and sits up, his face a sticky, flushed mess of sweat and cum that drips down to his neck. You can’t resist snapping another picture and he half-heartedly glares at you.

“You better not be plannin’ on showing those to anyone...” he says lowly.

You wave a hand dismissively. “Of course not, who do you take me for?”

“A pervert.”

You pause. “...Well you’re not wrong, but that’s still not something I’d do.”

You leave the couch and disappear into your bedroom. He calls after you but you insist you have just one surprise left for him and to be a good boy and wait. He does.

You return a minute or so later, a strap-on fastened around your hips and the dildo glistening and dripping with copious amounts of lube.

Katsuki, still seated on the couch, looks at the dildo then back to you several times before he catches on to what’s going on. “You can’t seriously expect me to take that! What kind of perverted woman are you?!”

With a devious smile, you shrug. “The type that’s gonna give you a prostate orgasm.”

His lips tremble as you approach him, settling on your knees in front of him as he still sits on the couch. The strap-on lines up with his own dick, and you glance down to see he’s still as hard as when you left.

You pull him to you and plant a kiss on his ear. “Be a good boy and let mommy take care of you.”

It takes barely any convincing at all before you’re balls deep in his tight ass, joining him on the couch and holding his hips almost painfully as you drive into him. He cries and moans, tears forming in his eyes and his hands searching for desperate purchase on the cushions behind him.

You take out your phone and film it, zooming in on the silicone phallus thrusting in and out of him, his asshole clenches around it and his legs are locked behind you. He cusses and sobs, the lewd sounds of his pleasure and your skin smacking together is easily caught by the phone’s microphone.

“I can’t take it!” he weeps, his voice breaking and hiccuping. “I’m g-gonna cum again— f-fuck me harder! Please!”

You drop the phone beside you (camera side up, of course) and oblige, the tip of the dildo hitting his prostate again and again. His hands fly to your shoulders and he digs his nails into the skin as his whole body tenses.

Then, with a jerk, he cries your name and his body spasms. His orgasm is far more intense than the first one, travelling from his core to his upper body, spreading throughout his arms and his legs. It’s a feeling unlike any other, and it continues to crash over him like waves. Drool seeps out of his mouth and drips down his chin, his mind little more than a haze as his senses are completely overloaded.

You slowly pulled out of him and he winced at the loss, but he was too far gone to do anything about it. You picked up the phone once again and filmed him in his post-orgasm stupor. “So Katsuki, how would you rate the loss of your virginity?”

He blinks slowly as his feelings return to him. He looks past the camera, into your eyes and says:

“Let’s go again.”

[oshicakes]

"what three things would you take if we got divorce?" a tiktok trend

pairings. daichi sawamura x reader, oikawa tooru x reader, miya atsumu x reader

genre. fluff, domestic

Daichi Sawamura

when you dropped that question he just looked at you with confusion written on his face. but then turns to a glare.

"what? are trying to divorce me?"

"just answer, daichi."

"i refuse answering your nonsense question." then he turned his attention back on the tv where he's watching some local news.

"eh, come on."

"no, we're not divorcing, it's not part of our plan and im not even considering it, never ever. we planned our future together. i waited for this to happen and im not wasting it. there's no way out in this marriage, understand? if we have problems and misunderstanding, we'll talk about it, we must communicate and commit to each other."

you we're just there standing, dumdfounded, awed, you don’t know. he just made your heart swell of happiness and love. as if hearts are floating everywhere. you didn't even realize that he's already standing next to you. you came back to reality when he pulled you for a hug.

"are you sure you didn't see this on tiktok?"

"wait.. what? are you doing tiktok again?" he pulled away from you which made you whine.

"uh.. yes?"

"you know, i might consider that divorce thingy huh?" he playfully said to you, sporting his smug face.

"hey! no backsies!" you pursed your lips and cling on to him.

he just laughed at you. he kissed your temples. "just kidding. what do you want for dinner?"

"can you cook yakitori, sir?" he chuckled to your response and quite surprise that you called him 'sir' which you don't you usually call him.

"sure, ma'am." he gave you a peck on your lips as he guide you towards the kitchen as he's assigned cook for dinner.

Oikawa Tooru

he was confused at your question. he gave you that 'are you planning on getting a divorce' look.

"be honest okay?"

"i'll take our child (dog), your phone and all your favorite food in the fridge!" he proudly says.

you looked at him, confused with his answers and kinda disappointed. well, you're expecting a sweet and sugary words from him just like what you see in other's video. "why?"

"so you'll chase after me tehee~" he flashes his infamous winked eyes, tongue out with peace sign.

you ended up rolling your eyes on him but hiding a smile. what do you even expect with this guy anyway, he's a crackhead and he knows how to use his charms to his advantage, perks of being a handsome guy.

"why did i even marry you?" you dramatically said and massaged your temples.

he let out an exaggerated offended gasps. "are you really planning to file a divorce?"

"what? of course not. but.... we don't know." you shrug off. it was just a joke, of course. you were with him for long now and you are already immune to his 'dramaticness'.

"really?" he squinted his eyes on you and have a menacing look.

"really." you answered. he jumped on you which made you land on the sofa and started tickling you.

"stop! oh my god!" you were laughing and shouting for his name while he tickles you. when he notice that you were having a hard time, he stopped tickling you.

"that should do. no more asking about divorce. we don't need that." he said and laid on top of you and showers kisses all over your face.

"i love you, y/n."

"i love you too, tooru."

Miya Atsumu

even though he's ridiculed with your question, he just go along with you cause he knows it's for tiktok again.

"we just got married and now you're asking me for a divorce?" he made an offended look, he also grab his shirt on his left chest.

"i didn't ask for divorce, tsumu! it was just a question." you explained but he shush you by putting his index finger on your lips.

"where did i go wrong? where was the for sickness or for poorer now? is my love not enough? can't we fix this anymore? is divorce the only way we can solve this problem?" he dramatically said to you. he even have fake tears on his eyes.

you were about to say something again when he shush you again.

"no, i understand. you don't want my body anymore. you got tired with my body, my eight pack abs, my biceps and triceps, my bum and thighs."

"i- nevermind." you rolled your eyes. your patience were already at its limit. atsumu really knows how to push your buttons sometimes.

when he knows that your pissed already he stopped his act and laughed at you. you walked away from him but he chased after you.

he carried you like a sack of rice on his shoulder, which made you shriek. "put me down, miya!"

"what did you call me?" he said then hit your butt.

"you're so annoying! put me down!"

"you said to take anything when we divorce. so here it is, i am taking you with me. only you, cause you're the only thing i will ever need in my life."

okay, you can't hide the fact that that melt your annoyance to him. you tried to actually hide your smile and when you can't you bite his back. "idiot."

"that hurts!" he once again hit your butt.

[rose-likesto-write]

Meant To Be..

Pairing:- Taecyeon x fem reader; very brief mentions of Chan (SKZ), Baekhyun (EXO) and Yeji (ITZY)

Genre:- Fluff, humour (maybe), angst

Warning:- curse words, swearing, a bit angst past of Taecyeon

Rating:- T

Word Count:- around 1 K

Tagged:- @atiny-exol @chicken-fifi

Summary:- He never thought that he found his mate after long years of search and in this way? The man who never felt the feels of jealousy, being grumpy like an old man is really now acting just like a 5 year old boy for this girl whom he feels is his mate and wants to claim her as his but the problem you ask? It's her little golden retriever puppy of whom he is jealous and thinks as an obstacle.

A/N:- I feel this is one of the shortest (kinda) fic I wrote as I didn't wanna drag it like unnecessarily. I can always make another parts, if you all wish to read. I am sorry :")... This scenario is a continuation of werewolf reaction

"What did I land myself into?" Taecyeon thought as he inspected the situation and environment around himself. While he was busy analysing the surroundings a gentle tug at the hem of his sleeve brought him out of train of thoughts. He looked at the big doe glistening eyes and a small pout playing on the lips.

"T-Thank y-you a-and pl-please I a-am sorry. I-i didn't meant to take you like this a-" your lightining speed speech was cut off in the beginning by him. "its okay and also I came with you and not the way around. Plus, why didn't you get your wounds treated huh? Don't say, it is a vet hospital and stuff. Come with me."

Okay, you didn't say anything because first of all, you were too overwhelmed to say anything. Second, this man whom you don't even know, you not only find him attractive but that you started liking him and feel safe? Thats a BIG statement but ofcourse, why would you tell him and finally, the way he was talking to you without giving you any chance to reply back made you feel something.

Weird right?

The vet hospital he took you to was the one where some of his friends of the other pack and other supernatural creatures work other than the human beings. "Dr Chan, we an emergency!" Taecyeon rushed into the said doctor's room without any fear scaring the poor werewolf.

"Taecyeon, what the heck!! Are you hurt anywhere? Did someone from other p- "It's a human girl" Taecyeon said refering to you as you were being pulled inside, while Chan had to blink a couple of times before understanding the complete situation before a mischievous smirk came up. "Oh, ma'am please take a seat as I call my colleagues Dr Baekhyun and Dr Yejin." Chan said while trying to control his laugh as he dialled the numbers.

"Not that little shit again, I swea- "but, he is good at stuff like this and why are you so worked up? Miss, please tell me the details while the other two doctors come in"

As much as this situation was making you confused as hell as to what was happening as the said doctor Chan was busy laughing at God knows what stuff, then him calling other two doc's as well and that gentleman whom you now know his name is Taecyeon is reacting kinda weird especially when doctor Chan mentioned the name of doctor Baek? Baekhyun.. yeah, Dr. Baekhyun; there was Taecyeon who was feeling many emotions and numerous thoughts were continuously going through this head due to which he couldn't arrive at a conclusion.

When Yeji took you in for treating and dressing the wounds both Dr Chan and Baekhyun took Taecyeon to a more isolated room quite far from yours. "Hyung, you know why we brought you here?" Chan said while Baekhyun took out some drinks from the small fridge. Taecyeon gave a confused look making the other two boys sigh in disappointment. "You found your mate!!" Baekhyun said with a soft smile, making his eyes widened even though he knew this was about to come. "But I c--- "What? You won't accept your mate Hyung? Oh, come on.. Don't act like those rogue wolves. We all kn-

"It's not about that!" Taecyeon raised his voice before covering his face with his hands. "We know what are you trying to say Hyung but what happened can't be undone! None of us can't even that pain but not every mate is like that! She isn't that bitch like Claire a-and remember that Hyung Seok will always with us." Taecyeon can't help but to cry as he remembered his brother who was once full of life, love, happiness, bravery. He was everything and was so perfect that it seemed so unreal but fate had cruel ways especially in the hands of his own mate, that's really a treachery and it can't be imagined even if you have rivals or enemies to go this way. Heaven forbid!!

The sad atmosphere changed when Dr Yeji entered the room along with you who was one step behind from being like an Egyptian mummy. "Oh, my god!! You had this much wounds, are you really okay? Why didn't you tell me?" His heart was beating so fast and his eyes were draped in a fabric of concern. You too were shocked as in no one ever was this concerned for you except for your parents and this person standing in front of you is a complete stranger in the span of almost 3 hours out of which you only came to know about his name. You too were so lost in each other's eyes that it was only Baekhyun's soft giggles that made you both break the eye contact and he got a harsh glare from Yeji.

A few days passed away, with nothing new. Taecyeon was trying to get back at his work but he couldn't somehow at some point of time, his mind and heart went back to you, the way you had looked at him when you asked for help or the way you tugged at his sleeve or your smile when you saw that pet of yours after the small surgery that had to take place. There was so much to think about even though you were together for only 4-5 hours that day.

Maybe Taecyeon was busy smiling like an idiot but his wolf wasn't pleased at all with him. His inner self was in a continuous argument mode.

His inner self:- You are the stupidest person. I have ever seen. I really don't know how did ma-

Taecyeon:- Hey, don't need to get down to that level. What's your problem anyway?

His inner self:- MY PROBLEM?! You being idiot is the problem. Why can't you talk to her? Even, when she called you as you were about to leave that hospital?

Taecyeon:- What would I have said that? It's okay but since you are my mate, let's go on a date?

His inner self:- You really have that much courage? You didn't even ask her name and here you were talking to take her on a date? Let alone that, you were so jealous of that little puppy!! Oh, my god...

Taecyeon:- Oh, please as if you weren't jealous. I had to control myself because you couldn't bear the sight of that puppy kissing her.

His inner self:- As if you wouldn't be.. Anyways, do something good and just like those close mates of yours said it's time for the open wounds to heal. Maybe, it won't heal 100% but that 80-90% is a necessity.

Taecyeon didn't reply back because he knew his inner self was right but he couldn't do anything and if you were his mate, his Luna then you would have to meet someday, somewhere and maybe that he was kinda jealous of the golden retriever.

The following evening, as he went out for a walk in the park near the river, a few minutes later barks and woofs were heard. He didn't gave it a much thought till he felt something near his leg along with something wet on his pants. He looked down at the puppy and he was kinda irritated as the pants were expensive and the small pup had dirtied it.

As soon as he held the puppy high, a soft voice broke all his anger. "Buzo, Where are you?" it's you and that's your voice. Taecyeon's inner self was on a overdrive because of happiness that finally, it and some contact even if it's just of voice.

The said puppy, Buzo barked at you, making you turn towards it and Taecyeon, and a shy smile came over on your face.

"Thank you so much once again, Mr Taecyeon. You again saved my Buzo and the way it looks at you, I can say that it likes you very much." As much as he was annoyed at Buzo, Taecyeon can't help but thank the golden retriever for giving a chance to meet you again....

Soon, enough you both exchanged numbers and started to have conversations. First through, SMS which lead to sharing of usernames of various social media accounts to having 2 hours of phone calls. The steady progress was observed and maybe it's this steady progress and your personality that started made Taecyeon to come to terms slowly and step by step.

He still hadn't shared his past with you, his true identity but slowly as he was opening his heart and emotions, you at the other gave the way and space for him to explore and let it out as if you knew how it feels to express and feel the slightest of vulnerability.

One day, he would surely come to terms with his own emotions, his feelings for you and even the slight jealousy he has when he sees the close relationship of yours and Buzo.. He can't wait for that day to come !

Maybe, this was Meant To Be... To also know this feeling of trying to understand ones know emotions, to try let go of the past, to try to fill at least some small voids which would later give that sense of peace, a sad yet happy memories and to have someone to share this especially to act like a child who feels his/her special candy or chocolate treat would be denied. it's really a beautiful feeling....

[skiller0dani]

Sinful | Spencer Reid

M A S T E R L I S T Criminal Minds Masterlist

smut | sub!spencer x bau!reader requests info summary | when spencer decides to let the witness flirt with him, you decide to have some fun of your own with derek. it becomes obvious that it's a mistake.

this was sitting in my drafts unedited!! I'm still trying to finish up Amortentia part 2 & the Ethan AU. They'll be up I promise, until then.. enjoy Sub!Spencer! This is my first real stab at a dom reader so I hope I did okay. I've read fics about face slapping as a kink and I just wanna let you guys know that I am not comfortable writing that so I probably never will include that.

Also I hate saliva so I probably wont write about spitting either. Sorry lololol

thanks @imagining-in-the-margins for the inspiration! (was totally inspired by "messy lessons" if you guys haven't read it...you should!)

At first you doubted he knew what he was even doing.

At first.

Maybe he wasn't trying to get in her pants, and maybe he wasn't trying to lead her on. But he was still letting her shamelessly flirt with him. You'd been with the FBI for years and made the silly mistake of assuming that working in the same department as your boyfriend would make things easier on you. Being able to see him everyday is a definite plus, seeing him in danger every time you're in the field is definitely not a plus. Watching a busty blonde witness flirt with him is certainly not a plus, especially when he lets her throw herself into his chest. Supposedly "distraught" but you see the cheeky smile peeking at the corner of her lips.

You see the thing about Spencer that nobody except for you knows, is that deep down he's a very naughty boy. The little mischievous glint in his eyes when his eyes meet yours from across the interrogation room proved that. You were professional however, so you were forced to stand by and watch him comfort her. Bitch.

"C-Could you get me some water?" Her voice was shaky, you still didn't buy it.

"Sure, Doctor-"

"Agent Y/L/N if you wouldn't mind?" Spencer's much more dominating voice cut through yours. Your eyebrows flew up as you shared a millisecond stare down with him. You could see the playful look in his eyes, flashed by the brattiest smile you'd ever seen grace his lips. Your lips stretched in a tight smile before you nodded and turned out of the room.

When JJ joined you near the kitchenette she opened her mouth to say something, but once she'd noticed you white knuckle gripping the faucet handle she changed her mind. She continued with whatever she was doing, not looking at you. It was a tense few minutes until she turned out of the room. While everyone in the BAU knew you and Spencer were together, it was easy for them to forget seeing as you never acted as a couple at work. For obvious reasons. Only in moments of danger, like when Spencer's helicopter went down and there were panicked tears streaming down your cheeks did they remember that you were in fact, together.

Apparently your usually good boy seems to have forgotten who he belongs to as well. The sight you returned to left tendrils of anger licking at the pit of your stomach.

"Oh really, that is so cool! I'll bet you're so strong!" The witness had perked up considerably since you'd left the room. Her hand reached up to curl at his bicep, and he didn't stop her. What a brat. Spencer sat next to her rather than across from her at the table, presumably to console her. Spencer beamed at her praise, an action you did not miss.

"Yeah, actually FBI agents are required to pass a variety of physical exams to insure they're physically healthy enough to chase down an unsub if need be-"

"Here's your water." Your voice was tense and you had to resist the urge to "accidentally" spill the water on her as you set the glass down. You didn't meet Spencer's eye as he stood to follow you out of the room. You could see the naughty façade fading as soon as he'd left the room.

"Y/N?" His voice was soft and his big brown eyes wide when you turned to glance at him. Your heart melted at the sight of those sad puppy dog eyes but you're not going to give in when baby boy broke so many rules.

"Shush." Is all you say, your voice sharp. You're not going to hide the fact that you're mad at him. And you're going to stay mad at him, no matter how cute he is.

"Yes ma'am." Spencer mumbles as he follows you towards the room Hotch is waiting in with the whiteboard. You try your hardest to focus on whatever Hotch is saying but all you can think about is that stupid witness pressing her chest up against Spencer, and the fact that he was practically bathing in the attention she gave him. You hated the fact that Spencer was getting exactly what he wants, he lives for your punishments. In a way, punishing him was also rewarding him but it was rewarding for you too.

After vaguely remembering Hotch asking for Spencer, you watched him scramble forward. You don't miss the fact that he nearly stops to ask for your permission to do so, you have him trained so well. A smile quirks at the corner of your mouth and you almost feel like forgiving him until Hotch speaks again.

"Reid, I want you to take Allison Calloway home..." he lists off where the rest of you will go but at that point you're no longer listening. You hear Hotch pair your name with Derek, which sparks a wicked idea in your head. He's having Spencer take the witness home? Is the world punishing you? You see Spencer steal one nervous glance at you before rushing to get Allison. You tongue your cheek before reluctantly following Derek out of the precinct.

//

You and Derek were apparently instructed by Hotch to go investigate the second crime scene, where a young man with his hands missing was found earlier this morning. You peek at Derek out of the corner of your eye, Derek is one of your close friends and he knows more than he should about yours and Spencer's...extracurricular activities. He seems to be in a good mood today, and he's unlikely to think anything of it. He'll definitely tell Spencer about it, which is sort of what you're hoping for. While this is hardly the place for you to "come on" to Derek, you're willing to do it. Spencer needs a taste of his own medicine.

"Odd, that the unsub removes the hands but repositions the watch around the victims ankle." Derek muses, his hand coming up to scratch at the stubble on his chin. Luckily the officers sent to patrol the crime scene are nowhere nearby. You circle Derek, trying to formulate the perfect sentence in your mind. It can't be too much, but definitely enough for him to inform Spencer. Derek is used to more lewd phrases coming from yours and Penelope's mouth, so surprising him enough to tattle to your boyfriend will be a challenge.

It can't be anything that would hurt Spencer however.

Derek views Spencer as his little brother and would never hurt him, and you wouldn't want to hurt Spencer either this is all in good filthy fun. It has to be a little risky, but not so risky that Derek would prefer keeping it from Spencer to protect him. If its too much Derek will approach you directly about it which would be humiliating and would entirely miss the point. This is a very delicate operation.

"Oh Derek, have you been working out?" You decide to take the easy route, adding a dash of sultry to your tone.

"Occasionally." Derek doesn't turn his head towards you, you haven't quite captured his attention yet.

"Firm is a good look on you." You tease, you'll need to ease him into it because he's going to have the wind knocked out of him when you finally lay it on him.

"Easy girly, you're venturing into dangerous territory." You hear the lilt to his tone letting you know that he's joking. You need to push it further.

"No I'm serious," you need to tread very carefully. You don't want to ruin a friendship you still want to keep, "it's a really good look on you."

Derek turns to you then, an eyebrow raised as he watches you trail your eyes down his body. While Derek isn't a bad looking guy, he doesn't even come close to comparing to your beautiful boy. Spencer is easily the cutest and sexiest man you've ever had the privilege of standing in the same room with.

"What's with you?" He asks, keeping the smile on his face so he doesn't alert you that he's concerned. You're on the right track but if you leave it here Derek will let it go. You need to drop that mini bomb on him, just a little more. You trail a finger down his shoulder, towards his bicep.

"Nothing, just admiring the view. The big, strong, sexy, view. What I wouldn't give to have you in bed Derek Morgan." There's the bomb. Your words have an immediate effect over him. The half-lidded sultry look in your eyes is enough for him to raise his eyebrows in surprise. Usually he can tell if you're joking but now he really can't tell. He's speechless, which doesn't happen to Derek Morgan very often.

"Y/N..."

"Call me if you wanna take me up on my offer." You send a wink at him before turning to head towards the black SUV. That should be enough for him to tattle.

//

When you return to the precinct, you watch with pleased eyes as Derek immediately pulls Spencer into a side room. Derek briefly glances at you, and you send him a smile but do not receive on in return. You don't think anything of it, Derek will get over it eventually with an explanation. You watch carefully as Derek begins to speak and an unreadable expression crosses onto Spencer's face, you expect he's just absorbing what Derek is telling him. Any minute now that look will cross onto his face, those dark eyes that warn you that you've officially annoyed him.

Derek keeps speaking, you can see his lips moving. What are they talking about? It shouldn't be taking this long. You're too far away to really make out their faces, so you subtly sneak closer when Spencer's eyes flash to meet yours and you gasp. There is no anger on his face, no playful annoyance, instead you see pain. Hurt. Betrayal. Derek tries to reach out to grab Spencer but the door to that side room opens and Spencer comes rushing out of it. Not bothering a side glance at you as he makes his hasty exit.

"I was only kidding." You explain quickly as Derek emerges. He doesn't look amused.

"It was too far Y/N. He's crushed." Derek snaps, brushing past you. Immediately you turn and exit the precinct, quickly finding Spencer tucked away in a secluded corner. He's sitting against the building, his head tucked into his knees and the absolute worst part is the fact that he's softly crying. You kneel in front of him in an instant, although you're not sure what to even say.

"Oh baby boy, I was only kidding. I didn't mean it, I said it because you flirted with that blonde witness!" You explain in a hurry, trying to reach out to take him in your arms. Spencer resists, instead lifting his head to look at you. His eyes are glossy and red rimmed, "kidding?"

"Yes precious, I was kidding."

"But Derek is more...attractive then I am." Spencer whimpers softly. You reach forward to firmly grasp Spencer's chin, ensuring he looks at you.

"Spencer Walter Reid you look at me," You order, and hesitantly Spencer lifts his watery eyes to meet yours. "There is not a single person who is more attractive then you are, you are flawless."

"But deep down you want Derek-"

"I was kidding Spencer. I only want you, my good boy." You purr, and you see a shiver run down his spine. You lean forward to press your lips to his before your thumbs come up to swipe away your tears.

"I'm not a good boy, I don't deserve it." Spencer whimpers once you help him stand up. Even though you're looking up at him, it's still very clear that you're the one in charge. "I flirted with Allison."

"You're right, you haven't been very good have you? I'm sure you'll make it up to me in the hotel room." You smile pressing a kiss to his flushed cheek. He nods immediately, it warms your heart.

"I love you." Spencer whispers after he catches your hand as you're about to open the door. You press a kiss to his palm, "I love you precious."

//

You could feel the nerves rolling off of him when you opened the door to your shared hotel room. The door shut with a soft click as you kicked off your shoes. Spencer remained at the hotel room door curled in on himself and wringing his hands together. You have to hide the smile as you shed your jacket from your shoulders, beginning to reach for your jeans when you pause. You take a seat on the bed, watching Spencer eye you carefully from his spot by the door.

"Come here." There isn't a question in your tone, it's more of an order. An order Spencer hastily obeys as he scrambles to stand before you.

"Undress me." You instruct, and Spencer kneels immediately to grab at the hem of your shirt. He carefully lifts the fabric off your body and tosses it aside before reaching around your body to unclip your bra. "No touching baby boy, you were naughty remember?" You snapped, and you saw him turn his head down in shame before turning his attention towards your pants. He unbuttons your jeans and helps pull them down your legs. Spencer's breath gets caught in his throat when his eyes land on your clothed pussy.

"Like what you see precious? Maybe if you were a good boy and didn't let that woman run her hands all over you, maybe I'd let you touch." You purr watching the disdain in his eyes when he realizes what his punishment is going to be.

"Tell me the truth baby boy, did you let her touch you in the car?"

He nods, but that's not good enough for you. You reach down to roughly palm him through his slacks.

"I said did you let her touch you?" You punctuate every word with a gentle squeeze around his cock. Finally, Spencer seems to find his voice.

"Y-Yes!"

"Where? Show me where she marked what's mine." You hiss, not even attempting to disguise your frustration. Spencer lifts one hand to his chest and trails it down his stomach, dangerously close to the hem of his pants before thankfully he stops.

"You let her touch you, this close to your cock?" You snap, tearing your hand away from him.

"I-I'm sorry!" He stammers, his eyes wide and his hands resting on the tops of his thighs. Boy does he look pretty on his knees before you. Not pretty enough for mercy however. There's a pleading look in his eyes, and a desperation. A desperation to please you.

"Make it up to me." You snap and as soon as the words leave your lips, Spencer's fingers are curling around the waistband of your underwear and tearing them off your body.

"Y-Yes ma'am." You lean back on your elbows as Spencer lowers his head between your legs, his eyes flickering to yours briefly. With a nod of your head, Spencer is delving between your legs with the enthusiasm of sex deprived teenager. Your head tosses back immediately as you feel his tongue licking thick stripes over your entrance. He continues to lap at you, his tongue teasing your entrance before he returns to his heavy licking. You moan softly, your fingers digging into his curls and pulling his head closer.

"Just like that, you're being such a good boy." You praise through breathy moans, and Spencer can feel his chest swell with pride. He loves being your good boy. But he isn't your baby boy all the time, sometimes, with a bit of coaxing, he becomes daddy. Spencer reaches up to prod a finger at your entrance before he's sinking in knuckle deep, his mouth curling around your clit. Spencer pumps on finger, to stretch you a little before slowly working a second finger into your suffocatingly tight heat.

"Yes Spencer, don't stop." You beg, feeling yourself climbing closer to reaching the peak, especially when his tongue flicks expertly against your clit while his fingers pump steadily into you. "Oh God, my good boy-" You praise again, and this time Spencer moans against you. Your toes curl as the vibrations send a course of pleasure through you, you've got to make him do that again.

"Do you like being my good boy Spencer? My good, obedient boy. So eager to please me, to make me feel good. And you do, you make me feel so good because you're such a good, good, boy." Your heavy praise causes Spencer to release a low groan, and the feeling is enough to launch you over the edge. Spencer keeps pumping is fingers into you, his tongue swirling soft circles over your clit to help you through your orgasm. Once your body has stopped jerking, you finally pull him off you.

"I forgive you precious, but unfortunately I still have to punish you." You inform him as you pull him back up to his feet. You hear him whine as you push his chest to lay him back against the bed.

"Do you have to?"

"Are you talking back to me baby boy?"

"N-No!" He squeaks instantly, his cheeks painted red. You stand over him, laying beneath you and you can't fight the soft moan that escapes your lips upon seeing him. His hair is disheveled from you raking your fingers through his, his brown eyes are wide and innocent as he looks up at you, and his cheeks are dusted such a beautiful shade of pink.

"Take off your clothes precious, I want to see all of you." You instruct, and you love the shy look on his face as he reaches up to remove his shirt. You let your eyes shamelessly roam his body as he slowly exposes more skin to you. Despite having been together for a few years now, Spencer is still incredibly insecure. Deep down he's worried you'll grow tired of him. Worried that you'll seek out other men despite being with him. Spencer is worried he's not enough to keep you interested. Which is wildly untrue, it's already been over 3 years and if anything you become more interested as time goes on.

"So beautiful baby boy, your body is a work of art." You breathe under your breath. Spencer blushes even deeper then he was before as he nervously fidgets underneath. You swing your legs on either side of his waist, your palms on the bed next to his head. "Your punishment, precious boy," your hands drift to his that are resting on your hips, "is that you can't touch me." You finish, moving his hands to the bed.

Spencer's eyes widen as his head drops back. A whine escapes his lips, but like a good boy, he grasps tightly at the sheets. You reach between your bodies to grasp his cock, pressing the head against your entrance before you teasingly lower onto him. Spencer's eyes squeeze shut at the feeling of your velvety walls around him- it's almost too much for the poor boy. It doesn't help that it's been a few weeks since you two last had sex, meaning you're tighter then you normally are. In fact you're so tight that Spencer can't even breathe properly while he's stretching you open.

"Oh baby boy, you feel absolutely wonderful. Your cock stretches me open so good." You purr, your hands landing on his chest for leverage so you can bounce on him faster. Spencer whimpers softly, the feeling is overwhelming, you can tell he's struggling to contain himself. Your hair drifts down your back when you throw your head back, his cock hitting places deep inside you.

"Getting close," You moan and Spencer knows that's his cue to reach down and begin rubbing circles over your clit. As soon as his thumb makes contact you're moaning loudly, your free hand digging into his hair to hold onto tightly. "Yes Spencer, yes." The phrase becomes a chant you repeat in your head over and over again. Spencer continues to rub you, desperate to help you find your release. When you slam down on him again, his cock hits the place deep inside you that makes your toes curl. You cum instantaneously, your body nearly falling top of Spencer's from the sheer force of it. Spencer's arms come up to steady you, offering shallow thrusts into you to chase his own release.

"Y/N...c-can I?" His voice is wrought, and you smile weakly.

"Yes precious, you can cum." As soon as you give him permission, he's cumming in hot gushes into you, his face buried in your neck. You run your hand down his back as his heart rate slows back to normal, and Spencer's arms stay curled around your waist.

"Spence?"

"Hm?" You can hear the lazy drawl in his voice that lets you know he's getting very sleepy.

"Don't ever break my rules again, or your punishment will be much worse."

"Yes ma'am." You press a kiss to his lips before pulling off him, and curling yourself into his side.

[softboywriting]

Meet The Parents | Billy Russo

Summary: You introduce Billy to your parents and it doesn’t go as well as you hope. [Billy Russo x F!Reader] [Assistant!Reader Trope] [Alternate Timeline - Castle family not mentioned/never happened] [Fluff] [Problematic Parents/Divorced] [Parents Fighting] [Language] [Flirting] [Flashback/Nightmare]

 Word Count: 3.8k 

 A/N: This is a follow up to my first fic Little Moments but can be read separately as a stand alone story. I may be doing several in a series with these two.

---

The office is quiet, and has been for the whole day. Billy has been out at a client meeting since you got in. Anvil is becoming quite popular in the private military market, having taken on three new contracts in the last two weeks. You're proud of Billy, he works hard to win over his clients and offer top of the line service. As the primary contact for all contracts and placements, you've gotten busy too. More business means more expenses, and more employees to keep track of. You don't mind, it keeps you active and engaged. There is nothing more you hate than just sitting around staring at the wall or watching cat videos for the billionth time.

"Hey sweetheart."

You glance up from your work and see Billy closing the office door behind him. He's dressed up, black and grey patterned silk shirt, expensive black suit, the tailored jacket over his arm. He looks positively delicious if you do say so. Those shirts are the best thing you ever convinced him to wear.

"Hey yourself. How'd the meeting go?"

"Shitty." He sneers and tosses his jacket on his office chair. He begins unbuttoning the sleeves of his shirt to roll them up to his elbows. "The guy brought his daughter."

"Okay? What does she have to do with anything?"

Billy raises his eyebrows in an 'are you shitting me' expression. "His daughter is a model. Not naturally talented mind you, paid for by her daddy. Clearly he thought havin' her there would sway me into acceptin' the number he offered for the contract you wrote up. Like he's doing me a favor."

You stand and walk around the desk, eyes going up and down his chest. "You didn't do anything did you?"

"What kinda man do you think I am?" Billy walks you back against your desk, pinning you in with his hands on the top behind you. He drops his head to yours and stares at you with those dark endless eyes. "You think I'd fuck around?"

"I know you won't, you're too gone for me." You run your hands up his back and he arches against you. "Did she try?"

"She tried. Even sat on my lap."

"In front of her dad?"

"Mmmhmm." Billy drops his face to your neck and mouths at your skin. "I don't mind a little show and tell but even I got boundaries. Parental peepshows are off limits."

You laugh softly and he brings one hand against your lower back up to pull you against him. "Take it easy. You know the rules. No relationship stuff while I'm on the clock."

He groans, pulling his head back to look at you. "I need to touch you though. I don't want her lingering on me."

"I know." You step out of his hold and he lets his hand drag across your back as you escape his grasp. "Just another hour okay? I've gotta wrap a few things up."

Billy pulls his tie loose and unbuttons the top of his shirt. "Why did I ever make these rules?" He sinks down in his chair and spreads his legs, lolling his head against the back. He really is such a tempting little tease. How could you resist a man like that? Truth be told it's hard.

You take a seat behind your desk and focus your eyes on the invoices on screen. "You made them because you want Anvil to remain professional and not a playground."

"Bullshit."

"Your bullshit."

Billy bites his lip and gives you that look. The one that says he isn't to be messed with, that he's gonna get what he wants no matter what. And oh it's so tempting to get up and go sit on his lap in that chair. It's always been a fantasy of yours. One you haven't gotten to full fill due to his rules. He's really only cockblocking himself.

"C'mere."

"No, Billy."

"C'mon, be bad. Break my rules."

"No! You're such a jerk!" You laugh and he chuckles playfully. "We have dinner with my parents after this anyway. I'm not breaking your rules and getting all messy before we go see my parents. You hear? Parents."

"Always such a good girl."

"You like it."

"Damn right I do." He pushes up out of his chair and crosses the office to cradle your head and press a chaste kiss to your temple. "I'm gonna go home and get ready. Anything you want me to lay out for you? I think you've got a few things at the apartment."  

"The blue dress. I picked it up from the cleaners last week with a few suits. It should be in your closet."

"The one I bought you a while back for the client dinner?"

"Yeah."

"Isn't that a little revealing for a parents dinner?"

You raise your eyebrows and he narrows his eyes.

"You're a monster." He presses his lips to your ear. "If you keep teasing me I'll have to put you in your place."

"I guess I'm a glutton for punishment."

"Oh sweetheart, you have no idea what you're askin' for." Billy kisses your cheek and steps away. "Playin' with fire will get you burned."

You smile innocently. "See you later."

"You're terrible." He goes to the door and stops, looking back once more. "But I love you."

"Love you too Billy."

"Ugh," he groans, slapping a hand over his chest. "Say it again."

"Love you?" You giggle and he acts even more dramatic, pretending to swoon against the door. "What are you doing?"

"Being you."

"Wh- you son of a bitch! Get out!" You throw your squishy stress ball at him and he cackles as he runs from the office. What a child.

_____________________

"Oh, this is your boyfriend?" Your mother asks in actual surprise. As if you weren't meant to have a man that looks like Billy Russo. Truth be told you had never dated anyone half as attractive, not to you anyways. "He's so...well dressed."

Billy takes your mom's hand and kisses it politely. "We're all well dressed here ma'am. You look lovely too."

"Thank you." She flushes and giggles.

Billy gives a warm smile and tugs you closer. His hand on your back is radiating heat, its comforting. He knows you're tense. This dinner will be a strain on your nerves and he had been warned how difficult your parents can be.

"Your father should be here soon. I told him not to be late." Mom says huffily, eyeing the doors to the restaurant. You've met up with her outside and you're currently waiting for your dad to arrive. Your parents have been split for ten years and it's been hard, but not as hard as it would have been if they had divorced when you were still a young child. Well, you like to think that anyways. They waited, held on to their shit until you were graduated and old enough to understand that some people don't remain in love.

Billy leans in and presses his lips to your ear. "Are your parents going to fight? This place is very nice, I don't want to cause a scene."

"It'll be fine. They can hold it together for a few hours. I hope. Just don't mention their personal lives. It's a sore spot for mom. Dad isn't single anymore."

"Gotcha."

"Sorry I'm late." You turn and see your dad walking towards you. "Some asshole parked his Rolls Royce just on the line and I hardly squeezed into the only spot open beside it."

Mom scoffs and rolls her eyes. She bites her tongue but you know what she would say. Some comments about his truck being too damn big and a gas guzzler.

Dad puts his hand out for Billy. "You must be the lucky guy!"

Billy takes it and smiles a beautiful, toothy, shit eating grin. "Billy Russo, the asshole who parked his Rolls Royce a bit close to the line."

The way Dad's face turns pale and then red with embarrassment makes the whole evening worthwhile up until then. "That's yours?"

"One hundred percent. Bought and paid for."

"That's a beautiful piece of machinery. Expensive."

Billy leans his head on yours. "I only go for the best."

"Well you know I-"

"Oh shut up already, let's go inside." Mom says and grabs your dad's arm. "Always babbling on about shit when we've got things to do."

"Y'know what-" the conversation fades as your parents head into the restaurant. You're glad. It is bound to be petty anyways. Always was with them. Bickering children they should be called.

"Relax." Billy says in your ear, hand traveling up and down your side. "I can win over your parents for one night."

"You could charm anyone into anything and I've seen as much. You're a silver tongued sn-"

Billy catches your jaw in a light hold and presses a kiss to your lips. Your hand slides up into his hair and he grins into the kiss. "Easy now. We've not even gotten seated yet."

"Your fault."

"Usually is."

____________________

You stare at yourself in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. Dinner wasn't going so great and you had barely made it through an appetizer and drinks.

Your parents couldn't stop arguing, Billy was trying his best to charm them but apparently they're uncharmable, and you were left to play referee for your parents against each other or them against you and Billy.

It is a whole mess and you want to just leave, just walk out say fuck everything and go to Billy's apartment and go to bed. You haven't even had a chance to tease Billy like you were planning, hell, you've barely gotten a word in that wasn't defending him or fielding your parents insults they continuously hurdled over the table at one another.

The door rattles on your left and you clear your throat. "Occupied!" You shout and it stops.

It's a single use bathroom, not a multi-stall type set up. So the person outside would just have to wait until you were done having your crisis. Maybe not so fair to them but you'll be damned if you won't let yourself have a moment.

The handle turns and you back into the sink as the door opens. To your surprise it is Billy, not some worker with a key. "What the-"

"Your parents are insufferable. How the hell did you grow up with them? I mean I was in a group home and a few of the adults weren't great but holy shit they weren't my parents."

"I'm sorry."

Billy closes the door and shakes his head, taking your hands in his. "Don't be sorry for their actions. Never apologize for anyone but yourself."

"I knew this would happen. I just thought that maybe...I don't know...maybe they'd be different. Maybe they'd be proud of me, of you, so they would get along for two fucking hours."

"Sweetheart, you're nearly thirty, you're still seeking your parents approval?"

You laugh joylessly and bite the inside of your cheek. "You don't understand. You can't understand."

Billy brings your forehead to his lips and he rubs your back. He's always so affectionate with you, careful to hold and to love you like a man who never received it himself so he wants to make sure those he loves receives it tenfold.

"I understand seeking approval, but there is nothing you need approval for. You're an adult with a good job, a place to stay, an outstanding boyfriend with his own company. I'd say you're doin' alright honey."

You let out an actual little laugh, and he does too, bumping his nose against yours. "You're so full of yourself."

"You like that?" He bumps again, eyes on yours. "I said it to get you to giggle."

"You know it's a little true."

His lips meet yours in a warm tender kiss. "Confidence is sexy."

"It is."

"I could tell your parents there's a work emergency." He slides his hands over your ass and pulls you flush against him. "A real pain in the ass employee is causin' trouble."

You smile into his lips and he smiles back. "Oh yeah?"

"Mmhmm."

He chuckles softly and cradles your head to his chest. "You can't choose how your family acts. Remember that. It's up to you to decide how you act, and if you want to deal with them."

"I know."

"Do you?" He runs a hand over your hair, tangling his fingers in the strands briefly.. "I know it's different for you, I can distance myself easier since I didn't grow up with proper parents. Maybe I'm cold, or indifferent but-"

"Stop." You dig your fingers into his side and he falls quiet. "Don't compare your childhood to mine. It's not fair. I don't want you to begin resenting me because-"

Billy gives you a look that is all warning and it silences you instantly. "I would never resent you for having parents and growing up like a normal kid should. I ended up in a shit situation and that is no one's fault but my own mother's. She is the only person I will ever resent." He softens, leaning in and kissing your nose. "Do you wanna ditch or go try to make something of this dinner?"

You swallow harshly and look at the door. Ditching would be easy, but the repercussions would be insufferable. Your mom would never stop calling about it, your dad would hold it over your head forever. It would be more of a disaster to leave than it would be to stay. No matter how valid the reason.

"We'll stay. I can try and redirect the conversation."

"That's my girl." He pats your cheek. "Proud of you."

"T-thanks."

Billy takes your hand and interlocks your fingers with his. "I'll take care of it. I can get them to shut up."

"If you can get a word in."

"I have my ways. Don't worry."

You cut him a look as you exit the bathroom and head for the table. "What are you-"

"Don't worry." He presses against your ear and guides you down to sit at the table.

Your parents are still bickering.

"Hey!" Billy says firmly with his hands on the table, not a yell, but enough to get his point across and the attention of your parents but not many others.

"Yes?" Mom asks surprisingly quietly.

Billy smiles and it's all venom, beautiful venom. You know this look, these eyes, that deadly grin. He isn't fucking around and the way he can express that so physically subtly astounds you. "The arguing is going to stop. The petty comments are going to stop. We're going to sit here and have conversations like adults, or you can leave and your daughter and I will have a nice dinner."

"Wh-" Dad starts but doesn't get any further.

"I am not goin' to repeat myself." Billy stands up straight and raises his eyebrows, daring your parents to say another word. The tension is thick, you can hardly breathe. Never did you think you'd have to witness Billy being like this with your parents of all people.

You grab a roll from the basket at the center of the table and pick at it. "How's work been, Dad?"

Dad clears his throat. "Good, busy. People always need an electrician for something. I did a school the other day, new classroom."

Billy sits beside you and lays his hand on your leg, thumb stroking your skin gently. He leans in and whispers "I told you don't worry." He turns his attention back to your parents. "So you're an electrician? Contractor?"

"Yeah, I work for Mundun Electric. Union job, pays well."

"And you?" Billy looks to your mom.

"I'm a medical receptionist. Clarke Center Hospital."

Billy smiles. "That's incredible. You're both hardworking people it seems, I see where she gets her work ethic. She's incredible, the best I've hired for Anvil."

You chew your lip and look down, flushed. "You're just being nice."

"I'm serious." He holds your hand up and kisses your knuckles. "I admire your dedication and the hard work you've put into making Anvil a success. Without you, I don't know where I'd be. Probably buried in paperwork."

"So you work for Billy? That's how you met?" Mom asks and you nod.

Dad raises his eyebrows.

"Dad, don't start."

Billy cuts a glare at your dad. "Don't start what?"

"Nothing." Dad says nonchalantly, eyes going to somewhere else in the room. "I just think inter-workplace relationships are never a good idea."

You squeeze Billy's hand and he just smiles oh so sweetly. "Dad, it's fine. Billy and I are both professionals. If things don't work out we'll make it work for the sake of the company."

"He'll fire you and you'll be looking for a job yet again." Mom pipes up, rolling her eyes. "See, things like this are why you can't hold a career."

"Mom!"

"Alright." Billy says firmly. "We're done here. Ma'am, sir, with all due respect you can both go fuck yourselves."

"Excuse me!?" Dad bellows and your mom looks flustered at the use of language. "You have no right-!"

"Actually I do." Billy stands and guides you to stand with him. "I'm going to love and care about your daughter the way she should be. You two are self absorbed monsters who should have never had a child, let alone forced the one you had to live through a loveless marriage. The fact that you cannot manage to sit here and have dinner with her and myself, which mind you has left quite a first impression, is sad and disappointing."

You grab his hand and you're shaking. You don't even know what to say. It's like Billy is telling them everything you've wanted to for your whole life.

"C'mon sweetheart." He puts his arm around you and guides you out of the restaurant. You know there are people staring but it's fine. It's over now.

"I'm s-"

"Uh uh." Billy puts his finger to your lips. "No apologies. Here." He shrugs his suit jacket off and puts it around your shoulders.

"Thanks."

"You wanna get out of here before your parents come out. Go get some burgers or something?"

You can't help the little smile that tugs at the corner of your mouth. "Pete's Diner?"

"Anywhere you like." He takes your hand and walks you toward the parking area. "Fuck this fancy bullshit anyway. I never understood the food they serve."

"Me neither. A hamburger and fries with a big ole pickle is good enough for me."

Billy opens the passenger door for you. "You're a girl after my heart y'know that?"

"I think I already have it."

He leans in and kisses your forehead. "That's for damn sure."

_____________________

Midnight you wake up crying. A nightmare, a reoccurring one as it would be. Though it is more of a twisted memory than a nightmare in actuality.

You are always around seven or eight years old, it's nighttime, you've been in bed for an hour and still not asleep. Downstairs your parents are awake, their disembodied voices float through the old floors. Their voices grow louder, shouting, screaming at each other. A glass shatters and you crawl under the bed. Footsteps come closer in the hall, heavy and slow.

The dream shifts. You're not a child but an adult. Under the bed is smaller now, the footsteps grow louder. The door opens and you scream when your foot is grabbed and you wake up crying.

"What's wrong?" Billy asks, sitting up in bed abruptly and turning on the light, hand instinctively going for the nightstand where you know a weapon is stored.

You had stayed the night, both of you decided it was best to stay together while you decompress from your tragic meet the parents dinner. Didn't matter in the end though. The nightmare still came.

"Just a bad dream. I'm going to get some water." You push back the blankets and plant your feet on the cold floor. It's a nice shock to the system, reminding you this is reality.

Billy's arm snakes around your waist. "Care to share with the class?"

"It's nothing. Just a nonsense dream about old crap."

"Your parents?"

"Yeah. Um, just a dream." You yawn and pat his hand on top of your stomach. "I need water."

"Grab me a bottle?"

"Sure."

You end up in the kitchen, looking out at the New York skyline. His place is so beautiful. It's luxurious, and you can't get used to it. You lean on the island and sip a bottle of cold water from the fridge. You don't think you belong here.

Then the dream comes creeping back in. Rationally you know that dream is never going to become a reality. Not with Billy around.

"Hey."

You look back to see Billy walking in with his sleep pants low on his hips. He scrubs a hand over his face before meeting you at the island.

"Sorry, I just got caught up in the view."

"It s'okay." His arms wrap around you and he presses his face to your neck. "I love you." He whispers softly into your skin.

"Are you alright?"

"Mmm."

You thread a hand into his hair and scratch at his scalp. It elicits a hum that's nearly a purr against your back. "Do you ever feel like you don't deserve this? Like everyday you can't comprehend that you're loved."

"I didn't think I could fall in love before I met you, yeah. I'm familiar."

"Oh."

"Wasn't expecting that?" He chuckles, flexing his fingers against your tummy.

You shake your head and he kisses along your jaw. "Billy, stop," you giggle as his short beard tickles your skin.

"No way." He starts walking you back away from the island counter and toward the bedroom. "I've got a disease and if I don't kiss you all the time I'll definitely succumb to it."

The two of you tumble onto the bed and he straddles your hips, mouthing at your neck and chest relentlessly.

"It's three in the morning. We need to go back to sleep."

Billy hums and settles on top of you, nose in your hair. "Sleep is for the weak."

"Then I'm weak." You trail a hand up his back, fingers flitting over his shoulder blade. His skin is so soft, so warm. "Thank you by the way."

"For what?"

"Being here when I had a nightmare."

"Of course." Billy pets your hair, stroking it down against the pillow. "I've suffered my share of them alone. I'm glad you were here so you weren't."

"Me too."

"Go to sleep." He kisses your cheek and rolls off to the side. His arm curls around you and pulls you close. "Love you."

"Love you too."

_____________________

*****Note: none of my works should be posted anywhere outside of my linked accounts. I do not give permission to repost with or without credit to my accounts. Please notify me of any reposted works.*****

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Thank you so much for reading, please reblog to support content creators. -A

[bechloeislegit]

My Spy - EPILOGUE

Set fives years after Beca and Chloe [finally] got back together. Warning: Lots of fluff ahead.

I know I'm late posting this, but I just love this AU so much I wanted to keep going. I do intend to come back to it for some one-shots and such at a later date. Enjoy!

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Beca woke to her alarm and immediately shut it off. She snuggled closer to Chloe and exhaled a sigh of contentment.

"Happy Anniversary," Beca mumbled.

"Mmmm," Chloe mumbled. "What anniversary is today?"

Beca pulled back to look at Chloe.

"You don't remember?" Beca asked. "It's been five years since you moved to LA; five years ago today since you moved in with me."

"Oh," Chloe said, kissing Beca behind her ear. "Maybe we should celebrate."

"Dinner out tonight?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of something we could do now. In bed."

Chloe kissed Beca's lips. Beca moaned and pulled away.

"I have to be in the studio in less than an hour," Beca said. "I really don't want to go in all hot and bothered. Raincheck after we get back from dinner?"

"Okay," Chloe sighed. "But I'm going to hold you to that."

"I promise," Beca said, giving Chloe a chaste kiss on the lips. "I'm going to take a quick, mostly cold shower, and get ready for work."

Chloe reached for Beca. Beca moved out of her reach and slipped out of bed, quickly rushing into their ensuite to shower.

"I love you!" Chloe called after Beca as she closed the bathroom door.

Beca poked her head out the door, smiled, and said, "I love you, too."

A few seconds later, Chloe smiled when she heard the shower start and then Beca's squeal as she stepped under what was most definitely cold water.

~~ My Spy ~~

After work, Beca came through the front door of her LA home to find Chloe sitting on the couch, talking on the phone. She set her bag by the door and made her way over to Chloe. Beca laid on her back, putting her head in Chloe's lap.

Chloe continued her conversation and started playing with Beca's hair. She slid her fingers through to lift the strands before letting them fall back down to settle around her lap.

"Beca just got home and we're going out to dinner, Aunt Peggy," Chloe said, smiling down at Beca. "I'll be sure and tell her. Okay, I'll talk to you later."

Chloe ended the call and leaned down to kiss Beca. "Aunt Peggy says Hi."

"Hi," Beca said, smiling and sitting up to thoroughly kiss Chloe. "How was your day?"

"It was quite exciting," Chloe said. "And a little bit heartbreaking."

"Oh," Beca said. "How so?"

"Well, at recess, Timmy Dexter lost a tooth on the playground," Chloe said. "We spent almost twenty minutes looking for it. We didn't find it and he was quite upset because he didn't have anything to leave for the tooth fairy. I felt so bad for him."

Beca chuckled and said, "I can't wait until we have to deal with things like the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa Claus."

"I'm just glad that we'll be dealing with all those things together."

"You're such a cheeseball," Beca said, smiling at Chloe. "And I love you even more for it."

"Good," Chloe said, giving Beca a quick kiss. "Because you're stuck with me for life."

"That's one life sentence I don't mind serving," Beca said. "As long as I'm serving it with you."

"Now, who's the cheeseball?" Chloe said, chuckling as she stood. "Where do you want to go for dinner?"

"I've been craving Mexican food all day," Beca said.

"Are you craving Mexican food?" Chloe asked with a sly smile. "Or is Baby Beale craving Mexican food?"

"What?" Beca asked in astonishment. "How did you know? I was going to surprise you and tell you at dinner."

"Babe," Chloe said, smiling at Beca. "I wasn't totally positive, but I had my suspicions. And you just confirmed that I was right. So, when are we due?"

"I'm only about six weeks pregnant now," Beca said. "So, we're due sometime in mid-to late-November."

"I'm so happy right now," Chloe said, as a tear ran down her face.

Beca stood and pulled Chloe to her. She wiped the tear from Chloe's cheek with her thumb.

"Our lives are truly about to change," Beca said. "For the better. I can't believe I got pregnant on the first try."

"I know," Chloe sniffled. "I can't wait to tell Aunt Peggy. She's going to be over the moon."

"I can't wait to tell the Bellas," Beca said. "We were the first to get married and now we're the second to get pregnant."

"Is everything a competition with you and the Bellas?" Chloe asked, chuckling.

"Yes, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm, um, we're winning," Beca said, kissing Chloe.

They kissed for a few minutes and Chloe pulled back.

"Do you still want to go out to eat?"

"We can just order something for delivery."

"Or, we just skip dinner for now and finish what we started this morning."

"I like the way you think."

Beca grabbed Chloe's hand and pulled her up the stairs to their bedroom. Chloe giggled the entire way.

~~ My Spy ~~

A few hours later, Beca and Chloe were sitting up in bed, eating from a tray that Chloe had put together for them.

"I almost forgot," Beca said, grabbing some grapes from the tray, and popping one in her mouth. "Amy called me today."

"Really?" Chloe said, biting into a cracker with cheese. "What did she want?"

"She's decided she's done seeing the World," Beca said, popping another grape into her mouth. "And she's planning to relocate here to LA. She wanted to know if she could stay with us while she looked for a house to buy."

"When will she be here?" Chloe asked, finishing her cracker.

"She's planning on coming back to the states in early September," Beca said. "I told her I'd have to discuss it with you first. It's a ways off so we have plenty of time before we have to give her an answer."

"Why wait?" Chloe asked with a laugh. "She's a Bella and she's family. We both know she'll be staying here. You could have just told her yes when you were talking to her."

"I know," Beca said. "But she called right after Dr. Matthews called to tell me I was pregnant. And I was too excited to say much of anything to her. I'll tell her she can stay with us, but she has to be out by the time the baby gets here. I'll tell her after we let the Bellas know I'm pregnant."

"That's a good idea," Chloe said. "How and when are we going to tell the Bellas?"

"We can tell them once I hit the three-month mark," Beca suggested. "Everyone is scattered all over and the easiest way to tell everyone at once is on a Skype or Zoom call."

"I like that idea," Chloe said, biting on her lower lip. "So, um, speaking of the baby, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"You're not sorry I'm the one carrying it are you?" Beca asked, her voice tinged with concern. "You're still okay with that, right?"

"Of course, I'm okay with it," Chloe said, turning Beca's hand to intertwine their fingers. "I promise, everything's fine. In fact, everything's perfect. I've never been happier."

"Then what do you want to talk about?"

"I was hoping that I could put in my notice at the end of this school year," Chloe said, looking down at their intertwined hands. "I really want to be a stay-at-home mom."

"I thought you liked your job," Beca said.

"I love my job," Chloe said, lifting her eyes to look at Beca. "I just love the idea of being a stay-at-home mom more."

Chloe sighed and ran her free hand through her hair. "I want to be involved in every aspect of our kid growing up. I hope that's okay."

"It's more than okay with me," Beca said, smiling at Chloe. "I don't want our kids raised by nannies. I'm actually envious of you. If you made more money as a teacher, I'd quit my job and stay at home with the baby myself."

"I'm so glad you're okay with me quitting and staying at home," Chloe squealed and threw herself onto Beca, causing Beca to fall back onto the bed with Chloe on top of her.

"I guess we're done eating," Beca said, raising her head to capture Chloe's lips in a kiss.

"Maybe you are," Chloe said against Beca's lips. "But I'm just getting started."

"Oh, okay," Beca said as Chloe moved her lips to Beca's jaw and then down her neck. "Mmmm!"

Chloe continued dropping kisses down Beca's body. After momentarily stopping to give some attention to each of Beca's breasts, Chloe kissed Beca's stomach and continued moving down, causing Beca's hips to lift off the bed when Chloe's tongue found its mark.

"Yes!" Beca cried out, moaning again as she spread her legs to give Chloe more room.

~~ My Spy ~~

A month later, Beca and Chloe were enjoying a quiet evening at home. Beca had just completed arrangements to have a Zoom call with the Bellas to tell them about Beca's pregnancy.

"We're scheduled to do a Zoom videoconference with the Bellas on Saturday," Beca said. "It's confirmed for ten in the morning to accommodate for the time difference in Mykonos for Aubrey."

"Okay," Chloe said. "I want to call Aunt Peggy and tell her today if that's okay with you?"

"Is everything okay?" Beca asked, looking at Chloe.

"What do you mean? Everything's fine."

"You act like you need my permission to do stuff," Beca said. "You know you don't need my permission to call Aunt Peggy or do anything else you want, right? I love you and trust your judgment without question."

"I'm sorry," Chloe said, wringing her hands. "I'm just really nervous about the whole pregnancy and becoming a mom thing."

"I'm nervous about all of it, too," Beca admitted, smiling softly. "But, I'm also very excited about it. We're going to be the best moms ever. Now, let's call Aunt Peggy and tell her the news, okay?"

"Okay," Chloe said, pulling out her phone. "I love you. You know that, right?"

"Of course, I know that," Beca said, pulling Chloe into a kiss. "I love you, too. Now, stop stalling and call Aunt Peggy."

"Yes, ma'am," Chloe said and placed the call.

"Chloe, dear, how are you?" Peggy's voice came through the phone. "How's Beca?"

"We're both good," Chloe said. "We have some news to tell you."

"Oh," Peggy said. "Who's pregnant? You or Beca?"

"Beca is," Chloe said. "But, uh, how, um, how could you possibly know that's what I was going to tell you? We never told you we were trying."

"I'm so happy and excited for you," Aunt Peggy said, ignoring the question. "When is Beca due? Are you going to find out the sex? Do you have names picked out?"

Chloe laughed. "Slow down," she said. "The baby is due in November and we haven't discussed finding out the sex. So, no names have been picked out either."

"I can't wait to tell your Uncle Matt," Peggy said. "I'm sure he'll be as thrilled as I am."

Beca walked to stand next to Chloe, causing her to look at Beca.

"Ask her if they want to come here for Thanksgiving," Beca whispered. "And meet the baby."

Chloe nodded and said, "Aunt Peggy, we know it's a few months off, but Beca wants to know if you guys want to come here for Thanksgiving. I mean, the baby should be here by then and it would be the perfect time for you to meet him. Or her."

"I'd love that," Peggy said. "And I don't see any reason why we couldn't, but I'll talk to your Uncle Matt and let you know for sure."

"Okay," Chloe said. "Give Uncle Matt our best. We love you."

"We love you, too," Peggy said. "Congratulations and I'll talk to you soon. Bye, Chloe."

"Bye, Aunt Peggy," Chloe said and ended the call.

"So?" Beca prompted.

"She thinks they'll be here," Chloe said. "She needs to check with Uncle Matt and she'll let us know for sure."

~~ My Spy ~~

Saturday morning found Beca and Chloe sitting in front of Beca's laptop waiting for the Bellas to join the Zoom call. Beca was chewing her thumbnail as her leg bounced up and down. Chloe reached over and gently placed a hand on Beca's leg.

"I'm sorry," Beca said. "I'm just so nervous. I know they'll be happy for us."

"It's okay, babe," Chloe said. "It will be fine."

Chloe leaned in and kissed Beca. As she started to pull back, Beca grabbed her behind the head and held her in place while she deepened the kiss. Chloe put her hands on Beca's waist and melted into the kiss.

The laptop pinged indicating people were joining the call. Beca and Chloe looked at the screen to see that several of the girls were smiling back at them.

"Oh, um, hey guys," Beca said, blushing as she gently pushed Chloe from her. "We, um, we'll wait until everyone is on before we get started, okay?"

Chloe sat back and took Beca's hand in hers.

"Okay," Jessica and Ashley said.

Emily, Flo, and Aubrey all nodded to signify their agreement.

"Hey, Pitches!" Amy yelled out from the screen.

"Glad you could join us, Amy," Beca said. "Oh, hey, Stacie. Will we get to see Bella, too?"

"Not today," Stacie said. "She's with my mom."

"That's too bad," Emily said.

CR and Lily joined the call and it looked as if everyone was connected.

"Beca, I think we're all here now," Aubrey said, getting everyone's attention. "So, what's going on?"

"Are one of you pregnant?" Stacie asked, causing Beca's head to snap over and look at her through the screen.

"There's no surprising anyone is there?" Beca huffed to Chloe.

Chloe smiled and kissed her cheek. She turned toward the screen and said, "Beca's pregnant and she's due in November."

"That's aca-awesome," Aubrey said. "Congratulations!"

"Yeah, congratulations you guys," Emily squealed.

"I knew it!" Stacie yelled.

"Maybe we should invite whoever wants to come for Thanksgiving here," Chloe leaned in and whispered in Beca's ear. "Make it a real family affair."

"Should we?"

"Yeah. We can have Thanksgiving together and they can meet the baby, too."

"Sounds like a-"

"What are you two whispering about?" Amy asked, causing all the girls to stare at Beca and Chloe through their computer screens.

"Um, we were just talking and wanted to know if any of you can or want to come here for Thanksgiving," Chloe said. "We'll supply all the food and you can all meet the baby. He or she should be here by then."

"I'd love to," CR said. "Can't wait to meet Baby Beale."

"I'll already be there," Amy said.

Emily squealed and accepted the invitation.

"I accept, too," Aubrey said. "I'll be coming back to the U.S. in October, so I can be in LA for Thanksgiving."

The rest of the Bellas accepted and they agreed to discuss it further as time got closer.

~~ My Spy ~~

Chloe's last day of teaching was bittersweet. She loved her students and had become friends with several of the teachers. The day was over and her students had given her flowers and all hugged her as they were leaving.

Chloe was looking around the room one last time, ensuring she hadn't forgotten anything, when Sandy Clark, one of the teachers, walked in carrying a bottle of champagne.

"We can't have you leaving without a little celebration," Sandy said, waving the champagne toward Chloe. "Come with me. The others are waiting in the Teacher's Lounge."

Chloe smiled and followed Sandy out the door.

"Surprise!" Everyone yelled as soon as Chloe entered the room.

Chloe gasped and placed her hand over her heart.

"You guys!" Chloe exclaimed, looking around the room at the decorations.

Not only were they giving her a going-away party, but they were also combining it with a baby shower.

"Beca!" Chloe squealed, seeing Beca standing at the back of the group.

"Hey," Beca said as Chloe pulled her into a quick kiss.

"I thought you were in the studio all day," Chloe said.

"I actually worked from home until I had to leave to come to this," Beca said, chuckling. "Eleanor over there was quite persuasive in her instance that I be here. They pulled the loud surprise on me when I walked in, too."

Chloe looked over at Eleanor and smiled.

"We can't have a baby shower without both mothers, can we?" Eleanor said.

"This is all so amazing," Chloe said.

"Here," Sandy said, handing Chloe a glass of champagne.

Chloe took the glass and looked at Beca.

"Go ahead," Beca said. "I took a Lyft so I could ride home with you. Drink up and I'll drive us both home."

"God, I love you," Chloe said, kissing Beca and then taking a sip of champagne.

"Here you go, Beca," Eleanor said, handing Beca a ginger ale. "Some bubbly for the little mama without actually drinking the bubbly."

Beca laughed and took the drink. "Thank you."

"Okay, everyone," Eleanor said. "Eat up so we can get to the presents!"

Everyone started chattering and making their plates. Chloe made a plate for her and Beca to share. Beca had made plans to take Chloe out to celebrate her last day of work and they didn't want to spoil their dinner.

Once everyone had their fill, Sandy and Eleanor gathered everyone around Beca and Chloe.

"Chloe," Sandy said, holding out a box wrapped in pink and blue bunnies. "This is from me."

Chloe took the box and handed it to Beca.

"Babe, why don't you open it?"

"Let's open it together," Beca said.

She and Chloe pulled at the paper and opened the box.

Everyone 'oohed' and 'awwed' over the onesies in the box.

"They're so small," Beca exclaimed as she held them up.

~~ My Spy ~~

Amy moved to LA but did not stay with Beca and Chloe. She found and bought a home online.

"You bought a house without seeing it first?" Beca asked as she spoke to Amy on the phone.

"I saw the pictures, Beca," Amy said. "It has everything I was looking for. And the fact that it's only two blocks from you is an added bonus."

"When do you move in?"

"At the end of September," Amy said. "I'll just be traveling until then. I've hired a decorator and will have everything already set up when I move in. I won't have to worry about any of that normal moving stuff."

Beca chuckled. "I can't wait to see it. And you. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. And, don't worry, I'll send you an invite to my epic housewarming party," Amy said. "Gotta go, my date's here."

"Have fun," Beca said, ending the call.

~~ My Spy ~~

Summer quickly faded into Fall and Beca's pregnancy advanced as it should. Regular checkups indicated that all was going well.

Chloe didn't have work anymore so she kept herself busy by working on the nursery. It was her pet project and she was trying to make it perfect for their soon-to-be addition to the family. Her biggest decision to date was what color to paint the walls. The couple had opted not to find out the sex of the baby; they wanted to be surprised so Chloe was looking for a neutral color.

Early one Wednesday morning in late October, Chloe was startled awake by the ringing of her phone. She heard and felt Beca stirring beside her and quickly grabbed the phone off the nightstand.

"Hello," Chloe croaked out in answering the phone.

"Chloe?"

"Yeah?"

"This is Carol Baxter," the voice said. "I'm sorry for calling so early but, I was wondering if you would be willing to come in and substitute for Sandy's class?"

"Is she okay?" Chloe asked, sitting up in bed.

"Her father passed away last night and she has to go to Wisconsin," Carol said. "She thinks she'll be gone for a week. I just need you to sub for today while I find someone to take the rest of the time she's out."

"I'll do it," Chloe said. "And I can do the whole week."

"Are you sure?" Carol asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Chloe said, getting out of bed. "I'll be there by eight."

"Thank you, so much, Chloe," Carol said. "I certainly do appreciate it. I know the kids and teachers will love seeing you again."

"Thank you, Carol," Chloe said. "I'll see you in a few hours."

"What's going on?" Beca asked as soon as Chloe ended the call.

"Carol asked me to sub for Sandy," Chloe said. "Sandy's dad passed away and she has to go out of town for a week."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Beca mumble sleepily. "I don't have to be in the studio for a few more hours. I think I'm going to go back to bed for a while."

Chloe went to Beca's side of the bed and leaned down to kiss Beca.

"Have a good day," Chloe said. "I'll see you when you get home."

Late that day, Beca came home to find Chloe sitting on the couch with papers all around. Beca joined Chloe and moved some of the papers so she could sit down.

"What's going on here?" Beca asked, looking at one of the papers.

"Just grading some papers," Chloe said, smiling. "It was great seeing everyone today. I missed them."

"Are you rethinking your decision to quit?"

"God, no," Chloe said quickly. "I'm all in to be a stay-at-home mom. Seeing the kids today made me even more excited about our own kids. Watching them grow and go off to school. Helping with their homework. Being there for their first steps, first words, all their firsts. I don't want to miss any of that."

"I love how much you love me and our baby," Beca said, smiling.

"I do love you both," Chloe said, pulling Beca into a kiss. "Very much."

Chloe kept her arm around Beca's shoulders, and Beca snuggled into her side.

"What's for dinner?" Beca asked.

~~ My Spy ~~

October moved into November and Chloe was becoming a nervous wreck. Every time Beca so much as groaned or put her hand to her stomach, Chloe was by her side to make sure she was okay.

After about the fiftieth time in a week of this happening, Beca was becoming frustrated.

"Babe," Beca said the next time it happened. "I'm fine. You need to relax. All this checking on me is making me frustrated and anxious. That's not good for me or the baby. So, please, if you love me, you'll relax, okay?"

"I'm sorry," Chloe said, shaking out her hands. "I'm just so nervous about everything. I mean, the nursery is ready and we have all the big stuff we need. But, what about the little stuff? Do we have enough diapers for when we bring the baby home? Do we need more bottles? Can we-"

"Babe," Beca interrupted, with a gentle smile. "We're ready. I promise. We have everything we need to start out and can get whatever else we need when the need arises."

"You're right," Chloe said, taking a deep breath and letting it out. "I'll relax and let mother nature take its course."

"Thank you," Beca said.

Chloe kept her promise until Beca's due date came and went. Chloe became anxious again and Beca had enough the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

"Chloe," Beca said. "I made a list of things we need for Thanksgiving dinner. Would you mind doing the grocery shopping today? I want to make some dishes in advance so we can enjoy having everyone here and not be in the kitchen all day."

"Sure, babe," Chloe said. "Will you be okay by yourself while I'm gone?"

"Yes, Chloe," Beca said. "I'll be fine. I'll keep my phone on me and call you if anything happens, okay?"

Chloe breathed in through her nose and chewed her lip. "Okay, I'll go. But you'd better keep your phone on you and call me if you so much as feel a twinge."

Beca smiled as she leaned in to kiss Chloe. "I promise."

Chloe had been gone about an hour and was in the middle of the grocery store when her phone rang. She quickly pulled it out expecting to see Beca's name on the caller ID; instead, it was Amy's.

"Amy?" Chloe answered the call. "What-"

"Chloe, you have to get to the hospital," Amy blurted out.

"What?" Chloe asked, stopping her cart in the middle of the aisle.

"Beca's at the hospital," Amy said. "She's in labor and she's shouting for you."

"What hospital?" Chloe asked, abandoning her cart and sprinting toward the exit.

"LA Presbyterian," Amy said. "You'd better hurry."

"I'm on my way," Chloe said, unlocking the car door. "Tell her I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"Okay," Amy said. "See you soon."

Chloe drove calmly but quickly to the hospital. She pulled into the parking lot and rushed inside to the main desk.

"I'm Chloe Beale," Chloe told the receptionist. "My wife was just brought in. She's in labor."

"One moment, ma'am," the receptionist said. "What's your wife's name?"

"Chloe!"

Chloe jerked her head around to see Amy and several of the Bellas standing a few feet away.

"Thank goodness, you're here," Emily said as she rushed over to Chloe, grabbing her arm. "Come on."

Chloe rushed off with Emily and joined the other girls.

"Are Beca and the baby okay?" Chloe asked.

"We haven't heard anything yet," Aubrey said.

"How are you all here?" Chloe asked, looking around at everyone.

"We all came early to give you guys a surprise Baby Shower," Jessica replied. "Turns out, we were the ones who were surprised."

"Yeah," Ashley said. "We went to your house and Beca answered doubled over and told us she was in labor. Everything started happening so fast."

"We thought we were going to be delivering the baby ourselves," Stacie said.

"Family of Rebeca Beale?" a voice called out, causing all the girls to turn toward the sound.

"Um, I'm her wife," Chloe said, stepping forward.

"I'm Dr. Johnson," the man said. "Congratulations, you have a son."

The girls gathered around Chloe and started chatting and oohing and awwing over the fact that Beca and Chloe had a son.

Chloe's eyes were wide as she stood there stunned. "I have a son?"

"Yes," Dr. Johnson said. "Would you like to see your wife and son?"

Chloe swallowed and nodded her head.

"Follow me," Dr. Johnson said, smiling at Chloe.

Chloe followed Dr. Johnson and entered the room where he held the door open for her.

"Chloe!" Beca cried out. "We have a son."

"I heard," Chloe said, as she rushed over to Beca's bedside.

Chloe looked down at the newborn cradled in Beca's arms. Tears started streaming down her face.

"He's beautiful," Chloe whispered in awe. "And, so tiny."

Chloe sniffled and wiped at the tears on her face.

"I can't believe I missed his birth," Chloe said.

"I'm sorry," Beca said, reaching up to cup Chloe's face. "It all happened so fast. If the Bellas hadn't shown up when they did, I might have had him on our living room floor."

Chloe chuckled as she sat on the side of the bed, her eyes never leaving the baby. "That would have been quite the story to tell."

"So," Beca said. "What are we going to name him?"

"Can we name him after my dad?" Chloe asked.

"I'd love that," Beca said, looking down at the baby. "He looks a bit like a William. Or maybe a Billy."

"Billy Beale," Chloe said, looking down as the baby stretched and yawned in Beca's arms. "I think he likes it."

Beca looked down at her son and said, "Billy Beale I'd like to introduce you to your mama." Beca then turned to look up at Chloe. "Mama, meet your son, William "Billy" Beale."

Chloe gently took the baby from Beca and bounced him lightly in her arms.

"Hello, son," Chloe whispered.

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A/N: I know, I know, I left it open-ended because I really like this AU and I may come back to them later for some holiday one-shots.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end. This is not goodbye, it's just ta-ta for now.

[uniquevocashark]

A Good Servant

Part 2

16+ please. Content warnings:

Casual mentions of death, body modification, mention of whipping (not in a sexy way in the bad way), mention of tongue removal, mention of murder, mention of strangling, infliction of grievous bodily harm, improper firearm use

There are many servant passages in the castle, mostly forgotten, and you use them to ensure that your staff behaves as desired. They help you find and smooth any kinks that arise, like Rachel's inability to not have an affair and Daniela's nightly harassment of Louise.

And to keep an eye on the Lady's pet, of course.

She's too far out from your sphere of influence in the household for any actions you take to be beneficial in the long run. Lady Dimitrescu will only listen to you so long as you don't run contrary to what she wills; the wellbeing of her pet is something she considers seriously to be a personal affair and completely out of your hands. To accept that she doesn't know best would feel like a diminishing of herself.

Yet, at the same time, being the cause of another pets death would greatly grieve her. If you can stop that, then you can consider your time well spent.

"Bertrand." You call as you enter the kitchen.

This time around, they are a thickly built muscled human, displaying traditionally masculine traits and being perceived as such. You know them as your sibling, even as their face is changed over the years.

Their voice this time is booming and filled with a deep timbre. But while you both talk big and about nothing, you watch their hands.

"Alex," you sign discretely, "I've run into a hurdle."

"A breach somewhere?" They sign back.

"No, I'm taking care of that. It's about her pet."

"What about it?"

"It's malnourished. Lady Dimitrescu isn't feeding it enough."

They bend their fingers in a way to convey a calm down gesture, "Don't sign so angrily. Its obvious." A pause, "I will ensure something smooth and energy dense is made."

"Apologies," you say out loud, folding your hands in front of you and matching the severity of their tone, "But it seems Miss Daniela has an upset stomach."

"Well see what can be done, ma'am," They said, crossing their arms,  "But preparations have already been made."

"Then remake them." You say, signing a loving farewell and exit the kitchen. You steel yourself and walk over to the Heisenberh retainer.

...

By four in the evening, the meeting is still dragging along, half the Heisenbergs are gone and Mihaela is still passed out on her bed. You've been cleaning for the past 30 minutes around her, packing her things, preparing new sheets, so on and so forth.

When Mihaela finally wakes up, while you're busy dusting the candelabra around the room, she still has that wild shaken look on her face.

"You, you have to change her mind." Mihaela begs.

"I can't." You say firmly, not looking away from your cleaning.

"Can't you try?"

You put down your duster, "Would you prefer to watch me get lashed, Mihaela?"

She squeaks. You find that most staff are too timid to risk others, terrified of being perceived as a monster, but you can see she still wants to push it. You clear your throat and continue, "In my absence, you answer to the Dimitrescu family. If a Heisenberg comes to you, tell me immediately, otherwise I cannot protect you."

"Right." She mumbled.

You picked up half her things and she hastened to pick up the rest. "It is imperative that you wake early enough to dress the Lady and that you remain on call for her at all times during the day."

"Okay."

You held the door open for her as she waddled into the hallway. "You'll be in close proximity with her pet," she paled and you rolled your eyes, "do not speak to her and do not touch her unless Lady Dimitrescu says so. That includes eye contact."

"Right."

"And remember not to stare at her pet either. She took the last maids tongue for that."

"Okay."

"You'll be picking every outfit for the Lady and her pet in the morning. Pay close attention to the colour, it would not do to have either of them wearing peach in summer or grey in winter."

"I'll remember that." Mihaela huffed, struggling to keep up as you strode down the hallways.

You pause before the next junction. When she catches up shes red faced and sweating, and you can see that she's shed a few tears along the way.

"Don't fret over it," You say, "You'll make yourself slip up." When she looks sick, you smile and take care to keep the amusement from your voice. "Let's get you settled into your new room."

...

You abandon Mihaela to her dread. She'd sort herself out before long or die in the process.

When you get to the kitchen, you find your staff milling about quietly. You take the extra time to whip them back into shape until the kitchen is buzzing with moving hands and feet. More energy towards a better, emotionally frugal existence rather than wasting it indulging in panic.

When that's done you take a tray from Catherine, stopping her shaking hands from making a mess of the hors d'oeuvres and sending her to work on the dishes instead. You take a glance at the food offered; lots of bacon, small samples of fruit and what looks to be the jelly Miss Bela made from the leftovers of her last meal.

You checked the clock. Fifteen past five.

You walk steadily into the dining room and then down the table to her side, where you deposit the small plates. The stares of the others follow you, but you've never let a Heisenberg or a Moreau distract you. By the way they stare, you wonder if they've never seen a blonde before.

They're dug in like fleas, none moving but to recentre themselves. An intimidation technique, though without the stalwart grace that Lady Dimitrescu holds.

She doesn't even spare you a glance, her entire focus on the tone of her voice and the way she tilts her head to watch all her guests. She moves smoothly, her pearls never clicking together, her hair barely moving as she turns to the head Moreau.

You could watch her talk all day and never run out of things to admire.

Instead of pursuing that, though, you move to stand with your staff members, whose curling shoulders are disgraceful. Its second nature for you to stand tall, proud but reserved; the posture of a learned being rather than some common miscreant. As if on cue, your staff follow your lead and you almost frown. They're usually so composed, the ones you let serve guests.

When Lady Dimitrescu calls your name, you walk over smoothly. You lean towards her when she gestures and almost startle when her lips brush your ear. She smiles, a just there curve of her lips, and you relax just a bit. Her pet, though, is no where to be seen.

"Your other skills are needed," she murmurs, quiet enough that the others can't hear, and you note steel in her voice, "The smell of the room is different and my pet is missing. Find out why."

When you lean away, you keep your expression neutral, "Of course, Madame."

You bow respectfully and turn to leave, when you hear a Heisenberg call out to you.

Each Heisenberg has this odd smugness to their voice, you find. Despite their familial history, you find that there mutations seem to have exacerbated their material indulgence rather than birthing a smarter breed of human. It's unforgivable but you tolerate them for your Lady.

"Do you know what happened to my last retainer?"

"As I recall," you say without stopping, "they went for a trip to a natural aquarium."

"Do you know where?"

"I'm afraid not." You lie pleasantly and leave. Killing the last Heisenberg retainer had been a personal vendetta, one that not even the Lady knew of with any great detail. And it would remain so.

...

You check the kitchen first. Her pet was a social being, even if no one would talk to her, and would often come to your side to watch your staff work. You did have to admire that she kept herself apart, at the very least.

When you don't find her, you walk calmly to your room and grab your gun. You reload it and then attach the silencer to it before walking to her secret room. You'd found it one day while exploring the hidden passages, looking for a quicker way to the servants quarters.

It was barely a closet but it had small memorabilia from her home life which must bring her comfort. Lady Dimitrescu was not surprised when you told her, her curled hair shining as she took long drags from her cigarette.

You would have done something about it, had she not forbidden you from acting.

It was empty when you got there but you noticed that one of her pictures was rumpled and the air had a faint whiff of cologne.

You followed it.

Half an hour later, you were pleasantly warmed up and found her pet in a subterranean level. Ruined only by the fact that she was held at knife point. The Moreau staff member looked at you, cutting her throat slightly, and you fired a bullet into his hand. His knife hits the floor and he shrieks, which is a sound you're very sick of, and you fire another bullet into his kneecaps.

"The Madame is looking for you." You say to her pet when he's stopped screaming.

She steps away as you haul him over your shoulder, putting the gun away into your apron pocket. The man kicks and you squeeze his knees.

You give the pet a once over, trying hard to maintain a neutral face, "Quite the predicament you're in, isn't it?"

She dips her head and stands perfectly still, "Yes," she whispers, "you cannot tell her—"

You shut her up with a dismissive gesture, "Don't be a fool."

"I'm not trying to be. What am I suppose to do?" She asks doefully, her lip wobbling.

"Be silent, if you can manage it." You sigh, covering how you're rolling your eyes at the melodramatic display and grab her by the back of the collar.

You drag her down the corridor, making sure to avoid the well used hallways. For her part, she keeps her eyes wide and scared, letting herself be dragged and curling her shoulders in. You wait until you're in the ballroom before you speak.

"What did he ask?"

"I'm not sure, it was in a weird language." She's crying now but it only makes you angry.

You walk the entire length of the massive area, "Could you repeat one of the words?"

"I can't." She sobs and you wish she would stop. "It was gibberish."

"Try to understand," you say, "I will safeguard this castle, if you can't help me then I suppose I wouldn't mind watching the Lady punish you."

She stares, "What?"

"It seems that I may have to omit some things. I would need to lie a bit, of course, but only if you're dishonest with me now."

"Why would you—?"

"Because," you say waiting for her to stand so you can descend the steps, "you're a walking information leak. I will stopper you, even if I must goad the Lady into doing it."

She stumbles beside you, hiding her expression before looking at you with a strange gleam in her eyes. "You care about this place?"

Its presented too innocently for you to think it isnt loaded and you wonder who she has been talking to, "She breaks things when she's angry," you say instead of answering, watching her jolted reaction, "It's why you are so important. Pets don't break quite as quickly as vases."

She averts her eyes. You can understand why the Lady picked her, really, but you wish she hadn't. If this pet doesn't survive after today, you may advise that she pick another who is a great deal more stupid than this one. Or just not keep cattle as a pet and get a dog instead.

You're almost certain she was talking with the man before the knife was pulled. You can't trust her, even if the Lady seems to.

You banish the thought when Miss Daniela appears before you. Her face is stony and she looks upset when she sees your passive expression.

"Mother doesn't like when people touch her property. You know that."

You'd completely forgotten. You release Lady Dimitrescu's pet. "Apologies," you say blankly, "I was unsure if she would be able to follow after what happened."

"What happened?" Daniela repeats, with the same mechanical blankness.

You take a second to build up an appropriate level of hesitance in your voice and she waits patiently for it, "This Moreau staff member tried to— force himself upon her," you pause, "was that enough?"

"A tad under done," Daniela critiqued then cleared her throat, "I am sure Mother would excuse handling of her property after such a traumatic event."

"Thank you for your leniency."

The pet watches both of you with wide eyes but without the usual shake she effects. You find yourself in the odd position of wanting to throttle her, "What shall I do with this?" You poke a finger into the man's bullet wound and hear him scream.

Her face lights up and she checks his face. "I shall take him. Oh, and Mother wants her pet by her side."

"And where is she currently?"

"The foyer. One of the Moreau cousins are waiting for this man."

You nod, "He doesn't appear to speak English. And, remember, Miss Daniela, no biting."

"Yes, alright. Let's go."

You herd the pet after Daniela, who continues her unsure meekness by drawing closer to you. You find it ironic. Despire sharing a race with the woman, you know she has more in common with Daniela than she ever could with you.

Thats by design, of course.

By years of education and careful association. But that's worth dust when you enter the foyer and see Lady Dimitrescu's thunderous expression.

And then it hits you. You forgot to talk to Rachel.

[angrylizardjacket]

guardian as a title {Machine Gun Kelly}

Summary: Casie's not technically your kid, but as you think about your future with Colson, maybe that won't always be the case.

A/N: 2512 words. I keep seeing fics about having a kid with MGK, but there's a lot of folks who can't have kids or don't want to have kids, but they shouldn't be excluded from having fluffy family fics!! And hes already got a kick ass daughter, so here. Written on my phone so potentially buggy. I just kind of love writing MGK who's so loving and protective of his daughter okay??

----

It took a long time to meet Casie. Colson had been hesitant; if you met his daughter, that meant whatever was going on between the two of you was real, was serious, and he'd been burned too many times to make that step so easily. Of course she knows about you, but she understands her father's hesitation, and the two of you unknowingly share patience, waiting for Colson to feel ready.

So you and he had been dating for almost a full year before you finally meet her. He picks a fancy restaurant for the three of you, and as you're making your way there, you realise you're actually nervous. By now you know where you fit in Colson's life; his friends like you, even his management team likes you, but Casie? You have absolutely no idea how she feels about you, but you know without a shadow of a doubt, that if she ends up not liking you, you can kiss any sort of future with Colson goodbye. To him, Casie hangs the stars in the sky, and he'd choose her every single time, not that you'd ever expect anything different. 

You get to the restaurant first, and the reservation is under his name, so you head on in and nervously start on the ice water they bring to your table. About five minutes later, you hear Colson call your name, and you look up from your phone, eyes wide, and stand abruptly. Casie looks nervous too, all of seven years old in a pair of dark blue jeans and a pretty blouse, and you smile at her as they approach.

"Hi," she's quiet, looking you over and evaluating you, and after a moment you offer your hand. She shakes it, grip surprisingly strong for a seven year old, and she tells you its nice to meet you.

"Its nice to meet you too, I've heard so much about you," you tell her, and she gives a little smile at that. Colson pulls out her chair for her and she thanks him. She's so proper, making a show of putting her napkin in her lap as you pour her a glass of water.

Its awkward at first, of course it is, but then Casie asks what you think of the album Colson's about to release, and the tension breaks. Your enthusiasm for his music goes a long way to reassuring her it seems, and its suddenly much easier to relax into the conversation. 

After dinner, you suggest swinging by McDonalds for milkshakes, and Casie practically cheers. You graciously slide into the back seat before any confusion arises, and when Casie's putting on her seatbelt, Colson looks over his shoulder to you and gives a warm, grateful look. Its going better than he'd hoped.

Its still a little strange; you practically live with Colson, though previously you've been crashing on a friend's sofa whenever Casie's come to visit, so its strange to wake up in his house on a Saturday morning, and find the two of them eating waffles and watching cartoons. It's… endearing. 

Casie's staying for two weeks this time, and on the third day of her stay, Colson's called away for a meeting about his album that was releasing in a few months. He says it'll only be a few hours, but you need to watch Casie. Its easy enough to keep her entertained; after lunch she pulls out her DS, and sits next to you, not really paying attention to the Spongebob rerun on TV.

"What are you playing?" You can't help but be intrigued at the strangely familiar music coming from the device. She turns the screen towards you and you see a little dog panting happily. Nintendogs. A wave of nostalgia hits you. "That game's so old," you say with a gentle smile, but Casie just looks confused. Its turns out to be Nintendogs + Cats, but the premise is still the same. She's surprised that you take such an interest in the game, and is more than excited to show you the tricks her dogs can do, and tells you very matter-of-factly that you can walk the dog to the dog park, so long as she supervises. By the end of the day, the two of you are acting like old friends, and Colson comes home to the pair of you curled up on the sofa trying to decide which dog she should get next in the game. 

She names it after you. Its far more touching than you realised it would be.

For the next few months, whenever she visits, she makes sure to tell you how Y/N The Dog is doing, right up until she gets Animal Crossing: New Leaf and lets Nintendogs fall to the wayside. 

You love her dad, and you take a genuine interest in her, and after several months and a few meetings over coffee, her mom trusts you to look after her when Colson's away doing press for his album and his new tour. Thats all that matters to Casie. 

You start to think the world of her; she's an incredible kid, bright and fun, but strangely sensible at times, and effortlessly cool. You find yourself thinking that if you were ever to have a kid, you'd want them to be like her, though you know children of your own aren't on the cards for your future. You'd known that for a while now, and so did Colson, though neither of you try to dwell on it much. 

Whatever chance Colson takes to support his daughter, you're there too. Recitals, public speaking contests, science fairs; if you're able to be there, you'll be there, making a conscious effort to befriend her mother along the way. Its clear you intend to stick around; you're good for Colson and you're good for Casie, and that's the mpst important thing.

As your year with Colson turns to two, to three, to four, the two of you start to consider what your future together would look like. 

He proposes quietly over dinner at the same restaurant he took you and Casie all those years ago. Of course you say yes. Of course you both FaceTime Casie the next day and she cheers so loudly her mother's dog starts barking in the background. 

"Can I help plan your wedding? Please, please, please?" She begs, and it hits that oh, that's right, a proposal leads to a wedding. You had been so caught up in the moment that the reality hadn't quite hit you. You were going to marry Colson Baker. Your smile widens at the very thought. 

"We'll talk about it when you're next here," Colson tells her with a grin, his hand in yours, fiddling with the engagement ring. Casie is over the moon, and her mother peers into the video chat wearing a warm smile, congratulating you both. 

After the call ends, you're quick to start peppering him with kisses.

"Do I take your last name?" You ask, breathless, straddling him.

"If you want," he shrugs, easy smile on his lips.

"Y/N Baker." There's a kind of awe in your voice as you say it, and Colson reaches out to cup your cheek in his hand, and you turn and press a kiss to his palm.

"Y/N Y/L/N-Baker," he suggests softly, and your expression lights up as you lean into to kiss him again, a giggle escaping you.

"I hadn't even considered hyphenating!" You say with delight. 

Casie helped pick the wedding colors, and was quick to start a pinterest board for inspiration, and seemed more excited than ever, bursting with ideas and always eager to help, always asking questions.

"So you're gonna be my step-mom?" She asks, and you make a thoughtful noise in the back of your throat. You're on your phone looking through wedding dresses, and she's playing Breath of the Wild on Colson's Switch, and she pauses the game to look at you. "Do I have to call you that?" She sounds dubious, and you laugh lightly.

"No way," you assure her, "only call me your Step-Mom if I start acting like a Disney villain, okay?"

Casie snorts a laugh and agrees, going back to her game, but something about the interaction sits with you. You keep thinking about it, keeping coming back to it, and you're not quite sure why until the day she breaks her arm trying to skateboard in the driveway. 

Thankfully its Summer and you're home, but Colson's on set filming The Dirt when you hear her start to cry. You get her to the hospital quickly and call Colson, and he says he's on his way. The nurse approaches you, looking at the paperwork you've filled out.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," and that's never a good sign, "we really need a parent or legal guardian here to fill out this paperwork for her."

"I'm going to be her step mother in less than a month-" you tried desperately, giving a crestfallen look to where Casie was being administered pain medication. The nurse gave a deep sigh, and you already know that almost step mother isn't enough, "her dad's going to be here in fifteen minutes." You tell the nurse, and she gives a patient smile, somewhat reassured.

Colson comes in his full Tommy Lee getup, and rushes to wrap Casie up in as much of a hug as he can without hurting her. Its a heartwarming sight, and just having him there eases the rest of Casie's anxieties.

"They wouldn't let a doctor see me because Y/N's not my legal guardian," she whined, a little out of it from the pain medication, "she takes such good care of me; everyone here's a dick," she grumbles, and Colson laughs gently, sitting beside her in the hospital bed, casting you a grateful look. He won't admonish her on her cursing, not here, not now. There's a warm fondness blooming in your chest at her words, a protectiveness that you hadn't realised you'd been harbouring until today.

Casie stays in the emergency department overnight, with you and Colson by her bedside the entire time. You call to inform her mom, who's just glad that you got her to the hospital quickly. The next day, she's released with a cast and pain medication, and is entirely too grumpy for her usually sunny disposition, though she cheers up quickly when you tell her she can have whatever she wants for lunch and dinner.

"I'm gonna have a cast for your wedding!" She bemoans the next day, reading over the instructions the doctor had given you.

"And you're gonna look fantastic regardless," you tell her, but she just throws herself onto the sofa with a huff. Eventually she rolls onto her side and switches on the TV, occupying herself while Colson calls you into the bedroom.

He's sitting on the edge of the bed, fidgeting, looking surprisingly serious. When you enter, he looks up, expression pensive.

"Everything okay?"

"I just hate to see her in pain," he admits with a sigh, but you can tell that's not all that's on his mind. You won't push him, will let him work up to whatever he has to say, and so you just sit on the bed beside him and wrap an arm around him.

"So I've been thinking," he starts, "and Casie's been thinking it too, and we ran it past her mom, because we wanted everyone sort of on board before we brought it to you," and you're not quite sure where he's going, but your heart is in your throat, "and yesterday just made me think we should have talked to you about it sooner -"

"About what?" You ask, voice quiet.

"What do you think about becoming one of Casie's legal guardians?" A bright warmth floods through you at his question, and your at a loss for words, so he continues, "you do take care of her, and you know, you're family, and she adores you, and it means there won't be anymore shit like what happened yesterday at the hospital -"

"She'd sort of be my kid too?" You ask, quietly hopeful, and Colson goes quiet, takes in your smile and realises what he's implying. Slowly, he nods.

"She'd be your kid too."

"And she- you're all okay with this?" 

"Casie and her mom both love you, babe, you've made it clear that you put her safety first; her mom wouldn't have agreed otherwise."

"And Casie… wants this?" 

Colson nods sincerely, pulling you in close to him.

"What do you think? I know its a lot of responsibility -" he starts, but you cut him off, grinning.

"I'd kill for her; honestly I couldn't ask for a better kid," you tell him, and he's trying and failing to suppress and enormous grin.

"She's is gonna roast the shit out of me for taking so long to ask you," he admitted, and you snort a laugh, "I had to talk her down from a proposal of her own, though I will say, she designed a pretty sick banner. Ask her about it, I'm sure she'd love to show you." He chuckles fondly, before growing quiet and contemplative, "I'm so happy about this, babe."

"You should be," you huff out a laugh, but there's a disarming sincerity in his eyes when he looks at you.

"No, I mean it, before I met you, I was always so fucking worried that the girls I met would be put off by me having a kid, or they'd get jealous of the attention I give her, but she's my fucking daughter, man, and I knew if I met someone who loved her even half as much as I love her, I'd have hit the jackpot," he paused, giving you a warm, appreciative look, "and here you are."

"Oh," and you feel tears pricking your eyes, unable to stop smiling at the sentiment, "you're a good fucking dad, you know that?"

"I hope so," he says softly, before his expression brightens, "you wanna go tell her the good news?"

You head down to the living room while Colson collects himself, and you find Cassie drawing on her cast with sharpie. 

"Hey, you mind if I float you an idea?" You ask, sitting beside her. She hands over the sharpie and offers her cast for you to sign.

"Is it about the wedding?"

"Not really," you say airily, avoiding her intrigued gaze, "what would you say to me becoming your legal guardian?"

Casie cheers before you can even finish the question, and before you can finish signing your name, she's wrapping her good arm around you. 

"You're gonna sort of be my kid, is that okay?" You hear yourself asking, and she rolls her eyes, grinning.

"No, I'm cheering and hugging you because I hate the idea," she snickers, sarcasm dripping from her words, but she gives you a sincere smile, "dude, I love you, I'm pumped to be your kid, can you not tell?" 

My kid, you think to yourself with a smile, the best kid I could ever ask for. 

[andrewmoocow]

The Black Pearl Brigade chapter 6: Hard as Stone (originally published on April 18, 2022)

AN: And so, we end our introductions to all our main characters with the leaders of both sides. For the entirety of BPB up until this point, Cinnabar was shown as a cold, logical commander who inspired fear and respect in her subordinates and did not tolerate failure, not unlike her sister in arms Black Rutile. In comparison, Cap has yet to receive such characterization, just being the leader of the Brigade and not much else. That shall all change here! With an all new army of minions made from concrete and old Crewniverse drawings that got them in trouble with fans in the past, tensions are sure to run high!

Synopsis: Bloodstone unveils a new breed of super soldiers made from concrete to rid Cinnabar of the Black Pearl Brigade.

Cast:

Deedee Magno-Hall as The Black Pearl Brigade

Avi Roque as Cinnabar

Lena Hall as Bloodstone

Dee Bradley Baker as Concretes

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Awkwafina as Kyanite

Allison Janney as Pyrite

Kimberly Brooks as Dalmatian Jasper

Zehra Fazal as Zoisite

Patti LuPone as Yellow Diamond

Lisa Hannigan as Blue Diamond

Christine Ebersole as White Diamond

Kathleen Barr as Púrén

--

A couple of hours after Cinnabar's campaign on Sergione-29, the acting leader of the Rutile Rebels had now returned to Revanche 666 with her bodyguard Kyanite by her side, where Bloodstone eagerly awaited them. "Oh Lord Cinnabar, it is an honor to show you the fruits of my labor! If you would just step this way to my laboratory, please."

"Enough bootlicking; I only want results." Cinnabar stated chillingly.

"Yes, ma'am!" Bloodstone gave a nervous salute and led the way to her lab, with Cinnabar and Kyanite following behind. Along the way, Cinnabar made a stop at the brig section of Black Rutile's base, where some of her minions were imprisoned for their failures in stopping the Pearls. Pyrite nonchalantly waved her cane about like a conductor's baton, while Zoisite laid on her bed and gazed up at the ceiling of her cell. But for Dalmatian Jasper, as soon as she locked eyes with her master, the Jasper growled with fury and glared at her.

"If we didn't swear to serve you with our lives, we'd find a way to break out of here and help the Pearls stop you!" DJ roared angrily, though her master was nonplussed. "Maybe when you're stuck in a cell someday, you'll see how we feel!"

"Oh, quit your crying, DJ. I'm sure you'll get a second chance at some point." Cinnabar replied, snapping her fingers to order some Jaspers to throw Kyanite in a cell of her own. "But in the meantime, I already have plans to replace you."

"Wait, replace?" Kyanite exclaimed while her cell door closed behind her. "But I'm your bodyguard; I can't be replaced like this!"

"Oh, don't worry Kyanite, I'm just making a change of plans." Cinnabar turned to Kyanite with a grin. "Unfortunately, you won't be playing a part in those plans. But I'll try and find a way to squeeze you into future events somehow."

"She's right; I'm sure she'll have a use for us again somehow." Pyrite tried to ease the tension in her typically smarmy fashion. "You got to always look on the bright side of life."

"Yeah, a real bright side indeed." Zoisite chirped sarcastically.

--

A few minutes later, Cinnabar was seated at a desk in front of Bloodstone, standing next to one of the stone warriors she caught a glimpse of earlier. "Okay, Bloodstone, show me what these Concretes can do."

"I would be delighted to." Bloodstone replied before she turned to her Concrete. "Concrete, you may begin the demonstration."

"Hmm." The Concrete nodded and lifted its cobblestone fists to the air, doing some shadowboxing and smashing the ground beneath it, to Cinnabar's mild intrigue. Next, the Concrete was surrounded by turrets that began firing at it, yet the supersoldier showed no signs of damage. Instead, the bullets bounced off the beast and flew all over the lab. The third ability it demonstrated was the power to shapeshift into a boulder and roll around at will before changing back to its normal body. Finally, its mouth opened up to reveal a laser beam that fired straight above Cinnabar at a target.

"I'm impressed, Bloodstone. You made a perfect soldier right out of the gate." Cinnabar smiled, satisfied with the demo's results. "How did you do it?"

"Well, I learned from some of the misfires we made during the testing process." Bloodstone nervously said before she proceeded to show off said misfires.

The first failed prototype turned into its boulder form and glitched out, rolling around and crushing some of the Peridots in its path before transforming back. Looking down at its Gem, the Concrete then changed its hand into a massive spike and stabbed itself in the chest, causing it to shatter.

The second one, which Cinnabar guessed to be an even bigger failure than the last one, tried taking off its head like a helmet, but that caused it to accidentally poof. It was what made Cinnabar happy that they managed to make the third one successful, to begin with.

"Yeah, we all make mistakes, as they say." Bloodstone declared. "So, how many do you fancy, Cinnabar?"

"I want five of them produced, one for each member of that Brigade." Cinnabar ordered. "And make it snappy. We're wasting daylight here!"

With a proud salute, Bloodstone raced away to oversee the production of more Concretes while Cinnabar turned to the successful prototype, who looked down at its master while Cinnabar looked back with a sinister smile.

--

"Faster girls, those last few Rubies shouldn't have gotten far!" Cap commanded the Pearls while they chased down Rubies as part of their latest mission. The Diamonds had received word of a Ruby uprising on the forest planet Yi, and the Pearls were ordered to take down every last one of them before things could escalate into yet another war. While the job was successful for the most part, there were still a few crafty little Rubies that managed to hide far better than the Pearls expected.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are, Rubies." Braids taunted, searching for the remaining foot soldiers with a sadistic grin and her battleax out. "I promise we will not hurt you."

"Saying things like that will only make them run away even farther." Tails quipped. "I suggest we just stay quiet so we can take by surprise and lure them into a false sense of security."

"But what if they catch us by surprise instead?" Pony wondered.

"You know Rubies. They'll even be scared of their own reflections." IQ frowned just as a faint rumbling noise could be heard. "What was that?"

"Don't underestimate them, girls." Cap stated. "I heard a few of them are crafty enough to join Black Rutile. If they're smart, then what can be said for these Rubies?"

"Well, they're smart enough to hold their own little rebellion, that's what." Tails remarked. "Which reminds me, anyone else hear that?"

"I certainly do." IQ replied. "Let's just find those last remaining Rubies and get out of here while we still can."

While the Pearls began searching for the last Rubies, the rumbling sounds started getting louder and louder. Even when the Rubies were eventually found, bubbled, and returned to the Servant, they didn't stop. Inevitably, this caused the Pearls to get suspicious.

"Púrén, scan the area for any other lifeforms." IQ commanded the Servant's AI.

"Right away." Púrén obeyed, proceeding to analyze the entire surrounding area. What she found, however, shocked the AI to its central processor. "RED ALERT, RED ALERT! CINNABAR IS IN THE VICINITY, AND SHE HAS REINFORCEMENTS!"

"Cinnabar?!" Cap cried as the Pearls took up arms. "How did she find us?!" Just then, Cinnabar emerged from the trees, clapping sarcastically while flanked by a troop of Concretes.

"Let's just say I have some inside Gems spying on the Diamonds as they give you your missions." Cinnabar confidently said. "Hello again, Pearls. Been a while, hasn't it?"

"What brings you to Yi, Cinnabar?" Cap asked. "And what are those things supposed to be?"

"Oh, it's just a little pet project that I've had Bloodstone work on since our encounter at Teslein." Cinnabar answered, patting one of her Concretes on the chest. "I call them Concretes, and they're basically my own form of supersoldiers made to replace my failed subordinates. They are bulletproof, fireproof, can think faster than your average supercomputer, and can shapeshift to fit the situation. Like so."

One of the Concretes turned its cobblestone fist into a spike with a mechanical groan and stretched its arm out at the Servant, jabbing the spike into her hull and causing immense pain to Púrén. "AGH!" the AI yelled in agony. "Stop it!"

"Oh please, I've only just begun." Cinnabar declared as the Pearls got ready for a fight. "Ah, now I'm starting to get nostalgic for the days of the Rebellion."

--

"Black Rutile, on your left!" a younger Cinnabar cackled to her comrade while the two fought side by side against the Crystal Gems in the Rebellion. "Don't get too distracted, okay?"

"Trust me, years of experience have taught me otherwise." Black Rutile cockily replied before producing some Robonoids from her gem to fire at an oncoming swarm of Aquamarines. "Must say Cinnabar, your tactics have gotten better lately. New training regimen?"

"Same as you, chum." Cinnabar said to the Rutile. "Rigorous training every day, all fueled by the same hatred as you. Just look at my speed!" Bringing out her broadsword, Cinnabar charged at a massive fusion between a Jasper and an Amethyst and attacked with a mighty swing. When it seemed like nothing had happened, Cinnabar retracted her sword, causing the fusion to combust into its base components. "You wouldn't believe how many tries it took for me to get that right."

"Exemplary work as always, my apprentice." Black Rutile beamed proudly while casually shattering the Jasper and Amethyst with her bowie knife. "Good to see you've been working hard lately."

"I aim to please, my Rutile." Cinnabar bowed gratefully to her master. "It was because of you that I have been molded into a perfect general."

"Please, not in front of the enemy!" Black Rutile responded with faux embarrassment. "Now, there should be more Crystal Gems coming our way soon. Shall we?"

"Oh very much, yes." Cinnabar eagerly licked her blade in anticipation of the coming battles before them.

--

Ever since Black Rutile took Cinnabar, then an eager young commander, under her wing, the red Gem had grown into a fierce, calculating general who almost seemed like a perfect replica of Black Rutile herself, right down to the shared hatred of Pink Diamond. Unlike Black Rutile, who had always despised Pink for how she kept getting away with her bratty behavior, Cinnabar believed that the Diamond could put such a mindset to use to strike fear in subordinates and enemies alike, but she kept on wasting it.

Black Rutile soon figured that something must've been wrong in the years that passed ever since Pink Diamond's apparent shattering. With help from her bodyguard & confidant White Topaz, months of tireless research caused White Diamond's intelligence agent to learn a shocking secret regarding the Crystal Gems.

"Cinnabar, Cinnabar!" Black Rutile called for her apprentice, now grown into the general of Yellow Diamond's armies, with her own Kyanite as a bodyguard. "Please, stop what you're doing and listen to me!"

"What for, Black Rutile?" Cinnabar scowled, an expression far from the eager pupil that her master molded into the ultimate soldier. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of something?"

"No, this is big, real big!" White Topaz exclaimed. "Big enough that we're gonna tell White Diamond all about it!"

"What is it that makes you think only White should know?" Kyanite asked. "Come on, spit it out, don't be shy."

"Trust me; your mind shall be blown!" Black Rutile giggled evilly. "We have reason to believe that Pink Diamond and Rose Quartz could be one and the same! Think of it, who else would be so selfish and attention-starved enough to start an entire war to get everyone to see her, regardless of the lives put on the line?"

"Really, Pink Diamond is Rose Quartz?" Cinnabar raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "I've heard that her screams can permanently scar a Gem's physical form, but I don't think she could lift a sword to save her worthless life."

"Oh, you may think I'm lying, but would I fib to my finest student?" Black Rutile asked with a winning smile, informing Cinnabar that maybe she was telling the truth. "Come on, you still trust me after all these years, right?"

Although she was hesitant to agree with her teacher, that smile made Cinnabar know that perhaps Black Rutile could be right. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

"That's all I needed to hear." Black Rutile sighed in relief.

--

Thousands of years later, Homeworld was undergoing some radical changes. Contrary to what was initially believed for centuries, Pink Diamond was still alive in a way. Black Rutile's theories were vindicated when it was confirmed that Rose Quartz was Pink's secret identity and that her son had come to Homeworld with the twisted goal of brainwashing the Diamonds for the Crystal Gems' cause.

"Unacceptable!" Black Rutile angrily pounded a screen showing her the Diamonds' massive mecha blushing because of Steven getting through to White Diamond. "All it took was just one annoying boy and his dumb jokes to warp our leaders to his liking?!"

"My Rutile, you feeling okay?" White Topaz nervously asked her master. "I get that you're angry with how Pink basically tore our society apart with her shattering, but this is becoming unhealthy."

"No, this has been inevitable for a while." Cinnabar responded to the Topaz. "The Diamonds have been showing a little too much restraint lately because their trauma has warped them into something unrecognizable, Yellow and Blue especially."

"I must concur, Cinnabar. I've always believed their rule was at an end." Black Rutile agreed with her apprentice. "Someone needs to take the helm. Someone who knows about the inner workings of an empire and how to manipulate everything in their environment to fit their needs. Someone like, like-"

"You?" Kyanite finished.

"Exactly, Kyanite." Black Rutile turned with a smile. "The Diamonds' cowardice has been a bad influence for too long. And without a doubt, the Crystal Gems will try to mold them into their little toadies. Ironically, they've become the very thing they sought to destroy all those centuries ago. We must gather any like-minded Gems still lurking about and recruit them to our cause."

"Ooh, are we gonna become rebels just like the Crystal Gems?!" White Topaz excitedly asked. "If so, I think we might need a name too! Maybe the Nega-Gems!"

"Or the New Rebellion!" Kyanite added.

"No, those sound stupid." Black Rutile insulted the bodyguards' ideas. "Cinnabar, your two Minerals?"

"How about something like the Lucent Gems?" Cinnabar suggested.

"Hm, not bad. Maybe we could use that." Black Rutile nodded. "But I'm in the mood for a little alliteration. How about something like the Rutile Rebels?"

--

Not too long after the initial formation of the Rutile Rebels, Cinnabar had begun forming her own sector of the Rebellion with assistance from Black Rutile, to reclaim old colonies. Aside from her and Kyanite, there was the former merchant and con-Gem Pyrite, the bounty hunters Dalmatian Jasper & Zoisite, and the mad scientist & conspiracy theorist Bloodstone. All of them were brought together out of a shared desire for revenge on Steven Universe and how his changes to Gem society have ruined their lives, much like many of the other Gems who swore loyalty to Black Rutile.

"Oh, it's such an honor to be working alongside such a respected general like you, Cinnabar." Pyrite smiled, her feet kicked up on the meeting table they sat around. "Thank goodness that Rutile gave me the jump on my feet that I needed!"

"And Zee and I made some real progress gathering up Gems to recruit to Black Rutile's cause." Dalmatian Jasper added. "Isn't that right?"

"Of course, some were a bit harder than others." Zoisite stated. "Like that Holly Blue, for instance." Her tone quickly turned sour while reminiscing how hard it was to recruit the Agate. "No-good, bossyboots Holly Blue. She thinks that she gets to act all high and mighty because she ran the human zoo. Shut her up is what I did!"

"And I'd be more than happy to be surrounded by Gems who can finally understand me." Bloodstone declared. "Which reminds me, does anyone care to listen to this new theory I came up with?"

"It makes me so elated to have gathered some of the finest Gems of their respective positions that I could find with the caste system no more." Cinnabar declared proudly. "Now, are you all ready to take back what's ours?"

"Aye!" Kyanite excitedly raised her hand.

"Aye." The other members of the Rutile Rebels followed suit.

"Excellent." Cinnabar smirked. "Then let us begin."

--

Back in the present day, the Pearls were struggling to keep up with the Concretes. Though they were expertly trained in combat since the moment of their creation at Shell, these supersoldiers seemed to be a perfect counter to each of their strongest traits. Cap's leadership & tactical prowess, Pony's sense of teamwork & togetherness, IQ's intelligence, Braids's strength & devil may care attitude, and Tails' supreme aim and business-like attitude were taken and made even better than before for these Concretes. This realization put the team on edge, but Cap was the most unnerved by how outmatched they were out of all of them.

"Any ideas what to do, Cap?" Pony asked as she and her captain ran from one of the Concretes, while it prepared to fire a laser from its mouth at them. "I feel like we are underprepared for this!"

"I certainly agree." Cap stated before she gave another order. "Pearls, fall back! Return to the Servant posthaste!"

"I'm sorry, what?" the rest of the team stuttered in alarm while their usually stalwart leader ran off in fright. Even Cinnabar was a little put off by how quickly she had given up.

"They are too dangerous for us to handle; we must retreat!" Cap exclaimed in terror. With just a single look at each other, the other Brigade members just shrugged and followed behind. Cinnabar, meanwhile, just frowned at what was going on and silently cued the Concretes to halt their attack with a mere hand gesture.

"Leaving so soon, Pearls?" Cinnabar growled, watching the Pearls flee with their Ruby prisoners. "Go on, run all you like. But just know that I'll still be watching you no matter what."

--

As soon as the Servant disembarked from Yi, Cap raced to her quarters in a hurry while the rest of the Pearls looked on in worry.

"Is something the matter with her?" Pony said with both concern and curiosity.

"Those Concrete things did take us for a loop." Tails remarked. "Maybe she's just nervous about how we were unprepared?"

"That does seem likely." Púrén observed. "I'll go and check up on her." The AI's holographic body dissipated from the Pearls' sight and then reappeared inside Cap's quarters, where she noticed the captain nervously pacing around her room. "Anything the matter, captain?"

"Yes, everything's the matter!" Cap yelled angrily, to the point where Púrén could notice a few sweatdrops on her face. "Did you see how utterly clobbered we got out there?! And all I did was order everyone to fall back. What kind of a leader am I to do that when we could've just fought back?!"

"You seem stressed." Púrén analyzed. "Is something the matter? How concerned are you for your team's safety?"

"Maybe I am." Cap confessed sorrowfully. "Maybe I'm just worried that although I pass myself off as purely stalwart & dependable and not much else, I'm just concerned that I'm not a good enough leader who's still haunted by what we've done under Black Rutile."

"Strange, I don't believe you've ever shown these feelings before." Púrén tilted her head to the side with a comforting voice. "Maybe you should try opening up to the others about them."

"Captain, we request your presence immediately!" Braids yelled while pounding on the door. "Your most inglorious behavior is very concerning to us, and we need to talk!"

"Well, what do you know?" Púrén grinned as she turned back to Cap. "Well, captain, it's your time now. Try to be honest with them, okay?"

With that, Púrén finally disappeared as the door to Cap's room opened, allowing the worried Brigade to enter. Pony was the first of them to talk. "We overheard you talking with Púrén when we followed you here. Is it true you've been hiding all these insecurities from us this whole time?"

"Okay, yes, I was." Cap confessed after much hesitation. "We were only created to serve Black Rutile in everything she did, no matter what horrible deeds they were. I, in particular, was meant to be a leader, like I am now, but sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough to be a captain. When those Concretes attacked us, all I could think of was fleeing because they were just too strong for us."

"Oh, Cap." Pony cooed worriedly. "It doesn't matter what happened in the past or what we do now. All we need to do is help make a better future for everyone, as a family."

"Yeah, we're basically like sisters now." Tails agreed with the second in command. "See, I finally came around, just like you wanted."

"Our victory over Cinnabar shall be glorious!" Braids cheered as she instigated a group hug between all the Pearls.

"But that still leaves the question of where she is now." IQ wondered, causing Púrén to appear once more with Sculder by her side.

"I believe I can help with that." Púrén said, cuing Sculder to bring up a hologram of Revanche 666. "This is the Rutile Rebels' headquarters on Revanche 666; a former communications hub repurposed to serve Black Rutile's dark designs. Ever since her disappearance, Cinnabar has been given the reigns to use it for herself, and it's no doubt where the Concretes came from."

"And we didn't learn this earlier because?" IQ snarked upon realizing that they could've learned this at any time prior.

"She must've been real good at hiding it. Not even the Diamonds realized that this colony was still in use." Púrén replied. "I'm inputting the coordinates now. This could be our greatest battle yet."

"Then let's make it count." Cap declared, breaking the group hug and marching out of her quarters with the rest of the team in tow. "Pearls, let's move out!"

--

Meanwhile, Cinnabar had returned to Revanche 666 with her squad of Concretes, eager to deliver the news of their success to an excited Bloodstone. "Bloodstone, you would not believe how your soldiers fared against the Pearls!"

"How did they do?" Bloodstone hoped for a good answer.

"Things went quite well." Cinnabar proclaimed, patting her lead scientist on the head. "The Concretes made the Pearls decide to retreat if you can believe it. With results like that, how can I not order these to be mass-produced at once?"

"I'll get right on it, my Cinnabar. I shall not disappoint you." Bloodstone saluted and turned away to start working on more Concretes. Cinnabar just sighed with satisfaction before turning to one of the supersoldiers.

"You all have the potential for greatness." Cinnabar declared, even though the Concretes weren't intelligent enough to respond. "In fact, why bother with my team anymore when you can get the job done far better with nary a word? I can just have everyone replaced with more Concretes, and I'd still get the same results as I always did!" Suddenly, alarms began going off as the facility's security cameras displayed the Servant making its way towards Revanche 666. "What, how did they find us?! This colony was supposed to be nigh-undetectable!"

"Uh, my Cinnabar?" a Black Pearl soldier called for her commander. "I believe those traitorous Pearls may have followed your ship to the base and waited for the right time to strike!"

"Doesn't matter anyhow!" Cinnabar yelled before turning to her Concretes. "You five, eliminate them!" The Concretes nodded quietly before marching away to confront their counterparts in battle. "Bloodstone better hurry it up with the other Concretes."

--

As the Pearls landed in Revanche 666, they were greeted by not just the Concretes, but an entire army of Jaspers, Amethysts, Topazes, and even other Black Pearls. However, they were more ready this time because they had each other, and nothing would ever change that.

At the first fire of one of the Concrete's lasers, the battle was on. Waves upon waves of soldiers charged at the Pearls, but many of them were taken out rather effortlessly because the Pearls' real focus was on the Concretes.

"Okay, IQ, can you see any weaknesses?" Cap asked the science expert of the team, who closely examined the body of a Concrete for any signs. From what she could gather, there were multiple cracks along its body that at first seemed there for decoration, but she realized that there might be something more to them.

"Try hitting those big cracks and see what happens!" IQ commanded.

"On it." Tails stated, loading her rifle and firing a laser beam at a crack on its shoulder, causing the Concrete to stop momentarily. "Well, what do you know?"

"Everyone, focus on the cracks!" Cap ordered her troops as they charged with their weapons to strike at the cracks on the Concretes' bodies while Cinnabar and Bloodstone watched from a security room.

"How could you include such an obvious weakness?!" Cinnabar shrieked at Bloodstone loud enough to knock her over. "This is clearly getting us nowhere; we need a new approach! We must flee immediately, find somewhere to hide, and leave this base to burn!"

"Wait, giving up that easily?" Bloodstone said while getting up and adjusting her goggles. "That's so unlike you. What would Black Rutile say?"

"I don't care what she would say! Just get all my other lieutenants out of their cells and prepare the Belligerence for departure!" Cinnabar commanded while turning to a big red button labeled 'SELF DESTRUCT' that she slammed her fist on, causing the alarms to start blaring as an automated voice began droning about the base's coming destruction. "Let's see them escape this time!"

--

"WARNING: SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ACTIVATED. THIS FACILITY SHALL DETONATE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE." The voice declared while Bloodstone raced to the brig to release all of Cinnabar's failed lieutenants.

"Good news, everyone. Cinnabar has decided to give you all a second chance!" Bloodstone announced happily. "The bad news, we gotta leave now, or else you're all going down with this ship."

"What for?" Dalmatian Jasper wondered while emerging from her cell.

"Those Concretes I built for her had such a blatantly obvious weakness; she decided to turn tail and run at the first chance she got." Bloodstone explained. "Now come on, we have to go! Now!"

Within a moment's notice, the rest of the lieutenants burst from their cells and made a break for it, ready to join Cinnabar for whatever plot she had next.

--

"THIS BASE SHALL SELF-DESTRUCT IN 30 SECONDS." The voice continued droning while the Pearls were forced into panic mode as they gathered up every inactive Gem they could find following their battle with Black Rutile's forces.

"Using a self-destruct sequence to cover your tracks. Clever trick, that pebble has pulled." Cap declared while she scurried aboard the Servant.

"But no matter what, we will find her again!" Pony added. "Come on, girls; we haven't a moment to lose!"

"THIS BASE SHALL SELF-DESTRUCT IN TEN SECONDS." The voice concluded. "NINE, EIGHT, SIX."

"Six?! What has become of seven?!" Braids yelled in shock as the last of the Gems were transported aboard the Servant, and the ship began to take off.

"GOT YOU THERE." The voice chuckled before returning to the countdown. "SEVEN, SIX, FIVE, FOUR."

Meanwhile, Cinnabar had gathered her five enforcers aboard the Belligerenceand took off alongside the Servant, just in the nick of time.

"THREE, TWO, ONE, ZERO." The voice finished the countdown. "HAVE A NICE DAY, COURTESY OF PYRITE BRAND SELF-DESTRUCT SYSTEMS."

With that, the Rutile Rebels' headquarters was obliterated in a fiery explosion, ending another portion of Black Rutile's empire as nothing was left of the former communication hub, all except for one giant crater with a few remains of the Concretes buried deep within.

"I must concur with Bloodstone, dearie. It isn't like you to fall back this quickly." Pyrite commented while Cinnabar piloted the Belligerence away from Revanche 666. "Is something the matter, boss?"

"No, nothing's the matter." Cinnabar fibbed, clearly hiding how stressed she was from the loss from her cohorts. "But, maybe there's a silver lining to this." Turning around in the captain's seat, Cinnabar pointed straight at Bloodstone. "Bloodstone, I think the Concretes still need some work. Let us turn back around and see what we can find. Maybe then, we can remove the cracks and make them truly invincible."

--

"So Cinnabar has been hiding out in that old colony this whole time?" White Diamond gasped as the Black Pearl Brigade reported back to the Diamonds. "I thought we abandoned that old thing ages ago!"

"I think not White." Blue Diamond disagreed. "From what IQ tells us, this was once Black Rutile's base of operations before she left for Earth and handed it over to Cinnabar."

"Once again Pearls, you have shown an exemplary performance." Yellow Diamond congratulated the Pearls on their success. "We shall deal with the Gems you have gathered later. Who knows, maybe you might get some more Pearls to join you. But in the meantime, I insist you take a load off. You all earned it."

"As much as we appreciate the offer Yellow Diamond, I'm afraid we'll have to decline for now." Cap said to the Diamond. "Cinnabar and her troops are still out there, no doubt deciding to take matters into her own hands, and who knows what kind of chaos they'll be planning now?"

"We insist. We won't rest until they're all punished for their crimes." Pony added.

"You can all count on us to make a glorious show of their ultimate defeat!" Braids declared with a smile.

"And we'll do it together." IQ stated before glancing at Tails.

"As a family." Tails concluded their statement.

"Very well then." Yellow obliged to their declaration. "But the offer still stands. I think Little Homeschool could be a great place for you to retire to at some point. You are dismissed."

And so, the Black Pearl Brigade began walking away from the three thrones the Diamonds sat upon. But now, they did it arm in arm like sisters, because they knew that no matter what Cinnabar or any other galactic menace would throw at them, they would face the entire universe together.

--

So ends Hard as Stone. Apologies if this seemed rushed, I often rush to complete these by Monday because I tend to procrastinate sometimes. But anyways, next time we finally see where Cinnabar ends up next, how certain other anti-Black Rutile characters fit into this, and get another glimpse into the life of another one of her subordinates. See you soon!

[victoria-daydreams]

Till Kingdom Come

Chapter Twelve: A Macabre Rite of Passage

AN: You ever lose a post in your drafts? No, just me. Well, that’s what happened here. I didn’t think that was possible lol.

Word Count: 4.6k

Trigger Warnings: none

Taglist: @nerds4life246, @leahnicole1219

Chapter Thirteen:  A Simple Lover’s Quarrel

New York, 1889

On a sunny, New York City afternoon, sunlight shone down on the stately, grimy buildings providing some brightness to the residents below. Creaking of carriage wheels filled the crisp air along with the distinct cries of newsboys, shouting the latest headlines on every available street corner. The busy street was filled with carts selling fruits and vegetables of all kinds to the bustling crowd of New Yorkers, carrying baskets of groceries while children clung to their mother's side or onto their cuddly toys. Couples of young and old strolled on the cobblestone streets, sporting colorful gowns and embroidered suits. Occasionally, stopping to consort with a member of the class below them.

It was just another regular day in the city and Sabine was right in the middle of it.

"Remind me why we're doing this today?" he asked.

Side by side, she walked with Bastien as they did bit of grocery shopping of their own.

Sabine smirked, "Because while we are immortal, we still need to eat," she replied, keeping her voice low.

Steam rose up above the general cheerful chatter of the crowd, coupled with the enticing smells of the competing aromas wafting from the immigrant street vendor's wares.

"Honestly, this is your fault," Sabine stated, adjusting her grip on her own heavy basket. "Someone couldn't keep their hands off me this morning," she pointed out. "We could have been finished by now,"

"Well, someone didn't seem to mind my freshly shaven face..." he trailed off, discretely lowering his lips to her ear. "All over their body," he finished, regaining his posture with a cocky grin.

Her cheeks heated at his words.

"What can I say?" Sabine began, looking over at him. "You cut quite the dash with a scraped chin," she complimented, forcing herself to not touch Bastien's face, a gesture that would be heavily frowned upon.

"I do, don't I?" he remarked, as he gave his clean shaven jaw a stroke.

The two of them passed by rag-tag groups of men and women that walked between the lamp posts. As they crossed over to another street, they walked past a group of middle aged men dressed in sharp suits, smoking on cigars and buying the latest newspapers.

"Wait here will you," Bastien requested. "I must know the latest scandal rocking this city," he quipped, making Sabine smile.

"Go on," she chuckled, flicking her chin out toward the pale faced and rag-adorned newsies ahead of them.

Bastien flashed a smile of his own before moving away from Sabine, leaving her alone on the corner of the sidewalk. Tilting her head up, Sabine briefly admired the cloudless blue sky. She couldn't believe her dreams of coming to New York after had come into fruition. After California, the band of immortals state hopped their way from the West Coast back to the East Coast, residing in big cities where it was easy enough to blend in. There was only one area that they all refused to live in and that was the South.

It seemed like everyday new Jim Crow laws were being enacted...or there was news of another lynching.

The shriek of street children playing in the alleys with a refreshing degree of excitement snapped Sabine from her daze, shaking her head a bit. She had gone into a slight trance and the passing crowd didn't offer her much of a second glance, only if it was to silently question her social status as a colored woman wearing a dress of a middle class woman at best. But Sabine ignored the occasional stares and held her head proudly, waiting for Bastien to return.

"Sabine?"

The voice hit her by surprise and she froze. Nobody knew her real name outside of Bastien, Andy, Nicky, and Josef. The owner of said voice was female, but it sounded weak, frail even. All of which that made it abundantly clear that it was not Andy.

"Sabine?"

Looking from her left to her right, Sabine couldn't find the voice at first only seeing people perusing around the vendors and carriages that trundled along holding the rich. It wasn't until she completely turned around and found herself staring down at an older, black woman, maybe in her late sixties or early seventies.

"May I help you ma'am?" Sabine asked, cocking her head.

"My, my, my," she breathed, her eyes roving over her face. "It's you, it's really you," the woman stated, reaching out to touch her face.

Sabine leaned away from her a little, "Ma'am...I...think you have me confused with someone else," she corrected, but the woman just shook her head.

"I'd know this face from anywhere, so warm and full of love and shaped just like a heart," she remarked. "A mother always knows her daughter's face, Sabine," she said gently.

Sabine nearly fainted from the woman's words.

Her mouth opened and closed, "No, no, you must be mistaken," she said, shaking her head.

The woman gripped onto her arm, "You are, you must be!" she maintained, trying to convince Sabine or maybe herself.

"I-I-"

"Mama, Mama!" another female voice called.

A middle-aged, well dressed woman came hurrying over to them with a parcel in her hand.

"Mama, please let go of the young lady's arm. We don't need to cause a scene in front of all these people," she said, placing her hand on top of her mother's and scanning the crowd nervously.

Sabine glanced around the busy street and sidewalks as well, but no one seemed phased about what was transpiring. In their heads, its just another colored family having a squabble.

"But Emile,"

Once that name came from her lips, Sabine was sure that she was actually going to drop to the ground. Blood rushed to her ears and drummed in its canals, muffling all the sounds surrounding her while she felt heartbeat increase dramatically, it felt like her chest was going to explode.

"Emile. Mama. Here?" Sabine thought.

Faintly, she could hear her older sister and mother arguing with each other.

"See reason Mama, this can't be Sabine, she's too young,"

"It is her, you can't recognize your own sister? She's a Freemen like us,"

"What's going on here?"

Bastien's deep voice is what brought Sabine back down to Earth as she attempted to process if what was happening actually real. His expression was a mixture of seriousness and confusion while tucking his newspaper under his arm. Emile and the older woman instantly became demure at the arrival of Bastien, her mother even going so far as letting go of her arm as if it burned her.

"It's nothing sir, my mother was bit confused," Emile explained, her eyes not quite meeting Bastien's. "It was a mistake, we apologize for wasting your time and disturbing your maid," she said, before quickly walking away arm in arm with her mother from Sabine and Bastien.

"My maid?" he repeated, his brow furrowing and looking in the direction of where the two women went.

Sabine placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm her erratic breathing down which did nothing of the sort.

"Sabine, are you okay?" Bastien inquired, eyes filled with concern.

His hand went to reach to touch her on the waist, but he quickly snatched his hand back. Thank god, he remembered to show restraint.

"Sabine?" he called again, waiting for an answer.

"I think I just ran into my family," she breathed out.

~~~x~~~

"You're acting like a spoiled brat Sabine," Bastien said, opening the door to their home. "You don't get your way for once and you throw a fit," he added, closing the door after Sabine marched inside.

This argument had raged on since the moment they left the street where Sabine had been reunited with her family. They did their best to keep the heated whispers between them, but occasionally Sabine's temper got the better of her and she drew more than a few stares when she lashed out at Bastien. However, once they entered the confines of the safe house, the gloves came off, figuratively and literally.

Sabine slammed down the basket onto a table near the door, "I'm acting like a spoiled brat for wanting to see my family?" she repeated incredulously, as she roughly tugged at her gloves.

Bastien pulled his coat off, "Yes, you are," he insisted, removing his hat and hanging it above his coat. "If that is your family, then they think you're probably dead and it is best that we leave that way,"

Sabine placed her hands on hips and frowned, in utter disbelief at what Bastien said.

"No, it is not," she disagreed, vehemently shaking her head. "Did you see the desperation in her eyes, the way she tightly clung to my arm? After all she has been through in her life, from being enslaved and watching her daughter be ripped away from her. Why should I be the one to make her suffer even more?" she questioned, pointing to herself.

"You're not Sabine!" Bastien replied in exasperation. "She's an old woman, for all we know, she thinks every girl that looks like you might be her daughter," he reasoned, sticking his arm out to the side.

Sabine lifted her brow, "She said my sister's name, Emile," she pointed out, shrugging her coat off.

"Coincidence," he retorted.

"They have Louisianian accents for god's sake!"

"Sabine, there are plenty of slaves that could've escaped from Louisiana named Emile," Bastien guessed, and Sabine's coat hit him dead center in his chest, hard.

"Don't be an ass!"

"What? It's a possibility!"

"You are the most infuriating man I've ever met!"

Sabine began pacing up and down the den area in a vain attempt to control her temper.

"Hey, what is all this yelling about?" Josef asked jokingly, walking around the corner.

"I think they're having a lover's quarrel," Nicky commented, coming from behind him.

She halted in her movements, "Sebastien won't let me reunite with my long, lost mother and my family!" Sabine exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

Josef's eyes widened sharply, "Your mother?" he repeated, as Andy joined them as well, a half-closed book in her hand.

"Yes!"

"And I forbid you from going to see her," Bastien declared, placing his hands on the waist.

Sabine scoffed, "You forbid me?" she echoed, raising her brow again. "I'm not a fucking child, I do as I damn well please!"

"See Andy," Bastien started, walking towards the oldest immortal. "I told you that we had gone too soft on her," he stated gesturing towards Sabine.

A sympathetic expression was on the older woman's face as she looked at the youngest immortal.

"Sabine, I'm going have to agree with Booker," Andy spoke up, causing Sabine to deflate a bit. "I do understand why you want to do this, but it's going to cause nothing but pain,"

Bastien lifted his hand in the air as if to say 'thank you'.

"I mean, what would you even tell them, hmm?" Bastien questioned, shoving his hands into his pants pockets. "Hello, I'm Sabine, you're long lost daughter thought to be dead. I'm technically forty-seven, but I have the face of a twenty-two year old!"

"Then I won't tell them my true identity!" she shot back. "I'll play the role of a concerned young woman if it means I get to see my family again!" Sabine exclaimed.

"Book maybe-" Nicky began.

"No," Bastien interrupted, looking at him. "Sabine," he called, turning to face her again with his hands pressed together. "I am trying to protect you, reuniting with your family will only bring you more pain," he stressed.

"Just because you're family despised you when they died, doesn't mean mine will!" Sabine snapped.

Even though the sentence had already left her lips, she realized how cruel it was.

Bastien tightened up, his face no longer showing any measure of restraint. He let out a breathy laugh of disbelief and Sabine could see how much her words hurt him to say what she did, his blue eyes were practically swimming now. Regret gnawed at her, she didn't mean to say that, it was the heat of the moment and tempers were flaring. And she...she said it. Sabine didn't like how this was going, she felt her guilt grip on her harder the longer she looked at Bastien.

For once, there was utter silence between all of them, it was eerie, unsettling even. Sabine did not like this sudden change, it was obvious it made miserable company.

"Bastien, I..." Sabine trailed off, when he would no longer look her in the eyes. "Bastien," she called again, but he did not meet her stare.

The Frenchman moved away from her without speaking a word, his expression held tightly. He moved towards the front door and gathering his coat and hat as he went.

"I'll go after him," Josef muttered, briefly looking over to Sabine and giving her a forced semi-smile. "Booker," he called, jogging to catch up with him.

The door slammed shut and Sabine felt herself flinch as the sound reverberated throughout the room, leaving her feeling inexplicably cold. Josef, with his coat in hand, reopened the door and this time closing it with a soft click. Sabine dug the heels of her palms into her eyes, wondering how she was ever going to fix what just happened. Warm hands found there way on top of Sabine's shoulders and gave them a reassuring squeeze.

"Everything will be fine Sabine," Nicky assured, and she lifted her head away from her palms.

"How could you possibly think that?" she asked, shaking her head. "Did you not hear what I said to him?" she questioned, feeling her eyes well up.

Sabine knew that Nicky could see the guiltiness on her face, it was easily readable.

"Excuse me," she whispered, her voice trembling and rushed towards the hall where her bedroom was.

The door swung open and Sabine snatched her hat off her head, throwing it to the floor with one hand and slamming the door shut behind her with the other. Blindly, she threw herself onto her bed, landing stomach first with a muffled thwump against the mattress. A soft sob left Sabine as she gripped the soft blanket, her chest tight. A few tears leaked from her eyes and she did nothing to stop them. Sniffling, Sabine sunk deeper into the mattress.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door and Sabine lifted her head from her pillows and looked back at the door. Sabine turned away, intent on ignoring whoever it was and let out a sigh instead as she closed her eyes. There was shuffling from outside her door, but Sabine remained keen on ignoring Nicky or Andy, they would give up eventually. That belief quickly left her mind as soon as she heard the door knob turn slowly on its hinges.

Then the door creaked open.

The sound of heels clacking against the floor echoed hollowly throughout the bedroom, Sabine squeezed her eyes just as the bed dipped beside her. She felt a hand gently nudge her.

"Come on, Sabine. Get up," Andy ordered softly. "No use in sulking, what's been said has been said, and you can't change that," she said.

Reopening her eyes, she slowly turned her head in Andy's direction. Sabine knew she undoubtedly looked like a mess, her face was slightly red and teared stained. Her eyes, which were usually warm and clear, were now blurred and teary.

"I've ruined everything Andy," Sabine croaked out, sniffling once more. "I-" she began, but stopped herself.

She could feel a lump in her throat that was keeping her from finishing her sentence, and the emotion that clung to her words wasn't making the lump go away any sooner.

"Now, now," Andy started, rubbing her on the back soothingly. "Don't be dramatic," she stated. "The two of you were arguing and hurtful things were said by both parties, that's not unlike for couples,"

Sabine scoffed, "I doubt Bastien would throw it in my face that I was a slave, as I did with mentioning his dead wife and kids," she pointed out, shaking her head.

"No, I don't think he would,"

"He has every right to be mad at me," Sabine replied. "He misses her, he misses all of them," she stressed, burying her head in the pillows. "And I went ahead and said...that," she finished, letting out a huffed breath and closing her eyes.

"Well, I'm not here to berate you Sabine," Andy informed, shifting herself on the bed. "You know what you did and you know what you must do," she remarked.

"I know,"

The youngest immortal looked over at her elder, her brown eyes mixing with gray ones. A grim expression lined Sabine's face. Of course she felt bad for what she did and was trying to fix it, but she feared it wouldn't be good enough. They had their fights like any couple, but this one was different, it felt different. This one was more personal, on both ends. Right now, Sabine wanted nothing more to be wrapped in Bastien's embrace, to have silly, meaningless debates like they always did about food, books, and art. Now she wasn't sure if those would happen anytime soon.

In her anger, Sabine crossed a line.

Andy let out a sigh, "Sit up, sit up," she said, gently pulling at her body.

Sabine was reluctant to move from her position, much more content to wallow in her sorrows, but she did and let Andy guide her into a upright position. Scooting closer towards her, Andy put one hand on Sabine's shoulder and the other on her cheek.

"Clean your face," she instructed softly, using her thumbs to wipe the remaining tears away. "You, Nicky, and I are going out," she announced, her hand gently gripping at Sabine's arm.

"Where?"

"I'm sure Nicky and I could use some fresh air as we finish the rest of today's errands," Andy explained, while Sabine looked over at where she threw her hat. "And you could use the air as well to clear your head, put you at ease a little," she suggested, and Sabine met her gaze again. "Sound good?" Andy questioned, with an encouraging smile.

Sabine nodded her slowly, "Sounds wonderful," she responded, a genuine grin growing on her lips.

~~~x~~~

Sitting at her vanity clad only in her nightdress, Sabine silently unpinned her hair. A knock rapped against her door as she dropped the pin into a little enameled box.

"Come in," she said in a clear voice,

Sabine heard a soft click behind her at the same time that she dropped another pin into the box. When her eyes returned to the mirror, her movements froze at who was standing in the door frame. At that moment, the temperature in the bedroom seemed to drop a few degrees.

"Sebastien," she whispered, turning slightly towards him. "I-" she began, but stopped when he quietly stepped in, closing the door after him

Sabine went to stand up and Bastien just shook his head, motioning for her to stay where she was. Her mouth suddenly felt dry and all the words she had come up with earlier had up and vanished.

"May I?" he asked, gesturing towards her hair.

She nodded slowly, shifting her body to face the mirror again and Bastien's hands found themselves into her hair. He took the ornate silver comb from on top of the vanity and started at the ends. Sabine watched him through the mirror, feeling his fingers separating every last strand of her hair.

"Where did you go?" she asked quietly, finding the courage to speak.

"Where do you think?" he asked back just as softly, though there was a hint of humor in his tone, but also a trace of bitterness.

Though she tried, Sabine could not ignore the overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke and booze, clinging to Bastien's clothes. She stared at his reflection again, he seemed completely unfazed or even showed the slightest sign of inebriation. Bastien languidly ran the comb through her black locks, with steady hands, stroke after stroke. Normally, she would this find quite amusing, Bastien playing sober incredibly well when they both knew he was not. Except that it wasn't, not today at least. Especially since she was part of the reason why he smelled like a brewery and the whites of his eyes were bloodshot.

"What is going on in that head of yours?"

Bastien had caught Sabine's stare in the mirror and held it, he could see the troubled look in her eyes.

"Why are you...why are you being so kind to me, Bastien?" she asked, her tone guarded. "I was absolutely dreadful towards you earlier," she admitted.

"Yes, yes you were," he agreed, without breaking eye contact and Sabine felt herself wince.

It was one thing to acknowledge it, it was another to hear it spoken aloud by Bastien himself. It stung in more ways than she thought it would. She cast her eyes downward, feeling uneasy and ashamed, but two fingers underneath her chin guided her eyes back to the glass in front of her.

"Shall I braid your hair for you?" he asked.

"Yes, please,"

Bastien's fingers combed through her hair once more and Sabine closed her eyes at his touch, feeling him beginning to braid with surprising ease.

"I would do this for my wife every night before bed," he stated softly.

Sabine's eyes snapped back open, recognizing that far off tone he gets when mentioning his family.

"I guess that explains why you are the only man to possess this rare ability and other men don't," she replied, an attempt to be humorous.

He stopped, only to return to his task a second later, "Or how I'm adept at lacing a corset so well," he mentioned.

"You did that for your wife as well?"

"Every morning when I could," he replied, finishing the braid and combing at the ends.

Sabine felt her heart squeeze slightly with guilt. She turned in her chair, looking up to the man behind her.

"Bastien, I do apologize for my behavior today. I should've never said what I did,"

"When I told you about my family, something so intimate to me and how they treated me afterwards..." he trailed off. "I never would've thought that you would take information and use it against me in the manner that you did,"

"I-" Sabine started, but cut herself off, she could feel herself getting worked up and defensive. "I didn't mean for it to come out that way," she stated, sighing deeply. "I knew where the conversation was headed, I knew what your concerns were," she continued, standing up from her seat. "I wish I had worded it differently, but I was so angry, so hurt, by your flippant attitude. At that point, I stopped caring. I wanted to say something, anything, to reciprocate the same pain you were causing me," Sabine explained, wringing her hands. "Only I took it far," she finished, glancing up at him.

The nervous motions in her hands grew tighter and more frantic that she had to move her hands behind her back.

"Sabine, it felt like you took a knife, and stabbed me with it," Bastien described. "And then, you decided to twist it around for good measure," he added.

She bit the inside of her cheek and lowered her eyes to the floor, "I am sorry Bastien," Sabine repeated.

"Yes, I know," he acknowledged, exhaling heavily. "And I forgive you," he informed. "I am sorry myself, I was harsh with you when it was not necessary. You were not acting like a spoiled brat," he apologized.

"Thank you for recognizing that,"

The two them stood in silence, every second feeling like an eternity. Finally, Sabine brought her eyes to his and and took his hands in both of hers.

"Is all well between us again?" she asked, her dark brown irises looking into his blue ones. "I do hope so now that we both apologized for our regrettable actions today,"

Bastien let out a rough sigh and shifted his eyes to the ceiling, "On one condition..." he trailed off.

"And that is?"

"You let me seal this with a kiss," he answered, staring back down at her with a faint grin.

She scrunched her nose up, "Ugh, maybe later," Sabine suggested, smiling a little.

"Why?" Bastien inquired, pulling her closer.

"Because my dear, you reek of alcohol," she replied bluntly. "And so does your breath," she commented, putting her hands on his chest to keep him at bay. "I'll draw you a bath and fill a glass of water for you-"

"I can do that all myself Sabine, I'm not that drunk," he cut in, his mouth curving upwards. "You go on and head to bed, I'll freshen up. And maybe I'll get that kiss,"

Sabine chuckled, "For now, I can only give you this," she said, before slipping her hand from his and pressing two of her fingers onto her lips and then onto Bastien's.

Gently, he wrapped his hand around hers and kept it there.

~~~x~~~

Sabine was half-asleep felt her mattress dip down beside her, a heavy, solid weight joining her on the bed and underneath the covers. Blinking to adjust to the darkness, she turned over to face Bastien.

"I didn't think you'd be joining me in bed," she said hoarsely.

Bastien slightly froze, "I didn't want to be alone tonight," he explained, his voice low. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he apologized, settling underneath the blankets.

"Eh, never you mind," she yawned. "I meant to stay awake for a little longer, but my efforts failed," she explained, a sleepy smile on her lips.

Sabine could feel the bed shift as Bastien fumbled about for a moment or two before he found the oil lamp on her nightstand. She blinked a few times, her eyes once again adjusting and she saw the face of Bastien, who is looking at her with a wry smile on his face. Sabine shifted on the bed so that she laid on her side, her elbow on her pillow and her cheek in the palm of her hand.

"You smell better," she commented plainly, and Bastien let out a hearty chuckle.

"Good enough for that kiss that was promised to me?" he asked curiously, grinning at her.

"I suppose so,"

Sabine leaned forward and pecked him on the lips.

"I said a kiss, not a peck," Bastien reminded, wrapping her into his arms and pulling her onto his chest.

A small giggle escaped from her as she reached her hand out, cupping his cheek. Briefly, the two immortals just gazed at each other in silence, content with the other's presence. She dipped her head slowly before brushing her lips over his, indulging in the softness of them. Bastien inhaled deeply through his nose, letting his hand caress the small of her back. Sabine went to pull back, but didn’t get far as Bastien sought her lips in a slower and lingering kiss. A soft hum left Sabine just as they parted for air, their chests heaving.

Reopening her eyes, she leaned down again and kissed the corners of his mouth before pulling away once more. Bastien's warm breath mingled with hers as she stroked her thumb back and forth across his cheek.

"Are you alright?" Sabine asked, searching his eyes.

"I am better now," Bastien answered, his hand coming to a stop on her waist. "Today...today was rough," he stated. "For the both of us," he added.

"I know," she agreed, with a sigh and laying her head on his chest.

Sabine could feel the slow rising and falling of Bastien's chest beneath her head.

"I sometimes forget just how sharp your tongue can be," he commented, his voice sending a low rumble that reverberated through her body. "I don't think I've been on the receiving end of one of your lashings before, at least, not in a very long time," he noted, and Sabine planted a kiss on his night shirt covered chest.

"Bastien," she called quietly, reaching her free hand out to interlock their fingers.

"Yes?"

"Promise me something,"

"Anything,"

"Promise me, that we won't go to bed mad at each other," Sabine said, nestling her face into the crook of Bastien’s neck. "I don't know if I could bear it, us going to bed in anger, and then waking up again the next morning with unresolved, bitter feelings still clouding over us," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I promise,"

Chapter Fourteen: Welcome Home, Sabine Freemen

[that-damn-girl]

(3) Bucky and The Bed

Completed

Chapter 2

Bucky and The Bed Masterlist

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x (cis)fem!reader

Words: 2800+

Summery: You and Bucky are stranded in the middle of a snowy nowhere when there is an 'electronic blackout' during your mission. With no back ups or any way to contact your team, you take refuge from the worsening weather in the only cabin you find  in miles. Not to mention, with no power, Bucky has become your personal heater and there's only one bed.

Chapter type: Lovesick Bucky, cuddling, mutual pinning.

Chapter warning: A bit paranoid reader.

A/N: Tbh, I am not proud of this chapter but I wanted to get done with this part. I am not really a tech person, nor can I form proper plots with tech stuff involved. Sorry in advance for the plot holes you find. Some inspiration is taken from movies Spy Kids 2 and Charlie's Angels. 

The hours of night soon gave way for morning to creep in. Beam by beam light poured in through the large sized windows, illuminating the room in a silver glow.

In a relaxed and peaceful moment, Bucky woke up to the sight of a goddess wrapped up in his arms. Your face was pressed against his chest, one hand gripping his sweater tightly in your fist and the other thrown loosely around his waist; legs intertwined with his in comfort.

With one arm around your back, Bucky could feel your chest rise and fall with every breath; feel every exhale of yours through the thin layers he had on.

Golden rays from the fireplace and the pale brightness from the windows in the absence of direct sunlight cast a beautiful glow on your face, a mixture of different shades dancing about. 

He could feel his heart swell with adoration just looking at you. Your lips, partly open, appeared more plump since a side of your face was cutely pressed against his body. With a slight pout and closed eyes, your face conveyed a look of pure innocence which Bucky knew he couldn't get out of his head anytime soon.

Your face was angled so that your lovely lips peered at him, seemingly begging to be sucked and licked and kissed and bitten with pure red passion. As if he hadn't wanted to do exactly that.

Closing his eyes, he gave himself a moment to calm down his racing heart. He loved the feel of you engulfed in his arms, filling a void he'd become familiar with since too long. Hard yet soft, pressed against him in the sweetest of manners  due to a girdle of trust and confidence which surrounded your friendship, keeping it tight.

Silencing his wants, he leaned down and kissed the top of your head hard and lovingly, as if convincing you that he would not act on his wanton desires and loose a friend he cherished immensely in greed for more.

You slowly stirred against him. He stilled, worried that he woke you up, but after giving out a breathy exhale you resumed your position, burying your face even further and an arm tightening around his waist. Your otherwise calm posture would have fooled him, but the secretive smile tugging at your lips gave you away. Bucky thought that his kiss wouldn't have been noticed, but the small peck to his chest, right above his heart by your lips proved him wrong.

Gracing your face with a smile which took his breath away every damn time, you said, "I could get used to this."

You had been in that state rocking between the dream world and the real word for quite some time. Loving every cursory second of it, you didn't want to wake up and get out of the cocoon of Bucky and the blankets. While you were savouring the moment, you felt softness touch your head, realising what Bucky had done. Your heart thumped hard. You couldn't have stopped from reciprocating the affection even if you wanted.

Bucky felt his heart swell once again, swearing it would fly out of his rib cage at any moment.

"Yeah?" Bucky asked tentatively. A smile formed at the corner of his lips.

"Mhmm," You started, cuddling closer to him, fastening your hold on him, "You're so warm."

"You're making me cold." You whipped your head at him, worrying you'd overstepped the borders. But one look at the mischievous look in his eyes and a sly smirk on his luscious lips told you otherwise.

"Hey," You lightly hit his arm, making him rumble with laughter.

You looked at his beautiful face, eyes crinkled and teeth bared in mirthful laughter. It was good to know that he felt light enough to crack jokes. God, you thought, if the cold wouldn't kill me, his smile definitely would.

"No, but seriously," you propped yourself up on one elbow, the other still over his waist, "Are you cold because of me?" You sounded as serious as you looked.

His general body temperature was higher than yours. After giving it a thought, it only made sense to you. You'd made him cold if he'd made you warm.

He scrunched his nose, baffled as to why you would think that, "What? No! Don't be silly."

"Okay then," You said, snuggling back with him, "Don't come complaining to me later."

Why would I? He thought. He'd promised himself that he'd run to the ends of the world if it meant keeping you warm and comfortable. With a dreamy smile on his lips, he said, "Wouldn't dream of it."

You closed your eyes, relaxing further into him, "Good, cause now you're officially my cuddle pillow."

He barked out another laugh, "Cuddle pillow, huh?" He hugged you closer, "Well, cuddle pillow at your service, ma'am."

You both chuckled. He looked down at you, that post laugh smile still gracing your face. Smiling or not, he knew he could always look at you and never get enough of it, because he could never fucking get enough of you. He'd always admire those beautiful pair of eyes and those lips he couldn't stop daydreaming about-

"Hey, Bucky," You start , that smile having fallen off your face, "I've been thinking about that white thing..."

Huh?

It took Bucky a moment to understand that you had been talking about the split halves of the white octagonal box you two had found the previous day. So occupied with thoughts of you pressed against him, Bucky had forgotten that morning what had caused all of this in the first place. He felt dumb.

Clearing his throat he said, "What about it"? Pretending as if he'd been thinking about it too, because he couldn't let one of the few people whose opinions he did care about think he was dumb - especially not you.

"When it blew up, it somehow made all electronics in its range dysfunctional."

"Yeah."

"The range can't be infinite though." You paused, waiting for his confirmation; for an indication that you made sense.

"I guess."

"We already walked for like what...10 to 15 miles?"

"Kinda, yes."

You sat up, explaining animatedly with your hands, "So if we do venture out some more, maybe we can surpass the range. If we do, we could at least communicate through our comms."

Bucky sat up too, a puzzled expression in his face, "Yeah, we can try that."

"Yeah, we can!"

One look at your excited expression and he placed a hand on your shoulder. Shaking his head, Bucky said, "No, no, no, no. Not 'we'. It's gonna be just me."

"What?"

"You shouldn't go out there."

"Excuse me?!"

Bucky huffed, "Doll, we don't know what's the radius of the range. For all we know, it could be another 20 miles. You can't walk 20 miles in this weather. But I can."

You furrowed in your eyebrows. Truth be told, you knew without proper gear - which you didn't have at the moment - you wouldn't be able to survive in the bitter cold outside, let alone trek an unknown span. Bucky, on the other hand, had the serum which made him much more resistant to the cold - frankly anything else - than you. Damn it. You didn't want to admit defeat, but you had to.

Looking everywhere but at him, you tried to come up with a reason reasonable enough so that you could accompany him too. Finding none, you shrugged, "I mean - okay." Something clicked inside you all of a sudden and you grabbed his forearm, "But if you're going on your own, what if something happens to you? I wouldn't know it. I wouldn't be able to help you."

Unveiled worry reflected in your eyes. You chewed on your bottom lip. Bucky knew you cared about him, but looking at you being anxious just for him did things to his heart.

Looking deep into your eyes, he gave a shy smile, "No, doll, I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."

You knew Bucky facing any obstacles were highly unlikely. He'd was an ex-assassin - an expert one at that. He had amazing knife skills and was one of the greatest snipers the world had known. But he was also your friend, one you had feelings a little too deep for.

You shuffled closer to him and laid your head on his shoulder, saying in a voice softer than his heart had become, "I care about you, Bucky. I'll always worry about you."

His breath hitched. Strings tugged at his heart. Bucky didn't know why he was so surprised. He guessed it was because he wasn't used  to people outwardly showing concern for him. He didn't want to dwell on it though. Despite having known it already, it felt good hearing you voice it out loud.

He laid his head on top of your and started petting your hair. Hiding his smile, he said, "It's gonna be fine, doll. I'm gonna be fine."

As Bucky jogged through layers upon layers of snow, he could only see white sheets for as far as his vision allowed. The dark green, lushy, conical tress were the only living things by definition in sight - that too covered under silver thaw.

He could hear the crunch of ice crystals under his boots and the chilly hurried winds rush by his ear, biting mercilessly at his exposed cheeks and nose.

The air was crisp as he breathed; so sharp and freezing he felt his lungs were being punctured. Though he didn't have any trouble breathing, he didn't like the feeling one bit. He swore he could taste the difference in the air between there and New York.

The thickness of clouds prevented sunrays from falling on skin - or anywhere in sight. His surroundings were as gloomy as the sky above. The only thing which kept his heart light was the still lingering feel of your lips on his skin.

As Bucky prepared to leave, you couldn't help but fret over him. Double checking if he had his weapons on hand, though he doubted he need them, you said one could never be too cautious. You made sure he had his comm on and insisted he put on more layers than just one heavy jacket over a sweatshirt. He assured you that all the jogging that he'd do would make him warm enough to not need anymore layering.

In your anxiousness you expressed your concern over the littlest of details. In his opinion, they were unnecessary. He only needed to be careful about not losing his path and not push past his limit. He had to appreciate your presence of mind though, but that did not mean he could let you work yourself into a panic attack.

In your defence, you were worried!

How Bucky wished he could take a hold of you in a sudden moment and kiss you senseless to stop your rambling like he had seen in all those movies. He could almost picture it happening in front of him. Nevermind the fact that he knew while in the movies the couple would somehow confess their love for each other, in the reality version you would push him away and things would be awkward and your friendship would be strained. And he couldn't let that happen.

Only if he'd known how wrong he was.

Instead, Bucky chose to grab your shoulders in a sudden moment to stop your rambling, letting you calm down against him, "Doll, you worry too much."

You huffed, "Bucky..."

"I know, Y/N, but trust me, I am going to be safe. Everything's going to be alright." He assured you yet again.

When he was about to leave through the main door, you shouted, "Bucky!"

As soon as he turned around, he saw you running to him and hugging him tight, the sheer force of your body colliding into his throwing him off his feet for a second. He soon got a grip on himself and hugged you back.

You were aware you might have been over-reacting. You might have been paranoid too. But you the thought of Bucky out in the open all by himself, unsafe while you were not didn't sit well with you. He was a grown man and capable enough on his own, yet feelings or not, he was a very close friend.

For a moment Bucky thought you were on a mission to bruise his ribs when you said, "Just take care of yourself, Bucky." and put a soft lingering kiss to his cheeks.

Bucky could still feel softness of your lips on his skin. He didn't want to be out here in the cold when he could have been snuggling with you. But he had to.

He kept running for miles and miles and his body didn't even feel relatively tired. A little out of breath, yes, but not tired. He willed himself to not loose his patience and keep going on further when he heard some static in his ear. He stopped abruptly.

Pressing the communication device to his ear, he said, "Hello?" He only heard the constant buzz of static and nothing more.

Going forward a few steps, he repeated himself. A voice broke through the static, "Agent Y/N? Sergeant Barnes?" It seemed to be FRIDAY's.

Bucky couldn't believe it. Your idea had worked and he had surpassed the range!

Bucky called out with a relieved face, "Sergeant Barnes reporting. Does anybody copy?"

"Bucky!" A shriek tore out through his earpiece, disturbing his sensitive eardrums. Though extremely high pitched, he knew whose it was.

"Sam?" Bucky questioned.

"Man, what the fuck has been going on with you? You guys were supposed to report in eighteen hours earlier! I had been worried sick about you two!" Sam's clearly worried voice spoke.

"Sam, we're fine. Nobody hurt but there's a little problem." Bucky licked his bottom lip, contemplating how he'd tell him your 'little' situation.

"What problem?" Sam prompted.

Well, considering the fact that they had had fought an army of aliens, Bucky thought that this shouldn't be much surprising. Bucky told the Captain about the white octagonal box, what all had happened the previous day and the idea you put forward that morning.

Bucky heard no response. Worried he'd lost connection again, he asked, "Sam, you there?"

Sam was nothing if not flabbergasted. He didn't know how to respond to the situation. Hardly had he felt relieve over his friends beings safe when this came up. According to Bucky's calculations, that pesky little things had rendered any electronic useless within forty miles of its radius.

How the fuck was he going to get his friends out of there when he couldn't even get the quinjet near to them!

"FRIDAY," Sam started, unsure what commands to give, "Do you know what he's been talking about?"

"Sergeant Barnes seems to be talking about a transmooker." The AI replied in her nonchalant voice.

"A what?" Both Bucky and Sam shot up.

"A transmooker. It can disable networking systems and any electronic component within the range of its blast by slightly altering the magnetic field." FRIDAY informed.

"But I don't feel anything on my arm." Bucky said, now more confused than ever.

"It is not strong enough to restrict or guide your movement, Sergeant Barnes, but strong enough to hamper the electricity flow in the devices you have."

"Can you do something about it, FRIDAY? Like hack it or something?" Sam asked, overwhelmed beyond belief.

"I cannot override it, Captain. To do that, I'd have to track it first. It seems to have created a GPS blackhole. Though according to my calculations, with an error percentage of twenty percent, the effects must begin wearing down in a week or so. As soon as that happens, I can undo it's effects."

"A week?" Bucky asked, followed by a confirmation by the AI.

"Think you can hold out for a week?" Sam asked.

"We got the supplies, at least. So yeah." Bucky nodded, looking out into the distance. Details were worked upon, goodbyes were said.

A week, Bucky thought. He hadn't even spent a day with you without turning into a lovesick puppy, he wondered what the week ahead would do to him.

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Chapter 4

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[krethes]

Chapter One of To Love a Girl:

“Remus, are you decent? I’m coming in!”

Remus jerked his head up from his pillow and groaned. ‘ Oww…’ He'd peeled his face from the pillowcase, which was never a good sign. He looked down. There was a line of blood there from a scabbing wound on his cheek. Hastily, he turned the pillow over and tucked it behind him, out of sight, out of mind.

Before he could do anything else, the lock turned on his front door and it swung open, squeaking at the very end like it always did. A humming Lily Potter stepped into the midday darkness of the flat and brought with her the smell of fish and chips (no malt, blessed girl) and a bag of lemons.

Seeing Remus on the sofa, she threw a brilliant smile his way as she kicked off her shoes to join the pile of much larger pairs at the door. She was dressed for the terrible heat in a short hunter green jumpsuit, the top two buttons undone. Her hair was pulled up in a high ponytail but despite all that, the fine hairs on her forehead and at the nape of her neck were dark with sweat and beads gathered at her temples. “Christ it’s hot out, isn’t it?” Remus felt a pang of guilt for living on the fourth floor.

Remus, wearing a pair of Sirius’s athletic shorts (that were far too short and far too baggy in the waist) and one of Sirius’s red-and-white striped tank tops, had to agree. He was always hot-natured, but this was ridiculous. They didn’t have central air in their tiny flat and cooling charms only went so far. His tank stuck to his chest and his curly hair hung limp around his face.

Had she been anyone else, excluding the Marauders of course, Remus would have been mortified about showing off so much of his skin, and he was displaying quite a lot. He put a significant effort into covering himself up in public, but Lily knew everything about that. Actually, she practically knew everything about him. It wasn’t as terrifying of a reality as Remus once thought it would be. He felt fortunate to have Lily in his life.

Lily sat next to him with kind delicacy, careful not to jostle him. “Poor little lamb,” she whispered, brushing back a damp curl from his brow. “James said you were in a right state when he came home this morning.” Remus felt her eyes wash over him, taking in the damage.

Sirius and Peter had been called away for a mission for the Order and so he'd only had James for companionship for his transformation. Prongs was all well and good and they had a fine and uneventful time, but the wolf missed its canine friend. Its displeasure was apparent in the open gash on his cheek and the sluggishly-bleeding claw marks across his chest covered in an ace bandage.

“I’ve had far worse, Lily, it’s alright,” he tried to assure her, leaning into her touch. Her hands were blissfully cool on his forehead. His wounds were almost healed anyway thanks to James’s basic healing spells and his own natural ability to heal quickly.

“Well the fact remains. Hungry?” She offered him a greasy packet of the fish and grinned when she heard his stomach growl. “Stupid question,” Lily laughed at herself.

Remus sat up gingerly and stretched his legs way out with a satisfied groan, joints popping loudly. He'd been curled up on the couch since moonset and had only budged when James threw clothes at him to "hide his shame when my wife comes by later". It felt good to move again even if his muscles were still sore from going from man to wolf to man again in a handful of hours.

“Have you grown again? Remus, I just saw you two weeks ago!” Lily asked, shocked, looking at the sheer amount of tan leg that revealed itself. Her hand rested on his bony shoulder and she frowned slightly, feeling only jutting bone beneath his skin. Remus watched her eyes slide across his thin chest and her other hand felt his spine, prominent.

She stood up suddenly and strode into the kitchenette with her bag of lemons. “That’s it, I’m making this lemonade now because you need calories. Have my fish, too. Does Sirius feed you? What’s in your refrigerator?”

Remus watched Hurricane Lily tear through his kitchen, touched by her tutting and scoffing when she saw four open bags of digestives in the cupboard but only three eggs, a mostly-empty carton of milk, and a six-pack of beer in the ice box. “This is it ? Remus!” she admonished. A piece of paper appeared in front of her, magical script jotting down items autonomously.

“Lily, you don’t--”

“Absolutely not, Remus Lupin. Sirius won’t be back for three days and this isn’t going to last you. You’re in no shape to go to the store, and if you try to stop me, well… there’s not much I can do about that but you won’t stop me.” Her green eyes flashed dangerously at him and he withdrew into the couch, subdued by the might of the 5’4” witch in his kitchen.

“Yes, ma'am,” Remus responded, resigned. He’d meant to do the shopping before the full moon, but the heat wave kept him tied to his flat. His body temperature was already naturally a few degrees higher than your average human’s and heat made him irritable. The few days before the full moon made him even more irritable. He would’ve had to wear long sleeves and long pants to hide his telling scars and it was all just too much. Things were so much harder when Sirius wasn’t around.

Satisfied, Lily tucked the list in her pocket and started chopping lemons. “I’m not trying to be a pest, Remus,” she apologized softly, barely audible over the sound of the knife on the cutting board. She was acting a little more mother-hen than Remus was used to, but Lily hadn’t been in this role very often. Most of their interactions were on a more level playing field, not her taking care of him.

“You aren’t a pest, Lily, don’t fret.” Remus stood with care and joined her in the kitchen, leaning his lanky frame on the counter across from Lily. This close, he really did tower over her, Lily’s red ponytail barely reaching the top of his sternum. He knew he’d grown by the way his jeans only reached the tops of his ankles, and by the way Sirius had to reach a little further to kiss him goodbye. He was tired of it, really, the growing pains blending into full moon pains. He was nineteen. It had to end sometime, right?

“Eat your fish,” Lily instructed, grabbing more lemons.

He saluted her playfully and retrieved the fish with a flick of his wand. He broke open one of the filets and took a grateful bite, moaning softly around the beer-battered goodness. Lily’s tinkling laughter made him smile, but he made quick work of the three pieces in his basket.

“I do eat, you know,” Remus murmured as he polished off the french fries with ease, licking his fingers shamelessly.

Lily’s frown seemed more to do with the effort of squeezing the lemons into the pitcher rather than discontent at his words. “I know, Remus, I know. I just wish we could put a little bulk on you. I’d worry less.” She paused in her squeezing to meet his eyes, hers a little over-bright.

Remus wiped his hands on the scant fabric of the shorts and put his hands on her shoulders to turn her. Lily put her last lemon down and looked up at him, surprised. He pulled her into a gentle hug, minding the tears in his chest, and held her close for several seconds. She was so good to him. She always smelled so nice, like… fresh tea and rosehips and… something else? Something… new…

He knew it was weird, but he turned his head to press his nose against her temple, inhaling again. Something was different. Lily laughed at him and pushed him away, glancing up with a questioning look. “Okay, Padfoot ,” she joked at the veritable snuffling, returning to her squeezing. Over her shoulder, she asked, “Where’s your sugar?”

Remus fetched it for her dutifully from the top cupboard (Sirius put it there for no other reason other than to see Remus reach for it every morning for his tea), puzzled by what he’d just smelled. It wasn’t bad or worrisome, it was just… different.

Lily poured in one cup of sugar, took a look at Remus’s hip bones jutting through the polyester shorts, and added a second cup for good measure. “You could come stay with us, you know,” she said while adding warm water from the tap. “Just until Sirius gets back… Must be awfully quiet here without his racket.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s just three more days -- maybe less, and we’ll see you next week for your cookout! As much as I love the pair of you, Lily, I cannot be in the same house as newlyweds.” He gave her a knowing look and she pinked up prettily in embarrassment.

“Remus Lupin! If you weren’t so beat up I’d swat you!” she scolded, flicking her tea towel at him anyway, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Eat the other packet of fish. I had a big breakfast."

He complied and tucked into the other basket happily as Lily stirred the water into the pitcher vigorously. She poured two glasses over ice and handed him one, which he accepted with thanks. It was a little warm still, but the sugar felt wonderfully restorative, even if the citric acid did burn his snarled-raw throat on the way down.

The second serving of fish and chips lasted no longer than the first, and he tossed the newspaper into the trash bin and washed his hands in the sink. He splashed a little water on his face and smoothed back his curls from his forehead. When he straightened up, Lily was on the couch and had cleaned his stuffed-away pillow with a tap of her wand. She was too good to him.

But Lily didn't mention it, she was a good friend like that. When Remus sat beside her, she maneuvered so that his legs draped across her lap, his back against the arm of the sofa. It really wasn't big enough for two (unless they wanted to be intimately close), but despite that and the heat, Remus liked the closeness.

He'd spent the last eight years, or the most of them, in elbows-jabbing contact with three other boys. The past three years saw him connected at the hip to Sirius, and he'd grown accustomed to all that entailed. The constant contact at night (Sirius had to touch him in some way, usually a leg thrown over his thigh or his fingers curled around his bicep), the comfortable companionship of sharing a small space with someone you loved. It was nice. Four days (and three to go) had been difficult , and he was going a little stir crazy.

Lily snatched the television remote from a bin near the sofa and clicked on the TV with a happy noise. "James wants a telly soo badly! I just don't know how it would work in Godric's Hollow, you know? Nothing’s electric, but-- oh! The University Challenge! I haven't seen this since I was a kid!"

She turned the volume up a little and watched in rapt attention as she drank her lemonade.

They spent the entire afternoon watching assorted Muggle programs on television and demolished the entire pitcher of lemonade. When the sun began to set, James appeared in his living room with his arms full of Chinese takeaway. "Hungry?" He asked, smiling from ear-to-ear.

His friends were too good to him, Remus mused again, diving into a white box of noodles. When James came close enough to hand him a beer from the fridge, Remus inhaled deeply, subtly. Hmm. He smelled fine. So it wasn't something new in their home that made Lily's smell change.

He chewed his lower lip thoughtfully, interrupted by the sudden arrival of Sirius Black in their living room, looking tired but whole. ‘Thank god.’

Sirius's lips were warm and his arms, like iron around his body as he held him a little too tight, banished all thoughts of Lily or James or anyone else in the world from his mind and he melted into the embrace.

James and Lily laughed and quietly excused themselves from the flat, leaving the two men intertwined.

"Hungry?" Sirius asked when they finally broke for air, seeing the stacks of half-empty cartons on their coffee table.

"Ravenous," Remus replied and savored the predatory way Sirius looked at him in his obviously-borrowed clothing. Sirius picked him up and carried him to their bedroom, the Chinese food forgotten.