#proceeded to stay up for 24 hours because i was so excited and happy that i couldnt go to bed

[orgonongurlz]

CHIPPED OFF

ONE YEAR

[bengals-barnesbabe]

Pairing: Joe Burrow x Singer!Fem Reader

Summary: Venus goes on live after rehearsal and lets her fans take a glimpse into what her and Joe's nights together are like.

Chapter 24: Mr. Perfect

#Track9 Masterlist | Main Masterlist

TW: implied smut, language, haters.

WC: about 2k

Part 1 🖤

₊˚ପ ⊹ ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ꕥ

@musicbyvenus has started an Instagram Live! Come join!

“Hello, all you beautiful people. How are my babes doing tonight? I haven’t done this in a hot minute, so be patient with me. I had a really long day and thought the best way to unwind would be for me to unload onto my darling fans.” The woman chuckled to herself while watching the viewer count grow by hundreds per minute.

Tell us all about your day bestie!

How are rehearsals going?

Are you gonna release the set list yet?

How’s Joe doing?

Where’s Joe?!?

“Wow these are coming in fast. I’m going to try and answer as many of your questions as possible, but thank you guys for just being here with me. I know I tend to go a bit awol with my public appearances, so I appreciate everyone here. Rehearsals are going great, I’m very happy with how the show is looking.”

 @MarsOfficial Im expecting a least two Hamilton songs while I’m in attendance 

“You always expect so much of me; you’re starting to sound like my mother, Y/Bff.”

@MarsOfficial then maybe you should start listening to me

A light-hearted giggle makes its way into the air as she reads her best friend’s comment. “I always listen to you!”

@MarsOfficial fat liesssss

“Y'all listen; the only reason I am in a relationship right now is because Y/Bff and Riana, two of my best friends, literally pushed us together. None of this would’ve happened without them.”

“What wouldn’t have happened without who?” A deep voice coming from behind her says.

OMG ITS JOEY

Joe said shit i have to work lol

PLEASE ASK HIM TO STAY

ON GOD HES SO HOT

I DON'T KNOW WHY I expected him to walk in shirtless, but I’m kinda disappointed 

IS HE COMING TO THE LA SHOW???

“I was talking about how we got together.” Y/n peaks behind herself to watch the quarterback snicker while fishing through their kitchen cabinets.

“Oh you mean when your friends pretended to be my ex to make you jealous? Yea they were a great help.” Joe rolled his eyes while grabbing a snack and a bottle of water. “I’ll have you know, I was fully capable of doing that on my own.”

@Riri.intl24 why is he lying, he had almost two years to make a move and DIDNT

“Riana begs to differ. Can you grab me-“ Y/n’s cut off by her own water and snack being dangled in front of her. “Thank you.”

WHAT A GENTLEMAN 

UGH I WANT ONE

IS THAT A CLIFF BAR

Y/n we’re judging you so hard right now

Joe takes a seat next to her but slightly out of camera. “Of course, and tell Riana I was trying to time it right.”

“Ok Mr. Time-Is-Of-The-Essence.” She smirked, then turned back to her phone. “Why are you people roasting my cliff bar?”

@MarsOfficial because you once said it tasted like good dirt then proceeded to inhale one

“I’m going to ignore that. Let’s answer some questions! Yes, Joey’s going to be at the LA show. I am not releasing the set list, but I do have an announcement regarding it. I’ve decided that my show will be about 2 hours long and each show will have 3-4 different surprise songs. I’m very excited about that. If yall have been keeping up on X, then you’d know the first show’s theme is ‘Slumber Party’. Unfortunately I can’t kick anyone out if they don’t dress up-“

ARE YOU ACTUALLY GOING TO PERFORM HAMILTON SONGS?

Is Walk Like This on the Set List

“Fantastic.”

THE NERVE

“You are not anyone, you have to dress up.” She pointed at the man.

YESSS SIS

You should bring him on stage with you!

WALK HIM LIKE A DOG

Joey shook his head and sighed, “I was joking babe, kinda.”

“Uh huh sureeee. Whoever asked about Walk Like This, this answer is 100%. I absolutely love that song and the choreo, ugh amazing. I can’t wait to perform it.”

What song is Joe most excited for?

What songs will you absolutely NOT be singing?

Is ‘The One’ on the no list?

“I don’t even have to ask him which one he wants to see the most. Joey?”

“Crazy for You.” He smiled.

“See, he’s extremely predictable.”

scripted

“Ok hold on, I also like what you did with Tell Me You Love Me.” He so kindly added.

“Why thank you kind sir.”

@lahjay10_ gross

We love a supportive boyfriend 

Husband Material

Get married please

ADOPT ME

Not all of Team Shiesty being in the comments

It's in their dating contract

“Yall are too funny.” Y/n looks over at Joe to see him with his head thrown back laughing. “What is it?”

“Your accent.” He coughed out.

“Joey, I don't have an accent.” She pouts.

Nahhh we know a southern belle when we hear one

Someone forgot she’s from Georgia

You’d think it’d get weaker the longer she stays up north

orrrr maybe she still has it because she doesn't actually live in Ohio

“Yes you do, but don’t worry I think it’s absolutely adorable.”

“I can’t with you.” She rolled her eyes, but the smile spreading across her cheeks told him otherwise.

@MarsOfficial I KNEW IT 

@MarsOfficial I knew he had a thing for your country shit

“Aight, we are getting off task! Is there a No list? Technically yes, but no ‘The One’ is not on it. And before any of you start, Joseph, please tell the people how you feel about ‘The One’ once and for all.” Y/n turns the phone so the fans have a full picture of him.

“I feel like people have been waiting and praying for this moment.” He chuckles brushing his fingers through his hair. 

CAUSE WE HAVEEEEE

TELL USSSS

WE NEED TO KNOW

He raises his right hand. “Ok, everyone listening. I, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.” 

“Oh my god.”

“I’m trying to deliver an address here, princess.” He said sternly. She pretended to zip her mouth shut and throw away the key.

Stop making me feel singleeee

“Ok where were we, right. I, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, solemnly swear that Track Nine is one of my actual favorite songs that Y/n has put out. Now all the commotion stops here, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.” As he finishes, they lock eyes and simultaneously burst into fits of laughter.

I knew it wasn’t that serious

We were clickbaited

THEY FOOLED US

Social Media is the devil

@MarsOfficial I tried to tell you

Her next project is gonna go so crazy

Hiiii from Canada

Instead of turning the phone back towards his girlfriend, Joey gently cuffs her waist and pulls her over to himself so she can continue her job. Then rests his hand over her shoulder.

Yoooo if you couldn’t see the height difference then, you def see it now🤭

Ugh they look so damn good together 

Yall should do an whole day in the life

What happened to not liking cameras Joey???

“Okay guys, I think I’m gonna take a few more questions then call it a night.”

Noooo

Has Joe seen the entire show?

Booooo

Yes get off so Joe can get off from work and see his real girl

European fans here!!!

What is your ideal date night?

“I know I know, but our dinner’s almost here so we gotta wrap this up. No, he has not seen the whole show. I need my man to be surprised too. More importantly, he has no clue how Crazy for Me is being set.” She smirked as she felt his hand move down to her thigh.

Oh they gon wrap something else up tonight too

“Oh but does my mind wonder.” He bites his lip, no longer able to pay attention to anything but the woman on his right.

Omg the sexual tension is brewing

His hand continues to stroke her thigh until his phone goes off. “Fuck, food’s here.” He gets up and rounds the couch, but before he completely passes her their dark eyes meet and he makes a quick stop. 

@MarsOfficial I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, they are literally CRAZY for each other

Dream vacation??

I’m sorry why can’t a man look at me like that

She was right about this not lasting very long

Shiiiiii I wonder how long HE lasts👀

@lahjay10_ yalls comments are getting out of hand

A strong but gentle hand lightly pulls her head back and they smile before he connects his lips to hers for a shy but sweet kiss, then he pecks her forehead and leaves the frame. 

AGAIN A MAN LIKE THAT PLEASE

GOD WHOEVER IS LISTENING THANK YOU

That looked mad forced

You make me feel so single🤧

If you weren’t famous, what would you be doing?

Y/n quickly clears her throat before looking back at her comments. 

@lahjay10_ oh god, get that off of my phone

She’s so flusteredddd

Girl we understand whewwww

“Uno, go away. Okay um, speed round. Dream vacation is definitely Greece. Ideal date night depends on how we’re feeling, but you can’t go wrong with a nice restaurant then coming home and getting in the hot tub. If I weren’t famous what would I be doing?”

Joe Burrow.

The man right behind you

That one Cincinnati quarterback maybe🤭

regular shit because they wouldn't even know each other

yall are unhinged 

Her eyes widened and she looked over her shoulder at her boyfriend setting up their dinner. “Hmmmm yes to the first three.”

QUEEN

@Riri.intl24 Girl focus!

@MarsOfficial Ridiculous.

“Ok but for real if I wasn’t famous I guess I’d be trying to put myself through school.” She shrugged.

“Nope, you’d be in your residency program like you’re supposed to because I’d take care of everything. Now sign off of there so I can have my dessert.” He stated from the background.

“We didn’t order any dessert.”

Joe darkly smiled, “we didn’t have to. Everything I want is already here.”

HOT SHIT

OMG

thats so scripted🥱

I THREW THE PHONE

MSKSKFYCYHC

GIRL GO

“Fuck me.” She says under her breath, then reaches for her phone. 

“I’m trying.” 

SCREAMING

@lahjay10_ imma clown his ass for this so much

@MarsOfficial Venus you need to move faster

@Riri.intl24 Esa comida no se comerá pronto

(translation: that food is not getting eaten anytime soon)

“Jesus, bye babes. Love yall, and I can’t wait to meet you soon.” She stands, blows the camera a quick kiss, and turns off the phone.

As she walks toward the dining room, he meets her half way and backs her up against a wall. “Fucking finally, I’ve wanted you since I first walked in.” 

His hands go straight to her soft waist and his lips meet hers with an intense fervor. Breathless moans are smothered against his lips and her fingers tangle in his hair. “Wha-what about the food?” 

Joe grips her ass, his lips pull off of hers, and they begin to suck purple bruises on her neck and behind her ear. “You always say it tastes better after it's reheated anyway.” 

He pecks her lips and smiles at his handy work: her lips swollen and red, eyes burning with a dark desire, neck glistening with a shiny magenta hue and knees trembling from the pressure. “You’re so beautiful.”

Her face heats up as she takes in the sight of her lover with a matching set of glossy lips. “I love you.”

“I love you more than anything, and I’m about to show you exactly how much.” He smirks then throws her over his shoulder and takes off towards the bedroom. 

“Joey!”

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a/n: part two this weekend♡

<<< Ch. 23: Tour Countdown | Part Two >>>

[elvenwhovian]

Story time:

It was early December, 2014. I had taken the day off and was eagerly trying to kill time until the midnight premiere of the final Hobbit movie.

The previous Saturday I had received a jar of ingredients for making brownies (a party favor from my roommate's brother's Christmas party). My roommate was out of town and I had the whole house to myself. I could do whatever I wanted.

Thus I proceeded to make the brownies, foolishly following a recommendation on the recipe to add coffee grounds to them to make “coffee” brownies. All I had was a large muffin tin. The recipe probably assumed you would make them in a pan and cut them into 10-15 pieces. But my muffin tin produced 6 large muffins and I proceeded to eat 4 of them.

“I need to stay up past midnight,” I thought to myself. “Too much caffeine won't hurt anything.”

Practically shaking from the caffeine and sugar, I sat down and played through Portal and Portal 2 in a single sitting. It took less than 6 hours, a new personal record. 

Now shaking with excitement, I donned my costume (a female Fourth Doctor cosplay because I was out of costume ideas and I had the scarf, hat, and sonic screwdriver … I also loved confusing my fellow nerds). The Battle of the Five Armies was not as good as I had hoped, but it was a worthwhile experience. 

I returned home around 4 am, sat down on my couch (still dressed as the 4th Doctor), and realized the horrible truth: I was not sleepy and those brownies had done their job too well. My mind was still reliving the past 24 hours, practically buzzing with ideas, concepts, and genres that didn't go together. 

Elves and robots. 

Fantasy and sci-fi. 

Swords and portal guns. 

Dark lords and evil AI. 

Magic and science.

And it was on that night, fueled by caffeine, sugar, Portal speed runs, and middling Peter Jackson fantasy film making, that the idea for The Trial of the Bow was conceived. 

Happy upcoming 10th fanfiction-iversary to @starry-nightengale (yes, we are old) and thank you to everyone who has read The Trial of the Bow Trilogy and subsequent fics. That time in my life was so fun and I'll cherish it forever.

Also, never mix coffee grounds in your brownies, unless you want to see sounds and never sleep again :)

[bridgertonbabe]

“until Sophie sat him down and broke the news to him that their daughter was out all the time because she had met someone” lol can we have a drabble about this please

"I'd better get a start on dinner." Sophie announced after glancing at her watch. "Will said Charlie and Alex will be joining us tonight." she elaborated to her husband as she put her book down and got up from the armchair.

"They are? Well that'll be nice, having all the kids home for the evening." Benedict remarked with a fond smile as he lounged across the sofa sketching.

"Just the boys - Violet's out tonight." Sophie mentioned.

"Again?" Benedict's attention was raised from his sketchbook as he looked to his wife quizzically. "That girl's hardly ever in these days. I feel I only catch a glimpse of her before she's off out again." he scoffed. "I mean, I get it; she's young and wants to hang out with her friends all the time, that's completely normal at her age. I just feel like we barely see her, you know?"

"Yeah well, it's like you said; it's normal at her age to want to be out all the time." Sophie nodded along, happy to allow her husband to not think any harder on any other reason as to why their daughter might want to be staying out more and more.

"But... is it just me or is it a little bit concerning that she's barely ever home? She just seems to be spending all hours of the day anywhere but here. I try so hard not to be a worrywart and I know she's old enough to live her own life without running everything she does by us, but I'd just like to know when she's coming or going, if she's going to have dinner with us, if she's even bothering to sleep in her own bed." Benedict sighed - unaware of the grimace pulling on his wife's face. "And I'm sure Dette's more than happy to have her staying at hers, I know how much their friendship means to each other, but Dette's also more than welcome to stay with us too. It seems unfair that she has to put Vi up all the time, you know? And honestly as close as they are, after spending 24/7 together, what could they possibly have to chat about? Like surely they might like their own company for awhile."

Sophie bit her lip as she considered what she should do in this situation. She could continue with the easy option she had been going with for the past six weeks of simply letting Benedict be none the wiser about why their daughter was hardly ever home and continuing to go along with his assumption that she was hanging out with her girlfriends non-stop. However with Benedict's growing concerns, Sophie felt it would be only a matter of time before he caught their daughter on one of her flying visits home and expressed his worries to her, which would inevitably lead to Violet having to come clean as to the reason why she was out all the time.

As her mother, Sophie had known almost immediately that Violet had met someone as soon as she came home the morning after Bernadette's 19th. She had spent the rest of the day getting ready to go out that evening and though Sophie never pried about what it was Violet was preparing for, she just knew from her daughter's budding excitement that it was a date with a lot of potential that she was about to embark on. The following day Sophie had then pretended not to see Violet slipping in wearing the same outfit from the night before, and she had continued acting oblivious to the girlish giddiness and glee her daughter exhibited every time before she went out and every time she came home again. Sophie respected her daughter's privacy despite knowing full well Violet had fallen madly in love, though after a week and a half it was her daughter who sought her out to gush about the man she was sure was "the one". She had listened with delight as Violet regaled her with the story of meeting her best friend's brother, Edgar, and how she had known all at once that he was what she had been looking for, before proceeding to explain just how perfect and wonderful Edgar was in every possible way. Of course Sophie was elated for her daughter and looked forward to the day she got to meet Edgar for herself - but Violet did ask her to hold off from telling Benedict about her boyfriend for the time being, knowing he wouldn't be as unbothered by the news as Sophie was.

Sophie had been more than happy to oblige such a request, but now that Benedict was expressing his worries over their daughter's whereabouts, she felt guilty for keeping the truth from him. Violet meant the absolute world to him as their youngest and only girl and Sophie hated the thought of him enduring any unnecessary concern about their daughter without having the full picture. She knew she had to tell him, knowing it would be for the best and that Violet would understand; she just dreaded his reaction to the news that their daughter was hardly ever home because of a boyfriend she was absolutely besotted with.

"Ben." Sophie sighed and took a seat beside him on the sofa. "It's about time you know the reason why Vi's been out so much these last few weeks."

Immediately from the sound of her tone Benedict sat up straight, dumping his sketchbook on the coffee table and whipping his glasses off as his brows knitted together anxiously.

"What? What is it? Is she okay?" he asked her.

Sophie gave him a sympathetic smile and took his hand in hers. "Ben, I need to assure you that there's nothing to worry about, okay? You do not need to freak out or have too big a reaction to what I'm about to tell you, you got that? Everything's fine, nothing bad's happened, there's no need to be concerned."

Admittedly her preemptive reassurances weren't doing much to settle Benedict's nerves in the slightest as he continued to stare at her with visible mounting worry.

(Meanwhile in the kitchen, William was listening in on the conversation when Charlie and Alex walked through the back door. Before they could open their mouths to greet him, William brought a finger to his lips to indicate to them to be quiet and then motioned them over.

"Mum's telling dad about Edgar." he informed them in a hushed tone; news which immediately captured his brothers' interest and they joined him at the kitchen island to eavesdrop on the unfolding conversation.)

"The reason why Violet's been out so much is because she's met someone." Sophie told him, thus ripping the band aid off. "She's spending pretty much all of her time with him and she's very happy and in love."

Benedict had frozen up completely as he processed the information his wife was providing him with, his eyes remaining fixated on hers as the cogs in his brain took their time in comprehending the news that his daughter had a boyfriend.

("Bet you a galleon he cries." Charlie muttered to his brothers.

"Bet you he loses his absolute shit and goes on a rampage." William grinned excitedly.

"Come on, she's a grown-up. I'm sure he'll take it just fine." Alex said in their dad's defence - at the very least he felt his dad would act unaffected on the surface and keep his real feelings on the matter to himself.

"Nah, this is his ickle princess we're talking about." William snorted. "He's going to suffer an emotional turmoil that'll result in mum waterboarding him a sleeping draught just to calm him down."

"He's not going to be that bad-" Alex attempted to argue, but was interrupted by an unusually high-pitched whine.

The three brothers initially looked out the kitchen window, believing it to be coming from an animal outside, but all they saw was Colin the cat turning his head around curiously from the garden to the house looking just as baffled by the noise as they were. They then side-stepped simultaneously and craned their heads just around the doorway to verify for themselves that the sound being emitted was coming from their dad.)

"Ben." Sophie sighed in response to the noise her husband was making. "Ben, I said there was nothing to worry about. She's an adult, remember? It's normal for her to be dating, to be young and in love; she's happy, Ben. Isn't that all we want for her, for any of our children?"

"I know." Benedict blubbered as tears began shooting down his face. "I know, I know." he nodded in acknowledgement before he choked out another sob.

"Come here." Sophie exhaled wearily and pulled him against her, allowing her middle-aged husband to cry into her chest. "There, there." she stroked his hair, rolling her eyes in exasperation as she comforted him through his ridiculous reaction.

("Cough up then." Charlie grinned at his brothers, who reluctantly handed over a galleon each into his waiting open hand.

"I really thought he'd at least pretend like he was fine with it." Alex said.

"And now we've got to put up with him being like this throughout dinner." William acknowledged.

"Think we're better off leaving mum to it and eating out instead?" Charlie suggested, frowning over as their dad continued sobbing.

"What and miss out on a free meal with free entertainment? Don't be daft." William scoffed.)

[binniesbobastay]

Stray Kids: Fluffy (& Smutty) Christmas Headcanons

A/n: Merry Christmas if you celebrate it everyone! :)

This work contains mature content and is 18+ only, minors do not interact.

Bang Chan

wants you to help him decorate the outside of the house

like he's really excited to do it with you :(

but then he gets all worried when you wanna get up on the ladder and string the lights across the roof.

"it's covered in ice, you'll slip!!! >:("

bans you from ladder duty and assigns you to be in charge of decorating the porch instead lol.

when it gets dark, he'll let you do the honors of plugging up the lights (does the drumroll thing like clark griswold lmaooo)

is so happy and kisses you on the cheek and tells you this is the best Christmas ever while his eyes sparkle in the light :(

later that night, he snuggles up with you on the couch as the two of you watch the snow outside from the window.

kisses you to the soft, jazzy christmas playlist he puts on earlier.

can't help but become needy, so he disappears under the large blanket you're both wrapped in to go down on you.

watching his chest rise and fall with each pant and hearing his whines is a real treat if you decide to return the favor.

makes love to you while holding you close and kissing every inch of available skin.

"Merry Christmas, my love..." he whispers in your ear.

forgot about the open window... oops!

Lee Know

would want to accompany you while you do your Christmas shopping.

then he finds cute little Christmas outfits for the cats and he's so happy.

helps you check off your list and tries to give you ideas if you ever get stuck on what you should get a certain friend.

after you come home he immediately goes to dress the cats up in their new outfits.

takes several thousand photos, a lot of them featuring you!

tells you all how cute you look.

then he's disappearing into the kitchen to make little dishes for the christmas party you guys are going to tomorrow while you wrap gifts.

makes you dinner and you guys eat together in comfortable silence.

puts the cats to bed in their new christmas pajamas... he claims they came with the outfits.

might put on a christmas movie and plug in the tree while you rest your head on his lap and he plays with your hair.

when you shift to sit in his lap and start kissing up his neck, he gets the hint and carries you to the bedroom.

lights up a Christmas themed candle before laying you down on the bed and proceeding to make you cum at least twice before he fucks you.

tells you that you feel so nice and that he's so lucky to have you and spend this time of year with, this is one of the rare times he's just complete mush in your arms while he rocks into you :(.

when you're done, he runs you a bath and cleans you up. he might join you if you ask nicely ;)

makes sure you're asleep in his arms before drifting off with you under the soft blanket.

changbin

Christmas movie marathons

literally all day

everyday

he's got free form on the tv 24/7

laughs so hard at the comedies (his favorite is elf)

might cry during polar express but deny it if you say anything

loooooves the cold weather because it gives him an excuse to spend hours on end cuddling you

"we have to stay warm!" he explains for the nth time.

"changbin... we literally have a fireplace" "... i like this way better"

would love to help you decorate the tree if you asked him to.

would also really like to go shopping for new ornaments if you're down.

would also buy lots of mistletoe to put all over the house while ur out too

lifts you up on his shoulders so you can put the star on top :) he's a strong boy.

makes a big thing of hot chocolate for you, tons of marshmallows and everything.

"merry christmas, my sweetie..." he tells you, kissing your temple while you're cuddling on the floor by the fireplace.

eventually takes yours and his mugs and sets them to the side so he can pull you into his lap for a make out session.

The taste of chocolate on each others lips makes you both dizzy as you start to grind against him.

leads to him laying back on the floor with you riding him, making you moan his name as he rubs your nipples thanks to your unbuttoned pajama fleece...

Hyunjin

wants to paint a portrait of you by the tree :(

makes you pose and everything.

gives you little breaks to give you kisses in between as a reward for staying still.

loves how your eyes light up when he shows you the final product.

"it's beautiful, hyun! you're so talented!" "Mm-mm, I owe it all to my pretty little muse..."

gift wrapping king

is very picky about how gifts should be wrapped and will criticize you if he sees you messing up.

he'll sit you in his lap and guide your hands with his big ones over them, showing you how to properly wrap it oh geez this is already getting hot

i think he really likes vintage christmas movies and he'll love you forever if you watch white christmas with him he can quote it

gets really turned on by whatever you're wearing for your christmas eve party and thinks you look incredible.

will probably bend you over the counter of the kitchen when you get home or when your guests leave and just rail you until your legs are jelly...

but he'll help dress you in ur christmas pj's and cuddle you to sleep after.

definitely will have some softer, christmas morning sex with lots of praises, and i love yous, and gently messaging the bruises he left on your hips last night.

then he's bringing you a cup of peppermint tea and your presents from him so he can watch you open them :(

Han

mf ACTUALLY puts mistletoe all over the ceiling

giggles when you scold him

"Jisung, this is gonna take forever to take down.." "well good thing christmas isn't over yet!"

loves taking walks with you around the neighborhood to look at lights while he holds your hand :(

takes a dozen pictures of you by them

might wanna go caroling and yes he will be dragging you with him.

will also take you to see Santa, yes he will sit on his lap and everything

when he asks him what he wants for christmas, he just looks over at you and says he's already got everything he wants :(

"shut up, jisung. you insisted we see the man, tell him what you really want..." you said while blushing

"eh, okay, i guess a puppy wouldn't hurt..."

will ask you to dance with him to some classic christmas records! his favorite is feliz navidad! feliiiiiiiiiiiiiz navidaaaaaaaaaaaad

also has his own personal mistletoe he keeps in his pockets so he can sneak up on you and hold it over your head whenever he wants to.

definitely goes down on you under the mistletoe.

really passionate sex by the tree, loves how gorgeous you look with your body bathed in the lights.

really whiny, telling you he loves you over and over while he touches you everywhere unable to get enough of you.

"you're the best gift..."

Felix

ugh so so so sweet! definitely one of the best to spend the holidays with.

spends 90% of it in the kitchen though lol.

he can't help it, he saw so many christmas treat recipes on pinterest that he wants to try.

would love to ice and decorate christmas cookies with you.

if you decide to help him bake, he's gonna assign you to stir the batter just so he can give you back hugs while you do it :(

hums christmas songs in your ear with that beautiful, deep voice of his omg i actually need this

holds a spoon to your mouth so you can taste test the icing.

dabs some of it onto your nose and cheeks so he can kiss it off i am so soft for this man

the type to gift you something that's 100% thoughtful, probably custom made or something like that.

talks about taking you to australia and wanting to spend christmas with you and his family one year im crying i love him so much

buys you both cute little antlers or some type of christmas headwear and takes a bunch selfies in them with you.

turns the heat up so that you won't get cold while he completely ravages you in the night...

might have made an extra batch of icing so he can lick it off of your body.

especially your nipples because hes absolutely in love with how you get goosebumps from it...

please lick it off of him too omg. he's so sensitive and the noises he will make are *chef's kiss*

and the way you can taste it on his lips when he kisses you while rocking into you... oof

you almost sleep through all of christmas day because you guys went until the sun came up.

he just loves you more than anything :( and he wants to always take care of you and he's so happy he gets to spend this time of year with you.

Seungmin

You're gonna have to drag him inside at some point because he won't come in himself.

lives in the snow.

that's all he wants to do all day.

wakes you up early singing do you wanna build a snowman from frozen smh.

annoying but so cute, how could you say no?

snowball fights, snowman building, snow angel making, you guys are gonna do it all.

makes sure you have plenty of layers on and doesn't want you getting sick.

kisses you under the icicles dripping off the roof :)

will love you forever if you make him hot chocolate.

is really excited but nervous to see if you like his gift that he got you, you assure him that you'll love anything he gets you just because you appreciate it and him so much.

when you say this his face goes r e d

cuddles you on the couch and feeds you a candy cane but the situation becomes too erotic pretty quick because the sight of you suckling on the peppermint makes him crazy.

gets down on his knees and with your permission... he'll rub the spit-coated candy around your nipples and your sensitive parts before licking it up.

it's sticky and messy but it's so hot and his tongue feels so good that you have no complaints.

let's you ride him for a while before he can't take it anymore and flips you over to pound into you.

cleans you up before showering you in little kisses and going back to cuddling you after.

Jeongin

he is over the MOON that he gets to have this type of downtime.

the holidays are his favorite time of year and he's excited to have a more lowkey one with just you since he has a bigger family.

gets you matching ugly christmas sweaters!!!

takes a bunch of picture of you and you take a lot of him so he can post them on instagram.

sets up the timer on his phone so you both can get a picture by the tree.

wraps his arm around you so he can pull you close and flash that big grin of his :(

happy to help you make cookies :)

by help i mean mostly watch and eat half of the dough before you can get it in the oven.

cant wait to open gifts so you both decide to open one.

literally screams when he sees that you got him the favorite video game he wanted.

"thank you thank you thank you, you're the beeeeest!!!" he says while tackling you with kisses.

immediately starts playing it.

sits you between his legs and teaches you how to play.

is so proud because you actually get pretty good at it.

... but then he catches a glimpse of your chest down your pajama shirt and now he's horny lol

"J, what are you..." you question him when he turns off the game.

"shush, pretty..." he cuts you off with a kiss.

he spends hours working you with his hands and overstimulating you because he thinks you're so cute squirming in his lap.

but then he'll carry you to the bedroom for some soft, slow sex where he kisses you a lot and whispers to you how you've made this the best christmas ever for him :(

[s0ulm8s]

boys like you (1.0)

✿ summary : alone and left in a mansion with nothing but your canvases and the dust slowly collecting on the window sills - a commission and a call from a childhood friend completely changes your life.

✿ genre : ot7 x f!reader, poly au, hybrid au, soulmate au, deer!seokjin, black panther!yoongi, great dane!hoseok, wolf!namjoon, calico cat!jimin, tiger!taehyung, bunny!jungkook

✿ warnings : mentions of death, maybe some mentions of assault, some fluff, reader is described as small (i.e smaller than jimin), slight age gap (reader is younger than jungkook)

✿ word count : 2.2K

✿ author’s note : i am inexperienced in hybrid aus, smut, and series so pls bare with me (not proofread yet)

✿ series masterlist! | 2.0

making yourself buckle down and work on the piece in front of you had proven to be more of a task than you had originally anticipated. the wide expanse of blank canvas you had stretched yourself 3 weeks ago, mocked you from the the sun room. it was only four days before you had to deliver your piece that you had really forced yourself to pick up a paint brush and do something useful.

the endless days spent alone in the vast building you now called home was doing a number on your psyche. the sheer loneliness seemed to eat away at not only your sanity but aided to your artist’s block - it was truly a gruesome cycle. locked away in an beautiful estate that you never asked for.

not only that, but working from home and having an all but nonexistent social life in a country you only permanently moved to a year prior was a fate worse than you had imagined.

you huffed, finally setting your small brush down on the easel, stepping back to assess your final draft. despite being so unmotivated and plum out of ideas, you were still proud of what you created - you had promised yourself long ago that you’d never sell a piece you abhorred, and you’d remained true to that promise thus far.

a blaring ring ripped you out of your critical trance trained on the landscape in front of you, startling you as your heartbeat quickened in pace.

“hello?” you answered, soft voice flowing through the other end as you anticipated the response from the unknown caller.

“yah! y/n! is that you?” the voice that responded was loud and excited, the baritone of it something you could never forget. a staple soundtrack from the summers you spent with your father in south korea.

“mingi? how’d you get my number?” you asked, a genuine smile flooding your face at the sound of his familiar laugh on the other end. 

of course, the two of you had stayed in brief contact since meeting as children. but as you grew, you saw less of each other. three years ago he and his boyfriend, yunho, had successfully started their own rehabilitation and adoption center for hybrids. the first year was hard, but the business quickly gained popularity and as the creator - he’d been exceptionally busy since her permanent move to south korea. they had two permanent doctors on staff, kim hongjoong and park seonghwa, along with a 24 hour staff. the workers were really exceptional, but you had only ever met their core group when the business first started. which included: choi san, jung wooyoung, choi jongho, kang yeosang, the two doctors, and of course the two owners.

“you were commissioned by a friend of mine! which is actually why i wanted to reach out.” he answered happily as your breathing evened and heartbeat finally settled.

“it’s good to hear from you, really. what can i do for you?” you asked sweetly, and mingi only briefly thought about teasing you for your soft tone and giving nature.

“would you be able to come to the adoption wing today? i’m working here all day as we’ve some new hybrids ready to find a new home. maybe in about an hour? you could join me on my rounds and we could talk. i’d like to see you, anyways. i’ve missed you.” mingi spoke professionally, but his admission made tears prick at your eyes. he almost sounded like the sixteen year old boy who had stolen your first kiss when visiting your father that summer and the memory of when things were simpler stung in your chest. your cheeks flushed. mingi smiled at your silence, knowing he had flustered his best childhood friend. you narrowed your eyes briefly, as he had tried to convince you many times in the past to adopt a hybrid of your own - but you had declined, not entirely convinced that you could provide an exceptional life for another being. because even though your knowledge on hybrids wasn't nearly as advanced as mingi’s, you still knew the basics. they weren't just animals, they were human. and there was no guarantee there. there never was with humans. you hesitate.

“y-yes. i can come by, i’ve just got to swing by and deliver my painting beforehand.” you answered as you both agreed on the meeting the time. “oh, and mingi? i’ve missed you, too.” you said genuinely as he broke into a toothy smile. it had been ages since he’d seen you, and though he knew he could blame it on his work - he didn’t know how to face you after the death of your father. he couldn’t bring himself to be there for you, to see you so broken, and he had blamed himself for that everyday. it was a relief to hear you say it. you had always been so forgiving, sometimes to a fault.

after bidding your goodbyes to the tall boy on the other side of the phone, you quickly changed clothes into something not completely ruined by the muted pigments of your paint, loaded up in your small suv, and you were off.

the delivery of your piece went smoothly, no heckling or disapproving gazes from the wealthy couple, which made your trip to TWILIGHT that much faster. you pushed open the double doors connected to the building in the right wing, clearly labeled ADOPTION. 

the smell of roses and lavender was strong in the reception area, the scent was welcoming and calming as you walked up to the front desk. 

“y/n!” the dark haired boy behind the computer called, finally rolling away from behind the screen. kang yeosang. “it’s so good to see you!” he exclaimed, eyes scanning your face as he made his way around the counter and pulled you into a soft embrace.

“likewise, yeo! it’s been a while hasn't it?” you ask rhetorically as you stare up at his daunting height.

“mmm” he hummed with a nod, releasing you. “i'll let mingi know you’re here.” he called, returning to his place behind the sleek desk, paging mingi, and then proceeding to catch up with you.

the small conversation didn’t last long before a pair of heavy footsteps drug your gaze to the wide staircase, mingi barreling down them.

you braced yourself as the giant scooped you up into a bone crushing embrace, spinning your small frame around in a circle as he let out a happy laugh. your arms snaked around the man’s neck to secure your place and return the hug.

you giggled happily as mingi finally set you down in your original place, looking down at you excitedly. had he gotten taller? impossible. maybe you had shrunk?

after an exchange of excited greetings, mingi gestured to his clipboard before finally asking, “you ready?”

you nodded softly and followed close behind as he guided you down the halls of the adoption center. he gave you the rundown of their center, showing you the wide expanse of spotless rooms sealed in by plexiglass to show the hybrids ready to be rescued. he explained that most hybrids were separated by predator, prey, species, breed, etc. but many were grouped together with their respective packs. the rooms were quite lavish, but not very homey. but what could you expect from an adoption clinic? the point was to find homes.

you passed many show exhibits, watching intently at the small dogs or tall humans sitting in the rooms patiently, playing with one another or napping quietly. you cooed at a few.

“so i asked to see you because i’d love to have your art displayed in our business.” he propositioned, leading you into an empty room as the automatic doors opened and shut behind you. you nodded, heart lurching a bit as you recalled your artist’s block. you shook the thought away as you observed the room. it was large, littered with scattered pieces of nice furniture and random toys. “ideally, i’d love to have your pieces throughout the whole establishment but this is my main concern.” he finished, gesturing to the empty space on the large wall, the one you’re faced with when first entering.

“are you wanting a mural?” you ask, voice now stable and a bit louder. 

“i'd like the piece to cover the majority of the wall, but i’d rather have it on canvas if that’s doable. in case it needs to be moved.” he explained as you nodded, taking in rough measurements of the space as mingi explained his vision for the space - effectively helping you circulate a few ideas on what you could create. you accepted his offer as he discussed payment and supplies with you, adding in an extra cost at the large measurement of the canvas you’d need custom made.

the air in the room grew a bit thick at the sound of a small beep, alerting the two of you to another door opening. your skin was now a bit hot and you suddenly became very aware of your surroundings. your fingers tingled a bit. usually a foreign feeling such as the one you were experiencing would send you into a panic, but it didn’t. if anything you felt quite calm as you looked on inquisitively at the distant thump coming toward the two of you.

“ah, it’s look like some of our hybrids are finished with their check ups.” mingi announced as you nodded lazily. he turned to you. “we usually send them into the lounge area for about an hour after routine check ups. helps them calm down.”

suddenly, you could pay no mind to mingi’s words as a black bunny rounded the corner, back foot slapping the tile exceptionally hard every so often as you smiled down at the creature happily. it stopped in it’s tracks as it’s gaze landed upon you, rearing up on it’s back legs, and tilting it’s head innocently as it examined you. 

you knelt down to greet him, the bunny immediately approaching you and sniffing your hand before accepting you and nuzzling into you closer. mingi was taken aback as he observed the usually reserved and nervous rabbit.

“hello.” you cooed, stroking the bunny effortlessly, careful to avoid his ears and tail, briefly recalling how sensitive they could be. “what’s your name?” you asked as mingi coughed.

“this is jeongguk, he’s one of our younger hyrbrids. the youngest in his pack.” he told you as you picked the bunny up and set him into your small lap. mingi almost gasped at the interaction between you and the rabbit as you pet him happily.

your trance was interrupted at the light purr and brush of a small calico next to you. you instinctively reach out to pet him, as he rubbed into your hand. “and who might you be?”

“this is jimin, the two are in a pack.” mingi attempted to explain, trying to understand the absence of jimin’s usually protective behavior and unable to tell you the full story before you asked him something he was not expecting.

“and they’re ready to be adopted?” you asked softly, not even looking up at mingi as he stuttered. the idea of adopting a hybrid didn’t seem so far-fetched now at how taken you were with the two animals in your lap. you could handle the bunny and cat, without a doubt.

“y-yes but we only adopt out entire packs together and -”

“of course, i wouldn’t dream of separating them. is there anyway i could meet them properly, as soon as i possible i think -” you interrupt. starting to gush a bit, voice hushed and excitable.

mingi cut you off, “no, y/n. you aren’t listening. they aren’t just a pack of two.” he sighed, as your gaze finally met his. “in fact they aren’t just bunny and calico, they’re pack also includes that of a wolf, black panther, deer, great dane, and tiger... their pack has been hard to adopt out as it’s so rare for such a large mix of predators and prey... but they found each other and experienced a lot together... it was only inevitable. and we can’t separate them, we refuse to. and they won’t leave one another.” he finally finished explaining as your expression fell. you let out a breath. seven hybrids. all male. and three apex predators, at that. the thought of suddenly thrusting seven knew faces - seven new men - into your home was intimidating to say the least.

you looked down at the two animals in your lap, the bunny almost looked cresfallen. gauging your reaction as his big brown eyes stared at you expectantly. as if he knew you’d reject him. mingi continued rambling on about how many adopters had expressed interest in at least one of the pack but were never willing to bring in all seven. it hurt your heart as you watched on the bunny and calico.

the estate your father had left you was empty, though. begging to be occupied. you had more than enough room and were blessed with an untouched inheritance. maybe this is what you should use it for. you had always felt too guilty to spend it. but nothing seemed more right, which was a shocking realization to someone who never thought they’d adobt a hybrid.

“could i meet them? the seven of them? i’d at least want to give them a chance... truthfully, i dont think i can leave them behind.” you admitted softly, the bunny and cat both perked up, ears raised and twitching.

“of course. i can arrange a meeting and speak with them tonight... i’ll gather their files for you to take home tonight. can you make it back in again tomorrow?” mingi asked after a deafening pause of hesitation, mouth hanging agape before coming back into reality.

“i’ll be here.”

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Real Life Tasks With Ransom Drysdale

An Advent Calendar of 24 Normal Human Tasks As Performed By A Huge Man Baby. 

Day 2: That’s Not Exactly Folgers In Your Cup

Warnings: Smut (Oral) and Bad Language Words

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x Reader

A/N- Hello! I hope y’all are as excited about this holiday special collaboration made with @what-is-your-plan-today​ and @jennmurawski13​ as I am. It all blossomed from early morning (for me) ramblings and we decided to do it. 2020 has been a hell of a year and we all needed a little something to smile about. And come on, whats funnier then imagining Ransom Drysdale trying to be domestic? Plus it gives some feels. There will be smut written in occasionally, so please heed the warnings to each individual fic. 

Also, we are alternating, but will reblog on our accounts, if you don’t want to miss any, send a message and we will get you added to the tag list. Happy Reading. 

Series Masterlist

Ransom woke before you, the early morning light streaming through the window cut right across his face and he swore into the pillow while rolling to his back to sling his arm over his eyes to cut off the annoyance. He was almost there, back in that blissful state of unconsciousness when his body took over and insisted he get up. Any further attempt to return to sleep was now disrupted when natural morning urges overtook him and he sighed while lifting his arm to let the light return, blinking rapidly to adjust to the the most inconvenient thing to plague him at this hour. 

Next to him you were still asleep, soundly, peacefully which made him scowl at you for being so blissfully unconscious. He envied you in this moment as he rolled up from bed and trudged into the bathroom to take care of himself. Afterwards once he came back out, he grabbed a pair of grey sweatpants and slipped them on. You would be waking up soon, and there was one thing you always wanted before anything else, even before you were pregnant, it was a must have or else. Now you valued this all that much more since his child seemed to just suck all the energy from you, savored it more then he savored his biscoff cookies. 

Your coffee. And hell be damned if you didn't get your coffee. 

Now typically you make it, liking a certain amount of scoops to get you through the morning, touch of cream and a little sprinkle of sugar just to take the bite out of it. Ransom has seen you make it countless times in the morning, your over sized tee hanging around your thighs and hair piled atop your head. Your eyes would be closed while you measured, you just knew it down to the action how you wanted it. He never tried to mess with your perfection. In fact he learned early on to stay out of your way the first twenty minutes in the morning unless he was taking care of you between the sheets. That was the only equivalent you were accepting of in the morning. 

This morning Ransom felt a twinge of affection now that he was awake, seeing you shift into the middle of the bed and pull his pillow into your chest like you were hugging it. Gently he leaned over and brushed the flyaway hair from your forehead and pressed a kiss there before leaving the bedroom to head downstairs. 

Typically you just made Ransom a coffee too, it became almost a habit for him to want it, although he didn't need it, not like you did. But yea, he craved it and decided that this morning, since he was already up, he would just do it himself. Regardless of the fact that you had forbidden him to touch the coffee maker for some reason. Which fuck it was in his kitchen, if he wanted to use it he was going to. 

“Can't be that hard, dump some grounds in, put in the fucking water.” He flipped off the top of the coffee maker to see if you pre-filled it the night before, sometimes you did. Last night was not the case though. Reached into the cupboard for the precious Starbucks coffee and opened the bag to breathe in the strong coffee bean aroma. Okay, he had to admit it was a pleasant smell, and already he could feel himself feel a bit more upbeat. He ended up setting it aside and searched everywhere for the measuring spoon, leaving a slight kitchen destruction in his path of open drawers and stuff piled on top of the kitchen counter, he just eyeballed dumping the coffee in. Completely forgetting the filter in the process. 

Impatiently he waited, fingers tapping on the counter as the drip drip drip started. “It would be faster just to have someone deliver.” He muttered to himself, contemplating how much you would protest possibly hiring a housekeeper. Fran was decent… enough. He thought to himself. Aside from her being the most annoying woman his grandfather had hired. Of course she could be useful when the occasion called for it. Like now, how fucking easy would it be if someone was just delivering you two the coffee in bed.  

Already he knew you probably weren't going to go for it, it was fine for Harlan according to you because he needed the help. In fact when he brought it up, your eyes rolled and you scoffed at him. “You are kidding right Ransom? You are a grown ass man, do it yourself.” 

 When the coffee maker finally gave the last spurt, and sounded exhausted, Ransom shook his head from the memory and turned to pull down two mugs and proceeded to pour into each. It was black, blacker than usual. He sniffed it, and needless to say it was STRONG. 

Ransom just kept going, grabbing your half and half, as well as the small bit of sugar you like, he stirred it all together and brought it back up the stairs. 

You were just waking up when he reentered the bedroom. Your arms lifting up to hit lightly against the headboard and your wiggling fingers while giving a yawn, you inhaled the strong scent of coffee and immediately pushed to sit. 

“What is that? Is that what I think it is?” Your eyes widened as Ransom set the mug down on your nightstand with a roll of his eyes. 

“Well good morning to you to Princess.” he stated as you grinned at him, reaching over for the mug while he sat on the end of the bed. You didn't dare take a sniff as if to check, not with the way Ransom was watching you intently and you just took a sip. 

It hit your mouth with a ferocity that brought tears to brim to your eyes, and your taste buds screamed in protest at the gritty black death you were forcing yourself to swallow, doing everything you could to keep from spitting it out. You were just thankful that this morning you were dealing with morning sickness, yet. Somehow you forced the bitter liquid down your throat and tried to keep a straight face, as you were touched with Ransom’s act of kindness, something he was still working on. But there was no hiding your expression, as hard as you tried to keep it from Ransom.

His head dropped when he saw your face. “Fucking terrible isn’t it? See this is why you should let me hire a housekeeper.” 

“Ransom, it tastes just fine. And we don’t need a housekeeper. This house isn't all that big.” You rolled your eyes as you showed him you were right by taking another sip of his coffee, forcing a smile on your face. 

“I always had a housekeeper, and I turned out fine.” Ransom rebutted while moving to a stand. “Put that cup down. You can make some later.” He instructed and you were quick to set it aside, relieved not to have to pretend anymore. Ransom yanked the blankets away, making you tumble a bit in bed with a yelp. 

“Ransom! What are you doing?” You looked down at him as he grasped your ankles, sliding you down the bed while he moved to kneel at the end of the bed, smirking at you. 

“Cant make coffee worth shit. But I can do this, and I know you like this just as much.” 

He was right, the man had a mouth on him that you had a hard time resisting, even when he was pissing you off. 

Fingers delved under the band of your sleep shorts and slipped them off before draping your legs over his shoulders and pressing hungry kisses along the inside of your thigh. “Okay, you have me there, maybe I do. I'm a little scared to see what you did down in the kitchen now.” 

“Nothing that can't be cleaned up.” He looked up at you, and you opened your mouth to say something about how you were going to have to clean it when he let his mouth press against your cunt and his tongue bury between the folds. 

That effectively distracted you, making your words stutter from the tip of your tongue into a moan while he lapped at you, shifting between quick flicks to flattening his tongue and dragging through your folds to suck at that bundle of nerves that made you gasp his name in a needy way. Your hands shoot down to twist into his hair, holding onto his scalp while he takes you apart with his mouth. Toes curled into his upper back when he teased you further, your hips starting to rock to meet the darts of his tongue in your clenching channel. You let yourself fall back into the pillows and quit trying to reason with him or make him feel better. You just let yourself experience this new attempt at treating you.

“Please Ransom, I want to come now.” You whined out while his fingers flexed on your hips, keeping you mostly pinned in place although your body was rippling to arch and grind into him. Your heels firmly pressing into his back in an attempt to lever yourself although he was firm in his hold. Unwilling to let you move just yet. Ransom sucked folds of flesh into his mouth, the lower part of his face slick when he lifted to smirk at you, and shifted a heavy forearm across your hips, careful not to press against your stomach. 

“How badly do you want to come, Princess?” He licked at his lips, brighter pink with use then normal and you glared at him down your body. 

“Considering I am growing you spawn in me, you think you would treat me better.” Trying your hand at using guilt to get him into giving you your orgasm, he let his fingers stretch your open, pressing into your warmth. 

“You know I love you, and only treat you fucking good.” His fingers curled to stroke your fluttering walls, enticing you to come for him with every stroke against your sweet spot. “Come on Beautiful, come undone for me so we can start our day.” 

You pressed to arch but he was sure to keep you held down. You started to see stars peppering your eyesight and your mouth dropped open in a silent gasp as you came for him, that rush enveloped you to send tingles all along your nerves, and your voice finally broke out in a soft cry of his name while your toes dug into his flexing back, and fingers twisted in the sheets in a weak attempt to stay grounded. 

It didn't stop him, he kept lapping at your sensitive bud, sucking and driving you to another with steady strokes of his finger. “That was just one... you know we are not stopping Princess until you have had a couple more.”  

Ransom couldn't make coffee to save his life, but he certainly knew how to make you come more than just the one time.

[flaminpumpkin]

Small treasures

“Five more minutes,” Bruce grumbled as he distantly heard the door open through his sleepy haze.

There was some shuffling sound around the room and then it was flooded with bright morning light as Alfred mercilessly opened the heavy curtains, the rays of sunshine hitting the Bat right in the face, making him scramble for the covers to hide his sensitive eyes. 

“Very well, Master Bruce. Breakfast will be ready for you in the kitchen.”

He was so used to Alfred’s barely hidden exasperation after all these years that his words took longer than usual to register with Bruce. A frown appeared on his face as he finally realized what was wrong with the butler’s statement. 

Alfred never served breakfast – or any meal for that matter – in the kitchen. 

He would rather shoo everyone out with a spatula full off batter than let anyone eat where he cooked. Bruce couldn’t even count the number of times he had seen Dick or Tim appear in the dining room with a sheepish look, a thoroughly exasperated Alfred hot on their heels. 

Pushing the sheets away just enough to uncover his head, Bruce peeked over his shoulder at the still open door, eyebrows knitting further in confusion. 

“What?”

Something caught his eyes. 

There was a piece of yellow paper on the nightstand. An origami bat, he realized after finally deciding to emerge from the sea of sheets and pillows he had buried himself in during his sleep. He reached for it and took the little paper animal gingerly between his fingers, eyes focusing enough to read “unfold me” written in elegant cursive right at its center. 

Bruce did as he was told.

Dear Master Bruce, 

My words most probably confused you as the kitchen is a place I do not tolerate for anyone to eat in. But, need I remind you, there always has been one peculiar occasion where I allowed you to do so.

A.

Bruce stared at the note, confusion growing. 

Oh.

His eyebrows raised a bit, pleasantly amused. There was indeed one occasion Alfred would let him eat in the kitchen while he worked. What did the kids put Alfred to this time? 

Led by his curiosity, Bruce climbed off the bed, fully awake now as he put on a shirt, and padded out of the bedroom, towards the kitchen. 

No one was there when he arrived, which wasn’t odd per say but he had learned to be cautious over years of attempted surprise parties. There was a plate though, on the little table, with French toasts that smelled like butter and cinnamon and a cup of coffee with probably enough sugar and cream that it didn’t even taste like coffee anymore.

It was a breakfast Alfred had always prepared for him on the morning of his birthday after his parents’ death. He would put the plate on this same table and work silently as Bruce happily ate, the two of them sharing the same space in the simplest way. It wasn’t a grand gesture but it had meant the world to him nonetheless.

Another little origami bat was waiting for him, propped against the cup. A small smile tugged at his lips.

Bruce put it aside before starting to eat, careful not to stain the paper with coffee or grease, only taking it again once he had cleared the table and washed his hands. He unfolded it with the same care as the first.

My happy place. 

(Took a piece of bread. Alfred said yes. Thank you.)

Cass

The dance studio on the third floor. 

A while back, Bruce had decided to redesign one of the biggest rooms on that floor in a place where Cass could dance that wasn’t the ball room. He had wanted for it to be a place only for her, where she could express herself and spend time however she pleased, without anyone bothering her. His greatest recompense had been the radiant smile on her face before she had locked himself in there and played music until late that night. 

The next course of action wasn’t too hard to guess so Bruce quickly folded the paper back into its bat form, slid it in the pocket of his pajama pants, along the first one, and headed for the next place.

As expected, he found another bat in Cass’s dance studio, tucked into the folds of a bright orange knitted scarf. There was a running joke between his kids saying that it was because Bruce always forgot to take a scarf with him during winter that his Batman voice sounded so bad.

One thing was for sure, he would not forget this one.

Hey B, remember that time you told me you were proud of me and then proceeded to suffocate me with your muscles? Just kidding, you give great hugs. Like, super comfy, 10/10. But yeah, go there next.

Steph :p

He huffed at Stephanie’s words, eyes rolling with fondness. He remembered perfectly what she was referring to. 

The young woman had been staying in the manor for a few days that time, Alfred being keen on keeping her under careful observation after she had been hit with a new type of fear gas while on patrol with Dick. She had continuously apologized to Bruce, blaming herself for Dick’s injuries. 

Until the third day, where he had found her reading in the library, curled up in one of the love seats. Before she could utter a word, he had crouched down and grabbed her hands firmly.

“You do not need to apologize or blame yourself for anything, do you hear me? You managed to drag Dick and yourself out of this building while under the influence of fear gas when most would have stayed frozen in place. I’m sure he will agree that a few scratches and broken bones are far better than what would have awaited him if you hadn’t been there. I’m proud of you, Stephanie Brown. More than you’ll ever know.”

After that, she had thrown herself at him and Bruce had hugged her for the better part of an hour until Alfred had come to fetch her for some blood analysis. 

This time, when he walked into the next place of this little treasure hunt, he found a laptop, sitting open on the table next to one of the windows. The windows of the library were wide and high and the spot where the next gift awaited was one of his favorites. 

So he let himself sink in the armchairs cushions and started to play the video.

“You better not ruin this, Todd,” Damian was saying, standing next to the piano in the lounge of the west wing, violin already positioned on his shoulder.

Jason was scowling at the piano in front of him, focused.

“Just take the lead, brat. I’ll follow.”

“Could you two focus, please?” Tim said off camera.

The other two huffed with the same affronted look towards the camera.

Then the melody started and both of their faces softened. It was gentle, melancholic. Almost sad if you asked Bruce. But he listened with a smile on his face, bemused at the sight of his two quick tempered sons playing with a soft kind of intensity together, Jason following Damian’s lead flawlessly – probably the result of hours of practice. It was truly beautiful and he knew that the melody was one of Damian’s compositions. 

But it was over too soon for Bruce’s taste so he played it a second time, closing his eyes. And then a third as he read the next message, only heading for the next place once it was over.

Blah blah blah, some cute shit about us bonding, blah blah blah. Just get your ass to the garage old man.

Ps: Remember your Aston Martin? I think I scratched it a bit but I’ll blame it on Timmy anyway. 

Jay.

Bruce knew exactly which car Jason was talking about (and knew perfectly that he didn't scratch it). An Aston Martin DB5 he had inherited from his father. Nobody had driven it in ages when Jason had brought it up during dinner one evening, not long after he had taken him in. 

“Isn’t that James Bond's car?”

“It is. But it’s been so long since the last time I used it, I’ll probably need to pop open the hood before anything else if I want to drive it again.”

“Can I help you fix it?”

Jason’s eyes had been so full of hope and excitement when he had asked Bruce. He had laughed before agreeing. The next day, Alfred had had to come and pry them away from the car for lunch because both of them had forgotten about eating in their eagerness. 

He noticed a tape case on the board as he approached, in front of the wheel. Bruce opened the door and climbed in so he could reach for it easily. On the piece of paper tucked between the clear case and the tape, Bruce could see every song scribbled, one in each of his children’s handwriting. He recognized a song by The Clash in Tim’s handwriting – of course – and Midnight Sonata in Damian’s. The other titles and artists were mostly lost on him, except maybe for that Belgian one Cass listened to a lot.  

I can’t count the number of times I fell asleep there while you worked and you had to carry me back to my room.

Dick

Bruce couldn’t recount either.

Although he remembered fondly the first time Dick had fallen asleep in his study, curled up in one of the seats across his desk while he worked on some urgent papers for WE. They both had been so young. Bruce being completely new to parenthood, he had seeked out Alfred who had only fixed him with a blank stare before sending him back.

“Don’t you dare wake up this child, Master Bruce.”

He had actually managed to pick up the gangly child without waking him up, even if rather awkwardly, and had carried him all the way to his bedroom uneventfully. Only to trip on one of Dick’s schoolbooks once there, nearly dropping him. 

They had both elected not to mention it to Alfred and, to this day, it was still something only the two of them knew about.

When he arrived at his study, another message was waiting for him in the seat Dick used to sleep in, along with a gift card for that 24 hours coffee shop that had opened recently in downtown Gotham. Bruce let out a breathy laugh at that.

I know you always listen when I play, Father. Why do you think I leave my door open when I do?

D. Wayne

And here he thought he had been smooth. However, he should have expected that his son would pick up on his habit of passing by his room while he rehearsed with his violin. 

But Bruce couldn’t resist the pull in his chest. Damian was a gifted player, just like Jason, able to translate raw emotions in barely a few notes. It always put his mind at ease, smoothed out his most troubled thoughts even for only a few moments. He had caught everyone at least once, standing outside of his youngest’s door, listening to soft melodies in a rare moment of peace. 

It was silent moments shared with everyone, brought together by Damian's deft fingers. Something he had been doing knowingly and willingly apparently. It made it all the more special for Bruce.

There was no gift when he went searching for the next clue in Damian’s room. Or so he thought.

Sitting on his son’s music-stand along with yet another yellow origami bat, was an open partition. It was still in work, Bruce could tell. Notes were hastily written with a pencil, a few stains where some had been erased. Nothing out of the ordinary for Damian and his creative mind. Except for the title.

Ode to Family. 

Thankfully, no one was around to witness the shuddering breath that escaped him as he read. He exited the room still unable to breathe normally, heart so full he almost felt like suffocating, and walked towards his next – and probably last – location.

You spent hours trying to teach me how to dance the waltz there after I told you I wanted to take Steph dancing for her birthday. I still don’t know how to dance but we had fun.

Tim

Indeed, Bruce still regularly caught Tim stepping on his partner’s toes during charity galas and other events. But he suspected the young man of going to great lengths to not learn how to dance correctly because it usually dissuaded most people from asking him to dance with them. And god knew how much his son disliked dancing. 

That was why it had greatly surprised him when Tim had asked him for help.

“I wasn’t really the best boyfriend to her so I just… I thought I could at least be a good friend and take her dancing? She loves it when Cass takes her in the studio and they dance so I just thought… Yeah…”

Five hours later, Tim had made absolutely no progress. He had known the steps by heart at this point, had it memorized and yet, he couldn’t seem to stop stomping on Bruce’s toes. To both Dick’s and Alfred’s delight.

His eldest son probably still had videos of it, he thought as he entered the vast and empty ballroom. There was nothing out of the ordinary or out of place and Bruce almost expected for his family to sneak up on him and surprise him when he noticed one last, black origami bat on the wooden floor, right in the center of the room. 

He crouched down and unfolded it slowly, warily even, some would say.

Terrace on the second floor. You know, the one where I inelegantly asked you to marry me and you just stared for a good five minutes before laughing. (And saying yes, of course.)

It wasn’t signed and even if the message wasn’t telling enough, he would recognize that hasty scribble everywhere.

Bruce took off, climbing stairs two by two and running down hallways. His heart was pounding in his chest. 

He had been gone for six months. Six excruciatingly long months of absolutely no contact, of not having any means to make sure his husband-to-be – yes, that idiot had asked him to marry him just before leaving – was still alive and well. Six months of worrying, of his children asking nervously if he had any news of his whereabouts. 

Bruce barged through the French doors leading to the wide terrace on the second floor of the manor and, surely enough, everyone was there. Absolutely everyone. 

“Happy birthday, Spooky. Half a century, we gotta celebrate,” Hal drawled with an easy grin.

“Someone take the cake away from Hal. Right now, before they ruin it!” Bruce heard someone say distantly and, next thing he knew, he had taken the few steps still separating them and was kissing Hal, holding him close by the lapels on his jacket. 

There were groans, cheers and something that sounded a lot like someone telling them to get a room. Hal laughed against his lips, pecked him one last time before pulling away, opening his arms widely with a grin. A clear invitation for everyone to pile up on them which everyone took with great enthusiasm, barreling into them and crushing Bruce and Hal under their combined weight.

[snowdice]

Big Bang (Sort of) Editing Story [Day 67]

I started writing this fic while editing my Big Bang story, but am going to continue doing it for other things now that Kill Dear is out. I will write and publish 100 words of the story every time I finish doing whatever task I’m doing. If you’d like to block these proceedings, please feel free to block the tag proofread stories. I will reblog this post with the parts of the story I do today. Edited chapters are linked; everything else I’ve done so far is under the cut.

My Master Post Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30

Got many things to do today, though I do have a meeting in a bit over an hours, so there will be a break.

Chapter 31

Logan waited for a while after Patton left to check on Virgil, but the two never resurfaced. It was odd, Patton would usually remember to come back and get Logan or at least tell them where they were. With a sigh, Logan climbed to his feet to go find them. It took him a while to weave his way through the maze of bushes to them especially because they were suspiciously quiet (Well, suspicious for Patton. Virgil was often unnervingly quiet when alone.) Luckily, he knew the bushes enough after all of these years not to get lost and managed to find the two after a few minutes.

“Ah,” he said, immediately identifying the reason for Patton disappearing.

 “Logan!” Patton said, his voice excited, but also quieter than normal. “We found a kitty!”

“I can see that,” Logan responded, taking a step closer. The cat hissed at him in response. The hissing was so intense and wild that he’d suspect the thing was feral if it wasn’t happily on Virgil’s lap having had it’s head in Patton’s lap before Logan had approached.

“No,” Virgil told the animal as though it could understand words. “That’s Logan. Be nice.”

The cat still glared at him and swished it’s tail back and forth threateningly. Virgil pet the top of it’s head and it broke eye contact with Logan to purr.

 Patton seemed delighted by the purring, reaching to stroke under the thing’s chin carefully. “We should give her a name!” Patton said.

Virgil frowned. “I thought her name was Ghost Kitty.”

“That is ‘Ghost Kitty’?” Logan asked skeptically. From what Patton had said about that cat, it was terrified of people and no one could ever get near it, even him. Now it was in Virgil’s lap?

“But that was a temporary name,” Patton said, “for before we officially met her. Now we have to give her a real name.”

“Do not give it a name,” Logan said. “You will get attached.”

 “How do you name a cat?” Virgil asked.

“Do not name it,” Logan said.

“You give them names based on their personalities, how they look, or even just because it’s a cute name,” Patton explained. “Like, remember Mittens? I named her Mittens because she has white fur and black paws!”

Virgil looked at the cat. “She’s completely black,” he said.

Patton hummed. “So, we could give her a name based on that like Midnight or Shadow.”

“Those are fine,” Virgil said.

“No, no,” Patton said. “I’m just giving you examples. You get to name her yourself.”

“This is a bad idea,” Logan said.

 “Just throw out some names,” Patton said. “Anything you can think of.”

“Uh,” Virgil said. “Knife.”

“…Just Knife?” Patton asked.

“Nightmare.” Virgil seemed to think about it. “No, that’s mean.”

“How about things you like?” Patton suggested.

“Alfredo?”

Oh no, Logan thought, he was worse than Patton at cat naming.

“Good start,” Patton said. “Logan, do you have any suggestions.”

“Cat,” Logan said.

“Real suggestions,” Patton scolded.

Logan sighed and thought for a moment. “Aphrodite.”

“Catphrodite!”

Logan glared at him. “Helena.”

“Helenpaw.”

“Claudia.”

“Clawdia.”

“Persephone.”

Patton smiled at him, cheerfully.

“…Damnit!”

Patton turned to Virgil again. “Like that! They don’t even have to be serious. Like, uh, you could name her Madam Fluffywuffykins the Great!”

“Do not name her that,” Logan said, scrunching up his nose.

 Logan sat on the ground, the cat eyeing him, but no longer hissing. Logan gently guided them towards more sensible names despite Patton trying his hardest to drag them into stupidity.

Virgil still didn’t quite get it. He mostly tried to name it after foodstuff, and often not even appropriate foodstuff such as “Corn” and “Acorn Squash” and “Sandwich” and occasionally would drop in semi violent ones such as “Razor,” “Nightshade” and “Void.” Patton suggested names like “Fluffers,” “Bobette” and “Darling” as well as some that were puns. Logan tried to direct them towards more sensible ones like “Salem” and even went so low as to suggest the contrary “Snowball.”

 It quickly seemed to become less about actually naming the cat and more of a game. Patton had taught Virgil about playing with cats and had even gotten out a ball of yarn he cared around for his crafts. Both Virgil and the cat seemed to find endless entertainment with that. Logan hoped Patton had another ball of yarn that color because, he was never going to get that ball back.

The barrage of names fizzled out into naming things around them like “Leaf” and “Bush” until they stopped suggesting names altogether. Patton and Logan sat back and watched Virgil play with the cat.

 Logan watched as they stopped playing suddenly and Virgil and the cat squinted at each other. “Marisol,” Virgil said, pulling the name out of nowhere. “That’s her name.” He said it with a certainty that was surprising considering how he’d treated the naming process with confusion and caution earlier. If Logan did not know better, his tone of voice would indicate that the cat, or Marisol he guessed, had gotten bored of them coming up with stupid names and decided to tell him her actual name herself.

The cat made a sound and batted at Virgil’s face without claws to grab back his attention.

 He turned back to it and bopped its face with a finger in kind. It attacked his finger, but in a clearly playful matter as it still did not extend it’s claws and its teeth did not draw blood.

“That’s a great name, Virgil,” Patton said.

“Much more pleasant than any that Patton suggested all afternoon,” Logan said. He received an elbow to the side for his quip.

“A pretty name for a pretty kitty,” Patton said, scooting over to where Virgil was sat and attempting to pet Marisol’s head. Marisol, however, was too keyed up and batted at the hand.

 “I love you too!” Patton said.

Logan rolled his eyes, but he had long since resigned himself to watching the two of them play with and coo over the cat for the rest of the day.

Eventually, though, it started to get darker. Even after Logan pointed this out, it still took over an hour for them to relent and leave the bush maze to go to the door. The problem was of course, that the cat had managed to grow very attached to Virgil in the last few hours and she followed them all the way to the door with manipulatively heart breaking mews.

 “You’ve got to stay out here,” Virgil said, when they got to the castle door. He pet her ear softly and she shoved her head into his hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t have anywhere to put you.” He sounded horribly sad about that fact and Logan felt himself shift uncomfortably. “I basically live in a closet and Logan doesn’t like cats in his room anyway.”

Logan immediately felt unreasonably guilty, probably more so because Logan did not think Virgil was trying to make him feel guilty. “…Bring the dammed thing inside.”

Virgil blinked up at him. “What?”

“It will get cold soon anyway,” Logan said.

He frowned at Logan from where he was crouched. “But you don’t like fur in your room…”

“I will have to find a potion that works,” he said with a sigh, “and we’ll have to say it’s mine to the guards and Father since it will be staying in my room, but it is yours in every other way. That means you are going to feed it, clean it, and clean up after it.”

Virgil nodded immediately and swooped Marisol up in his arms. The cat went without complaint. “Thank you!” he said. “I love her.”

“I know you do,” Logan said, already regretting it already. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to even consider recanting the offer considering how happy Virgil seemed to be. They had a cat now, he guessed.

  Chapter 32

“What are you doing?” Helen asked a few minutes after her son walked into the kitchen and started looking around as though he were trying to find something. It was a few hours into the afternoon, and she and a few workers were already prepping for dinner.

“Uh,” Patton said. “Have you seen Virgil?”

“No,” Helen said. “Why.”

“Er… Logan and I sorta, lost him,” Patton said. He was wringing his hands anxiously. Helen put down the knife in her hand.

“What do you mean you lost him?” she asked.

“Well, see, we were trying to teach him how to play hide and seek, um, but then we didn’t think to tell him that he eventually had to come out if we didn’t find him, and now we haven’t seen him since breakfast.”

 “He didn’t know what tag is?” she asked. That was just one more thing to add to the list of why Helen worried about Virgil and where he came from. Every morsel of information she’d managed to wring from Patton despite his evasions made her lists of concerns grow larger, even little things like him not knowing about simple childhood games. Actually, thinking of concerning things having to do with Virgil. “Wait, so he hasn’t eaten lunch.”

“Um, we don’t know that,” Patton’s mouth said while his eyes said ‘no.’

“He needs to be on a consistent diet, especially when he’s still taking the malnutrition potion,” she scolded.

 “I know, Mama, I know,” Patton said. “I’m trying to find him. I’d kinda hoped he’d gotten hungry and snuck down here. He probably wouldn’t want to risk being caught stealing food though.”

Helen grimaced. Yet another concerning thing.

“Wait! I have an idea, I’ll be right back.” Patton turned and ran out of the room. Helen frowned at the space he’d been and finished chopping the carrot on the cutting board in front of her. If it had been any other person in the castle missing, Helen wouldn’t have worried, but she had literally never seen Virgil without Patton and/or Logan by his side. Even when he’d gone to help Jeff can some fruit, Logan had reportedly hung around to read a book.

 Considering that Logan had never exactly been clingy even with Patton, she imagined that either Virgil asked, or Logan thought he should stay with him for his comfort. So, she was surprised that he was apparently hidden away somewhere in the castle where neither of the other kids could find him.

Still thinking about this, she walked over to the entrance to the cellar below the kitchen where they stored most of the vegetables, planning to grab some more carrots. She was confused for a moment when she heard movement from deeper in the pantry. She reached over and touched the panel near the door that controlled the magic lights.

 The newly illuminated figure startled as the lights came on, whipping around to stare at her with wide eyes.

“Virgil?” she asked.

“Sorry,” he said immediately, taking a step back.

“It’s fine,” she said immediately, “but what are you doing here?”

He considered her for a long moment, but apparently, she passed some sort of mental test, because he relaxed, at least as much as he’d ever relaxed in her presence. “Where are we?” he asked.

Her brow knit together. “The cellar under the kitchen,” she said, “You don’t know that?”

He shook his head.

“The only entrance is from the kitchen.” Now that she thought about it, she hadn’t seen him go through the kitchen at any point.

 “No, it’s not,” Virgil said. “There’s a tunnel.”

“A-a tunnel?” she asked. Actually, taking a closer look at him, he seemed a bit grimy. He had dust all over his front and dirt on his nose. She thought he might even have a couple of cobwebs in his hair.

“Yep,” he said.

“Where’s the tunnel?” she asked.

“It’s right over here,” he said. He took a couple of steps and pointed to the ground. There was an open square hole there that clearly had been made a long time ago but which she had never noticed in all of her time working here.

 “How did you find this?” she asked.

“We were playing hide and seek,” Virgil explained. “Logan said I could hide anywhere inside the castle. I hid on top of a dresser upstairs in some unused sitting room. There was a hole in the wall above it, so I climbed into it. Then, I crawled a little bit and it let out into a hidden passage in the walls. I wandered around in it until I found another hole in one of the walls. I thought it was a way out, so I squeezed into it, but it took me to a different hallway where I found an old room. There was a different hole in that room that had probably been covered by something because it was in the floor but whatever it was had rotted away. I crawled though it into a tunnel and came out here.”

 She couldn’t help but laugh a bit at his explanation. “Well, it sounds like you went on an adventure,” she said, “but Patton and Logan have been trying to find you. You missed lunch.”

He tilted his head at her. “I know. I was supposed to hide.”

“Yes,” she explained, “but you are supposed to come out at some point if they can’t find you for things like food.”

“Oh,” he said.

“They probably should have explained,” she said. “For now, why don’t we get you something to eat? You must be hungry.”

Virgil frowned. “But I missed lunch.”

“You can still eat even though it’s not in normal hours,” she said. “You could even if you had made it to lunch.”

 “Really?” he asked, he looked tragically confused by this offer.

“Of course, sweetie,” she said. “In fact, I insist you get something good to eat right now. How about I made you a grilled ham and cheese sandwich? Maybe some cookies too!”

Virgil titled his head. “You are Patton’s mother,” he stated.

Helen laughed softly. “He gets its all from me,” she said. “We should probably go find him and tell him you’re okay. He was worried.”

“I didn’t mean to worry him,” Virgil said with a frown.

“I know,” Helen said. “It’s okay. He’ll probably laugh when he figures out where you’ve been, and Logan will interrogate you all about the secret passageways.” He seemed happy about the prospect of seeing his friends. “Come on, let’s go upstairs for a bit,” she said.

  Chapter 33

Patton’s mom had already made Virgil sit down at the small table in the corner of the kitchen and had handed him a sandwich by the time Patton barreled into the kitchen, Logan coming after him at a more sedate pace.

“Virgil!” he said, sounding surprised and relieved.

“Patton,” Patton’s mom scolded. “No cats in the kitchen.” Patton had brought Marisol in with him and had let her go as soon as he’d seen Virgil. She immediately plodded over to him and hoped onto the table to sniff at his face in greeting.

“But she’s the princess!” Patton argued.

“No,” Logan said.

 “Yes, she is!” Patton said.

“The stupid cat is not a princess.”

“Don’t be mean to your little sister, Logan.”

“I regret every life decision that has led me to this point.”

While Logan and Patton were distracted squabbling and Patton’s mom was distracted watching them squabble, Virgil tore off a bit of the ham in his sandwich and offered it to Marisol. Marisol gracefully took it from his grip and ate it.

“So, this is Logan’s new cat I’ve been hearing about?” Patton’s mom asked.

“Indeed,” Logan said, his lips thinned. He and Marisol were mostly amicable when alone with just them and Virgil, but Patton had a habit of cooing over the kitten and needling Logan into being irritated.

 “Mmm, yeah,” Patton’s mom said. She glanced over at Virgil right as Marisol basically slammed her face into his chin in a bid to get pets. “Your cat.” She shook her head. “But Princess Kitten or not, I do not want fur in dinner,” she said.

“Sorry,” Patton said, honestly not sounding sorry at all. Virgil was always a bit surprised when the insolent shrug garnered nothing more that a scowl that did not reach Patton’s mom’s eyes. “I thought she could help me find Virgil, but you already found him.” He turned to Virgil. “Where have you been all day?”

 “Found a tunnel,” Virgil said. He had to use one hand to hold Marisol back from his sandwich as he took another bite, but then gave her a bite of cheese.

“You found what?” Logan asked.

“There’s a tunnel under the cellar,” Virgil said. “It goes to an old closed up room and also to a set of secret passageways.” It was a bit of a security risk honestly, though clearly no one had used it in years by how dirty it was. He did plan to go back into it and make sure the sprawling tunnels didn’t go to anywhere more dangerous like the royal wing.

 “A closed-up room?” Logan said. He could see a bit of curiosity already building in his eyes.

“Yeah,” Virgil said. “Where the door used to be seemed like it had been bricked over.”

“Really? Can you show me.”

“Sure,” Virgil answered.

“Ah, perhaps we should be a bit more cautious about climbing through random tunnels we don’t know the stability of,” Patton’s mom said.

Logan’s frown edged on a pout.

“Talk to your father,” she said. “I’m sure he can get someone who understands these things so you can safely investigate.”

“It was safe enough for Virgil,” Logan pointed out.

 “No, Logan.”

He sighed but seemed to concede. That was another strange thing about living here. By all rights Logan didn’t have to obey anyone except the king, but he often listened to those around him, not just the adults but Patton as well. It was interesting though it sometimes made the hierarchy hard to figure out. Virgil did sometimes stress out about the hypothetical situation where he got conflicting orders from two people, and he wouldn’t know which one to obey. So far it hadn’t been a problem luckily. They always seemed to work it out amongst themselves in some give and take social interaction that was a bit too complex for him to understand.

 Patton walked over to where Virgil was sitting. “I’m glad your safe,” he said. “We should probably put a time limit on hide and seek in the future, so you know when to come out.”

“Did I win?” Virgil asked. He’d honestly forgotten they’d been playing a game until Patton’s mom had asked how he’d found his way into the cellar.

Patton laughed. “I’d say so, yeah,” he replied. He leaned over to kiss Virgil’s forehead, but drew back immediately with a pinched expression. “You are… very dirty,” he said, rubbing his mouth.

Virgil nodded. “Your mom made me sit on a tablecloth,” he said gesturing to the fabric she’d laid over the chair.

 Patton snorted out a laugh. “We’ll get you into the bath when you’re done eating and you can tell us all about your little adventure.”

“I would also like to hear about your discoveries,” Logan said. “Though you are not allowed to sit on the bed until you do not have spider webs in your hair.”

Patton’s eyes widened and he jumped away from Virgil, startling both Virgil and Marisol. The latter hopped from the table onto Virgil’s lap. “Spiders?!”

Virgil tilted his head at him in confusion.

“He isn’t a fan of spiders,” Logan informed him, his voice amused at Patton’s reaction.

 Apparently deciding that she was no longer startled, but more confused by the noises Patton had just made, Marisol jumped out of Virgil’s lap to investigate, wrapping her way around Patton’s legs. He bent down to pat her back, though he still looked a bit startled.

“Your cat, huh?” Patton’s mom asked Logan once again. Virgil studied her. She had apparently missed Logan mentioning that he allowed Virgil on the bed. Or perhaps Logan was correct in his insistence that it wasn’t actually that big of a deal here. Virgil would rather not test that assumption, however, so was glad that it had been distracted from by Patton’s outburst.

 “Creepy, crawly death dealers,” Patton mumbled into Marisol’s fur, having picked her back up. Virgil made a note to not inform Patton of all of the different types of spiders he’d seen skittering around in the castle walls today. Maybe he’d talk about them with Logan once Patton left. He’d probably be interested. Virgil had seen some he’d never seen before! Logan probably could even help him figure out what their names were. “You’ll protect me, won’t you kitty?” Patton asked Marisol.

She made a little ‘burrrr’ sound in response, which Patton seemed to take a confirmation.

“Aw thank you, baby! Such a good baby.”

50234

Virgil popped the rest of the sandwich into his mouth. Patton’s mom turned away and grabbed a plate stacked with cookies. She handed it to Logan. “Take these, and please get the health hazards out of my kitchen,” she requested.

Logan took them without complaint. “Come on, Virgil,” he said. “Let’s go get you clean.”

“We’re going to need so much soap,” Patton said.

Virgil looked down at himself. “I can go outside and get most of it off if you get me a bucket of water,” he offered.

“Virgil, it’s below freezing,” Logan said as though that had a baring on what he’d just said. Logan sighed. “No. Bathtub.” Virgil shrugged. “Honestly,” Logan said. He turned with the plate of cookies in his hand, clearly expecting to be followed. “You’re not going to catch your death pouring a bucket of water over yourself in the cold when there are literally over a hundred perfectly good bathtubs in this castle. For goodness sakes.” And well, Virgil wasn’t going to complain.

  Chapter 34

Patton, to be completely honest, was not all that interested in the room that Virgil had found. Beyond just the fact that it would definitely have creepy crawly death dealers in it, he really did not understand the intrigue. If it had just been him, he probably would have just let a castle worker deal with it, but it was not just him. Logan was ecstatic with the prospect of investigating a secret in the castle. People who didn’t know him well may not believe it considering he spent most of his time with his nose in a book, but he was an adventurer at heart.

 Thomas had been easily swayed into finding someone to help tear down part of the wall into the secret tunnel near the room (so no one would have to crawl through the kitchen cellar like Virgil). It had taken a few days, however, and Logan was practically bouncing off the walls waiting. Virgil, despite having already seen the room before, also seemed excited, though if that was because of his own curiosity or because he was just excited that Logan seemed so exited remained to be seen.

“They are silly, aren’t they,” Patton asked Princess Marisol. He was laying on his stomach on Logan’s bed and Princess Marisol had just put her little paw on his nose.

 “Yes, I agree,” he said. “Don’t they know that we’re literally going to be 2 feet away from the normal hallway?”

“It is not silly,” Logan defended himself. “Any number of things could go wrong.” He sounded far too excited about the prospect of something going terribly wrong. “The tunnels could cave in and block off the exit or there could be some unknown pathogen in the air.”

Patton did not ruin his fun by mentioning that Logan’s dad had definitely basically baby proofed the tunnels for them ahead of time. Instead, he just said, “Don’t let Virgil hear you say that sort of thing. It will just stress him out.”

 “Yes, yes, of course,” he said, waving off Patton’s concerns as he mulled over two different weird green planty things (potion ingredients, Patton assumed) before setting one aside and sticking the other in his bag.

“So silly,” Patton cooed at the cat. Logan let out a huff but did not choose to say anything about it this time.

Speaking of silly, Virgil came back from Logan’s bathroom then, and Patton tried not to giggle. “Is this right?” Virgil asked, sounding and looking confused. Logan, in his overexcitement about adventure had commissioned Virgil an outfit that actually fit. Said outfit, however, very much made it look more like Virgil was going on a safari instead of a two-foot detour from the normal castle hallway.

 “Almost,” Logan said, “Here, let me.” Logan started straightening everything out and flattening the collar, reminding Patton of an overbearing parent on picture day. Virgil accepted the fussing without protest. It was adorable. Well, the outfit was ridiculous, but still, adorable. “There,” Logan said. “I think we’re ready to go now.”

It was about time. Patton was sure people were already waiting for them downstairs. Patton got up and patted Princess Marisol on the head. She looked up at them with interest.

“You can stay here, sweetie,” Patton told here. She seemed to consider it and then hopped down from the bed to go rub up against Virgil.

 Patton guessed she was coming. It didn’t matter too much since Logan had given her a magical collar that allowed her to open most doors in the castle and everyone knew she was the royal cat now, so if she decided she wanted to come back to the room and nap, she could. (She was very aware of the power she held.)

She pranced happily by Virgil’s side all the way down the steps to the first floor of the castle. She was such a good kitty.

Well, she did hiss angrily at everyone who came too close to them, but still, a very good kitty.

 Patton did lean down and pick her up so they could actually talk to the man waiting for them at the large hole in the wall. Logan went to talk to the castle worker while Virgil half hid behind Patton. He was clearly listening very intently to the conversation however, at least more intently than Patton was. Patton was busy shaking his head fondly.

“Yes, yes, Princess,” he said to the cat. “I know we do not trust the strangers, but I promise this stranger is perfectly safe.”

“How do you know?” Virgil asked.

“His name is Chester and I’ve known him since I was 9.”

 This seemed to slightly alleviate Virgil’s suspicion, but Princess Marisol still seemed antsy. Patton really needed to start slowly introducing the both of them to more people.

Logan finished talking with Chester after a few moments and it was time to climb through the hole in the wall. He wished he saw in the tunnel whatever Logan with his excited eyes and bounce to his step obviously saw. Or even that was more comfortable in the dark closed in space as Virgil obviously was. As it was, Patton’s nose scrunched up at the thought off all of the spiders that could be living everywhere in the secret tunnel, but he pushed through.

 The entrance to the tunnel had been made only a little bit from the room Virgil had mentioned and Chester had led them through it after only a couple of seconds. As Patton had suspected, the room was already lit up and probably cleaned a little bit by the people who had cut into the wall, not that he was complaining.

Virgil was still clinging a bit to Patton’s shirt, though it seemed to be less out of anxiety at this point and more out of a desire to stick close. He was peering around curiously at the lit-up space. He probably hadn’t seen much of it in the dark when he’d been here before.

 Yet, his curiosity was nothing compared to how excited Logan seemed to be. Now Patton may have not been interested in the room itself, but he was entertained by how interested Logan was and was happy to encourage that.

“What do you think this place is?” he asked Logan.

Logan hummed contemplatively, eyes looking around. “Well,” he said. “It’s a bedroom clearly, and old. Considering the location it is in in the castle, the size, the decorations, and it’s likely age, I’d imagine it was a bedroom of a royal family member. This used to be the royal wing three royal lines ago.”

 “Bearing that in mind, there are a couple of likely possibilities for the origin of the room as well as the reason it was sealed up, but we will need to investigate more in order to come to an actual conclusion.” He had already placed the bag he’d brought on the ground and was going through it, pulling out things that Patton did not recognize. He also got a piece of paper and sat on the floor to start to sketch.

“What are you doing?” Virgil asked.

“I’m sketching the floorplan of the room,” Logan said. “I will then put a grid on it so we can investigate while being sure that we aren’t missing anything.”

 Virgil seemed uninterested in this part of the adventure, instead electing to go poking around by himself. Princess Marisol squirmed out of Patton’s arms to go follow him. Patton swore that he only looked away from those two for 5 seconds, but the next thing he knew he heard metal clicking against metal.

“Oh,” Patton said, eyes wide when he saw what Virgil was fiddling with. “Honey, you probably shouldn’t touch…”

The old but fancy looking chest that had been at the end of the remains of the bed creaked open. Virgil sneezed as a cloud of dust puffed out of it. “Huh,” he said studying the contents. “There’s a skull in here.”

 “Oh, I don’t like this adventure anymore,” Patton commented.

Logan was on his feet within moments. “Let me see,” he said eagerly.

“What if it’s cursed?” Patton pointed out.

“Then I’ll just break the curse,” Logan waved him off. “Oh, it’s just a horse skull,” Logan said, sounding disappointed. “And also what seemed to be potion ingredients. Though they seem very fresh considering the state of the room.”

“Maybe we should get someone else to…”

Logan already had both arms inside the chest and was pulling things out of it. “This chest must have some sort of stasis effect to it.”

 He started pulling things out to look at them before setting them on the floor with no caution. “Well,” he said, “that answers the question of what this room is.”

“It does?” Patton asked.

“Ah, yes, between the horse skull and the potion ingredients, this is obviously the bedroom of Princess Marianne Elicia. She was the third child of King Simon IV and was quite the fan of horses.”

“…So she kept a horse skull in a stasis chest in her bedroom?” Patton asked.

“Of course,” Logan said. “Back when her family was in power, magic was outlawed and had quite the stigma against it, but she ended up learning magic and become quite proficient.”

 “It’s debated what exactly happened when her father found out about her activities. Some sources say that she was executed silently by her father, but others say she managed to escape with the head of the stables but not before putting a curse on the country of Prijaznia. That is until she or one of her bloodline sits on the throne, every royal line will end in madness and blood by the 5th seated monarch before an heir is born.”

“Isn’t that something you should be worried about?” Virgil asked.

Logan shrugged. “It’s just a myth,” he said. “Besides I’m 6th in the line, so there really isn’t any concern.”

52142

“There are a lot of interesting things in here,” Logan said, still focused on the chest. “Not to mention the books. We’ll have to be careful with those though since they don’t appear to be in stasis.”

Logan pulled the horse skull out and set it on the floor making Patton wince.

“Marisol no!” he said as Princess Marisol immediately went to go sniff at it. He swooped her up in his arms. “How long are we staying in this creepy room?” Patton asked.

“Patton, we just got here,” Logan said.

“We just got here and already found a skull!”

“Yes! Exactly!”

Patton groaned into Princess Marisol’s fur even as she tried wiggle away to go back and investigate the skull. This was going to be a long day.

  Chapter 35

Logan was surprised when he woke up alone in bed. He’d grown to anticipate waking to a smaller body unrelentingly clinging to his in the past couple of weeks. Confused he sat up and peered around his bedroom. He wouldn’t have seen Virgil with the way he melted into the darkness if it he hadn’t heard the sound of purring coming from near the window. He could just barely make out a dark blob shifting up and down at the cat kneaded at a different blob sitting mostly hidden behind the thick curtain.

“Virgil?” Logan questioned. “What are you doing?”

 “It’s snowing,” was the answer.

“That is not an answer,” Logan grumbled at the ceiling. With a sigh, he pulled himself out of bed. It was a bit chilly in here, he thought. The temperature must have dipped suddenly and intensely enough that the runes keeping the castle at a warm enough temperature hadn’t caught up yet. He pulled one of the blankets off of the top of his bed to wrap around his shoulders as he approached the window. There wasn’t much light outside, the stars and moon covered by clouds, but there were some lanterns lit for the night guard who patrolled the outside. “Oh,” he said in surprise. “It’s really snowing.”

 It had been colder but not quite cold enough for snow to stick the day before, so it came as a surprise when he saw snow was piling up quite high to the point where familiar paths outside his window had disappeared.

“I don’t like it,” Virgil informed him.

“Why not?” Logan asked.

“It’s cold,” Virgil answered. It was clear in his tone that in Virgil’s opinion ‘cold’ was a horrible insult to the concept of snow. Logan quirked a half smile and his attention was drawn to the fact that it was quite cold right here close to the window.

 Frowning, he pulled at the blanket around his shoulder so he could wrap it and his arm around the lump that was Virgil. He brushed the boy’s hand when he did so and found it was like ice.

“You’re freezing!” Logan said. “How long have you been by the window?”

“I dunno,” he replied.

Logan was already tugging at him. “You need to get back in bed,” he said.

Virgil obeyed the pulling at his arms even as he frowned. “I’ve been colder than this before,” he said.

“That actually doesn’t make me feel better,” Logan replied dryly as he shooed him towards the bed.

 He took the thicker blanket that usually stayed folded at the end of the bed and pulled it up over Virgil before climbing into bed beside him.

“There,” Logan said, rubbing Virgil’s arms through the fabric of the sweater he wore to bed. He was glad he wasn’t wearing a t-shirt at least. “The runes for heating the castle should catch up within a few hours, but until then this should do. Assuming we don’t sit by the freezing window for an undetermined amount of time.”

“I don’t like the cold,” Virgil told him.

Logan sighed. “Then why did you sit by the window?”

 Virgil shrugged and ducked his head a bit. Logan reached out to grab his hands to help him warm more but was surprised when one of the hands was much warmer than the other. He found his fingers were clutching a crescent shaped stone: the protection charm they’d made. Logan knew that he kept it in his pocket most of the time, but he didn’t normally see him holding it like this. It was warm to the touch, of course, indicating the safety of the room around them.

Logan looked over his face. “Are you…” he said. “Scared of the snow?”

 “I don’t like the cold,” he said once again.

“You’re scared of the winter,” Logan concluded. He looked at Virgil who was far too small for his age and seemed surprised at every casual act of kindness. It was clear that his basic needs were far from being met before he came here. Logan had to wonder what winter usually meant for him. His experiences were doubtlessly very different from Logan’s own. “That makes sense,” he acknowledged, “but you don’t need to be scared of it here. The castle is always perfectly warm and safe in the winter and Mr. Deknis and Ms. Heart work hard during the other seasons to make sure we have plenty of food. There is nothing to fear here.”

 He did not seem convinced.

“You don’t even have to go outside if you don’t want to,” Logan promised. “The castle is plenty big if you’d like to stay inside all winter long. It was made for the winter even without the magic devices that keep it warm. We have fireplaces and well insulated rooms even if those that ends up failing.” Logan pulled open the hand that had the protection charm just to transfer it to his other hand to warm it. “Though, while no one would force you to go outside, the snow isn’t always bad.”

“Yes it is,” Virgil said, his voice sure.

 “Not all the time,” Logan insisted. “Some people love the snow.”

“They’re stupid.”

Logan laughed. “It can be fun for a while with the right equipment if you have someplace to get warm again afterwards. Royal duties slow down during the winter and Patton tends to come up with all sorts of games for both the inside and the outside to pass the time. He’s particularly proficient at snowball fights, at least against me.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Play fighting,” Logan answered. “Like pillow fights, but snow.”

“I’ll stick with the pillows,” he replied.

“And then there’s a hill to sled down on the western side of the castle, and people like to build snowmen along the path.”

“What are snowmen?” Virgil asked.

 They’re temporary statues made out of packed snow,” Logan explained. “Typically, they’re made of three different sized balls of snow: the largest being the base and the smallest the ‘head’ though there are some variations. After building them one typically decorates them with different articles of clothing and objects found lying around. It’s usually sticks and rocks for the face and then things like extra hats and scarfs for decoration.” He smiled softly. “When my Pa was alive, we used to steal my Dad’s crown and fanciest robes. Sometimes Pa would steal it right off of Dad’s head and we’d run away. We’d find a secluded area of the castle yards and build the biggest snowman we could as quickly as we could before we got caught. He’d usually end up letting us keep the robes, but we’d have to give the crown back since some of the metals in it would rust when wet.”

 “That sounds…” Virgil’s nose twitched. “fun if you take away the touching snow part.”

Logan laughed. “It is fun,” he said. “Even with the touching snow part. Though, I admit that some of the ability for it to be entertaining does come from the fact that we could warm up afterwards with ease. You’ll enjoy Patton’s mother’s constant offering of hot chocolate during the season even if you never go outside, I’m sure.”

“Hot chocolate?” Virgil asked intrigued. His dark eyes shone brightly in the little light coming through the window. It was clear he could guess something about the drink just by the name and enjoyed the implications.

 Logan smiled fondly. “It is a hot drink,” he explained. “It’s a warm drink made out of milk and chocolate. I can get you some to try in the morning.”

Virgil nodded, eyes still wide with interest.

“For now, we should sleep though,” Logan said. “Are you warm enough? I can get more blankets.”

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Good,” Logan said, reaching up and adjusting the blanket over them once more, tucking it around Virgil a little bit for good measure. “Goodnight Virgil,” he said.

“Goodnight,” he replied softly. Logan reached under the blankets to grab the hand that was still slightly chilly from the window between his own. Virgil’s eyes slipped closed after a moment as he nuzzle his face into the pillow. At some point they both drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 36

Thomas had already been well aware that winter was on the way, but he and the rest of the castle occupants had been surprised at how intensely and suddenly it had come on. Most things were ready for the winter, but not all of them had been initiated. The fireplaces that took some pressure off the castle heating runes were cleaned out and ready, but they hadn’t been started yet. The stables for different animals on the grounds had been checked over and staff assignments had been made, but most were still in far out fields. Staff that went home for the winter months had been dismissed, but there were a few stragglers that would have to be helped home before things got worse.

 He’d gone out to the main stable to talk to the three workers that were the heads of different areas of animal husbandry to make sure a plan to get everything to where it needed to be soon was in place. It took a while to figure out considering that they’d expected a little more time before the first major snowfall. Thomas also asked them to make sure all of the workers’ homes were in good enough condition for the weather. Ranch hands typically had homes on castle grounds but not in the castle themselves since they needed to be close to the animals. Thomas knew at least half a dozen of those who spent most of their times out in the fields were the type to forgot to maintain their homes because they preferred camping amongst the animals in the summer months and then would be in for a bad time when snow began to fall.

 There should be enough extra rooms in the castle if they needed a place to stay until repairs could be done.

Those conversations took a good couple of hours, before Thomas was satisfied. Before trudging back to the castle through the still falling snow, he made a point to stop at one specific horse stall in the main stable. The horse turned his head to see Thomas when he stopped in front of his stall and puffed out a rather disaffected snort before sticking his head over the gate so Thomas could pat his nose. “Hello, Mr. Apples,” Thomas said.

 The horse seemed to conclude he’d tolerated Thomas’s petting enough and ducked his head to nudge at his torso. Thomas rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes,” he said. “I brought you an apple. Some things never change.” He reached into his pocket to grab the red apple he’d brought the white Arabian. “At least you don’t bite me anymore.” He paused, apple slice in hand and eyed the horse’s nose suspiciously. “Do not bite me,” he said even though he hadn’t felt the animal’s teeth in a decade. It would be just like Mr. Apples to wait until his guard was down.

 After a bit of scrutiny, he offered an apple slice. It was snatched out of his hand and there was a loud crunch as it was bit into.

“It’s snowing out,” he told the horse. The horse seemed to roll his eyes at the statement of the obvious. “I’ll remind again that if you run out in a snowstorm, I’m not running after you, so you’d be out of luck.”

Mr. Apples snorted.

“You’re old now. You’d probably not survive long enough for people to find you. Besides, you blend in with that white fur of yours. They’d probably walk right past you a few times.”

 He went back to nosing for treats as soon as he finished his first and Thomas sighed, pulling out another apple slice. “What are they not feeding you enough?” The gusto with which the horse snatched the apple slice was a very clear answer. “Well, we both know that’s not true.” Thomas fed the horse a third slice of apple when he was done with his second. “I have to get back to the castle now. Don’t be a devil horse.”

Mr. Apples threw his head a bit, splattering apple smelling foamy spittle all over Thomas’s front.

“Understood. Have a nice afternoon.”

 He left Mr. Apples in his stall then, knowing he’d be well cared for no matter how ill-tempered he could be at times. He’d been a king’s horse once, after all, no matter that said king had been dead for more than a decade now.

Winters were hard.

Winters were the times when things always slowed down at the castle, where royal duties were often thin. There were a lot of memories in winter.

The trip back to the castle was not particularly long, but it was also not particularly pleasant. The snow had not been cleared away considering it was still snowing which meant his feet and legs were wet and cold by the time he made it to the nearest castle door.

 He wasn’t sure if, when he entered, the castle heating runes had started to work in earnest or if he’d just been so cold that any measure of warmth was appreciated, but he was relieved to be out of the snow either way.

He decided to check up on the progress of the castle staff lighting the fireplaces. With any luck, they’d be lit already, and he could warm up even more. That in mind, he headed towards the main foyer where the largest fireplace in the castle sat to take off the chill brought in by the large front doors.

 The main foyer was bustling with activity when he snuck in along the sides, giving the guards stationed around nods as he passed. The main fire in the room was burning brightly, though only one of the two smaller ones near the side exits from the room was lit. The other one was still being set up with safety mechanisms. It was good progress and assuming other areas of the castle were being set up as efficiently, he assumed they’d all be set up by nightfall.

He’d need to go check around to be sure, but for now, he walked up to the main fireplace to warm his hands.

 He’d gotten into the habit when he was younger to every so often glance upwards. There had been a certain stable boy who had a propensity for climbing trees. These days, he usually found nothing when he did so, often not even consciously noticing that he’d turned his gaze momentarily skywards. Yet, today, he was startled out of his own idleness by dark brown eyes looking back at him from a small ledge in the shadows high above him.

He froze as he met the young boy’s gaze. Virgil seemed as surprised to be caught as Thomas was to have caught him.

 Slowly Thomas raised one hand and waved to the boy. He slunk back into the shadows at the acknowledgment. If Thomas peered hard enough, he could see a shadow stretch up towards the third-floor balcony in the darkness and disappear over the railing.

Interesting boy.

Thomas found himself smiling despite the oddity. They still had not found out much about Virgil. He would speak to Jeffers about many things apparently, but often could not be redirected to invasive topics and he was still a bit skittish around Helen. He hadn’t willingly existed in a room with Thomas. Thomas hoped that changed at some point. There was something about him that made Thomas like him.

  Chapter 37

Virgil had not spent a lot of time out of Logan’s room. What little time he had spent outside of it was either with Patton and/or Logan or tucked away in secret corridors he found in the walls where no one would stumble upon him. Yet, here he was willingly in a, well, not public by any means place, but one that was still more exposed than he was used to being in. Somehow, he was managing to not care at all.

It was helped by the fact that both Logan and Patton had been in the room at the start, but they had gone off to go… somewhere. Food sounded like it might have been the reason.

 He liked food, and usually he would have been all for going to get some, but between them promising to bring him back some and the fact that he was never going to move ever again, he’d decided to stay.

Princess Marisol seemed to be the only other rational being in the whole castle because she had also not moved since discovering the contents of this room. She was currently laying on his chest purring happily.

The fireplace was a wonderful invention. Now, Virgil had, of course, warmed up by a fire before when it was cold, but this was much different. There was a grate that blocked off the fire a bit keeping it from burning the person in front of it and there was a plush rug right by it, perfect for laying down on. Someone had known what they were doing when designing this room.

 He didn’t even care that the king had access to this sitting room as well as Logan.

…

Okay, so he did care a little bit, but he was ignoring that. He was probably busy this time of day anyway, right?

…

He really didn’t want to run into him after being caught watching the castle workers set up the bigger fireplaces. Kings probably didn’t like people sneaking around watching things from the shadows even when they didn’t know that the person sneaking around was literally sent to kill them.

Princess Marisol must have had a sixth sense for his anxieties (or he’d just started breathing faster and disturbed her) because she stirred a bit.

[djnikkij]

In Another Life You were Mine

Chapter 1: Meeting You was a Treat 

Let's take a look at how the eldest Madrigal met her husband in a different life. And see how they could have fallen in love. 

________________________________________________________________

Julíeta's POV:

Julíeta walked into the office, feeling the weight of curious eyes on her. Her male colleagues looked at her like she had committed a crime. However, it was still early, and she hadn't even had her coffee. She was relieved that her special gift, healing others, wasn't needed. Murmurs circulated about her upcoming mission, which involved working undercover as a model for a few months. She didn't mind working undercover; she found it exhilarating. She completed her first assignment a few months ago, where she infiltrated a drug bust operation.

 Now, at 24, this was her second major assignment, and she couldn't contain her excitement. Her undercover name would be "Magaríta Alonzo," and her backstory would revolve around her starting modeling as a hobby that eventually turned into a full-fledged career due to her love of traveling and trying on stylish clothes from renowned designers.

After grabbing her coffee, Julíeta proceeded to the briefing room to gather more information about her upcoming assignment. She listened attentively as the mission details were laid out before her, absorbing every piece of crucial information. Once the briefing was over, she left the room, feeling a surge of determination coursing through her veins.

Leaving the office building behind, Julíeta returned to her casita to pack her clothes. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she found her sister, Pepa, standing there.

"Holá, Hermana. Going somewhere?" Pepa asked curiously.

"Hmm, oh no, I was just folding my clothes. Did you need something?" Julíeta replied, hiding her true purpose.

"I was just thinking about..." Pepa's face lit up, and a rainbow appeared above her head.

"About Félix? Hermana, you're in love with him, aren't you?" Julíeta smiled, recognizing the signs.

"Sí, I am. I just hope mamá will be happy and stop setting me up," Pepa confessed.

"She'll be happy with your decision. I'm just lucky she's not trying to set me up anymore," Julíeta admitted, feeling relief.

"Oh, she is. She just hasn't told you yet because you're always out. Ay, maybe I don't want to get married yet. I've been an honorable daughter, and I deserve a life that's not always about healing people who keep getting hurt," Julíeta sighed, expressing her desires.

"I thought you liked doing that, but I get it. If you're heading out, please stay safe, por favor. I don't want to be the one to tell mamá that her firstborn got into trouble," Pepa said with a mixture of concern and amusement, sitting on her sister's bed.

"Hush, Pepita. You're the only one who knows why I'm out. But I promise I'll be safe," Julíeta assured her sister.

"Good, because I would hate to lose my favorite sister and best friend," Pepa added with a tender smile.

"I'm your only sister, and you could never lose me," Julíeta said, returning the smile.

Feeling reassured by her sister's support, Julíeta returned to work, ready to face challenges. After an hour or so, she arrived at the venue for one of the fashion shows she would participate in. Amidst the hustle and bustle, her eyes caught sight of an unfamiliar face—a mysteriously attractive man. However, her mind reminded her to focus on her work first and the man second.

As she prepared for the fashion show, Julíeta noticed a mysterious man conversing with someone. Of course, she thought to herself, he must have a girlfriend. But just as she was about to dismiss him, something pulled her out of her trance. Her attention returned to the enigmatic stranger.

"Huh? Sorry, what?" she asked, meeting his gaze. He stood tall and exuded charm, dressed impeccably in a suit that accentuated his handsome looks.

"I asked what your name was, Hermosa," the man, Agustín, inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

"Oh, my name is Margaríta. And you are?" Julíeta responded, genuinely curious about this captivating individual.

Just as he was about to reveal his name, Julíeta was called to take the stage for the fashion show. This left her conversation with Agustín suspended in the air, filled with anticipation and unanswered questions. Then did she know that this encounter would catalyze an extraordinary journey that would intertwine their lives in ways she couldn't yet fathom?

[tragedy-for-sale]

Beach Days:

The Worst Enemy of the Jedi: Sand

I'm going to write a bunch of stories about the GAR on the beach just straight up vibing. Only good times here folks. Order 66? Don't know her. Palpatine? Doesn't exist. Happiness? WE LOVE HER. This little series is dedicated and based off the WONDERFUL art by @suja-janee !!

◈ ━━━━━━ ◆ ━━━━━━ ◈

"Rex, are we gonna play chicken?" Ahsoka asked, tapping her foot anxiously. The Captain turned to her, he was going to say 'Absolutely not' but he saw Fives and Echo nodding their heads like two puppies behind her he couldn't say no. Rex let out a heavy sigh, he was going to get a lot of water up his nose. "Yes, 'soka, we'll beat Fives and Echo at chicken" he replied, watching all three of them somehow grow more excited.

"You four have fun with that," Cody inturrupted as he approached them, "I came up with the perfect beach vacation plan," he said, patting the messenger bag by his side, "I packed the newest issues of magazines, a giant umbrella, towels, sunscreen, even buckets and shovels so we can have a sand castle contest."

"Indeed, speaking of sun screen, none of you ever put any on" Obi-Wan approached as the shuttle landed. "We're not leaving until everyone has put on some. This vacation will be fun the entire stay if we use proper precaution."

Ahsoka gave a look to Rex, who gave her the same one back. "But come on, Master!" Ahsoka whined, "We just wanna splash in the water. What about Master Skywalker? I doubt he feels your sunscreen theory is worth it."

Anakin came suddenly out of the dark, holding the controls to open the ship's ramp, "Actually, I agree with Obi-Wan. We're not going anywhere until all of you have put some on." He threw a bottle to Ahsoka then crossed his arms.

The four groaned and took turns spraying each other with the sunscreen until the fumes were so strong they could kill someone. "There! Beach time?" Echo asked, dropping the bottle only so Fives could catch it. They thought it'd look cool.

"I mean, we could always just go and bowl instead, you know, away from the sand." Anakin suggested, only for the remote to be snatched from his hand by Obi-Wan.

"Nonsense, yes, you all can go play now, don't let Anakin's gloominess ruin the mood." Obi-Wan smiled as he opened up the ship and they all ran out like dogs, except Cody. Who waited until Obi-Wan had made a snarky comment to Anakin. "I trust you packed the tea?" Obi-Wan asked, pulling the cooler of drinks.

"Yes sir, I packed several kinds, all brewed 24 hours in advance, of course" Cody replied as they walked leisurely to the beach.

"Oh, of course" Obi-Wan smiled as they decided where to set up the umbrella, a place not too far from the shore, but far enough. Obi-Wan had gotten the umbrella in the sand, turning to see Anakin standing ominously in the darkened ship. "Anakin! Now come on!" He called, only to turn to Cody, "Looks like I'm going to be occupied dragging Anakin off the ship, we'll have to catch up later"

Cody nodded as he put on his sunglasses. "Good luck sir, you'll need it" Cody chuckled before opening up his bag and pulling out a magazine.

The other four were already in the water playing chicken. Rex was holding up Ahsoka while she wrestled Fives. Rex glared at Echo, which helped them win. Chicken was very serious business. Echo tried not to break by his Captain's stare, but he felt himself give in and Fives falling off his shoulders.

"Ha! We win!" Rex laughed as Ahsoka fell into the water, giving Rex a high-five. Fives let out a grumble, splashing Ahsoka. Who splashed back and soon enough resulted in a giant water splashing fight.

Rex left them to their madness. He wasn't getting more water up his nose today. He saw his brother sitting alone under his umbrella and decided to check up on him. Cody was enjoying himself but that was quickly ruining by his soaking brother plopping down next to him.

"Hey bro!" Rex smiled, taking Cody's hat to wear, "Watcha reading?" He asked, flicking some water on Cody's face. Cody started to look up from his magazine very slowly, a clear look of grumpyiness displayed. But he didn't speak because his attention was caught by Echo and Fives, who were now chasing each other.

"FIVES! It's MY watermelon!!" Echo screamed, who was chasing his brother so desperately, "You said I could have it!!" He continued to scream.

"You'll never catch me alive copper!!" Fives screamed in turn, he was hugging the watermelon like it was his child. He then proceeded to laugh manically as he ran.

Rex and Cody continued to watch the two long enough to not notice Ahsoka pulling up her own beach towel and umbrella. "So what issue has the one where the 104th modeled in?" Rex changed the subject, he was going to pretend he saw nothing.

"Issue #36, Wolffe's segment talks about hair advice, you should read it" Cody replied, his eyes locked on his magazine. Rex opened up Cody's messenger bag and pulled out the issue, he couldn't wait to find something to mock Wolffe with. Cody then pulled Rex's hat off his head and switched it with a giant sun hat, "You burn too easily for a cap" Rex let out a huff, he did not. But he was too invested in the article to reply.

Ahsoka had been chilling under her umbrella and had watched Fives and Echo the entire time. Fives had ripped Echo's watermelon out of his hands and they were chasing each other until Jesse stopped them, taking the watermelon. With the rest of the boys arriving, it was sure to get crowded soon.

Jesse had taken the watermelon and cut it into slices for everyone. Fives had scarfed down his piece then proceeded to rip Echo's half eaten slice right out of hands, causing the clone to burst into tears.

"Oh, now where did that Anakin get to?" Obi-Wan asked. Ahsoka looked up to see one of her masters take a drink of, whatever. "I'd only gone to get a martini and when I returned, I discovered I'd lost Anakin." Obi-Wan explained. Ahsoka let out a snicker.

"I'm sure he couldn't have gone far" Ahsoka stated as she looked around, but all she saw was Cody showing Rex something he wanted in a magazine, "I don't see him" Ahsoka continued to scan the beach but when she spotted Anakin she let out a giant laugh. "Master look!" She pointed with a giddy smile.

"Oh, sweet maker, that boy" Obi-Wan mumbled, talking a long slow sip of his drink, "Anakin! Get out of the tree!" He screamed walking towards him, "Get out of the blasted tree!" He called as he gave the tree a kick.

Anakin shook the tree, "Never! You'll never get me down! Neverrrrr!!!!" He cried, shaking the tree more and more. Ahsoka had followed Obi-Wan and they watched Anakin in silent awe at just how dramatic he was.

"Pshhh, he's so dramatic" Ahsoka mumbled as she watched Anakin clinging to the tree.

"Yes, a trait that suits him well," Obi-Wan sighed as he watched the shaking tree and blocked out Anakin's continuous screaming. "Ahsoka, would you please gather the men? I have an idea" Obi-Wan smirked as he put his drink in the sand.

Ahsoka nodded, "FIVES! Stop making your brother cry and go help Obi-Wan! Echo, go help and I'll buy you a whole watermelon! Cody! Rex! We're going shaking for coconuts! Come on! Jesse! Grab the boys!" Ahsoka screamed, running around the beach.

When she reached the tree again, they were all watching Anakin. "Alright Anakin, this is your last chance to come down from the poor tree!" Obi-Wan called, but upon Anakin shaking his head and continued screaming, Obi-Wan sighed, "Very well. Men, let's get a coconut." Obi-Wan smiled

All at once they started shaking the tree. Anakin's grip grew tighter, "Whoa! Stop!" Anakin screamed, but they only shook harder, "No! No! Stop! I'm gonna faaAAALLLL!" Anakin cried as he went falling down to the sand, landing on Rex.

Anakin sent Rex falling into the sand, hitting his head. Rex looked up to Anakin, who was now sitting on him like he'd die if he didn't. Boy, he was fat. "You're not a coconut." Rex mumbled as his head fell back into the sand and he closed his eyes in response to the pain. Ahsoka ran and grabbed a pair of sunglasses, she then put them on Rex's face and tilted the hat to cover his face more.

"He's resting."

[salvejoon]

Life is Beautifully Ugly (At Times) - pjm | 02

⇒ Warnings for this chapter: Not much for this chapter, some cursing but that’s about it.

⇒ A/N: Happy New year lovelies! 

Namjoon let himself into the apartment and he was met with silence. He glanced at his watch on his wrist. Usually, by now the apartment would be full of noise and life. Han would be on his 3rd cup of coffee, ready to drown himself in paperwork and Charlotte would be busy tidying the place up with soft music playing in the background and Hyejin would be running around, probably with a Superhero toy in her hand, making weird noises to assimilate flying sounds.

He hung up his coat and glided a hand through his still-damp hair. He had barely gotten any sleep last night, regretting how he let you go home by yourself after the hospital but you had insisted that he simply drop you off and he should go home and get some rest. 

You shouldn’t be alone in this. You needed support as much as Hyejin. 

He walked into the living room, glanced at the turned-off TV as memories of Han and Hyejin watching cartoons flashed by in his mind, and proceeded to walk into the kitchen. 

Standing still, he spotted you. You had your back to him and were still dressed in your dress from last night. His heart constricted when he saw you lift a trembling hand to your face, wiping away tears no doubt. Your hair was a mess too, sticking out in various ways. 

“Y/N?”

You jumped slightly at the sound of his voice and turned around, a soft sigh escaping you as you saw him, “Joonie. You scared me.” 

“Sorry.” Namjoon walked over to you. 

“Do you want some coffee? I was just making some.” 

“I’m fine.” He said and you nodded, turning around to fumble with the coffee machine, “How are you?” 

“I lost my little sister and my brother-in-law last night in a car accident and I had to tell their 4-year-old daughter that they won’t be coming home ever again and then I had to watch that break her tiny heart while trying not to break down myself. So far, so good.”

“Y/N-”

“I haven’t slept in over 24 hours. I’m still in the dress I wore last night. I haven’t showered nor brushed my teeth. I feel like crawling into a hole and cry and scream. I don’t want to deal with the people that have been blowing up my phone since the news came out. I don’t want to deal with the tabloids. I don’t want to… Deal with this…” You paused off as tears began to trail down your cheeks, “I feel so lost, Joonie.” You ended with a murmur. Strong arms enveloped you in a tight embrace and you clung onto him like he was the only thing keeping you together. 

Your sobs were muffled by his shirt as he comforted you, “You’re not alone in this. I’m here. Our friends are here. You and Hyejin won’t go through this alone, Y/N, I promise.” 

His words only made you cry harder, “Whatever you need, I will provide it.” 

“Can I have them back?” 

Namjoon blinked and felt a few tears roll down his cheeks, “I wish I could bring them back, sprout. I truly do.” 

Jimin stared at the picture standing on his desk. It was of himself and Han a few years ago. Han was holding up a large fish, flashing that signature Park smile while Jimin held the fishing pole. He smiled too but not as big as his brother. He remembered having been bored on that trip his big brother had dragged him on to. He remembered having said to Han that he didn’t care about fishing. 

Right now he wished he could go fishing again with Han.

Sighing, he ran a hand down his face. 

His heart hurt. His stomach growled. His head pounded. Everything just hurt. But he didn’t have time to wallow in the hurt. He had people to call.

The drunk man that had killed his brother and Charlotte wouldn’t know the taste of freedom ever again.

He would make sure of it. 

You left the bathroom feeling a little bit better after having changed out of the dress and taken a shower. You could hear the deep timbre of Namjoon’s voice coming from the living room and you guessed he was on the phone with someone. Deciding to leave him alone, you walked the other way and found yourself at the door to Hyejin’s bedroom. You carefully opened the door ajar and peeked inside, expecting to see her sleeping still but instead you saw her sitting on the edge of the bed, her small frame trembling. Then she sniffled and hiccuped and you walked into the room. 

“I-Imo?” She looked up at you with wet eyes, bottom lip twitching, “I had a nightmare.” 

“It’s okay, baby. I’m here.” You sat down beside her and pulled her onto your lap, rocking her back and forth as she cried into your t-shirt, “It’s okay.” 

“I-I’m s-sorry.” She hiccuped and you glanced down at her. 

“For what?” 

“Because I know you are sad too.” Her small hands grasped your t-shirt tightly, “And I don’t want to see Imo cry. It hurts.” 

You tightened your hold on her and kissed the crown of her head, “I know baby, but we’ll be strong together, okay? It hurts me too to see you cry but that’s okay.” 

“I miss them.” 

“Me too, sunflower, me too.” 

There was a knock on the door and Namjoon popped his head inside, “Thought I heard someone whispering.” 

“Boon!” Hyejin exclaimed weakly when he approached you on the bed and bent down, ruffling her hair lovingly. 

“Hey sprout. You okay?” He asked softly, wiping away the wet streaks on her cheeks. She leaned into his touch and shook her head, “How about we go make some breakfast, hm?” At this, the small girl smiled a little and made grabby hands towards him, “Okay, up we go.” 

“Missed you, Boon.” She said as she was picked up and nuzzled her face into his shoulder. Namjoon chuckled and kissed the top of her head, “I missed you too, sprout.”

You smiled at them and stood up from the bed, “Okay, let’s go make some breakfast.” 

“Do you need help?” You heard him ask behind you as you walked down the hallway. 

“You stay as far away from the kitchen as possible, Joonie. I don’t need a burnt down apartment on my hands either.” 

“Alright, alright.” 

His father sat by his desk, on the phone, as usual. Jimin waited patiently for his father to finish up the call. 

“I see. Since Mr. Hakimura doesn’t agree, can you ask him if his wife will appreciate being shown pictures of him and his secretary last Friday night? Mhm. Mhm. Call me back once you have his signature.” 

And as usual, his father was ruthless. 

“Ah, Jimin.” His father said as he hung up, “Have you talked with Mr. Kim?” 

“I have, sir.” 

His father leaned back in his leather chair and folded his hands on his lap, “Good. And what did he say?”

“He told me to talk to her myself.” It was more like ‘How about you talk to her yourself, idiot’ but he couldn’t tell his father that.

“I see. I trust you will have it handled?” 

Jimin bowed, “As soon as I’m done here.” 

“Good. Call me once it’s over.” 

“I was on the phone earlier.” 

“Mhm.”

“It was Jimin.”

“Oh. How was he?” 

“Alright, given the circumstances.”

“Did he want something?”

There was a knock on the door and you lifted your head from the stove and glanced towards the living room, “Mind getting that?” You asked Namjoon and the man nodded, patting Hyejin on her head as he sat her up on the counter. 

You heard the door open and two deep muffled voices but turned your focus to the omelet in the pan. You glanced over your shoulder when you heard your niece move and stand up on the counter, panicking slightly, “Hyejin, sit back down.” 

“But I was just getting a cup. I’m thirsty.” She pouted but stood still. 

“Sit down, sweetie. It’s dangerous.” You moved the pan away and went over to her, lending her a hand as she sat back down onto the counter, “You could have asked me to get a cup for you.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

You kissed her cheek before opening the cabinet to get a cup, “It’s okay but don’t do that again, okay?” She nodded and you walked over to the fridge to grab a water bottle. Someone cleared their throat and you looked over the door of the fridge. 

“Good morning.” Jimin greeted, looking at you and then at Hyejin. He looked as sharp as ever in a white shirt and black khakis, his hair swept back neatly but you noticed the dark patches under his eyes, “I’ve brought breakfast.” He announced, putting a white plastic back onto the island. 

You huffed, “Thank you but as you can see, I’m already making breakfast.” 

“It’s donuts.” He stated. 

“I love donuts.” Hyejin mumbled as she stared at the plastic bag. 

“That’s why I brought some for you.” He smiled at her and ruffled her hair. Hyejin looked at her uncle, contemplating for a second before she turned her attention to you and you sighed, the look on her face already melting away your annoyance. 

“Fine.” You grumbled and closed the fridge, “But only this once.”

“Yes, Imo.” The way her eyes lit up made you smile a little and you poured the water into the cup. Namjoon grabbed a plate from another cabinet and put it next to the bag, pulling out the container.

Hyejin could barely contain her excitement as the multitudes of colors were revealed to her hungry eyes, “I want that one! And that one!” 

Namjoon chuckled, “What about the chocolate one?”

“There’s chocolate?! Give me!” 

The tall man put a chocolate donut onto the plate and took it with one hand while he swooped up Hyejin in his other arm, “Let’s go watch some cartoons.” 

“Can we watch One Punch Man?” 

“Anything you want, sprout.” 

The pair left the kitchen, leaving you and Jimin in peace. The latter leaned against the island and glanced at his watch, making you raise a brow, “Do you have somewhere to be?” 

“I have a board meeting in an hour.” 

You scoffed and walked over to him, hungrily eyeing the donuts, “Of course. Do you ever not work?” 

“It’s important.” 

“More important than you taking some time off to grieve?”

“Y/N.” 

You rolled your eyes as you grabbed the blue donut, “Your brother died last night, Jimin.” 

“I am perfectly aware of that which is also why I am here. Do you have plans for the funeral?” He asked, looking at you as you shoved the donut into your mouth. You had dark patches under your eyes, indicating you had gotten no sleep like him. Your hair was damp and cascaded down your shoulders, making your black t-shirt wet by the strands. You wore a pair of sweatpants, no doubt Namjoon’s, with how big they seemed on your body.

You chewed and scowled, “It’s on the top of my to-do list but I haven’t really had the time nor energy since I had to console a 4-year-old and accept the fact that I won’t ever see my sister or your brother again. It’s been less than 24 hours but I’ll get to it later today.” 

Jimin nodded and you kept on munching on the donut, his eyes following you as you walked over to your half-cooked omelet and picked up the pan.

“Our father wants to do the funeral arrangements.” He blurted out. He heard the clicking sound of the gas stove, the pan hanging midair as you froze.

“Does he now?” You asked and put the pan onto the stove. 

“Yes.” 

“I see.” 

Jimin knew that tone and prepared himself for a fight, “Let him do what he wants, Y/N. It’ll be easier for everyone.” 

“Oh, if your father thinks I’ll just roll over…” You paused and grabbed the handle of the pan tighter, trying to contain your anger, “He’s wrong. If he thinks that he can just waltz back in and act like he actually cared about Han, his son whom he cut off, by the way, in case you forgot, just because he’s dead, then he can think again.” 

“The expenses-”

“The cost doesn’t matter.” You whirled around and glared at him, “I have my own damn money, Jimin, so I don’t need his money.” 

“Y/N.”

“Don’t ‘Y/N’ me!” You yelled, “He hasn’t been a part of their lives for years and now he suddenly wants to act like a father? Act like he’s heartbroken by the fact that his eldest son is dead? Fuck off.” 

“Don’t be selfish.” Jimin said stiffly and flinched when you slammed your hand onto the countertop. 

“Don’t you fucking dare calling me selfish. He can participate in the service but he is not going to plan anything. You can tell your father that and if he has a problem then he can call me himself.” You were breathing heavily as you tried to reign in your emotions, “I know it’s your father, Jimin. But he hasn’t been a father to Han for years, don’t forget that.” 

“Am I allowed to help plan the funeral arrangements?” He asked, voice softening slightly and watched as you nodded and turned back to the stove. 

“And let me pay for half of it?” 

“If you insist. Han was your brother. Now, do you want omelet or donuts?” 

“I am not eating anything that you have cooked. You might try to poison me.” 

“You know, you really are an asshole.” 

“Noted.”

[songtoyou]

Chapter Three: Need The Sun To Break

Would You Call That Love

Pairing: Chris Evans x Raina Morrison (OC)

Rating: PG to PG-13 (Might be 18+ for some chapters)

Description: There was always that one person Chris Evans tended to turn to when he was not in a committed relationship, Raina Morrison. He could confide in her about things going on in his life that he did not feel comfortable talking to his family or close friends about. Chris and Raina were able to establish a way to openly communicate with one another, but also being respectful of the other’s time and needs. It was the only constant “relationship” he had, but without all the nonsense of trying to build a life together. A “friends with benefits” situation. However, what happens when Chris starts rethinking his “relationship” with Raina and if either are willing to pursue something more?

Chapter Rating: PG

Warnings: Mentions the death of a loved one.

Word Count: 3,161

Author’s Note: This chapter was tough, particularly the beginning, since it is very emotional. I hope this chapter provides a little bit more insight into who Raina is as a person. 

Feedback is always welcomed. If you want to be tagged, please let me know.

Sadly, I do not know Chris Evans or anyone in his family, and this is just a fictional take on his life. I do not permit this fic to be reposted on other platforms.  

Again, thanks to @southerngracela​ for the support.

*Note: Updated for edits on grammar and punctuation.

September 26, 2010

Returning to the home ground after their loss to the New York Jets, the New England Patriots were looking to rebound with a win against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots were able to score a 7-yeard touchdown thanks to the star quarterback, Tom Brady. Anyone from New England loved Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. He was their golden boy, despite not even being from the area. A west coaster who grew up in California could melt the hearts of any contemptuous New Englander. 

For Chris Evens, just saying the name ‘Tom Brady’ around him would result in him turning into a blushing schoolgirl. Tom brought pride back the Patriots with six Superbowl championships, nine Conference championships, and seventeen Division championships. For any New Englander, it was a feeling they were going to hold onto and cherish.

“Go…go…go…YES!!” Chris cheered as he got up from his couch to cheer Tom Brady’s second touchdown.

“What happened?” asked Scott as he rushed back from the kitchen when he heard Chris celebrating.

“Brady just scored a TD,” replied Chris.

“Fuck! I mean, yes! This is the last time I get up to get you a beer from the fridge. You get them yourselves from now on. Another commercial! Give me a break.” Scott scolded, taking his seat next to Chris on the couch. 

“The Pats need to win this. The team has already lost to the New York Giants and Jets. If they lose to the Bills, then Raina will never let me hear the end of it. She loves to gloat and rub it in my face whenever New York wins anything,” Chris shared as he took a sip of his beer.

Scott was aware of how Chris would essentially light up or blush whenever he talked about Raina. One had to pay attention, or it would not be visible, but Scott was a master at reading his brother’s body language and emotions.

“Speaking of our favorite chanteuse, you ever going to ask her out, or are you just going to pine for the rest of your life?” asked Scott bluntly. He was never one to beat around the bush when getting information, especially with his older brother. 

“What are you talking about? Raina and I are just friends. Good friends. Men and women can be friends. Just like Tara and me,” Chris defended strongly, “Why are you always pushing this narrative that I like Raina more than merely a friend?”

“Because you do. I can see it. Ma can see it. Shanna and Carly see it. Blind people see it,” Scott proceeded to enlighten Chris. 

Chris scoffed and reiterated as calmly as he could to Scott, “Okay, hold up. Do you guys just sit around and gossip about Raina and me? We are friends! That’s it! Nothing more, nothing less.” 

When the game returned from commercial break, Chris’s phone rang. He was inclined to ignore it, but when he saw it was from Raina, he answered.

“Speaking of Raina, here she is calling, probably to talk smack about the game. ‘Hello?’” Chris spoke into his phone happily. However, his mood changed when he heard sobs on the other end.

“Rai, what’s wrong? What happened?” Chris asked, concerned as he sat up straighter.

Scott perked up and asked, “What’s going on?”

Chris merely shrugged and asked Raina again, “What’s going on? Are you okay? Talk to me!”

When she was able to catch her breath, Raina cried out, “My mom died.”

“WHAT!” Chris yelled, jumping up from the couch and began pacing back and forth in his living room. Scott straightened up and watched Chris intently in the hope of finding out what is going on with their close friend.

“She died last night… in the hospital. It was a heart attack,” Raina choked out as best as she could while crying over the death of her mother, “We thought it was just the flu. She was feeling well all day…throwing up…not looking great. My dad called the paramedics, and when they got to the house, they told us that it was just the flu and that it would best not take mom in as she would only be waiting in the ER. But then we had to call them back an hour later because she got worse. She was barely incoherent and was drooling,” Raina stopped to catch her breath and sob but went on to share, “It was awful, Chris. You should have seen the look on the paramedics’ faces when they came back and saw her condition. You could see that they realized they fucked up. Oh my God! My mom is dead, Chris. What am I going to do?” 

Chris was at a loss for words. He had no idea what to say or what to do. All Chris could do was listen to her desperate sobs. It was not long before he felt tears begin to sting his eyes. Chris sat down at the dining room table, put his head in his free hand, and cried along with his best friend. 

July 24, 2019

“Only one more night to go. You excited, kid?” asked Jerry, Raina’s manager, as he sat on the couch in her dressing room. She was on break from rehearsals. 

“I go back and forth between wanting to throw-up to crying. I am not quite sure if it is crying out of joy or because I am so nervous,” she revealed honestly.

“What do you have to be nervous about? You have done this show a bunch of times. You have gotten raved reviews from the workshops and the previews. You are going to kill it,” said Jerry and continued with, “When are you going to realize that you are one of the best performers out of your peers? Hell, Variety magazine referred to you as the ‘the best vocalist of her generation.’ That is a huge praise. You wouldn’t have come this far if people thought you didn’t have what people call ‘it.’ You’re no flash in the pan, kid.”

“Thank you, Jerry. I love you; you know that. I am so lucky to have you in my corner,” Raina replied with a smile, but then asked, “What am I going to do when you leave me, though? Who am I going to get to watch out for me?”

“That is not something you have to worry about today. I am not going anywhere, Raina. You talk to your dad lately?”

“Uh…yeah. He’s doing alright,” Raina said as she sat down next to Jerry on the couch and shared that her dad was coming to see the show.

“Wow! No offense, but I am surprised he is leaving Long Island to come to see the show.”

“You and me both. Dad is making a trip the week of his birthday in August. I think I am going to ask Chris to join, if he can, that is. He and my dad have always gotten along, and I am sure both would be happy to get to see each other….and why are you giving me that look, Jerry?” asked Raina curiously.

Jerry just chuckled and shook his head, “Nothing, little one. I am simply happy that you and Chris have managed to stay friends for this long. Just friends, right?”

Crossing her arms over her chest, Raina responded, “Just come out and say what you want to say, Jerry. Lay it on me. Don’t hold back now.”

“Okay. Have you ever thought about being more than friends with Chris?”

Taking a deep breath in and letting out, Raina contemplated her thoughts about Chris. Had she ever thought about being more than friends with Chris? Technically, they were more than friends. They started a friend with benefits relationship five years ago, but no one knew about it, especially people in their inner circles. Their relationship was just for them without the fear of anyone’s judgment and scrutiny.

She got a taste of that when she dated Tom Hiddleston back in 2016. Neither fully comprehended how much their coupling would turn their worlds upside down. The media frenzy was something she and Tom had never experienced. For some reason, people could not wrap their heads around the notion that this English actor who was posh and well-educated would date a songstress from New York who had a reputation of being reserved and reclusive. It did not help when both fandoms got involved in the mix. Tom’s fans were brutal in their critiques of Raina. If they were not ragging on her clothes, hair, or overall looks, they were ragging on her music or personality. Social media allowed people to smear Raina’s reputation to the extreme. 

None of this she blamed on Tom as there was not much she could do. She knew he did not condone the horrid behavior of some of his fans. However, there was a small part where Raina wished he said something to get them to back off during that time. It was an eye-opening experience for Raina in certain areas but mostly left her confused about what she wanted in a partner. 

With Chris, their friendship grew naturally. It was as if the universe intervened and made sure these two individuals were important fixtures in each other’s lives.

“Jerry, you know better than anyone that if you find a real friend in this business, then you hold on to them. That is all I am going to say on this matter.”

Jerry put his hands up in surrender, “Fair enough. I trust you know what you are doing, kid.”

Later that night, while Raina was lounging on her couch in her penthouse, she went through the text exchange she had with Chris throughout the day. 

1:30 p.m.

Chris: We’ve landed. After we get our bags, we’re going to head to the hotel. 

2:45 p.m.

Raina: Hey, been super busy with interviews and last-minute rehearsals this morning and afternoon. Glad you guys made it safely. Where are you guys staying?

Chris: The Frederick Hotel.

Raina: That is a nice hotel. Not far from where I live too. Only a few blocks away from each other. Do you all want to come over for a nightcap?

Chris: Shouldn’t you be resting up for tomorrow?

Raina: Please, no amount of rest will help ease my worries. Murphy’s Law, remember. If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong. I guess I just have to accept that some things are out of my control. 

Chris: You got nothing to worry about.

Raina. I have to get back to rehearsals. Talk to you later. Bye.

6:30 p.m.

Chris: You home yet?

Raina: Yeah. What are you guys up to?

Chris: Getting ready to head out to dinner at Serafina. Do you want to come along to join us?

Raina: Thanks, but not tonight. It’d be best for me to take it easy for the rest of the night.

Chris: Gotcha. Do you mind if I stop by later? 

Raina: If you plan on stopping by, then can you please bring me some takeout please?

Chris: What do you want?

By eight o’clock, Chris was sitting on Raina’s couch scrolling through Netflix while she ate the minestrone he brought from the restaurant. 

“Goddamn, this soup is good. What did you eat?” Raina asked as she continued to slurp her soup.

“Cacio e Pepe. Then the three of us split dessert. Well, mom and Scott ate most of it. You know I’m not a dessert person,” informed Chris and continued with, “What do you want to watch and please don’t say Gilmore Girls. You know I can’t stand that show.”

“Don’t hate on Gilmore Girls.”

“Uh…you hate on Gilmore Girls all the time. If you can’t stand them so much, then why do you watch it?” asked Chris.

“Because, despite all of its flaws, the show has a lot of heart. No, don’t pick Schitt’s Creek. You haven’t seen it yet, and we need to do a proper marathon viewing party. No, not Friends or The Office. I’m not in the mood to watch Parks and Recreation. Ooh, Derry Girls! Pick that one,” ordered Raina.

When Raina finished her dinner, she got up to put her bowl in the kitchen sink and asked Chris if he wanted something to drink. 

“Just water.”

Opening the fridge to retrieve two bottles of water, she saw the gift she got from Chris nestled on the top shelf. It brought a smile to her face seeing the gift box. While she did open the box to see what was inside, she had yet to open the fortune cookie.

“Thanks for the gift. The fortune cookie looks good. I can’t wait to eat it,” said Raina as he handed Chris his bottled water.

He took the water from and replied,” Oh, you haven’t opened the fortune yet?”

“Nah, I was gonna wait until you got here.”

The message that Chris included in the gift was still very much on his mind. He was continually wondering how Raina would perceive it. Would she be happy? Mad? Upset? It was driving him mad, not knowing.

“Maybe you should open it now?” Chris suggested hesitantly. 

“Yeah, sure. Can you get it? I’m going to brush my teeth. I need to get the minestrone taste out of my mouth.”

Raina sprinted from the couch to the stairs as Chris slowly stood up from the sofa. He continued his slow pace to the kitchen and opened the fridge to take out the top shelf’s gift box. As Chris stared at the box, he realized that the content of what was inside could change his relationship with Raina forever. It could bring them closer or put distance between them.

“All you have to do is be honest. Just be honest about your feelings. Even if Raina doesn’t feel the same way, she won’t drop you as friends. You mean a lot to her, and she values her friendship with you,” the voice in Chris’s head reassured. 

The sound of excited clapping broke Chris out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Raina skipping over to him happily. He pushed the box towards Raina, and she began opening it. She carefully pulled out the fortune cookie, which was wrapped in a clear plastic bag. Slowly opening the plastic, she pulled out the cookie and placed it on the clean counter. 

“Oh my God. It’s so pretty. A chocolate lover’s dream,” she admired and hugged Chris.

“You’re welcome, my little cookie monster.”

“I almost don’t want to ruin it.”

“Well, you going to have to see my message inside,” Chris told her.

“Oh right, there would be a message inside it. I was too amazed by its beauty that I forgot about that part,” said Raina and began to break the fortune cookie in half. 

Before she could read the message, Chris spoke up, “Raina, wait! Before you read that, just…” 

However, she proceeded to read the message before Chris get his words out. He could not breathe while she read and stared intently at her as he mouthed the words he wrote. 

Lips trembling and eyes watering from the tears about the form, Raina immediately hugged Chris. He was shocked at first but instantly hugged her back. 

When pulling back, she said, “Thank you. This is so sweet,” wiping the tears from her eyes, Raina continued, “I’m going to keep this forever. I’m going to frame it one of those fireproof picture frames, you know. Or the one that is used to hold the U.S. Constitution. I’m going to get one of those, and this will go in it.”

She went in for another hug and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Raina took a piece of the fortune cookie and popped it into her mouth. “Alright, I’m going to put this in a safe place so that it won’t get ruined. I’ll be right back.”

 Chris stared at her retreating back and was left confused. That was not how he expected it to go down. “You were worried she’d be upset. She was happy. More than happy. But did she get the underlying meaning of his words?” Chris’s inner voice asked himself. 

The relationship between Chris and Raina was so blurred that she could not see a declaration of love when it was literal in front of her. However, Chris could not blame her for not being able to read between the lines. She had so much on her plate at the moment that maybe she was able to process his words. 

“Okay, I placed it in a clear file holder so nothing can spill on it,” said Raina when she came back into the kitchen area and asked Chris if he was okay when she saw a worrying look on his face. 

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m glad you liked your gift. You deserved it. I should start heading out. You need your rest for tomorrow, and I don’t want to keep you up.”

Raina was taken back by his sudden change in demeanor. She noticed he looked a little sad and defeated for some reason. “You don’t have to leave just yet. I mean we can still watch some TV and relax. You okay, Chris? She asked again.

“I’m good. Tired is all. It’s been a long day.”

Raina nodded and followed Chris to the front door. “Chris,” she spoke and looked at him. His ocean blue eyes were one of her favorite things about him. Often, she could find herself lost in staring at them. Reaching out the tenderly grab his face, she placed a kiss on his lips. It did not take long for Chris to reciprocate. He pulled Raina closer to wrap his arms around her. Opening her mouth to allow his tongue inside, she allowed Chris to take the lead. 

Raina slowly began to walk them both back over to the living area, but Chris proceeded to step back. 

“I should go. I don’t think it would be a good idea if we, we shouldn’t…not tonight,” Chris professed, although it killed him to turn her down. Chris wanted nothing more than to stay the night. 

Feeling a little defeated, Raina nodded and said, “Okay. I understand.”

Reaching for the door handle, Chris said, “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight.”

With a small smile on her face, Raina countered with, “See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Christopher.”

“Goodnight, Raina,” he said, but Raina could hear a hint of sadness in his voice, and she for the life of her could not understand why. 

When Chris finally left, Raina went back into the kitchen and put away the fortune cookie. 

“I love you too, Chris. More than you realize,” Raina said to herself. Once again, she could feel tears about to form. 

“It’s going to be a long and sleepless night,” she said to herself as she prepared to get ready for bed.

[najatheangel]

Drabble Ship💚💚💚

Hi, may I have a drabble ship for SHINee, F(X) & Girls' Generation? I usually don't approach strangers, I let them come to me. There's some exceptions like if someone is friendly or has the same interests as me. I'm shy at first when I meet people. As I start to open up, I'll be more talkative and feel more comfortable talking about anything that's on my mind. I'll also joke around a lot. My hobbies are dancing, acting out scenes from my fav tv shows or movies and playing mobile/video games. I like babies (well mostly my baby cousins, they're so cute 🥺), having time to myself, roses, candy, rabbits and fireworks. I dislike snakes, spiders, nosy people, math and naggers it makes not want to do whatever they're nagging me about. Something I look forward in a relationship is spending the holidays together, especially Christmas! Since I'm older and now I know Santa isn't real, my parents have me help pick out presents for my siblings and I also get to pick my present. I like that I can get whatever I want, but I don't feel excited to open it, since I already know what it is. With my partner, I would like us to exchange gifts on Christmas day. Since I won't know what I'm getting, I'll feel the excitement I use to feel as a kid, which will make me very happy. I would also like to do Easter hunts. If you need more info, feel free to message me.

Heyy angel 😊😊, good to see ya requesting. That was a lovely description about yourself and I love how you added your love for Christmas to it. sorry for making you wait so long...

From Shinee, I ship you with...Onew

Winter Wonderland ❄️🤍

Song inspiration: Winter Bear by V

It has been 5 years since you’ve married Onew and your favorite season has finally approached.

On January 21st the first winter snowfall of the new year has finally came. Your husband has finally took you on the Dream honeymoon you’ve been asking for after throwing your wedding on Christmas Day.

You’ve stayed together the whole weekend at the cabins in Tennessee to drink hot cocoa, watch hours worth of k-dramas reanacting your favorite scenes and spending quality time relaxing in the hot tub.

This getaway was perfect, but today was even more special because today your 6th year anniversary since becoming a couple.

The both of you have admired the snow falling from the sky holding hands, reminiscing every moment laughing together.

There was even a moment where you were on the peak of breaking up, because of the importance of his career. The thought made you shed tears.

Y/N: Remember when we almost seperated? Man that was the toughest day wasn’t it?

Onew: Ahh yeah it was. Why all of a sudden you thought of that just now?

You turn walking towards him holding his hands with warming his hands up with your fuzzy gloves.

Y/N: Ever since that day, I’ve realized my life wouldn’t have been the same without you. I mean my family and friends love you coming around every holiday. But, every season as more time pasts by...I love having you around the most.

He sheds a tear as he hears his lovely wife confess such beautiful words. He gently hugs you spinning around singing Winter Bear.

Onew: You have my word honey. I won’t be going anywhere, That’s what I vowed to do didn’t I? He leans in kissing you on the forehead.

Y/N: Mmm, that’s right my Winter Bear. I love you.

Onew: I love you more.

The married couple lives in there own world as they wiggle each other’s noses giggling under the snowfall...

From F(X), I ship you with...Amber

Red Lights🎄❤️

Song Inspiration: Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

It was your Christmas together with your girlfriend Amber and your family. Your grandmother and mom was in the kitchen baking chocolate chip cookies while you, Amber and her younger cousins helped set up the tree.

Amber was on a roll at first nicely setting up all the 24 ornaments you both painted together. It all went down hill until she started tangling up the red Christmas lights.

You and cousins laugh at this embarrassing sight and decided to help her.

Y/N: I told you not to by those cheap ones. Those get tangled very easily and don’t last long.

Amber: I know y/n. The star is the most important part anyways. smiles at you making cute llama noises.

Your younger cousins decided to step back and take a cookie break after helping hanging up the lights.

As your tree is almost complete, Amber pulls out the sparkly golden star to complete the tree and hands it over to you.

Amber: Here you you, for my shinning star.

Y/N: Giggles holding on to the star. Don’t mind if I do sweetie.

Your start climbing onto the three step ladder carefully setting the star on top. As you move away from the tree to get off the steps, you end up falling into Amber’s arms.

Amber: Catches you into her arms tightly and just looks at you caressing the top of your head. Hehe, hi... Aren’t you glad I caught you?

Y/N: Absolutely...I know it’s a bit early, but I should give you your gift. You want to know what it is? Leans in wrapping your arms around her neck.

Amber: Hmm, suprise me. I’m ready.

As soon as you two were about to kiss everyone walks back inside the living room screaming both of your names to try your grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies before they get cold.

The both of your faces turned as red as the Christmas lights flashing on the christmas tree. At least later that night, Amber was able to receive her gift...

From Girls Generation, I ship you with...Tiffany

Ms. Claus🎵🎤

Song Inspiration: Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

You decided to take a trip to the mall to buy your family and friends some gifts for Christmas.

You were walking around for hours going over your checklist of everyone’s wishlist. Your siblings were getting a lot older and there at that age where they don’t want to play with toys anymore.

You were planning on taking a break by eating at the food court exhausted from all the shopping. All of a sudden you hear a crowd of people screaming..

Fan 1: Omg is that Tiffany Young?!

Fan 2: That sure is her, her new Christmas single just came out.

Fan 3: She’s also having a meet and greet right after.

Growing up girls generation was one of your ultimate kpop groups and to hear that Tiffany is performing right now at the mall made you speechless.

The red curtain opens and all you see is Tiffany stunting on stage with her all red ribbon dress smiling so angelic at the crowd.

The jazz band plays the song to her new single Ms. Claus with her unique vocals. In the middle of the performance, you didn’t want to believe it at first, but you noticed her exchanging eye contact with you.

Towards the end of the performance, confetti exploded everywhere making the crowd go insane. She walks off stage standing infront of you handing you a rose smiling at you.

Tiffany: What’s your name?

You look up at her dropping your pretzel on the ground forgetting how to function. Eventually you’ve proceeded to tell her your name.

Tiffany: I’ve noticed you sitting here all by yourself. I just wanted to say your very beautiful and I hope you enjoy your Christmas.

She then kneels down in front of you coming closer to your face kissing your cheek leaving a lip stain on your cheek.

Y/N: Holds marked cheek looking flustered. W-Will I ever see you again?

Tiffany looks back at you one last time and winks.

Tiffany: Whenever you need me, my phone number is attached on the rose...

The crowd looks at you with jaw dropped to the ground and hypes you up saying “Yaa she’s so lucky.” And “You go get her tiger. ”

Not even a second later after her meet and greet was over you’ve decided to call her and stay on the phone for hours. Santa has definitely blessed you this time of year.

@wjnterchild I had so much fun writing these for you. It’s definitely fitting the theme and I hope you enjoyed them. Happy Holidays 💚❤️💚

[dreamerfae]

Together Forever

Summary: Two terminally ill patients meet one another and make an important decision that will affect their lives.

Word Count: 5785

Rating: Teen and Up

Genre: Alternate Universe - Human

A white ceiling with a fan always turned on. Nurses' voices and the beeping sound of machines. The smell of disinfectant. The taste of bland food. An enclosed room.

This is what patients in the hospital face every day they stay in the hospital. For some, the stay is temporary, whilst for others, the stay is permanent. The latter is the case of 2 patients, who have been living in the same ward for the past few years.

Patients often move in and out of the wards and a patient was just discharged today. The bed between 2 patients were now empty. Turning to the side, the male's gaze lingered on the empty bed now beside his, before his gaze landed on the female who had been staring out of the window for the past few minutes.

"It's lonely, isn't it? When someone gets to leave the hospital." He brought up his courage to speak to the lady.

The violet haired female turned to him and stared at him with a dazed and blank look. "Huh? Oh yeah."

"What's your name? My name's Kaneki Ken. We've been staying in the same ward for the longest time but never got to introduce ourselves to one another."

"Kirishima Touka."

"Nice to meet you. If you don't mind asking, what's your illness? I'm allergic to bacteria and will die if I'm exposed to it for too long. That's the reason for the mask attached to my mouth now." Kaneki explained.

Touka observed how the mask had a tube connected to it which further was connected to a machine at the side of his bed. She guessed it was a filter of sorts, to filter out bacteria. "I..have a heart problem. I can't get too excited, happy, sad or anything. My heart hurts when that happens and if I don't take my meds in time, I'll die."

"..terminal?"

"Terminal."

Silence fell over them because hearing that made them depressed all over again.

"..Me too. Do you read books? Watch movies?"

Touka's lips quirked. She appreciated his quick thinking in changing the topic. Kaneki continued chatting with her, who seemed to be responding only with short phrases or sentences. That was fine, he thought, as she was still wary of him—still strangers—and didn't seem to be good with words. They soon became somewhat friends—hospital or ward buddies—despite the weird starting of their friendship.

As the days passed while they chatted, Touka's once sorrowful face gradually had a smile on it and the fact that he was the cause, Kaneki was glad he started talking to her. She always seemed so lonely by herself in her bed.

Today, both lay in their beds, as usual, staring up at the white ceiling above them.

"Tell me about your family. Why doesn't yours come to visit?" Touka asked.

At that question, the light in his eyes dimmed and he ceased his smile. Directing his gaze onto his fisted hands on his lap, the look in his eyes seemed as if he were somewhere else, not here. "My dad and mom died early, and my aunt was supposed to look after me but she disliked me and refused to pay my hospital bills. So I was passed around in relatives and finally had one relative who was willing to fund my hospital bills only because he was rich. So here I am."

Unlike Kaneki, Touka had a very loving father and mother and an asshole brother but still loved her nonetheless. She couldn't imagine how it was like for him to lose his only family at a young age and having no one who wanted to stay by his side due to his illness being a burden. Sliding herself out of bed, she sat down on a chair at his bed and looked at him.

"I-I'm sorry to hear that... Can I hold your hand?" She asked.

He smiled weakly. "I would appreciate that."

Pumping a special sanitizer into her hands to prevent bacteria from affecting him, she proceeded to hold his hand. It was her first time holding a guy's hand aside from her father's but despite it being a male's hand which was supposed to be strong and meaty, his was skins and bones. She was overcome with sadness for his hard life and squeezed his hand before staring at him, hoping that it would convey to him that she was here for him.

His eyes crinkled, signaling her that he knew what she was doing. "Thank you, Touka."

After that, they became closer friends and often hold hands. Holding hands made them feel connected and better.

"Is there anything you would like to do if you get discharged?" He asked.

"Yep, in my free time, I wrote a list of things I want to do before I die." At that, she opened the cabinet by her bed and filled to a page that had the words 'bucket list before death' in capital letters.

"I want to go to a theme park, a zoo and an aquarium, a cafe, a shopping mall, the summer festival with fireworks, food, and games..." she seemed so excited as she read through her long list of places she wanted to visit.

"Mm, anything else?"

Her voice lowered to a whisper and he could sense the sorrow in her words. "I..want to date someone, get married and live a normal newlywed life in my own house. I want to wake up beside someone I love every single morning as a normal person would. I know, it's impossible, but a girl can only dream."

Kaneki was overcome with sadness because as far as he knew, patients with terminal and serious illnesses rarely get to leave the hospital which meant that she couldn't accomplish all of the things on her list. Dating? Marriage? There was no chance of that happening if she's stuck in here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"What about you, Kaneki?"

"Me? I... I don't have many things I want to do. Maybe go to a bookstore and buy some books, go to a nice cafe that sells good coffee and go on a date with a girl."

"You don't have many ambitions, do you?" She teased and he flushed.

—

Beep. Beep. Beep, beep, beep..

The sound of the machine that monitoring heart rate by Touka's bed increased in speed and sound and Kaneki awoke in the middle of the night to nurses rushing into the ward and surrounding his friend's bed.

They shook her by the arm whilst calling her name urgently. "Touka-San? Touka-San, are you alright?"

Instead of replying to the nurses, Touka who had been lying on her side had her hand squeezing the area over her heart and her face scrunched up in pain. A doctor soon came over and saw to her. He spoke to the nurses and then, they all detached her bed and started rolling it out.

"Touka-San, we're bringing you for surgery now, okay?"

The nurses kept on saying stuff to her but she never replied as they brought her out of the ward. Heart pounding in his chest, Kaneki got up in bed and got the nurse to bring to him to the seating area outside her operation theatre, despite the nurse's urges of him needing to rest.

It was 2 am in the morning, and he sat in his wheelchair at his nurse's insistence, staring at the 'operation ongoing' words in red for the longest time. He fiddled with his fingers and bit his lips in an attempt to calm himself down. Touka's family soon arrived and they also situated themselves outside.

"Are you a friend of Touka's?"

Her mother, Hikari, asked him and Kaneki nodded numbly. In that serious situation, he didn't know how to talk to them even though he knew he should, out of respect.

She smiled, relieved. "I'm glad she has a friend like you in the hospital. She always says she's okay and that she's not lonely but we can tell that it isn't the truth. She seems much happier these days and I guess that's because of you?"

"I-I wouldn't say that as it's presumptuous of me, but I cherish my friendship with Miss Kirishima as well. She is very fortunate to have a family like you in her tough times and who are willing to rush over when she's in a pinch. It's nice."

His own sadness at not having a good family might have reflected on his face which he wasn't aware of. Her father, Arata, stood up and walked to Kaneki. "She's told us about you through text and we appreciate you being by her side. We don't mind treating you as part of our family since you're her only friend now."

Tears brimmed in his eyes. "I-I would love that. Thank you."

Touka remained in the operation theatre for another 1 hour and seeing that Kaneki was still there, his nurse told him that he needed to get his sleep. He hesitated, not wanting to leave before he knew whether Touka was alright, and her family assured him that they would stay and wait for her. They would inform him when she was out and safe.

He went back to his bed, and despite feeling as though he wouldn't be able to sleep due to how worried he was, he eventually fell asleep from the meds he took.

When he awoke the next morning, he saw Touka back in her bed beside him and sighed in relief. Her family was there with her and her mother went over to him with a tired but relieved smile. "She survived but she needs rest. All of us needs to head to work now, could you look after her for us?"

"Of course, Mrs. Kirishima."

—

When she awoke a few hours later, she turned to her side and found Kaneki smiling at her. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

"I feel like shit." She answered, voice raspy.

He fought not to laugh but it escaped him anyways. She gave a weak smile and he got up to pour her a glass of water. Holding it to her mouth, he watched her drink a few sips before putting the glass onto her table.

"Your family was here since the time you went into operation until early morning. They had work so they just went back."

"What happened to me?"

"From what I heard, you had a heart attack last night and underwent thrombolysis, a procedure that involves injecting a clot-dissolving agent to restore blood flow in a coronary artery."

She nodded slowly as if trying to digest his words.

"While you were in the operation theatre, I realized how since we don't have much time left—I thought long and hard about this—I feel that we should do what we wanted to do before we die."

"Which is?"

Kaneki swallowed. He was still young, at the age of 23 and didn't know the correct or proper way to phrase it. "I figured we should start with the impossible task that you mentioned. I'm sorry about the time and place but will you marry me and be my wife?"

Tears brimmed in her eyes when his words finally sunk into her soul and she looked at him. Her chest tightened and she felt so emotional right now. "Really? You want to marry someone like me, who has a medical burden?"

"I want to, and I have a medical condition as well so we're equal. What do you say?" He held out his shaking hand and waited for her to take it.

Wiping her tears away, she put her hand into his glove-clad one. "Yes."

—

They were unable to get the doctor's permission to leave the hospital and decided to have the wedding ceremony in the ward itself. As they stood opposite on another, they recited their vows and exchanged the rings which Kaneki asked his best friend—Hide—to buy for him and Touka. Despite the small attendance of only Hide, Touka's friend—Yoriko, and Touka's family, they were grateful that they had them come down to the hospital to witness the ceremony.

With some arrangements from the hospital, they managed to share a bed for on that night with Touka laying in Kaneki's arms and falling asleep to the soft sound of their breaths and body warmth.

Touka never thought she'd be married and felt that she could never be happier than this.

After a serious discussion, they decided to approach the doctors to seek permission to leave the hospital in hopes of fulfilling their wishes of leaving in their own homes.

The doctors in-charge of Kaneki and Touka frowned at the idea and talked to them respectively.

-Kaneki's side-

"If you were to leave the hospital, there is a higher chance of you being affected by more bacteria at a faster rate, and you'll meet your death earlier. Despite knowing that, do you still want to continue?"

Kaneki squeezed his hands into fists and stared at his doctor with determination. "Yes. I want to fulfill Touka's and my wish."

-Touka's side-

"By doing this, you risk your own life and Kaneki's own. You need to know that while medicines can help ease your heart pain, should you have a heart attack and we cannot get to you in time, you will die. Do you understand? By leaving the hospital, the two of you are risking your lives."

Touka swallowed. "We understand."

—

"Even so, do you want to go through it?"

"Yes." Both of them answered without hesitation.

They waited nervously for the doctors' decision and the room was so quiet that you could even hear a pin drop to the floor.

"..We'll make some arrangements. We wish you all the best."

—

After much help from family and friends, the newlywed couple finally settled into their new home. They rented a place near their family and friends so that they could visit anytime. Now as they stood in the living room, Touka looked in awe at the once empty room, now filled with furniture.

"I can't believe this is really happening." She murmured before turning to her husband as her eyes became glassy with tears. "And it's all thanks to you."

At that moment, Kaneki had a strong urge in him to want to continue to fulfill her wishes and make her the happiest woman in the world. He took one hand in his and cupped her cheek with the other. Caressing her cheek with his thumb, his eyes crinkled as he smiled and pulled off his mask.

His doctor had advised him to put on his mask for as long as possible and to limit his sexual activities with her because bacteria can be passed through saliva. But now, he didn't care about all that and only wanted to kiss her, despite not knowing how to. He decided to try and hoped that his hobby of watching romance shows will help him.

She gasped at his action. "Kaneki, your mask—you can't—"

"It's just for a while."

With his hand pressed against her lower back, he pulled her close and leaned over to press a light kiss on her lips. Shocked at first, she didn't want to do this, knowing how it would affect his health but slowly got around to it when she realized that he's doing this despite knowing the risks. So she parted her lips slightly to allow him to kiss her deeper, to which he did. He pulled back hesitantly and gazed down at his wife who had pink dusted on her cheeks and a shine in her eyes.

Their first kiss as a person, and as a married couple.

She finally seemed to come to her senses from her dazed state and forced him to quickly put his mask back on. Grabbing his wrist, she checked the watch he wore given by the doctor for the amount of bacteria in his body. The kiss they had gave him 0.005% bacteria to which Touka didn't know whether to feel happy or upset that it was a small percentage or that it did give him bacteria.

"Don't worry so much. I'm okay." He said softly as if to settle her worries.

"But—"

His gaze softened, he was glad to see that she cared and was worried about him. "Could you do something for me? It doesn't have to be immediately but in time, I would like you to call me by my first name, since we're married and all."

At that, she stiffened. Aside from Yoriko, she has never called someone by their first name before, and on top of that, a male. But now that they were a couple, she wanted to do so, not just because it would make him happy but also as they didn't have much time left. "K-ke—kaneki.."

She didn't like that the words wouldn't come out from her at all. Upon seeing the disappointment on his face, to which he quickly hid with an understanding expression, she tried again.

"K-Ken.."

His face brightened like a child's and without words, she could tell how happy he was through the tight hug he gave her.

—

As of that day, their lives as a newlywed couple begun.

Every other day, they'd go out on dates, going places they've always wanted to visit and doing things they've always wanted to try doing. That included going to a theme park, visiting a cafe that sold good coffee and a bookstore, an animal cafe, a summer festival, shopping malls and many more.

Every time they'd go back home, exhausted but satisfied and contented.

On the days they didn't go out, they would stay in bed in one another's arms, limbs tangled underneath the blankets. Kaneki would always wake up first, wash up and goes to make coffee while waiting for Touka to awake. Once she was, she would settle down in the chair opposite him at the dining table and they would sip their coffee, enjoying the comfortable silence between them.

Then, they'd proceeded to do house chores together. Despite doing the routine every day, it was never boring for them as they did it together and often chatted whilst doing so. Sometimes, Kaneki would cook and sometimes Touka would cook. They have a competition each time on whose food tasted nicer.

What they didn't know was how deep they would fall in love with one another, completely different from when they first met in the hospital.

It wasn't all good times either, where either one of them would start showing symptoms of their illnesses. For Touka, her heart would feel pain at times and she had to take her medicines. For Kaneki, he would get sick occasionally due to amount of bacteria in his body. Even so, they lived each and every day to its fullest as they could never know when would be the last day for them.

—

"Tickle fight!" Touka roared as she jumped Kaneki on the bed and started to feel his body for his ticklish spots. The male laughed out loud when her fingers touched his stomach and neck and they ended rolling around in the bed, arms around one another and laughing.

Breathing heavily, they gazed at one another before Touka realized that Kaneki was above her. The atmosphere between them charged. Her fingers tangled in the hair on his nape, nails gently scratching his scalp. Eyes wide, cheeks pink, he parted his lips, pressed them together as he hesitated and leaned down. Their lips met and she moaned as he pressed gentle kisses to her neck and down her chest. His hands paused at the hem of her shirt and he looked at her for permission to remove it.

She stopped him by pushing on his chest, eyes meeting his. "What happens when your bacteria level reaches 100%?" She asked slowly and softly.

He swallowed and hesitated, 'I'll die."

Panic flashed in her eyes and he tried his best to reassure her. "Don't worry, I won't die just yet. My bacteria level is only 40%."

"Don't lie!"

The anger in her eyes rattled him to the core.

"I checked it last night when you were asleep and it was 66%! Why didn't you tell me that it was already this high?"

When he remained silent, she continued and wiped her falling tears away but to no avail. "We should stop doing anything intimate like kissing from now on. I don't want you to die because of me." Her voice was full of sorrow.

"No, it's not your fault that it got this high. The doctor told me if I left the hospital, this was to be expected and I knew that before I decided to leave the hospital with you. I would rather die earlier doing the things I like with you than sit in my bed doing nothing at all. I love you, so I want to do many things with you. I don't want to regret anything. Everything I do is my choice, so please, don't cry..."

Even as he said all of those things, she continued sobbing into his chest. "I love you too, Ken. My whole life changed when you spoke to me that day and I never regretted leaving the hospital with you. You make me so happy." At that, she pulled back and looked up at him with a smile and teary eyes.

He smiled. "And I will continue to make you happier if you would give me a chance."

She hesitated and decided that she also wanted him to be happy before she smiled. "Okay."

Touka had a strong resistance to doing intimate things with him because she didn't want his bacteria level to increase but now that she knew that he didn't have much time, all the more she wanted to give him what he wanted and make him happy—just as how happy he has made her—and besides, she wanted it too.

He caressed her cheeks gently with the warm smile on his face that she fell in love with him for and felt her back touch the bed beneath her. He roamed above her and his hair tickled her neck as he pressed soft kisses to it.

—

Laying on his naked and heaving chest, Touka listened to his racing heart beat and snuggled closer to him. He held her close and kissed her forehead.

"I want you to promise me 2 things, Touka."

"What is it?"

"I promise that I will tell you the percentage honestly from now on so I need you to promise not to check my watch without my permission."

"But—"

His pleading eyes was all it took for her to promise.

He smiled weakly. "Thank you. The next one is, if I die, you must move on and live for as long as possible. I know this may be hard for you to do, but I only want you to be happy."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she wanted to tell him that there was no point in her living in a world without him. From her shaking body, he could tell what she was thinking and he squeezed her hand. She just couldn't find it in her to refuse him, not when he looked at her, his eyes tired and weak. How could she, when he had already accepted that he was going to die?

For all she knew, tonight could be his last day on this earth. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. She shoved her thoughts away and nodded hesitantly. "Okay, I promise."

A week later...

The end was near.

That was something that they both realized when Kaneki suddenly started coughing in the middle of the night, and could only go back to bed after he took many deep breaths through the mask that was connected to his bacteria filtering machine. It scared Touka so much to the point that her heart ached in her chest and she had to take her medicines to ease the pain.

Climbing back into bed, he wrapped an arm around her to pull her close and she held in her tears. While there was a possibility that she might die before he does, she still couldn't imagine how it would be to live without him—her first and only love.

—

Kaneki could feel his body slowly succumbing to his illness as he's been getting sicker and while Touka wasn't looking, he glanced at his watch which lit up with a 98% bacteria level. His heart sank at the realization that he might die tonight. At most, he can only last till tomorrow. Even though he had already prepared himself, he guessed that one could never fully be prepared for death.

He glanced sadly over to his wife. From how gently she has been treating him for the past week and how clingy she was to him, maybe she also knew that his death was approaching.

He didn't want her to worry or cry and decided to keep his mouth shut about his bacteria level. They linger in bed, limbs tangled with one another's and he played with her hair before pushing a few strands behind her ear. Cupping her cheek, he kissed her and she kissed him back.

"I love you, Touka." He whispered. He just had to say it now in case he dies after tonight.

To Touka, it felt like he was saying his last words and she hoped that she was only overthinking it.  Tears brimmed in her eyes nevertheless, and she kissed him once more. "I love you too, Ken."

"Go to sleep.." he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead and he watched as she soon drifted off to sleep, tears still at the corner of her eyes.

He gazed at her for as long as he could to memorize all of her features that made her beautiful before he felt his eyes closing in fatigue. His watch hadn't vibrated yet, which told him that his death was not yet coming, for which he felt comforted by.

For just this once, he slept without the mask connected to his bacteria filtering machine and did what he always wished to, which was to hold her in his arms and bury his face into her hair, neck, and chest. He didn't have any more time and he didn't want to regret spending his possible last night with her, hooked up on his machine and not being able to hug her how he wanted to. He soon fell asleep.

At 6 am, he awoke to the violent vibration of his watch and saw 100% on it. His arms tightened around his wife as he looked down at her with teary eyes. He decided against waking her up, not wanting her to see his passing away before her eyes. It would be too painful for her and for him to see her crying before he passed.

His voice came out soft and weak, as he whispered, "Touka,  I'm sorry I have to leave before you, make sure you keep your promise in living for as long as possible. Just know that I'll always love you and that I'll be watching over you from heaven. If I were to be reincarnated, I want to be a human again and live my life by your side. Thank you for everything and I love you."

Relieved that she didn't wake up from all his talking, he kissed her for the last time before he departed this world, holding his beloved in his arms.

At 10 am, Touka woke up to the sunlight filtering through the curtains and stretched her body with a groan. She turned and found it weird that her husband was still in bed beside her, laying on his side. Usually, he'd be up by now, holding a cup of coffee in his hand towards her with a smile on his face, waiting for her to start the day with him.

She also found it weird that he wasn't hooked up to his machine, like he usually was. Panic gripped her heart when she realized that there was a possibility that it might have come off in his sleep. With her hand on his arm, she gently shook him. "Ken, your mask is off."

When he didn't stir from his sleep, she didn't think much of it and assumed that he must have been so exhausted before calling his name louder and shaking him with a larger force.

But he didn't wake. Her heart raced. Is he..?

With a speed that shocked even herself, she pressed her ear to his chest and waited for his heart to beat. When it didn't come, she swiftly pressed her fingers to his neck, panicking at the absence of a pulse before her fingers went under his nose.

Tears brimmed in her eyes as her vision of Kaneki turned blurry.

He's gone.

With shaking hands, she dialed her doctor and managed to inform him in between sobs that Kaneki has passed away.

"..That's unfortunate. I won't ask if you're okay because that's a stupid question, but I will ask what are you going to do now?"

Staring at Kaneki's pale and lifeless face, she just couldn't keep her promise to him because now that he was gone, her purpose in living has also disappeared.

"I'll follow him, Doctor." Touka sucked in a breath, voice wavering as she sobbed. "I can't imagine life without him. It's no longer bright, warm and fun. He took my heart and everything with him. I..I'm sorry, could you tell my parents?"

Her heart started to ache, and she glanced over to her heart medicines on the bedside table. Swallowing, she decided not to take the pills.

It took forever for the doctor to respond.

"Will you not reconsider? Think about your family and friends that you'll be leaving behind."

"I..I have always regretted being a burden to my family and friends and I was honestly contemplating suicide when I found out that my illness couldn't be cured. But Kaneki, he saved me. I wanted a life with him, and if I can't have that, I could at least be with him together forever, even in the afterlife. Please, doctor. It'll be the last favor I'll ever ask of you."

"...alright. It has been a pleasure meeting you. I hope you get to meet Kaneki-san."

"Thank you."

Touka hung up and proceeded to position his arms around her so that it was as if they were hugging. Eyes still teary, she smiled as she gazed at his face and recalled all of the fun times they had—their dates, their pillow talks, their making love—and laid her head on his chest.

She tried to ignore the squeezing pain in her chest and her shortness of breath and instead focused on inhaling his scent. His scent, his facial features and how his arms felt like when they were around her were the only things she could memorize and take away with her.

Taking one last look at her husband, Touka leaned over to kiss him. "Ken, thank you for giving me the life I never had and making me happiest woman in the world when you married me. If I were to reincarnate and even if I were to be sick again, I would still choose to live my life by your side. I love you..."

Her eyes slowly closed and her arms went slack.

Her family barged into the room soon after, but they were too late. The police soon came and said that out of the many dead bodies they have encountered, the way they died was definitely the most beautiful and touching. The couple had their arms around one another, foreheads against each other's and limbs tangled together. On top of that, they both had smiles on their faces.

After some checking, the police announced that the couple died naturally from their illnesses. While that was the truth for Kaneki, it wasn't for Touka. For her, her family believed that she died of a broken heart from losing her loved one.

Despite their short lives, the couple never regretted their decision in leaving the hospital because they felt that they have actually lived as proper human beings in that 2 months outside as compared to their many years in the hospital.

And now, they will be together forever, even in death.

—

Many years later...

A 18-year-old Touka entered a bookstore, hoping to find a good book to help her with her studies and accidentally knocked into someone, not noticing that they stood there.

The sound of books dropping to the floor made her wince and she held out a hand to the black-haired male who now laid on her floor because of her carelessness.

"I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" She apologized.

The male took her hand with a smile and stood up. "Yes I am, thank you."

Her heart raced at the proximity as he stood so close to her that they were chest to chest and focused her gaze on his neck. Timidly, she raised her head and her eyes met his grey ones.

His lips pressed into a thin line and parted. "My name is Kaneki Ken. What's yours?"

"Kirishima Touka."

He grinned and she felt something strike her heart at that moment. He had a cute smile. "Nice to meet you."

"N-nice to meet you too. O-oh right, your books!" Touka quickly squatted down and collected the books scattered all over the room.

Kaneki also squatted down and gathered the books in one hand whilst watching her. "Hey... I...I'm an amateur at this, but—"

Was it her or did his cheeks turn pink?

"W-will you go on a date with me?"

What was this cliche? Meeting a guy inside a bookstore and him asking her out on a date? She didn't believe in fairytales because it felt like a fairytales thing, but if she were honest, she feels drawn to him. Was this destiny, or fate?

She could tell that he was nervous as he waited for her answer and decided to put him out of his misery by rejecting him.

But her words surprised her.

"Yes, actually I would."

[harryknowsme]

Variety

Producer Jeff Bhasker faced a daunting task several months ago. After having worked with Kanye West and winning Grammy Awards for producing Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk,” and Fun.’s 2012 album “Some Nights,” he had to decide whether to take on a new project: the debut solo album of One Direction member Harry Styles.

“I’d just had a baby, and I was kind of like, ‘Eh, I don’t know if I’ll jump into this,'” Bhasker tells Variety. He agreed to have Styles come over to “just talk,” and proceeded to put him through the Bhasker home sniff test. “My dog tends to bite people, and he was kind of scoping Harry out,” Bhasker explains. Styles “did this move — like a little shoot the gun with his finger, and my dog walked over and started licking his finger. That’s when I was, like, ‘This guy has something special.'”

Once music came into the mix, Bhasker was sold. “He started playing references of what he wanted to do, which sounded like a cool rock band. I got it, and could see where if we pulled this off, it would be one of the coolest things ever. But he needed a buddy who plays guitar like he’s Keith Richards.” The insinuation being: Styles is the Mick Jagger in this scenario.

Adds Bhasker: “I’m so proud of the album itself, and also of Harry for being so brave, and committing 100%, and writing the kind of vulnerable lyrics that he wrote, and not pandering to what people thought he would do. People have no idea that this is what Harry Styles is like. Just like I didn’t know. He’s obviously very famous and beloved, but people don’t know the depths of what an amazing personality and artist he is.”

Variety spoke with Bhasker about the recording of “Harry Styles” ahead of the album’s May 12 release:

You went old school for the recording of the album, sequestering Harry and the band in Jamaica for a stretch. What was Harry’s main role in the sessions? Harry got to lead the room. It’s very much Harry’s album and the music he wanted to make. And he was very specific what kind of ideas turn him on. He’s pretty clear, in the coolest way, about what he likes and doesn’t like, so it really got the album off on the right foot and finished on the right foot. In the first week, they did, like, 10 songs, half of which ended up on the album.

How was the writing process? Everyone was involved in the writing. It was a really small team — Me, Tyler Johnson, Mitch Rowland, Alex Salibian, and Ryan Nasci, the engineer — and we stuck with that team all the way through the album.

Was there a lyric you were particularly impressed with? I was pleasantly surprised at how witty, clever, and well-read Harry was. He actually turned me on to some poetry and literature that I hadn’t been aware of. We dove into [Charles] Bukowski, which is some pretty gritty dark s—, so we’d say, “Let’s make sure we go that direction and stay the course; let’s not bail out and go with something safe.” I think I did push him in a lot of ways, but then I wanted him to have complete ownership of it and to sing what is really in his heart.

There have been lots of comparisons of Harry to Jagger…

I think the charisma and the energy he has is on level with that, but he’s 100% Harry. It’s easy to make a comparison early on, but as people absorb what this is and who he is, they’ll see that he’s his own thing. Obviously we’re trying to push the envelope of being a boy band, so early on, I was, like, “It has to be super edgy,” but then it was about knowing when to pull back up against the edge and be real. Which is ultimately what I think we landed on.

How is Harry as an instrumentalist? I’ll tell you this much, the first time I saw him pull out the guitar, I was, like, ‘Oh damn, he can play!’ He has a nice stroke. He has a feel and a sound and an emotion. He’s a real musician.

Clearly there are nods to Bowie and Queen on the album. Have you found his musical taste to be distinctly British? You know, we did not once go listen to Bowie or the Rolling Stones or Queen. We didn’t even mention them one time. But one thing that did come up was a song that felt a little like Led Zeppelin, and he was, like, “I never really checked them out.” So we watched [Zeppelin documentary] “The Song Remains the Same,” and he was, like, “Yeah, they’re kind of weird.” I was actually happy that we were not creating some pastiche of all these influences that he knew backwards and forwards, it was more of his gut.

Releasing “Sign of the Times,” a six-minute-long song as a single, was surprising as it breaks from pop radio norms. Who played a part in that decision? That was kind of out there. And by the way, the song was made in four hours, from writing it to tracking it. That’s part of the reason why it’s so long because Harry just freestyled it towards the end. We tracked it like that and it was kind of awesome. Once we had it, we knew it was a winner. It starts out with Harry’s voice sounding so great and then you hit them with [the next verse] and you’ve got ’em. It is a hit in that sense, but it was so long that we weren’t sure if it could be the single. Thank God, [Sony Music CEO] Rob Stringer said, “I think you go with ‘Sign of the Times.'” Then, we tried to do major surgery on it to try and make a radio edit and presented it to him and, he was, like, ‘That’s cool, but I think we should push the full-length.’ We were looking at each other, like, what planet are we on that the head of the label says, ‘Yeah, let’s release a six-minute single.'”

Do you have another track you’re especially proud of? “Meet Me in the Hallway” draws from this rich tradition of the past and of rock music but it’s totally new sounding. Nothing out right now sounds like this song, I always love when I’m a part of something like that. It’s minimal and it’s magical. It takes you to another world. When they played it for me, I was reminded of when I was a kid and first dropped the needle on a Pink Floyd album I had never heard before. I’m not a big [pop] music listener. I listen to KLOS and KCRW and maybe the hip hop station. I’m kind of a classic rock dude. And Harry made a classic rock album. But that’s hands down my favorite on the album.

One producer, one band, all cut in one studio. How did you know that going to Jamaica was the right situation for Harry? I didn’t, necessarily. He’s the one that wanted to do that. Of course, having had the experience of working with Kanye in Hawaii and experiencing the isolation, I thought it would be a good thing for us. It’s never bad thing to focus, isolate, and go a little island crazy. It wasn’t a hard call.

What was the daily routine like? It was a 24/7 music fest: wake up, do some exercise, go to the studio all day, come home, eat dinner, write songs back at the house, go try out some ideas, maybe get excited and go back to the studio at 2 a.m. It was just a nonstop flow of creative ideas, which was great.

Of the artists you’ve previously produced — be it Kanye West or the Rolling Stones — who does Harry remind you of? It’s so f—ed up, because I want to squash all these comparisons between Mick Jagger and Harry, but he really does have that energy where he’s, like, the coolest guy in the room. After working with Mick, there’s a similarity there. There’s only one Mick Jagger and there’s only one Harry Styles, but they both have that kind of charisma. It’s like what life should be — be cool, man. Love one another.”

This album is certain to appeal to the over 35 crowd. You’re a first time father, was there an intent to try and bridge the musical gap between parent and kid by going with this sound? I mean, a little bit. Of course it’s in the back of your head. Maybe daughters will be, like, “Damn dad, your music is actually kind of dope,” and fathers will be, like, “Man, that Harry Styles album is pretty great, I like that.” Maybe we’ll bring fathers and daughters together.