#oh hey now i miss baking and cake decorating

[rogersideup]

Nice to be Kneaded

Chapter one:

Welcome to Greenwood

Series Masterlist

Next Part: Inhale, Exhale.

Word Count: 4,893

Warnings: My blog is 18+ only. All minors or blogs without an age in bio will be blocked. Minors DNI.

The sound of the bell rattling on the front door pulled your mind away from the cake on the rotating stand in front of you and the piping bag in your hand. Coincidentally, you had just sent your cashier to break so you moved your work station to the decorating desk visible to the doorframe into the kitchen of your bakery, allowing you to see the customers as they walked in.

"Hey there, honey! I'll be right with ya'." You greeted the customer as you piped out the final details on the custom ordered cake you had spent the last half an hour perfecting.

"No worries, take your time." A polite voice responded.

Your head immediately turned at the sound of the deep and slightly raspy voice you had never heard before. In a scanty little town like Greenwood, you swore just about every friendly face within thirty miles of your bakery had stopped by for a treat at least once. You could recognize just about anyone with a blindfold on and nothing but the sound of a friendly greeting, but that charming bass was one you'd be sure to recognize if you've heard it before.

It belonged to a face you'd also be sure to recognize. An over six-foot stunner with blue eyes, a nicely groomed beard, and what looked like dirty blonde hair hidden behind a baseball cap.

You grinned before looking back at your cake, trying to process the new specimen in the lobby. It only took a few seconds before placing the piping bag down and ripping off your gloves, curiously walking out to behind the counter to help him out.

"Sorry about that, what can I get'cha?" Since you closed most of the distance, nothing but the bake case between you two, you got to notice more detail.

There was some serious muscle happening underneath the black long sleeved shirt he was wearing. Also, he was really good at picking out jeans that fit him perfectly in all the right places. Oh, and there was just a dash of green in the blue of his eyes.

"Just a chocolate chip cookie please." He asked timidly. You could tell he felt a little out of place, rocking back and forth on his heels in attempts to sooth his unsettled energy.

"Anything else?" You grinned.

"No thank you." He gently shook his head and walked over to the register as you put his cookie in a pastry bag.

"Okay but I'm giving you two cookies, because I think anyone who only gets one cookie is lying to themselves." You called out with a friendly smile, earning a chuckle from the man.

It allowed you to get a good look at his smile. He had pretty pink lips and perfect pearly whites.

Now, it was time for the investigative process you perfected to the tee. It usually started with an extra cookie and a big sparkling smile, followed by some friendly questions, and ending with a 'hope to see you again sometime soon'. You didn't mean to be invasive, really, you just needed to have all the answers when your neighbor, Georgia, asks for more information once you inevitably ask her if she knows anything about the new stunner in town.

"Well thank you, I appreciate that." He grinned, pulling the wallet out of his jeans.

"I don't think I've seen you around before, are you driving through?" You asked.

Steve shifted once more as he thought about how to answer this question. Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. His face had been plastered on every the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. If he was still in the 40's he was sure his face would take the place of the missing persons on the sides of milk cartons.

It had been just a few long months shy of a year , just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, it had calmed down enough for him to feel comfortable trying to settle down for as long as he safely could.

He finally found someone to rent him a house in a town quaint enough for his liking that was willing to accept under the table cash payments in rent, no proof of income, and didn't ask too many questions.

"I'm actually moving to Greenwood in the next couple days, I just picked up the keys to my new place. Saw the bakery sign and decided to stop by, figured a new start is grounds for a little celebrating." Steve explained, convincing enough.

All he could do was cross his fingers in hopes you didn't care about politics or the news enough to recognize his face.

"Really? What made you want to move here?"

He shrugged, and his lips stretched into a straight line. "Just wanted to go somewhere quiet and relaxing I guess. You know, the simple life."

"Well, most people here spend their days chasing something a bit more exciting and busy. I think you're in for exactly what you hoped for" You reassured him. "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't catch your name?"

The pet name that seemed to run off your tongue without a second thought felt warm and welcoming to him. In the big city, a sentiment like that was a title that was typically earned, but here it was given with almost an immediate understanding that everyone around was inherently good and trustworthy. He almost didn't want to tell you his name so he could keep hearing the word slip passed your lips.

"Oh, sorry!" He apologized. "I'm Steven."

Steven? Really? Already off to a bad start. He told himself when he settled down for a bit he'd be distant to the people around him. Never get too close, never tell the truth, go by an alias. But for some reason, he just couldn't get himself to lie to you. You just seemed too sweet for that.

As he took another look around his new surroundings, he chalked it up to be the homey atmosphere of the bakery. The walls were covered in tasteful art installations, celebrating the very pastries that were being perfectly displayed in the illuminated case. Although the color schemes of earth tones, contrasting yet complementary wood colors and grains, and mixed metals seemed like it wouldn't work for a bakery, it worked for this bakery. It was warm and inviting; the polished concrete floors reminded him of the home he once knew. The wall-full of jarred sprinkles in all sorts of different blends and colors to match with the bakery and playfully pull the interests of customers eyes made him feel a sense of child like wonder again.

The booths were built into cozy corners, there were lounge areas with low to the floor tables with alternate seating, a tasteful shelf full of board games for families and friends alike to play together while enjoying a coffee and a treat.

It smelled like browning butter and vanilla beans. There were throw pillows on the booths and lounges. On the main wall behind the bake case and above the beautiful espresso machines read the name of the shop, 'Nice to be kneaded' in a warm golden neon glow.

Steven it is.

"Well, Steven," You handed him the bag of cookies, he hesitated to take them from you. "Everyone who decides to make a home out of Greenwood deserves a warm welcome. Here's to a quiet and relaxing new start."

"Thanks I appreciate it" He smiled. "How much for the cooki-"

"They're on me today" You insisted.

"I couldn't possibly do that" he declined the offer. He was used to the generous hand outs as Steve Rogers, but never just as Steven. "Please let me pa-"

"Nope." You stepped back from the register. "Take them and go before I force you to take a third one!"

"So threatening!" He smiled and put his hands up in defense. "Thank you so much"

"Of course, have a good day! Hope to see you again soon." You waved, walking back into the kitchen to finish off the cake that was almost near perfect.

"Have a good one"

After finishing up the cake, you tagged the board with the invoice of the correct customer, then walked it back into the front to the cake display fridge to pop it in so it would be perfect and ready for pickup later that day.

You started tidying up the lobby of the store by re-organizing all of your retail items. Cute candy bars, greeting cards made by local artists, birthday candles, and the wall shelves full of sprinkles. You had a knack for making sure your store looked perfect and pristine at all times. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where you were now, so you'd be damned if you let it be anything less than perfect.

You tidied up the bake case one last time and straightened up the register before the tip jar caught your eye, inside of it was a crisp $20 bill that definitely wasn't there before Steven.

Though there were a few customers in the store, all of them were students looking for a calm place to study. Headphones over their ears, their noses dug into their laptops. None of them had even moved in the last twenty minutes.

The smile and eye roll that took over your face was almost invasive, and you instantly knew the polite man would have no issue fitting in here in Greenwood.

Though you let your precious employees keep their well earned tip, you did take a $20 bill out from your own wallet and vowed to keep it with you every day until you hopefully found Steven again.

Just like every other day, you stayed at work until it was far too late before locking up and going home. You didn't even get passed your open car door in the driveway before your beloved neighbor Georgia was exiting her front door and running out of her house to greet you.

"It's about damn time, sweet cheeks, I was near ready to file a missing persons report!" She enthused.

Georgia never failed to be your best friend, gossip buddy, and the honorary mother you always wished you had. She'd send her husband to bed alone all night just to stay up and make sure you got home okay if she knew you were out late.

"Sorry" you giggled, grabbing the box of pastries you brought home with you and handing them to her. "Busy day! Treats for your troubles?"

She happily took the box from you knowing that whenever she was given one, there was always something mind-meltingly delicious on the inside. "You know Michael and I have put on a good five pounds in the last few months, and I fully blame you for it."

"Hey! I know you love a big boy, I'm doing you nothing but favors." You denied the blame. "Plus, you're pretty as a peach. A sweet thing like you deserves a sweet treat at least once a day."

"I ran over here to tell ya, we're hosting game night for the block on Saturday. If you don't come I'm going to keep rescheduling it until you do." She insisted.

"Saturday sounds lovely." You accepted the invitation. "What can I bring?"

"Just your pretty face"

"Okay, I'll bring salted caramel bars" You smiled.

"Bring a date" Georgia insisted.

"Now now, watch yourself..." You scolded, pointing your finger at her.

"You've been living in this beautiful house all by your lonesome for three years now. You know all I want is for you to be happy"

"I'm happy all on my own." You insisted with a smile you really had to force yourself to smear across your face. "I don't need a man to make me happy, I've got everything I need."

"You've got no one to prove that to but yourself, sweet cheeks." Georgia reached out and pinched your cheek between her fingers lovingly once she saw how deflated you became..

"Believe it or not, it's kind've hard to find someone worth your time in greenwood when your only options are guys you've already tried your hand at" You defended yourself.

"And what's wrong with that?" Georgia sassed.

"All the good ones are married, and all the bad ones are still bad. So if you don't mind, I'll be bringing some salted caramel bars on Saturday." You smiled.

"I haven't given up hope, and you shouldn't either!"

"Who said anything about giving up hope?" You furrowed your brows together and cocked your head to the side.

"...you have a good night now darlin'" Georgia smiled with a slight chuckle before waving and starting to walk away.

"Mmmmhmmm" You sassed. "Enjoy those pastries."

"I always do!"

The moment you walked into your humble abode, you could feel the weight of your day fall off your shoulders. Even more so as you put down your bag, kicked off your shoes, and dragged your feet up the stars with a heavy thunk on each step just to get yourself into the warm shower you had been dreaming of since waking up at 3:30am. 

Just like a responsible adult, you cooked and fed yourself dinner then ate it on the couch with a thick faux fur blanket over your lap while watching The Great British Baking Show. Georgia liked to yell at you when she invasively yet also somehow welcomely showed up at your house with no warning and caught you using your time away from baking to, well, watch a show about baking?

Your defense was that their recipes are just so different over there! The difference in American and British flavor palettes was immense, and you loved getting new ideas for fun new pastries and flavors to implement onto the rotating menu.

After scolding you, you'd point to the Television above your fireplace to show her how they were doing a technical challenge to bake the perfect Victoria sponge cake, a quintessential and uniquely british dessert, and how that was so much different than your typical vanilla sponge in the States. Then, it would peak her interest.

You were never really sure if she was actually interested, or if she only payed attention because she desperately thought you needed someone to listen to you. Sometimes when you babbled on about baking, she would slow blink at your before gently saying, "Baby, you might as well be speaking a whole other language to me right now, but I'm just so happy you're doing what you love."

She'd get comfortable on your couch as you made her a cup of tea, the end up staying until her husband Michael called and reminded her that she had a husband at home.

But tonight you were happy to just be shoving some pesto pasta in your face with the company of no one but Netflix in complete peace. The small sensation of an almost distant ache in the back of your head also had you thankful that they had finally either finished, or were taking a break from construction on the little house next door to yours.

You didn't mind it much at first, you were gone for most of the day to miss the sounds of sawing and jackhammering, but sometimes the sounds would continue even after sunset and keep you awake past your geriatric bedtime. Sleep was very important when you had to wake up before the sun.

But your mama raised you to love thy neighbor and keep patience and grace close to your heart, so you bit your tongue for five long months and occasionally showered the construction workers in warm breakfast sandwiches and croissants. You hoped that their awareness to the neighbors occupation would keep them from working late into the night, but nope. You just continued biting your tongue a little harder.

Even worse than you was Andy and Phoebe that lived two doors down, the construction happened sandwiched between you two, and they had their new born baby girl at home through all of that banging and drilling. Apparently little Willow could now sleep through anything. Their dog barking at the sound of a door bell wasn't even an equal contender against the baby who had been subconsciously trained to stay calm in the midst of chaos.

You were in bed by 7 pm, up at 3am, back at work by 4am with $20 in your back pocket. A little part of you felt stupid while slipping the green bill into your denim jeans, it was quite delusional to assume the man would be back so soon, let alone at all, but a bigger part of you couldn't stand that his free cookies were not free.

The empty bake case was filled to the brim by 6:30am, all custom orders were done by 7. You barely even got a chance to wipe the sweat off your hairline from your face being in front of the oven before taking off your chefs coat and hair net and switching it to a front-of-house apron.

You had an excellent team of trained bakers, decorators, baristas, and a cashier, but that didn't stop you from getting your hands dirty by any means. Though your team was mighty, collectively you were tiny. Only 9 employees to hold the busiest bakery in the greater area down, you tended to step in wherever you were needed the most.

Today, you just happened to be taking orders and handing out latte's through morning rush before dedicating the rest of your day on getting a head start on custom orders for tomorrow.

Then tomorrow came around and all you did was start the dough for a few loaves of sourdough, your girls were going to take over after the first rise so you could focus on the payroll and product order placement that would be delivered on Friday. You got done all the boring stuff, responded to customer emails, printed out the invoices of all the orders through Friday, sorted through and organized the endless amounts of cookie cutters in the kitchen, then cleaned out the fridge to make sure all the ingredients were properly labeled and within date.

You worked one more day after that before having your first day off in 10 days. Yes, you made your own schedule. Yes, you worked far too much. No, that's not your fault.

You started by going on a short run, and taking a shower before going to the little diner 10 minutes down the road with Georgia for breakfast. The summer heat made your thighs stick to the leather booth beneath you, and the ceiling fans gently moved your hair around but you didn't seem to mind much. How could anything be a bother to your while you we're sneakily stealing a forkful of pancakes from your Neighbor's plate as her eyes were stuck on the news that was playing on an old TV in the upper corner of the diner.

You smiled as she peeled her eyes away just to glare at you while you stuck the syrupy goodness in your mouth. A bit of sticky maple caught on your lip, threatening to drip down your chin before you even got a chance to lick it off.

"Child, you are a mess." She shook her head at you and handed you a napkin. "How are they?"

"Heavenly." You giggled, wiping away the warm syrup on your face. "Hey, is it okay if I have a bite?" You questioned after stealing her food.

"You're like the child I never wanted." She insulted in good fun. Her being in her mid-fifties and you being late twenties- early thirty something, she loved to tease you because she knew you could take it in good fun. "See what you could've had if you didn't order... whatever that is?"

"An omelette?" You giggled. "I was in it for the side of hash-browns."

"Mmmm" Georgia tried to stay engaged, but her eyes kept wandering back to the news on the television.

You quickly looked up at the TV facing you in the opposite corner to the one she had her eyes on, but all you saw was pictures of Black Widow. She was beautiful, you always were jealous of her stunning fiery red hair and strength. You didn't pay much attention to why the bottom banner across the screen said 'Breaking News: Emergency Broadcast". Nothing Natasha Romanoff could've done was more important to the crispy shredded potatoes in front of you.

You didn't know much about the Civil War besides the basics. Most of what you knew came from Georgia and Michael. Politics was never your strong suit, you're pretty sure you almost failed government class back in high school. However, politics was something Michael was very... passionate about.

His political opinions were strong, and he wasn't shy to let you know about them. Whenever you were over at their house for dinner and the topic came up, you tended to just let him get it all out while you soaked it in and ate silently.

Though you didn't have an extensive knowledge on economics or how congressional issues worked, you did know how you felt about social issues. Most of the time; your opinions did not match up with Michael. And most of the time Georgia soaked in and inherited all of Michael's political stances.

Only a few times did you seek out information on the bombing of the United Nations meeting and the sokovia accords by your own means. Mostly because you felt like the information you were getting from Michael was probably influenced by his own stance on the matter. But from what you gathered, it was a complex issue you couldn't even begin to put your nose in. Especially since they were all superheroes arguing over what was the correct thing to do.

You grew up very much in the mindset of not judging people until you've walked a mile in their shoes, and walking in their shoes was impossible. Especially superhero shoes with jet blasters and and steel toes.

So as Georgia stated, "Miss Romanoff had so much potential, why she wasted it on protecting a brain washed assassin I will never understand." you stole another bite of her pancakes and shoved them into your mouth.

In turn, she stole some of your hash-browns and looked at you, waiting for feedback on her remark. "What did she do now?" You asked.

"She was found on American soil. The secretary tried detaining her considering she's a fugitive but she slipped passed his fingers." Georgia explained. "They're asking for tips trying to find her again."

You nodded your head in understanding of the urgency in the news broadcast, but you didn't exactly feel like having a passionate discussion about morals in the middle of a notoriously conservative small down.

"I guess I just don't understand why the government is treating Captain America's friends as criminals when they've all done so much to protect us... Aren't they just trying to do the right thing?" You questioned carefully as to not start an argument.

"Sweetheart it's not about what they used to do for us, it's about what they've done recently. They broke the law, destroyed public and private property, and broke out of the highest security prison in the world all because they didn't want to be controlled by the United Nations." Georgia explained.

"...but the issue was that they didn't want to be controlled, it was that they wanted to come up with a different solution because lives would be lost while waiting for the whole United Nations to decide what business they could stick their noses in, right?" You framed your opinion as a question once more as to appease any potential anger.

"Captain America and his whole team of friends became war criminals the moment they turned their backs on the government. It's really that simple." She insisted.

You looked back up to the TV to see the pictures of Captain America, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, the Falcon, the Winter Soldier, Ant-Man, and Hawkeye all looking back at you. The atmosphere between you and Georgia had gone quiet allowing you to hear the broadcasters voice.

'... if you see any of these individuals, do not approach. They are dangerous. Call 911. Remember, failure to report these individuals will be considered a misdemeanor punishable by jail time and a hefty fine. Do not approach.'

You observed the picture of the winter soldier in much more detail than the others, then your eyes grazed over Captain America.

One more big mouthful of your breakfast before an invasive thought overtook your brain and caused you to laugh out loud.

"What's got you laughing over there?" Georgia smiled at your antics.

"The winter soldier is so handsome, I think I'd become a war criminal trying to defend him too." You spat out between invasive laughter causing Georgia to laugh along with you no matter how hard she tried to contain it.

"I outta wash your mouth out with soap!" She laughed.

"Hey! No potty mouth here, just speaking the truth"

"This is why you need a boyfriend!" She smiled, pointing her pancake filled fork at you. "And a good one at that! I don't need to be seeing my baby girl all up in the news one day with the word 'wanted' written in bold red letters across her face."

"Hey, I've actually been meaning to ask you!" You started between bites. "A handsome fella came into the shop a few days ago. Said he was moving to greenwood in a few days, d'ya know anything about that?"

"What'd he look like, darlin'?" She questioned further. "I saw a stunner meet up with the owner of the house next door to yours while I was watering my peonies earlier this week. Watched him leave with a key in hand."

"He was tall, but I didn't get to see much to his face. It was blocked by a cap. I think his hair was dirty blonde from what I could see. He had really nice jeans on-"

"Full beard?" She asked.

"The most luscious and well groomed beard I've ever seen in this part of town." You confirmed with a giggle.

"I damn near blushed when I saw him from across the way! I bet he's moving in to that house then!" She enthused with a big smile. "Maybe this will be your escape from the Greenwood boys!"

"Are you kidding me? A man like that always comes a long with a wife and way too many children." You giggled.

"I bet that boy would make some beautiful babies" She kicked your leg underneath the table. "As would you."

"Not anytime soon" You shook your head with a blush in your cheeks.

"You know pregnancies over the age of 35 are considered geriatric?" She said backhandedly.

"Then consider me the oldest grandma in the nursing home." You denied once more

"I didn't see no ring on that man's finger, so he's single until proven married." Georgia smiled. "What did he get at the bakery?"

"One chocolate chip cookie" You hid your grin behind your hand holding your fork.

She raised her eyebrows mid pancake bite, chewing before speaking again as to not be impolite, but you already knew what she was thinking. "A married man would never get a cookie for just himself and not his wife. He's definitely single."

"Well he did say he drove into town for the key, so maybe he ate it before she even knew he had a cookie in the first place. Plus, I gave him two. You know how I feel about people who get one cookie..."

"So he's either single or the worst husband a girl could have. If Michael ever skipped out on getting me a cookie I'd divorce his ass on the spot." She shook her head.

"Why would you ever need Michael to bring you cookies when you have me, anyways?" You questioned, faking jealousy.

"Baby doll you're all I need" She smiled and reached over to squeeze your hand.

"That's more like it." You laughed.

Georgia smoothed over the pain of not being the only cookie provider in her life by paying the breakfast bill, even after you fought her over it for ten whole minutes because you invited her out to breakfast so you could treat her.

And when you two got home, you both immediately noticed all the construction on the house next to yours had been completely cleared out and it looked brand spankin' new.

What once was an older home with lots of rustic character looked more like all the surrounding houses with updated paint, new landscaping, fresh new features. It looked great without all of the dust and equipment blocking the view.

It was officially a home ready to be moved into, and any moment now you would have confirmation if your new neighbor was the same man you desperately owed $20.

Next Part: Inhale, Exhale

Tag list: @patzammit @bemysugarbean

If you’d like to be added to the tag list for this series, don’t be shy to ask 🤍🧁

[itsscromp]

hi! could i request a peter parker & miles morales x reader with reader thinking of pete and miles as brothers? i’m in for some found family fluff

Peter Parker and Miles Morales x reader

OH MY... 💥💥💥💳💥💥💥💳💥💥💥💳 💥💥💥💳💥💥💥💳💥💥💥💳 YES !!!!. Word count:850

It's been 6 months since you became a spider person under Peter and Mile's guidance. Your life has never been this amazing, and you had these two amazing goofballs to thank.

Beyond that, you saw them beyond friendship, you saw them as... family, Brothers you never had. You would do absolutely anything for them.

Today was the anniversary when you started helping them so you decided to do something special for the both of them, Heading out as you then got cake ingredients and custom decorations. Heading back to your apartment beginning to bake the cake. Prepping an icing combination of red and white and black and red. The colours of their suits. Everything was going really well until you heard an explosion.

"Crap crap crap !!" Without thinking of the cake in the oven, you changed into your suit and swung to the location of the explosion, hopefully, it was just a gas leak, but your eyes went wide when you realised wasn't a gas leak. Some remaining symbiote minions were causing havoc in the streets, you needed to plant the sound bombs as quickly as possible.

You quickly planted the bombs as fast as you could and began to fight the symbiote minions, God why did they have to be so unpredictable, One was throwing venom bombs. Another had lighting speed, and then you had your hulking symbiote. You were quickly overwhelmed. You couldn't take a group of them like this. You were beginning to get consumed by the symbiotes until...

"Hey, don't start the party without us" a familiar voice said as he tossed a sound grenade at the symbiote group, quickly immobilizing them from the high range frequencies, scooping you out in the process.

"Thanks Pete" You said as you could see him smiling under his mask.

"I thought we got rid of all the nests ??" Miles joined in soon after, landing near you two.

"I thought so too, looks like we missed one. They destroyed the sound grenade too and it was my last one to destroy the nest." You sighed deeply annoyed.

"Hey, don't sweat it y/n, we have backups ready to go" Peter patted your back. Quickly crafting the grenades.

"You and I will distract them while Pete plants and guards the bombs ok y/n ??" Miles told you.

You nodded and you three jumped into action, fighting the symbiotes like a well-oiled machine. Y/n couldn't help but feel happy when you fought alongside them. They really were your brothers from another mother. Once after the bombs were set off, the nest was now destroyed and the people under venom's control were now free.

"Well done guys !!" You smiled as you fist bumped the two.

"Heck yeah, go team !!" Miles cheered.

"That was a piece of cake." Peter chimed in

"heck yeah, it was... cake... oh no !!!" You hurried back to your apartment.

"Y/n ??" Peter got worried and followed you, Miles followed suit as the three swung back to your apartment.

You could see smoke coming from the inside as you entered and coughed taking off your mask, Heading to the oven you opened it and more smoke filled your face.

"Woah woah what in the forest fire happened here ??" Peter tried to lighten up the situation as Miles opened up more windows to let the smoke out. "What happened, dude ??" Miles went and investigated what happened as you looked at your charcoal cake, With a massive face of disappointment.

"Hey... It's ok, I used to do this as well..." Peter tried to cheer you up

"No, it's not... This was meant to be special, This was meant to be for you guys." You sighed sadly.

"For us ??"

Miles then quickly put it together. "6 Months" He gently wrapped his arms around you.

"I'm sorry guys, I really wanted to surprise you..."

"Hey, come on. This is more than just a cake. This is about us, As a team. You pulled off so many things in 6 months y/n, We're really proud of how far you have come." Peter smiled taking off his mask.

As did Miles. "Exactly, We really care about you, man."

You couldn't help the happy tears rising as you brought the two into a bone-crushing hug. The two were a little shocked but never the less hugged you just as tight.

"You guys... You guys are like brothers to me" You softly said to them, causing their smiles to grow.

"We are like a found family cliche" Peter said causing you to giggle.

"But for real, We see you as family too y/n" Miles said as he broke the hug smiling at you.

Momentarily you were distracted as Peter got a grip on you and noogies your head.

"Peter !!" You laughed

"What, I'm not doing anything" He playfully smirked at you and kept going. With miles joining in on the fun and tickling your sides.

The whole afternoon was full of smiles and laughs. You couldn't be any happier to be anywhere else other than the company of your brothers.

Taglist: @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[rorywritesjunk]

The stars in their courses will run and bring their hearts earthward to hear her.

Buggy brings his son in to the bakery to get a treat for his birthday. You like decorating cakes. Rating: PG-13ish. Warning: Adorable kid decides he wants to be a baker. Worried Buggy. Friendly baker. A/N: This chapter is the official start of these two. No name for the Baker yet. I can't be stopped. This story's first few chapters will take place over like, a weekend and then fast forward a bit I feel.

Title comes from "Girl in the Garden" by S.J. Tucker. Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6

Chapter 2

You left the ship after breakfast. You needed to get to work, hoping your associate was already there getting ready. Hopefully she didn't notice you were in yesterday's clothing. You didn't have time to go home and change. And when she saw you, taking in your appearance, she just smirked as she filled the case with fresh goods.

“Fun night?”

“Shush.” 

After throwing your apron on, you went to the kitchen to start getting pans and tins ready for your baked goods. You weren't incredibly late but just enough you felt behind on everything already. You started making some muffins first, greasing the tin with butter to keep them from sticking. Your associate was at the counter helping some customers while you stayed in the back.

Thankfully it was a quiet morning, even through the lunch rush. You leaned on the counter as your last customer left, giving the two of you time to breath.

“So, is it real?”

“Is what real?” You asked as you straightened up, frowning at her. She smirked as she went to make herself a cup of tea.

“You know what I mean. You were with that pirate, weren't you?”

“I was.” You shrugged. “And that's all I'm going to say about it.”

“Oh, come on! I'm just curious!”

You just shook your head as you started to wipe down the counter. She pouted and went back to you. “You're no fun.”

“I just don't want to talk about other people in a way that could be malicious.” You retorted. “Now, can you go do some prep work for tomorrow? I'll work the front.”

Your associate grumbled and did as she was asked, heading to the back. You shook your head and sighed, waiting for the next bout of customers. Maybe it would be a slow day, going by how the last few hours were. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. You were tired from the night before and wanted to take it easy.

The door chime alerted you to someone coming in, but when you looked up you frowned. There wasn't anyone there, but when you looked down you were surprised to see Darby walking up to the counter. Without his dad. Oh no.

“Hey, sweetie!” You greeted as you came around the counter to greet him. “What are you doing here? Where's daddy?”

Darby shrugged. “Working.”

“Oh, does he know you're here?” You asked. Darby shrugged again. “Umm, okay. Is he on the ship?”

“Yea! He's not here.” Darby told you. This wasn't good. You sighed softly and smiled at him.

“Well, let's head back to the ship, okay? He's going to be missing you.”

“Can I help you here?” Darby asked. And it was really sweet and innocent of him to ask, but you had a feeling that when his dad realized he was missing then there would be hell brought down upon the town. You crouched down so you were eye level with him.

“Okay, let's go ask daddy first and see if he allows it.” You told him. “I'm more than happy to have you as my assistant but we gotta ask first.”

Darby frowned at that but nodded. No doubt Buggy would agree to it but he didn't think to ask. You straightened up and called back to your associate, telling her you'd be back, before you held your hand out to Darby, letting him take it before you headed out of the bakery. It would be better to get him back sooner rather than later.

And no sooner did you start walking that you could hear Darby’s name being shouted near the docks. 

“Hey, I think the crew is missing you.” You told him as he led you to the ship. “We should go find daddy, Darby, that way we can ask him.”

“Okay!” He pulled you up to the ship. There were several of the freaks there, several looking down into the water while one shouted back to the ship that the kid was found. When they tried to take Darby's hand to lead him up to the deck, the kid recoiled and grabbed your apron.

“Uhh, I'll take him up there, it's okay.” You said, patting the kid on the head. “Can I carry you, Darby?”

He nodded, wrapping himself around you once he was in your arms. You wondered if this was a regular occurrence, and was he going to be punished? Buggy didn't seem like the type to punish his kid, you saw the way he looked at his son. This kid was his entire world. You held him tight as you walked up the ramp to the deck, pausing when you saw Buggy. He was screaming at someone, red in the face as he pointed out towards the town.

“He was under your watch and you lost my kid!” Buggy roared. “How could you let that happen?! He's three!”

“I-I just looked away for a minute, Captain Buggy!”

“Maybe I should gouge your eyes out so this doesn't happen again!”

Well, this was escalating, so you cleared your throat and set Darby on the ground. He immediately ran over to Buggy, who's demeanor changed the moment he saw that his son was safe. He glared at the freak who ran off before Buggy focused on his son, picking him up in his arms and hugging him.

“Sweetheart, where were you? You can't disappear off the ship like that.” Buggy was calm and quiet, opposite of how he was moments ago. Darby shrugged and pointed over to you; you just gave them a friendly wave. “Did you go all the way to the bakery on your own?”

“He found his way to me because he wanted to be my assistant for the day.” You told him. “I suggested we come ask you first. He's a smart boy, getting all the way to the bakery on his own.”

“Darby…” Buggy rubbed his face, sighing heavily. “You can't just take off like that.”

“Daddy, I wanna bake!”

“We have a kitchen on the ship!” Buggy replied, shaking his head. “No running off, you scared daddy, okay?”

You decided to leave, taking a step back before turning to head down the ramp but a hand on your shoulder stopped you. Right, his body did… things. You tried to shoo the hand away before looking back at the captain. 

“No, you're not done here.” Buggy said. “I need to talk to you.”

Aw, shit, what did you do? He set his son down and marched over to you and you took a step back. Was he mad at you for some reason? Did he think you wanted to be involved in this? He stopped in front of you and crossed his arms, sighing before he looked away.

“Thank you.” He mumbled. “For bringing him back safely.”

“Uh… you're welcome? I figured you would be worried.” You chuckled nervously. “I can see how much you love your son. I wish all parents were like that.”

His gaze softened and he glanced at you before he looked at Darby. His son had followed him and was at his side, holding onto the hem of his jacket with one hand while the other went up to his mouth and he started sucking his thumb. Okay, the kid certainly knew how to be cute. 

“Well, I need to head back to work.” You said before crouching down in front of Darby. “And I am more than happy for you to stop by, but make sure daddy is okay with it, sweetie. We don't want him getting worried.”

Darby nodded, turning to hide his face, suddenly feeling shy. You smiled and stood back up, looking at Buggy. “I don't mind if he comes by, y’know, as long as you're okay with it.”

“Yea, well, we’re leaving in a few days, so I don't…want him getting attached.” Buggy said with a shrug. 

“Oh! Well, I wouldn't want him getting his little heart broken.” You said. “But I need to head back to the bakery.”

Buggy just nodded. You smiled at Darby, giving him a wave. “I'll see you around, Darby! Next time you guys come by you should come see me, okay?”

He looked up and pulled away from Buggy, holding his arms out for you. It was hard not to melt at how cute this kid was and you picked him up, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He wrapped his little arms around you and hugged you. 

“He isn't normally fond of strangers.” Buggy commented as he watched you two. “He doesn't even like some of the crew.”

“Aw, you're just saying that so I feel special.” You chuckled as you rubbed Darby's back gently as held him. “Then again, he didn't leave my side at his birthday party.”

“See? He likes you.” Buggy shrugged. “So you should feel special.”

“Okay, well, I need to head back.” You said as Buggy tried to take Darby back but the kid wouldn't let go.

“You keep saying that, and yet I don't see much effort being made.” Buggy said with a smirk as he tickled Darby’s sides, getting the kid to squeal and loosen his grip. He managed to get the kid out of your arms after that. “He really likes you.”

“Well, he's sweet. Probably one of the best behaved kids I've ever met.” You said, smiling at the proud look on Buggy’s face. For a kid living in a pirate ship, he seemed to be doing fine. You weren't sure how common it was for pirates to have families, muchless on a ship. A part of you always wanted kids, but as you got older and settled into your career, it just never happened. Now you made sure to shower attention on the kids that came into the bakery, making sure they had a great time in there.

“What are you doing tonight?” Buggy suddenly asked. “Would… you like to stop by again?”

“And do what?” You asked. 

“I don't… know.” He shrugged. “Cabaji can watch Darby, that's one of the few people my kid likes.”

You frowned. “Captain, are you asking me on a date?”

“If I said yes, what are you going to say?” Buggy asked as he shifted Darby in his arms. The little boy reached for you again. You raised an eyebrow and took Darby back from him, chuckling softly at passing the kid around like some kind of game.

“If it's a date where I'm not expected to do anything but show up looking nice then yes, I will go on a date with you.” You said as Darby rested his head on your shoulder. “You do this with all the bakers you meet in towns, Captain Buggy?”

“You're the first baker I've met that I liked.” He grinned. “But I try not to make a habit out of it.”

“Don't want to get attached now, so we?” You teased. “I can come back once the bakery is closed for the day.” You rubbed the little boy’s back as he settled in your arms. “I can’t wait, Captain.”

[ave09]

Today (July 1st) is Indiana Jones’ birthday!!! Maybe Reader and Short Round help Indy celebrate his birthday!

hi! i would’ve loved to post this on his actual birthday, but i’m visiting family and their service was horrible so i was off the grid for a good twenty-four hours

i’m also currently working on another request for indy, but it requires some research, but here’s a lil hint, it revolves around the fountain of youth 👀

indiana jones x wife!reader

“shh!”

“don’t shh me!”

“you’re being a lot right now, shorty, i just need a moment of quiet.” there was silence for .5 seconds, and then he started up again.

“what time will indy be home?” 

“soon,” you replied, sliding on your oven mitts as you moved to the oven where a chocolate cake was currently baking. “soon? the cake won’t be done by then!” 

that was very true. it still needed to cool, and be frosted, cooled again, and decorated. this should’ve been done last night. indiana was to return from one of his adventures, and the date he returned just happened to be on his birthday. you and shorty had decided to make it a big one, so you’d planned to bake a cake and decorate the house with festive colors in honor of his special day.

but things quickly went downhill.

you’d been called in for a conference with a student at college, which had occupied way too much time. and upon coming home, you found out that your adopted son, short round, had taken it upon himself, to start baking the cake.

one could only imagine how that happened. you had to run to the store, pick up more ingredients, and now here you were. indiana could be home any minute, and nothing was going the way it should.

you knew that he would love it either way, but you wanted it to be perfect. 

“just-“

“hello!” the sound of that familiar voice and the slamming door caught your attention. “indy!” short round exclaimed. 

well shit.

the young boy hopped off of the counter, rushing toward the entrance of the kitchen where indiana jones stood, his arms outstretched, a smile on his face, “hey shorty!” he exclaimed, picking the boy up, hugging him to his chest, “how ya doing? have you been taking care of my girl?” 

“yes, indy! just like you told me too!” the man let out a hearty laugh before setting the boy down, “now if you excuse me, i gotta see my wife.” 

the man then sauntered over to his wife, pulling her close, catching her in a surprise kiss as he smashed his lips against hers. there was passion, yearning, you’d have gone with him were you able to find a sitter for shorty. 

and oh, how you missed him.

you pulled away before the kiss escalated, glancing up at him. you loved indiana for who he was, but you were an absolute sucker for his post-adventure look. his hair was always mused under his hat, and his stubble was prominent, an almost beard, he was always in a happy mood upon returning home and it made her love him more.

“hi sweetheart.” he greeted. “hi honey, happy birthday.” you replied, pecking his lips softly. indiana smiled, his eyes sliding to the cake pan on the counter behind you.

he arched his brows, “that for me?” 

you nodded slowly, “it was supposed to be finished but i ran out of time.”

“it’s the thought that counts, darling. plus, i already have everything i could ever need: you and the kid.”

“i have a name!” shorty interjected as indiana pulled you into another kiss.

the three of you had spent the rest of the day decorating the cake, making homemade pizzas, and watching old movies. it was a grand time and you could tell indiana was having a blast watching shorty criticize the television for the stupid actions of the characters. 

at the end of the night, once shorty had been put to bed, you and your husband climbed into bed. “so, how was your special day?” you asked softly as indiana hovered over you, propping himself up with his elbows. “it was beyond amazing darling.” he replied, kissing you passionately. you smiled into the kiss, deepening it.

“i love you,” you whispered between kisses, and he gave you that smartass response you knew and loved:

“i know.” 

[nogenderbee]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝔹𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ not a request!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Happy Birthday to KAITOOOOO!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ fluff

Affiliation with @virtualbookstore

You and KAITO were kinda just living together by now so it was hard to realize your plans without him noticing. You did had spare houses but always ended up in one place and bed either way.

So you had to make a believable excuse so he'd be gone from this place for 2 hours or so. He was always a bit of a gentleman and... you just kinda used it... You did felt guilty for asking him to bring you soda which you knew wasn't available in any shop in a hour distance, especially since it was his birthday! But you planned it for way too long to just abandon your idea.

You wanted to bake chocolate cake, colored with blue food dye! It may sound simple but your idea surely wasn't! You also had in mind to make chocolate flowers that'll decorate the top!

So now, you tried not to think abut the guilt and instead focus on baking, keeping your phone on full volume, since your partner promised to text you once he finds what you wanted.

You just put the cake in the oven when you heard sound of notification, which you immidietly checked, hoping you still have time to finish your gift...

"<You won't believe it, they had your favorite soda in 2nd closest gallery! I'm heading home now. Or do you need anything more?>"

You noticed the opportunity to keep him occupied for a bit longer but you didn't wanted to be this mean, so you just picked up the tempo slightly.

"<No, that's all! Thanks a lot, stay safe on your way back!>"

Luckily for you, baking process went pretty smoothly! It was the chocolate flowers that you were stuck the most on... and the stress wasn't helping!

You took the cake out of the oven, which looked absolutly perfect! The bad news were that... making petals weren't as hard as attaching them without them breaking...

But you thought you were getting the hang of it when you heard door opening...

"Hey, I'm back with some soda for us!"

You quickly ran out of the kitchen, hoping to block his view and for the cake to stay a surprise. Though you seemed to forget about one important fact...

"Are you baking something? It smells like chocolate in here! You could invite me so we'd bake something together. I believe I know a thing or two from MEIKO."

"Well it's..."

You realized there's no point in lying anymore so you decided to just spill it out.

"I wanted to bake a cake for your birthday but I'm struggling with chocolate flowers..."

"Do you want me to help you? I'm not a professional but I rememberd watching others do it!"

You nodded with a small sigh. You didn't wanted him to bother making it but since you couldn't figure it out and he didn't mind... maybe it was alright?

And when both of you arrived at kitchen, his words only confirmed. He really learned how to make these from just observing. It seems you were missing the gentle touch he could effortlessly do! It was probablu just stress that rubbed off on you.

"Thank you KAITO... I'm sorry you had to help with your own birthday gift..."

"Oh, so it was gift for me? Thank you! And don't worry, I'm happy I got to spend some more quality time with you."

His words reassured you a bit, making your shoulders relax. And the genuine smile on his face only confirmed his words!

"I'm happy to hear it~ In that case, Happy Birthday!"

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@bleachtheidiot - come get your soft gentleman!

[floertoer]

I'm so late but this is for luvia week. Technically a part two to this but could be read as a stand alone.

Juvia Lockser was the most confusing person Lucy had ever met. From the moment they met Juvia had been antagonistic towards her. At first it was because Juvia was working for Phantom Lord. After Phantom Lord was disbanded Lucy was open to forgiving and forgetting, but Juvia had gotten it in her head Lucy had feelings for Gray. Even though Lucy had tried to clear up the misconception Juvia held onto the belief. Lucy doesn't know when Juvia's feelings toward her changed but now...

Lucy opens the door to her apartment -- ready to relax after a long day at the guild -- to see Juvia waiting in front of the door with a really ugly cake. Normally, her first instinct upon finding someone in her apartment is to hit them in the face with a swift 'Lucy kick', but she'd feel horrible if she hit Juvia. A million questions run through her head like, "Why are you here?", "How did you get into my apartment?", and "If you're going to stand by the door, why break in?" But she doesn't instead she asks, "Juvia, what is this?"

Juvia smiles and holds up the cake. The cake looks awful, it's lopsided, there was clearly an attempt to decorate it but instead of elegant patterns it looks like clumps of frosting unevenly placed throughout the cake, and it seems it wasn't refrigerated so the frosting is melting off the sides. "Juvia made it. It's a housewarming gift," she says.

Lucy steps into her apartment, hanging her purse and whip on the coat rack standing by her front door. "But Juvia I moved into this apartment a couple months ago. You don't have to give me anything. We didn't even know each other back then."

Juvia looks away. "I know that. It's just..." Juvia trails off.

Lucy places a hand on Juvia's shoulder. "Hey, it's fine. I'm glad you made this, thanks for the gift. We can eat it together."

Juvia smiles again and follows her as she walks to the kitchen. Lucy opens her cabinet and grabs two plates as Juvia sets the cake down onto the table. Lucy grabs some utensils while Juvia watches.

"Your house is very nice, Lucy."

"Hmm. Oh, thank you," Lucy responds while grabbing some utensils.

"Juvia has never been to a friend's house before."

Lucy looks at Juvia. "I never did stuff like that either before joining Fairy Tail, but now it's like I can't get away from my friends." She slices into the cake. "You'll probably get sick of everyone in a couple of days," she jokes.

Juvia shakes her head. "No, Juvia would never get tired of Fairy Tail. Everyone is so friendly, Juvia is really happy in the guild," she insists.

Lucy sits down next to Juvia, and pulls her plate closer to her. "I hope you say that when people start breaking into your house."

"Somehow, I think that's a problem only you have."

Lucy pokes at her cake. "So, what flavor is this?"

"It's chocolate. Can't you tell?"

No, not really. Lucy giggles nervously, "Yeah..." Lucy takes a deep breath You shouldn't judge things based on appearances, she tries to tell herself. Lucy lefts up her fork and shakily brings it up to her mouth. "Here I go," she mutters.

Lucy takes the bite and let's it sit in her mouth for a moment. This is... Completely awful. It's simultaneously dry and under baked. It's mixed awfully, Lucy's bite tastes purely like flour. Lucy looks up to meet Juvia's gaze. Juvia hasn't taken a bite of her own slice yet, she's smiling warmly at her. Damn it! Lucy is a Fairy Tail wizard and she won't lose to a horrible cake. Lucy begins to chew, a shaky smile forming on her face. Lucy feels something crunch between her teeth. Is that an eggshell? Lucy quickly swallows everything and gives Juvia a shaky smile. "So good," she lies.

"Juvia is glad you think so," she happily chirps back. She fights like a demon but can't do something as simple as bake a cake. Yeah, Juvia Lockser was definitely the most confusing person she's ever met, but somehow she fits right in. The missing puzzle piece in Lucy's new life. Fairy Tail has brought Lucy so many good things, including Juvia. Juvia brings her fork up close to Lucy's mouth. "Say ah!"

"Uh, Juvia y'know I can feed myself, right?"

Juvia huffs, and she starts to pout. "Of course Juvia knows that. Juvia just wants to feed you."

It takes all of Lucy's willpower for her to not clutch at her heart. Juvia is so cute. Lucy lets out a sigh, "Fine. Ah!"

Juvia smiles again and it makes Lucy's heart flutter a bit. Juvia really is cute. So cute that Lucy lets her feed her a whole slice of that disgusting cake.

"Would you like another slice?" Juvia cheerily asks.

"I'm good," Lucy rushes to say, "I'm just so full. I couldn't eat another bite."

"Okay then. Juvia will put the rest of the cake in the fridge." Juvia stands up and begins clearing off the table. Lucy lets her head fall and rest on the table, her stomach is killing her. She's going to toss that cake the moment Juvia leaves. Lucy sighs, it was worth it to see the smile on Juvia's face though.

"Next time," Lucy suggests, "Let's make it together." Hopefully she can make it edible.

"Really? Juvia's so excited!"

Juvia Lockser was definitely confusing but Lucy wouldn't have her any other way.

[serxinns]

Sweet treats! Chap 3!

"Ochaco!? Izuku!?" Your mouth was hanging wide open while looking at the 2 Izuku was now taller than you and very muscular and Ochako's hair had now grown a bit and was the same height as you " It's such a pleasure to see you and what are the odds in a cafe!" She squealed as she hugged you across the register "Heh yeah It seems like I liked baking more than fighting heroes it seemed calmer and safer" "That's completely understandable! Her work can be extremely dangerous and very crazy at times but at least you saving Heros with your treats!"

Ochako chuckled and at her boyfriend's dorky comment while Izuku looked so proud and embarrassed about it "So what have you two been up to? Seen you two on TV a couple of times beating villains I even saw Ochako holding Deku princess-style ~" Ochako and izuku faces were both red in the face at both your teasing smile and at each other "s-shut up! It's not like thatatallhewasjustinjuredtothepointhecantwalkandI-"

"Mochi please-.." she was waving her arms in different directions while Izuku watched trying to calm her down "Heh anyways what would you like to have!" They looked around "Can I have the sugar-frosted cookies strawberry and birthday cake flavor please!" "And I'll have 2 of the jumbo cinnamon rolls!" You happily wrote it down and strolled away in the back with our shoes on wheels the couple was watching your every move almost like they were mesmerized by the way you hummed happily to yourself talking to a pink-haired boy!? Was he ur boyfriend? Were you dating? They had so many questions

"OK! They'll be ready in a few minutes if that's ok?" They quickly were snapped back into their thoughts and gave you a quick smile "That's amazing also who's that boy you were talking to?" Ochako's tone turned a bit serious izuku gave her a nervous glance before he could say anything "Oh, maharu? He's a friend of mine! My grandmother offered him to work there to earn some money!"

Ochako softened her gaze a bit and smiled "Oh well I bet he's doing an amazing job!" Izuku signed in relief but still showed a look of concern, as you and Ochako were happily chatting with each other izuku was busy in his thoughts, as much as he and Ochako missed you he didn't make you uncomfortable and blew their cover they had to do this in a slow past or it'll-

a ding snapped out of his thoughts and Ochako gently shook his shoulder "Izu we got our pastries! Aren't they pretty?" She smiled at the beautifully decorated sweets in a cute box-like container "Oh! Uh yeah, they're pretty! And I bet they're very tasty as well!" He smiled while looking at the treats he wasn't lying they looked absolutely amazing he didn't even wanna eat it!

Ochako and Izuku looked at each other ochako did a pleading eye and izuku playfully rolled his eyes and nodded "so Y/n I was wondering if you have free tim-"

"OMG IT DEKU AND URAVAITY" A bunch of people who seemed to be fans were cheering, taking pictures, and squealing holding out papers and items to sign you were surprised about the sudden appearance

"Fuck.." mochiko hissed under her breath while Izuku was busy trying to calm the situation down by quickly signing autographs "Aw well we'll see you later y/n it was such nice meeting you again" Byee!- HOLD ON WAIT!" You dashed to get a piece of paper and wrote a few numbers down "It's my phone number just in case you wanna come to chat with me! Ochako's eyes beamed and a big smile was plastered on her face "Thanks y/n I will! And see you later- hey now one at a time! Ochako smiled while trying to get the fans to calm down and stop overwhelming her boyfriend

You giggled and lazily waved at your former classmates while they were surrounded by fans

Later that night as you and your friends were walking down the street towards your homes maharu and Ziki were arguing about which ice cream, the flavor was better and Kitkari was ranting to you about her ex-boyfriend suddenly you felt a chill up your spine somebody was watching you kitkari notice this and gently put a hand on your shoulder "Hey you ok?" Maharu and Ziki stopped and looked behind the two of you "Yeah I just felt like someone was watching me but it's fine " you jokingly said trying not to sound scared your friends looked concerned

"Want us to spend the night with you?" "Us!? I ain't about to get slashed by Jason Voorhees" "DUMBASS HE ONLY KILLS PEOPLE IN CRYSTAL COVE" Kitkari rolled his eyes while seeing two of his friends fight "It's ok y/n we won't let anyone happen to your promise!" You felt calmer and made a small smile "ok then let's go to my place I'm sure Xin won't mind do you, boy?" Xin mewed and was resting on your shoulders the 4 of you walked away smiling laughing and goofing ur friends may be crackheads but they're the sweetest crackheads you could've asked for

?????: I hid in the bushed quietly while watching my gum drop and her little friends walked off into your house "sneaking into the bushes again #&%&=#*$? I looked behind to see my boyfriend #$%<^[< "$%^* will get very worried for you, you know she doesn't like you stalking y/n without her especially late at night" I groaned I know but I wanna see if they're safe and sound $%^& wouldn't mind &$^<^[< rolled his eyes

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

I love the request that anon did about Matt x adopted son. Could you rewrite the fic but with Matt and Reader celebrating the 12 or 13 birthday of his son? Just if you want to

hii! 🥹 thank you sm! sorry it’s taken so long. thank you for requesting, hope you like it💌

birthday boy

Matt Murdock x f reader (with their son)

wc || 0.6k

warnings || none

been so long since a Matt fic, really sorry!!

masterlist + rules

taglist

fort stories (in case you want to read the ‘first part’)

Micheal was turning thirteen and neither one of you could believe that your baby boy was about to become a teenager. Not long ago did it feel like Micheal would run around the backyard in his diaper, or when Matt would read a nightly bedtime story. It was all these tiny things that made it hard for you both to accept he was growing up. You were excited for the next step in your parental relationship, but you couldn’t but miss the way he’d fit so snuggly in your arms. Matt was also sad that his boy was growing up, but he was also excited for the next step, excited to develop a deeper connection with Mike.

You originally suggested a quaint backyard barbecue with all of your close loved ones; Maggie, Foggy, Marci and their twin girls. As well as Karen, Frank and their baby boy Ben. You and Matt wanted to share this special time with the people that meant the most, but that being said, it was Micheal’s birthday so you gave him his chance to choose. He had picked a quiet and fun day with his dad, at first you were a little upset but Micheal has always been a daddy’s boy so it wasn’t exactly a shock. Matt tried to persuade him to invite you, but he already had his mind set, just like his father.

To Matt’s displeasure, Michael has recently had a thing for another masked vigilante of New York, who just so happens to be Spider-Man. So you spent the day baking and decorating his birthday cake, working meticulously to get his webbed face mask as neat as possible while Matt played football with Micheal in the backyard. Tackling each other and laughing away.

They had already spent the better half of the day playing video games, using his birthday gifts and eating shitty pizza, so by now, they had plenty of energy to burn off.

You called Matt aside so you could both bring out the cake, singing happy birthday as you walked over to your smiling son sitting at the dining table. You two placed the red-masked face down in front of Micheal which immediately widened his grin. “Mom? Spider-Man?” He excitedly exclaimed, staring at the details.

“Spider-Man? Really?” Matt turns to face you, visibly displeased. Tone flat as he hid a smile. “I’m offended.”

“Don’t worry, I prefer Daredevil.” You grin, hugging his side. Turning to face Michael, your facial expressions are playful as you shake your head. Whispering. “Spider-Man is way cooler.”

“Hm.” Matt jokingly frowns, turning his attention to Micheal. “Make your wish buddy.”

After Micheal blows out his candles, you and Matt grin and clap, cheering him along. “What’d you wish for?” You ask.

“I can’t tell you, mom… it won’t come true.” He says matter of factly, looking at you as though you had just said the most inexcusable thing.

“Yeah, mom.” Matt adds, playfully mocking as he nudged Michael.

Eyes squinted as you jokingly glared at them both. “Oh, I see how it is… no cake for you guys.”

A few more hours went by and it was now bedtime. You and your boys spent the rest of the evening playing games and video-calling family to thank them for their gifts. Micheal was ready for bed, laying snug under the covers, clearly exhausted from his busy day. He pokes his head up just before you two leave his room. “Hey mom, dad?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?” You softly question, turning around to face him.

“Can you read me a story?”

@mattymurdock1021 @she-bleeds-in-white-roses @ashlynhasmanyhyperfixations @idontknowwhattohaveasmyuser @redecoratestan @kpopgirlbtssvt @scarletsloveletter @princess-pebbles-things @messymissy @schneeflocky

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Ran Valentine’s Day 5* Card Story

Chapter 1 -starless kitchen, table area-

kongou: Sorry for the wait. These are prototypes of the chocolate cupcakes we’ll be selling during our event. 

ran: Oh, here they are!

mizuki: Oi Ran, don’t eat them all yourself.

ran: I won’t, I’m not you.

hinata: Let’s see~ I’ll take this one!

mizuki: Hey that’s the biggest one of the lot! Gimmie it!

lico: They’re all the same anyways. But still, make sure you leave some for Heath and I.

mizuki: If you miss out it’s your fault for being too slow.

heath: …I’m ok with just this one.

ran (eating): Hm? Don’t thwese ones twaste different from ya fwirst batch? They’re even tastier!

kongou: I’m glad to hear it. It’s tedious making desserts. Even the smallest change in the amount of an ingredient used, or the temperature you bake them at can change the flavour. Appears this prototype is a success.

lico: Don’t they smell really good?

kongou: That’s because I tried adding some liqueur. It’s very fragrant. 

lico: Oh I see.

hinata: What’s liqueur?

mizuki: Food right?

ran: No no, liqueur is a type of alcohol.

hinata: Huh, it’s alcohol then?

kongou: The alcohol burns off, so it’s fine for people who don’t drink to eat it.

ran: Ooh, informative~

mizuki: Quit talking about complicated stuff, lemme eat more.

heath: Mizuki, how many have you already eaten?

kongou: I whipped up some prototype cookies for decorating the cakes with too. Here, you can have some of these.

mizuki: Woah! They look super tasty!

ran: As I thought, with Kongou here B’s Valentine’s Day will be the best!

-

Chapter 2 -starless kitchen, table area-

ran: I’m baaack~!

lico: Aren’t you a bit late? Where the heck did you wander off to—

saki: Oh, Lico-san, sorry for intruding.

lico: If it isn’t Kotori-chan. You’re not intruding at all, you’re welcome anytime. Here, come take a seat.

heath: You’re here, Saki.

saki: Yes, I happened to run into Ran-san on the way here…

mizuki: Whatever, let’s get started already.

kongou: Ok, here are the cupcakes we talked about previously. So that they’re easy to decorate I made them in a simple shape. I planned to make it so that you can eat it at the store or take it home with you.

lico: Nice.

kongou: Today’s just a trial so I prepared a few different topping candidates.

hinata: Woah, there’s so many to choose from! So we can decorate the cake with these?

kongou: Yeah. Let me know which you prefer or if there’s any that can be improved.

ran: Then let’s get into it already. Nee-chan, let’s decorate them together!

saki: Yes.

-time pass-

lico: And then I’ll put this here and— It’s done, doesn’t it look great?

kongou: I see, you carefully stacked the chocolate to make it look like a rose. You’re skilled, Lico.

lico: This much is nothing.

hinata: There’s so many decorations here that I’ve never eaten before. What else should I choose~

mizuki: What even is this? Cream? (he eats it) Bleh, it’s so sweet…

lico: Hey are you planning to just put every single topping on there? Put some more thought into it.

hinata: What-! I thought it was a really good idea though~

ran: If I put the dog shaped cookie here then… Ooh~! It’s super duper cute!

kongou: Hahah, it’s fun trying all sorts of combinations isn’t it?

saki: (Fufu, it looks like everyone is having fun.)

heath: Saki, is this good?

saki: Uwah, your decorations are beautiful, Heath-san.

heath: Last year I made chocolate by myself, so I’m glad to be able to make it together with you this year.

saki: Yes, me too.

ran: Ah, Nee-chan! What do ya think of my puppy choco cakes?

saki: The puppies are playing with each other on top of the cakes right? It’s very cute.

ran: Hell yeah! It’s got Nee-chan’s seal of approval! White Day is next month but doesn’t it suck havin’ to wait that long? That’s why I wanted to make it so we can repay the sentiment right away.

saki: I see. I’m sure the other guests will like that too.

ran: I know, how about we trade cupcakes right now!

saki: Sure.

ran: Yay! I hope ya enjoy Valentine’s together with us this year!

-

Chapter 3 -break room-

lico: Our event this time has been getting lots of good reviews. The ladies and everyone else all seem happy with it. Well, it means they enjoyed decorating cupcakes with me specifically right?

ran: Well it’s true that you’re good at it, Lico.

kongou: I’m glad it’s popular. Depending on the toppings you choose the flavour and appearance changes, so it appears we’ve been getting a lot of repeat customers.

lico: See I told you women are into this sort of thing. They love traditional Valentine’s Day stuff.

mizuki: All we’re doing is putting things on a cake and they eat it.

lico: Do you, the person providing the service not even understand what you’re doing? When you’re on the stage, you hear the fans cheering in the audience don’t you? I’m happy they’ve come to watch of course, but hearing them do chants or wave their penlights is nice, y’know?

ran: Ah, I get ya! Ya can really feel that they’re here to support us.

lico: Yeah exactly. What I’m trying to tell you is that the goal of this event is to repay them in a similar way that reflects those feelings.

mizuki: Oh shut up, quit yapping at me about everything little thing.

heath: …It’s not that hard to understand. The fact we’re putting our souls into the show hasn’t changed. We’re just giving it a physical form.

mizuki: Oh… The heck, just tell me that from the start.

lico: I did…

-

Chapter 4 -backstage-

ran: …… (seems nervous)

saki: Ran-san…?

ran: Oh~ Nee-chan! You’re here to watch us!

saki: …Um.

ran: Hm?

saki: Are you… ok?

ran: What makes ya ask? I’m full of energy today like always!

saki: Is that so? Sorry for asking something strange then.

ran: ……

ran: Ya don’t need to worry about me. But well, it is true that we’ve had plenty of ups and downs since our first ever performance, ‘Eclipse’. It’s not like I don’t understand why you’d be concerned. However, we’ve overcome all sorts of hardships.

saki: Yes.

ran: First and foremost, B’s shows are packed full of fun. Even when Heath was missin’ from ‘Idaten’ and when Mizuki didn’t show up for ‘Island of Rabble’. And of course when Heath came back and we performed ‘Total Eclipse’! Lots of things have happened, but there’s still plenty of things that haven’t changed either.

saki: Things that haven’t changed?

ran: The fact that once we’re up on that stage, we have a blast! That includes for this show too of course. Thinkin’ about it though, even recently Mizuki and Lico have been buttin’ heads and Hinata’s been actin’ recklessly. It’s been a mess~ Wherever B goes, discord follows! I kid, I kid. But well, when you take everythin’ into account, it does kinda suit us.

saki: Fufu, that may be so.

saki: (That’s good, Ran-san seems to be his usual self…)

ran: Ah, you finally smiled. That’s our Nee-chan.

saki: Yes. And the Ran-san that sparkles on the stage is the usual you.

ran: …….

ran: Yeah. Because while I’m here— I want to entertain you as both a member of B and as ‘Ran-chan’.

saki: Thank you. I’ll always be supporting you.

ran: Yeah, it’s a promise, alright? Enjoy watchin’ my sparklin’ self!

—end

[mochegato]

Never Gonna Say Goodbye

Marinette took a deep breath before delicately pushing her elbow into the Queen manor doorbell so she wouldn’t risk dropping the three-tier cake she was barely able to support.  She’d had to focus all of her attention and brain power into not tripping, because if she dropped this cake now, she might actually cry.  She had spent three days doing nothing but work and the cake and decorations and had lost more than a few hours of sleep during that time.  She’d actually lost more sleep than she’d gotten, but who was counting?

Her single-minded focus had the added benefit that she hadn’t had the mental capacity to think about how she was going to be seeing Roy for the first time since he’d moved to New York without saying goodbye to her.  She had thought they were building toward something.  Up until he moved, she had been spending a good portion of her time with him and Lian, eating dinners together, her and Lian baking together, her and Roy sharing a glass of wine and chatting into the late night.

And then there was the kiss.  The single hottest, most toe-curling, skin tingling kiss she’d ever had.  A goodbye, be safe, come home to me kiss before he went on a mission.  But then she found out he was planning on leaving.  Not from him.  Oh no, he didn’t say a word to her.  No, she learned it from Jason, who assumed she knew, because why wouldn’t she?  She and Roy talked about everything else.

Until that moment.  Because after that, they didn’t speak… at all.  About anything.  He left, moved to the other side of the country, and never said a thing.  And now she had to spend an entire night in the same room with him.  If it had been up to her, she wouldn't have even come.  But this was for Lian… and Jason, but she was more concerned about Lian.  She wasn’t going to miss a chance to celebrate Lian’s birthday.  She hadn't stopped talking to her when Roy had shut her out, she certainly wasn’t going to stop being there for her even if it came with having to fracture her heart.  One more fracture wouldn’t be noticed.

She almost kissed Jason when he finally opened the door for her and cautiously took the cake from her.  “Hey Pixie Pop!  I was worried you weren’t going to make it,” he teased, but there was an edge of authenticity in his words.

She smiled at him and bumped her hip into his thigh.  “I just wanted to do some last-minute touch ups.”

“And it had nothing to do with getting lost… intentionally?” he joked.

Marinette rolled her eyes, knowing full well that he could feel it even if he couldn’t see it.  “No,” she insisted.  “And I’m here and I’m smiling and not hiding, so be nice.”

Jason stopped and turned to face her with a solemn look.  “I got you.  You know that right?  You don’t even have to ask, I’m there for you.”

Marinette’s lips widened into a watery smile.  If he hadn’t been holding his cake, she really would have kissed him… on the cheek.  “Yeah, I know.  Thank you, Jason.”

He maintained eye contact for a few more seconds, making absolutely sure she believed her own words, before nodding and continuing into the dining room.

As soon as they entered into the room, everyone was on them, trailing after the cake like large ducklings.  “What did you make?” Wally asked.  Marinette cursed him and herself under her breath, him for scaring her and herself because she should know better.  She always had to be on guard for him to just show up right in front of her out of nowhere.

“Well, Lian said she wanted chocolate so…” she trailed off, turning dramatically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.  “It’s chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate chips, chocolate hazelnut mousse filling, whipped chocolate caramel ganache, chocolate Italian meringue buttercream, with chocolate macaroons and pink and milk chocolate decorations on the top.”

Tim’s eyes had gotten wider with every utterance of the word chocolate until his eyes resembled a bush baby.  “That’s a lot of chocolate, isn’t it?” he asked carefully.

“You shut your filthy mouth,” Jason growled, pushing him away from the cake so he could observe it.  “It’s Lian and my birthdays and we want chocolate.”

“You have a problem with chocolate, you can walk yourself home,” Stephanie hissed.

“I drove,” Tim hissed back.

“There’s coffee in the cake and I brought coffee ice cream,” Marinette cut in placatingly.

Tim slowly turned away from Stephanie to size Marinette up, his eyes narrowed as he weighed her offering.  He maintained his position for four long beats before nodding.  “Yeah, okay,” he shrugged.

Jason smacked the back of his head, but it lacked the normal strength behind it.  “Just enjoy the cake, Timbo.”  He looked over to Marinette anxiously.  “But that’s a lot of coffee for a five-year-old.  Not that I’m judging!” he added on quickly.  “I’m just… helping put Lian to sleep tonight.”

“You’re okay with the massive amounts of sugar but not the tiny bit of caffeine?” Dick asked.

Jason glared at him and opened his mouth to snap at him, but Marinette cut in again before he could.  This was Lian’s birthday party.  She was not going to let petty bickering ruin it.  “I also brought vanilla ice cream and made raspberry sauce to accompany it if anyone wants.  It’s not all coffee.”

“That sounds absolutely amazing,” Stephanie breathed as she stared at the cake, her mouth watering.  “So, ah, for no particular reason, do we know when is the birthday girl is going to sho…”

“Marinette!” a small voice screeched, pushed through the people standing around, and barreled into Marinette’s legs, almost knocking her down.  She would have fallen back into the cake if it weren’t for Jason’s steadying arm holding her up.

Marinette picked her up instantly and set her on her hip with a kiss to her head.  “Happy birthday, Lian!”

“Hey, where was my birthday kiss?” Jason quipped as he kissed Lian on the other side of her head.

Marinette met Lian’s eyes and rolled her own dramatically, causing the birthday girl to burst out in giggles.  She gave Lian another kiss and smirked at Jason.  “It’s there.  You’re going to have to talk to Lian if you want to get it back.”  She looked up and caught Roy’s gaze with a timid smile.  Roy smiled back, bright and charming, almost like the ones he used to give her, but slightly more strained.  The difference broke her heart.  She turned away quickly so he wouldn’t see her smile falter.

Jason jumped between them and patted Roy on the shoulder.  “Good to see you.  I mean I suppose, you brought Lian and all so I guess you’re okay,” he offered with a smirk.

Roy groaned and shoved him away.  “This is my house, idiot.”

Marinette took advantage of the reprieve to center herself.  She focused on something other than Roy’s soul-shattering smile until her heart slowed to a manageable rate so she could shake it off and paste on a brilliant smile for Lian.  “How was your first day at school?  How was your teacher?  Was she as amazing as you hoped?  Did you get to do lots of fun things and meet lots of fun new friends?”

She was grateful she had a good grip on Lian, because the little girl had suddenly squealed loudly and started bouncing on Marinette’s hip, unable to contain her excitement.  “It was so much fun!  I met so many new people and I showed them my new Hello Kitty backpack.  There was another girl there.  Well, there was more than one, but Rose had a Hello Kitty shirt on.  We’re best friends now.  We even get to sit at the same table!  We played on the bars together.  She can’t do a flip yet, but I can.  We’re going to work on it Monday.  I can’t wait for Monday!”

Marinette grinned at her excitement.  “That sounds amazing, honey.  I’m so glad you’re having fun.”  She hugged her.  “You were so brave.  I’m proud of you.”

“Yeah, I was scared when I first got there and Daddy left and I was all alone.  But then I remembered you said I should try and be brave because you bet it would be fun and I wouldn’t know if I didn’t try,” Lian rushed out in one breath.  “And it was.  You were right,” she cheered.

Marinette had been so focused on Lian; she’d missed Roy coming over to watch them together.  His brow furrowed as he tried to work something out.  “When… um… when did she say that, Squeaker?”

“On Jay Jay’s phone before school.  We talked forever,” she answered breathlessly and collapsed against Marinette dramatically but popped back up almost instantly.  “Did you make the cake like you said you would?  What did you make for the cake?  You made the cake, right?”  Her head whipped around in search of the cake.  Her face scrunched in increasing distress when she couldn’t find it.

“First of all, hello to you too,” Jason huffed as he tweaked Lian’s nose causing her to giggle.  “Second…” he stepped to the side to reveal the cake hidden behind him.

Lian gasped, her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes widened in wonder moments before she emitted a high-pitched noise.  “It’s so pretty!”  She hopped down and ran to the cake until her face had almost smashed into it.

Roy stepped up next to Marinette and watched Lian, his face considerably more somber than anyone else at the party, except perhaps Marinette.  “It really looks amazing,” Roy agreed quietly.  “You did an incredible job.  Thank you for doing that and thank you for showing up.”

“It was Lian’s birthday,” she shrugged with forced nonchalance.  “Of course, I came.”

Roy turned toward her.  His eyes drove into her, fixing her with a weighted stare as he tried to read her, but no matter how long or intensely he stared at her, she refused to meet his gaze, fixing her own gaze at Lian, with an interest that would be more convincing if she were breathing.  “Daddy!  It’s so chocolatey!” Lian squealed, jumping into Roy’s arms.  “Can we eat it now?”

Roy reluctantly tore his gaze from Marinette to catch Lian in time.  “Not quite yet, sweetie.  But we can look at it until it’s time.  Come on, let’s go welcome your guests.  I thought I saw a few kids wandering around.”  He led her away but couldn’t stop himself from tossing a look over his shoulder in time to watch Marinette fall against Jason, his arms easily wrapping around her.  He glowered at the familiarity but pasted his smile back on for Lian.

The party moved quickly, all the friends conversing and laughing easily, everyone seemed to be in a light, joyous mood, but all of it felt wrong to Marinette.  She couldn’t breathe in the room.  Surrounded by some of her favorite people, she couldn’t relax.  She couldn’t enjoy the party.  She smiled for Lian and cheered as she blew out her candle and squealed about how much she loved her cake, but she needed to get away, somewhere she could be on her own and away from the suffocating atmosphere.  She let her feet lead her out into the Queen gardens, not paying attention to where her feet were taking her or who was noticing her leave, just letting her subconscious lead her away until she could finally take a full breath and then another.

Roy stepped up next to Marinette.  Closer than he had been in ages.  Close enough that he could hear her breaths and the way they sped up just slightly as he moved closer.  He waited for her to initiate the conversation, but just like before, she didn’t say anything.  She didn’t breach the void.  It was clear.  If he wanted to speak, it would be on him to start it.  “This is one of my favorite places,” he offered.  His voice tentative and soft.  He may have had the bravery to initiate the conversation, but not to do so without shaking.

Marinette startled slightly and tore her eyes from the flower bush she’d been staring at to look around like she was just noticing where she was.  “Oh, right.  I remember,” she admitted, her voice light and slightly dreamy.  “You brought me here before.  Sorry.  I didn’t… I was just wandering.”

He quirked his head as he examined her, usure how to proceed.  Unsure how to move their relationship forward like he desperately wanted to.  The last few months had been torture.  He no longer knew how to live without Marinette there and each and every day he lived since that glorious kiss, had felt like a half-life.  And now, he was lost and at a loss for words.

“Mari… I wanted to… um… I wanted to thank you… for continuing to talk with Lian.  You mean a lot… to her.  I think it would have broken her heart if she lost you.  You can…” he broke off and looked away with a shrug.  “You could always use my phone now.  Call me… to talk to Lian.”

Marinette focused intently on the flower bush again, attempting to ignore the way her heart compressed until it felt like it had been squeezed so tightly it had become transparent.  “I could… if you’re sure, I could do that,” she agreed.  She focused even more intently when the flower bush began to swim until it was out of focus.  She wanted to speak with Lian, but if she called Roy to speak to her, then she’d have to speak to Roy, and she wasn’t sure her heart could take that.

“You never said goodbye,” he said quietly, so quietly, she almost didn't hear it.  So quiet, she wasn't sure she was supposed to.

Marinette blinked as she tried to process his words.  “What?”

“I wanted… I was hoping you would come see me.  Why didn't you see me before I left?  I know you knew,” he answered, this time louder, more confident, though more vulnerable than before.

“Oh?” she asked, her voice sharp and pointed.  There was a dangerous edge to it that any other time Roy would have noticed and heeded.  “And how do you know I knew?

“Because people told me,” he glowered.  “Jason told me you knew.  He told me he told you.”

“Because you didn't," she snapped.  "Because you took time to tell everyone who mattered to you.  Because you made sure to sit down and go out and talk with everyone you cared about.  Because you gave presents to people before you left, even the people who would be closer to you after the move.”

She stood as straight as possible, subconsciously making herself larger and more imposing.  She stalked toward him.  “But you never did any of that with me.  So, no, I didn't seek you out.  I didn't call you up or run to your apartment or take special time, because I knew you wouldn't care.  Honestly, I didn't even think you'd noticed.”

“Oh?” he sneered.  He leaned back toward her, towering over her even without trying to.  “And what else do you know?  I want to know what things I should rethink.  Because if you were so epically wrong about that, I'm sure there are other things you've told me that are embarrassingly wrong.”

Marinette's anger flared; her eyes almost glowing in her fury.  And then it was gone.  She deflated with such speed, she had to blow out a breath from the force of the shift.  She looked away but he could still see the heartbroken look in them.  "Look, Roy, it’s late.  I should get home.  Thank you for allowing me to come tonight."  Her voice was flat and tired, wrung of all emotion.  She hesitated for just a moment like she wanted to add something, Roy held his breath for what she had to say, but then she left as silent as she’d been before he left.

The air seemed to fight Roy after she left.  It refused to refresh him or fill his lungs even as he gasped for it.  He pulled is hair until he could feel the pain radiating throughout his skull and groaned, the strength of it echoing throughout the garden.  He paced up and down the path a few times kicking some of the hedges as he moved.

That hadn’t gone how he’d anticipated at all, let alone how he’d hoped.  He’d anticipated it at least not getting worse, but he’d hoped she’d fall into his arms and apologize for cutting him out.  But instead… this.  He yelled again and kicked a hedge but groaned when he accidentally caught the corner of a stone bench.

He paced a few more times before his mind cleared up enough for him to finally think.  She had been waiting on him.  He’d been waiting for her to say something after their kiss and had assumed when she didn’t say anything, even knowing he was leaving, he’d assumed that was her comment on what she wanted, or rather, didn’t want.  That she didn’t want him.  That the kiss hadn’t been as tantalizing and mind-blowing for her as it was for him.  But she’d been waiting on him.  She hadn’t ended it, he had… and she was getting away again.

He raced through the gardens and into the dining room, pausing only a few moments to scan the crowd for her, before continuing through to the driveway.  He stopped in the doorway searching for her again, hoping and praying he hadn’t messed it up again because he waited.  Luckily, this time spotting her just a few steps from her car.  “Marinette!” he yelled as he ran after her, not slowing down until he was a few feet away from her, not willing to risk her deciding to leave for good.

He slid to a stop in front of her, chest heaving and eyes wild. “I noticed," he said breathlessly.

She blinked at him; her eyes open owlishly wide.  "What?"

“I... I noticed,” he repeated.  He reached out to run his hand along her face but pulled his hand back at the last second with a groan.  “Fuck, Mari, it's all I thought about for weeks, months.  Why didn't you call?  Why didn't you come see me?  Why didn't you care?  I could have sworn you did but then...”  He threw his arms out in frustration.  When he looked back at her, his eyes were intense, deep and swimming with emotion.  “How could you think I didn't care?  That you weren't the most important thing to me?”

She studied his eyes until her own started to water and her lips pulled down in an anguished pout.  “How was I supposed to know?” she begged, desperate for some guidance.  “You never called.  You never came to see me.  This massive thing happened in your life and you just...” she threw her arms out as well before meeting his gaze, but instead of the intense emotion his held, hers was resigned.  “And I knew.  I knew I was just another girl to you.  Just another one of those women you loved and left.  Just another hero you got caught up in a rush emotions with.”

She tried to look away when the tears started to fall, but Roy was having none of it.  He cupped her face and gently brushed away her tears.  “You were never just another anything.”  He moved closer until their chests were almost touching, his hands never leaving her face.  “You are the single most amazing woman I know.  You are brilliant and kind and creative and loving and supportive.  Just the thought of you makes me smile.  Even when I thought you hated me, thinking of you made me smile until the realization set in.  These past few months have been miserable.  New York hasn’t felt like home this entire time and it’s because you weren’t around to talk to.  You’ve become my home.”

Her tears were now falling so rapidly, he couldn’t keep up with them any longer.  She lurched at him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her head in his chest.  “I thought you didn’t care,” she managed between sobs.  “And I cared so much about you.  You and Lian mean so much to me.  It hurt so much.”

Roy’s lips were on hers in an instant, insistent and forceful trying to force out the pain with his fervor.  She responded in kind, pushing up against him and winding her hands into his hair to pull him closer.  He groaned as her fingernails grazed his scalp, and pulled her closer until her body had molded to his, no space between them.  His arms wound around her waist and shoulders, holding her in place for only a few moments before his hands started to wander, caressing her sides and back and eventually down to her thighs.  He lifted her up and set her on her car, pushing between her legs to get closer and encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist.

She groaned at the sensation but pushed him back just far enough to breathe.  She looked up at him from under her lashes, chest heaving.  “I think we need to slow down.  Get back to where we were first.”

Roy nodded breathlessly.  His eyes searched her face like he was trying to make sure it hadn’t changed in his time away, reassuring himself that her cheeks still curved the same, her lips still bowed the same, and the same flecks still radiated out from her pupil.  “I’m so sorry I hurt you.  I promise I’ll do everything in my power to never make you cry again,” he promised, his breath fanning out against her lips.

Marinette smiled and let her eyes wander his face as well.  “Maybe we can start with a date,” she offered.

Roy’s smile widened, back to the brilliant and charming smile she was used to.  “How about tonight?  Now?”

Marinette giggled at him.  “Now?  What about the party?  Lian?”

He gestured wildly to wave away her concern.  “It’s Oliver’s house and Jason already planned on putting Lian to bed he’ll be fine doing it on his own and Lian would love for me to take you on a date.  Come on, let’s go now.  It would be her favorite birthday present.”

She looked unsure for just a second as she contemplated his words, but then a brilliant smile overtook her lips and she nodded.  “Yeah.  Let’s go,” she agreed, “but first…” she pulled him into another toe-curling kiss, the first of many, many more to come.

@maribatserver

[freakystrashdump]

🔮The Oracle Bakery🔮

Emperor Belos|Phillip Wittebane/OC

Slow burn, enemies to lovers, Belos is a content warning by himself

Read on AO3

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Chapter 14: Golden Messenger

"Hey, come back here!" Katya jumped across the counter, running after the little hog demon who grabbed a fistfull of pralines off the counter and just ran out like hell.

"Katya, wait! It isn't worth it- oh who am I yelling to, she's halfway down the street already." Selena huffed in annoyance, mostly at having to leave the kitchen and abandon the cake she was putting finishing touches on in order to man the counter.

It was the day after, and Selena felt better and less…affected, by the Emperor, after having a good night's sleep.

(Well, that's what she kept telling herself, anyway)

She had made a call to Steve to come pick her up soon, as the cake was done except for a little bit of last minute decorating, and it was getting closer to the hour the private Blight sale was supposed to start. So she'd have enough time to deliver the cake, retrieve the letter, spend time with the Emperor (at his insistence, of course) and be comfortably early to the event.

Perfectly planned out to the last detail.

Since it was so later in the day, it was a slow, peaceful lull when it came to customers. Most wanted hot pastries in the early morning, especially when it came to bread. Fresh loaves tended to be gone in the first hour or two, and Selena couldn't blame them, nothing quite beats hot, freshly baked bread. The little hog thief was a surprise, though, but at least there weren't any customers to man right now while Katya tried to get vengeance.

The oracle placed her elbows on the counter and rested her head in her hands. She arched her back and shoulders, until there was a satisfying pop , and sighed audibly, closing her eyes, taking in the moment of peace she so desperately needed on a day like today. She fantasised about the face Odalia would pull, breaking the wax seal of the Emperor and reading the letter telling her to knock it off, damn it (probably written much more diplomatically than that , but that was probably the gist of it). Just imagining it made her giddy with some feeling of retribution, so she couldn't  wait to see it first hand.

The chime on the door woke her up from the little revenge fantasy.

"Hello and welcome to the bakery!" She greeted, eyes narrowing when she saw a hooded, fidgety figure come in, even more so as they let the door ajar behind them, how rude. She followed them as they walked up to the counter, wary of their presence. "How can I help you today?"

The newcomer looked around, making sure no one was in the bakery but them, and raised her hood.

It was…that girl, the young one who came with Asra. The young wild witch he mentors. Eyes bulging out, Selena jumped and reached over the counter, grabbing the hood and pulling it back on, the force of it making the girl bend over "No, no, no, not here, shush!" She looked around nervously, never letting go of her hood as she pulled her along the length of the counter, the girl yelping as she did. Keeping her head nearly pressed against the counter, she lifted the swinging hinge and dragged her over to her side behind the counter.

"Miss Selena, you're hurting me-"

"I said hush !" Selena hissed, continuing to pull her by the hood, all the way to the kitchen door and pushing her inside. The oracle gave one last look outside, just to make sure there was no one looking in, and jumped in to the kitchen slamming the door behind her.

The girl, her named escaped her, was knocked over to the floor and was now picking herself up, whining loudly "W-what was that about?!"

"I thought I told you and Asra that this place was a high risk of being watched !" Selena ran to the one window in the kitchen and peeked out, eyes searching for and hidden scouts. "No wild witch activity! None whatsoever!" She turned to her "What do you think you're doing here, and in broad daylight?! Does Asra even know you're here?!"

Selena squinted, brain working overtime as she tried to recall the girl's name. She was always bad at remembering those.

"I'm- I'm really sorry, Miss Selena, but I made sure no one saw me! Really I did!" She held her hands up defensively"A-and I'm here by myself, actually."

"Lil…Leila!" Selena snapped her fingers in victory "It's Leila, right?"

"Huh?"

"Your name! It's Leila." Selena exclaimed in triumph.

The girl, Leila, pulled nervously on her hair, but managed to smile "Y-yeah, that's right, you remembered."

"Good, I'm bad with names sometimes so- OH GOODNESS GRACIOUS!" Selena yelled out in terror when a group of moths flew above and besides her, brushing against her arms and hair and going up into the ceiling of the kitchen "Titan damn it , you left the front door open and let those buggers in!" Selena despaired, frazzled, and marched closer to have a better look at the group of moths, glaring up at them. "Must have flown in here before I shut the kitchen door, too."

"I'm really sorry, Miss Selena." Leila seemed honest enough, and she walked up behind Selena who was preoccupied by glaring at the moths and thinking up ways to get them out. "Oh wow, that's gotta be at least six of them…is- is that golden thing also a moth?"

"Yeah it's a full eclipse." Selena huffed, and narrowed her eyes "And…yeah, that is also a moth, but…" she crossed her arms as she examined it closer "...I never seen that kind before."

In the centre of the ceiling, surrounded by the other, more common ones, was a fuzzy moth with golden wings whose span was around the size of a witches palm. The gold on its wings seemed to be never calm, swirling like luster dust poured into water. Its magical looking wings opened and closed at a very slow pace as it stood in place, the other moths nowhere near as calm as they kept scuttering around it.

They seemed unnaturally quiet, as Selena didn't hear the little humms only she could hear and understand, messages and warnings they usually carried whenever they would invade her space. It looked like they were…simply watching?

Weird. That was weird, right?

Speaking of weird, there was another out of the ordinary situation that needed her dealing with right now.

"Leila, why are you here?" Selena asked, eyes still trained on the unfamiliar gold moth on the ceiling as she wracked her brain for all the different types of moths she had learned by heart "Did your idiot of a mentor get himself in trouble and needs me to bail him out again?"

Behind her, Leila wrung her hands together anxiously, looking around the kitchen that was still very much so a mess, with pans, pots and baking trays littered around, unfinished treats abound. The cake in the middle of the counter caught her attention. "No, it's nothing like that. It, uh, actually, has to do with you."

"With me?" Selena asked, attention fleeting to the girl for the briefest moment "You're making me nervous." She joked half heartedly.

"Well, you and…" she trailed off a little "...a certain… customer of yours."

The way her voice shook finally caught Selena's attention. If she hadn't been distracted by the golden moth as much as she was, she may have paid more attention to the markings on the ones that accompanied it - sometimes their type and colouring was message enough, it was a type of omen anyone could learn to interpret - and these moths bore the markings of warning. But even so, she narrowed her eyes as the gears in her head clicked into place "Is that so?" She spoke slowly, turning to face the girl "Leila, why are you here?" She repeated herself once again.

As if sensing the air in the room shift, Leila became more nervous, sweat running down her forehead "M-most everyone knows already, you know!" She fumbled over her words "You deliver to the Emperor, r-right? People see you being led by members of h-his coven in the mornings, delivery box in hand, l-like clockwork!"

Selena was aware that by now, it was probably a public secret that Emperor Belos endorsed her bakery. It wasn't like it was a secretive event, and people tend to talk , it's what they do. However, what she didn't get…

"What does any of that have to do with you?" She replied, leaning against the nearest counter.

Leila bit her lip "It…it must mean he trusts you, right?" She pushed on "If he trusts you with his food, then he trusts you , right?"

The oracle made sure to not give any reaction, face remaining neutral. This conversation was putting her on edge; she did not like any outcome it could take. "Leila." Selena started "Again, I must ask. What does any of this have to do with you?" It felt like pulling teeth as the girl seemed too scared to say what she actually wanted, and it made Selena even more on edge.

"It would…" Leila paused, swallowing thickly "...it would be so easy. To get rid of him. Just a little poison in his food…" She looked up at Selena with a small smile and wide eyes "Wouldn't it?

Selena couldn't help the way shock overtook her face, jaw dropping and eyes widening. "Y-you want-" she started, aghast and high pitched, but it quickly morphed into laughter. A full on, belly jiggling laugh, making Selena throw her head back and clutch her stomach, shoulders shaking with each laugh that left her. The reaction made Leila flinch - it was not one she had expected at all , and she didn't know what to make of. However, it did somewhat wound her pride.

"Wh- what's funny?!" She pouted and crossed her arms, embarrassed beyond belief.

Selena, however, couldn't stop laughing "I'm- I'm sorry, I can't, I can't-" she cringed as the uncontrollable giggles started making her sides hurt, and she quickly pressed her hand to the left side in an attempt to soothe it "Ohhh mercy me !"

"I don't get what's so funny! You and Asra both, why would you…" Leila was getting angrier "C-can you please…" she stuttered, clenching her fists "Can you please stop laughing?!" She finally yelled out, overcoming her stutter as she put her whole body into the outburst.

It served as enough to shake Selena out of her fit, even as her face was still red, lips pulled apart in a grin "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just- you have to realise how absurd you sounded, right?" She bit back another laugh "I mean, killing the Emperor? You can't be serious?!"

"I am one hundred percent serious!" Leila stomped her foot "I would not dare joke about this!"

Selena giggled again "Come on, Leila, be real." She let out jovially, but her face fell when she saw that the girl was not budging "...oh my Titan, you're actually serious." When Leila didn't say anything Selena let out another laugh, this one more cynical than the last "No way, absolutely not, not even as a joke. Actually, I'm not even having this conversation with you right now." The oracle put her proverbial foot down and headed past Elena, to the kitchen door.

"But it would be so easy!" The girl tried to argue "You could do it! You could help fix everything! With him gone-"

"With him gone, absolutely nothing would change." Selena cut her off "And only a child or an idiot would think otherwise, and I didn't take you for either of those." Her words were harsh enough for Elena to take a step back 

"No, it would, I know it would!" Elena tried her best to change her mind "A-and you'd be a hero, too!"

"A hero?" Selena had to hold in the laughter that threatened to make her double over again "Playing hero is going to get me killed - going to get my entire family killed!" She slammed her hand against the nearest counter as Midnight swirled in her head, masked and keeping everyone she loved safe. Midnight was a hero. Selena was not. "The Emperor's death would solve nothing ." As her anger picked up, the moths started getting agitated, the six common ones taking to flight and circling above her head in a frenzy. The golden one remained where it was. "In case you hadn't noticed, he is the most beloved ruler in recent history. His followers would adore him even if he burned the Isles to the ground if he just said the Titan told him to do it!"

"B-but…"

"No, Leila, I don't want to hear it." Selena grabbed the handle to the door, but didn't open it yet "Assasination is a sure way to a civil war the size of which no one on the Isles has ever known." She hissed through her teeth "Do you even realise the severity of the wild witch hunts that would follow?! It would be worse than anything you've known! Than what I've known!"

"What would you know about wild witch hunts?!" Leila yelled, venom in every word "You chose to accept a sigil, so what would you even know!" She was breathing heavily at this point, voice going hoarse "Y-you're a hypocrite, you probably never had to have to make any h-hard decision in your privileged life , just like every other bougie scum on this island!"

Selena gaped at her in shock, and when Elena saw her eyes turn red and misty with tears, an expression of hurt more than apparent, she instantly felt bad for the venom she spewed "Selena, I-"

"You need to leave." The oracle ordered, voice shaking. She couldn't even look at her, turning away in anger to glare at the doorknob she was clutching tightly instead "I need you to leave before I do something you will regret."

"Selena, I'm really sorry, please, please reconsider-"

"I said get out !" Selena screamed and punched the door with the side of her fist. In her anger, a burst of magic erupted from her, shaking the kitchen. Leila screamed, covering her head to protect it when the cabinet doors slammed open and pans and trays either fell over or flew into walls, clamouring loudly. With how on edge she had been the entire time, it was no wonder when she entered flight or fight mode at Selena's outburst. 

Though not many would think that Leila's choice would be fight , actually.

And even though she wasn't crying yet, tears have blurred her vision, leaving Selena a step behind as Leila spun a magic circle. She did, however, hear the moths flying above her heads finally peep up, the little high pitched, soft whistling a clear warning in a way only she could understand. But it came too late, magic blowing in her face and seconds later, there was nothing but black as her body slumped over to the floor, fully unconscious. 

The moths kept flying, still whistling and chiming in their unheard language, now no one awake to hear them.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

~*~*~*~*~*~

"...b…os…boss…BOSS!"

The Oracle woke up with the feeling of cotton crowding her mouth and a nasty headache looming over the horizon. What in the world…why was she on the kitchen floor? Titan, did she faint? She hoped she didn't slam her head on one of the counters, she did not want to deal with a concussion right now. She felt something on her face so she opened her eyes, only to be greeted by a sight of gold. As soon as she did, the soft, fluttering pressure was instantly lifted, and the gold left her vision 

"...Katya?" She muttered, mouth uncomfortably dry, and she noticed her glasses fell off. The bard witch quickly helped her sit up, and as soon as she did, Selena spotted her glasses just a bit away. "Ugh, my head…what…happened?"

Katya gaped at her, mouth ajar in shock "What happene- how about you tell ME what happened?! I saw you and Steve leave the bakery, how the hell can you also be passed out on the kitchen floor?!"

The high pitched half-yells were only intensifying the pressure of the upcoming headache, making Selena flinch while she reached out for the glasses "What do you mean you saw me leave, you're not making any…" she trailed off as she adjusted her glasses. Now, with her vision clear, her eyes zeroed in on the golden moth waiting patiently on the counter…why did she feel like it was watching her? And…wait, she remembered that moth - the fog in her head suddenly lifted. "Oh, that son of a slitherbeast-" she growled, anger spiking so fast it drowned out any sense of the annoying headache she was dreading. She was on her feet in no time, ignoring completely how they wobbled under her, and ran out of the kitchen 

"I'm going to kill her when I find her!"

Katya trotted nervously behind her, anxious that she was back on her feet so fast and still very much confused at what was even going on "Boss, are you okay to be up so fast? What if you faint again…?" The doors of the bakery were thrown open with such might before Selena even touched them, instead being forced open with magic, that all the windows shook alarmingly hard, making Katya flinch in fear that they might break. Hell, she worried that the wooden frames upon which the doors stood may have bent after that. And the angered witch marched out, standing in the middle of the street and glaring down towards the direction of the palace.

"You know what, never mind." The bard let out, holding her hands in front of her defensively.

The bard nervously looked at the door frames, hoping they weren't going to break after that, that she hadn't noticed Selena hold out her arm towards the entrance, eyes never leaving her target. She only realised what was happening when she heard the hatch door to the upstairs apartment slam open and just narrowly managed to move out of the way with a loud yelp before Selena's palisman staff slammed into her. By the time she gathered herself, her boss was already up in the air, a spell circle half-way done in front of her.

"What the hell is going on ?!"

Selena sneered as she finished her tracking spell, a magic arrow shooting out from her spell circle and zooming past the streets, leaving behind a violet trail in the air she could easily follow. "Close the bakery-" She let out harshly, bending over to flatten herself against the staff, so as to minimise wind resistance "-and don't wait up."

And she took off with such speed that the wind managed to knock Katya over.

~*~*~*~*~*~

She was going to kill her, she was going to kill her .

Selena was going to brutally murder that little conniving witch with her own two hands. No goddamn magic necessary.

Cursing loudly when she realised she was starting to go faster than the tracking arrow, she pushed more force into the spell circle that stayed at the front of her staff, the burst of power forcing the arrow to move faster. She heard people yell and curse around her as she swerved through the streets, but she was going by at such a speed that apart from the tone of their voice, she picked up on nothing else.

Titan below, she prayed she wasn't too late. The fear of what would happen to her, to her family , if Leila tampered with the Emperor's food, poisoning him, it burned inside her uncontrollably, only being subdued by the blaze of rage she held for the insolent girl who dared do this in the first place.

She could barely make out the two scouts at the entrance trying to stop her - just a flick of the wrist and a circle drawn with her finger was enough to slam them into opposite sides of the wall. The tracking arrow turned through the halls, and Selena recognised the path as it was leading her to the Throne room.

Oh titan, do not let her be too late.

Shadows rose from the floor, following her command as they raced ahead of her to slam into the guards to the throne room and push them against the doors, forcing them open with a loud bang! and in moments, her eyes zeroed in on who she was looking for.

A carbon copy of her, a nervous grin on their lips, her arms outstretched forward as she presented the boxed cake to Emperor Belos. His hands reaching out to take it from her, his body language relaxed and friendly, as it always was with her. And she saw red, vision tunneling on her double, never once slowing, never once stopping, she pivoted on her staff…

…and she let out a rage filled shriek as she body slammed at full speed into the double.

Pain shot through her shoulder as it made contact at such velocity, but she ignored it, more focused on how the world tumbled around her as she was sent flying across, the impact not doing much in stopping her momentum. Somewhere in her mind, she knew she heard the Emperor's voice, calling to her, but her ears were ringing, her mind only having the capacity to focus on her target. Selena clutches her staff close as she and her double both rolled and skidded across the floor like ragdolls.

However, the oracle had more control over her fall, and it took her less time to recover and jump like a feral beast on top of her disoriented copy, holding the staff with both hands and pushing it over her neck to keep her in place.

"You conniving little wretch !" Selena hissed as she pushed the staff further, making her copy gasp and writhe beneath her "You'd dare abuse my hospitality in this way?!"

Gasping for air, the copy tried pushing her off, but Selena wasn't budging, making her panic. Her eyes darted around, hands clawing up the furious oracle, before she saw the smashed cake to her side, half way out of the delivery box. In desperation, her arm flew towards it, grabbing a fistful of icing, as much as she could reach, some seeping through the gaps between her fingers from how tightly she clenched her fist. And with all her might, she slammed her hand into Selena's face, the icing filling her nose and mouth. The impact only managed to snap her head to the side, but did very little in forcing her off.

Selena sputtered and spat out whatever made its way to her mouth, wiping the rest messily on her shoulder and upper arm without removing her hands from the staff "You little-!" She saw the illusionist stone hanging from a necklace around her neck, and eased the pressure on her staff to grab it, ripping it off with minimum effort. The copy's visage faltered, but didn't fully disappear.

"Please, I'm sorry, don't hurt me please don't hurt-" the copy whined when she saw Selena's hand clench into a fist and snap back. She shut her eyes in fear of it making contact with her face.

The fist flew down, but it just narrowly missed her, instead slamming hard into the marble floor. The sound of the illusionist stone shattering was like a loud shot, sending shockwaves through the eerily quiet throne room, and fragments of the broken spell slipped like smoke through Selena's clenched fingers.

With it broken, the illusion spell was gone and the copy's visage faded, leaving only a terrified Leila in its wake.

Selena raised her fist once more "Now I won't feel bad about messing up your f- hey, HEY!" The oracle let out as she was forcibly removed from Leila, fighting against the scouts dragging her away "Let me go! She deserves it! Let me go !" Her injured shoulder screamed in pain as she struggled in their hold. Somewhere, she registered someone calling her name, but most voices sounded distant to her ears, muffled by the anger that was still ablaze. Once she saw Leila be picked up from the floor by more scouts, the Golden Guard at front with his staff poised to strike at any moment, her anger flared at the sight of her face, and she managed to squirm out of the hands holding her, making one last attempt to jump the damned witch who almost ruined her life.

Alas, she was stopped in her tracks, a new pair of hands gripping her shoulders and manhandling her with ease, pain shooting through her entire arm and sobering her up 

"Selena!" Finally, finally , the Emperor's voice reached her. The familiar comfort of the golden mask, staring down at her, filling her vision.

"What. Happened." Belos didn't ask, he demanded her to answer, his voice low and threatening as his fingers dug in to her shoulders further. Though his grip loosened almost instantly when the girl let out a pained yelp, eyes widening slightly at the reaction.

Pointing an accusing finger, Selena's voice shook with rage as she spoke "She- she is what happened!" She hissed through shallow breaths "She kn-knocked me out and t-ook my place!" Pulling her sleeve over her palm, she started frantically wiping the cake off her face with shaking hands, using too much force, the buttons scratching at her skin "And the cake! The cake!" She hiccuped, feeling angry tears gather in the corner of her eyes, any sense of composure lost "Sh-she wanted to poison you, with my cake, looking like me -" she swallowed the sob in her throat while still wiping her cheek obsessively, the sensation being the only thing keeping her grounded "Putting m-me, m-my family - in danger! Emperor, please believe me, sh-she-"

Gently, as if dealing with a scared animal, Belos took the hand scrubbing at her face in his, pulling it away with soft, reassuring words "Hush, hush now. Calm down, it's okay, it's okay." He goaded her, moving his other hand from her shoulder up to her neck, fingers firmly pressing just under her jaw as his thumb traced soothing circles "It's okay, my little Lena, it's okay. Shhhhh…"

"I believe you."

As if by magic, at those words, her anger melted away, the adrenaline she was running on wore off and instead was replaced by a sense of relief so intense she could barely stand it. As well as the full intensity of the fear she had been pushing down -  feeling like it was going to burst through her chest as her mind finally caught up with everything that happened. The tears that were gathering before finally felt safe enough to spill over; Selena bit her bottom lip to keep her chin from quivering, attempting to keep at least some sense of dignity, though it did little to help.

"She would have hurt you a-and all the blame would be on me-"

As her attention wandered back to the apprehended witch, her face twisted at the sight of her, the muscles in her jaw tightening and lips drawing back in a snarl. Belos places both hands under her jaw, turning her head so the only thing she could see was him, the only thing he allowed her to look at was him, his grip keeping her head locked and unable to move, the mask once more filling her vision, calming, familiar.

"Eyes on me." He ordered, "Don't look at her, just me." His head tilted up and he spoke to the guards behind her "Guards, get that traitor out of my sight." He ordered in an almost inhuman growl, before his attention shifted back to the woman in front of him "Hunter, make sure she is taken to the lowest depths of the conformatorium." He hissed, eyes trained on Selena, as if his words were meant to be a reassurance for her "I never want her to see the light of day again."

"Yes sir." Hunter answered, almost too gleefully, his glare never leaving Leila "Let's go, traitor ."

"N-no, you can't, you-"

"Guards, silence her." Hunter ordered, his voice eerily similar to the way Belos barked out orders earlier.

Leila's mouth zipped shut by one of the guards' spells, lips glued together and nothing but the muffled sounds in her throat escaping her now. And Selena ignored her, every agonised muffle, the mask of gold the only thing she could focus on through her blurred, tear-stained vision.

"I'm so sorry-" she struggled to keep her voice even "-th-this never should have happened…"

Once more, Belos shushed her "Don't worry your pretty little head, Lena, everything is fine." He soothed her, thumbs rubbing away the tears trailing down her cheeks "You're right that this never should have happened, but the fault is mine. I should have been more careful in keeping you safe."

Selena felt her chest clench. It felt heavy, so heavy, as he spoke, she struggled to swallow down every sob that fought to escape, entire body shaking from the effort to keep it all down.

"You're safe here." Belos continued, not letting her look away "You're safe, with me ." He paused, frowning "Selena, breathe. "

Oh. Oh , she forgot to do that. Every part of her was so clenched and taut that she literally stopped breathing. Selena gasped in a breath, the air feeling so cold all of a sudden it was like ice poured down into her lungs, and she flinched, hands flying up to grip her blouse over her chest.

"Good, now out ." Belos goaded her, head tilting to the left "Breathe out for me."

It took effort, the ice in her lungs feeling like it wanted to stop them from moving all together, but she let out the breath she was holding in, shaking on her lips…

…And her eyes widened when out came myst, black and twirling in the air, like ink meeting water.

The panic was almost instant. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth, however as her anxiety spiked so did her breathing quicken, which did little to stop the ice cold myst with each exhale. It threaded finely through her fingers, impossibly black and cold, so cold, her palms felt like they were submerged in snow up on the coldest peak of the Knee. Feeling the Emperor's hold on her falter from the shock of the sight before him, she broke away from his grip and took two steps back, horrified as the pieces fell into place.

"...the poison…" she barely let out as her teeth started to chatter "...she… the icing…."

She saw how Emperor Belos reached for her, but stopped in his tracks, his mask tilting down to gaze upon his own hands. Where he held her, where he took her hand in his, where the icing was smeared over his gloves.

Of course she breathed out, ice burning in her chest, more black wisps leaving her parted lips of course that, in the end, he'd care more for himself.

Of course he'd be afraid of touching her now.

Cold, so cold. She started coughing, each one feeling like her lungs were full of shards. Spreading in her chest, ice growing, growing…

"You're safe, with me." What a joke.

And what a joke that, for a moment, she believed it.

Selena would have laughed, but all that came out was a harsh wheeze, the black wisps coming out in waves, and she shuddered as she felt the cold crawl it's way up her neck. The edges of her vision grew darker. The sounds reaching her became more muffled.

"It's…" she whispered, mist overtaking her sight "...cold…"

Legs gave way under her, and the feeling of falling made her feel so sick, like it lasted for way longer than it should have. Like she was falling for forever. She didn't even remember landing, not really. When did she close her eyes? Were they…even closed?

"...don't…care…..or….der…..fetch...Hettie… NOW!"

…Who was yelling? So far away, so, so far away.

"Se…" they were still speaking, were they under water? Was she? "...na…se……le…"

She could barely feel it at first, but there was a pressure just below her eyebrow, before it pulled up. Her eye stung as her eyelid was forced open, and she flinched at the light. So, they were closed, afterall. Huh. She didn't remember closing them.

Not like it did anything, besides the light, she could barely see anything else, just moving shapes and gold .

Calming…familiar…

Gold, like the sun.

And…there was blue. Beautiful blue she rarely saw anywhere. Hiding behind the shadows of the gold, but she saw it, clear as day.

She inhaled deeply as the sense of peace at something so familiar overtook her. Unfortunately she forgot every breath felt like a fist of ice clutched her lungs tighter, and her entire body convulsed, pulling in on itself as she so desperately tried to get any warmth back in her bosom. But she couldn't, something or som eone holding her, leaving her unable to fully curl into a foetal position as her body craved. A pathetic whimper left her lips, not being able to vocalise more.

"...o…y…oka….you're o…" she felt how close they were to her, but the voice was just so far away. They moved her, and her face was pressed into cloth, the grip around her tight and secure. It made breathing harder, but there was warmth behind the fabric, and it made her chest ache just a sliver less, so she welcomed it.

"...you're…okay…" the voice rumbled close to her, through the warmth, it felt like it enveloped her now.

Selena sighed. It was so cold. And sleep felt so inviting.

"I have you, you're okay."

~*~*~*~*~*~

She was drowning.

There was nothing but darkness, black as the night sky if it were robbed of its moon and its stars.

And she was drowning as she sunk further down.

Selena remembered hearing older witches tell her all about how your life flashes before your eyes at times like these. "Oh, this is it, isn't it?" They'd think, dignity and clarity of mind never leaving them, even in their darkest hours. Disappointing, then, that she had no such moment, her mind blank of any big finale.

Disappointing. She was disappointing. That's all she ever was.

She sank lower.

It was strange how her eyes didn't burn in whatever it was robbing her of her breath, even as she stared into the ink black void. She assumed they were open, at least, because, for a moment there, something flickered in the distance.

She squinted, trying to get a closer look, the flicker of light growing stronger, more prominent, as if getting…closer? A yellow light, no wait. Not yellow.

Gold .

Eyes widening, she reached out her hand towards it, with much difficulty as her limbs felt heavy.

It came closer and closer, until it touched the tips of her fingers. She couldn't…quite tell what it was, but it was a beautiful gold, glimmering and shining. Comforting and calming, warm , like the Sun, washing her in light. And the gold turned into strings, extending up from her fingertips, threads leading up far above.

And suddenly, she was being pulled up.

And suddenly, she was out of the oppressing ink.

And suddenly, she was no longer drowning.

Selena gasped for air, strings everywhere entangled with her limbs and keeping her upright, even as her knees gave way. It took her a moment to remember how to breathe again, to gather her strength enough to raise her head and look up above, greeted by ever changing colours of a world the likes she has never seen before. And the threads of gold, keeping her up like a marionette, stretching up and all leading to…

Moths.

There were…dozens of them. Beautiful, glimmering moths made of shimmering gold, who pulled on the strings that helped her, held her from falling. They fluttered above her, flying in circles and eights.

There was one, noticeably bigger than the rest. While the smaller ones flew above, it came closer to her, right in front of her face, and despite her innate dislike of them, Selena didn't flinch, nor did she feel the usual goosebumps the creepy crawlies gave her. Instead, all she felt was safe. They were safe, they wanted to keep her safe.

She opened her mouth - it took a moment for her voice to come out "...hello?" She let out, and cringed at how hoarse she sounded.

The moth landed on her forehead, right at the base of her hairline, making Selena close her eyes and sigh.

"Time to wake up, now."

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was dark once more, when she opened her eyes again. But this time, it was a natural darkness, brought upon by the shroud of the night sky, the stars and moon bathing everything in a soft, cosy glow. And above, she no longer saw the colours shifting and squirming, but the top of a canopy bed on which she lay.

Wait, a canopy bed? She doesn't have a canopy bed, what the hell-

That train of thoughts had to be put on hold, as unfortunately Selena was sent into a coughing fit once her body was finally aware that it was awake. It brought back the feeling of ice in her chest, now simmered down to an uneasy frost, and it made her turn to her side and curl into herself to find warmth. Something which proved to be a feat in itself thanks to the literal piles of blankets and comforters on top of her, a noticeable weight to be sure.

It was, however, moments later that she discovered she wasn't alone, as a steady hand gently coaxed her to lie on her back once again. Once she whined, she heard a voice address her sweetly.

"I know, I know." He shushed softly "But you must lie like this, it helps expel the frostmyst faster."

Selena blinked once, twice, before she realised she couldn't actually blink the slight blur away - she didn't have her glasses on. Thankfully, being nearsighted, she could make out who it was seated on the edge of the bed near her in the shroud of the night.

"Emperor…Belos?" Her throat felt cold and dry, so much so that it hurt to speak and swallow, and the discomfort was very audible as she spoke.

It was, indeed, the Emperor, but in a much… different appearance than what she was used to. Long gone were the long, elegant cloak and cowl which kept all of him hidden, instead he wore casual, comfortable clothings she never could have imagined him in. An off-white long sleeved blouse, with a high collar, tucked haphazardly into a pair of dark sleeping trousers. And while the mask was still in place, shielding his face from view, with the cowl gone his hair was free; beautiful and cared for, it was long and light in colour, tied back loosely so it was kept out of the way, but stray locks still fell out of the ponytail and framed his mask.

He looked so… normal . Just a man, not a caulous Emperor, not the most powerful witch to ever have graced the isles. Just a man, nothing more.

"You're…awake." He smiled behind the mask, fingers gently grazing over her forehead "I knew you'd wake, but…" he trailed off, that last one seemed like it was mostly a reassurance for himself. Belos' shoulders slumped as he exhaled with relief, the way his body relaxed made it seem like it was taut and stressed for a while now.

His hand moved away from her face, moving down to hunt for her own which she managed to fish out of the many covers earlier. He took her hand into his, giving it a squeeze, and kept it in his hold as he turned away from her to use a crystal ball that was set on the night table. With a simple touch, the crystal ball lit up a bright purple, magic establishing a connection to who he wanted to see.

"Hettie, she is awake." The Emperor spoke, though Selena couldn't see into the crystal ball from where she was lying. "I require your presence immediately, if you please."

"I will be there as soon as possible, my lord." She heard a woman speak "In the meantime, just make sure she is warm and breathing regularly, the frostmyst needs to flow out of her lungs."

"Of course, thank you Hettie."

While he spoke with this Hattie, Selena took her time to look around the dim room. While she couldn't see quite everything, thanks to both her missing glasses and the night time shrouding the room, it was easy to see the size and lavish decor of the room. The canopy bed upon which she lay was huge, with thick drapes tied to the carved out bed poles, and she was laid on top of way too many pillows that kept her upper body somewhat propped up. The many layers of blankets and comforters she took note of already, pressing her down into the bed and making moving just a little harder than it had to be. But despite them, she didn't feel overheated, instead just a little bit chilly. Not uncomfortably so, but it was jarringly noticeable when juxtaposed with the blankets that by all accounts should have made her horribly hot.

A squeeze on her hand brought her back from exploring the room she was in, and she turned her head back to the Emperor, who had finished his conversation, the crystal ball he spoke through now dim. She watched as he lifted her hand up, limp in his hold, and brought it up to his face, pressing her knuckles against his mask where his lips would be.

"I was…" Belos spoke as he held her hand pressed to his mask "...afraid, I must admit, of the prospect that you may not wake." He sighed heavily "How are you feeling, Selena?"

Selena swallowed even though it made her throat feel like it was covered with pins "I'm…still a little chilly." She rasped wearily, "Though not as much as before, the cold doesn't hurt anymore." She grimaced a little bit, squinting her eyes "What time is it? Wh-where am I, even?" She gasped "Pip! Where is my palisman?!" Selena clutched the Emperor's hand as her anxiety spiked "I was so careless when flying with him, is he alright?!"

Belos lowered her hand to the bed again, still holding it securely "Your palisman is fine." He assured her "He's in the sitting room, unharmed, but shaken. I'll let him in after Hettie checks up on you." Once he saw her calm down, he continued "It is close to midnight, I think. Still the same day, and as for where you are, you're still in the palace." He explained slowly, as to not overwhelm her "Currently, however, you are in my chambers, where I can keep watch over you."

"In your- huh ?!" Eyes widening, Selena suddenly felt immensely warm, cheeks burning hotter than the boiling isles. She struggled in the heavy blankets as she tried to get away, realising exactly in whose bed she was "Titan below, I am so s-sorry to intrude like this! This is incredibly improper, I'm so, so sorry, oh Titan!" She panicked and flailed, fighting the blankets for her dear life.

She was, however, promptly forced back down, two hands firmly pressing down on her shoulders and holding her pinned down to the bed.

Oh Titan, he was above her. The Emperor was above her, pinning her to the bed. Titan smite her right now-

" Calm down ." Belos ordered her firmly "You are here on my orders, and you will stay here until you are free of the frostmyst in your lungs." His voice was harsh and unwavering, letting her know that, in no terms, would he be accepting any complaints from her on this decision. "Are we understood?"

Selena, not trusting her voice, could do nothing more but give a weak nod.

"Good." Belos titled his head slightly, and Selena was instantly aware of that -by now familiar- feeling of his eyes observing her with uncanny concentration. "Your worries are entirely unfounded, Selena. Afterall-" one hand moved from her shoulder, tracing over her collar bone and resting on her neck "-I get to decide what is or isn't improper."

Her breath hitched in her throat, the implications of his words lying heavy on her chest, making her mind go hazy. She felt his eyes burn into her, unwavering and unrelenting.

As she opened her mouth to speak, though she was uncertain exactly what she planned to say to him, he was off of her faster than she could blink, back on the edge of the bed where he sat before. Honestly, it was close to convincing Selena she may have hallucinated the whole ordeal in the first place, if the ghost of his palm didn't feel like hot coals where it held her.

What in the world-

"Good evening, Emperor." A new voice intruded, letting themselves into the room with no hesitation and a hint of familiarity "Has our Lady finally awoken?"

Our Lady???

"She is awake and aware, just like you said she would be, Hettie." Belos informed courtly "She says she still feels the chill, though it doesn't cause her pain anymore."

The newcomer finally came close enough for Selena to see her, and she instantly recognised them as the Head of the Healing Coven, Hettie Cutburn. A tall brawny witch, with most of her face covered by a veil, though at this time of night her eccentric headwear was missing, replaced instead by a silken scarf wrapped around her head.

"That is to be expected, the potion I had Vitimir make has expelled most of the frostmyst out of her lungs, keeping her safe from freezing, but the rest has to evaporate on its own." Hettie rounded the bed, creating a light orb in her hand to add some illumination to the dim room. She took a seat opposite of Belos. "How are you feeling, my Lady?" She asked, taking Selena's hand into her own, pressing down to feel her pulse with her fingers. With her other hand, she made a spell circle, various glyphs and letters scrolling inside it as Hattie read them. "Still feeling the frost?"

"Y-yes, ma'am. It's still cold, but I'm just comfortable enough under all these blankets." Selena answered.

"Hmm." Hettie let out, deep in thought "Your pulse is a bit alieviated, and your body temperature is slightly above expected this far in to the treatment. You seem to be recovering a little faster than my prognosis."

Selena puffed her cheeks and looked away in embarrassment "Yeah, I wonder why." She muttered under her breath. Tho by turning her head away from Hettie, she made the grievous mistake of facing Belos instead, who was very obviously staring at her, probably unblinking. Selena flushed and just settled for staring at the canopy ceiling.

"Your vitals are beautiful, my lady, exactly what I love to see!" Hettie exclaimed cheerfully, letting go of her wrist "You should be right as rain by tomorrow afternoon, dearie!" She waved her hand away and the magic circle disappeared "What a relief! Then again, I knew a fighter like you would not let a little cursed frost from the Knee Lake bring them down easily." The healer chuckled "Your heroics have been the talk of the entire Palace, my Lady."

"O-oh, that sounds absolutely dreadful." Selena whined "I wish it wasn't - it was no big deal, really it wasn't."

She felt Belos take hold of her hand once again "It is very much so a big deal , Selena." He spoke "You endangered your life for my own. The amount of poison you ingested was minimal, barely a speck compared to what a full bite would have done, and it managed to take you out in mere minutes." He turned his head away in thought "If I or Hunter had taken even one single bite, we would have been turned to black ice almost instantaneously."

Oh. Selena blinked owlishly, the weight of how dangerously close she came to death finally settling in. She only felt…cold, and then she fell asleep. Was it really that bad?

…what was that dream she had, about drowning? There was a golden moth, too, wasn't there?

As she laid there, deep in thought, Hettie sat up from the bed and strolled over to the Emperor's side "Now as I said, she needs sleep and warmth. Make sure she gets both, my lord." She clasped her hands together "Warming her from the inside works wonders as well."

"I have soup and tea waiting eagerly for her." Belos got up as well, getting ready to escort her out. "I want to prioritize her rest first."

"Good, good. As you should." The two stood at the door, just out of Selena's earshot "I'd wish you would prioritize your rest as well, Emperor."

"Rest is for the wicked, my dear Hettie." Belos chuckles.

"Oh, speaking of." Hettie put a hand to her mouth as she moves in to whisper "Osran's protige is still waiting outside of your chambers, he fell asleep on a chair he brought. Should I ask him to leave?"

Belos sighed "That would be her uncle, he must be worried." He explained "Can you please inform him that Selena had awoken and is lucid? I don't want him to worry, but Selena still needs to rest, you see…"

The healing witch put one hand to his shoulders "Do not worry, I shall speak to him and ease his worries." She turned to leave, raising her voice so both could hear "Rest easy, both of you. The worst is over."

"Thank you, head coven Hettie." Selena called out from her place on the bed.

"Oh, please, just Hettie will do." She chuckled and left, Belos following after her to let her out.

"E-emperor?" Selena called out, stopping him in his steps.

"Yes, Selena?"

"Would it…" she started nervously "Would it be alright for Pip to stay with me during the night, please?"

He looked at her from over his shoulder. "That should be no problem at all." He left the room, leaving Selena alone.

Now, in the silence of the spacious royal quarters, Selena did her best not to think. Because if she did, she felt like she might have a full breakdown. She closed her eyes and tried to tune everything out, to pretend like everything was normal. She prayed and hoped for Belos to return soon, finding his presence to be a better option than being alone with her own thoughts. Feeling tears well up, she raised her hand to place it on her forehead, taking deep breaths as she tried to keep herself calm.

Seeing Belos enter the room once more actually made her release a sigh of relief. She felt herself smile at the sight of him.

"Here we go." Belos took his seat at the edge once more, holding something nestled in his arm. "It seems he is a bit tired, so maybe it would be best for both of you to go to sleep."

Selena held out her hands, Belos transferring the bundle of feathers into her awaiting arms. Pip, indeed, was at the end of his rope, barely awake and already limp in her hands when she brought him close to her chest. "Hey, buddy, hey." Selena sniffled a little, choking back a sob "Oh, you're not hurt, I'm so glad. I was such a moron, I could have cracked you…" she brought her hand up to wipe her eyes, stopping the tears before they could fall. Pip let out soft caws and she laughed "Yes, yes, I'm fine, I just got my check up, I'll be alright." She looked up at Belos "Right?"

"Hettie is the finest medic in the Boiling Isles." Belos assured her as he reached for her, threading his fingers through her hair "And if she trusts you'll make a full recovery, then it must be true."

Selena smiled, feeling so tired and emotionally exhausted that she welcomed his touch. "There, you heard the Emperor. Go to sleep, sweet heart of mine." She brought up the sleepy bird to kiss the top of his head, before placing him down on her chest. As soon as he heard the beating of her heart, he was out as a light, snoring softly. She turned once more to Belos "Emperor…I do not know how I can ever thank you for the kindness you've shown to me."

The man chuckled "How about you start by getting some rest?" He brought up humorously.

Selena let out a soft laugh at this, the corner of her eyes crinkling in mirth. "I'll try my best." she said sleepily, eyes fluttering over him, once again being hit by just how...normal he looked. "I hope I'm not being too bold with my words, my lord but…" she smiled weakly as a yawn escaped her "Your hair. It is very lovely."

Belos tilted his head silently, absorbing her words. He turned his head away from her and touched the strands that fell in front, inspecting them "...is that so?" He hummed, deep in thought.

It took him a couple of moments before he turned back to her, leaning over her and pressing a hand to her forehead. A dim red light lit up the room, coming from the tips of his fingers.

"Time to sleep, now." He whispered. The magic from his fingers seeped into Selena, relaxing her muscles and she felt her eyelids flutter shut.

"Mm…good night…Emperor…" Selena muttered in a daze, magic lulling her fully into a deep sleep in a matter of seconds.

Belos remained where he was, letting himself indulge a couple of moments more. Just watching her. Now that he could, without her feeling uneasy. He sighed and rested his forehead against hers, cursing the mask for a brief moment as it stood between them. 

He knew she'd wake. 

There was no plausible outcome where she wouldn't. Yet it still wracked his nerves waiting for the first critical hours to pass, even with the knowledge it would be fine. She would be fine. She had no choice but to. So he took a moment, just to breathe, just to be near her, finding solace in knowing she was alright.

Once he had his fill, Belos stood and headed for the door. He stopped, one hand placed on the wooden frame and looked back to the sleeping maiden occupying his bed.

"Sweet dreams, o' witch of mine."

[lovelyfanatical]

I Get a Sugar Rush Whenever I'm With You - Chapter 9.4

Hello, fellow Drukkari stans! We have reached the end of Week 9!!! Which means next week will kick off the FINAL CHAPTER!!!!! If you've missed any other installments up to this point, you can find them on my Table of Contents here. You can also find me on AO3, but you'll need an account to read it. Last time, Druig and Makkari cleared the air, but Druig's bad day could cost him a place in the final. Will this be his last week in the competition? FInd out now, in the next mini-chapter of Drukkari in the Great British Bake Off!

As morning came, Druig came into the final challenge with a clear head. There was a good chance that he was going home, but he wanted to go out on a high note if he could. Their final challenge that week was to create snow globes out of sugar glass. Druig had opted to use silicon molds for his, and while he'd broken quite a few of them at home, he had a feeling he'd do better today.

The other elements were easy enough to complete, which left him with plenty of time to extract his sugar glass domes. The first one broke almost immediately, but Druig wasn't discouraged. After all, he had an extra. He took his time with the next one, getting it all out in one piece. The rest followed quickly, and soon, all Druig had to do was fit them over his decorated cakes. He got the first two on quickly, but he dropped the third, leaving it cracked. Unfortunately, he'd already used his spare, so the cracked one would have to do.

Even with the crack, the judges were impressed. His wintry decorations were intricate and carefully constructed. The cake itself was perfectly baked, and the judges praised his flavors - apple with quite a few spices. It was simple, but extremely effective.

As the bakers headed into the waiting area, Gil fell into step next to him.

"Great job today, Druig," he said.

"Thanks, Gil."

Phastos fell into step on the other side as Gil went ahead.

"So?" he said quietly but expectantly.

"I talked to her. We're good," Druig responded.

"Oh, good. Now I don't have to try to avoid you two in a tent with only one other person."

Druig chuckled as Phastos went ahead to sit with Gil anyway. As he did, Makkari appeared at Druig's side.

Hey, you did great today! she said, smiling softly.

Thanks, he replied as they sat down together.

Maybe you'll be joining me in the final next week after all.

I dunno about that.

Please, let me have this. While I still can, she pleaded. Druig looked up to find a mixture of emotions on Makkari's face. It seemed she had come to the same conclusion he had. Although he felt that he had redeemed himself today, he'd still had a pretty bad day yesterday while the rest of them had only heard praise. There was no denying he was at the bottom of the pile, as the judges would confirm shortly. But the blend of determination and desperation in Makkari's eyes called for an exception.

Okay, he said after he finished appraising her expression. She grinned at him gratefully before changing the subject.

-

Druig was surprised at how long they had to wait to be called back. He liked thinking that it wasn't an easy decision for the judges to make, even if he was the obvious choice. Still all too soon, they were seated together, Druig on the end next to Makkari. As they waited a bit longer, she reached over and squeezed his hand. When she didn't pull away, he turned his own hand over and interlaced their fingers.

As always, the hosts announced Star Baker first. Kingo could barely contain his excitement as he interpreted, his eyes going wide and face lighting up when he signed Makkari's name. Her mouth fell open in shock. Phastos and Gil raised their hands to applaud silently, their smiles nearly eclipsing their faces. Druig applauded with one hand, as Makkari was still holding the other. She turned to him and grinned brightly as she squeezed his hand again.

They settled down again as they awaited the moment of truth. The hosts only dragged it out a little, and when they announced Druig's name, he only nodded and smiled sadly. Despite the death grip she'd been using to hold his hand, Makkari's hand disappeared from his in an instant as she threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him off his stool. As he returned the hug, he felt a few more sets of arms wrapping around them as Gil, Phastos, and even Kingo joined in.

When they finally pulled away, Druig saw Makkari wiping her eyes and realized his shoulder was soaked in tears. Makkari was looking away, trying to hide her face, but his hand found hers again and offered her a reassuring squeeze, which she returned. Before either of them could say anything, Darcy was already rushing over with tissues.

"For you," she offered before turning to Kingo. "And what do you think you're doing? You almost knocked over a camera running in like that!"

"Sorry, boss. I know it wasn't professional, but I couldn't help myself," he replied sheepishly. "I promise it won't happen again."

"It better not!" she scolded. "Nearly ruined the shot."

"Does that mean they'll use it?"

"We'll see. It was a pretty good group hug."

-

On the train ride back together, they were sitting quietly when Druig noticed that Makkari had begun crying again. He tapped her on the arm before asking, Hey, what's wrong?

I just can't believe you won't be in the tent with me next week, she replied, doing her best to hold in her tears.

Maybe not, but I'll still be there cheering you on outside, he said with a soft smile.

Makkari smiled back through her tears, then asked, How are you so okay with this?

Druig thought carefully as he gave his answer. I may have screwed up yesterday, but I'm proud of what I did today. I'm also proud that I made it to the semi-final. I mean, out of twelve people, we were two of the four that made it this far. And I'm proud of you for getting Star Baker. You deserve it.

I still can't believe it! she said excitedly, trying to dry the tears.

Hey, if I were Arishem, I would've given it to you much sooner.

As Druig had hoped, this drew a chuckle from Makkari.

At the station, Makkari wrapped her arms around him once again. Druig's arms wound tightly around her, and they stayed like that for several moments. Eventually, and yet all too soon, they pulled away and went their separate ways. As he walked, Druig pulled out his phone to send a text:

I think I'll take that drink now.

-

Makkari's a star, but Druig is out. Where do we go from here? (The writer says when she's already written the next part 😉)

Part 34

[itsscromp]

Miguel O'Hara x reader platonic

Hey again everyone, as of time when I post this it'll officially be my birthday in 1 weeks time, so what better to celebrate than by giving you all a birthday fic with 2099 himself, let's dive right into it. word count:1.1K

Since joining the society, you have accomplished many things, some of which you thought you weren't even capable of, All thanks to help from Miguel. He was the one person you could always count on.

The day before your birthday as he was looking through the universes to find potential anomalies, Lylla spoke up.

"You do know it's y/n's birthday tomorrow miggy"

"Lylla I told you not to call me that"

"Sorry chief, but I am right about the birthday part"

"Are you sure ??"

Lylla then pulls up your file and read through.

"Yep Y/B/D is just as correct"

Miguel was slowly now starting to freak out, he wanted to do something special for you, but since it was tomorrow how could he find the time.

"Qué debo hacer, Qué debo hacer" (What do I do, What do I do)

"Maybe take them to a movie ??"

No no, he couldn't do that, he wanted to show how much you meant to him. how much he loved you. After laying in bed staring at the ceiling, he had an idea.

"Lylla !!"

*yawns* Lylla's hologram popped up, she looked like she was sleeping too. "This better be good"

"I have an idea"

The next day.

Today was your birthday, another lap around the sun. well, now another lap around the multiverse. You didn't feel much older other than knowing it was your birthday, It was exciting as you got to spend it with your bestest friends in the multiverse. As soon as you woke up, Ben barged into your room with a party horn.

*party horn noises* "Happy birthday pal !!!"

"Hey ben thank you" you smiled at him

He then wraps an arm around your neck and gets you in a gentle and playful chock hold

"This is called a chocker hold, I'm using my bicep to constrict you so i can noogie your head" He did so, stuffing up your hair

"Ben !!" You laughed, managing to get out of the hold and hugged him tightly. "Thank you"

Ben happily hugged you back just as tight "Anything for my best friend"

"Who has completed another 365 days around the sun, They have been such a bright light in my life.."

You didn't care if he was narrating again, He was there.

"Come on, some of the other spider people have a surprise for you."

the two then swung to were some of the other spider-society members had a little party for you.

"Surprise !!" Gwen was there, Hobie was there, pavitar was there, Peter B and mayday too.

"You guys..." You looked around finding the decorations and the cake.

"Happy birthday y/n" Gwen ran up to you and hugged you tightly.

"Oh my gosh, this is amazing !!!, Y/n is also amazing !!" pavitar spoke up.

"This day is yours mate, You do you and don't let anyone tell ya how. Hobie spoke up and ruffled your hair.

You then heard babbling as a certain spider baby crawled up behind your back and placed a gentle kiss on your cheek.

"Y/n !!!"

"Mayday also says happy birthday kiddo"

You smiled as you then held mayday and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you guys so much"

"Alright, who's ready for cake !!!" Pavitar was super excited as he spent all day baking it, infusing an array of sweets and spices into it.

As you gathered and chatted and laughed, you noticed one person missing, Miguel.

You knew he wasn't the gathering type but you were sure he would make today an exception.

"I wonder where Miguel is."

"Oh bro ain't the birthday type" Hobie immediately

"Come to think of it, He hasn't really celebrated any birthdays" Gwen spoke up.

"No No, he did celebrate this little one's birthday when she turned 1" Peter B gently bounced Mayday as she giggled "Isn't that right my sweet cheeks ??" He gently kisses her head.

"I'll go and find him."

You then ventured to Miguel's base.

"I wish you luck y/n !!!" pavitar shouted

Entering the base and ignoring the creepy nearly completed suit-looking thing, you looked up to see Miguel not on his platform.

"Miguel ??!! You here ??"

Miguel was hiding, Lylla alerted him of your imminent arrival having prepared his idea, he set it into motion.

The room suddenly went dark.

'Miguel ??..." You then saw the familiar digital droplet falling down and blooming into the tree you saw when you first met the society.

"What's going on ??"

But when the webs were forming, something was different. Instead of the canon events of every single Spider-Man, it was just you and Miguel, all the moments where smiles and laughs were shared.

You smiled looking through all of these events, Looking back at your favorite ones.

"Miguel did you see that !!!!" You saw one event where you caught your first anomaly. Miguel was so so proud of you that day.

"I did y/n, Great job." he patted your shoulder before the two of you brought it back to the society.

"Ok... so if x equals that then the web shooters would be able to extend further than they normally would" In one event you were making modifications to your web shooters to make them extend further as they were having some trouble shooting.

"That should be correct. Give it a go Niño" (Kiddo)

You then aimed your web shooters at the test dummy which was further than usual. shooting at it, the webs stuck to the dummy.

"Miguel we did it !!!!" You smiled widely at him

"Look at you go little genius" He ruffled your hair A proud dad moment.

"Come on Miguel just one game please." You managed to bring your games console back from your universe and convinced Miguel to play just one round with you.

"Ok Ok just one round"

But one round turned to multiple, he was having so much fun with you.

"Your going down y/n."

"Oh no your not !!"

But at the last minute surprisingly Miguel pulled a combo move on you, eventually making the game his for the taking.

"Guess I can say I'm the ultimate Spider-Man and gamer" He even did somewhat of a victory dance which got you laughing.

Seeing all of this made you smile wide, You've shared a lot of fond memories with Miguel.

The webs disappeared and the room lit up again.

"Happy birthday y/n" Miguel came out of his hiding spot, smiling widely.

"Miguel..." Your happy tears brew as you rush to him and hug him tightly. He wrapped his strong arms around you, hugging you just as tight.

"I loved it... thank you so much"

"I love you Niño, so so much, happy birthday"

Lylla appeared blowing her party horn and popping digital party streamers. "Happy birthday to the one and only Y/N !!!"

The smile not leaving your face all day. you just witnessed the greatest birthday gift of all time. Miguel spent all night organizing each event into one web. You couldn't have asked for a greater birthday gift than that.

taglist: @callofdudes

[star-vessel1237]

I think Trey would have Shortmon for a partner. It got lost in the school's kitchen and saw an undecorated cake Trey left behind.

With the desire of a patisserie, it immediately began decorating. Trey came back when it just finished and they have a stare off for a moment.

Later...

Trey, Shortmon in hand: Hey, uh... Is this yours?

Baal!Yuu: ... How-

Thank you @emeraldtart for the suggestion. Although, I am tempted to actually make this Trey's partner.

Anyway, let's see how the two met.

(A/N: Sorry if Trey is written out of character.)

(Takes place post Heartslabyul Chapter)

Shortmon used to help out at a bakery as a hologram ghost

They were trying to get sugar for the bakery before getting hit by the black carriage

When they awoke in the mirror chamber, Shortmon decided to try and look around school to try and find out where they are

"Is this a university?" they wondered aloud, their voice a faint echo in the huge hallways.

Shortmon wandered until they picked up the scent of something sweet from the cafeteria

They saw an unattended two layer cake coated in pink frosting

Shortmon wondered why it was here before they noticed a small piece paper on the kitchen island

It seemed to have the description of the cake, the only thing missing from the cake was the decorations

While they could have just left it, Shortmon couldn't help themselves and decided to decorate the cake

Adding blue frosting flowers and white trimming to the cake

They were a little confused with having the cake saying 'Very Merry Unbirthday' but oh well, it wasn't their place to question it

At the moment they were done writing it however, Trey walked in

He went out to get something for the cake, and didn't expect to find the small cake-like digimon decorating the cake

(That one Ratatouille scene where Linguine just stares at Remy when he's fixing the soup.)

Of course both are shocked seeing each other and this is how their first interaction plays out:

"Who-who are you?" Trey asked motioning towards the digimon. Just as he did Shortmon rushed into a cabinet out of panic before shutting the door.

Trey walked over to where the strange creature had fled, but stopped when he noticed the cake. It looked remarkable. The flowers looked so delicate that you could mistake them as real ones at a first glance, the frosting trim looked completely symmetrical from all angles, and while the spelling was a bit messy it didn't degrade the look of the rest of the cake.

Trey looked at the cake then back at the cabinet, before crouching down and giving it a slight knock.

"Excuse me, can you hear me?" he asked. No reply came, only a slight creak as the door opened a bit, some of the creature's head being visible.

"Did you decorate that cake just now?" Shortmon nodded.

"You did a great job. It looks fantastic." Trey saw the door open a bit more, the digimon's eyes sparkling as they asked, "Really?"

"Yep," Trey motioned his hand out toward's the cake digimon. Hesitating, they took the humans hand and walked out of the cabinet.

"What's your name?"

"Shortmon, ... umm... "

Trey had to hold back a small laugh at the fitting name for the digimon before answering, "Trey, Trey Clover. Now, how about we box up the cake before I take you to someone who might be able to help?"

Trey then took Shortmon over to Ramshackle to see if Baal!Yuu could help the poor digimon, but they were... preoccupied at the moment

Apparently before Trey found Shortmon, Ace and Deuce had found their own digimon

Both of which were causing havoc in their dorm by fighting with the ghost and Grim

Besides, Ramshackle isn't in the best condition to house Shortmon ( plus Grim tried to eat Shortmon and they're scared of ghosts) so they decide to stay in Heartslabyul

Shortmon and Trey get along really well, the digimon and him often making small talk and bonding when cooking and baking

Also Baal!Yuu is questioning how many more digimon are going to be coming to Twisted Wonderland and why (They started setting up a theory board somewhere in the dorm, red string and all)

Hope you enjoyed the post!

[rogersideup]

*bang bang bang* FBI OPEN UP!

Ma'am it's illegal to write this good! We have to arrest you... unless you give us a preview of an upcoming fic.

‼️🚨🚔My hands are up where you can see them, I’m not looking for any trouble!🚔🚨‼️

Here’s a preview of an upcoming series that still doesn’t have a name, hope you all enjoy.

Untitled series chapter 1:

Welcome to Greenwood

The sound of the bell rattling on the front door pulled your mind away from the cake on the rotating stand in front of you and the piping bag in your hand. Coincidentally, you had just sent your cashier to break so you moved your work station to the decorating desk visible to the doorframe into the kitchen of your bakery, allowing you to see the customers as they walked in.

"Hey there, honey! I'll be right with ya'." You greeted the customer as you piped out the final details on the custom ordered cake you had spent the last half an hour perfecting.

"No worries, take your time." A polite voice responded.

Your head immediately turned at the sound of the deep and slightly raspy voice you had never heard before. In a scanty little town like Greenwood, you swore just about every friendly face within thirty miles of your bakery had stopped by for a treat at least once. You could recognize just about anyone with a blindfold on and nothing but the sound of a friendly greeting, but that charming bass was one you'd be sure to recognize if you've heard it before.

It belonged to a face you'd also be sure to recognize. An over six-foot stunner with blue eyes, a nicely groomed beard, and what looked like dirty blonde hair hidden behind a baseball cap.

You grinned before looking back at your cake, trying to process the new specimen in the lobby. It only took a few seconds before placing the piping bag down and ripping off your gloves, curiously walking out to behind the counter to help him out.

"Sorry about that, what can I get'cha?" Since you closed most of the distance, nothing but the bake case between you two, you got to notice more detail.

There was some serious muscle happening underneath the black long sleeved shirt he was wearing. Also, he was really good at picking out jeans that fit him perfectly in all the right places. Oh, and there was just a dash of green in the blue of his eyes.

"Just a chocolate chip cookie please." He asked timidly. You could tell he felt a little out of place, rocking back and forth on his heels in attempts to sooth his unsettled energy.

"Anything else?" You grinned.

"No thank you." He gently shook his head and walked over to the register as you put his cookie in a pastry bag.

"Okay but I'm giving you two cookies, because I think anyone who only gets one cookie is lying to themselves." You called out with a friendly smile, earning a chuckle from the man.

It allowed you to get a good look at his smile. He had pretty pink lips and perfect pearly whites.

Now, it was time for the investigative process you perfected to the tee. It usually started with an extra cookie and a big sparkling smile, followed by some friendly questions, and ending with a 'hope to see you again sometime soon'. You didn't mean to be invasive, really, you just needed to have all the answers when your neighbor, Georgia, asks for more information once you inevitably ask her if she knows anything about the new stunner in town.

"Well thank you, I appreciate that." He grinned, pulling the wallet out of his jeans.

"I don't think I've seen you around before, are you driving through?" You asked.

Steve shifted once more as he thought about how to answer this question. Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. His face had been plastered on every the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. If he was still in the 40's he was sure his face would take the place of the missing persons on the sides of milk cartons.

It had been just a few long months, just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, it had calmed down enough for him to feel comfortable trying to settle down for as long as he safely could.

He finally found someone to rent him a house in a town quaint enough for his liking that was willing to accept under the table cash payments in rent, no proof of income, and didn't ask too many questions.

"I'm actually moving to Greenwood in the next couple days, I just picked up the keys to my new place. Saw the bakery sign and decided to stop by, figured a new start is grounds for a little celebrating." Steve explained, convincing enough.

All he could do was cross his fingers in hopes you didn't care about politics or the news enough to recognize his face.

"Really? What made you want to move here?"

He shrugged, and his lips stretched into a straight line. "Just wanted to go somewhere quiet and relaxing I guess. You know, the simple life."

"Well, most people here spend their days chasing something a bit more exciting and busy. I think you're in for exactly what you hoped for" You reassured him. "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't catch your name?"

The pet name that seemed to run off your tongue without a second thought felt warm and welcoming to him. In the big city, a sentiment like that was a title that was typically earned, but here it was given with almost an immediate understanding that everyone around was inherently good and trustworthy. He almost didn't want to tell you his name so he could keep hearing the word slip passed your lips.

"Oh, sorry!" He apologized. "I'm Steven."

Steven? Really? Already off to a bad start. He told himself when he settled down for a bit he'd be distant to the people around him. Never get too close, never tell the truth, go by an alias. But for some reason, he just couldn't get himself to lie to you. You just seemed too sweet for that.

"Well, Steven," You handed him the bag of cookies, he hesitated to take them from you. "Everyone who decides to make a home out of Greenwood deserves a warm welcome. Here's to a quiet and relaxing new start."

🫣🥹🫡

[ailendolin]

Thanktival 2022 - Day 5 - Yonderland

Title: Missing Pieces [AO3]

Characters: Cake Lady Edith/Cake Lady Lynn/ Cake Lady Sue

Prompt: Cake Bake by the Lake

Summary: Edith learns about one of Lynn and Sue's Thanktival traditions and finds her place in their relationship.

A/N: Since we celebrate Christmas on the 24th here in Germany - merry Christmas and happy Thanktival to you all!

————

Missing Pieces

The first year Edith celebrated Thanktival with Sue and Lynn, she’d expected the usual: trees with googly eyes, Chompus decorations, sparkly garlands and presents that were thoughtful but would ultimately remain unopened.

What she had not expected was to find Lynn in the kitchen the day before Thanktival eve, baking cookies in numbers that would feed an entire army. Two, perhaps.

“Is there a competition happening I don’t know about?” Edith asked cautiously as she placed her last minute shopping down on the floor since every other surface was currently covered in cookies.

Lynn looked at her over her shoulder and chuckled. “Oh no, no competition, dear. These are for Sue’s kids.”

Edith froze. Sue’s kids? Since when did Sue–?

“Oh,” she said faintly, trying to wrap her mind around this new piece of information. “I – I had no idea. I didn’t get them anything for Thanktival …”

She looked down at the cabbage in her hand, feeling a little lost.

“Oh Edith, no,” Lynn said softly. A moment later, her hand was on Edith’s shoulder, gently turning her around. “I thought Sue had told you – they’re not her actual kids. More like … foster brothers and sisters.”

Foster siblings, Edith thought numbly. She hadn’t even known that Sue had brothers and sisters. How could she not have known?

“Here, sit down, love. You’re looking a little pale around the nose,” Lynn said and pulled out a chair for her. Then she crouched down in front of it and reached for her hands. “I’m really sorry about springing this on you like this. I thought you knew.”

Edith could only numbly shake her head. This kept happening – her feeling adrift because Lynn and Sue had forgotten to share something with her, something that was such an integral part of their lives that it didn’t even cross their minds to mention it. She kept finding out these things by accident, and while a part of her understood that this wasn’t an easy situation for Lynn and Sue either, she sometimes felt like she was standing on the outside looking in on something she should be a part of.

Right now was one of those moments despite Lynn’s attempts to put her mind at ease.

“Hey,” Lynn said softly, accentuating her words by squeezing Edith’s hands. “We did not keep this from you on purpose, Edith. I promise.”

Edith forced a smile onto her face. “I know. It’s all right.”

Lynn heaved a heavy sigh. “No, it’s not. We’ll talk to Sue about it when she comes home, okay?”

“We don’t have to,” Edith hurried to say. When Lynn frowned at her, she added in a whisper, “I don’t want to ruin our first Thanktival together.”

She dropped her eyes to their clasped hands, noticing for the first time that Lynn’s were lightly covered in flour.

“You’re not ruining anything,” Lynn promised softly. “We’re the ones who keep messing up.”

Edith bit her lip. Lynn’s words were meant to be reassuring but they had the opposite effect on her. She had been quietly worrying for a while now that Lynn and Sue might grow tired of having to accommodate her, might end this wonderful, tentative thing between them before it had really had a chance to bloom. Her presence clearly overcomplicated things and Edith wouldn’t blame them for wanting things to go back to normal. She certainly wasn’t worth all the–

Her panicking thoughts screeched to a halt when Lynn’s lips firmly pressed against her own

“We love you,” Lynn said with a confidence Edith couldn’t help but marble at when she pulled back. “And we want you to know everything, Edith. Every little detail there is to know. I promise.”

“Okay,” Edith breathed, still feeling a little dazed. She let Lynn cradle her cheek for a moment, spreading flour over her skin, before she felt brave enough to ask, “Can I … can I help with the cookies?”

“Of course,” Lynn smiled, looking relieved.

They worked quietly side by side for the next hour or so until the front door opened with a creak that heralded Sue’s arrival.

“Something smells delicious,” she called from the hallway.

“She always says that,” Lynn whispered fondly.

Edith barely managed a smile in return as she put down the sprinkles and wiped her shaking hands on her apron. When Sue came into the kitchen, she greeted them both with a kiss like she always did before she snatched a cookie from one of the trays. “Tastes just as delicious as it smells. You’ve outdone yourself again, Lynn.”

Lynn pointedly cleared her throat. “Edith helped.”

Sue glanced from her to Edith and seemed to falter for a moment when Edith didn’t meet her eyes.

“Thank you, Edith,” she said at last, obviously having realised that something was wrong but being not quite sure what exactly.

“Edith was also wondering who all those cookies were for,” Lynn continued despite the awkwardness that suddenly hung heavily in the air.

It took a heartbeat or two for the penny to drop.

“Oh,” Sue said softly. “Oh, Edith, I’m so sorry. I meant to tell you but–“

“You forgot, I know,” Edith finished for her. Not wanting to start a fight, she swallowed around the lump in her throat and added, “It’s okay. Lynn already explained.”

She didn’t see the look Lynn and Sue shared over her head but she sure felt them taking one of her hands each and leading her into the living room. While Lynn went to one of their drawers, Sue sat down on the sofa with her, still holding her hand with the gentlest, most loving of touches that made Edith’s heart beat just a little bit faster.

“My parents died when I was very young,” Sue began quietly as Lynn handed her a photo album. “After their deaths, I was taken to a place for children like me – orphans. It was run by a lovely lady called Nanny La Roo. She took me in without question and cared for me until I was old enough to do so myself. Here, that’s me with her just shortly after I arrived.”

She opened the photo album to the very first page. The picture showed a young child, three years old at most, being gently held by someone that must be Nanny La Roo.

“She did her best to give us all the best childhood we could possibly have under the circumstances,” Sue continued. “Then one day one of us went missing and things … changed. Nanny struggled with that loss – a lot. She became scared of the outside world, of what it could do to us, and began to keep us inside more and more often until eventually, we weren’t allowed outside at all anymore.”

“I’m sorry,” Edith said softly.

Sue gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “It wasn’t as bad as it sounds. She gave us a home and there was love in it, Edith, so much love. I’m grateful for that and for everything else she has done for me. It isn’t easy, you know, the job she has. Not with the amount of orphans there are today thanks to Imperatrix.”

On her left, Lynn reached for Edith’s hand. “The cookies are our way of helping out and giving a little something back. Sue also buys presents for all the kids every year because Nanny can’t really afford that many.”

“We call it Pre-Thanktival,” Sue added with a smile as she leafed through the photo album.

Nanny La Roo had taken care to document all the major milestones of her life: Sue’s first day in school and then, a few pages later, her first day of homeschooling that must mark the time when the child had gone missing. There was the first painting Sue had ever made, her very first cake and finally, her first music lesson.

“I didn’t know you could play the piano,” Edith said, feeling like she’d just uncovered another piece of Sue she hadn’t even known had been missing.

To her surprise, Sue chuckled. “That’s because I can’t. Nanny realised that very quickly.”

Together, they watched Sue grow into a young lady until a shaky handwritten note on the top of a page declared, Sue’s last day. That wasn’t the end, though. With a smile, Sue turned the page over, revealing her first day as a baker’s apprentice. Pictures of all the placed she’d lived in over the next few years followed, the friends she’d made – Lynn. And then suddenly Edith was looking down at her own face in a group picture someone had taken at the baking competition where she’d first met Lynn and Sue. She was standing in the last row, almost hidden in the shadows and barely noticeable in the crowd but she was there.

The final pages of the album that showed the blossoming of their friendship as well as the blooming of Lynn and Sue’s relationship, and when Sue reached the very last page, Edith felt her eyes well up. A shaky picture of the three of them that Lynn had somehow managed to take while kissing Edith’s cheek was glued to it with obvious care. Sue was mirroring Lynn on Edith’s other side and Edith – Edith was smiling so brightly at the camera that she felt her cheeks hurt at the memory even now.

Under the picture, Sue had written a date and a single line in her neat handwriting: The start of the rest of our lives.

“Is that … is that truly how you felt that day?” Edith whispered.

Sue squeezed her hand.

“It’s how I feel every day when I look at you, Edith.” She glanced at Lynn. “When I look at both of you. I might not be the best at showing it but I am so incredibly grateful to have you both in my life.”

Edith swallowed hard and let her eyes trail reverently over the photograph. There was so much happiness in it, so much love, that she felt like her heart might burst.

Sue pressed a kiss into her hair. “Would you join us later? When we go and visit Nanny?”

“Can I?” Edith asked in a trembling voice, still not daring to hope. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not,” Sue smiled and pulled her close. “You were always meant to come with us.”

On her other side, Edith felt Lynn’s finger brush a stray strand of hair out of her face. “Nanny will be so excited to meet you.”

“She knows about me?” Edith breathed in wonder.

“Oh yes,” Sue laughed. “She realised we needed you long before we did.”

When Edith looked at Lynn for confirmation, Lynn nodded. “Apparently, we didn’t stop talking about you.”

She and Sue shared a fond, knowing look. For perhaps the first time since she became a part of their relationship Edith didn’t mind not being privy to their thoughts. “Well, as long as she and the children won’t mind be tagging along ...”

“They won’t,” Sue whispered. “They’ll love you – just like we do.” “So much,” Lynn added softly and then they were kissing her, just like they were in the photo, and Edith closed her eyes, her heart overflowing with happiness.