#she's so old now. she's getting older. i get pictures of her from my mom and she's so scruffy and old.

[deathsmallcaps]

I work as the person in an amusement park who watches the children who get lost. Here’s some advice. This also applies to any mentally disabled adults that are under your care. Keep in mind that many places will not look for a minor ages 13-17 unless it is close to closing or they are disabled, as corporate considers it a strain on resources and employee use.

1. Teach them your phone number. Best gift you can give them. I’m not supposed to have my phone out at work but I can cut down dependent’s being-lost-time by probably 400% if I can contact you. It also assures the children That We Are Doing Something and that They Are Helpful and Smart. If your dependent has a poor memory, apparently writing your phone number in sharpie and then covering it in nail polish makes it stay all day, even if they’re sweaty or getting in the water. I haven’t tested this but I’ve heard a lot of moms recommend it. I’ve also seen bracelets with little plates or the beads saying the phone number.

Addendum: your dependent may tell you that they know your phone number, but they actually only know your passcode. True story. This summer has been a lot better, but last summer exactly one child the entire season knew his mom’s phone number.

2. Acknowledge that dependent’s memories are faulty, especially in new places. If you tell them to meet you in X spot or that your stuff is all in Y place, they may not remember where it is or remember how to get there.

3. All dependents, but especially little ones, have shit time sense. They might find your stuff, wait there for a minute or two, and truly believe that they’ve been there for an hour. Half the small kids that are brought to me are ones who *know* where their stuff is, but haven’t seen an adult they know personally in 5 minutes, so they’re going to panic.

4. Don’t take naps!!! And don’t let your dependent go anywhere you can’t go or at least go where you catch them at the end!!! Yes you’re staring at the play structure your dependent entered, but can you see them? No? Then there’s a good chance they went elsewhere. So many of the littler kids that are brought to me are brought by genuine, good-hearted strangers who see lost children and take them by the hand. Away from the spot you’re napping in front of/staring vaguely at.

5. This might just be something from my work, but we will not call dependent’s descriptions over the loudspeaker. This is because if an asshole were to see your dependent, hear the description, know it’s a lost dependent, and decide to steal it, they can then use the excuse, “I know where your guardian is! Come with me!” And then lead them out of the park or toss the dependent over their shoulder. Do you know how many crying and screaming dependents leave the location every day? A lot!!! We’re a fun location!!! We’re not going to know if the dependent is screaming because they don’t want to leave or if a stranger is taking them away. We might call the description over the loudspeaker if it’s past closing time and the dependent still isn’t found. But before that, we will only report it over secure radios across the park.

6. Tell a park worker right away. Preferably someone with a radio. Even if you spot the dependent within the next minute, that means the dependent will have less being-lost time. Especially if we already have the dependent with, you guessed it, me. Also please tell us when you find the dependent.

7. Take a picture of your depdendent at the start of the day! That way security guards can have a good idea of what to look for. One mother told me her daughter was blonde and showed me a picture. Her hair color looked brown to me, but then I knew what to look for in the crowd.

8. Keep at least one person in your group in one spot at all times, especially if you don’t have access to your phone or forgot to give out your phone number to the guards. That way they can find you if they pick up the dependent. If you are the only person in your group, then PLEASE stay in one place or at least stay with ONE security guard. It sucks for the dependent if they can’t find you right away even if the both of you are looking for each other and a guard is helping them. You are NOT helping if you panic and run around. And keep your goddamn phone on you and answer calls from unknown numbers!!!!! God. This is a good time to do that.

9. If you lose your dependent in an attraction like the lazy river at a water park, and you have that ONE person staying in place, then this is what you can do with 1+ mobile people.

A. If only one person can be spared to be mobile, have them pick a spot and stay right there, watching the river go by. Eventually, if the dependent is in the river, they’ll go by.

B. If you have two people that can be mobile, both start at the same place in the river and go opposite directions. If you meet up again without spotting the dependent, well, they’re not there.

C. If you have more than 2 people, you can do B but also station different adults at the lazy river entrances/exits.

10. Don’t blame the dependent! Even if they ran away and/or are pissy that you’re upset once you all reunite, trust me, there’s a 99% chance they’re upset too. Yes, this is a good time to have a serious conversation with them. Yes, if this is a repeated problem, and/or you warned them you’d leave the park if this occurred, you should not back down. But also - they’re dependents. They’re not stupid, and they should be told consequences and dangers so they can make good decisions, but they will never have the adult/guardian perspective that you do. Be kind.

Also please for my sake teach them if they’re brought to someone like me, that it’s THEIR job to be safe and listen to me while us park workers look for you. It’s YOUR job to find the dependent, not the dependent’s job to find you. I had a six year old little girl genuinely toddler-howl at me because she wanted to go look for her mom. I’ve never before heard a kid her age howl like that. I can trick kids out of crying 9/10 times but howling came as a surprise lmao. I think I can manage it now that I’ve experienced it but damn.

Also make sure those kids are DRINKING. Being in a water park is NOT the same as drinking water. They should be drinking every 15 minutes at LEAST, I am NOT kidding.

Also if I call you to tell you your kid is here, please don’t call or text me back after you have the kid. I’m sure other places have phones for these types of things but the only one I have is my personal phone. And I am happy to get the kid off my hands and into your arms, but I’m using my personal phone so plz. Don’t call me back. Absolutely call me if you need directions to my ‘office’ in the park. Don’t call or text me after. I have stories about that hoo boy but this post is already long.

[bbokicidal]

"You're So Much Alike." - [B.C.]

Summary: Where you meet his mother for the first time and capture a picture that you will treasure for years to come.

Warnings: None, just a lotta fluff.

Notes: Based on the photo above where Chris recreated his childhood picture w/ his mom.

"When was this?" Your eyes turn to your boyfriend beside you and his head tips in your direction, eyes following only a moment later. A bright smile is plastered on his face as he was previously having a conversation with his mom to the opposite side of himself.

His teeth grit as his lips pull apart in a quiet hiss of thought. "Ah... Mm." His lips press together, brows furrowing as he looks at the picture. "Think I was.. four? Three? Three or four." He nods curtly, eyes drawing up to where you stare at him. ".... What?"

Your smile grows the longer you peer up at him. He doesn't seem to realize how absolutely adorable the photo currently in your hand is. "Nothing. I just love you."

Chan's eyes wander over your own before he giggles, his hand falling to rest on your knee. "I love you too, sweetheart."

"Oh, I was so young here." His mother reaches for the photo, gently taking it from your hand to look down at it. The look on her face seems to say without words that it brings back wonderful memories she couldn't ever forget.

"Please," You murmur, catching her attention with a soft smile. "You look the exact same, Mrs. Bang."

It was kind of his mother to offer to show you baby photos of him. You hadn't necessarily expected it during your first meeting with her, but she seemed more than excited to show you the silly pictures of Chan in the bath, or pictures of him covered in birthday cake when he was two years old. He'd gotten a bit embarrassed at the bath pictures, begging his mother not to show them to you before she countered back with; "What? She's seen it all before anyway!"

And you couldn't argue with that, laughing along as you squeeze his hand in your own. "I mean, she isn't wrong."

You felt incredibly lucky to be able to tag along on this opportunity - visiting Australia with Chan for the first time. The majority of the day is spent relaxing at his family home and getting to know his family; Unfortunately Lucas and Hannah are with their friends, which you can't fault them for, but you get to spend the day with his parents. And Berry, of course.

Their pup seems to take a love to you, following you around instead of sticking to Chan. She sits at your feet while you lean against the kitchen counter and watch his father cook lunch for the group of you; And she treads only a foot or two behind you as you move to dance with Chan's mother in the dining room to the soft music that plays through the house. The room is filled with laughter and the soft banter she exchanges with you on how she may have to steal you from her son with just how charming you are.

Lunch is quiet and soothing, bodies filled with warm home cooked food and Chan's mother asking just how the two of you met - where you saw yourself in ten years, what kind of career you were interested in, and how you felt about her son. Typical first meeting types of questions - But, she seems happy with all of your answers and while you aren't looking, shares an exchanged glance with her son that is telling him to marry you.

It ends as you excuse yourself from the table and move to help Chan at the sink, washing the dishes from preparing the meal and drying them off as he handed them to you. He smiles at you helping him out, about to tell you to go shoo so he can take care of it himself and let you relax. His eyes wander in your direction as you suddenly ask if his father needs another wife - widening in surprise and whispering a soft, "Excuse me?" in shock.

"What? He's literally you but a little older!"

"Are you tryna marry my dad right now--"

-

His father excuses himself from the home about an hour later, something work related beckoning him away. His mother suggests a walk around the park Chan use to run about in when he was little and you eagerly agree, wanting to see more of the local scenery. It's pleasant, a breeze wafting through your hair and brushing over your shoulders as you go. Berry's leash is held careful but firm in your palm and she treads nearby, tail wagging in excitement at just being out.

Without being fully aware of it, you'd fallen behind the mother-and-son duo after being caught up in admiring the nature around you. As your eyes draw back to the pair ahead, you stop walking and Berry takes a few more steps before halting as well. She turns to look up at you in curiosity and when you crouch down, she comes closer to rub her nose against your arm. Hand digging in your pocket, you pull out your phone and let the pair continue walking without disturbing them. Lifting your phone to snap a photo, the picture on your screen looks lovingly familiar to one you had seen earlier.

Chan seemed extremely grateful when you showed him the picture later on - and his mother even more so that evening. His father peeked over her shoulder before gently giving the woman a shake of admiration, hugging her around the waist shortly after. "Jessica, you don't look a day over thirty." And she laughs, swatting at his arm.

Your eyes dart to Chan's and he blinks, meeting your gaze a moment later. Your eyes narrow. "Why am I just now finding out that your mom's name is Jessica?"

[eggfriedricedwasian]

Ive seen things where people have kids who are dark haired and eyed at birth and turn light haired and eyes when they get older or vice versa.

I headcanon Janet with blonde hair and green eyes and Jack with black hair blue eyes.

Im using this on Tim.

Tim was born with blonde hair green eyes and looked like Jack as a baby, but when he got older, around 4ish, he turned black haired and blue eyed and started looking like Janet.

His parents were both in a love hate relationship with this change. On one hand they want him to have their colors and look like them...

On the other hand they miss when he used to look like the other parent.

Just imagine:

Tim going through old pictures in his gazillion boxes of pictures, the family is helping him.

"Who's this baby? Steph's?"

Someone asks. They look over to see Duke holding a photo of a blonde baby, smiling a gummy smile with curly blonde hair and green emerald eyes looking brighter than a kryptonian in the sun.

"No.. That's.. who is that baby?"

Steph asked very slowly. Guess they forgot to tell Duke that Steph's daughter was a sensitive topic amongst them.

"Steph gave up her daughter at birth, Duke. And it was a traumatic experience for her so we don't talk about it."

Bruce informed.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry."

"It's okay, you didn't know"

She waved him off with a smile, but everyone still wondered who the baby was.

"Tim?"

"Yeah?"

Tim replied from inside his closet. He walked out upon no reply, setting down another box filled with camera equipment and saw all their confused faces.

"Who's baby is this?"

Duke turned the picture and Tim looked at it closer.

"Oh!"

Tim smiled, taking it and putting it next to his face.

"It's me!"

He smiled just as bright as the baby, which happened to be him, in the picture.

.

.

.

"WHAT!?"

The family, including Alfred, stared jaw dropped shocked at the guy.

The baby in the photo, smiling oh so brightly like the sun, green eyed, blonde curly hair, with the cutest little red polka dot dress on, was Tim, who had straight-ish black hair and blue eyes, didn't smile as brightly as the moon, who only gave smirks and grins, and was wearing a long sleeves under a Limp Bizkit t shirt with very baggy jeans.

"Yeah.. Genetics! Ya know..?"

"Explain."

Jason demanded.

"Well, up until I was 4-ish I had my dad's face but my mom's green eyes and blonde curly hair, but then it turned black and my eyes turned blue and straight-ish and I started looking more like my mom."

He rubbed his neck sheepishly.

That started the searching of Tim's baby photos. They'd organize the Bat photos and the hero photos later, right now they needed to find all of the blonde hair green eyed baby Tim photos.

It was no secret that Tim was trans, so when all the photos of a little girl in dresses and skirts showed up they weren't phased. It was hilarious to see all the pouty faced pictured of Tim in dresses.

The photos did get put up around the house with Tim's (begrudgingly(willingly)) permission.

Dick wanted him to bleach his hair but he refuses to damage his hair.

But also imagine this:

The older that Tim gets, the blonde comes back. He still looks like his mom, but his slowly starts turning blonde again, and his eyes start having a greener tint/hue to it.

The first to notice was Bart.

Bart was braiding Tim's rather ling hair when he points it out.

"Hey Tim, your hair's got some blonde in it!"

"What?"

Tim runs to the mirror and looks in it. Yep. Sure enough his hair was growing some blonde strands. And now that he looked, his eyes looked more green than it's normal blue.

"Oh my gosh.."

He calls Bruce.

Bruce who was in a JL meeting.

"I'm in a meeting."

"B! Im going blonde again! Ans my eyes! They're turning green!"

Tim says, somewhat panicked, somewhat excited.

Bruce blanks. Because.. what. What do you mean his baby boy, who he loved staring at the blonde and green eyed baby pictures of, was resorting back to that color.

"...really?"

He asks very hesitantly at first.

"Yeah!"

Tim turns his head down, showing his scalp. And there, right there, were several prominent, yet blended, strands of blonde growing in a curl pattern amongst the straight black locks.

Bruce just about cries right then and there.

Because then Tim does a close up of his eyes. And yep. His eyes have a but of green in them.

"That's great, sweetie. But I'm in a meeting right now."

"Oh! Sorry!"

He hangs up.

Bruce doesn't.

He's still stuck on the call smiling like a sappy parent whose kid just did something so small yet so touching. There were tears in his eyes and none of the JL knew what to do.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Meet Me at the Altar Part 3

AN: Our wild ride finally comes to an end 💕

Synopsis: Both you and Joe have to get on the same page in regards to raising your daughter together while he also pleads for forgiveness for his actions towards you and asks for another chance to make it right

Pairing: Ex-fiance!Joe Burrow x Ex-Fiancée!Reader

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first (Joe Burrow Masterlist)

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

The new phone that you had recently purchased to contribute to your fresh start was constantly ringing and you had ignored it each time. When you glanced to see who it was that kept calling you repeatedly, it was no surprise.

The same number.

Over and over again.

And it was no one other than your older sister who you didn't consider to be your sister anymore, Marlene. She had to have gotten your new number from your mom's phone somehow because there was no way in hell you were about to give it to her willingly.

You would think that she would have stopped trying to talk to you by now because of her role in breaking up what was supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but one thing that was for sure was how consistent she could be.

Consistent in calling you and consistent with sleeping with your fiancé.

Not once.

But multiple times.

Your mom told you that she had given birth to a baby boy and that Joe straight up told her to do the DNA test because he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Good for him for advocating for himself, but at this point it wasn't going to make a difference what the result came out to be.

You were never going to forgive him for as long as he walked this earth and more than likely even after that.

At this point, you could have cared less if it had come out to be his, but deep down you knew that it wasn’t.

Having about a month and a half to go with your pregnancy, reality was starting to hit you. Finding out the baby was a girl gave you a sense of excitement, but also dread. Because the picture perfect life you had dreamed of was pulled out right from under you.

Knowing that you and Joe would raise her, but not be together hurt to no end, but there was someone better out there for you that would give you the happily ever after that you deserved. Someone that hopefully wouldn't embarrass you at the altar. Because it was now evident as much as you wanted it to be Joe, that ship had sailed.

It was a hard pill to swallow, but all you could do was take it day by day and focus on having a healthy pregnancy.

The two of you rarely communicated and for good reason. You didn't have anything to say to him anymore because you were not going to subject yourself to being hurt again. No matter how many times he said that something like that wouldn't happen if you were to give him another chance. Every appointment that you went to, you sent him the ultrasound picture and he always asked if the baby was okay. Every single time your answer was always thumbs up and this had been going on ever since you left.

Well after you unblocked his number on your old phone of course.

It shouldn't have happened the first time with how much he said he loved and adored you.

He adored someone else so much that he went between her legs.

Your phone continued to ring and you quickly grew annoyed. Hoping to put an end to this once and for all, you answered.

And immediately regretted it.

“What do you want?” You asked her as you sat down in the nursery and started to organize all of the books you had bought her, Goodnight Moon being your all time favorite.

“Y/N! Thank God! I thought you would never answer.” Marlene breathed out as you did the hardest rolling of your eyes known to man.

“I only answered because if I didn't, your ass was going to keep calling me.” You told her flatly.

“Oh, well the baby isn't his…..”

“Okay? What am I supposed to do with that information?” You asked her unsure of what her motive was.

“I.. just thought you should know and I owe you an apology.”

“No apology will ever suffice for what you did to me. You could beg on your hands and knees until they were bleeding and I still wouldn't forgive you.”

“Y/N…. I'm….”

“No. Don't Y/N me and I could care less. You and Joe deserve every bad thing that comes your way and both of you can go and fuck yourselves. Oh, look! You already did that. Now do me a favor and never call me again. I don't have a sister anymore. Enjoy motherhood.”

Without another word, you hung up and promptly blocked her number before setting it back down on the table.

As the due date was getting closer and closer, you were dreading the fact that there were a few things that were housed in your previous Cincinnati home that you wanted.

The only way that was about to happen was if you went and got them yourself.

Because there were only two people who knew where they were-you and Joe. And you damn sure weren't asking him.

Now that meant trying to avoid Joe at all costs to get what you wanted.

That was when you got an idea.

The plan was to coordinate with Ja’Marr so that he would make sure Joe was out of the house while you went and grabbed everything you needed. 

You would be able to make a quick getaway without having to deal with him or see him or breathe the same air as him.

Because that was the last thing you wanted to deal with and everything that came with it.

Joe would be pleading for you to take him back and your answer was the same on your almost wedding day as it is now.

A stone cold no. 

Hoping that he would answer, you quickly opened up Facetime so that he would be able to see you. Even if he was one of Joe’s best friends, after everything that happened he would check on you on a weekly basis and always asked if you were okay or needed anything.

He was blindsided just as much as you were about the entire situation.

The phone didn't ring for a full thirty seconds before Ja'Marr's face came into view as he gave you a wide smile.

“Hey, Y/N. Everything good over there with you and the little one?”

“Hi, we're fine but I need you to do something for me.” You said as you bit your lip waiting for him to say yes.

“Sure, anything you need.”

“I need to come back to get a few things out of the house. Can you just make sure that Joe is occupied? I don't want to see him for obvious reasons.” You replied as you rolled your eyes as Ja'Marr gave you a slow nod in response.

“Yeah, that's not a problem. When did you plan on coming?”

“By the end of this week, so Friday more than likely.”

“Mind if we get lunch while you're here? Give us a chance to catch up.”

“Sure, I'd like that. I'll let you know all the details once I get everything figured out.”

“Okay, sounds good. Take care of yourself, Y/N.” Was the last thing he said to you before hanging up.

“I promise I'm trying to.” You whispered to a now unoccupied screen as your eyes started to water.

One thing you weren't prepared for was how lonely you had now become. Joe was your person who you would do everything with and always wanted to be around him and would get upset every time he had to leave the house instead of staying with you.

It's amazing how the tables had turned and turned so quickly that it honestly made your head spin.

Friday was now here and after you had gotten checked into your hotel and rested your eyes for about an hour or so, you sent a text to Ja'Marr to let him know that you were there.

The two of you agreed to meet up at one of your favorite restaurants in the city and you had been dying to get your hands on their footlong mozzarella sticks ever since you moved to Denver. 

Ja’Marr paid for both of your meals before telling you that he was meeting with Joe as soon as the two of you left so that way the house would ultimately be clear.

You couldn’t face him, just yet.

You weren’t ready and needed a little bit more time.

However, time was running out seeing as you were getting closer and closer to your due date.

Pulling into the driveway of the house, it took everything in you for you not to cry.

You missed this.

And you missed him.

Parking and then pulling out your key that you should have gotten rid of months ago, you opened the front door and walked into the foyer.

It was as if no time had passed. Everything was still in its rightful place and you would think that there was a beautiful newlywed couple who lived there seeing as your engagement photos were still covering the walls of the hallway that led to the staircase that would take you upstairs to what once was your master bedroom. 

When you walked in, you tried not to waste time as you headed straight for the closet and pulled out one of the many bags you had and began to throw different items into it. 

As you were packing things as quickly as possible into your bag you heard the last thing that you expected.

Footsteps.

And not just any footsteps. They were Joe's because from the time you two were together, you memorized exactly what they sound like.

There was a time that you couldn’t wait to hear them coming up the steps, but now the only thing you were filled with was dread.

Sure enough, you heard him call your name.

“Y/N?” Joe said quietly from behind you.

Taking a deep sigh, you turned around and gave him a blank stare.

He was taking you in and once his eyes landed on your midsection he looked at you in disbelief not realizing how much the baby had actually grown since the last time he had seen you.

“I didn't know you were coming.”

“Because I didn't tell you and wasn’t going to tell you. And besides you didn't need to know.” 

“Does this mean you're moving back? You came back to talk to me, right?” Joe asked hopeful and you looked at him confused.

“Joseph, I am literally packing a bag with the things that were still in this house that I wanted and I know you could see what I was doing from the door. What would make you think in your right mind that I came to talk to you? You weren't supposed to be here and weren’t supposed to know that I was even here in the first place.”

“But I live here…. And so do you.”

“I haven’t lived here in almost a damn year and I gave Ja'Marr instructions to make sure you were out of the house.”

Bottom line was that you were going to absolutely kill Ja'Marr. 

“I… I thought you'd still be out. I just came to get a few of my things and I'll be gone.”

“But I don't want you gone. I…. please sweetheart just talk to me. I will literally do anything at this point. Marlene’s baby isn't mine.” Joe took a step forward to move closer to you and you immediately stepped back. 

“I know. I been knew. And you have lost the right to call me sweetheart. I am simply Y/N to you, the mother of your unborn child. That’s it and that’s all.” You responded while shrugging.

“If you knew then why didn't you come back sooner? We have a lot to talk about. And you're pregnant. You shouldn't be by yourself anyway. What do you have like a month left? Not even a month actually.”

“Joseph, I didn't come back sooner because we don't have anything to talk about. You broke my trust as well as my heart and you are NEVER going to get either of them back. You think I would just forgive you and welcome you back with open arms? Come on now, you're smarter than that and both of us know it. I don't want to talk to Marlene for as long as I live and as far as I'm concerned, she's not my sister anymore. And as for you, if I wasn't carrying our child, you would have been dealt the same treatment. Why would I even want to be in the same room as either of you? This interaction has gone on for far too long too and I need to leave.”

“I… deserve that. But there has to be something I can do. Just tell me what it is and I'll do it! You are the only person I want to be with!” At this point, Joe was pleading with you, but all you continued to do was shake your head.

“You know what you can do?” You quietly said while looking at him and you suddenly felt your little girl kick catching you off guard and immediately went to the spot on your stomach where you felt it.

She had heard his voice, so you knew it was only a matter of time. 

“Name it and it will be done.”

“Give me your hand.”

Joe did as he was told and you placed it directly on your belly where she had just kicked moments before hoping that she would do it again so that Joe would be able to feel it.

Your wish came true as Joe’s eyes went wide and it was almost as if she knew that it was his hand on your stomach and not yours.

Anytime she would hear his voice whether it be on the TV, TikTok or Instagram as you were reminiscing on what could have been, she would give you multiple kicks in a row. Even though she was still in your belly, she probably missed him as much as you did.

“You feel that? She does it everytime she hears your voice.”’

“I’ve missed out on so much.”

“And that’s no one’s fault but yours, but what I was going to say is raise our daughter and be the best possible father that you can be and teach her not to fall for fuck boys like you so she doesn't get her heartbroken like her mother did.”

“I…” Joe started to say as he opened his mouth, but immediately closed it again.

“Y/N, I just need another chance. We want to raise her together, don't we? I can’t do that if you don’t live here… and I don’t even know where you’ve been for the past eight months anyway! All I got were sonogram pictures and a thumbs up emoji when you actually remembered to send it!”

“You want to know where I’ve been? Trying to get the FUCK over you and what you did and it’s been so damn hard! You have no idea how I’ve felt and how sometimes I just want to pick up the phone and call you to hear your voice, but I CAN’T. You said you love me, but you LIED.” Now the tears were starting to build up in your eyes and it was only a matter of time before they actually fell.

This would be the most you cried over him in almost a year.

All the other times, you stopped yourself and could refrain from it, but seeing him here, in front of you was a completely different story.

“I didn’t lie and I still love you!”

“How can you say that when you SLEPT WITH MY SISTER? The most important person to me on the face of this earth besides you?! Utter BULLSHIT.”

“I know I messed up.”

“You did more than mess up and the fact that I found out all of this mere SECONDS before we were going to say ‘I do’. I know Robin and Jimmy raised you better than this, but sometimes shit like this just happens because you wanted to have your cake and eat it too. This conversation is going nowhere and I need to leave.” You told him as you zipped up your bag and was trying to walk around him, but was stopped as he grabbed your hand.

“Wait, just…”

“Joseph, I need you to get out of my….” You stopped mid sentence as a gush of liquid was felt and you silently cursed under your breath.

“No, not now, sweet girl. You couldn’t have waited until mommy was back home in Denver?”

“You’ve been in Denver?! And what is going on? Is that what I think it is?”

“My water broke, Joseph…..”

“Wait, just now? Like right now?” Joe asked and you looked at him dumbfounded.

“Are you stupid, simple, or slow? YES NOW AND I HAVE NONE OF MY THINGS WITH ME. It probably happened because you made me upset!”

“I didn’t mean to, I just wanted to talk to you. But I guess it works out right? I at least get to see her be born.”

“Just take me to the hospital, NOW.”

Luckily the hospital wasn’t far and you now found yourself in one of the birthing suites with the epidural already given and you were simply waiting to be ten centimeters dilated so that you would be able to begin pushing and finally meet your baby girl.

Joe had basically been silent the entire time really not knowing what to say, because at this point in time what could he say?

He had simply been giving you ice chips and putting a cool cloth on your forehead when you asked, but other than that, nothing.

“Y/N, shouldn’t you call your parents and maybe Camille? You’re already seven centimeters and I know you mentioned a while ago that was who you wanted to be here with you.”

“No, I’ll call them after she’s here.” You flatly said as you continued to play on your phone.

“Uh, are you sure? Because I can….”

“Leave it alone, I already told you what I wanted.”

It was quiet for a few minutes with the only noise in the room being the TV, when Joe suddenly opened his mouth when he came to a realization.

“Well, since you’re having her here, you should stay for a while. That way I can help you.”

“No.”

“Y/N, let’s be realistic. You are not getting on a plane with my newborn daughter. Can you imagine all that she’ll be exposed to? I know you’re mad at me and I get that, but we have to be logical about this. It’s for your own safety and hers. I want to be a part of her life and you need to let me do that and stop shutting me out. Yes, I fucked up and ruined our relationship, but don’t ruin my relationship with her. I can’t be a good father if her mother is going to keep her away from me.”

Joe spoke up again since you had remained quiet and crossed your arms.

“I.. actually have a nursery in the house for her hoping that you would come back. She has everything that she could possibly need in there and of course all your clothes are still in the closet. I haven’t touched anything since you left and I can get you set up in the guest bedroom since I know you’ll want your own space. And whatever she needs or whatever you need, I’ll buy it. You just have to tell me. I know this is probably not the time, but I do still love you and will always help you if you need me.”

“Three months at most, that’s it.” You quietly said agreeing with him and Joe nodded satisfied with your answer.

Ten years later

Joe spotted Maddox as she made her way outside of the airport doors in order to meet him. He was taking her in and couldn’t get over how tall she had gotten since the last time he had seen her in person. When she finally noticed him, she ran full force into his arms and received a bone crushing hug in return.

“Hi daddy! I missed you!” She told him as they finally broke apart and Joe placed her suitcase in the backseat while opening the front passenger side door for her.

“I missed you too, baby girl. Your flight was okay?”

“Yes! The nice flight attendant gave me extra snacks. I think she did that because she recognized me as being your daughter.”

“Hmm, what do you think gave it away? Only thing you might have is my eyes. Everything else you got from your gorgeous mother.”

“No, I told her that you were my dad and showed her a picture so there was no way that she could have denied it.”

“Mads…. What have I told you about doing that?” Joe asked as he pulled off and was headed towards the highway which was the fastest way to get back home. 

“Daddy, I was hungry. Mom didn’t pack me enough snacks! I only use that trick when I have to.”

“And don’t make it a habit.”

“I promise I won’t. I can’t believe I get to be with you for the entire summer.”

“I know, I’m excited about that too, I have plenty of plans for us but if there is anything specific that you want to do, you just have to tell me, okay?”

“Okay, I will. Daddy?”

“What’s up, princess?”

“Can you keep a secret?” She asked as her big blue eyes resembling his stared at him.

“Of course, what’s the secret?”

“Mommy is getting married.”

The second those words left her mouth, Joe’s heart dropped.

“Oh.”

“I really like him and she’s happy. But…..”

“But, what?”

“He’s not you. I want you and mommy to be together and get married.” Maddox quietly confessed before staring out the window at the different buildings passing by.

 “Well that was a reality once and I blew it.” Joe told Maddox, but of course she didn’t know the full story and she might not ever know. He knew for a fact that she would look at him differently if she did.

“Why can't you just say sorry?”

“It’s a little more complicated than that, sweetheart.”

“If two people love each other, the last thing it should be is complicated. And as much as she loves Josh, she still loves you too and I can see it.”

“Mads, if an opportunity comes about for me to be with your mother again I’m all for it. But for now my only focus is being an amazing dad to you.”

“Daddy, you’re amazing and I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my dad and I love that grown up answer, but I think you need to crash the wedding and get your girl back.”

—-

Fluttering your eyes open, you were awakened by your husband placing kisses all over your face, ultimately startling you.

It took you a second for your eyes to focus, but when they did Joe was staring at you with a smile on his face, while you were looking at him confused quickly making him grow concerned.

“You okay, babe? You told me to not let you sleep too long since we have to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.” He asked you as he helped you sit up. 

“Oh, um what rehearsal dinner?” You asked and Joe looked at you confused.

“Are you feeling okay? Is this your way of telling me that you don't want to marry me anymore?” He jokingly asked, but you were just trying to wrap your mind around everything.

There was no way you dreamed that entire thing.

It felt a little too real.

“No, I just…”

“And I'll pack some Zofran for you just in case baby Burrow makes you nauseous like she did earlier at your appointment. Oh, sorry baby, I didn't mean to cut you off. What were you saying?” He told you as he made sure to grab it and set it by the purse that more than likely you would be carrying.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Two hours at most. You didn't really sleep a lot last night, remember?”

“Oh, right.”

“Sweetheart, you really have me nervous right now. What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?” He asked as he had now sat down next to you and promptly pulled you onto his lap.

“You'd never cheat on me, right? Especially with my sister?” You blurted out and Joe instantly got a look of confusion and disbelief across his face.

“Baby, what in the world are you talking about? I would never cheat on you, much less with your own sister. How fucked up is that? And where is this even coming from?!”

“I just needed you to answer my question.”

“But something obviously had to cross your mind for you to ask me that, so spill it.”

“I guess I dreamed the entire thing. You literally told me at the altar before we were about to say our vows that you cheated on me with her and that she was pregnant. It didn't actually turn out to be yours, but…”

Joe stared at you with a tight lipped smile and was sincerely trying to wrap his mind around this.

“Y/N, you are literally the only person that I want to spend the rest of my life with and there is no way I would fuck that up. I asked you to marry me for a reason. I love you and only you. Understand?”

“Got it and I love you too.”

“Now go ahead and get ready while baby Maddox is behaving herself.” He told you before kissing you and sliding you off of his lap so that you could stand up.

Hearing him say her name felt like a punch to the gut and there was absolutely no way your dream was just a dream. It had to be a premonition of some sort of what was to come in the future.

The future that was just three days away.

When you and Joe walked down the aisle.

Shaking it off knowing that Joe would never hurt you that way, you set your focus on getting ready for the rehearsal dinner.

He watched you walk towards the bathroom and closed the door before pulling out his phone and opening his text messages.

Joe- What happened last weekend can never happen again.

Marlene- No, I agree. But you said the same thing after the first time.

Joe- I'm serious this time. She literally woke up and told me in her dream I cheated on her with you and got you pregnant. Had me low key panicking that she knows.

Marlene- Well the first part is correct, the second part not so much. And she doesn’t know anything. Don’t be stupid, Burrow. 

Joe- Whatever this is, it's done.

Marlene- Just one more? Meet me after the rehearsal dinner when she falls asleep. She'll be out cold since she's a heavy sleeper.

Joe- Marlene…..

Marlene- This is it, promise. Then you get to live your little perfect cookie cutter life with her.

Joe- And then we don't speak about this ever again and I mean it.

Marlene- Whatever you say, Burrow 😉

As Joe stared down at the text thread, he sighed deeply to himself and knew that he had to cut Marlene off and do it for good before this got any messier. But… what you didn’t know wasn’t going to hurt you, right? 

[holyblonded]

up in the mountains | something blue

pairings: alexia putellas x teen!reader, barcelona femeni x teen!reader

summary: as team captain, alexia plans a bonding trip… to the mountains

warnings: fire

notes: this was requested and unfortunately i lost the request but i am so happy it was omg 😭

“Nature disgusts me,” you announced with pure venom, glaring at the stretch of green grass like it had personally offended you.

Vicky, crouched beside you and holding her phone to the sky like it was a lifeline, muttered darkly, “Blame Alexia. No bars. I repeat, no bars.”

Just ahead, the team was unloading from the cluster of black vans parked along the gravel road, suitcases being dragged, doors slamming, voices rising in excitement. The older players, Alexia, Lucy, Marta, and Irene, were already oohing and aahing over the “fresh air” and the “majestic silence of the mountains”. Even Sydney was smiling like she was in a tourism ad, hands on her hips and soaking in the view like a very relaxed puppy.

Meanwhile, you and Vicky were two gremlins hunched over your phones, trying to find a single signal bar like it was a rare Pokémon.

Frido tried to snap a picture of the valley and accidentally caught you flipping off your phone. Then Alexia marched over, wearing sunglasses, a whistle around her neck, and holding a clipboard like she was organizing the Olympics.

“Phones. Now.” You and Vicky both recoiled.

“I just got to 1% of an Instagram—”

“Don’t make me take them out of your hands,” Alexia said in that terrifying mom voice.

You sighed dramatically, handed yours over like you were giving away your firstborn, and glared at her.

Alexia turned to the group. “You have ten minutes to put your bags away, change into hiking clothes, and meet back out here. We’re doing the trail to the lake before it gets dark.”

Groans filled the air. Yours was the loudest.

“Oh!” Alexia added with far too much joy. “Room assignments. Vicky, Sydney, and Azulita, you’re together.”

All three of you high-fived like you’d just won the Champions League. But the celebration was short-lived. You grabbed your rolling suitcase, dramatically dragging it like it weighed a hundred kilos up the rocky path to the cabins. That’s when you felt it.

Squish. You looked down.

“Is that…?”

“Ew,” Vicky confirmed, gagging.

“Why would any creature just… go right there?” you yelled to the heavens, foot frozen mid-step.

The rest of the team burst out laughing as you angrily scraped your shoe on a rock, declaring loud and clear, “I hate nature. I will never love nature. This is my villain origin story.”

Inside your cabin, the room had that weird old-wood smell that made you feel like you were going to inhale a splinter. You kicked off your desecrated shoes, set them outside on the balcony, and collapsed onto the nearest bed.

“This room needs air,” Vicky coughed, yanking open the sliding door.

You squinted at her. “You know a bear could walk in.”

“I would welcome the bear,” she said, dramatically flopping backwards. “Let it put me out of my misery.”

Ten minutes later, you, Vicky, and Sydney headed back down, all in hiking gear (reluctantly, in your case). The rest of the team was gathered at the trailhead, already stretching like this was fun.

You found yourself walking next to Lucy on the hike, which was unfortunate because Lucy was being… Lucy.

“Those shoes aren’t even good for hiking,” she said, nodding at your backup sneakers.

“Says the woman dressed like she’s going to scale Everest,” you shot back.

“At least I look prepared. I bet you didn’t even pack sunscreen.”

“I did,” you sniffed. “I just didn’t pack the will to live.”

“You should really work on your attitude.”

“Oh I’m so sorry, let me knit a gratitude journal out of moss.”

The bickering continued until a blur of movement on the trail made you stop short.

“Was that—?”

“A frog,” Lucy said, squinting into the bushes.

“Gross. Nature is trying to assassinate me.”

“Relax. It’s probably more scared of you than— wait, where’s the path?”

You both looked around.

The trees all looked the same. The rocks all looked the same.

“YOU got us lost,” you snapped, spinning in a circle.

“Me? You’re the one who screamed and ran when the frog hopped.”

“That frog jumped with intent, Lucy. It had murder in its eyes.”

“Aren’t teenagers supposed to be resilient? Use your energy and figure it out.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Aren’t old people supposed to be wise? Use your wisdom, Lucy.”

She glared at you. “I’m not old.”

You glared back. “I’m not resilient.”

“STOP ARGUING,” someone shouted in the distance and then, through the trees, came the sound of footsteps, laughter, and Vicky yelling, “There they are! The Chaos Twins!”

Frido, laughing, pointed her camera phone at you both. “This content is going straight to the team group chat.”

Alexia looked like she aged five years in two minutes. “I leave you alone for ten minutes.”

“I’m blaming Lucy,” you said.

“She screamed at a frog!” Lucy shouted.

The team howled with laughter as you and Lucy marched… sulked back into the group like two feral children returning from war.

As the hike continued, you turned to Vicky and muttered, “This is why I don’t touch grass.”

And she patted your back solemnly. “Never again, my friend. Never again.”

You’re standing in the foyer of the Airbnb, soaking in sweat, covered in dirt, and deeply questioning why you ever agreed to this “team bonding” weekend. Your backpack is half unzipped, Vicky’s is leaking trail mix for some unknown reason, and Sydney’s holding up a leaf like it’s evidence in a crime scene.

Alexia stands in front of you like some camp counselor who’s clinging to the last threads of her sanity. She claps her hands once, sharp and authoritative. “Alright, listen up! Showers. Now. Then get dressed, we’re leaving for lunch in an hour and heading into the city. You’ve got thirty minutes, let’s move.”

You’re already planning your tactical shower-to-food route when Vicky sidles up next to you with a stupid grin on her face.

“So, Azulita… is San Francisco, like, basically LA with fog?”

You stop walking. “What?” you ask flatly, blinking at her.

“I mean, NorCal and SoCal, it’s all California, right? Like cousins?”

You stare. “No. NorCal and SoCal are not cousins. They’re enemies. Sworn enemies. Like Barça and Madrid.”

Vicky tilts her head. “So what you’re saying is, I should wear my Dodgers hat in SF?”

Sydney chokes on a laugh. You, however, are this close to throttling her.

You’re about to tell her to shut up, very politely, of course, when you open the door to your room and freeze.

There’s a goat. A whole live goat. Standing in the middle of the room, chewing on a pillowcase that definitely didn’t come from IKEA.

The three of you stare at it. It stares back. You close the door slowly.

You, Vicky, and Sydney exchange a silent look like you’ve just walked in on a horror movie in progress. Then, because you’re a masochist, you open the door again.

The goat is still there. It baaas at you. Loudly. No one moves. Not an inch.

And then, of course, Vicky sneezes. Because Vicky’s allergic to everything that breathes and/or grows in nature. Her dramatic head-whip sends you all crashing inside the room.

The goat goes absolutely feral. It leaps over the bed like it’s training for a Spartan race, knocks over someone’s suitcase (yours), and tries to eat one of Sydney’s socks. Everyone starts screaming. You scream the loudest. You’re from the city. You were not built for this. There’s a thunder of footsteps down the hall and Alexia, Lucy, and Irene burst into the room like some kind of elite goat removal squad.

“What the—” Irene starts.

Alexia just points at the goat, dead-eyed.

“Why is there a goat in your room?” Lucy manages, blinking.

“I DON’T KNOW!” you yell as you dodge a flying flip-flop.

Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Jana, Salma, Pina, and Ona are doubled over in laughter. Phones out. Recording everything. You already know your screaming face is going to be the next viral meme.

Eventually, after much cursing and impressive upper body strength from Irene, the goat is wrangled out. Everyone exhales. You lean against the wall, panting. Sydney lies face-down on the floor. Vicky sneezes again and mutters, “I think it peed on my hoodie.”

You think it might have. Then, because of course, the peaceful silence is shattered by a high-pitched scream from downstairs. Everyone sprints down the stairs like the cast of a bad sitcom. Smoke is curling into the air like someone summoned a demon with a burnt offering. Frido is under the smoke alarm, waving a towel so frantically it looks like she’s trying to take flight, while Ingrid spins in frantic circles shouting, “Where’s the extinguisher? WHERE’S THE EXTINGUISHER?!”

You grab it from behind the kitchen island, mutter “Jesus take the wheel,” and put out the tiny stove fire like a seasoned firefighter.

Alexia pinches the bridge of her nose. “What the hell happened?”

Frido looks sheepish. “I turned around for one second to ask Ingrid about sourdough and… boom.”

Alexia flips her clipboard over, glares at her detailed, laminated itinerary, and with a sigh so deep it feels spiritual, she says, “Okay. Change of plans. Everyone shower. Get ready. We’re going into the city now. I don’t care if you’re still wet from the lake, I need functioning adults in one location and no more livestock.”

There’s a collective groan, but you trudge back up the stairs, muttering under your breath.

You’ve come to believe that as much as you have nature, nature hates you.

You should’ve known it was gonna be chaos the second your foot hit Market Street. The team had barely walked three blocks into downtown San Francisco when someone yelled your name from across the street.

“YO, AZULITA! I SEE YOU!”

You turned, sunglasses sliding down your nose like you were in a movie, to find a random dude on a Bird scooter doing a full 180 mid-glide, nearly crashing into a trash can as he whipped out his phone to snap a photo of you like you were a rare Pokémon that had spawned in Union Square.

Frido blinked. “Did that guy just… recognize you?”

“Yep,” you said coolly, adjusting your hoodie like a celebrity trying not to be spotted… while very much enjoying being spotted. “I got clout here.”

You didn’t mean for it to sound cocky, but you’d played plenty of games in the Bay growing up. You had fans here. You were a LA kid, sure, but San Francisco knew who you were. Legends FC never lost a game up here. You used to eat NorCal teams for breakfast, and the tournament MVP plaques currently lived in Olga’s office right next to her garden tools and your old cleats from U14s.

Still, now that everyone had witnessed it, they decided, without discussion, without a single group vote, that you were now the official tour guide of the Bay Area, to which you groaned audibly.

As the group walked past the Embarcadero and down toward Mission, Vicky jogged up beside you, frowning at a mural.

“So… San Francisco is part of LA?”

You stopped dead in your tracks.

Everyone else kept walking for a full five seconds before realizing you weren’t moving. You turned to her slowly.

“Are you serious right now?”

She blinked. “I mean… they’re both in California, no?”

You sighed so hard your ancestors probably felt it. “We are in Northern California. I’m from Southern California. It’s a totally different culture. Different vibe. Different energy. This is Warriors territory. I’m Lakers. We have two football teams, they only have one, the losers. They put pickles in burritos up here. It’s lawless.”

Vicky turned to Sydney and whispered, “I think she’s making it up.”

“I heard that,” you snapped.

Sydney shrugged. “She does sound dramatic about it.”

Eventually, thankfully, you made it to your lunch destination. A small, tucked-away Dominican spot in the Mission District, decked out in Caribbean flags, painted in bright turquoise, and smelling like someone’s grandma had just smacked a pot of habichuelas on the stove.

The second you stepped through the door, the owner gasped.

“AZULITA? DIOS MÍO!”

“¡Tía Ana!” you beamed.

Tía Ana practically flew over the counter, wiping her hands on her apron, then hugging you so tight your teammates thought she was about to lift you clean off the ground. She started muttering in fast Spanish, “tan grande estás, mírate, por fin te crecieron las orejas,” and “tú sabes que eres bienvenida siempre, mi niña.”

(You are so big, look at you, you finally grew into your ears. You know that you are always welcome, my girl.)

You melted. You hadn’t seen her in years, but it felt like home instantly.

The rest of the team just stood there blinking like they’d been hit by a rogue piñata.

“Wait, what’s happening?” Lucy whispered to Sydney.

“I think she’s related to everyone here,” Sydney answered.

You switched straight into Spanish, your Dominican accent thick and fast, your words sharp and dancing with speed. The staff lit up and started talking back just as fast. Vicky tried to keep up. She failed within the first five seconds.

“She’s just saying words now,” Ona mumbled.

“I think she just ordered a car?” Salma added.

“Is this even Spanish?” Pina questioned.

You laughed with the staff, kissed cheeks, and then pointed at your group. “Yo ordeno por todas. No confío en ellas.” (I’ll order for all. I don't trust them.)

“Did she just say she doesn’t trust us?” Frido asked, clearly offended.

“Yeah,” Vicky said. “Probably because we thought San Francisco was in LA.”

You ordered everything. Mangu. Empanadas. Arroz con pollo. Tres leches. Tostones. Passion fruit juice. You were feeding a freaking army. Even picky Ona was licking her fingers and leaning back in her chair like she was ready for a nap.

Before you left, you snuck behind the counter, slid a thick wad of cash into the tip jar. Tía Ana caught you mid-slide.

“¡No necesitamos propina!” she hissed. (We don't need a tip!)

“Y yo no necesito reglas,” you grinned, dodging the flying handkerchief that came at you. (And I don't need rules.)

Back on the street, the whole team wandered through the city in a collective food coma. You found Frido with her hands tucked into her hoodie, staring at a sea lion plushie in a window display.

“You good?” you asked.

“I would die for plantains,” she whispered.

You kept moving. Taking selfies on cable cars. Debating if Alcatraz was haunted (Vicky said yes with too much confidence). Daring each other to eat sour candy so intense it made Salma cry a little.

And then, of course, because your life is a sitcom, you stumbled across a local park having a football tournament.

It was full-on community chaos. Kids in oversized jerseys. Teens with glitter on their cheeks. Loud parents yelling things like, “¡PONTE LAS PILAS!” and “RUN, KEVIN, RUN!”

There was even a hand-painted sign that read: Bay Area Community Cup.

You should’ve kept walking. Instead, Frido looked at the pitch and muttered, “Bet we could win that.”

Lucy squinted. “You’d sprain your hip.”

Frido scoffed. “At least I didn’t tear my ACL in ‘09.”

Gasps all around. War declared. And that’s how, ten minutes later, you had two teams:

Old School: Frido, Lucy, Ingrid, Irene, Patri, Gemma, Alexia (coach), Marta (holding a burrito in one hand and a cone in the other).

New School: You, Vicky, Sydney, Salma, Pina, Jana, Ona, Ellie. Caro (forced to be the coach) Aitana (volunteer to be the assistant coach)

Alexia flat-out refused to play. She stood on the sidelines with a clipboard she found in someone’s lawn chair. Marta wore sunglasses and yelled tactical advice between bites of her burrito.

Caro was basically forced into her position, but took it extremely seriously. Next to her, Aitana was drawing up battle plans.

The local organizers looked like they were going to faint.

“Is that… is that Barcelona?”

“IS THAT AZULITA?!”

Within twenty minutes the park was packed. TikTok lives. Kids screaming. Someone was selling elotes now. A local dad was narrating the match on a microphone like it was ESPN.

The final match came down to Old vs. New.

3–3.

So you went to penalties.

The tension was so high you could taste it in the air. Sydney was pacing. Vicky was stretching like she was about to do yoga, not take a pen.

You were last. It was down to you.

If you scored, New School won.

You stepped up, spun the ball in your hands. Frido shouted from behind the line: “You better not miss, LA!”

You turned slowly. Gave her the most disrespectful wink in history.

Deep breath. Run-up. Boom. Top corner.

The net snapped.

You ripped your shirt off like it was the World Cup Final, sprinting around the pitch screaming, “CALIFORNIAAAAAAAAA!”

People were cheering like you’d just won Olympic gold. Sydney chased you with a water bottle. Vicky dove on your back. You ducked her and started windmilling your arms like a helicopter.

Yes, there were medals. Cheap, plastic, probably from Party City, but you wore yours like it was pure gold. There was a trophy, too. It looked like it used to hold lemonade. You kissed it anyway.

Alexia took at least fifty pictures. “For Olga,” she said with a smirk.

You posed dramatically, medal in mouth, trophy over your head. “Tell her I’m the Bay’s MVP.”

“She’s gonna cry-laugh when she sees this,” Alexia said.

Later that night, back at the Airbnb, you sat on the couch like a god. Medal on your neck. Hoodie off. Hair wild. Eating a bag of Hot Cheetos like you’d earned every crumb.

“You know,” Vicky said, “Northern California is not that bad.”

You crunched loudly. “Still smells like fog and tech bros.”

But you smiled anyway. Because this was the most fun you’d had in a long, long time.

[lee-laurent]

Sparks in Jersey - Luke Hughes

Summary: Luke finally has the chance to wow the girl of his dreams

content: angst, fluff, underage drinking, kissing, suggestive jokes

wc: 7.1k

notes: requested!!! enjoyyyy

"Jack, stop!" Blair whisper-yelled, trying to stifle her laughter as the two of them crouched behind the bushes. "If you get caught, your mom's gonna ground you, and then I'll be next."

"She won't catch us," Jack whispered back, his wide grin not matching his feigned seriousness. He held up the spray can like a prized trophy, its contents intended for the blank patch of wooden fence at the back of the yard. "This is art, Blair. ART."

Blair rolled her eyes, nudging him with her elbow. "You're a menace, Rowdy. If I get in trouble, I'm blaming you."

"Yeah, yeah," Jack said dismissively as he shook the can and began spraying a wobbly rendition of a hockey stick.

From the corner of her eye, Blair caught a small figure creeping through the grass toward them. Eight-year-old Luke wasn't great at sneaking--his floppy hair and oversized hand-me-down hoodie made him a blur of movement as he crouched and tripped his way to their hiding spot.

"Guys!" Luke whisper-shouted, clutching a flashlight in one hand. "Mom's looking for you. If she sees this, you're gonna get in so much trouble!"

Jack turned to shush his brother, but Blair intervened first, pressing a finger to her lips. "Luke," she said softly, leaning toward him. "We're almost done. Be our lookout, and we'll owe you one, okay?"

Luke froze, wide-eyed, as Blair's attention zeroed in on him. He nodded so quickly it almost looked painful. "Okay. But if you get caught, it wasn't my idea."

The grin Blair flashed him felt like the sun breaking through the clouds. Luke planted himself by the edge of the fence, clutching the flashlight like it was his badge of honour.

Luke knew one thing for certain: if it meant protecting Blair, he'd do it.

~~

Blair Adams had lost count of people who assumed she and Jack were siblings. From the time they started grade school together, their lives had intertwined like vines--endless hockey games, late-night study sessions, and whispered secrets that only best friends would understand.

By the time high school rolled around, they were practically inseperable. If one of them was missing school, then the other was guaranteed to be moping around the whole day. So when Jack got drafted to the Devils and she got into Princeton, it wasn't even a question that they'd live together.

Jack was her family in every way that mattered. But his brothers? That was a different story.

Luke, the youngest Hughes sibling, had always been sweet--quiet in a way that balanced Jack's constant energy. Blair remembered him as the little boy who followed them everywhere, starry-eyed and eager to impress.

And now he was moving into their apartment.

Blair set her coffee cup on the counter, glancing at the clock. Jack had texted her that morning, reminding her about Luke's arrival, and while she wasn't nervous, she did feel... curious. She hadn't seen Luke since a couple Christmases ago, and even then, their interactions had been brief.

"Probably still a beanpole," she muttered to herself. She couldn't picture him as anything but Jack's little brother.

Still, the thought lingered as she tidied the living room.

~~

Luke sat in the back of the Uber, his hands fidgeting in his lap as they wound through Newark's crowded streets. His suitcase bumped against his knee with every pothole, but he barely noticed.

He was finally here.

His older brothers had always been larger-than-life figures in his world. Quinn was the golden child--quiet, disciplined, and effortlessly skilled. Jack, on the other hand, was the whirlwind--his humour and energy lighting up every room he walked into.

But Blair? She was someone else entirely.

For as long as Luke could remember, Blair had been part of the family. She'd been at every birthday party, every Thanksgiving dinner, and every summer barbeque. And Luke had always adored her, even before he knew what the word crush meant.

Back then, he'd thought his feelings were something he'd grow out of, like his obsession with dinosaur pyjamas. But as he got older, those feelings only deepened.

Now, at 20, with two years of college hockey under his belt and an NHL debut on the horizon, Luke felt ready. Ready to prove that what he felt for Blair wasn't some childish infatuation.

He gripped the strap of his bag tighter. "Play it cool," he muttered to himself. "She probably still thinks you're a kid."

But what if she didn't?

When he walked into the apartment, Jack was already waiting, sprawled on the couch in sweatpants with his phone in hand.

"There he is," Jack said with a grin, standing to pull his brother into a quick hug. "Welcome to Casa Hughes-Adams."

Luke glanced around the space. It felt warm and lived-in, with mismatched throw pillows and the faint scent of cinnamon. It didn't escape his notice that Blair wasn't in sight.

"She's in the kitchen," Jack said, as if reading his thoughts.

"Who?" Luke asked, feigning indifference.

Jack smirked, leaning in. "Blair, dummy. And before you ask--yes, she's still single."

"Jack.." Luke warned.

"I'm just saying," he threw his hands up in mock innocence. "You two are gonna be living together. Might as well shoot your shot."

"Jack."

Jack grinned wider, clearly enjoying himself. "Relax, Lukey. I'm just here to help. Now, go say hi before she starts unpacking your bags for you."

As Luke moved toward the kitchen, his heart thudding, he caught the glint in Jack's eye. Whatever he was planning, it was bound to be trouble.

~~

Blair was standing by the doorway to the kitchen, arms crossed and a teasing smirk playing on her lips as Luke wrestled a suitcase. The duffle slung over his shoulder slipped down his arm, and he cursed softly under his breath, making her bite back a laugh.

"Need help there, big shot?"

Luke looked up, a sheepish grin breaking across his face. "Nah, I've got it. Totally under control."

Blair's teasing died in her throat. When did he get a jawline like that? she wondered, her gaze catching on the sharp angles of his face, the broad set of his shoulders, the way he carried himself--despite his current struggle with luggage.

She blinked, forcing herself to refocus. Relax. It's Luke. Jack's little brother.

Still, as he straightened and ran a hand through his hair, her stomach did a flip.

Luke caught her staring and raised an eyebrow. "Something on my face?"

"Nope," Blair said quickly, turning toward the living room and willing the heat in her cheeks to dissipate. "Let me show you where your room is before you destroy the place."

Luke followed her, taking in the apartment as he went. It felt surreal being there, sharing the space with Blair. The same Blair he used to follow around as a kid, who used to ruffle his hair and call him "Lukey." Now she was standing there, effortlessly beautiful, and he couldn't decide if the butterflies in his stomach were exhilerating or terrifying.

Once they'd unloaded his bags into the spare room, Blair escaped to the kitchen, grateful for the excuse to put some distance between them. She leaned against the counter, staring at the fridge as if it held the answers to life's most pressing questions.

Okay, so Luke's grown up. Big deal. He's an athlete; they all end up looking like Greek statues. She snorted at the thought and shook her head. Doesn't mean anything.

Still, the image of him smiling at her--his dimple making a rare appearance--lingered in her mind.

"Get a grip, B," she mumbled, opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle of water. "He's Jack's little brother. End of story."

But the flicker of doubt refused to fade.

~~

Later that evening, Jack stood in the doorway, pulling on his jacket.

"Wait, you're leaving?" Blair asked, arms of full of laundry she'd been folding on the couch.

"Yup," Jack said, popping the 'p.' "Dinner with some of the guys. You two have fun."

Blair frowned. "You didn't mention that earlier."

"Didn't I?" he replied innocently. "Must've slipped my mind."

Luke appeared from the hallway, his hair still damp from a post-flight shower. He glanced between the two of them, his expression cautious. "You're going out?"

Jack clapped him on the shoulder. "Yeah, but don't worry. Blair will take care of you." He shot Blair a pointed look before sauntering out the door, leaving an awkward silence in his wake.

Blair rolled her eyes, muttering, "Subtle as a brick, that one."

Luke cleared his throat. "So, uh, what's for dinner?"

They ended up in the kitchen, pulling ingredients from the fridge.

"How do you feel about spaghetti?" Blair asked, holding up a box of pasta.

"Sounds good."

They worked together in silence for a while, the only sounds the clinking of pots and the soft hum of the stove. But as the pasta boiled, Blair leaned back against the counter, studying Luke.

"So... how's it feel finally making the big move?"

Luke shrugged, stirring the sauce. "Good, I think. A little surreal, honestly. I mean, this is Jack's turf. I'm just trying not to screw it up."

Blair softened. "You'll be fine, Lukey. You're good at what you do. Plus, Jack thinks he's way cooler than he actually is."

Luke laughed, the sound warm and rich, and Blair felt her chest get tight.

As they sat down to eat, the conversation drifted to Jack--his quirks, his bad habits, and all the ridiculous things he and Blair did as kids.

"Remember that time he put hot sauce in my water bottle?" Blair asked, laughing.

"Oh, yeah. You chased him with a fucking hockey stick."

"I should've hit him with it," she shook her head.

Luke leaned forward, his gaze softer. "You were always good at keeping him in line."

Her laughter faltered under the weight of his words, their eyes meeting.

"Yeah, well," she said lightly. "Someone had to. Hell... I still do."

The rest of the evening passed smoothly, but as they cleaned up the kitchen together, Blair felt like something had shifted. Luke might not just be Jack's little brother.

And that scared her... a lot.

~~

Blair had always thought of herself as someone who adapted quickly, but living with Luke Hughes presented a unique challenge. Much different than living with Jack. He wasn't difficult, per se--in fact, he was the opposite. Too helpful. Too funny. And, if she was being honest, too damn distracting.

It was the little things that threw her off.

Like the way he always tidied up without being asked. She'd leave her coffee mug in the sink and come back to find it washed and drying on the rack. Or the way he'd linger in the kitchen, chatting about his day as she cooked, leaning casually against the counter with his stupidly charming, crooked grin.

And then there were his routines. Every morning, Luke came out of his room in sweats and t-shirt, his hair adorably mussed from sleep, to make a protein shake before his workout. The sight had become so familiar that it almost felt... domestic.

Get it together, she'd tell herself for the thousandth time as she passed him on her way to make her coffee. But as she caught the faint scent of his cologne mixed with his shampoo, she couldn't help the butterflies she felt.

Luke wasn't sure what he expected when he moved in, but things had been going better than he'd hoped. Sure, living with Blair was a constant exercise in restraint--her laugh, her quick wit, the way she'd hum under her breath when she thought no one was listening--it was enough to drive him insane.

But he'd made a plan.

Step one: Show her he wasn't a kid anymore.

It was in the small things. Like volunteering to carry the groceries or fixing the wobbly kitchen stool without anyone asking. He made sure to cook extras for her once in a while, too--nothing fancy, just enough to make her pause and say, "Wow, you've really got this adulting thing down."

Step two: Flirt... just a little

Luke wasn't reckless enough to come on strong, but he'd test the waters now and then--a playful nudge when they passed in the hallway, a comment about how her sweatpants made her look cozy. He lived for the moments when her cheeks turned pink, even if she brushed off his remarks with a roll of her eyes.

What he didn't expect, though, was how much just being around her would feel so... right.

~~

Blair was cozied up on the couch, her laptop balanced on her lap as she scrolled through pages of research for a project. Luke was on the other end of the couch, his long legs taking up more than his fair share of space as he half-watched a hockey game on the TV.

"Hey, where's Jack?" Blair asked, glancing at the time. It was past seven, and he hadn't returned from his workout.

Luke shrugged, not looking up from his phone. "He said he was meeting some guys for dinner. I don't know."

She frowned. "Didn't he do that yesterday?"

Luke smirked, finally looking at her. "Maybe he's just really into team bonding."

Blair narrowed her eyes. Something was definitely up. Over the past week, Jack had mysteriously disappeared more often that usual, leaving her and Luke to fend for themselves. It wasn't that she minded the company--Luke was easy to get along with--but the pattern was hard to ignore.

Later that night, as she was rinsing her coffee mug (the one Luke usually beat her to), her phone buzzed with a text from Jack.

Jack: How's it going? You two getting along?

Blair: fine. why?

Jack: No reason

Her gut was telling her he was up to something.

Meanwhile, Luke passed by, grabbing a glass of water and shooting her a quick smile. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Blair said slowly, slipping her phone into her back pocket. But as Luke left, she couldn't shake the idea that her best friend was trying to play matchmaker.

~~

Jack was still out and the apartment was oddly quiet. Blair had given up on her work and was now scrolling through Netflix in search of something mindless.

"You watching something?" Luke asked as he emerged from his room, a hoodie thrown on over his sweats.

"Trying to," she replied, tossing the remote in his direction. "Your turn to pick. I'm too indecisive tonight."

Luke caught it easily and plopped down beside her, the cushion dipping under his weight. He scrolled for a minute before settling on a documentary about space exploration.

"Space?" Blair cocked an eyebrow.

"Come on, it's cool," Luke said, grinning. "Plus, you might learn something."

She rolled her eyes, but stayed put. As the documentary started, she found herself leaning into the couch, her shoulder brushing against Luke's. It wasn't much, just the barest contact, but it sent a spark through her.

At one point, Luke turned to make a comment about the astronauts, his voice low and close enough that she felt the warmth of it on her cheek. She glanced at him, and for a split second, the room seemed to hold its breath.

But then Luke pulled back, casually sipping his water as if nothing had happened.

Blair just exhaled, turning her attention back to the stipid documentary.

~~

The rain tapped against the windows of the apartment, the kind of soothing sound that made everything feel a bit more intimate. Blair was on the floor, sorting through all of her notebooks from every year of college. Luke was on the sofa, tossing a ball in the air absentmindedly.

"You sure you don't want me to just toss all this for you?" he teased, nodding at the stack of papers that threatened to topple.

Blair shot him a glare. "Do you want me to throw out all your hockey gear?"

"Touché." He grinned. "But my gear gets me paid. Does this" --he picked up one of her notebooks, flipping through it--"get you paid?"

"Rude," she said, snatching it back, though she couldn't stop her smile.

Luke leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him. The movement drew her attention, and for a moment, Blair found herself distracted by how easily he seemed to fit into every situation. He wasn't a little kid anymore, and she was starting to notice.

"Why do you keep all this, anyway?"

Blair shrugged, shutting another notebook and hugging it to her chest. "I don't know. I guess in case I ever need any of it. Or... it reminds me of where I started. It's easy to lose sight of that when you're trying to figure out where you're going."

Luke set the ball down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "I get that," he said. "Sometimes I feel like... I don't know, like I'm chasing something. Trying to prove I belong. First at Michigan, now here."

"You? You're one of the Hughes brothers. People expect you to belong."

Luke laughed, but it was a quiet, self-deprecating sound. "That's the problem. Everyone expects me to be just like Jack or Quinn. And they're... amazing. Don't get me wrong. But sometimes it feels like I'm playing catch-up, you know?"

Blair’s chest tightened at the vulnerability in his voice. She shifted onto the couch beside him, her knee brushing against his. “You’re not Jack or Quinn,” she said softly. “You’re Luke. And that’s enough. It’s more than enough.”

"Do you really think that?"

"I know it."

"What about you?" Luke asked. "You've got this whole life mapped out--Princeton, your career. Doesn't it ever feel... heavy?"

Blair hesitated, surprised by how much she wanted to answer honestly. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “It’s like I’ve been so focused on what I’m supposed to do--keeping up with school, supporting Jack, being the dependable one--that I forget to think about what I actually want.”

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

The rain outside grew heavier, the rhythm filling any silence between them. Blair glanced at him, his profile softened by the dim glow of the lamp. She felt her pulse quicken, the air between them charged.

"You're not what I expected," she whispered.

"What?"

Blair hit her lip, searching for the best words. "When Jack said you were moving in, I thought it'd be... different. I don't know. But you're--"

"Not a kid anymore?" he finished for her, a small, teasing smile playing on his lips.

Blair's heart stuttered. "Yeah. Something like that."

The smile faded as their gazes locked. The teasing warmth in Luke's eyes gave way to something deeper, something that made Blair's breath catch.

He leaned in slightly--not enough to close the distance, but enough for her to notice. For her to feel the magnetic pull between them.

"Blair," he whispered.

Her name on his lips sent a shiver down her spine, but reality crashed over her like a wave of cold water.

She pulled back abruptly, breaking the spell. "I should... I should finish sorting these," she said, gesturing to the forgotten notebooks. Her voice sounded unsteady, even to her own ears.

Luke blinked, leaning back as if to give her space. "Right. Of course."

He didn't push, but the disappointment in his eyes was unmistakable.

Blair sat in bed that night, staring at the ceiling as the scene replayed in her mind like a broken record. She could still feel his breath on her, the way he looked at her like nothing else mattered.

He's Jack's little brother, she reminded herself, gripping the blanket tightly. This can't happen.

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shut her brain off and fall asleep.

In the room down the hall, Luke lay awake, staring at the ceiling in the same way: This can't just be a crush anymore.

~~

Jack was sitting on a stool, arms crossed, a devious grin spreading across his face as he watched Blair finish her coffee.

"So," he said casually, "I was thinking we should do a group night. You, me, Luke, maybe a couple teammates and their girlfriends. Drinks, a movie, the works. Sound good?"

"Group night? Since when do you plan movie nights?"

"Since I'm such a generous, thoughtful friend," Jack replied. "Come on, Blair. You've been working nonstop. You need to relax."

Blair glanced at Luke, who was silently buttering toast at the counter. "Sure. Why not? It could be fun."

"Great." Jack clapped his hands together. "I'll set it up."

Unbeknownst to her, Luke caught Jack's michievous glance over Blair's shoulder.

~~

Two nights later, Blair was setting out snacks as Luke flipped through all the different streaming services the three of them were subscribed to. The apartment was warm and cozy, the perfect atmosphere for a chill night with their friends.

"Where is everyone?" Blair asked, frowning as she checked her phone.

Luke smirked, already knowing the answer. "Check your messages."

Jack: Oops! Something came up. Can't make it tonight. Have fun without me!!

She groaned, running a hand over her face. "Unbelievable."

Luke laughed, plopping onto the couch. "Guess it's just us, then."

Blair hesitated, tempted to go curl up in her bed with a mug of hot chocolate and watch a cheesy rom-com on Netflix. But as she glanced at Luke, comfortably lounging on the sofa, his smile easy as ever, she decided against it.

"Fine," she said, grabbing two coolers from the fridge. "But you're not getting out of picking a movie."

Half an hour in, the movie played, but Blair was much more interested in Luke than the plot.

He was relaxed, his arm draped over the back of the couch--not touching her, but close enough that she could feel the warmth of his presence. Every so often, he'd glance her way to catch her reaction.

"This movie's fucking ridiculous," Luke said, shaking his head at the over-the-top action scene.

"I feel like that's the point," Blair replied, tossing a piece of popcorn at him.

Luke caught it, popping it into his mouth with a smug grin. "Impressive, right?"

"Maybe you're the ridiculous one."

"And yet, here you are, stuck watching this shit movie with me."

She turned to scowl at him, but it faltered as their eyes met. The room seemed to shrink, the movie getting quieter. Luke looked down to her lips, catching himself and looking back at her eyes.

She looked away quickly, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "We should... get back to the movie."

"R-right, the, uh, the movie."

As soon as the end credits rolled, Blair busied herself with cleaning up, grateful to have something to do. Anything.

She'd enjoyed their unexpected time alone more than she cared to admit. Luke always made her laugh, left her feeling... seen. It was new. Different.

Too different, she thought as she set the popcorn bowl in the sink.

The idea of crossing that line with Luke felt impossible. Jack was practically her brother, and Luke was his little brother. No matter how much he'd grown, or changed, it still felt... complicated.

Luke watched from the couch as she washed the dishes. Her hair was messy from where she'd ruffled it during the movie, and the way she smiled as she hummed to herself made his chest ache.

"Hey."

"Yeah?" she glanced over her shoulder.

"Thanks for hanging out tonight," he said, his tone genuine. "Even... if Jack bailed."

Blair turned to face him fully, drying her hands on a tea towel. "Yeah, well, you're not the worst company."

Luke smirked. "That's high praise coming from you."

"Don't let it get to your head."

"Too late," he chuckled, standing up to grab a drink, his shoulder brushing hers as he reached for a glass. The touch was subtle, almost nonexistant, but Blair felt like her skin was on fire.

Luke caught the way she stiffened, but instead of pulling back, he stayed close, voice lower. "You know, you don't have to keep pretending."

"Pretending what?"

"That you don't like being around me."

Her breath caught, her mind racing for a response, but he stepped back, giving her space.

"Goodnight, Blair," he teased, heading to his room.

She wasn't sure what she felt more: frustration at herself for the way her heart reacted to him... or the undeniable truth that Luke wasn't wrong.

~~

The post-game energy was infectious, the crowd buzzing as fans lingered in the arena, snapping selfies and chatting excitedly. Blair stood near the players' tunnel, sipping a beer and watching Luke from afar.

He was good at this, she realized. Not just the hockey part--though he'd had an impressive game tonight--but the whole... persona. The awkward Luke smiles, the attention he gave to fans, the way he handled it without the sass his brother did.

She wasn't the only one who noticed.

Blair stiffened as a blonde girl, maybe a year or two younger than her, leaned close to him. She was bold, confident in the way only someone used to getting attention could be.

Blair tried to brush off as she watched Luke smile politely, but then the girl handed him her phone. Luke hesitated for a moment before taking it, his expression unreadable.

Her stomach twisted. She didn't want to feel this way--this hot, irrational pang of jealousy that clenched her chest like a vice. But when the girl's face lit up, giddy with what was probably Luke's number, she had to look away.

It wasn't her place to care. She had no claim over Luke. He was free to flirt with whoever he wanted.

~~

Blair was laying in her bed, a half-empty glass of wine resting on her bedside table. The room was dark, her laptop playing an episode of Law and Order that she'd already seen.

She heard the front door open, a bag hit the hardwood floor. Then Jack strolled into her room, flopping onto her bed like he owned the place.

"Alright, what's up?"

Blair glanced over at him. "What do you mean?"

"You're drinking wine in the dark and watching a show you've seen a million times. That's weird."

She groaned, burying her face in her duvet. "You're insufferable."

"Yeah, but I'm also right." Jack leaned back against the headboard. "So spill. What's got you all mopey?"

She grabbed her glass of wine, downing the rest of it. "It's nothing, okay? Just drop it."

Jack gave her a long look, his smirk softening into something more serious. "Blair. I've known you for, like, ever. You're not okay. Just tell me."

"It's... it's Luke."

Jack's eyebrows shot up, and his grin was immediate. "Finally."

"This is exactly why I didn't want to say anything!"

"No, no, this is great!" he sat up, his excitement bubbling over. "You like him! Like, like-like him."

"Can you not make it sound like we're in middle school?" Blair shot back, though her face burned at his words.

"Okay, fine... but you're into him, right?"

"I don't know. Maybe," she whispered.

Jack nudged her shoulder. "You do."

Blair let out a frustrated laugh. "Jack, it's complicated. He's your brother. I've known him since he was a kid. And tonight, at the game, there was this girl, and he was..."

Jack frowned. "And you were jealous."

She bit her lip but didn't deny it.

Jack leaned over, grabbing her glass from her and putting it down on the nightstand. "Blair, listen to me. Luke's not a kid anymore. He hasn't been for a long time. And he's crazy about you. He's been crazy about you since he was old enough to know what a crush was."

"He doesn't--"

"He does," he interrupted firmly. "And I'm telling you, you don't have to feel guilty about this. If you like him--and I think you do--then let yourself have this. You deserve it. He does, too."

"And... you're okay with it? With us?"

Jack grinned. "Blair, you're my favourite person in the world. Luke's my brother. If the two of you make each other happy, the yeah, I'm okay with it. More than okay."

~~

Luke couldn't help but notice that Blair hadn't talked to him after the game. He didn't even see her until the next morning when she was making her daily coffee.

"Morning."

"Morning," she said, not even turning to look at him.

He grabbed some frozen fruit from the freezer, getting ready to make his smoothie. "You okay?"

Blair hesitated, taking a look at his face. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept much, but his eyes were still as warm as always.

"Yeah. Just... thinking."

"'Bout what?"

"About how much things have changed. And how... how much you've changed."

"Good change or, uh, bad change?"

"Good... I think."

Then air felt heavier, but not in a bad way. Luke clicked his tongue, about to respond when Blair brushed past him, wrapping her housecoat around her tighter.

"I'm gonna get ready for class."

~~

Luke was tired of just waiting for things to change. Blair deserved more than casual glances and hesitant words. She deserved to know how he felt, and he decided it was time to show her.

He looked down at the litle notebook resting on the table, one he'd seen Blair scribbling in late one night while she thought no one was around. It didn't seem to be much--just a collection of her to-do lists and random thoughts--but it had sparked an idea.

Blair arrived home from classes, balancing her tote bag and a paper bag of takeout. She kicked the door shut behind her, surprised by the warm glow of the apartment. The living room was dimly lit, a few candles flickering on the coffee table.

"Luke?" she called, setting her things down.

"In here," came his voice from their balcony.

Blair crossed the room, stepping outside to find Luke leaning against the railing. The table next to him was set with two plates, her favourite flowers in a simple vase at the centre.

"What's all this?"

Luke stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I just... I wanted to do something for you. You've been working so hard, and I thought you could use a break."

"Luke, you didn't have to--"

"I wanted to," he interrupted.

He pulled out one of the chairs for her, gesturing for her to sit. Blair hesitated but eventually lowered herself into the seat. Luke took the spot across from her, his nervousness barely contained.

As they started eating, Blair couldn't help but notice the little details--how he'd ordered her favourite dish, how he kept the conversation light but still genuine. It was thoughtful... thoughtful in a personal way.

After dinner, Luke retrieved something from inside, returning with a small, wrapped package.

"What's this?" Blair asked.

"Just... open it," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

She tore the paper carefully, revealing a leather-bound notebook. It looked old; the edges were slightly worn, and the faint smell of ink and must wafted from it.

Blair ran her fingers over the cover, her breath catching. "This is... like the one I had as a kid."

Luke nodded. "You, uh, you told it about me during one of our late-night talks. How you used to write everything down--your dreams, stories, your plans for the future. I thought... you could start again... as an adult."

Blair's throat felt tight as she opened the journal. It was so simple, but it meant everything.

"Luke..."

He stepped closer, crouching slightly to meet her eyes. "Blair, you've always been this incredible, unstoppable force. And I just... I wanted you to have something that reminds you of that."

She stood, clutching the notebook to her chest. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because you matter to me, Blair. More than you know."

"Lu-"

"I know I'm just Jack's little brother to you," he said quietly, his voice steady despite his vulnerability. "But I'm not a kid anymore. And I've been waiting my whole life for you to see me--really see me."

Blair stared at him, processing his words. For so long, she'd fought against the pull she felt toward him, telling herself it was wrong, that it would complicate everything. But in that moment, with Luke standing in front of her, open and unguarded, she couldn't deny it anymore.

She reached up, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "You're not just Jack's little brother."

Luke's eyes widened slightly, his breath hitching as her hand lingered. Slowly, carefully, he leaned in, his forehead resting lightly against hers.

"Tell me to stop," he whispered.

But she didn't pull away. Instead, she closed the space, her lips brushing his in the most electrifying kiss of her life. Years of tension and unspoken moments poured into their kiss.

Blair pulled away, her cheeks flushed. "You've always been waiting for me to see you?"

"Yeah. And you were worth the wait."

~~

The morning after their kiss, Blair replayed the moment over and over again. Every glance, every touch, every whispered word from Luke had burned itself into her memory.

"Morning."

She jumped as Luke's voice cut through the quiet. She looked up to find him standing in front of her, his hair mussed.

"Morning."

"So... about last night."

Blair swallowed, setting down her coffee. "Yeah... we should probably talk about that."

Luke nodded. "Look, I'm not sorry it happened. But I don't want to make things harder for you. Or for us."

Blair's lips pressed into a thin line. "Jack's going to notice if things... change. And the rest of your family... I just don't want things to get too complicated too fast."

"So, what? We sneak around for a while? Keep this a secret?"

"Maybe," Blair said through her nervous smile.

Luke grinned, stepping closer until he was right in front of her. "I can work with that."

When his hand brushed against hers on the table, she didn't pull away.

Keeping their relationship under wraps turned out to be equal parts thrilling and frustrating.

There were more stolen moments in the kitchen, their hands brushing as they cooked. Blair would catch Luke staring from across the room, his eyes filled with something new.

Once when Jack was napping in his room, Luke cornered Blair in the hallway, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was quick but left her breathless.

"Someone's going to catch us," she whispered, trying to sound stern but failing.

Luke smirked, hands resting on her waist. "You worried about Rowdy? He sleeps like a rock."

Still, the constant sneaking around wasn't without its challenges. Jack had a knack for walking in at the worst possible times, forcing Blair and Luke to spring apart like guilty teenagers.

"Why are you both so jumpy lately?" Jack asked one evening, narrowing his eyes at them as they sat on opposite sides of the sofa.

"Jumpy? We're not jumpy," Blair replied quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched.

"Yeah," Luke added. "You're imagining things, Jack."

Jack's eyes narrowed further, but he didn't press--yet.

But it didn't take long for him to connect the dots. He wasn't oblivious, despite what Blair and Luke seemed to think.

The knowing grin that spread across his face when he walked into the kitchen and caught them in what they thought was a private moment. Luke's hand was on the small of Blair's back as she stood by the stove, and her laugh was just a bit too soft, too intimate.

"Oh my God," he startled them both.

"Jack! Wha--"

"No way," Jack interrupted, pointing between them. "Are you two fucking?!"

Luke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Jack, just--"

"You are!" he shouted. "This is amazing. I knew it! I fucking knew this would happen!"

Blair groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Jack, can you not make this a thing?"

"Oh, it's already a thing," Jack said, crossing his arms triumphantly. "And I'm a genius for making it happen."

"Making it happen?"

Jack shrugged, completely unbothered. "I gave you two all those nights alone. The movie night? You're welcome."

"You... you're telling me you've been matchmaking this whole time?" Blair gasped.

"Matchmaking, nudging, masterminding--call it what you want," Jack said with a smirk. "Point is, I'm responsible for this."

"Yeah, sure, Jack. All you," Luke rolled his eyes.

"So, when's the wedding? Can I be the best man and the maid of honour?"

~~

The sound of goal horn echoed in Luke's ears, but this time, it wasn't in celebration. Another defensive breakdown. Another minus on the scoresheet.

Luke sat in the locker room after, still in his gear, staring blankly at the floor. Around him his teammates untaped sticks and headed for the showers, but he felt frozen.

The reporters were outside, ready to dissect every mistake he'd made that night. The fans would be tweeting about his rookie performance. But worst of all, he'd let himself down.

When he finally got home, it was late. Blair was waiting for him on his bed. The second she saw him, her face softened.

"Hey."

Luke dropped his bag by the door, sinking down into his bed beside her, leaning his head on a pillow with a deep sigh.

"Rough game?"

He nodded, jaw tight. "I keep messing up. It's like... no matter what I do, it's not good enough. I'm not Jack. I'm not Quinn. I don't know if I'll ever be."

Blair reached over, resting a hand on his arm. "Luke, you don't have to be Jack or Quinn. You just have to be you. And you're amazing, even if you don't feel like it right now."

"What if I'm not? What if I'm not cut out for this?"

She shifted closer, wrapping her arms around him. "You are, Luke. And so do a lot of other people. You're allowed to have bad days. It doesn't make you less."

~~

Blair's phone buzzed with yet another text from her mom.

Mama: So... Luke? Are you two really together? Luke as in Jack's little brother?

She sighed, tossing her phone onto the bed beside her.

Her relationship with Luke had been public knowledge for a few weeks now--thanks to Jack's slip of the tongue at a post-game interview--but the fallout was more stressful than she could've anticipated.

Her parents were surprised but supportive, though their questions about the long-term implications left her feeling uneasy. And Jack? He was thrilled that the world knew now, that he didn't have to hide the secret.

"What if this changes everything?" she murmured aloud as she folded her laundry.

"What changes everything?" Luke asked, walking into her room with a bowl of cereal in hand.

Blair hesitated, her hands stilling on one of Luke's sweatshirts. "Us. You. Me and Jack. All of it."

Luke set the bowl down. "Blair, what are you talking about?"

"It's just... I don't want this to mess things up. With your family. With Jack. If something went wrong, it'd be--"

"It's not going to go wrong. And even if it did, that's on me, not you. You're not responsible for holding everything together."

"But I feel like I am. Jack's been like family to me my whole life. And now, with us, it's like I'm risking everything."

Luke took her hands. "You're not risking anything, Blair. Jack loves you. My family loves you. And I... I'm not going anywhere, okay? No matter how hard things get."

But the cracks began to show.

Luke's schedule grew more demanding as the Devils pushed for a playoff spot. Practices ran longer, travel days piled up, and his rookie season came with added scrutiny from fans and the media.

Blair was juggling her internship and her last semester of classes. Their time together became scarce, and when they did have a moment, it was often overshadowed by Luke's frustrations or Blair's anxiety.

"It's like no matter what I do, it's not enough," Luke paced the living room, hands in his hair. "I make on mistake, and everyone is on my ass. Meanwhile, the vets can screw up all night, and no one says a word."

Blair looked up from her computer, bags under her eyes. "Luke, I get it. I do. But can we just... not right now? I have a huge presentation tomorrow, and I'm barely keeping up as it is."

"I didn't mean to dump that on you. I just... forget it."

He turned to leave, but Blair reached out, catching his hand. "Lu, wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just--"

"It's fine," he pulled his hand away. "Good luck with your presentation."

The strain between them was becoming harder to ignore, and she didn't know how much longer they could keep pretending everything was fine.

~~

As soon as Luke entered the apartment, Blair warpped her arms around him. "I know it's been hard," she said quietly. "But I'm here. Always."

Luke exhaled, snaking his arms around her waist. "I know. And I'm sorry. For everything."

"We'll figure it out. Together."

"Yeah... together."

~~

The past few weeks had been spent making quick apologies and sharing half-hearted reassurances that everything was fine. But it wasn't fine. She'd spent so much of her time worrying about what other people wanted that she'd forgotten to think about what she wanted.

And she wanted Luke.

Jack: Game tonight. I snagged you a ticket. Go

~~

She slipped into her seat, spotting Jack on the ice with HUGHES on his back, just like hers and Luke's. He turned, catching her eye, and throwing her a thumbs up.

She spent the whole game watching Luke, her stomach flipping every time he would touch the puck. And when he scored in the second period, she leaped to her feet, cheering louder than everyone around her.

After the game, she waited by the players' tunnel, spotting Luke emerging from the locker room, his hair damp, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Luke!" she called.

His head snapped up, mouth dropping in surprise. "Blair?"

"Hey."

Luke glanced around, clearly aware of the people watching, but Blair didn't care. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips.

"You were amazing!"

"I... I didn't know you were coming."

"I wasn't sure I was going to," she admitted, pulling back from their embrace to look in his eyes. "But then I realized I was being stupid. I don't care what anyone thinks. I'm with you because I want to be."

"You sure?"

"Completely."

~~

Blair attended every home game she could after that. No more secrets and they were feeling the best they had together. She supported him through the highs and lows of his rookie season. And Luke helped her study, even letting her practice her presentations on him.

"You know," she said softly. "I think we're pretty good at this."

Luke cocked an eyebrow. "At what?"

"Us."

He leaned in, lips brushing her temple. "Yeah. We are."

Jack entered the room, a smirk on his face. "Told you so."

[straows]

“Why won’t you marry me?!”

In which you have some bad past trauma and it's holding back your relationship with Gojo.

A/n: This is honestly just for me. These Sandra Bullock movies have me sobbing my fucking eyes out and writing shitty ass stories. Anyways. This is hurt/comfort. It also hasn't been spell-checked or anything so don't shit on it pls.

“Baby, why haven’t I met your parents?” Gojo gave you a quirky little grin, kissing your cheek sweetly.

You stared at him, your happy mood immediately faltered. “Well, I- I— it’s just not really important.” You gave him a little smile and kissed his forehead, before going into your bedroom.

Gojo sighed, growing frustrated. You always did this. Anytime he asked about your parents, about marriage, about children, you completely shut down.

And he was getting so tired of it. He just wanted to take the step of your relationship, he wanted to be with you. You’d been together for 4 years for fucks sake.

Getting up, he tried to keep his frustrations in, walking inside your shared bedroom, “baby please, I’m ready to take this to the next step—“

“No goddamn it no!” You snapped at him, eyes glossy and a mean look on your face. But all the anger just covered up so much trauma.

“Why the hell not?! You have met everybody in my life! I have given you everything!” Now he was yelling back, the vein his forehead straining.

“Stop fucking asking me all the fucking questions!” You stood up from the bed.

One thing led to another and you were having a screaming match.

However, when Gojo raised his hand a little too quickly, you flinched. Your body tensed so hard and your head shrunk back.

Gojo stared at you, mouth agape at your reaction. He watched as you looked back up at him, as if you were waiting for a hit or anything.

When you saw his staring at you, you grew so fucking embarrassed. Your face was red and your eyes were teared up, tear streaks running down your face and oh— you were a fucking mess.

You immediately grabbed your keys and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind you. In nothing but an oversized shirt and panties, no shoes or socks.

“Wait! Sweets you can’t go out like that please—“ he tried to follow after you, but you were pulling out of the driveway so fast there were streaks on the road. “Fuck fuck fuck!” He yelled, slamming the door shut so hard it knocked photos off the wall.

A picture of you and him lay on the ground, shattered to bits and torn.

“Shit…” he sighed, his own tears beginning to fall as he leaned down to pick up the picture. Flipping over the picture, he noticed a phone number. Curiosity mixed with the absolute feeling of his heart cracking in fucking half. So he called it.

“Hello?” And old woman’s voice answered.

Gojo’s brows furrowed, “who is this? This is Gojo Satoru.”

“This is **** (your mom’s name)”, the older woman answered.

“Are you y/n’s mother?” Gojo’s voice got a little lighter, would he finally get to meet you?

“Yes… is this her boyfriend?” The woman got a little sassier.

“Yes… well, I am trying to marry your daughter but she is proving to be… very stubborn…” Gojo sighed, before plopping down on the couch, deciding to give you space, he felt so fucking bad.

“What happened?” Your mother spoke up after a hefty moment of silence.

“I asked her about when I could meet her family… and she freaked out.” Gojo sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

“Oh… well that’ll do it I suppose.” She sighed, sipping on the Bloody Mary she’d made moments prior.

“What do you mean? Seriously all I want to do is marry the woman, why is it so hard?” Gojo glared at the picture for a second before the anger immediately dissipated into sadness. “She acts like the floor will fall out from under her any second.”

“It’s because it has, it always has. Poor thing, I s’pose this is my fault.” The old woman sighed, glancing out of the window and at the little pond a few yards out.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ll admit I wasn’t the best mother. She was the oldest out of three and I had a rocky relationship with my husband. I guess I’d taken it out on her… left her alone to take care of her siblings and her father. That drunk old bastard,” she huffed, “she hates me now. I understand why. Every time things would get good, something would always, always go wrong.”

“…” Gojo stayed quiet for a long time. Just taking in this information. He had no idea, he had no idea about anything. Anything about your life before you’d turned 23.

“She’s afraid she’ll end up like me, afraid her marriage will turn out like mine, that she’ll treat her kids like I did mine. I’ll forever regret what I did to my poor sweet girl.” Your mother sighed softly, heart aching with regret and agony that she’ll never get her daughter back.

“…I have to go.” Gojo immediately hung up the phone and stood up. Dialing your number over and over and over and over and over again, he called you 106 times.

Every time, he got no answer. So, he just decided to wait. He cleaned up the glass, tried to watch a show, and eventually tried to cook dinner. But he was terrible at it. You were much better. And that thought had his shoulders slumping.

It wasn’t until dark that you finally showed up again. Eyes all red and swollen, bare feet roughed up and you had fresh little cuts and bruises that littered your body.

You’d gone and ran through the woods to get to the old creek you used to play in as a kid.

It was 100% not safe, 100% stupid, and it 100% had Gojo’s heart shattering a little more.

You didn’t say anything to him, just walked past him and slipped into the guest bedroom, before collapsing on the bed.

You’d exhausted yourself with all the crying and walking you’d done. But you still didn’t want to speak to Gojo. You weren’t mad at him, not really. Just scared.

Things had been going so good. What happens if you marry him and end up a drunkard witch like your mother? What if you turn cruel and horrible to your children?

Fears ran deep and trauma was still solidified in your mind from your adolescence.

“Baby?” Gojo’s voice cut you away from your mental thoughts. From the spiral you were threatening to go on again.

Glancing up, you noticed him staring at you with sad eyes, “please talk to me.” He whispered so softly. And when you didn’t say anything, he took that as a good sign and walked further into the room before sitting down on the bed.

“…”

“I spoke to your mother.”

You immediately looked up at him, shocked and horrified all at the same time. “You did what?!”

“I’d accidentally broken the frame and saw the number…” he handed you the picture of the two of you, your mother’s number scribbled on the back.

You’d written that a while ago. When you had debated on calling her or not. You’d written down to have her number somewhere, just didn’t want it in your phone.

“…”

“…”

“…”

“I understand now why you don’t want to take any steps further…” Gojo spoke so softly, his touch so gentle on your chin as he had you looking up at him. “Baby, I am so sorry. I had no idea what’d happened or what you’d gone through… I should have never pressured you like that.”

You just stared at him, your bottom quivering and your eyes growing glassy again.

“I love you. With all my heart. You never, and will never ever have to worry about the carpet getting yanked out from under your again.” He kissed your forehead softly. “I want to be there for you, in sickness and in health, I want to be there for you in the good and the bad. I want you, all of you.”

“You don’t mean that.. I-I— what if down the road you start to resent me- or- or what if-“

“No, baby that won’t happen.” Gojo gave you the most adoring expression, he was looking at you like you truly were the only thing in his life— in his world even. “It won’t happen because I love you with my everything, and nothing will ever change that. And if I need to remind you every morning and every night I will.”

You swallowed thickly, sighing shakily before burying your face in his neck as you crawled up to him. “I’m so sorry baby.” You murmured, the tears already flowing.

“It’s okay. You’ve done nothing wrong, pretty.” He whispered against your hair, kissing your forehead before wrapping his arms around you completely. “But please, next time we argue or anything like that, put some pants and shoes on before going running through the woods.”

You couldn’t help but smile at that, a little giggle leaving you. And that had a smile on his face almost immediately. “I love you Toru.”

“I love you, sweets.”

[rowdyluv]

ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ʟᴏᴠᴇ - ǫʜ⁴³

summary: in which Quinn and Y/n go to her childhood home for Christmas.

word count: 2.6k

warnings: fluff, fem!reader, mother misunderstands reader’s reaction, [trigger warning: alludes to loss of pregnancy, minor/brief discussion of fertility complication], use of random names for characters (sister, brother-in-law),

notes: if I missed any warnings please kindly tell me I don’t think I missed any but always possible. picture at the end will make sense once read. ☺︎︎

© property of rowdyluv ; do not copy and re-upload as your own - anywhere. do not place my work inside AI codes, do not translate.

“Oh I can’t believe Dad did all this!” Y/n gasped and grabbed at Quinn’s upper arm as he was pulling into the driveway. The outside of Y/n’s childhood home was adorned with Christmas lights and the yard had an inflatable Santa with Rudolf. “He used to do this for me and Leora growing up.” Her eyes were crinkled in the corners from smiling so brightly.

Quinn grabbed their bags out of the car and headed up the walkway to the front door. None the wiser that she had stopped to take a picture to send off to her older sister of the old blow up that graced the front yard. He soon realized she wasn’t by his side when he was first greeted with hugs making him tense at first, a bit uncomfortable.

"Merry Christmas, Quinn!" Y/n's mother beamed as she pulled him into a warm embrace. The smell of gingerbread wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the signature comforting perfume of her mom. “We are all so happy you could join us here this year! We are so excited to have you two home for Christmas.” Quinn felt the tension ease from his shoulders and relax from her greeting.

“Merry Christmas, Momma!” Y/n yelled from behind Quinn trying to shuffle around him to get to her.

Her mother released Quinn and wrapped her daughter in her arms. “Look at you two all dressed alike for your travels!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy as she pulled back to look at them both. “Look sweetie, they have matching Christmas sweaters!” Her mother yelled over her shoulder towards Y/n’s father while also ushering the two in. “Do you remember when we were their age, just two kids so in love we couldn’t stand it?”

Quinn took a moment to appreciate the warmth of the house, the soft glow of the Christmas lights reflecting off the family photos lining the walls, framed certificates that had been earned by Leora or Y/n through the years, and low hanging taped coloring pages. He watched as Y/n disappeared into the kitchen to help her mom, her need to catch up with her mom showing. It wasn’t long after that her sister, and co arrived. Their ever curious two-year-old daughter toddled over to Quinn, her eyes wide with curiosity towards the stranger. He knelt down, offering a gentle smile.

“Hi! Bye!” She said loudly into Quinn’s face, waved nearly smacking him before toddling off to her grandpa.

“I am so sorry about that, she is in a “there is no stranger danger” phase right now. Name’s David, Leora’s husband.” David apologized and stuck his hand out to Quinn to shake. Quinn, the ever socially awkward person shook his hand but forgot to introduce himself. “I’m going to guess that you’re the ever famous Quinn we hear about all the time?”

“Right. Sorry man, yes. M’Quinn, I’m Y/n’s boyfriend.” Quinn cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck.

He searched the room for his girlfriend hoping he could meet her eyes and plead with her to come to him, but she was yet to resurface from the kitchen. He couldn’t help but feel a bit out of place amidst this flurry of familial affection. He had only been able to meet Y/n’s parents a few times, and while they were very welcoming, he was still the outsider at their intimate gatherings. Her parents loved him and accepted their relationship, but with the two of them living in a different country than the rest of her family, it hinders the process of getting to know them better.

David had to sprint off after his toddler to keep her out of the presents and Y/n’s sister was now in the center of the living room, cradling her freshly changed and back to sleeping three month old son.

“Quinn, do you.” Y/n’s eyes caught a hold of her older sister and her baby nephew.

The sight of Leora with the baby boy brought a new level of excitement to Y/n’s eyes. She nearly squealed and rushed over.

“Lee, can I?” Y/n’s voice was soft, warm, but held a hint of longing buried deep behind it. Her sister handed over the tiny bundle of joy with a knowing smile, and Y/n's heart swelled.

Y/n’s soft gasp spread across the room as she took her nephew into her arms. Y/n's eyes searched for any sign of resemblance between Leora and the tiny baby, her fingers tracing the soft lines of his face. He stirred slightly at her touch, his tiny eyes blinking open to reveal the same shade of brown as his mom’s. Y/n whispered a proud, "Hey there little man, I’m your auntie," and his eyes locked onto hers. At the most perfect time his muscles twitch causing him to smile at her.

“Quinn, come look.” Y/n called and he moved cautiously. He was already taking in so much, feeling so much in that moment. It was a moment that seemed to freeze time for Quinn, watching his girlfriend hold something so tiny and fragile like it was the most precious thing in the world. Watching her mask how badly she wants that life for herself. Quinn was feeling the weight of this moment in the millions multiplied by his Christmas gift for her.

"Honey, why don't you two go sit in the rocker?" Y/n's mom suggested, noticing the way Y/n's eyes never left the baby. She knew that look all too well, it was the same look she had when she finally held her daughters for the first time. “It’s down in your all’s old room.”

“Can I?” Y/n asks her sister hopefully, after all the small human in her arms isn’t hers.

With a simple smile and a nod of approval y/n carried him into the room that used to be hers and her sister’s sanctuary. The rocking chair, a well-loved piece of furniture that had seen countless bedtimes and stories, sat back in its rightful place in the corner. Y/n settled into it, her body moving automatically with the gentle sway as she held her nephew close.

Quinn slowly followed her down the hall, unsure if he could handle another sight of her so domestic.

In the room, Y/n's voice was a soft lullaby, humming the familiar tune of "You Are My Sunshine." The rocking chair creaked rhythmically, echoing the steady beat of her heart. She sat in the glow of the Christmas lights that had been strung across the ceiling, casting a warm, nostalgic ambiance over the space. The baby's eyes grew heavy as he listened to the sweet melody that had filled this room so many times before. Y/n's mother looked on from the doorway with a knowing smile, her own eyes misting over with tears.

Y/n’s mom had sensed something was different. She just couldn’t quite put a finger on what it was with her daughter. She could sense that something has shifted in her in the last year or so and seeing her with her nephew only solidified her thoughts.

“When were you all going to tell me?” Her mother softly asked, grabbing ahold of Quinn’s hand giving it a comforting squeeze. “I would have been on the next flight to Vancouver. I’m sure she told you I had tro-.”

With wide eyes and nearly choking on his intake of air he startled her quiet mid-sentence when he looked at her so fast.

“No, no, this is just her longing for her own family..She wants her own family so badly and I want a family with her.” Quinn explained. “I will do whatever it takes to give her whatever she wants, we’ve discussed it. Even been to a specialist to ease her mind.”

Y/n’s mother nodded, she was shocked she misunderstood what her daughter was portraying, she thought she knew that look in her daughter’s eyes well, she was so sure it was the same one she had before she finally had her own children. Watching the different looks cross Y/n’s mother’s face Quinn took a deep breath before his next words fell, “I talked to your hu..”

She cut him off this time. “I know honey. Hard part is talking to her.” She patted him on the back and headed back down the hall, sending y/n’s brother in law after the baby. “Don’t wait any longer!” She whisper-yelled back to Quinn.

David poked his head into the room, “Hey, you okay?” He nodded towards the baby in Y/n’s arms, “He’s probably looking for a bottle, he’s usually hungry around this time.”

“But he’s asleep?” Y/n countered.

“Oh yeah.” He racked his brain for a different reason than a bottle. “Let me take him and check his diaper at least. Momma sent me in here don’t want to come out with out the baby.”

Y/n looked down at her nephew and her heart swelled. She didn’t want to let him go, but she knew her sister would let her have him again before her and Quinn left. She kissed him on the forehead and passed him over to his daddy.

Quinn took a deep breath as he leaned against the door frame. He admired the warm glow from the Christmas lights and the way they cast a soft halo around Y/n once more.

“Hey sweet girl, how about you come with me?” Quinn asked her.

She looked up from her lap and met his soft gaze and smiled at him before meeting him in the doorway.

Quinn led her to the formal living room that had been left untouched by the Christmas chaos of the toddler. The large Christmas tree in front of the window was the only thing that took up space in the room. They sat down together on the plush couch, the colorful lights from the tree casting a glow around them. Y/n leaned into him and took a hold of his hand playing with his fingers like she always does when they cuddle on the couch, basking in the comfort of his presence.

He took in a deep centering breath before starting to spill his heart out.

"You know, I'm not very good at expressing how I feel or remembering to tell you just how much you mean to me," Quinn began, his voice low and earnest.

"That was a constant struggle for us, wasn’t it?” She whispered and pinched his hand for effect. Quinn let out a little yelp of pain before continuing what he was trying to say.

“But I need you to know you’re the other half of my heart, the one that keeps me going even when I'm miles away from home." His words were met with a soft sigh from Y/n as she nestled closer. "I can't imagine a Christmas without you by my side."

He paused and sat her upright so he could look her in the eyes.

“No. Not just Christmas without you, but New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, uhm uh, what comes next?” He started to stutter and stumble over his words. “Whatever it is, I don't want to do it without you. I haven’t had to in a while now and I don’t want to start now, okay?”

“Quinn, where is this coming from?”

“From my heart, where you’ve been living in since the first day we met.” He replied, his eyes never leaving hers. His thumb traced the line of her jaw as he continued. “You’ve given me more joy, more comfort, more love than anyone I’ve ever known. And every time I hold your hand, or kiss your forehead, or see your smile light up the entire rink when we see each other at warmies. God how you just were with your nephew, how I know you’re going to be with our. I know that this is where I’m meant to be, with you, forever. And I want to make that promise to you, in front of everyone who loves you, who loves us.”

Her eyes searched his, looking for any doubt, but there was none to be found, only love, pure unadulterated love. Quinn was moving to the floor to kneel on one knee when she grabbed at his face.

“Yes. A thousand times over. In a different universe yes. In a different time period yes. God you could have asked me 24 hours after we met and I would’ve said yes.” She felt her heart beating faster than ever before she was talking so fast and not taking a break in between her words.

“Sweetheart you didn’t even let the poor boy ask!” A sweet frail female voice rang out. Quinn looked over his left shoulder and Y/n peaked right his shoulder.

“Hi Granny.” Y/n giggled.

Her grandmother’s announcement got the attention of the rest of her family giving Quinn an audience. “Alright young man, get on with it I’m hungry!” A huskier, grumpier voice huffed out.

“Pappy! Let him be.” Leora scolded. A couple “shhhs” rang out and finally the silence was deafening. Quinn was positive his heart beat could be heard.

He readjusted himself to down on the carpet on one knee taking in a calming breath. Looking into Y/n’s eyes.

“Y/n, I’ve love you. Your spirit, your heart, your soul, they’re all so bright and beautiful. You light up any room you walk into, you make me want to be a better person. You’re the one who’s always been there for me, through every up and down. You’re my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life. Will you marry me?”

Much to her Pappy’s satisfaction he finally popped the question, his voice shaky although he knew that she already said yes before he asked, as he opened the small velvet box to reveal a sparkling sapphire gemstone aside an opal gemstone in the shape of hearts.

Without needing to answer again she still whispered a soft yes with a bright smile as Quinn slid the ring on her finger. She fell to her knees and once again grasped his face. She kissed him softly and with as much love as she could convey in one simple kiss.

“Quintin Jerome Hughes, I love you with everything that I am.”

[teddypines]

Momma's boy

------------------------------------------

Summary: Jason being a mommy's boy. He needs his mom when things get rough and he can't see things clear.

Jason x Batmom!Reader. In this universe Y/N birthed Dick, Jason, Tim and Damian, Bruce is the father. Duke, Steph and Cass are adopted.

Note: Was craving soft Jason with Batmom!Reader. Jason deserves more love. Words: 874

Picture/art from Pinterest, credits to the artist.

------------------------------------------

Jason was a mommy's boy, from the moment he was born. He wouldn’t let go of his momma, not even for a moment in the first few months. He was the total opposite of Dick who was a daddy's boy, yes Dick loves his momma, but he was more drawn to Bruce. Y/N didn’t mind this in the least. She loved it even more now that she had a baby who wanted her more than Bruce. Not that she didn't love Dick, she just wanted a mommy's boy after having a daddy’s boy. 

So Jason was against Y/N's chest in either a sling or a papoose most of the time for the first two years. Being near his momma was the only way to get him to calm down, to fall asleep and to feel safe. Even feeding was difficult if Bruce did it, Jason wanted his mom to feed him.

The first six months were spent in his parents bed, in-between his momma and dad. Even if Dick crawled into bed with them because of a nightmare, or just because he wanted to, Jason would stake his claim over Y/n.

As Jason got older his need for his mom got less, it never really left he stayed a Momma’s boy through and through. He watched Tim be a little in-between boy, loving Y/N and Bruce the same. Damian be a secret Momma’s boy. Duke having a better bond with Bruce and Steph and Cass being mommy girls, but never as much as he was.

<------------------------------------------------------->

It was one of those days that Jason wished he had stayed in bed. School sucked, work sucked, patrol sucked. Even his siblings were more annoying than usual. Everything was just too much, every noise and light. Every interaction. He needed comfort, but he was eighteen, and eighteen year olds didn't need comfort (they do!). He could do this on his own, at least that is what he thought while everyone could see that he needed the love and comfort to feel safe.

So there he lay, in his bed, overwhelmed and tired at three a.m, but sleep just wouldn't take over. His mind raced with all types of thoughts that didn’t want him to settle down. As time went on Jason's mind got messier and messier. Thoughts racing even more and anxiety rising sky high. Finally some protective instinct inside of him kicked in and Jason got out of bed. He needed his mom.

So silently he walked to the master bedroom, Jason hadn't walked that way in the middle of the night in years. He felt small again, tears pricking at the edges of his eyes. He carefully opened the room, hoping he didn’t walk in on the devil's tango, because yes that is what his head thought his parents could be doing at three in the morning. He was lucky, Bruce snoring as he lay on his stomach like a starfish and Y/N on her side curled up like a cat.

Jason approached the bed and slowly woke Y/N up by shaking her arm a bit. “Mom?... Mom, please wake up… Mom, I need you.” He whispered, sounding a little desperate for her to wake up. Y/N quickly woke up, still used to waking up at least once a night for one of her kids. “Yes?” She opened her eyes, meeting a very sad looking Jason. Y/N quickly sat up and opened her arms for her son.

“What is wrong, Jay bird?” Y/N whispered as Jason crawled underneath the comforter and leaned into his mom’s hug. Laying his head down on Y/N's chest. “Another nightmare?” Jason shook his head at the question. “No… hard day, needed my mom…” 

Y/N's heart melted a little, quickly kissing Jason's head to give him the comfort he needed, but had a hard time asking for. “It's okay, baby, momma is here for you. You can stay in the big bed with us tonight and don't you dare say that you're too old for that, because you're not. You're one of my birds and my birds get to come back to the nest any day or night.” She said while laying back down. Fixing the comforter a bit so they both were warm and Bruce had still enough to stay warm. 

“Tomorrow you're gonna take a mental health day and we'll do something fun, just you and me.” Y/N announced to which Jason could only nod. Happy his momma was going to take care of him until he could do it himself again. He nestled himself tightly against Y/N and closed his eyes. Every worry, doubt and fear he had was just melting away from him as his momma held him. He was slowly falling asleep, but needed to tell Y/N something important before he fell asleep completely.

“Momma?” Jason asked as he lifted his head a little, laying his chin on Y/N’s chest to look at her. “Yes, Jay bird?” Y/N answered, already knowing where this was going. “I love you.” Jason said with a tired smile. “I love you too, Jay bird, now get some rest. I'll keep watch.” And with that answer Jason lay his head back down and fell asleep, safe and sound in his mom's arms.

[ryewwww]

⚠️: coercion, dark!price, vulnerable!reader, age gap, fem!reader,

Sick and twisted, but thinking about growing up dirt poor, living in a camper with your mom until she abandoned you at 18.

She was a workaholic, went to the city to work which was about a 2 hour drive away from the small town you reside in. Your mom claimed she couldn’t afford the price of rent in the city and raising a teen, which you understood.

But when she abandoned you, it was clear that wasn’t the case. You were just a burden to her.

But what can you do?

Life goes on.

And right now, you were facing a bigger problem. In this tiny town, you were having trouble finding a job. Your mom had blind sided you and rent was due in a few days. You only had $100 to your name.

You landlords were keen on getting you kicked from their land because they found tenants that will pay more. So you packed your life away in a carry on suit-case, and got out of there.

You sat in a McDonald’s for the free wifi while searching for resources that could help you. But nothing was provided by the town, it all was located in the city. Just when you started to feel hopeless, John Price entered the picture.

He noticed the suitcase and that combined with the glum look on your pretty face, made him get off his ass to come talk to you.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself in a shit situation here.”

Your head snaps from your phone, meeting the eyes of this middle aged man. “Yeah, I do I suppose.”

“Mind if I take a seat?”

You do mind but you were meek. So you nodded.

He takes a seat, “you new to town? Not many people come down here to visit, unless you’re lost.”

“No, I grew up here. I’m just trying to figure out my living situation.” You laugh awkwardly and all Price can think about is how you made it too fucking easy.

“Sorry to hear that, bun. If you need a place to crash, I have an old rv I want to get rid of. You could have it for $1000.”

“I don’t have that much money. It’s hard, nobody’s hiring around here.”

“I live on a farm. I could always use a hand. Work for me for a couple of days, and the rv is yours.”

“Really?”

He nods.

You go back to his farm too easily, Price could only wonder if your parents ever taught you about stranger danger.

He pulls into the long driveway and you see the older rv parked in the grass. He lets you check it out and the inside was well kept. There was nothing wrong with it mechanically either so, you could take this rv to the city where you’d have a greater chance of becoming something.

You were so excited and grateful for this opportunity, it almost made Price feel bad about doing this. You were so naive to his true intentions. His intentions on keeping you on this farm, fucking a few kids into you, putting a band around your ring finger, maybe letting his buddy get a taste of you too.

He’d do shit in the most twisted ways too. Like cutting some crucial wires in your rv so now it won’t start. When he “takes a look,” he says the wildlife around must’ve chewed through it. You ask how much it would cost to repair and he gives a number you can’t even fathom.

But he knows someone who could do it. And he’ll pay for it, as long as he gets something in return. When you ask what he wants, his hand cups your chin.

“I want you to put this pretty little mouth to work.”

And you do.

He keeps fucking shit up in your rv while you’re busy combing the horses hair or feeding the chickens. When you come back, your generator isn’t working and it’s freezing.

“How much will it cost to fix the generator?” You ask softly, looking over his shoulders while he “attempted” to fix it.

He stands, “we can talk about it inside.” The “talk” ends up with you warming his bed, his hands on your waist guiding you to ride him faster.

Things kept breaking in your rv and you kept getting quieter because of it. John could see the hope that once lit up your eyes was withering away. So he decided to call his mechanic just to get a little spark from you.

Too bad for you, when mechanic!Simon lays his eyes on you, he gives Price a knowing look.

You weren’t going any fucking where.

Another unedited blurb. If you want more, let me know :)))

[petersasteria]

Shadow - G Dragon/Kwon Ji-yong

Pairing: older sibling!GD x younger sibling!fem!reader Summary: growing up, jiyong always felt that he was just your shadow; the insignificant sibling. now that he's a global star, he never fails to remind you that you're now his shadow. WC: 2253

Ever since 11-year old Jiyong found out that his mother was pregnant, he knew he'd resent you for the rest of his life. He was used to being the baby of the family and he loved it. He basked in the attention of his elders, even though his cheeks hurt from all the pinching. He adored being adored.

His disappointment became more obvious when everyone found out that his parents were having a girl. Everyone was ecstatic, except for Jiyong. Instead, he locked himself in his room and listened to his favorite music to drown out everyone's joy. You weren't even born yet and you were already loved and he hated it.

He was 12 years old when you were born and the second he glanced at you, he made a face of disgust. "That's her? She looks like a naked mole rat." Jiyong snickered before leaving the hospital room.

No one paid him any mind because they knew it was hard for him. After all, he'd been the baby of the family for eleven years. They knew that one day, he'd accept you.

They were wrong.

Annual family reunions were a tradition in your family and Jiyong looked forward to it every year. He'd show his cousins new stuff he got, he'd let them listen to new music he discovered, he'd dance in front of the whole family and he'd get praised, and he'd bask in it every time.

Ever since you were born, that changed. No one asked about him anymore. It was like he was pushed to the side. He felt like a benchwarmer and it angered him. He had to remind himself to work harder in becoming an idol if he wanted to get out of your shadow.

When Jiyong debuted with BigBang, you were 6 years old. You adored him very much. Before he debuted, you would always see him dancing and writing songs. You would always stand outside his room and open the door a little just to catch a glimpse of him. To you, he was a hero. To him, you were a nuisance. After every impromptu dance in his room, you'd always clap. He'd turn around with a scowl on his face and he'd always say, "Get out, mole rat! Can't you see I'm busy?! Go bother mom or something." Then he'd lock the door.

Every time you came home from school, you'd immediately run to him and show him the pictures you drew and you'd tell him about your day. To you, he was your best friend. You'd follow him around the house while he'd do everything to get away from you. He never reciprocated, though. You didn't care. You were just so happy to see him and you were just happy to hang out with your cool older brother.

You were so happy seeing your older brother on tv. It was the highlight of your day and you always bragged about him to your classmates. You'd show them family pictures and you'd always present his photo for every show and tell. Your classmates thought you were insufferable, but they never said anything.

As both of you grew older, he'd become harsher towards you. At that point, he was a young adult and you were just a teen, trying to figure things out. Like Jiyong, you wanted to be an idol too. Ever since he found out, his words became daggers.

"Stop looking like a mole rat if you want to be an idol. You won't get signed anywhere."

"Nice outfit, but you don't have the face for it."

"If I were you, I'd stop trying."

"You'd be such an annoying idol."

"You're wasting your time trying to be someone you're clearly not."

"You can never be as great as me. I'm G Dragon, bitch. Who's gonna remember someone who's as insignificant as you? You're just my shadow."

His jabs were very hurtful, but you used them all as motivation to do better and you really did improve. Soon, you debuted as a solo artist. Since your brother's a force to be reckoned with in the industry, he made sure that no one knew you were related. He also made sure to stay away from you. The night you debuted, he said, "I'm not your brother and you're not my sister. We're not related. Stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours."

Since then, you haven't interacted as artists. If you went home for the holidays, he'd either arrive a week early or a week after you. You couldn't even post family pictures because he was in it.

Being an idol has its ups and downs. You were known as the party girl. You'd party every chance you got. You'd get blackout drunk. Many of your idol friends would describe you as a party animal. In fact, embarrassing pictures of a drunk version of you is all over the internet. As if that wasn't enough, you were also known to hop from one relationship to another. Every time it gets serious, you just leave.

You were a great artist, but you have a reputation of being messed up. Of course, all of this reached Jiyong. The next time you saw each other, he said, "I knew you were an embarrassment even before you were born. I'm glad I don't associate with you."

-

You felt your life falling apart. Admittedly, you were so depressed because of your brother. You only wanted him to like you. You didn't even know what you did for him to hate you so much. As if that wasn't enough, somehow, everyone found out that you and THE G Dragon were siblings. When you saw it, panic immediately consumed you. You didn't know what to do. You knew Jiyong well enough to know that he'd think it was your fault.

On his end, he threw his phone across the room. Instead of getting asked about his current album, he'd get asked about you instead and he didn't like it already. He got up from his bed and picked up his phone and called you.

"He-"

"Shut the fuck up right now." He seethed. "How could you do this to me?! You knew I just came back with an album and then you pull this shit?! Attention seeker much? If you're so thirsty for attention, go to a bar and get so wasted that your topless photos go viral again. That's what you're good at, right? Stick with it."

"I didn't leak anything, I swear! You know I would never do anything to sabotage you. You're my brother, Ji." You choked out, hot tears streaming down your face. "I didn't do or say anything. I promise I didn't."

"Bullshit." He scoffed. "Just say that you're jealous of me."

"Why would I be jealous of you? You know I support you all the way. Your success is yours and my success is mine. We're different artists." You stammered.

"You're jealous because after all those years of you getting everyone's attention, you're not used to being ignored. You're not used to not being loved. Go back to the bars and clubs. Go back to drinking and getting blackout drunk. Go back to messing up your career and image. Go back to being wild and crazy. You're never going to change, Y/N. Stay in your lane and stick to what you know best. Fix this." He hung up.

You cried and stayed in bed for hours until your manager had to help you get up. She knew you weren't fine, but she didn't push you to tell her anything. She was an angel.

"Y/N..." She said softly. "Y/N, you have a concert in LA next month. Are you sure you're okay doing this?"

You nodded, "Can we leave for LA earlier? I really don't want to be here right now."

Of course Jiyong found out that you left the country instead of fixing the "mess you left". He thought, if you weren't going to say anything, then he wasn't going to say anything. To his surprise, everyone seemed to easily accept the fact that you were siblings. Everyday, he kept seeing comments on his Instagram post about being similar.

"how didn't we all see their similarities?! they literally have the same face shape, same nose, and same smile!!"

"can't believe the kwon siblings are wild in their own right (in a fun way) bc y/n's a wild party girl and... we all heard jiyong's album"

"i remember that one interview of y/n where she said her biggest inspiration is gd and all of us thought it's nothing new bc gd is literally the idol of idols and with this new info, we can all say that it's really sweet of her to say that her biggest inspo is gd and it also makes sense bc that's her brother!!"

"in some angles, they look like twins! 🥹"

He didn't know what it was, but he suddenly had the urge to search you up on Google. Yes, as much as he hated it, you were related. However, he didn't know anything about you. He never bothered to. Now that everyone knows, he figured to at least find out who you are as an artist.

He watched every single interview you were in and he found out a lot of things about you. He even called your mom to confirm if the things you said were true. He lightly chuckled whenever you'd say a witty comeback and his heart warmed when you showed an old picture of you and him. His face was covered with a small piece of paper and you were smiling widely. His heart ached when you told the interviewer why it was your favorite childhood photo.

"It's my favorite photo because captured my relationship with my brother perfectly. I'd remove the piece of paper, but... I don't want to compromise his safety and privacy." You said softly with a sad smile. "My brother's older than me and I really look up to him. He's so cool. I just wanted to be as cool as him and I know I can never be that cool. I would always watch him dance and I remember how mesmerized I was."

Jiyong didn't know how to feel. He watched a few more videos and he learned that you kept tabs on him. He scrolled through your Instagram and he saw that you keep using his music whenever you'd post pictures. You were his biggest fan.

Meanwhile, you were preparing for your concert in LA. You decided to switch up your setlist and your manager approved. As a little treat to your American fans, you were going to do a cover of Miley Cyrus' song, 'Used to be Young'. You were really feeling that song at the moment and you had a little self-reflection: if Jiyong still didn't like you, it's time to take another road and just ignore him.

Towards the end of your concert, you decided to do the surprise song. "I have a little treat for you, guys. I have a surprise cover song!" You enthusiastically said and they screamed again. "I'm so obsessed with this song, I swear." You smiled and the intro played.

"~The truth is bulletproof, there's no foolin' you, I don't dress the same. Me and who you say I was yesterday have gone our separate ways. Left my livin' fast somewhere in the past 'cause that's for chasin' cars. Turns out open bars lead to broken hearts and goin' way too far.~" You sang beautifully as a slideshow of your old pictures played on the screen behind you. It was all your pictures from your most embarrassing point in life, but you didn't regret a single thing about it.

The song made you emotional, but you just kept singing. Your fans sang along too and it made you smile hearing them sing along. You knew this cover is being filmed to be posted on your YouTube channel, so you looked directly at the camera as you sang the last chorus.

"~I know I used to be crazy; messed up, but god, was it fun. I know I used to be wild that's 'cause I used to be young. Those wasted night are not wasted, I remember every one. I know I used to be crazy that's 'cause I used to be young. You tell me has done changed me, that's fine, I had a good run. I know I used to be crazy that's 'cause I used to be young.~" Tears streamed down your face when you finished the song.

Your cover instantly went viral after you posted it on YouTube and Jiyong watched the whole thing and he saw how emotional you were and how the song related to your relationship. Flashbacks of his hurtful words suddenly haunted him and all of a sudden, he wasn't watching his 20-something year old sister. He was watching 6-year old you; the one he would kick out of his room because you were watching him dance. He was watching 6-year old you; the one who'd show him pictures you drew with cheap crayons. Somehow, that made him emotional.

He watched as you sang the last chorus. He felt as if you were looking straight at him; like it was a direct message from you to him. When the song was over, he was crying. He didn't know what was happening, but he was sure of one thing: something shifted.

-

A/N: hope you guys liked it! <3 lmk if u want part 2

permanent taglist: @redhoodedtoad @billiesiousji @hayd3n8 @sherrayyyyy @nbjch05

jiyong taglist: @loveesiren

buy me a coffee?

[baigepueckers]

Caitlin Clark X Reader

Full Circle

The Carver Hawkeye Arena has always been loud, but tonight it feels different. The energy in the air is almost thick, the kind of electricity that makes your skin prickle. The stands are packed with people who have followed Caitlin’s journey from the beginning, people who have watched her break records, change the game and redefine what was possible.

You glance at her beside you, standing at center court, back straight and hands shoved into her pockets. To anyone else she looks calm…collected even. But you know her too well to be fooled.

Her fingers twitch slightly like she wants to fidget but won’t let herself. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other every few moments. Her jaw tightens when the announcer says her name over the speakers, and you swear you catch the way she takes a deliberate breath, like she’s steadying herself.

This is the moment she’s waited for her entire life but now that it’s here…she doesn’t quite know how to sit in it.

You step a little closer… just enough so that your arm brushes against hers. She doesn’t react right away, but then her pinky hooks around yours for the briefest second before she lets go.

The ceremony begins and one by one, the people who have shaped her career step forward. Her old coach speaks first, talking about how Caitlin changed the trajectory of Iowa basketball, how her impact goes beyond the numbers and the records. The crowd roars every time her name is mentioned and Caitlin nods along, polite but visibly restless.

Then come the highlight reels. The deep threes, the impossible passes, the buzzer-beaters. The shots that made even her opponents shake their heads in disbelief.

But then something softer…..clips of her celebrating with her teammates, hugging her mom in the stands… grinning with Kate and Gabbie like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

You steal a glance at her and catch the way her throat bobs as she swallows hard. She blinks a few times, her lips pressing together like she’s holding something back.

When they finally pull the cover off the banner, revealing Clark. 22 now hanging high in the rafters, the arena erupts. The sound is deafening, shaking the building and Caitlin just stares at it, like she’s not sure if it’s real.

Her dad claps a hand on her shoulder… her mom reaches for her hand, and Kate and Gabbie are yelling something ridiculous probably giving her a hard time just because they can, but Caitlin doesn’t react right away. She just keeps looking up at her name.

You don’t say anything. You just stand beside her, letting her have the moment.

After a long beat, she finally turns to you…her expression unreadable. “That’s crazy” she mutters.

You huff a soft laugh. “Yeah.”

She shakes her head, still staring at it. “Like…it’s just there now.”

“Forever” you say and she blinks a few times like she’s still processing it.

The rest of the night is a blur of conversations, handshakes, interviews and pictures with fans. People are constantly pulling Caitlin in different directions but every time there’s a break, every time she gets even a second to breathe, her hand finds yours.

Kate and Gabbie stick close, teasing her in between moments of genuine praise.

“You know you’re officially old now, right?” Kate says nudging Caitlin’s side. “Jersey retirement is, like the beginning of the end.”

Caitlin rolls her eyes. “You act like you’re not older than me?”

“Yeah but I don’t have my name in the rafters” Kate counters. “I still have time.”

Gabbie laughs, throwing an arm around Caitlin’s shoulders. “Don’t let her get in your head, CC. You’re a legend now.”

Caitlin huffs but doesn’t argue.

Her parents are stopped every few feet by longtime fans, people congratulating them like they’re the ones who put up 40 points on any given night. Her mom eats it up, smiling through happy tears, while her dad keeps squeezing Caitlin’s shoulder like he’s making sure she doesn’t disappear.

At one point, her mom catches your eye and pulls you into a hug. “Thank you for being here” she murmurs.

You squeeze her back. “There was never a question.”

Eventually the crowd starts to thin, and Caitlin finally escapes to the tunnel, exhaling like she’s been holding her breath all night. You follow a few steps behind… giving her space but staying close enough that she knows you’re there.

When you finally make it back to the hotel, Caitlin drops onto the edge of the bed leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. She stares at the floor for a long moment, saying nothing.

You sit beside her, close but not crowding her. “You good?”

She exhales, running a hand through her hair. “It’s weird” she admits. “Like, I knew it was happening, but seeing it up there? Feels…final.”

You nod letting the silence settle. After a moment, you nudge your knee against hers. “Final in a good way or a bad way?”

She considers that for a second. “Both?”

You wait, letting her find the words.

“I gave everything to this place,” she says finally. “Every ounce of energy, every bit of myself. And now…it’s not mine anymore.”

You watch her carefully… seeing the weight of it all settle in.

“You’ll always belong here” you say softly. “That doesn’t change just because you’re not on the court.”

She nods slowly, like she’s not sure she believes it yet but wants to.

After a moment she shifts, leaning back against the headboard with a tired sigh. You follow her lead and lean back next to her.

“You know, your parents were really proud tonight,” you tell her.

She lets out a breathy chuckle. “Yeah, I could tell.”

“Kate and Gabbie were insufferable, though.”

That earns a quiet laugh. “Always.”

You glance at her, watching as she stares up at the ceiling, still processing.

“You don’t have to figure it all out tonight,” you say eventually.

She exhales, rubbing at her face. “Yeah.”

You don’t push her to talk more. You just sit beside her, letting her come down from the night in her own way. After a few minutes she shifts slightly, her knee knocking against yours.

She doesn’t say anything but you feel the way she relaxes, the way her breathing evens out.

And for tonight, that’s enough.

[foxesscramble]

(More of) the Foxes doing the WIRED Autocomplete Interview

Question: What is Renee Walker hair color

RW: Whatever I want it to be. Currently a lot of pastels.

Question: Is Renee Walker gay

RW: You tell me.

Question: Renee Walker charity events

RW: Oh, I set up a lot of them. I have some animal rescue ones coming up as well as an event at the local homeless shelter. I have some bigger ones coming up that I will share more information on if anyone is interested in helping out. 

Question: Is Renee Walker adopted

RW: I am. My mom adopted me when I was, gosh, thirteen I think? A lot was going on at the time. She’s a lovely woman, my mom. I’m very blessed to have found her.

Question: Renee Walker pets

RW: I do have a lot of pets. I like to post pictures of them. They're all rescues. I have two bunnies, a cat, a turtle, a hedgehog, three hamsters, and a lizard. I love them all dearly. My friends rotate who watches them when I’m out of town for various things. Except for Neil, he tried once but I think my lizard was rude to him so he refuses to come over anymore.

Question: Who is older Andrew Minyard or Aaron Minyard

AM: I am.

Question: Why was Andrew Minyard arrested

AM: Boring.

Question: Neil Josten and Andrew Minyard rivalry

AM: Not a question.

Question: How old is Nicky Hemmick

NH: Wouldn’t you like to know? You should never ask someone their age it’s improper. What if I wanted to pretend I was 25 forever? Couldn’t you just get on board?

Question: Nicky Hemmick husband

NH: My favorite topic. It’s Erik Klose. For the record, we are engaged not married no matter how much I wish we were. It’s taking forever. What if we just go to the courthouse?

Question: Is Nicky Hemmick related to the Minyard twins

NH: I am. They’re my first cousins. I’m also, well was I guess, the twins guardian for a couple of years. 

Question: What languages does Nicky Hemmick speak

NH: My first language is English but I learned German as well from my years abroad there. Erik is from Germany too so that’s how we talk to each other for the most part. The twins also speak it so it’s like a super secret code language when I don’t want other people to understand it. Neil and Andrew do the same thing. They literally went out of their way to learn Russian solely for that reason.

Question: Nicky Hemmick sexuality

NH: I’m gay. I’m proud too, even if it took a while to come around to it. My folks weren’t great about it growing up, but it is what it is. I’ve been out and proud for years now. I’m wishing all the seasoned and baby gays out there all the luck and happiness.

Pt. 1 》 Neil Josten, Matt Boyd, Kevin Day

Pt. 3 》 Allison Reynolds, Dan Wilds, Aaron Minyard

[lecsainz]

main thing

request: charles + a famous actress who is about 2 years older than charles and has a daughter from another relationship, but the biological father is not in the picture (or he is an idiot)

pairings: charles leclerc x actress!reader

authors note: man, it took me almost two days to write this, ugh! hate getting that writer's block in the middle of something I start. I was like, "come on brain, why you gotta do me like that?" but nah, it wouldn't cooperate. so frustrating!

✩. . . masterlist !

PART TWO

Age Gap Romance Takes a Dark Turn, Leaving Y/N Struggling with Broken Heart and Baby Daughter

By TMZ Entertainment News

Hollywood's buzzing with the latest shocking breakup, and this time it involves rising starlet Y/N Y/L/N and her much older ex-boyfriend, a prominent music mogul. As the dust settles, insiders reveal that the split was anything but amicable, leaving the 28-year-old actress devastated and facing heartache alone with their baby daughter, Sophie.

Sources close to the couple paint a picture of a once fairy-tale romance that crumbled under the weight of immense pressures and a significant age gap. Y/N and her ex, whose name we won't disclose for legal reasons, initially captured the public's attention with their whirlwind love affair.

Despite the initial bliss, the relationship quickly took a tumultuous turn, with the insider sharing, "It was a rollercoaster from the beginning. The age difference played a big role in their clashes, but Y/N was deeply in love and believed they could make it work."

However, cracks in their love story started to show, and rumors of disagreements and heated arguments circulated throughout Tinseltown. Our sources indicate that the final straw came when the music mogul reportedly abandoned Y/N and their infant daughter, Sophie, leaving her shattered and blindsided.

"It was like he flipped a switch," another insider revealed. "He just walked away, leaving Y/N and Sophie to pick up the pieces. It was a shock to everyone, even those closest to them."

The breakup was described as "dramatic and emotional," with Y/N left grappling with the aftermath of his sudden departure while caring for her baby daughter. Friends of the actress confirm that she's going through an incredibly tough time, trying to navigate single motherhood while nursing a broken heart.

"It's heartbreaking to see Y/N going through this," said one close friend. "She's a strong woman, but this has taken a toll on her. Sophie is her world, and she's solely focused on being the best mom she can be for her daughter."

As for the music mogul's actions, sources claim that he has shown little remorse for the way things ended. "He's been dismissive and unapologetic," one industry insider revealed. "It's like he's moved on without a second thought, leaving Y/N to pick up the pieces."

For now, Y/N is surrounding herself with a support system of friends and family, relying on their love and encouragement during this challenging time. Hollywood is buzzing with the news of the breakup, and fans around the world are sending messages of love and strength to the young actress.

As this Hollywood drama unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Y/N navigates her way through heartbreak and single motherhood. We'll continue to bring you the latest updates on this gripping story, so stay tuned for more.

ynupdates

liked by charlesleclerc , selenagomez , and 28.879 others

ynupdates sun, sand, and summer vibes with yourinstagram and the girls! beach day in monaco is lit! no room for negativity here – just good times, laughter, and making memories with our faves y/n and selenagomez! and of course, little sophie is the cutest beach babe ever!

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selenagomez ❤️❤️❤️

f1addiction CHARLES WHAT YOU DOING HERE??

ynmoves my girl looks so happy 😁

ylngomez i LOVE this friendship

lecslerccc charles that’s is a move?

saaaainz he just liked is nothing to worry 😭

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[ashwhowrites]

Could you write something about older!neighbor!eddie and reader being fwb and she get pregnant and doesn’t want to tell Eddie bc he always said he didn’t want kids so she starts avoiding him and looking for a new place to live. Eddie ends up finding out about the baby bc he comes over to readers place because she’s been kinda sick lately and wants to check up on her and ends up seeing the ultrasound pictures. He tells reader that even though he never wanted kids he’s going to be there for her and their child (up to you if they end up together or not)?? I love your fics so much 🧡🧡🧡

I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting! <3

Baby on board

Y/N has been sleeping with her neighbor for the last four months. Yeah, as in fucking each other until they were panting messes. She tried just to be his neighbor, he was older and rough around the edges. She was young and lived alone. It was hard to act like Eddie was not dropping to her knees attractive. She had to act like she didn't burn at the thought of him. But when he showed interest? Of course, she went for it.

But fuck

What a bad fucking idea

~~~

"Congratulations, you are pregnant. The tests at home were correct." The doctor said, a bright fake white tooth smile. Y/N felt sick to her stomach, reaching for the trash as she emptied her insides.

Y/N left the hospital, her head spinning. She knew the baby was Eddie's. She wasn't sleeping with anyone else, and Eddie loved cumming inside of her. It was dumb on her part, but she can blame it on being young. Him? He has no excuse.

But she knew Eddie didn't want kids. He's in his forties, divorced, and spends his time drinking beer. He was at the stage in his life where kids left his head. Oh, and the fact he got into a divorce over kids in the first place.

She was an idiot.

~~~

Over the few weeks, Y/N tried her best to stay hidden from Eddie. She stopped answering his calls, refused to leave the house unless it was an emergency, and avoided him and his house at all times.

She had a few more appointments, now leaving the doctor with ultrasound pictures. She couldn't help but grow excited about being a mom. Sure, she'd be on her own, alone, and terrified. But she tried to not focus on that, and focus on the fact she was going to have a baby.

She thought about telling Eddie, but running away was easier. She couldn't face his disappointment or anger. It was easier to leave him before he could. She sat online and searched for a new place to live. With a kid on the way, she thought an apartment would be best for her to afford.

She didn't hide from Eddie as well as she thought. He paid too close attention for her to hide everything from him. He could see her exhausted body getting out of the car, carrying bags of medicine, ice cream, and who knows what else.

He was worried about her. She stopped talking to him out of the blue, and she didn't look well. She'd look in the direction of his house in fear, racing to her front door. His calls went unanswered, his knocks never allowed the door to open, and he couldn't get out of his house fast enough to catch her.

But today he was going to talk to her.

He walked out of his house, cursing at the cold and the snow beneath his shoes. He cuddled into his sweatshirt a little more as he walked a few feet over. He blew hot air on his hands then knocked.....and knocked.

"I KNOW YOU'RE HOME!" he yelled, but no answer.

"I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL WE TALK SO I'LL FREEZE OUT HERE ALL NIGHT. IF YOU CARE ABOUT ME, I THINK YOU WOULDN'T WANT THAT!" he was too old for this shit. He felt like a child locked him out of his house and was laughing at him on the other side.

But when she opened the door, she wasn't laughing. She had a blanket over her body, her eyes bloodshot, and her skin pale.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?" He rushed out, he pushed himself inside before she could protest. His shoes kicked off as he began to rub her arms.

"Just sick." She shrugged, it wasn't a whole lie. She technically was throwing up.

"Oh, baby." He said, wrapping his arms around her. She cursed at herself for melting in his arms. For sneaking an inhale of his scent and shuddering against his hard body. His facial hair scratched across her forehead as he planted a kiss.

"Let's get you back in bed and I'll make you some soup." He said. She almost wanted to laugh at the irony. Here he was, acting like a perfect caring partner. But he didn't want that with her.

She didn't say a word, trying her best to push her feelings aside. She was moving away from him.

After Eddie tucked her in, he walked down to her kitchen. He tried to remember the few times he was over and watched her cook. As the soup heated on the stove, he looked around. His eyes caught black and white photos. Curiosity took over as he grabbed the photos.

His stomach twisted in uncomfortable ways, all tied in knots as he took in the ultrasound. She was pregnant.

He knew it wasn't right to be mad at her, but he was clenching every part of his body. He knew getting involved with a younger girl was a dumb idea, and it was even dumber to fall for her.

He grabbed the pictures, turned off the stove, and marched upstairs. He knew he should be calm down and not make her feel worse, but he couldn't.

"Where's the soup?" She asked, her teasing smile fell when she saw him holding the pictures.

"What the fuck is this?" He snapped, she felt her body tense at the anger in his voice. She knew he wouldn't be happy about this, but she didn't think he'd look so pissed.

"Ultrasound pictures." She said quietly, she feared for what would come next.

"That's why you've been avoiding me? Because you've been pregnant with some other bastard's baby?" He growled, angrily throwing the pictures at the bottom of her bed. He wasn't sure what the feeling was in his stomach, but the thought of some other boy being with her, inside of her, and connecting himself to her made him sick.

But that's not what she expected.

"What!" She was shocked. She didn't think for a second Eddie would think she was off sleeping around. She didn't think he was, but now she felt sick thinking about that too.

"You could have been honest and told me to fuck off. Instead, you have me chasing you, and now I look like an idiot." He argued.

"I've been avoiding you because the baby is yours." She said, simple and straight to it. She watched as his angry act dropped. His eyes are wide and his jaw is open.

"Fuck, I'm sorry." Eddie sighed, he felt guilty for getting so mad at her.

"I didn't say anything because I know you never wanted kids and I couldn't handle you hating me." Her sad voice broke his heart.

"Oh baby," he sighed, he walked over to the side of the bed. He dropped to his knees and held her hand.

"I need to be honest with you." He said, she swallowed nervously.

"My ex and I weren't exactly in love. We were two people living together. I didn't want kids and we got divorced. I figured I wouldn't want kids with anyone, but you changed that." He explained, Y/N was confused, and he could see that.

"I've been too nervous to ask you out because I figured you wouldn't want a future with someone who's kinda ahead of you. You're so young, and I figured you wouldn't want to settle down with a guy who couldn't give you a family. But I did." She felt her heart race as his voice got stuck in his throat. His brown eyes filled with water.

She squeezed his hand and he kissed her skin.

"I fell in love with you. And I've spent so many nights dreaming of having little versions of us running around. I adore you and I want even more of you. To have one more of you or as many as three. Be connected to you for the rest of my life." His words caused her eyes to water as well. She feared he wouldn't want the baby or her. But hearing he dreamed of both filled her with so much hope.

"I love you too." She smiled, sniffling as he smiled back.

"Let's have a baby!" He cheered, his tears falling as he cupped her cheeks.

"A baby!" She repeated, laughing as Eddie smothered her face in kisses.

Eddie pressed his lips against hers, his hands covering her cheeks. She kissed back, her hands on her lap as she melted into him.

"Gonna be the best dad ever, promise." He whispered against her lips.

"I know you will be, Munson."

Tags!

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[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 156 (Lady Ravendancer's Secret)

"That's my great-grandmother, Lady Ravendancer," Mortimer confirmed.

"And that guy kinda looks like Malcolm, don't you think? He's got the same angry look on his face, anyway." Holly grimaced at the mention of Ash's father. "Isn't Lady Ravendancer wearing the medallion Heather and Spencer saw in the Selvadorada museum? That was inscribed for her by a Malcolm A. Landgraab!"

"Where in the book did you find these?" Mortimer studied the photographs, which had no writing on the back. "Judging by the style, it looks like they're from the 1920s."

"I didn't get a good look at the page before I noticed the pictures. But it was near the back I think. The 'unstable spells' section. Declassify? Does that sound right?"

Cassandra and River joined the excitement over the discovered photos. "What if Lady Ravendancer was having an affair and learned about the Landgraab curse?" suggested Cass. She'd studied occult lore in high school and knew a little about different spells. "She was a good-hearted sorceress, right? What if she died trying to decursify her Landgraab lover, but it backfired?"

"It would mean the curse isn't just a story, and the necklace Heather and Spencer found in the jungle isn't a hoax." They looked quietly at their hands as River spoke. "Who's going to be the one to tell Heather while she's going through a custody fight?"

"Maybe...maybe we should wait," Holly suggested carefully. "At least until she and Conrad get custody back. I know how much Heather values the truth, but Mom says she's been really depressed lately. The clinic's about to shut down for a few weeks for final renovations, so she won't have anything else to think about if we tell her now."

"If we hold off, it'll give me more time to look into this," suggested Mortimer. "I want to make sure that's really the same Malcolm A. Landgraab whose name was on the necklace in the jungle, and I want to know if there's more I can find to confirm the way she died."

They agreed to wait as they left the library, making their way to the Gothic mansion in Mortimer's family name. "Maybe I can convince you to move here if you see the place up close," he said to Karl.

They stepped inside, overcome by the scent of dust and mothballs, but still awed by the classic old furnishings. They moved from room to room, examining the dark but luxurious abode.

"If no one lives here, who left the cooking ingredients on the dining room table?" Michael asked his dad. "Is it a ghost?"

River truly had no idea, but he erred on the side of reality with a frown. "Maybe someone working for Goth x was in the place recently."

"This old house belongs to Mom's family?"

"It does. It might even be older than our house back in Henford."

Upstairs, Mortimer and Cassandra had found an old chess set in a bedroom. "A match for old time's sake?" he suggested, and Cassandra offered a polite smile.

"Sure, dad. Red or black?"

"You can choose."

Cassandra chose black - her favourite colour - and Mortimer arranged his red pieces on the other side of the board. They played their first few moves in silence, and Cassandra watched her father while he looked carefully at the checked squares. He was better with writing; she'd have to be the one to speak first.

"I was never angry at you for leaving. I just wanted to make sure Mom was okay and then River and I got married and I moved to Henford. It's not that I haven't wanted to spend more time with you. But I feel like you don't want to call."

"I do want to call, but I never really addressed it with any of you. I know Dexter best through updates from your mother."

"So why don't you change that? I heard you and Karl talking about retirement, and you can write anywhere. I know for a fact Dexter wishes he had the kind of memories with you that Alex and I do."

"I invited him on this trip, but he said he was going camping with his girlfriend."

"When it's time to tell Heather the truth, go to Brindleton Bay and get to know him better. We've all forgiven you for the affair, and none of us misunderstood why you moved out, but you're the one whose stayed away since."

"She's right." Karl emerged in the room at the top of the stairs with Cass' youngest son, Sammy, taking a seat on the edge of the perfectly-made bed. "I think I could retire here, you know. I think I want to call in a ghost hunter before we might move in, but you were right when you said the place is big enough for family to come visit. It might not feel as far away as I think."

While Mortimer and Karl considered the logistics of such a move upstairs, Holly and Kris were getting fresh air with their girls outside.

"I think I need to go to Brindleton Bay for Heather," announced Holly. "Hopefully she'll get Ash back in the custody hearing, but Mom thinks Heather's really struggling."

"I still can't believe the Landgraabs did this."

"I know. If I ever set eyes on Malcolm I'll..." Holly glanced cautiously at their daughters. "I think I should take Betta for a few months to make sure she's coping with the baby coming and Lavender running wild. I can afford the time off work, and Betta's not in school yet."

Kris had never argued with his wife because they'd been on the same wavelength since they started dating in high school, and to her latest announcement, he nodded easily. "Tetra and I can take care of things in the city while you're gone."

Though the family had spent a nice vacation learning secrets and lore, their trip couldn't last forever, and it was time for the narrative to circle back to the main household, anyway. ->

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Gen 1 Start | Gen 1 Summary

WCIF Poses & Sims: Malcolm A. (for Admiral) Landgraab and Lady Ravendancer Goth are posed with @nefaricussims' Moment of Peace and @starrysimsie's You and Me posepacks in the jazz club (the shot from the teaser post on the weekend was also from this pack), and with @simmerianne93's Couple poses 02 on the beach.

Many living versions of Lady Ravendancer Goth are up on the Gallery, but I grabbed one from user DarkChadmeister. For Malcolm A. Landgraab, I downloaded a Gallery-submitted version of the Landgraab sailor of Sims lore. But in my head the boating admiral was Malcolm Admiral Landgraab's father and looked a little more like a gentleman than this swashbuckler. Malcolm A., who called himself "Admiral," went out west to become a successful rancher in my headcanon, and I gave the upload by Levkoni red hair - a Landgraab trait until they started marrying blondes!

I changed some of their outfits in CAS, but I'm so grateful people put stuff like this on the Gallery. Otherwise, I'd have to play through the tarot collection of spend lifetime points on it before getting my own Lady Ravendancer in-game, and I love players who go to the trouble of creating and uploading minor lore characters I want to use but don't want to make myself!