#so i got uncomfortable eating around her. and then it snowballed

[sleepysuburb]

ed brain is so so stupid and cringe because why did my coworker offer me doughnuts and my instinctive thought was that she was maliciously trying to sabotage me

[theriu]

River Reads Midnight Sun

Chapter 2: Open Book

In which Edward faces his fears and spends an agonizing amount of time hyperfixating on Bella.

<-Chapter 1

So we jump into chapter two AND next week, as it has been six days since Edward (shockingly) succeeded in leaving town forever (citation needed)! He is chilling (ha) in a snowbank, staring up at the stars, which are truly magnificent. Or he knows they would be, except he can't quite see anything except Bella's face. Yes, the girl has haunted him straight to (checks location on a map) oh he's in ALASKA, okay! I wasn't sure where Denali was, but I was PRETTY sure even Edward couldn't drive a car to Russia. (You'll see why I considered Russia in a minute.)

Anyway, the "unremarkable" face of this girl he's literally never spoken to directly has been haunting him for six days, which is indeed troubling. While he is brooding on this, the thoughts of a new character come leaping towards him. This is where we meet Tanya, a vampire with silver skin, blonde-but-almost-pink curly hair, amber eyes, and full lips. Mary Sue Tanya is stunning and exquisite, at least from Ed's memory, since he still can't see past the face permanently branded on his eyeballs.

So anyway, Mary Sue Tanya does a cannonball into Ed's snowbank, burying him alive with snow but not burying the image of Bella. It becomes clear that she has been crushing on Ed and is sad he will be leaving soon and doesn't return her affections, although he is very polite and gentlemanly about it.

(Honestly, I liked her well enough until we got to the "I'm not used to rejection" line, and then she starts sifting through the memories of all her human male conquests next to the actual mind reader who she is attracted to, to which I say WOMAN REALLY??? I don't think making the guy you like EVEN MORE UNCOMFORTABLE than he's already admitted you kinda make him is an effective way to gain his affections?!)

ANYWAY, thankfully they get off THAT subject quickly and have a really quite nice conversation, wherein Ed apologizes for getting her hopes up by coming to her home territory and Tanya tries to be a good friend. We see a mention of her "long-lost Russian accent," thus my uncertainty about location, and she tells him she knows he won't keep running from his mystery problem because he's the type who faces things head-on. Mary Sue TANYA then runs away across the snow, so light and fast she doesn't even leave footprints, suggesting a connection between vampires and wood elves.

Encouraged by this pep talk, Gary Stu Edward also gets up and runs footprintless across the snow, determined to be brave and go back and face those "bewildered chocolate-brown eyes," and hopefully not eat the girl attached to them.

SCENE CHANGE!

Edward's back in town, and his three vampire siblings/classmates are huddled around him as they head into the lunchroom, being quite adorably protective, honestly. Alice is trying to foresee any problematic eventualities, Jasper thinks it's funny that EDWARD is the one everyone's fretting over instead of him, Emmett is acting like a bodyguard, and Ed is just exasperated with all of them.

To his surprise, nobody at school is thinking about them, suggesting that Bella didn’t blab about his black murderstare from last chapter. After all, a normal human would have asked around about it, because humans and especially teens all like to feel NORMAL and FIT IN and be a "featureless flock of sheep" and WOW, should I be more annoyed at Ed or the author for this intense bias against high schoolers?! But of course Bella isn't like those OTHER kids, she doesn't do things like talk to people when something weird happens!

About this time, Bella walks in and Alice is all, "Act human!" To which Emmett responds by taking out the snowball he compressed into an ice chunk with his superstrength and chucking it at Alice, who casually deflects it across the room at superspeed, where it cracks a brick. This does, ironically, draw attention away from them. Everyone is annoyed at Emmett, which is fair, but also, ALICE COULDN'T YOU HAVE JUST CAUGHT IT INSTEAD OF POTENTIALLY SHOOTING SOMEONE?

Ahem. So Bella's in the lunch line, and Mike Newton, Regular High School Guy And Insignificant Human Rival, is worried about her. Ed starts also worrying about if she might be sickly, what with her translucent skin. (Are we 100% sure BELLA is human?!) The vampires do a slightly better job of acting natural, and Edward decides to refer to Bella as “Bella” and not just "the girl,” "as if she were the only girl in the world," which is HILARIOUS considering where we all know this is going!

After eavesdropping on Bella and Jessica whispering about him looking at her (Bella thinks he's mad at her, after the whole murderstare incident), Bella hunkers under her hair and avoids eye contact, although Ed thinks she keeps twitching like she WANTS to look at him. Then, at long last, lunch ends and everyone starts going to class. There is another internal struggle while Ed reviews what all of his vampire family members have advised about this situation. (Emmett sounding the least helpful, as he has apparently encountered two such delicious-smelling-people incidents that... uh... sound like they did NOT go well?) But Ed is determined to prove to himself that he has the self-control to sit through biology without murdering Bella, so off he goes.

(By the way, Rosalie complains she doesn't want to have to move because they're almost finally out of high school. Again, why are you pretending to be high school students?! It's not like you'll age whether you're there or not?! HOW DOES THIS HELP YOUR COVER??)

Edward gets to Biology to find Bella at their table, doodling randomly. He decides to introduce himself. He gets briefly lost in gratuitously detailed descriptions of her eyeballs and how they are simultaneously like chocolate and strong tea, and how could anyone so frail be deserving of his unwarranted hatred last week? He's also holding his breath, but has enough air in his longs for a reasonably lengthy conversation AND a short laugh, during which Bella is... surprised/startled that he called her Bella? Because her dad introduced her to everyone as Isabella? But she's apparently told multiple people since she got here that she prefers Bella? So he probably could have learned that even without his super vampire eavesdropping powers? WHY is this weird enough to be suspicious, and HOW does it indicate she is intuitive?

Well, the book and Ed believe she is insightful and intuitive, so I guess we should just go with it. Ed does eventually needs to breath so he can talk, and even though just breathing through his mouth is like tasting the FIERY COALS of her deliciousness, and their brief moment of making skin contact is like an ELECTRIC SHOCK, he manages to continue acting normal.

By the way, along with being unconventionally if lopsidedly pretty and smelling delicious, Bella was also in advanced-placement biology at her previous school and Knows Science! Edward realizes this must mean she is ESPECIALLY intelligent for a human, which of course makes perfect sense. After all, she was the first student in two years to look him in the eye long enough to notice they'd changed from the Murderstare Incident's I'm-going-to-eat-you black to today's calmer I'm-probably-not-going-to-eat-you-except-by-accident amber/gold! My friends, may I remind you this man previously admitted he has two medical degrees, a thing that probably required some amount of physically attending college. I really wonder if Ed's standards would be more realistic if he ever once SOCIALIZED WITH HIS HUMAN CLASSMATES.

In an effort to maintain normalcy, they talk about the weather. Bella does not like the cold and wet of Forks. She clearly does not like being in Forks at all. She is vague and grumpy about why she came here, and Edward is so obsessed curious that he may implode (this is the actual word used). We learn (agonizingly slowly) that her mom remarried—and no, Edward, Bella DOES like the guy, he's nice and a minor-league baseball player; and no, Edward, her mom DIDN'T send her here, SHE sent HERSELF here so her mom could happily travel with her step-dad rather than unhappily stay home with her! Ed is certain by now that Bella "isn't like other humans" because he keeps guessing her story arcs wrong and she's just so CONFUSING and UNPREDICTABLE, and this can't possibly be because he's about 100 years out of practice having a normal conversation without a cheat code into the other person's brain.

(Okay, to be fair, there are at LEAST two moments of self-awareness where Ed wonders if he'd be this bad at reading everybody without his mindreading powers. We should give him points for that.)

But despite his difficulties, he DOES figure out that Bella is unhappy, mostly by her sending out signals that a rhino could decipher. When he confronts her with this observation, her response is, "So?" And after meditating on this for an unusually brief paragraph, Ed realizes THE ANSWER:

"She was selfless."

I'm sorry, guys, I need to break for a second, that's the first part that made me laugh out loud. Can someone lend me a combine to harvest all this corn.

(Side Note: As previously stated, I have not read the books or watched the movies, so I could be biased by the negative side of the fanbase. But my general impression of Bella has not lent itself to "selflessness." BUT, it is only chapter two and I am only going off of general hearsay! The amount of poorly concealed disgruntlement is not impressing me, though.)

Anyway, Ed guesses that she doesn't really like her situation but doesn't want people to KNOW she doesn't like it. He continues to marvel at how positively he feels towards this girl, how discerning she is, how *cough* selfless she is, not like an "average martyr" who would actually tell someone she's not 100% happy with her SACRIFICE. Bella gets annoyed, which Ed finds amusing, so there's another adjective for the list. But then she says she's annoyed because she's so easy to read, and Edward can't believe this, because he's never had to work so hard to read someone before! Again, this couldn't possibly be because she's the first person in 100+ years whose mind he can't read!

By the way, Bella also seems to be oblivious immune to the usual red flags normal humans feel around vampires! Ed tries smiling dangerously at her, but the teacher breaks up their conversation with actual classtime, so he gets to angst for a few paragraphs about why he shouldn't find this girl interesting and how dangerous this is for her and yet how MUCH he wants to know more about her. And also trying not to kill her when her thick, black hair flips in his direction and drives his vampire nose bananas.

He books it as soon as the bell rings, having survived the encounter without murdering anyone but with so many new questions about this unremarkable, shy, frail, unmindreadable-yet-highly-face-readable, delicious-smelling, selfless, quietly disgruntled human girl.

(Side Note: I have learned a new word!

"Attar—a fragrant essential oil, typically made from rose petals."

Ex: "Again, I gasped at the clean, wet air outside as though it was a healing attar."

*loud sighing noises*)

So after that brief break, he goes to class with Emmett. Emmett, IMMENSELY HELPFUL EMMETT, asks how it went, questions if it wouldn't be easier to just get it over with, reassures Ed that everyone would understand if he messed up (GIVING IN IS NOT THE SAME AS "MESSING UP," EMMETT), and then vividly visualizes a time he experienced a really good-smelling woman and ate her. Between his earlier blasé-ness about not "wallowing in guilt" over past mistakes and this section's lack of anything indicating regret about that incident, I take back any nice things I might have said about this guy. Emmett, YOU. ARE. THE WORST.

It's so bad that Ed has to bolt out of class AGAIN, although it doesn't help that Emmett follows him and continues to suggest maybe Ed should just get it over with if it's so bad, can Alice or somebody please come punch him. Ed finally gets him to leave and hides in his car. Then, "like an addict" (his own words), he searches the whole school for thoughts about Bella. From his car. My GUY, just how UNREASONABLY powerful ARE your mind radar skills???

He finally locates Bella in gym class, because Mike, who is mad about Ed talking to her, is thinking in logical, complete sentences (as one does) about how satisfied he is that Bella doesn't seem interested in Edward. He also conveniently remembers her asking "what was with" Edward last Monday (after the Deathstare Incident). So apparently Bella isn't QUITE abnormal unique enough to stay totally silent when she encounters a weird thing (not that Edward notices). Ed's response to his annoyance over Mike's satisfaction is to blast "violent music," which seems the opposite of helpful to me.

We end the chapter with Bella coming out of school and heading to her rusty old truck while Ed watches her creepily from his car. She almost hits another student's car when she locks eyes with him, and Ed has to laugh at her sudden increased driving vigilance, as if she might be DANGEROUS! Because of course it's RIDICULOUS to think that BELLA could be dangerous to ANYONE in ANY vehicle, as if the driver's physical frailty has any bearing on the damage a truck can do when crashing into cars or non-vampires at speed.

AND SCENE!

I'm gonna be honest, guys, that one was a couple degrees more agonizing than the first chapter. I dread how much more I'm going to hear about Ed's conflicting desires to eat Bella and be attracted to her simultaneously average yet fascinating allure. She's just so unusually unique and smart and intuitive and selfless and shy and frail and inspires protective instincts, you see, and she's not like ANY OTHER human he's ever encountered, even though we have evidence now that sometimes certain vampires just find certain humans irresistibly delicious, and we can probably extrapolate that those humans were somehow immune to vampire powers, too.

I also highly question Bella's above-average "martyrdom," considering she dropped her guard pretty fast around the cute stranger and basically broadcasted how unhappy she is with her decision, which makes it feel a bit like she did what she did so she could feel good about herself rather than because it was the best thing to do? Being selfless doesn't mean COMPLETELY ignoring your own needs, or justify using your good deed as an excuse to have a poor attitude. Of course, considering that half her traits that Ed notices and marvels over are actually fairly normal, I don't think any of us feel a strong need to trust his assessments of her character.

Next up is CHAPTER THREE: RISK. I'm sure it will feature Edward being very level-headed and undramatic. I think I need to build my endurance back up for this one. (And thanks for the likes and comments so far, they really help keep me motivated! =D)

Chapter 3->

[allthingsfangirl101]

AFS Chapter 6: First Date Awkwardness

Masterlist

The two got ready in their separate apartments. Neither one of them was sure about how they should be feeling. Evelyn has gone on "business dates" before. These dates usually were with casting directors or producers who were trying to sweet-talk her into taking a movie role.

Joe, on the other hand, couldn't remember the last time he went on a date. He normally talked to a girl at a bar, bought her a couple of drinks, and ended the night at her place. He'd wake up the next morning, leave while she was still sleeping, and never talk or see her again. This date with Evelyn was different. He was supposed to go, be a gentleman, talk to her, flirt with her, and make her and everyone around them believe that he was crazy about her. More importantly, he needed to convince people that she was crazy about him. It was a lot of pressure. Mainly because the girl he was going on a date with was Evelyn Jones, Hollywood's favorite actress. And he was Hollywood's drunkest actor.

Not many people wanted him to. . . influence her.

Joe wanted to make sure he wasn't late so he did the opposite. He got there almost twenty minutes early. He sat at their table, nervously bouncing his knee. He kept checking the door, holding his breath every time a woman walked in.

Finally, Evelyn walked in. Joe instantly stood up and fixed his suit coat as she approached the table.

"You're early," she teased. Joe cleared his throat as he moved to the other chair and pulled it out for her.

"I didn't want to be late," he said, oddly relieved she showed up. "Plus, Andrew would've killed me if I was late."

"I would've killed you if you were late," she chuckled as she sat down.

Joe wiped his suddenly clammy hands on his pants as he returned to his seat and sat down. The two stared at each other, awkwardness thickening between them.

Evelyn looked down at the menu, not feeling as awkward as Joe was feeling. He tried to decide what he wanted to eat but he couldn't resist the urge he had to look up at Evelyn.

"Don't worry," she said, not looking up from the menu. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Sorry," he laughed awkwardly. "I just. . . I'm not much of a dater."

"Really? I couldn't tell," Evelyn teased. She put down the menu and smirked at him. When she saw the nerves he was trying to hide, her smirk softened.

"Relax, Joe," she said, lowering her voice. "It's like I said the other day, I'm in this. But only. . ."

"If I play my part," Joe finished. He almost missed Evelyn's change at his statement.

"If you take this seriously," she corrected as she grabbed her menu and had a harder time reading through the entrees.

Joe watched her, going back over what he said. He tried to figure out what he had said that made her shift. He focused on her but she kept her focus on the menu.

The awkwardness became suffocating for both of them. Joe wanted to say something to try and lessen it, but he couldn't think of anything. He didn't want Evelyn to feel uncomfortable, but he didn't know how he could fix it.

Evelyn could feel it too. This time, it did bother her. She glanced up at Joe to see him drumming his fingers on the menu.

"You know what we need?" Evelyn asked, smiling when Joe looked at her. "Alcohol."

Joe laughed as he raised his hand to get the waiter's attention.

"I'm on it."

* * * * *

A few drinks in and things had changed. Not drastically, but the two started to relax. They agreed to forget about the setup and to just have dinner. They talked about the typical things that two actors talk about on a date; their careers.

"I did a few little things before Stranger Things," Joe was explaining when the waiter brought their meals. "Things kind of exploded after that, I guess. Nothing like your career, though."

Evelyn just shrugged as she took another drink of her wine. "To be honest," she sighed, "it kind of snowballed."

"Snowballed?"

"You know," she explained, "it starts off small but picks up speed and gets bigger and bigger until it's almost uncontrollable."

Joe watched as she played with the food on her plate, not really eating. He studied her, trying to find a way to start this conversation differently. In a way that made Evelyn more comfortable.

"Which do you like better," Joe started to say the most cliché thing he could think of, "being in action movies or romance?"

"Action," Evenly said instantly.

"Not romance?" Joe teased.

"This is going to sound extremely conceded," she sighed.

"I have no right to judge," he smirked. He smiled when Evelyn relaxed a little more.

"Whenever I do a romance movie, the actor I'm working with tends to. . . have trouble separating real life from the movie."

"Oh," he elongated. When Evelyn had the courage to look up at Joe, he wasn't smirking or laughing. He was smiling at her.

"I understand."

"You do?" Evelyn stuttered.

"Of course," Joe said with a small shrug. "I could see why a costar would have a hard time separating fake feelings and real feelings for you. You're the kind of girl guys fall in love with. Constantly and easily."

Evelyn had a hard time understanding this conversation. Understanding Joe, actually.

"Can I. . . Nevermind."

"It's okay," Joe shrugged. "Ask me."

"Your reputation doesn't match the real you, Joe," she sighed. "I just mean. . . The you that your fans see isn't the real you. At least not the you that I've met."

"Well, the me you first met was a lot like the me my fans see," Joe tried to tease.

"Yeah," Evelyn stuttered. "But that's not the real you. I've seen the real you, Joe. Why don't you let the rest of the world see this version of you?"

"I don't know," Joe shrugged, being honest. "When I first moved here, I was a little too focused on getting my name out there. It seemed like the best way to do it was by being in the headlines. And the quickest way to do that was to have a reputation."

"And you chose a bad reputation?"

"It was easier," Joe said, flushed with embarrassment. Evelyn was the complete opposite of him. She had a good career that took off in the right direction. People would do anything to work with her. People loved her.

And all he was doing was pulling her reputation down where his was.

"Just because that's how you got your reputation, doesn't mean that has to be the way you keep it," Evelyn said, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"You really think I can change how people see me?"

"Of course," Evelyn shrugged. "You just need to show people the version of yourself that you don't let people see. The real you."

[nesquik-arccheron]

Me, You and Mistletoe

I did not plan of writing this today, but apparently wine and hallmark movies really puts me in the mood to write Christmas fanfic. This turned out a little more angsty than intended, but the Christmas fluff is still there. Sorry for any mistakes or spelling errors, I’ve had more wine then I want to admit. A friend of mine does this little trick every year and I love it, she was my inspiration for this! AO3 LINK

SUMMARY: When Rhysand’s company throws their annual Christmas party, Cassian is determined to get a kiss (on the cheek) from every women by the end of the night. The only one who isn’t biting is Nesta.

Christmas time, it was the season of corny love songs, cuddling by the fire and binge watching those hallmark specials you’ve seen a hundred times while eating your weight in chocolate. It was decorations that took over every inch of your apartment, hot chocolate and snowball fights, long walks at night in subzero temperatures with loved ones, and mistletoe. Especially mistletoe. A chance run in with a secret crush, or a deliberate cornering of your significant other, either way, it always ended up the same. With a kiss.

But as always, especially with Nesta, there were always exceptions to the rules.

Nesta was in awe as she stepped through the doors and into the conference space of the ritzy hotel Rhysand had booked for this event. Feyre had done an amazing job, only frantically calling Nesta once to cry about how the blue curtains would clash with the decor she had picked out. Looking now, it seemed her sister's new husband had taken care of that minute detail.

Red gauzy curtains were hung from the floor to ceiling windows, accented by rows and rows of thick garland that ran across every inch of the heavily decorated space. Lights were hung and falling from the ceiling like drifts of snow from the sky, the main light fixtures were dimmed, giving the space a warm glowing feeling. Extravagant centrepieces adorned every table, the place setting were labelled and set with the most luxurious dinner wear. A DJ had situated himself at the front of the room in front of a makeshift dance floor, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was playing softly from the speakers as to not muffle any conversations. The finishing touch was the springs of holly scattered around the room.

She grabbed a drink before heading over to the group at the front of the room, she had purposefully made sure to arrive fifteen minutes late, as to not have to go through the awkward niceties as guests arrived. Contrary to popular belief, Christmas was Nesta’s favourite time of year. The cozy sweaters, the cold weather giving reason to stay indoors to read, excuses aplenty to see her friends and skip out of responsibilities to shop, all in the name of the season. She loved the aesthetic, the lights and warm fire, cozy decorations, holiday drinks, and the food, especially the food.

What Nesta hated was the social events that came with it. Make no mistake, Nesta loved a reason to dress up, to put on more makeup than usual, spend more time fixing her long thick hair into large curls, to don the beautiful red dress she knew accented her best assets. It was the large crowds, mindless forced conversation, the pressure to put on a happy face, to not let on that she was uncomfortable that haunted what excitement she held. She knew by the end of the night she would be crawling into bed, exhausted, not from the dancing, but from the energy it took to appear normal.

She finished the flute of champagne and grabbed another before running a hand over her sister's shoulder in greeting. Feyre’s eyes brightened, “You made it!”

“Of course I did, I work for your husband, I have to be here,” Nesta said, hoping it came out as jokingly as she intended. But she was never good with tone.

“Oh quiet, I got your favourite holiday treats, so hush up,” her youngest sister shot back, smirking at Nesta. She inhaled, unable to disguise the twinkle in her eye.

“Gingerbread cakes with cream cheese icing, peppermint balls, Eggnog crème brûlée?” Feyre nodded in succession as Nesta listed off her most beloved Christmas favourites.

“And…” She pushed, causing Nesta to inhale at the insinuation.

“Peppermint macarons?”

“Oh yeah,” Feyre said proudly, “Right from Madam Lesandra’s.”

Madam Lesandra’s was the best and most authentic French restaurant in Velaris. It was their mother's favourite place to take them before she died, insisting to visit every year around Christmas to indulge in the most delicious peppermint macarons that ever graced Nesta’s tastebuds. They were not only mouthwatering, but they reminded her of her mother. They had never completely seen eye to eye, her and her mother, but it was a bittersweet memory that she allowed herself to indulge in once a year. Allowing the pain to mix with the joy of a happy memory.

Nesta allowed their heads to touch, the closest thing to a hug she would give either of her sisters, “You really thought of everything.”

“She did,” Rhysand said, coming up behind his wife, wrapping her in his arms, “She did an amazing job.”

Feyre squealed as he kissed her neck and Nesta looked away, refusing to give name to the painful tightening of her heart as Feyre squealed, Rhys whispering praises into her ear. She was happy for her sister, she was, for both of them, but…

“You know, I helped too,” came the voice of the one person she wished to avoid, “I was the main coordinator of the holly garlands,” Cassian boasted.

“Which is why a lot of them are falling down,” Azriel noted, rolling his eyes as Cassian flipped him off.

“He was surprisingly enthusiastic about it,” Mor whispered warily, sipping from her now empty wine glass, “I’d be careful walking near or under them, he probably rigged them to do something that will have him hanging by his balls by the end of the night.”

“I’m sure it will add a nice accent to the decor,” Nesta bemoaned.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Cassian’s voice cut across their conversation, turning towards the bar, grabbing onto something, waving it around so fast she couldn’t quite make out what it was.

“The missing decoration,” he presented it to them like it was a first prize trophy, instead of just a simple sprig of mistletoe.

“This year, I’m going to get a kiss from every lady at the party,” he announced, wiggling the mistletoe over Feyre’s head playful, “Come on, Fey, give ol’ Cassian a kiss.”

Feyre giggle as she planted one wet kiss on Cassian’s cheek, deepening it as he picked her up, squeezing her tightly to him in his iconic bear hug.

“Wish my wife kissed me with such enthusiasm,” Rhys pouted.

“Awww, is little Rhysie jealous that his wife enjoys kissing me more than him,” Cassian teased, releasing a now squirming Feyre from his grip. He gagged as Feyre planted a sloppy, tongue heavy kiss on her husband's mouth, causing the others to make collective gagging sounds.

“Hey Mor, what do you say, take pity on your old friend?” Cassian now focusing his attention on his childhood friend.

Mor did not look as amused, but rolled her eyes, “I guess I can spare one kiss, in the spirit of the holiday.” Mor placed a gentle kiss on his right cheek, leaving a bright red stain from her lipstick against the skin there. Nesta wanted to wipe it off, annoyed when he had left it there to set.

Nesta knew what was coming next as he looked to her, she glared back, daring him.

“Nesta!” Came a shriek from behind her, two very freckled arms pulling her back into her chest before she could realize what happened.

“Careful Gwyn, don’t break her,” Emerie said as she approached, Lucien and Elain following a few feet behind them.

“It’s been a whole three weeks since I last saw any of you, don’t blame me for being excited,” she huffed, kissing her best friends cheek. Gwyn had been out of town, her musical theatre group had been on the road the past few weeks, performing all over the country, but had taken a break to enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.

“Well, since we are dolling out kisses, how about one for your favourite brother Gwyn?” Cassian suggested, wiggling the mistletoe above his head. Gwyn did not hesitate and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him, smacking him on his cheek with her lips.

“Cassian is getting more action from our girls than we are,” Azriel grumbled, “You give him a kiss before your own boyfriend, I haven’t seen you in just as long, even Nesta got one before me.”

Gwyn grinned, eyeing up her boyfriend, “Awwww, is Azzy upset he didn’t get a kiss from his girlfriend,” she said, mocking him in a high pitched baby voice as she leapt into his arms. Azriel instinctively caught her, but he didn’t miss the mischievous glint in her eye as she pressed her lips against his, making a show of forcing her tongue into his mouth. Cassian bellowed a laugh, enjoying the embarrassed look on his brother's face. Nesta gave him a sympathetic look, but it felt short as she couldn't stop the edge of her lip tilting up amusingly.

“Can’t help it if I just have a way with the ladies you don’t,” Cassian explained.

“Oh yeah, is that why you are the only one without a date?” Azriel shot back, wrapping an arm around Gwyn to make a point.

Cassian shook his head, “No one woman can contain this, right Emerie?” His question came with a dramatic wave of mistletoe over his head.

Emerie gave him an amused look, “You don’t have that kind of effect on this type of girl, big boy.”

“I’m going to get a kiss from every woman here, even get me a little something from Gladys over there,” he explained, sending a wink across the room to their seventy-year-old co-worker. Gladys waved, kissing her hand and blowing it towards him. Cassian pretended to catch it and hold it to his heart, “Besides, Mor did it.”

The shorter of the two looked to her girlfriend, eyebrow raised in question. Mor shrugged, “It’s kind of his thing this year, indulge him if you dare.”

Emerie evaluated him, not deeming Cassian a threat she walked to him, placing her lips gently against him, right before licking a long strip up his cheek. In true Cassian fashion, he let out a loud yelp of surprise as his friend retreated, “Did you lick me?”

“The closest thing you’re going to get to a tonging tonight, Cassie boy,” the group laughed, Azriel and Emerie sharing an inconspicuous high five.

“Guess I need to change that,” Cassian rebuffed, a cool smile slowly crossing his face as he looked to Nesta.

“You know, mistletoe is toxic. I’m not sure if you can become ill by proxy, but I think it must be affecting your brain function if you believe you will be getting a kiss from me,” she replied tightly, downing the remainder of her drink and setting the now empty glass onto the bar top.

“Gods Nesta, I love it when you talk dirty,” Cassian breathed. He didn’t look surprised by her reply, but he defiantly took it as a challenge, one she refused to let him win.

A mischievous smile formed on her face as an idea came to mind. She quickly dug into her purse and cheered silently as she came in contact with the one object that would aid her in getting out of this situation, “You know what, Cassian, I’ll give you a kiss.” The group went silent, varying expressions of shock married her friends and family’s faces. Only Azriel and Emerie looked suspicious at her sudden change of heart.

Cassian on the other hand, looked like Christmas had come early. “Close your eyes,” she hummed, attempting to look as innocent as possible. It only caused her friends to grow more concerned, but no one interrupted, clearly intrigued by what she was about to do.

Cassian had always shown interest in Nesta, unabashedly flirting with her whenever the change arouse. Nesta, while never deliberately pushing him away, made her annoyance known at every opportunity, which only made Cassian chase after her even more like a starved animal.

Nesta would never admit how their sparing matches sparked a feeling in her she constantly had to smother.

She knew what was coming next, but she couldn’t stop the blush that rose to her cheeks as he leaned in, almost falling over with eagerness. She let him anticipate the kiss a moment longer, taking a step closer to him, trying not to notice the smell of Cinnamon and spice that hung off of his skin. Before she could let herself be sucked in by his scent, she pulled out the object from her clutch, popping the object between his lips.

Cassian’s eyes blinked open in confusion, taking the object from his mouth while his friends let out amused chuckles as he inspected the object. “What is this?!”

“Why, Cassian, it’s exactly what you asked for, a kiss,” she smiled smugly, accepting the pat of her shoulder from Rhysand, proud enough not to flinch away from the gesture.

“Not a Hershey kiss,” he pouted. The setback didn’t seem to upset him too much, as he unwrapped the small candy and popped it into his mouth, letting the chocolate melt on his tongue, “You’re not playing fair.”

Nesta felt the corners of her mouth twitch in response to his childish tone, “Of course I am, the mistletoe rule only states you have to forfeit a kiss. It doesn't specify what kind.”

“Mark my words, Archeron,” Cassian began, using the mistletoe to point at her as he backed away, “I will get a kiss from you before the end of the night.”

Nesta finally let the smile fully take form on her face as he walked away, “Challenge accepted.”

—————

Nesta had found herself enjoying the party more than she had thought. Feyre had poured over the menu for this event for days, mulling over the long lists of dinner options from the caterer, changing the menu three times before finally deciding on the chicken with a vegan option for those who wanted it. Nesta downed every bit of it, almost tempted to lick her plate clean if she wasn’t in public. The DJ took all of their requests and she spent most of the time after dinner dancing with Gwyn and Emerie, doing everything in her power to avoid Cassian and his mistletoe. He had caught her again as she made her way to the dance floor, readily awaiting the silver wrapped treat.

“You’ll run out of those eventually,” he declared, backing away with a smile.

“Not likely.”

He did surprisingly well on his promise to get a kiss from almost every lady that night, from his spectacle with Gladys to even cornering Amren at the dessert table. The red handprint on the side of his face proof of his efforts.

He even got a smooch from Helion in HR, which he gladly accepted with fervour.

She would never admit the feeling of jealousy she sometimes felt towards him. What would it be like to move through life with such confidence, seemingly unbothered by what those around you thought?

He smiled so freely and so often she wondered if he was even capable of a frown that was not mocking. She knew of his background, his life before and after meeting his brothers, and she found it breathtaking that he could still appreciate life for what it was, and not become the bitter hell-storm she had allowed herself to become.

She made it a point to keep her distance from the man in the years she had known him, content to allow herself to wallow in whatever pity party she held for herself. Scared of what could happen if she ventured too close to the sun, afraid she would get burned, or worse. Getting sucked into his ever prominent orbit was far more fearsome than any physical damage anyone could inflict upon her.

Digging into her clutch, she counted four chocolate kisses and silently prayed it would be enough to get her through the rest of the night.

It was around nine o’clock before she needed a break, Gwyn having long ago slipped off with Azriel to god knows what after weeks apart, and Emerie looked as if she would combust if she had to spend one more dance without her girlfriend. So she let her go, making an excuse that she was too hot and made her way to the balcony at the back of the conference space.

Nesta let out a sigh as she stepped outside, the cool winter air stinging her heated skin in the best way. She hadn’t realized how much of her energy the party had taken from her until she had a moment to let herself relax. She wondered if it was still too early to duck out, go home, take a hot bath and snuggle up with a book on the couch, but she wouldn’t do that to her sister, this night meant too much to her.

She perked up when she heard footsteps behind her, “Sorry, didn’t know this hiding spot was already occupied.”

“What with the way you have been watching me all night,” she turned, facing him, “I assume you followed me,” she huffed a laugh, watching her breath curl in tendrils in front of her.

Cassian stepped forward and she shuffled through her bag, looking for the candy, “Do you want the Hershey kiss now, or are we going to go through the hold charade of you holding up the mistletoe?”

Something in his eyes told her he truly hadn’t planned to run into her out here, that he was looking to escape just as much as she was.

“Nah, the balcony is a safe zone,” he explained, coming towards the edge but not close enough to her that she would feel the need to back away, that she was crowded, “I didn’t have enough time to hide any mistletoe out here.”

Nesta didn’t watch his expression, he was just as good at hiding his true feelings as she was, but the tone in his voice gave away his distress, “Some party huh, Feyre did an amazing job.”

He was deflecting, she knew it when she saw it but didn’t call it out. “You know how much I love the social scene, but I’ll admit, I am having a good time, Feyre outdid herself this year.”

There was silence as they looked over the city, the faint thump of the music behind them. It was a silence that they both felt comfortable in, one that you would have after knowing someone for a long time, a silence you could sit in forever.

She wondered what had Cassian retreating into the quiet space. He had always seemed to thrive in this scene, soaking up every bit of attention that was offered. He was often the centre of it. She guessed that sometimes even the life of the party needed a break, a moment of reprieve from the noise. She knew all too well what keeping up a mask was like, a smile on your face, and she wondered what other misconceptions she had of him.

“It’s snowing,” Cassian’s voice broke through the silence, and tore Nesta from her thoughts.

“Oh,” she said, a single snowflake landing on her nose, melting in the warmth from her body and causing a shiver to run through her, “So, it is.”

“We should go back inside, you'll freeze,” he told her.

Nesta shook her head, “I’m not ready to go back in, but you can.”

Cassian sighed at her stubbornness, but didn’t push, “Well, if you insist, then at least take my jacket, that dress does nothing to keep you warm.”

She went to protest, but Cassian had already removed the jacket from himself, dropping it over her shoulders. She shivered again, but not from the cold, but the scent coming off the material. His scent. That warm cinnamon scent that had her gripping the jacket closer to her body.

“Um…thanks,” she said awkwardly, unsure of how to properly process the kind gesture. She decided it meant nothing, it was Cassian, he was this way with everyone, she was not special.

There was a time where she enjoyed their little tango, the spiteful flirting, the playful banter produced by the suffocating sexual tension between them. When she felt that spark of something more, something deeper developing between them, she pushed him away, forcing herself on date after date, indulging in one night stands more often than she even cared to, all in the time of wiping Cassian from her mind. It was easier said than done, especially when they worked in the same building, and her little sister being married to the man Cassian considered a brother.

All of her efforts were fruitless, and Cassian never ran, always right there, which irritated her more than ever. Why was she was so content with being miserable was beyond her, maybe it was a sick twisted way of punishing herself, the sick enjoyment of that sting of pain deep down. But it didn’t matter, she didn’t deserve someone like him anyway, and nothing would change that.

Nesta racked her brain for something to say, the lingering awkwardness that hung in the air making her skin crawl. It didn’t use to be like this.

She was grateful when Cassian broke the silence, “So, any Christmas plans, I know Feyre and Rhys are heading to warmer climates this year, and Elain and Lucien are said to be headed to the Vanserra family cabin…”

“You can just ask what sad, depressing plans the pathetically single sister has,” she said more bitterly than intended. She never felt like she needed a man, but the sting of loneliness hit her hard this time of year.

“Well, what does the oh so single and dejected Archeron sister have planned for the holidays?” He asked, smiling as Nesta let out an amused laugh.

She hesitated for a moment before answering, wondering if it was safe to divulge her plans, but if there was one person she could trust, it would be Cassian, “Church,” she blushed and prayed he thought it was just from the cold.

“Church, really?” He asked, no hint of judgement in his voice, just genuine surprise.

“Yes,” she confirmed, looking to the sky, the snow still falling on them in soft clumps, muffling the noise from inside. “I don’t have perfect attendance, but…our mother used to make us go every year. We were never religious, but there just seemed to be something about mass on Christmas that made her happy, it was the only time I’d ever see my mother smile…”

She swallowed a lump in her throat at the admission, her heart squeezing in her chest, and Nesta took in a deep breath to keep the tears from springing into her eyes. No one knew she did this, she had never disclosed this secret to her sisters, preferring to keep something for herself, a single memory just for her.

“I go to the cemetery every year, bring my mother Iris’s, play her Silent Night, it was her favourite Christmas song,” he told her. She was both grateful and irritated. Thankful that he noticed her discomfort and voiced his own uncomfortable plans, but annoyed that he was able to pick up on her unease. It was a trait she both loved and hated about him, his ability to read her so well, even when she tried her hardest to cover it up. Most people couldn’t see past her hard eyes and deadpan expression, but to him, she was an open book, her pages spread out for all to read but only he was able to decipher the language written on the pages.

She didn’t know what to say, she wasn’t like him, never knew the perfect thing to say at the right moment, all she had was silence and a pained expression of understanding. “I didn’t know your mother, but if you’re anything like her, she must have been…something,” she mentally slapped herself at her lack of better words. She wrote up contracts for a living for fuck sakes, could wield words like a weapon on a battlefield, but the moment she needed to offer a lick of comfort, she couldn’t remember the English language.

Cassian just laughed, “She was, she was the most amazing mother, the most kind hearted, beautiful human being, and I’d be lucky to be half the person she was.”

“If you are only half of what she was, she must have been a fucking saint,” she smiled and took pride in the laugh that erupted through him.

“Always so elegant,” he teased back and she shrugged, trying not to look embarrassed.

“You’re cute when you blush,” he poked, leaning against the edge where she stood, feeling the heat of his body through his jacket. She shivered in response.

“We should get you inside,” Cassian hummed, mistaking her shiver for chill. She didn’t correct him.

“Fine,” she said, throwing the article of clothing at him, unable to find any excuse to keep it hostage around her shoulders, “But only because the deserts are scheduled to come out,” she assured him, not wanting to him to think she would ever do what he told her.

“Plus, I haven’t gotten my kiss yet,” he told her, giving her that mischievous smile that had her knees shaking without her consent. It was bad enough she even found him attractive, but to give him any indication about how her lower region responded was out of the question. She refused to allow her lady parts to control her ability to think logically.

“Don’t hold your breath,” she sneered, turning before stopping dramatically, “Or actually, do.”

Cassian laughed as she retreated, that same laugh following her all the way inside and through the crowd. She hated how since the day they met, no matter how infuriating she found him, his scent, his voice, his very being followed her around like a bad smell.

There was a point, way back, when she entertained the thought of him. He seemed more than willing to romance her, and from the glowing reviews, some of the ladies around the office gave him, a very giving bed partner. But he scared her, more than she wanted to admit even to herself, so she refused to allow him too close, preferring to go on bad dates and having unsatisfying one night stands to block out the roaring thoughts of him.

She had even toyed with calling up Tomas.

She shivered with disgust, was she so desperate to be unhappy that she would even entertain the thought of calling up her slimy ex-boyfriend. Gwyn and Emerie would disapprove, they had been loud with blaming Tomas for most of her relationship issues, and it was hard for her to argue, his voice echoing in her head whenever she was close to being happy. His distasteful words and hateful voice ringing in her ear the loudest whenever she was around Cassian, telling her how she did not deserve him, how she was awful and unworthy of such unconditional love and affection. She hated how she allowed his words to affect her so much, even after the year they had been split up, he still had so much control over her. She didn’t feel like she would ever remove herself from his grasp.

‘You’ll come back, just wait and see, when you realize no one can love you like I do, that no one will put up with you like I do,’ and she hated that she believed it.

Rarely did she see Cassian the way he had been moments ago, never believing he could have a real conversation, and it was jarring to her to realize that maybe he coped in similar ways. The humour an invisible shield to his most vulnerable parts, to deflect and protect a heart that was just as hurt as hers.

She wished she did not see what hid underneath, it was easier to be hateful and rude if she didn’t see him as more than a joker.

“Hey,” came a voice from behind, Gwyn. “You okay?” She asked softly, not wanting to be overheard. Gwyn knew better than anyone how overwhelming parties can be, and they always made it a point to check in with each other, all three of them. Both her friends seemed to make it more of a point whenever she was alone, being the only singleton in their girl group.

“I’m fine, just tired,” she assured her with a smile, though she knew it was useless to lie to her friend.

“Do you want Azriel to take you home?” She offered sincerely. God, she loved her friends.

Nesta shook her head, “I promised Feyre I would help with ushering the lingering party guests who stay past their welcome, I’ll be fine.”

Gwyn observed her a moment before nodding, “Want to get some dessert, they just brought out the trays of peppermint macaroons,” and her friend wiggled in excitement in a desperate attempt to lighten her mood. It worked, and she allowed the taller of the two to drag her towards the buffet of expensive sweets.

The night was close to perfect. Not once more did her thoughts lead back to Tomas, or the moment she and Cassian shared on the balcony, or her feelings towards both of them. She forced her attention on her friends, on the music, the rhythm and beat calming her. It was Christmas Eve, and damn it all to hell that she wouldn’t enjoy herself, and the open bar.

It was 11 pm before the last of the guest trickled out, Feyre hiding behind her sister as Nesta radically pushed the drunk party-goers out the door. Feyre would never be able to dismiss her employees, always wanting to say on their good side, but Nesta did not care how rudely she asked them to get the hell out, using it as an excuse to get all her earlier frustrations out.

Though Feyre had spent a pretty penny on hiring a clean-up crew for the next day, there had been some decorations that she had brought from home that she wished to retrieve before the morning. So Nesta, as well as the other immediate friends and family, were tasked with finding and packing those items away. One of these items included the yards and yards of brightly lit garland.

Nesta had made her rounds, unhooking the lights from the greenery by hand and shoving them into the large bin she rolled around. Why she had agreed to this was beyond her, but they were almost done and she could go home and fall asleep, only to wake the next day and force herself to mass where she would sing hymns and light a candle for the mother who didn’t love her like she always wished she did.

Maybe staying late to help clean up was helpful to not just Feyre, but for her as well, as she itched to drink more of the liberally supplied alcohol. But it had already been packed away and she had a hefty supply of it at home she vowed not to touch until Christmas Day. Though she was beginning to regret buying out the wine section of the store two days ago. She hated herself when she was drunk, even more so than she usually did.

It was almost midnight before most of the group called it a night, Feyre and Rhys being told to go home so they could catch their morning flight to the Cayman Islands for a luxury vacation that would span from Christmas Day well into the new year. It was not her first Christmas alone, but the first one where she was unable to invade another couples day. Last year she had spent it with Gwyn and her grandmother, along with Azriel of course. It was the looming knowledge that she would have nothing but the overabundance of alcohol in her home to keep her company this year.

She wondered if Cassian felt the same, both of his brothers otherwise occupied with their growing families. This year, Azriel and Gwyn were hoping to spend the one day they had alone together before Gwyn took off on the road again the day after Boxing Day.

She had tried to squirm her way into staying with Elain, but Nesta preferred to stay well away from the Vanserra’s. Especially because of her awkward fling with their eldest son after her breakup with Tomas when she was out looking for a rebound.

Nesta sighed in relief when she placed the last of the lights into the bin. She was done for the night, and Cassian was in charge of taking down the garlands she had detached the lights from. Leaning against the wall in the far corner of the room, Nesta looked out at the city below from the large window. Quiet had befallen the city, most lights having been dulled by the late hour, children in bed and awaiting Santa’s arrival in the night. She watched as a few people who still littered the streets stumbled their way through the newly fallen snow, and she wondered if they were alone too.

A noise from behind her caught her attention, it was Cassian, struggling to unhook a bit of garland from the hook it was attached to, but his large fingers were far too big to grip onto it. She chuckled softly to herself and walked over to him, standing on her tiptoes and using her nimble fingers to unclamp the bit of decor from the wall.

“Thanks,” he said, packing it into the bin beside him, “Next year, I hope Feyre just rents this shit from the hotel and not bring it from home,” he grumbled, looking to his hands that had a few nicks from the wires that held up the decor.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she were pregnant by the end of this vacation,” she told him, “We may not have to worry about playing cleanup crew next year.”

Cassian agreed, an awkward silence replacing any form of conversation as Nesta folded the last of greenery gently into the bin. They stood there for a moment, words left unsaid hanging in the air, and before Cassian could say something stupid, Nesta spoke, “So, how did your quest go?”

Cassian perked up at the break in silence, “Not bad, caught Glady’s twice,” he laughed, fiddling with the decorations piled in the bin beside him that she had just folded, bridled with nervous energy, “Well, I think she actually caught me the second time, that women is insatiable.”

Nesta found herself outwardly laughing at the comment, Cassian’s expression that of shock at the sound before his face softened, “Oh yeah?” She taunted, she couldn’t help but find the vision of Cassian being cornered by an elderly woman in her seventies that barely reached his kneecaps.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Cassian said, enjoying her amusement, “At least the other ladies understand the rules of the mistletoe, you don’t just chuck a candy in my face and call me a brute.”

Nesta gave him a mock pout, “Aww, poor Cassian.”

“There’s always next year,” he shrugged before an eerily sly smile spread across his features, “Or maybe not,” he said, pointing above them.

Nesta sucked in a breath as she looked upwards, where a single sprig of mistletoe was hung. It had been cleverly hidden behind the greenery of the garland, almost like it was strategically placed there as a trap, now fully exposed and awaiting the completion tradition.

Nesta tried to cover her shock, along with the slight, and very unexpected fluttering in her stomach as she realized she had been caught. With no way out. She didn’t need to reach into her clutch to know she had run out of chocolate kisses long ago. Cassian had cornered her more than once, but she had given her last one away to an intern that had approached her and would not take no for an answer.

She froze, digging into her bag again but knowing she would still find it empty of the candy she had used as a defence. She was completely and utterly fucked.

“What?” Cassian asked, a look of concern replacing one of mischief at her expression.

“I,” she began, looking up to the offending plant before looking back at the man in front of her, “I don’t have any candy left…” she admitted.

Cassian’s face fell and so did her stomach. Was he so disgusted by her that he couldn’t keep the charade of wanting to kiss her up when it was offered to him?

“Oh…” he nodded, pursing his lips in thought, “Well, it just says a kiss, my cheek is free real estate,” he offered. No disgust, just the fear of making her uncomfortable his only reason for the hesitant reply. Cassian was all jokes and light laughter, he was pure and sweet and everything she wasn’t, and no matter of joking would have him sincerely pressuring any women to kiss him if they denied him.

She knew she could walk away and he would let her. But she found she did not wish to.

“It’s okay, rules are rules,” she tried to say as nonchalantly as possible, attempting to push down the blush threatening to make itself known on her face.

Cassian nodded in reply, not wanting to make it more awkward by outwardly denying her. If she dared admit it, he looked slightly….thrilled at the acceptance.

They both stared at each other a moment before leaning in at the same time, both going in the completely wrong direction and almost bumping faces. They chuckled stiffly, leaning in once more, Cassian not leaning down far enough this time which had Nesta colliding with his jawline.

Having enough, Nesta reached up, grabbing his face in her hands, but instead of planting a quick kiss on his awaiting cheek, she allowed her lips to softly grace his own.

She could feel his body tighten in surprise at the change in direction, and she almost pulled away, heartstoppingly abashed, before he pushed back into the kiss, fitting their lips together in a firm lock.

The kiss was more tender than anything she had expected from Cassian, she had felt nervous, panicked, sick to her stomach as she made the split second decision to kiss him on those inviting lips rather than his awaiting cheek. And as he kissed her back with such emotion, every turbulent insecurity within her was put to rest.

It seemed as if there was nothing left in the world besides them, besides this moment as they kissed in the dim glow of the Christmas tree while snow gently fell outside the window. It was so perfect that Nesta did not think it could be better if she had scripted it.

It was a moment she ever expected, never even entertained the thought of because it seemed like a fantasy, but as she looked up into his hazel eyes, she realized it was an opportunity she did not wish to pass up. She was tired of questioning herself, wondering if she was worthy of the attention he gave her, wondering if she would dim the light that shone all around him, would taint the pure and beautiful soul that lied beneath that hundred-watt smile. He scared her to death, but she found herself feeling brave in that moment, wanting even.

She breathed in sharply as he snaked his arms around her, pulling her closer to him, and she lost herself lost in the feeling of his arms around her.

The kiss ended all too soon, and she resisted pulling his face back down for more. His hold slackened, giving her room to back out if she wished, but he did not pull away entirely. So they stood there, without breaking eye contact, arms wrapped around each other, trying to catch their breaths.

Cassian opened his mouth to speak, and Nesta steeled herself, the fear of rejection still there. But before he could put a voice to those thoughts, the sound of approaching footstep had them tearing apart from each other.

“Hey, just came to check in on you two, haven’t seen you both in a while,” Azriel said as he stopped in front of them. Nesta couldn’t conceal the blush this time. Azriel was often quiet, and did not make his presence known unless he wished to. How much had he seen?

“We’re good,” Nesta said, trying to look as composed as possible, even with a beet red face. Thankfully, unlike his brother, Azriel knew discretion.

“Just finishing up removing the rest of the green prickly shit,” Cassian gestured to the bin of garland, elegant as usual, but acting much more unbothered than her. Was he not as affected by the kiss as she was, or was he just a better actor?

“Well hurry up, we are all waiting to leave and I have the key to lock up,” he told them, “Nesta, need a ride home?” He asked, knowing she did not have a car at the moment.

“No, got an Uber coming,” she explained, waving her phone for emphasis.

“Okay, get the rest down so we can leave,” was all he said before walking away, giving Nesta a wink before heading back over to Gwyn across the room.

Oh, he knew.

—————

Nesta shivered at the cool wind that greeted her as she stepped outside the hotel, thankful she had her coat this time to protect her from the chill. They had waved goodbye to Azriel and Gywn, Nesta promising to call and maybe flying down to see her during the new year.

It didn’t feel as agonizing as she had expected, to be standing at the road's edge with Cassian, who had offered to wait with her for her Uber. He had refused to allow her to stand alone, and ignored her protests to leave, even demanding to see the licence plate number and car make in order to make sure she didn’t get into some random car.

She didn’t have it in her to be insulted by the statement, she was old enough to take care of herself, more than capable to go down her checklist before she got into the car with a stranger. The thought behind it though made her body hot and though she had friends and family who would extend such kindness to her, there was something different about that person being Cassian.

She didn’t know what was between them, before and after that kiss, or why she had felt so brave to forgo his offer of walking away and forgetting the situation. She just knew that she did not wish to be alone any longer, to wallow in her self-pity and drown herself in alcohol. It was a terrifying thing, to start over, to let someone in, but Cassian wasn’t just anyone.

She had known him longer than any of her boyfriends, their comradery lasting longer than any relationship she ever had. She had avoided him for years out of fear, but she was beginning to think she may be able to be brave again.

“So…” she began, her voice breaking the quiet between them. She cursed herself, unsure of what she was even going to say.

“So…” he echoed after she did not continue, urging her to talk.

“I was just going to say I hope you have a good Christmas,” she said tightly, curing herself. Yes, tell him you hope he has a good Christmas, after he confided in your that he visits his dead mother's grave, she scolded herself.

Cassian smiled, “I’ll try….”

“Maybe I’ll see you at mass?” Cassian looked to her, understanding lighting up his face at what she was offering. Companionship.

“The church on Oak street has a beautiful display on Christmas,” she told him, “If that’s something that you're interested in I mean.” She examines her phone, trying to look as nonchalant at the extension of the invitation as she could. Her body burned, could someone die of heatstroke in winter?

“Thanks for the heads up, I’ll have to check it out.”

Cassian saw her babbling for what it was, an invitation, one he hadn’t expected. She was trying, and it meant the world to him that she was.

Silence settled in around them, more comfortable than before, but Nesta considered it a Christmas miracle as the white sedan came to a full stop in front of her, “This is me.”

Cassian nodded, “Merry Christmas, Nesta,” he said, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek, but was met with the soft plush feel of her lips on his for the second time that night.

It was a quick, almost shy peck to his lips, but the shock of it still coursed through him, “Rules are rules,” she told him before slipping into the car, “Merry Christmas, Cassian.”

Cassian felt the cold rush of the wind on his face as he watched the car drive off. Something from behind fluttered against his ear, causing him to jerk to the right in search of the offending object.

It wasn’t until he turned around did something fall from his hair to land on the snow covered sidewalk before him. Slowly, he reached down, plucking the object from the ground and smiled.

He wasn’t sure when she had looped it through his bun, or how she had done it without his knowledge, but Cassian felt his heart constrict tightly in his chest as he held the single sprig of mistletoe delicately in his hand, almost as if he was holding her to his chest instead.

And for the first time in a long while, Cassian was looking forward to Christmas.

—————

Tag list: Let me know if you wish to be added or removed. (Or if you only wish to be tagged on my main fic, totally fine)

@sv0430 I @a-court-of-valkyries I @vinylcryes I @champanheandluxxury I @nestaspegasus I @angelic-voice-1997

[gamerwoo]

[Tales from the Pack] Seungcheol: Stubborn (Bonus)

Characters: Seungcheol x female reader

Genre/warnings: werewolf au, fantasy, fluff, smut during the second half (fingering/eating out, a lot of praise, just cheol being really soft, unprotected sex [remember to use condoms friends!!!], unintentional sorta exhibitionism?????)

Word count: 4,544

Summary: You’ve heard the stories your relatives told you about werewolves when you were younger, but you always thought it was just a scare tactic to make kids behave. Well, up until you woke up in a den full of werewolves.

a/n: this part takes place further into the future during seungkwan’s part, and since it contains spoilers for the future, i recommend skipping this and reading up to part 8 of seungkwan’s series, and then coming back when you’re done!!

Previous | Stubborn Masterlist | TftP Masterlist

Maybe it was because everyone was on-edge about Seungkwan’s condition that was rapidly decreasing. Maybe it was because everybody was still a bit shaken up over Eunjin being what she was. But something was making your old habits of being a thief kick in. You hid in shadows, snuck around the house, and came and went like the wind. Hardly anybody saw you, including your mate.

You weren’t avoiding Seungcheol, not at all. You were just uncomfortable, and that made you want to stay hidden. You assumed it was the tension in the house, but you just didn’t want to be seen, heard, or noticed. Unfortunately, this also happened to effect Seungcheol who now usually had to sniff you out or simply follow the imprinting pull.

The last couple weeks, though, Seungcheol had gotten down your typical hiding places – although, he did almost trip over you while trying to find you because you were crouched down behind the counter while you sharpened the kitchen knives for fun. Today, though, he found you upstairs in Seokmin’s room.

Seokmin was a very positive person in the pack, and all he wanted was for everybody to get along. But because things weren’t working out between Seungkwan and Eunjin and there was nothing he could do, he typically hid away in his room and kept himself busy with reading or singing to keep his mind off of it. But today, you were hanging out with him while he tried to practice his weather power since he hadn’t intentionally used it before. It was only during those nights he had nightmares when it was developing that he’d used it -- but he didn’t even know it was him doing it -- and the few days he was first coping with the situation with Seungkwan. But none of those instances were intentional, so he wanted to hone in on his new power.

“Does it change the weather in town or just in our little area?” you wondered as Seokmin stared out the window, holding his hand out palm-up as his fingers slowly curled inward. Clouds started forming in the blue sky, turning it a grey color.

“I don’t really know,” Seokmin said absentmindedly as he watched the weather start to change at his own will. He suddenly looked over at you with a warm grin. “Do you like snow?”

You frowned, shaking your head. As a thief, you only had bad memories with snow. You didn’t really have a place of your own before, so you associated snow with being cold and struggling for the next few months. Sure, it was kind of pretty, but you never actually enjoyed it.

“What, really?” he asked, surprised that you didn’t like it. “Why not?”

“I was always stuck outside in the cold,” you said with a small pout, looking away from Seokmin and at the familiar grey sky that indicated snow coming.

Seokmin just smiled, “Don’t worry, I’ll show you how to enjoy it.”

“You’re really going to make it snow?”

“Just here – I think…”

Soon enough, little snowflakes began to fall from the sky. All you could do was frown as you watched, dreading when it would start accumulating. You knew you could just come back inside when you got too cold, but it was just the bad memories that were dragging you down.

You heard a soft knock at the door before you heard it open with a very quiet creak. You didn’t even have to turn around to guess who it was.

“What’re you two doing?” Seungcheol chuckled as he walked over to where the two of you were sitting on the floor, staring up at the window.

“Making snow,” Seokmin reported, letting his hand fall into his lap as he turned to look at the alpha. “You like snow, right, Seungcheol?”

Seungcheol shrugged as he crouched down behind and between the two of you, “Yeah, it’s fun – especially seeing the rest of you run around in it.”

Seokmin turned to you excitedly, “We shift and run around outside when it snows. The pack loves it.”

You just nodded, mumbling, “Good for you.”

“_____, do you not like snow?” Seungcheol wondered.

You shook your head in exaggerated movements to really get the point across. Seungcheol just smiled in amusement, putting a warm hand in the center of your back as he stroked it with his thumb.

“You can play with us in the snow tomorrow when it accumulates on the ground,” he suggested, “and if you hate it, I’ll bring you back inside and make you soup. Okay?”

You shrugged, mumbling an, “Okay…”

Thankfully for Seokmin, he didn’t have to sit there and constantly make the weather do what he wanted. Once he got it going, he didn’t have to do anything else until he wanted it to stop. 

“C’mon,” Seungcheol stood before he helped you up, “I need to get food in you.”

“Are Mingyu and Danbi back from Jiung’s?” Seokmin wondered.

“You just want to play with Jiwoo,” he chuckled. “Yeah, they’re back.”

“Finally!” Seokmin grinned, hopping up from the floor.

-

The next morning, you were awoken by the sound of howling and excited yipping. You groaned and rolled onto your other side, burying your face in your pillow to drown it out. You felt Seungcheol’s arms encircle you and pull you to his chest, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of your head.

But then you heard Yeji from downstairs shriek excitedly, “There’s snow everywhere!”

Your eyes opened, staying narrowed. You were definitely awake now.

“Guess the pack saw Seokmin’s little surprise,” Seungcheol said, his voice raspy and deep from sleeping.

Everyone had obviously noticed the snow falling the day prior, but about a foot or two had accumulated quickly on the ground around the house. A few of the wolves had already run outside to play, but apparently some people had just woken up and noticed – and by some people, you meant your overly-excited sister.

Soon enough, you heard feet bolting down the hall before throwing open your bedroom door.

“Seungcheol!” Mingyu was panting. “Seokmin made it snow yesterday, and look outside!”

“I didn’t realize snow on the ground meant everyone forgot how to knock,” Seungcheol said as he sat up and stretched his arms above his head.

Mingyu blushed a bit even though he knew he wasn’t interrupting anything, “Sorry. Are you gonna come outside?”

“In a bit. Let me bundle up _____.”

“_____, we can have a snowball fight!” Mingyu gasped excitedly. “I bet you’ll be really good at it.”

You rolled over, looking up at Seungcheol, “Is that the thing kids do?”

Seungcheol chuckled, nodding his head, “Yes. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re all just very big children.”

-

After being put in five sweaters, two pairs of pants – one pair being yours and the other being Seungcheol’s just because he thought they might somehow be better for you – and a hat, Seungcheol brought you outside with him while he wore just a sweater and a pair of pants. You looked up at the sky, scrunching your face as snow hit your skin. Seungcheol chuckled as he watched, taking note of how beautiful you looked with fresh snow falling into your hair.

The entire pack was out in the yard, even little Jiwoo who was bundled up in multiple blankets and was being held on Minghao’s hip while her father was enjoying the snow. Most of the boys were in their wolf forms, running around, rolling in it, or trying to catch snowflakes in their mouths. Mingyu was rolling a ball of snow with his muzzle while he helped Danbi make a snowman. Minghao was softly talking to Jiwoo about how pretty the snow was as her large eyes looked around in wonder, it being the first time the young child had seen the white, fluffy stuff. Those of the pack in their human form were tossing snowballs at each other and others while they laughed loudly.

The only person who wasn’t playing in the snow – that you could see – was Joshua. He just said the last thing he wanted was to be pelted with cold things. You couldn’t say you disagreed with Josh.

“How is this fun?” you grumbled, looking back at Seungcheol as you blinked snowflakes off your eyelashes.

“Well just staring at it isn’t fun,” he told you. “Go make a snowman or a snow angel or–”

“_____!” you heard Chan call. You turned your head just in time to catch a snowball to the chest. You froze, staring at the same spot while the youngest giggled. “Come play with us!”

“Ah, maybe after she gets used to the snow, Chan,” Seungcheol told him pointedly as he grabbed your arms and pulled you over to where Wonwoo and Danbi were now making snow angels together. “Why don’t you stay with Wonwoo while I go get changed. He’ll make sure you don’t get hit with anything.”

Wonwoo nodded up at you from where he was squatting down on the ground, not even looking as he put up a hand to block the stray snowball coming his way. As soon as it splattered against the side of his arm, he let it down and looked back down at his sister on the ground.

“See? You’re in good hands,” Seungcheol grinned as he pressed a kiss to your temple before he went back into the house.

Mingyu, who was watching the siblings make snow angels, pressed his snow-covered nose against your cheek as he sniffed your face. Even that made you make a face and recoil away from him, shoving his furry face away.

“So,” Danbi sat up with snow in her hair, “you really have never played in the snow?”

Wonwoo chuckled at his sister as he began to brush the snow from her hair, saying, “Not everybody likes snow, Danbi. Lilly was allergic.”

You furrowed your eyebrows, “How can somebody be allergic?”

“I believe the doctor in town called it cold urticaria.”

“Excuse me?”

Wonwoo just laughed softly, shaking his head.

Seungcheol came back outside quickly, but he was in his wolf form this time. He ran up to you and nuzzled into your hair happily, excited to be able to play outside with his brothers. You couldn’t help but laugh at how happy he was, but it stopped when he moved his nose to nudge you in the side, moving you closer to the chaos of the pack.

“Whoa, what?” you asked as your legs were forced to move forward. “Seungcheol, I didn’t agree to this!”

Still, your mate continued to move your forward so you could properly experience the snow. Of course, the pack noticed this and started to get even more excited. Soonyoung bounded over to you, skidding to a stop and kicking up snow. 

The first thing Seungcheol tried to get you to try was making a snowman. He started by poking a snowball on the ground with his nose, nudging it around until it started to roll into a bigger ball. He looked up at you expectantly before he gestured to the growing ball with his head.

You huffed, “Seungcheol this shit is cold. I don’t want to touch it.”

He let out a huff of his own before pointing at the ball sharply with his nose.

You grumbled to yourself about how you didn’t want to, but you did it anyway. You bent down and began rolling the ball around until Seungcheol decided it was big enough to be a snowman base. Then he helped you make the middle and managed to maneuver it on top of the first ball with his muzzle. Then he let you make the head and put that on as well.

Yeji had ventured into the woods earlier with Hansol and Junhui to find pebbles on the ground since the property was completely covered in snow. So she gave you a few from her pocket for eyes and buttons. Then Seungcheol trotted over with a stick in his mouth and handed it to you. You very un-enthusiastically jammed it in the poor snowman’s face. Your fingers were numb, your nose and cheeks were red, and you just wanted to go inside and curl up under some blankets.

To add insult to injury, the wolves were playing too rough with each other, and Junhui skidded straight into your snowman, knocking it over and causing its snow body to splatter on the ground. Seungcheol looked down at the dead snowman body before he growled and leaped at the younger werewolf, wrestling with him for ruining your hard work.

You wished you were the snowman.

-

You walked into your bedroom with a towel still between your hands as you dried your hair, damp from the snow. However, when you walked into your room, Seungcheol was in there, still without clothes on. He had shifted back downstairs while you went to go get a towel to dry your hair, and now he was digging through drawers to find new clothes for the both of you.

This wasn’t the first time seeing Seungcheol naked. You’d taken showers and baths together plenty of times. But for some reason, your cheeks were heating up – and not just because you had been playing out in the snow.

You walked over to your mate – you knew he could hear you enter – and wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing your nose into his back to warm it while your hands clung to his toned stomach, making him shiver from how cold they felt.

“I feel like an ice cube,” you whined.

“Yeah, you do,” he chuckled. “Do you want me to warm you up?”

You nodded, your nose rubbing against his back. Except, you were thinking of other means of warming up than he was. Most of the pack was still playing outside anyway.

“Alright, let me just find some–”

“Seungcheol?” when you spoke this time, your voice was a lot smaller than it had been. 

“Hmm?”

“Y-you don’t have to, like…put clothes on if, y’know…this is more comfortable…”

Seungcheol laughed softly, turning in your arms to face you. He cupped your face between his hands, eyebrows raised, “Is this your way of telling me you want to do something?”

You’d done things with Seungcheol before, sure. But you’d never actually had ‘proper’ sex with him before. It wasn’t that you were scared or didn’t know how, you just always felt a little uncomfortable knowing that the rest of the pack would be able to hear you. But now that they were all preoccupied outside…

You nodded, “I’m cold, it’s for my health.”

“_____, you’re not going to get hypothermia,” he laughed, rolling his eyes playfully. “What do you want me to do?”

“Well…” you began slowly, trying to ignore the heat that was now crawling to the tip of your ears, “I-I think I’m ready for marking.”

Seungcheol’s eyes widened, though he looked more surprised than afraid. The statement just took him off guard. You’d never even mentioned marking other than when you asked about how it worked and if the pain was bad, but you hadn’t mentioned it in a while.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his hands stroking up and down your arms. “You don’t need to feel pressured or anything.”

“Seungcheol, I really want to,” you insisted. “I love you and I want to be yours.”

“You are mine, with or without a mark,” he promised, a soft smile on his face as he placed the bend of his finger under your chin. “Look at Danbi and Mingyu – she wasn’t marked for a long time.”

“I promise, Cheol, I’m asking because I want it.”

Seungcheol nodded, “Okay. Then I’d be more than happy to mark you as mine.”

He smiled as he leaned down to press his lips to yours, softly and playfully at first but slowly growing in intensity and desperation. Your back hit the mattress, making both of you giggle as he toppled down on top of you, making sure to catch himself with his hands as to not actually crush you. But still, his lips never left yours.

“Guess it’s a good thing you don’t have all those layers on anymore,” he chuckled against your lips, one of his thumbs stroking your cheek that was still flushed from the cold.

Seungcheol sat up just enough to pull your shirt off over your head. He let his eyes scan over your body, a warm grumble resonating in his chest as his hands wandered over your soft skin, “You’re so beautiful, you know that?”

“Only because you never stop telling me,” you laughed softly, rolling your eyes.

“And I’ll never stop telling you,” he insisted before he was leaning down again to meet your lips.

His lips moved feverishly against yours like he couldn’t get enough of you. One hand cupped your cheek while the other held him up, his tongue pushing passed your lips to explore your mouth. Your arms were around him, fingers tangled in his hair to keep him as close as possible. 

Seungcheol’s lips began to trail downward, leaving open-mouthed kisses down your neck, nipping and sucking on your skin on their way. His hands moved to take your bra off, unclipping it behind you before sliding the straps down. That was tossed off the side of the bed, Seungcheol not even paying attention to where he threw it.

His lips went to one of your nipples, one hand massaging the other and brushing your nipple with his thumb. You moaned out his name softly, arching your chest up as your eyes fluttered closed. His tongue flicked over the hardening bud, looking up at you as he did so to watch every little movement from your face.

Seungcheol’s mouth continued its decent, his hands also moving downward to pull off your bottoms and underwear. You lifted your hips to help, and then he tossed those off the bed to join your bra on the floor.

Now, Seungcheol was laid down on his stomach between your thighs, pushing your legs open to make room for him. Seungcheol had seen you like this before already but it didn’t stop the heat rushing to your cheeks or the urge to close your legs and hide from his eyes that were locked on your heat as the yellow began to dot red.

“So beautiful…” he whispered, brushing his index finger through your folds before teasing your slit.

You whimpered softly, covering your face from embarrassment.

Seungcheol chuckled seeing your expression, dipping his head closer to you, “You’re cute when you’re shy.”

You felt his tongue lick a stripe from your slit to your clit, and you bit your lip to keep from moaning. Your hands went to his dark hair as his lips wrapped around your clit and sucked lightly, flicking his tongue over the bundle of nerves. You already knew what Seungcheol’s tongue was capable of, and yet, it still took you by surprise.

“Don’t keep in those noises, baby,” Seungcheol cooed as he teased his finger at your entrance again. He slowly slid it in, smirking a little at the way you said his name in a quiet moan. “The pack is outside and they’re not paying any attention – nobody will hear you.”

He began pumping his finger slowly, curling it to reach all the spots he’d learned you liked while his lips and tongue worked on your clit. You let out a moan that was a little louder this time, your hips starting to grind up into Seungcheol. 

He added a second finger, curling them the same way as he pressed his tongue flat against your clit and let you grind against his face, growling softly as your hands tugged at his hair. He started scissoring his fingers in you, stretching you out for what was to come once he decided you were prepped enough. For now, he just wanted to enjoy the soft moans and mewls that fell from your lips.

You felt a knot starting to tighten in your lower abdomen, so you started rocking your hips faster. Seungcheol noticed the signs of your incoming release – your hips speeding up, the way your eyebrows knitted together, the way your whines started to get higher – and removed his fingers, sitting up and away from you. Had you not known Seungcheol planned on giving you exactly what you wanted very soon, you would’ve never let him hear the end of your complaining.

You watched as Seungcheol stuck his two fingers in his mouth, lapping up your juices as he smirked at you with red eyes, “You taste so sweet, princess.”

“Cheol…” you whined, covering your face with your arms.

He just chuckled, leaning down above you to move your limbs away from your face, pressing a kiss to your lips. He kissed you softly for a moment as to try to get rid of any nervousness you might’ve had before he gripped his member, stroking it a few times to get it fully hard before he was teasing your folds with the tip. He smirked at the way your hips wiggled and bucked up slightly.

He pulled back just enough to look at you, all of the playfulness melting away, “Are you ready?”

You nodded, moving your hands to grip his shoulders.

“Just tell me if you want to stop, okay?”

You nodded again, so Seungcheol lined himself up with your entrance. Then he was slowly pushing into you, letting out a soft groan and an even softer ��fuck” as his head dropped into your neck. Your fingers dug into his shoulders as he stretched you out, your eyes squeezing closed. It definitely hurt a little but but not enough for you to want him to stop.

Once he was completely inside, he stilled, his lips brushing across your neck in small kisses to help you relax. When you finally gave him the okay, he moved at a slow pace, trying to make sure you weren’t uncomfortable in any way. You’d done other intimate stuff but he’d never been inside you – and he knew you’d never had sex before – so he didn’t want to hurt you. He was even honored you trusted him with this.

“You’re doing so well, baby,” he hummed, capturing your lips in a sweet kiss as his hips continued to rock at a steady pace. 

You let out a quiet moan at his praise, your arms wrapping around his neck to keep him close to you. He smiled against your lips, the happy grumble in his chest vibrating against yours. One of his hands moved down your body, raising goosebumps until he reached your clit. His fingers worked circles into it, drawing soft mewls from you that were music to his ears.

“Do you feel okay?” he asked quietly.

You nodded, biting your lip softly. The pain had slowly gone away, leaving you with only pleasure that was slowly building the knot in your stomach back up. The look you gave him with your eyebrows knitting together in pleasure but your eyes almost begging him to do more was enough to almost send him over the edge, especially with how amazing you felt around him.

“You’re so pretty,” he whispered, using his thumb to gently tug your bottom lip from between your teeth. “My beautiful little mate.”

He sat up as his own orgasm began to approach, determined to get you to cum before he did. He knew it would distract from the pain of marking and that was his biggest priority. Seungcheol wanted to avoid hurting you at all costs, at least for your first time. 

His fingers started moving quicker as he started aiming his thrusts into a new spot, making you moan out his name and grip the sheets beneath you.

“You’re doing so good for me, baby,” he moaned, his dark bangs sticking to his forehead with sweat. “Fuck… You take me so well; you’re so amazing.”

Your orgasm started to approach a lot faster than you thought it would, your moans and whimpers growing louder and more needy. Seungcheol could tell you were getting close from the way you clenched around him, but he couldn’t have you cumming just yet.

Seungcheol removed his fingers from your clit, placing both hands on your hips as he rolled his hips into yours. You whined, the quickly building high dying down a little bit because of the loss of stimulation.

“Just hold on a little longer, love,” he grunted, trying to get himself closer to his own high. His eyes closed as his head dropped back, the sight of his toned body shining from the light sheen of sweat on his body making him look godlike. “You feel so amazing, I’m almost there…”

Your high was still building with every thrust of Seungcheol’s hips, though. You pulled him back down to you, trying to distract yourself by leaving little kisses and love bites along the column of his neck and across his collarbones. Seungcheol groaned at the feeling, his hips suddenly sharply thrusting forward into you. With the burn of your orgasm approaching, you bit on Seungcheol’s shoulder – not enough to break skin or anything – to hold yourself back, clenching around him.

That was enough to tip him over the edge, one hand going back down to your clit and rubbing into it quickly. Your eyes squeezed shut as your body tensed with your orgasm.

“Let go, baby,” he said softly, but his voice was a growl.

It hit you harder than any other high you’d had, but it was the second wave that really got you. It came with a sudden sharpness in the crook of your neck, but it had you crying out Seungcheol’s name as your toes curled and your thighs locked around his hips. It felt amazing.

After riding out both of your highs, Seungcheol took his teeth out of you and dragged his tongue across the wound to help it heal. You whimpered at the feeling of him pulling out of you, his release and yours dripping slowly down your thighs.

“It didn’t hurt too much, did it?” he wondered.

“No,” you sighed, letting your fingers drag through Seungcheol’s dark hair. You smiled up at him softly when he pulled away to look at your face. “I love you.”

He grinned, bumping your nose with his own, “I love you, too. Thanks for letting me do this – it means so much to me.”

Your sweet moment was cut off by a knock at the door, which had Seungcheol’s head whipping around to look at the door.

“I want you guys to know,” Joshua’s voice came from the other side, “that I didn’t go outside, and I heard everything. Also, you’re lucky Seungkwan’s on his deathbed or you’d have two disgusted wolves here.”

Your face turned completely red as you hid in Seungcheol’s neck while he laughed at you.

“You said nobody could hear!” you whined.

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged, not seeming to care if his brother heard or not, “I guess I forgot about Josh.”

[salty-sith-bitch]

Here's a little prompt for Din and reader! Hopefully it can spark something 💙

Maybe Din takes Reader to a snowy planet and they haven't seen snow before or in a really long time, so their just mesmerized by it and just amusing him.

I hope you enjoy! As always my mind just sort of takes off when writing so I’m hoping this is close to what you asked for 😘

Cin'ciri (snow)

Rating: G

Genre: fluff, angst

Words:2352

Ao3

Din stood over you and your cot, a wicked grin under his helmet. He watched as you snored peacefully, oblivious to what he was about to do. He almost felt bad for disturbing your slumber.

Almost.

This was worth waking you and definitely worth the brief moment you'd be upset at him. He knew as soon as you awoke and discovered the reason for being ripped from your lazy dreaming you'd be overjoyed.

Chuckling to himself Din packed the snow that was in his hand into a soft ball. Taking a step back from your cot, he chucked the lump of snow. The ball hit you squarely in the chest and upon impact disbursed Into a flurry of white powder causing you to shudder and startle awake.

Confusion filled your cloudy mind as you woke. You felt something cold spread through you as the air was ripped from your chest. The frostiness quickly turned wet making you uncomfortable and displeased. Still gasping for air you heard chuckling that quickly turned into full hearty laughter.

Sitting up you found Din standing at the end of your cot doubled over in laughter. Shrieking, you pulled the blankets over your head and flopped back down.

"Daaaaaaaad! It's too early. It's my day off." Your voice was agitated and muffled by your pillow.

"Ad'ika," Din said between breaths as he recovered from laughing. "Come look outside."

"Whyyyyyy," you wailed into your pillow. It had been a while since you got a good amount of sleep and were simply not pleased your father was trying to drag you out of bed on your day off.

Clicking his tongue at you, Din squeezed one of your blanket-covered feet. "Fine then. Grogu and I will go and enjoy the snow by ourselves."

Snow?

Your brain kicked into hyperdrive at the word. That coldness you had just felt was your father throwing a snowball at you. Your heart fluttered in your chest. Din wouldn't admit it but he has a soft spot and could be silly at times and it made your world oh so bright. And now it was even brighter as you thought about the snow outside.

You bolted upright in bed and quickly threw the covers off. Frigid temperatures greeted you as soon as you climbed out of your little nook and bolted for the open ramp. Din watched as you ran toward the ramp and slid across the slick floor of the Razor Crest in your warm socks; almost causing you to collide with the wall.

Squealing you jumped up and down pointing outside as you turned to look at Din.

Having removed his helmet, you could see the gleaming grin on his face. And even swore you could see his excitement at the thought of a day off playing with his family.

Giggling and shrieking you vibrated with energy as you danced around on your toes.

"Snow!" You exclaimed, pointing outside.

Din chuckled, coming up to you and ruffling your hair.

"Yes, ad'ika. Now go get dressed. Grogu has been waiting impatiently."

Running across the hull floor once again, you were unable to stop yourself from sliding into the wall where your pack was. Smacking into the wall with am 'oomph' you picked up your clothes and high tailed it for the fresher.

Shaking his head, Din set his helmet back on his head and went to finish bundling up Grogu.

***

Snow has a special place in your heart. It brought back memories of your family. Your blood family.

It brought back memories of snow days when you were younger and a true child, so innocent and not having to worry about anything in the galaxy. It brought memories of warm cocoa mother would make and build snowmen with your brother.

When it would snow back home your father would have the day off, closing his shop due to lack of safe travel, and your mother, being the caring woman she was, would still head into town and work a partial day at the cantina, making sure everyone who needed warm food was supplied with it. You'd spend a good majority of the morning playing in the snow with your father and brother, tossing snowballs, building forts, and occasionally making snow angels here and there. Your mother would always arrive back around noon with cocoa and soup to warm you. Snow boots would be shuck at the door and fresh clothes put on after a warm bath. You'd eat and laugh by the fire the rest of the evening playing games, reading to brother, and watching your mother scold your father every time he would chuck a snowball at her that he snuck into the house.

 Even as the years went by and you got older you'd still find yourself outside enjoying the blissfulness of having nothing to worry about. You'd make forts and battle your father, pelting him with snow. You'd find yourself melting into the floor as you and your mother sang songs in your native language by the fire. And you would always still try to suppress that giggle when your father snuck in the snowballs helping him on occasion.

Now it was different. But also not.

Looking out towards Grogu he saw him waddling around collecting snow and making little people reminding you of your brother. And Din, who surprisingly was enjoying the snow, tossing snowballs at you ever so often reminded you of father.

But this was not your brother nor father. And mother wouldn't be there with soup to warm you or sing songs in the evening. The snow people Grogu made were smaller and Din was sneakier with his ambushes.

You, yourself were also not the same. Being older and now constantly worrying about losing your family again reminded you of just how much your life had changed.

Huffing you shoved your hands further into your coat pockets, continuing to watch Grogu as he waddles over to you, snow in hand. Tilting his head he extended the lump out to you and cooed as if trying to ask you to shape it for him.

Chuckling and nodding you squatted and took the snow from him, gently packing it. When you stuck out your hand to give it back the ball went flying from your hand and zoomed past you. Turning your head you watched as the ball made an impact with Din's chest.

Snowball in his hand, Din waggled his finger.

"Grogu," he said with a bit of laughter.

Grogu's ears dropped as he made a noise and looked at his father.

"That's cheating you little womp rat. I was gonna ambush ori vod."

Rolling your eyes you smirked at Grogu and swiftly picked up and packed your own lump of snow. Quickly standing you turned and launched the ball of snow at Din.

Both you and Grogu cheered when it hit Din's pauldron. Grogu threw his hands up and parked his ears as you did a little victory jump.

Stiffening Din looked at his shoulder then back to you. Placing his hands on his hips he nodded his head slightly.

"So that's how we're gonna play. Two against one?" Kneeling Din picked up more snow. "You get a ten-second head start. Ten, nine, eight-"

Eyes widening in horror you looked down and made eye contact with Grogu.

"Ready little buddy?"

Grogu cooed at you again, also wide-eyed, and reached up.

Scooping up the youngling you took off running for the snow barricade you had made earlier, leaving a trail of laughter behind.

***

You played in the snow for countless hours. Together you and Grogu kept sneaking up on Din and pelting him with snowballs. And on occasion - despite Din thinking it was cheating- Grogu would use the force to nail mando in the back.

At one point you looked at your father gleefully, sticking your tongue out.

"For a Mandalorian, we’re taking you down pretty easily with these snowballs."

You couldn't hear his laughter but you could see his frame shaking as he stood with his hands on his knees.

"You good old man?" You teased.

Looking up at the sky for a moment Din took in a deep breath. Pointing a finger at you Din lowered his head and you could feel his piercing gaze through the visor of his helmet.

"If I went any harder on you kid there would probably be crying."

Gasping you scooped up more snow and packed it into a ball.

"You calling me weak?" You stared at him through squinted eyes.

"You called me old!"

"And only one of those statements is true!"

Shaking his head Din started packing snow into a ball.

"Oh, it's on now."

Screaming joyfully you took off running, Grogu at your heels

***

Out of breath and cheeks sore from smiling, you collapsed in the snow, arms and legs spread out as you soaked up the sun. Grogu trudged through the snow to stand but your side. Looking down towards him you watched as he flopped over into the white powder next to you. Giggling you reached down and strokes one of his ears lovingly, causing him to smile and coo at you.

In the distance, sitting on the ramp to the Crest Din watched as you made snow angels with Grogu, a smile hidden underneath his helmet. He was practically glowing with joy and warmth seeing how happy the two of you were. Feeling as if his heart might burst out of his chest Din wondered what his own childhood would have been like if he hasn't lost his parents.

He wondered if his parents would have ever taken him out for a snow day much like he did for you and Grogu - his own children. Longing and wishing for what could have been his life only filled the hole in his chest so much though. What he has in front of him is what brought him true bliss. You ana Grogu were his world - literally and figuratively.

He should have been hunting for a bounty today, planning his next steps and heading towards whatever planet that resided on while you took the day to rest and have downtime. That was the responsible thing to do, but when the snow started to fall not long after you and Grogu went to sleep be couldn't help but enjoy the idea of a family day. A day where you could be young and have nothing to worry about. A day to stretch your legs and bond.

Crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall Din continues to watch the two of you laughing and rolling in the snow in the distance. When you turned to wave at him at stick out your tongue his smile grew.

***

Lunch was later than usual but you were ok with that. You had enjoyed your time in the snow even if it meant dealing with a slight butt hurt Din Djarin who didn't want to admit he lost I'm your snowball fight. Non the less the soup you ate and the cocoa you sipped still warmed you. Not as much as the unexpected family time had warmed your soul, however.

You watched as Grogu fought sleep in his father’s arms as he sipped his cocoa. Eventually, his eyes fall shut and light snores filled the silence of the Crest hull. Din rose from his seat quietly and made his way towards his and Grogu's sleeping quarters. Sighing heavily you rubbed your own tiredness from your eyes. Standing you collected and discarded your dishes then made your way to your own cot.

It was chillier over here than by the heater so you opted to instead grab your blanket and a pillow and made your way back to the heater.

Sitting against the wall you let your eyes drift shut. Pulling your blanket up towards your face you nuzzled your nose into the worn fabric, smelling the lingering scent of your old home. The world around you disappeared as you drifted off to sleep

Half asleep you heard gentle footsteps approach felt a hand gently nudge you.

"Ad'ika?"

"Mm?" You looked up lazily at Din squatting next to you.

"You were humming in your sleep."

Yawning, you rubbed your eyes again and looked at him. He didn't have any of his beskar on and you could smell fresh soap; a telltale sign he must have been getting ready for bed.

"’ M’sorry," you mumbled.

Turning and sliding down the wall next to you Din smiled. "It's ok. It was nice. Reminds me of-"

"Home," you said weekly.

Din's face fell slightly. "Yeah."

"My mother and I used to sing around the fire every night it snowed. She would rock my brother to sleep as I sewed. Before my brother, she would sing and I would dance with my father." Swallowing the lump in your throat you swiped the blanket across your face to rid the fallen tears. "Snow days were special for us. It meant family time and getting to just be with each other. No other worries. No chores or worrying about mother making it home safe from the cantina. Sometimes I feel like I can still hear my brother's giggles or my father's feet crunching in the snow as he tried to sneak up on me."

Letting out a soft sign Din pulled you into his side.

"My mother used to sing to me too. When I couldn't sleep or when she would give me baths. My father would sometimes join in and my mother would scold him teasingly for ruining a beautiful song with his garish voice."

You both chuckled at the thought.

"I wish I could remember what her voice sounded like."

Frowning you looked at your adoptive father. "I do too."

Sighing heavily Din pulled you in tighter to his side and kissed the crown of your head.

"Get some rest ad'ika."

Shutting your eyes you rested your head on Din's shoulder and let sleep wrap you in its warmth.

You hadn't been asleep very long when you heard a deep humming filling your dreams.

Tag List:  @g0ldenlush @sweet-silver @piscespussybabe

[writesowhatnext]

accidental collateral damage // george weasley

Summary: so the prank didn’t necessarily ‘go to plan’, but George, admittedly, has never been happier for it

Request: Omg I love your works with the Weasley twins! Can I request a fic for George where he and Fred accidentally prank the reader who is shy. And so George feels bad because she was humiliated and purposely makes fun of himself to try to prevent people from making fun of her.

A/N: cracking request this is

Reader: unspecified

Warnings: swearing, public embarrassment?

Professor Snape was a creature of habit. Surely a malicious and miserable creature, but without question, one of habit. Every day like clockwork, just after lunch started, Snape would glide up from the dungeon and cut through the main courtyard to reach the Great Hall in time to eat. Every single day. And, as all well-established pranksters should, Fred and George made it their mission to know these things. As they always said, you never really know when such information will become useful or exactly how useful it will actually be. One very icy day in November, this tiny detail became paramount to Fred and George’s newest venture.

The twins sat behind the concrete base of the large rose bushes, crouched down as to hide their faces from any teachers that could possibly be on the hunt for perpetrators of a particular prank. Not that they’d pulled any sort of prank, of course. But the plan was simple really. Snape would walk in and then the bucket of slime Fred had ‘misplaced’ on the windowsill a few feet above him would mysteriously fall (must be the wind) and so, Snape would end up doused in green slime – a tragic accident; a fool-proof plan.

What Fred and George had not anticipated, however, was you. From the moment you stepped foot into the courtyard, George’s attention had been divided, and not so equally.

“Blimey, mate,” Fred said, rolling his eyes as he looked from you to his brother’s vacant, moon-eyed expression. “We’ve got a job to do here.”

“What?”

George turned to him, barely sparing him a glance before his eyes shot back to you. He watched you carefully as you stopped, a smile lighting up your cheeks as you spoke to someone. He’d always liked you, ever since he’d sat next to you in Charms that one time when Flitwick moved him away from Fred. He knew how shy you were and how little you liked to be the centre of attention; how everything you said was carefully thought through, and he found it kind of sweet. Not to mention, he more than enjoyed watching your flustered movements, especially when it came to him. He sighed softly at your grin, but his fawning was nothing compared to Fred’s huff, an impatient exhale.

“George, Snape will be here any minute-“

“And we’ll be ready,” George snapped, frowning.

“Not when you’re so bloody distracted by Y/N over there-“

“I am not distracted!”

George turned to you, a small smile curving at his lips as you circled around too quickly, walking into someone. You offered them a shy laugh in response, stepping out of their way and wringing your hands.

“Not distracted, eh?” Fred asked, arms crossed with a decidedly smug expression. George scoffed, nudging his brother with his elbow. Fred rolled his eyes again, adjusting his grip on his wand.

“Don’t be a git, Fred.”

“Me, a git? What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re so goo-goo-eyed for Y/N, you barely even know what we’re doing!”

“Of course, I know, you prat.”

“I’m a prat?” Fred flicked his brother in the ear, earning an irritated push in return. “You’re a prat!”

“Sod off-“

The plan took a backseat as the twins squabbled between them, pinching and shoving at each other. Fred pulled at George’s hair and George twisted Fred’s arm and it only took a moment before they were both tangled up like a pretzel, Fred’s wand waving about wildly.

“You need to focus on the plan,” Fred insisted, flinching as George elbowed him in the gut. His frustration dissipated within a second as his wand flicked and the bucket stashed on the windowsill rocked to the side, falling quickly towards the ground.

“Oh, fuck,” Fred muttered, both him and George stopping their bickering in its tracks as they watched the bucket fall, directly towards the only person within the few feet radius of it; you.

You didn’t expect to be covered in green slime. Though, you supposed, nobody really expected it, did they? At first, you didn’t even know it was green slime. You heard the bucket clatter next to you and then you felt something hit you with the force of a rampant snowball, or perhaps a rather large dog. It was cold and gooey and certainly slime-like, but it wasn’t until you looked down at your hands to see them, your arms and the few clumps of hair in front of your hair that you could see through, covered in thick green goo. You were sure it would’ve been quite funny had it happened to someone else, had you not automatically been the subject of the attention of all fifty or so people in the courtyard. Despite the cold, you felt your face heat up as you stepped backwards, foot kicking the bucket behind you. As people began to crowd around, their faces ranging from amused to sympathetic, you found yourself wringing your hands together, ignoring the uncomfortable stickiness of the green goop.

“Fred,” George said, the both of them standing up to see you and their prank in its full glory.

“Yes, George?”

“Prank me,” George exhaled shakily before using his hand to hoist himself over the flowerbed, wrecking whatever Professor Sprout had just planted. He didn’t have so much of a plan as a very desperate need to wash that horribly embarrassed expression off your face.

“What?”

“Prank me, Fred, now!”

Fred watched as his brother ran towards you, pushing through the crowd of people until he was almost out of sight. With a hum, Fred lifted both his wand and his eyebrows.

“If you say so, mate,” he whispered, before shooting a spell he knew extremely wel and used far too oftenl.

What neither Fred nor George counted on was the patch of ice on the ground just inside the circle of people surrounding you. A rather dark, rather slippery patch of ice. George, like all knights in shining armour, catapulted to the floor with a resounding thud, his legs flying in the air and his back hitting the concrete quite unceremoniously. Winded, he rolled over and groaned. Had he been more awake, he probably would’ve been chuffed at the instant shift of attention from you to him. His luck, though, was not the best as Fred’s spell rebounded off of a pipe near you and hit George in the stomach, enticing another much louder groan from his lips.

Whilst you hadn’t expected to be covered in slime, you most certainly hadn’t expected for George Weasley, of all people, to run into the crowd that had encircled you, slip and then get further pummelled by a rather nasty, but rather brilliant pranking spell. The crowd of students around you had all collectively turned to face him, erupting in snickers and giggles as he sat up slowly. You sighed in relief, happy to not be the centre of attention and grateful to George, but even you couldn’t hide the laughter that escaped your lips when he sat up, his hair drenched in treacle with dozens of white feathers floating around him. You bit your lip as you smiled, touched that he’d made such a fool of himself to help you.

Everyone in the courtyard seemed to freeze when a few students parted to reveal Professor Snape, a fouler sneer than usual decorating his face.

“And what is the meaning of this?” he asked, raised an eyebrow as his eyes flicked back and forth between you and George. You looked down, feeling everyone’s stares on you.

“Well?”

You looked quickly towards George, noticing him floundering, spitting out feathers and frowning.

“Just a little wand mishap, Sir,” you said, as surprised as anyone that you’d opened your mouth. Snape looked at you for a moment, eyebrows knitted together tightly. You looked back down, clenching your jaw and praying the situation would just end.

“I suggest you both get yourselves cleaned up, then,” Snape said sharply, shooting you a deadly glance before turning to George. “Don’t you, Mr Weasley?”

George, his mouth still full of feathers, only nodded.

“Well,” Snape lifted his arms, gesturing to the other students in the courtyard. “I am sure it is lunchtime, yes?”

Nobody dared question him as the once full courtyard emptied out rather quickly. Fred stood up to go help George when he noticed you, still green and gooey, walking slowly closer to his brother and so, with a smug smirk, he sat back and watched.

You didn’t say anything at first, as you walked towards him, frowning and swallowing, trying to dispel the lump in your throat. George didn’t notice your approach, too busy pulling now brown, sticky feathers from his hair. He only stopped when you crouched down in front of him, his hands dropping to his lap in surprise as you leant over and pulled away with a particularly large feather in your grip.

“One of your pranks?” you asked, smiling nervously. He noticed your hands shake and tried to give you his most encouraging grin. Though he was sure in his current state, it wasn’t all that convincing.

“Sort of,” he said, lifting a hand to move your clumped hair to the side, revealing your only slightly green-tinged features. You froze for a moment at this close proximity, not long enough for him to see, though, you hoped.

“Was meant to be Snape, though, covered in slime.”

“Ah,” you nodded. “And the feathers?”

He smiled sheepishly, going to rub the back of his neck, wincing at the stickiness.

“A detour to help out a friend.”

You raised an eyebrow, sitting back onto the cold ground. He watched you closely, fully aware of the way you carefully picked each word you were about to say, finding your pensive expression adorable.

“Are we friends, then?”

“I sure hope so,” George grinned, scrunching up his face as moved the brown treacle from his eyes. “I don’t make a fool of myself for just anybody.”

“Only everybody,” you said quickly, far too quickly for you. His barked a laugh as your eyes grew wide, shocked yourself by what you’d said.

“Sorry about the slime,” he said softly, his eyes a bright and apologetic contrast to the thick goop on his skin. You nodded, pulling your top lip between your teeth.

“Not a problem.”

You both sat there silently for a moment, so silent in fact, that George was sure you could hear his thoughts, his loud, disappointed ranting about messing up his chances with you. You surprised him, though, when you pinched a bit of slime between your fingers, pulling it away from your arm as it stretched like taffy.

“Rather funny, though,” you said, sucking your teeth for a second. “Quite ingenious, too.”

He looked at you then as if you put every single star in the sky, his mouth agape and eyes wide. You smiled bashfully under his gaze.

“Not exactly fool-proof, though.”

harry potter tag list:

@creator-appreciator

@loveisblindness

@decadentwastelandtrash

@xinyourdreamsx

@brainlesspasta

@hariosborn

@rexorangecouny

@staringmoony

[knuffled]

just practice - chapter thirteen

here’s it is! it’s a shorter chapter, but i hope to have chapter fourteen up within two weeks, so be on the look out for that! if you enjoyed the chapter, reblogs are greatly appreciated! it helps make the effort needed to write the chapters feel worth it! 

here’s the link for ao3

Takashi’s Batting Cage was a quaint, almost run down affair not far from Seneca Falls. The building was owned and maintained by an old Japanese man that had immigrated in the late sixties, and there was something about the place that made it feel like it was frozen in time. The walls were plastered vintage, hand-painted posters of bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, and The Shadows. Mr. Takashi himself often sat near the entrance with a cigarette hanging between his lips, polishing the wooden baseball bats that he had carved.

Behind him, there were two kiosks, one where you paid for rounds in the batting cage, and another where you could buy hotdogs made by Mr. Takashi’s wife, sold cheaply at a buck fifty. All you got was a bun, hotdog, minced onions, and a drizzle of mustard and ketchup, but Reyna had assured Annabeth that they were nothing short of life-changing.

The kiosks themselves faced a huge chain link fence that housed three pitching machines that whirred like projector reels. The fence was painted green and touching it was enough for the paint to flake onto your fingers.

To a newcomer, it didn’t make for a particularly impressive sight, but there was a warmth and coziness to the place that could only be experienced firsthand. Over the years, the batting cages had developed a devout following as a spot where anyone could go to have a good time. Spending even a few minutes there was enough to leave the impression that the place was well and truly loved, like an old baseball mitt.

Annabeth had never heard of the place until Reyna had suggested they hang out there the Saturday after Percy’s swim meet. She was therefore surprised to see the number of cars parked outside, although she suspected that that might also have had to do with the weather calming down some. Reyna was already waiting for her inside when Annabeth entered, leaning against the wall.

Once she spotted her, Reyna offered Annabeth a smile and said, “Hey, thanks for making the drive.”

“It was no big deal,” Annabeth said, unwrapping her scarf. “I couldn’t help being curious after how enthusiastic you sounded about the place.”

Reyna raised an eyebrow and her smile widened. “Oh boy, the pressure is on now, huh?”

“Just a little,” Annabeth said, grinning.

“Ooh, scary,” Reyna said. “C’mon, lets head inside.”

Annabeth nodded and followed Reyna to the first kiosk. There were families using two of the pitching machines, but thankfully they would have the third to themselves. A wooden sign was bolted to the kiosk, informing her that it was three dollars for five pitches. Reyna mulled it over for a short while before handing fifteen dollars over to the clerk and looking at Annabeth.

“I think we can start with that much and see how you like it,” Reyna said, shrugging.

Annabeth nodded and took a helmet from the clerk behind the kiosk before heading inside the cage with Reyna. They slipped off their jackets and set them aside on top of wooden bench that sat against the fence. The astroturf inside the cage was an oddly modern touch that felt anachronistic when juxtaposed with the otherwise retro atmosphere, but Annabeth didn’t have long to dwell on it because she was forced to move off to the side for Reyna’s first round on the machines.

Reyna slipped on her helmet and took a few practice swings before she stepped up to the plate and nodded to the assistant operating the pitching machine. The machine whirred on the far side of the fence and shot a ball towards them at incredible speed. Annabeth could barely even see the ball, but Reyna waited for the right moment and swung, making perfect contact. The ball cracked off the bat and sailed across the cage.

Annabeth focused more on the second pitch so that she wouldn’t make an ass of herself when it came for her to try as well. It was still almost faster than she could register, but even Reyna missed this time, which made her scowl. Although Reyna hit the three remaining pitches, she still looked peeved when she handed Annabeth bat at the end of her turn.

As she moved towards the plate, Annabeth couldn’t help feeling like she didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of hitting a single ball. Her suspicions were confirmed when the first ball fired past her before she even had a chance to react. The second one was no better, but she could at least make out the course of the ball. She managed to swing on the third and fourth pitches, but she didn’t make any contact. It was on the final fifth ball that she grazed the ball with her bat, sending it shooting upwards into the fence.

She ignored the way her face burned and turned to Reyna with a wry smile. “I think I’m gonna need you to give me some tips.”

“Your form could use some work,” Reyna admitted, stepping towards Annabeth.

Reyna put her hands on Annabeth’s hips and turned her slightly. “Angle your hips like this. Turn your shoulders a bit more this way. Move your left hand a little further down the bat.”

Annabeth couldn’t help feeling flustered by how casually Reyna was shifting her around. She was exactly the most touchy-feely person. She was only comfortable with it when it was someone she knew really well, but she was surprised to realize she was far less uncomfortable with Reyna than she thought she would have been. Still, she couldn’t help wondering if Reyna was aware of what she was doing.

“Do another round. I’ll go after you,” Reyna said, stepping back.

Annabeht cleared her throat and nodded before turning towards the pitching machines again. She grazed the first ball again and missed the second one entirely. On the third pitch, she finally managed to make contact, but the ball didn’t travel very far. The fourth and fifth pitches traveled further each time, but they didn’t pop off the bat the way they had when Reyna hit them.

She paid even closer to attention to Reyna during her turn to pick up on what she was doing that Annabeth wasn’t. Reyna missed the first pitch but hit the four subsequent ones. Each one shot farther and farther across the batting cage, soaring higher and higher, almost like she aiming for something. It was then that Annabeth noticed that there was a wooden target tied near the top of the cage. Although Reyna was still off the mark by some ways, she got progressively closer and closer with each attempt.

Nevertheless, Reyna still failed to hit the target once over the course of the next half-hour, which was presumably why she suggested taking a break to get some hotdogs. Annabeth was more than open to the offer, albeit for different reasons. Although she was improving, she still wasn’t anywhere near consistent enough to hit the ball properly more than once or twice a round, and it was beginning to get frustrating.

Once they bought a pair of hotdogs, they sat down at a table facing the fence and watched the other families play while they ate. Annabeth wasn’t really a huge fan of hotdogs, but she had to admit that Reyna had been true to her word.

After her first, she turned to Reyna and said, “Okay, this is stupid good for a dollar fifty.”

Reyna gave her a knowing look and grinned. “I know right?”

“I’ve never heard of this place before,” Annabeth said. “How did you come across it?”

“I heard about someone at school talking about it, so I figured I’d check it out sometime. Seemed like a good way to let off some steam,” Reyna said, taking another bite.

“I don’t if it’s just because this was my first time at a batting cage, but this is a lot harder than it looks.”

Reyna laughed. “That’s because the machines here are faster than at other places. You’re doing really well for your first time, though.”

“You didn’t have nearly as much trouble,” Annabeth noted.

Reyna shrugged and said, “I’ve been coming here for years now. I barely got any hits my first time around either. You’re doing better than I did then for sure.”

Annabeth chased some ketchup threatening to drip off her hotdog. “That would be enough to turn most people off from trying again.”

“It rubs me the wrong way to be shitty at something.”

“A friend of mine who said he went to summer camp with you said you weren’t bad at anything,” Annabeth said, smiling.

“Really? Who?”

“Jason Grace.”

Reyna’s eyes widened in recognition. “Oh, I remember him. Nice guy. Almost thought I had a crush on him, but that was before I realized I wasn’t straight.”

Well, that was news to her. Annabeth raised an eyebrow and tried to stifle a smirk. “Really?”

Reyna’s face turned a gentle shade of pink, which made Annabeth’s grin widen. “I was like thirteen, okay?”

“I’m not judging or anything,” Annabeth said innocently. “Just thought it was interesting.”

“That shit-eating grin on your face says otherwise,” Reyna grumbled.

“It’s okay, we were all cringe at thirteen.”

Reyna snorted. “Cringe is a good word to describe it, even if it’s mean.”

Annabeth waved her freehand dismissively. “What Jason doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Besides, he’s got a hot girlfriend now anyways.”

Reyna gave her a sidelong glance. “Are you sure you’re straight?”

“What was it you said last time? ‘I might be gay, but I still have eyes?’” Annabeth said. “Same thing, except other way around. Besides, jury’s still out on the topic of my sexuality.”

“Fair play, I guess,” Reyna rolled her eyes. “Speaking of last time, how are things with your fake-boyfriend going?”

Annabeth picked at the onions on her hotdog and said, “You are awfully interested in him despite hating his guts.”

“I don’t hate him,” Reyna protested.

“Thinking he has bad vibes is pretty much the same thing.”

“You’re doing a rather poor job not answering the question. Sounds like something must have happened,” Reyna said suspiciously.

Annabeth sighed and resigned herself to telling Reyna what had happened on New Years and subsequently at the swim meet. Despite her initial reticence, it was honestly refreshing to be open with someone about the whole fake dating arrangement, just like it had the last time they had talked. The main thing that had been bugging Annabeth recently had been how during the aftermath of the swim meet, she’d come face to face with the realization that she had actually been totally okay with the idea of Percy kissing her. More than okay, actually.

I could have stopped the kiss at literally any point if I hadn’t wanted it to happen. It was just as much my decision as it was yours, okay?

Those angry words of hers had kept echoing in her mind at random intervals almost every day. The fact that she had basically implied that she had wanted Percy to kiss her was an epiphany that she still struggled to make sense of. On the surface, she didn’t feel any differently about Percy, but it was the only explanation for why she had felt so disappointed on New Year’s Eve.

“That means I like him, right?” Annabeth asked aloud.

“Babe, you wanted to kiss him so bad you felt disappointed when it didn’t happen.”

Annabeth’s cheeks began to prickle. “I know jack shit about romance and relationships, so excuse me for not knowing.”

Reyna snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. “This kind of goes beyond not knowing. It’s honestly kind of mind-boggling to me that you’re struggling so much with the idea that you might have a crush on someone.”

Annabeth pursed her lips and said, “I’ve been thinking the same thing too, lately. It seems like it’s natural for everyone else, but it feels so weird to me.”

“At one point, I thought that you were aromantic or something, but I get the vibe that it’s something else. Like, you dissect your emotions so clinically that you abstract them and save yourself from feeling them,” Reyna said.

Annabeth laughed despite herself. “Holy shit, that sounds exactly like what a therapist would say.”

“Fuck off,” Reyna said, bumping her with her shoulder.

Annabeth bit back a smile and said, “Not sure I totally understood you, but you’re sorta right. Only thing is, I feel all my other emotions normally. Just not this stuff.”

Reyna thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know, this is just me talking out my ass, but maybe you have some baggage about romantic relationships or something.

“If that’s you talking out your ass, you’re gonna make me feel real stupid,” Annabeth joked.

Reyna screwed her eyes shut and rubbed her temples. “I take back what I said about having a crush on you. Dealing with this level of sass gives me a fucking headache.”

“I’m sorry,” Annabeth said, holding back a laugh. “I’m usually the one getting bullied, so I couldn’t resist the opportunity. I promise I’ll try to stop.”

Reyna rolled her eyes and looked thoroughly unconvinced, so Annabeth leaned into her and said, “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? When I see you at the Olympics someday, I wanna be able to brag to people that you once thought I was hot.”

“Don’t try and flatter yourself out of this,” Reyna snorted.

“I’m not,” Annabeth protested. “I could totally see you at the Olympics someday.”

At this, Reyna was oddly quiet. Annabeth thought she had touched a nerve, but Reyna looked up at her demurely and said, “You really think so?”

Annabeth blinked. “Yeah, I do.”

A shy smile made its way across Reyna’s face. “Thanks, Annabeth. It’s always been a dream of mine to compete in them someday, so it means a lot to hear you say that.”

“I have full faith in you,” Annabeth said earnestly. “I’m sure you can do it.”

Reyna laughed and said, “What ever happened to wanting to beat me at a meet?”

“Oh don’t worry, you can still be an Olympian after I kick your ass at State,” Annabeth said casually.

Reyna raised an eyebrow, her eyes darkening. “Is that so?”

Annabeth coughed surreptitiously and turned to finish her hotdog. Reyna bit back a smile but otherwise chose to spare her by not pursuing the topic any further. The silence gave Annabeth time to collect her thoughts and dwell more on what Reyna had said. There was a lot to process, but one thing in particular had struck a chord with her.

“About what you said earlier, about me having baggage about romance and stuff,” Annabeth began slowly.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt like being in a relationship was something meant for me. Not sure if I told you, but my mom left my dad and I when I was still a kid. She never explained why, but it really wrecked the both of us. Eventually, my dad remarried and moved on, but I don’t think I ever did. Move on, I mean. It’s hard for me to think about getting into a relationship when I saw what it did to my family, what it did to me,” Annabeth continued.

Reyna pressed her lips in a line and nodded. “My mom left our family too. I can understand how that would really affect your views on romantic relationships.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry to hear that.”

Reyna shrugged. “She had a good reason for it, so it’s whatever.”

She was tempted to ask Reyna more about it, but she was afraid of overstepping her bounds so she remained silent.

“I don’t know if it’s something I never wanted or if it’s something that I never allowed myself to want,” Annabeth said quietly.

Reyna was silent for a while before she said, “Does that even matter though?”

Annabeth looked at her with a frown. “What do you mean?”

“Do you really get any value out of getting an answer to that question? Isn’t the only thing that matters what you want now?”

There was a pause. “I don’t want something that isn’t meant to last.”

“You have no way of knowing unless you give it a shot,” Reyna said softly. “Besides, what have you got to lose?”

“Everything.” Annabeth dug her fingernails into her palms. “I could lose everything. Percy is too important to me. I- I can’t lose him.”

Reyna was silent for a while before she said, “I don’t have any advice for you. I think, at the end of the day, it comes down to what you want and what you’re willing to risk for it. Only you can answer that.”

Annabeth nodded slowly and said, “Yeah. You’re right. I just wish it were easier.”

“Something tells me you’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out,” Reyna said. “Besides, if all else fails, we can come here and you can hit baseballs as hard as you fucking can to get it out of your system.”

That managed to get a laugh out of her. “I might have to take you up on that sometime.”

Reyna opened her mouth to say something more, but then she looked past Annabeth’s shoulder and smirked. “Speaking of the devil.”

When Annabeth followed Reyna’s line of sight, she saw Percy standing by the entrance by three of his teammates from the swim team. One of that had said something that made him laugh, so he still hadn’t noticed her. She wasn’t sure how to feel about seeing him here, but she didn’t have long to dwell on it because one of his teammates spotted her and nudged Percy to get his attention.

Percy smiled once he saw her and gave her a small wave. At first, it didn’t seem like he would come over, but his teammates shoved him towards her, making him scowl.

He walked over and said, “Hey, fancy seeing you here.”

Annabeth cleared her throat and said, “Um, yeah, likewise. Reyna invited me here to hangout.”

Percy nodded to Reyna in greeting and said, “Hi, forgot if I ever introduced myself, but I’m Percy.”

Reyna offered him her hand and said, “Reyna. Annabeth here has told me a lot about you.”

He shook it with a bemused smile. “Only good things I hope?”

A sly smile danced on Reyna’s lips. “All sorts of good things actually.”

Percy’s questioning gaze flitted to Annabeth’s for a fraction of a second before immediately returning to Reyna. Though the way they spoke was casual, Annabeth felt a charged tension in the air, like anytime the two of them met. She assumed Percy was only going to make things worse until he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I, um, wanted to apologize for how standoffish I acted the last few times we met. It was a dick move, and I’m sorry about that,” he said.

Reyna blinked in surprise. “Oh, no worries. I wasn’t much better either.”

And just like that, the tension dissipated almost immediately. The two of them still looked awkward around each other, but the vague sense of hostility between them had faded. Percy’s apology had been enough of a metaphorical olive branch, Annabeth supposed.

“I know you came here with some friends, but do you want to try going a round or two in the cages with me?” Reyna asked suddenly.

Percy swayed on his heels. “Um.”

Reyna shrugged and said, “Just some friendly competition, promise.”

Percy looked to Annabeth for guidance, but Annabeth was just as clueless about Reyna’s motives as he was so she could only shrug. He mulled over it for a little while longer before nodding and following Reyna inside the batting cage. Before she joined them, Annabeth threw away the left overs of her hotdog and washed her hands to get the ketchup off her fingers. When she returned, Reyna finished slipping on her helmet and turned to Percy.

“We’ll do three rounds each, so fifteen pitches total. The person that hits that wooden target over there the most or gets closest to hitting it wins. Deal?” Reyna explained.

Percy nodded and leaned against the fence, next to the bench where Annabeth sat. They watched Reyna hit four of the first five pitches before it was Percy’s turn. Percy missed the first two pitches and only barely grazed the third one, sending it shooting upwards into the fence. He got decent hits on the last two, but like Annabeth, they barely traveled further than halfway across the batting cage.

Reyna hit four pitches again, and the last three sailed close to the target but fell just short. Percy’s next turn went much like his first. He managed to hit the ball each time, but the contact was too shaky to send it a decent distance. On Reyna’s last turn, she hit every single pitch, each getting closer to the target than the last, but in the end she didn’t manage to hit it. Reyna scowled when she stepped away from the plate and removed her helmet. Annabeth didn’t see why she was so upset. Judging by the previous rounds, it would be very unlikely for Percy to do any better than her.

Percy got good contact on the first three pitches, actually sending them all the way to the back fence, but they lacked the height needed to reach the target. On the fourth pitch, Percy’s grip on the bat slipped, causing it fly out of his hands instead of hitting the ball. His face was grim before the final pitch, but Annabeth could see that there were still traces of hope burning in his eyes. He had been subtly altering each of his swings in the last round, like he was testing something.

The pitching machine launched the last ball towards him, and Percy waited for the right moment before swinging. The ball exploded off his bat and shot all the way to the other side of the cage. Annabeth stood up from the bench and held her breath, watching the arcing trajectory of the ball. When the ball hit the target, barely off center, she grinned and threw an arm around him without thinking.

“Holy shit! You actually did it!” Annabeth beamed.

“Somehow,” Percy said, grinning. “I’m pretty sure that I just got lucky.”

When Reyna cleared her throat, Annabeth grew aware of how close she was to Percy, so she quickly disentangled herself from him, her face burning.

“You won, fair and square,” Reyna said, offering her hand again.

Percy turned to her and shook her hand. “I’m just glad I didn’t totally embarrass myself.”

Reyna rolled her eyes and said, “If anyone embarrassed themselves today, it was me. That was the second time I’ve lost to you.”

Percy furrowed his brow. “Second? There was another time?”

Reyna hummed under her breath, a twinkle in her eye. “I wonder.”

That did nothing to clear his confusion, but it was clear Reyna wasn’t going to elaborate so he didn’t press the issue. It was clear to Annabeth that Reyna was messing with him, but it didn’t seem malicious enough to make her angry. Still, she wished she knew what was going through Reyna’s head.

One of Percy’s teammates called out to him from the rental kiosk, so Percy thanked Reyna for the game and said goodbye to Annabeth before he left. Annabeth waved to him and watched him leave before she turned to Reyna with a frown.

“What was all that about?”

Reyna shrugged. “Nothing.”

“It was super obvious that you were messing with him,” Annabeth said, narrowing her eyes.

“Only a little bit,” Reyna said, smiling. “Don’t worry, it was just for shits and giggles.”

Annabeth pursed her lips. “Well, as long as you weren’t doing it to be mean, I guess it’s fine.”

“It’s nothing to get working up about,” Reyna laughed. “How do you feel about going another round?”

It was a poorly disguised attempt to change to the conversation, but Annabeth didn’t feel like pursuing the topic any further, so she sighed and said, “Sure, why not. About time I get my ass kicked again.”

[writerinnight]

Oh! An imagine for George Weasley! A snowed in day or something soft, warm, and romantic?

Warm with you (George Weasley)

A/N: thank you so much for your request! I loved this idea! (I’ll keep working on the other requests as well thanks for sending them!) hope you like it!

Pairing: George Weasley x female!reader

-

The snow hit roughly the castle and Hogwarts was colder than ever at this time of the year, the chimneys where on, the gigantic trees Hagrid had brought inside were beautifully decorated and already in the great hall making it look more wonderful, outside the castle the only color anyone could see was white and the best was that the Christmas break was near making everyone excited about it.

(Y/N) woke up not really in the best mood, she didn’t like the cold at all, it made her uncomfortable having to put on so many layers of clothes making her feel like she couldn’t move at all trying to keep the heat of her body. She went downstairs to the great hall yawning, other reason she didn’t really liked the cold weather was because it made her more sleepy than she already was on a normal day. Thankfully today it was Saturday so she didn’t have to struggle with not falling asleep in class. She arrived sitting down beside her boyfriend not saying anything to him or her friends focusing on trying not to close her eyes.

“Morning grumpy” George said noticing the frown on his girlfriend face giving her a hug and kissing the top of her head. (Y/N) felt warm almost at the instant he hug her even though she was wearing two shirts under her sweater.

“Morning love” she answered looking up at him and giving him a quick kiss him on the lips testing a bit of the pumpkin juice George had already begun to drink.

George Weasley was easily the only person that could get her through the winter days, especially on the mornings of winter days because even on normal weather days (Y/N) wasn’t the nicest when she was hungry in the morning, to everyone else she rather not say anything instead of saying anything she would regret. The redhead made the cold less annoying and was the only one that would get her to have fun and forget that she didn’t like the snow at all making her get into snowball fights, making snowman’s and snow angels too.

“Here you go darling” George said again handing her a cup of tea, when she took it it made her hands feel warm and she loved it. He knew very well that his girlfriend wasn’t the biggest fan of the snow or the cold so whenever the weather was like that he tried his best for keep her as happy as she could be with the freeze.

“I really don’t know what I would do without you” she said making George smile.

“I know right?” She smiled to herself and decided to start eating hoping to get in a better mood with a full stomach, and when thankfully she was in a better mood she started talking with Lee, Fred and Angelina. When the conversation of the next quidditch match ended it quickly changed to how the twins were planing on prank Filtch.

“We can get Filtch like that!” Fred said like a master mind really excited and got up ready to start his plan along with George and Lee.

“No no” (Y/N) quickly said grabbing her boyfriends wrist and pulling his sweater in a attempt to make him sit down but he just stood there “Today it’s my day” she said looking at Fred “He’s mine for today, you can do that tomorrow”

“Oh please, I will borrow your precious boyfriend just for a couple hours, it’s not like I’ll be snogging him like you want so badly to” Fred replied putting one of his arms on George’s shoulder and (Y/N) felt how the heat traveled to her cheeks and knew that they turned red.

“I stay” George quickly said looking at her “then we can-”

“Take him” she said letting go of George’s wrist laughing by how dramatic her boyfriend reaction was when she said it, like she had offended him.

“You’re the best (Y/N)!” Fred said beginning to pull his brother but before he could go further away George went back kissed (Y/N) and whispered ‘thanks love’

As soon as George walked out of the great hall she began to feel the uncomfortable cold around her, it was just so much easier to keep her hands from getting cold when they intertwined with her boyfriend’s, or noticing how cold the tip of her nose was only when George placed a kiss on it, feeling his warm lips, it was even more amazing how with only a hug all of his body drowned hers in a cozy feeling. After saying goodbye to Angelina (Y/N) decided to head to the common room, not wanting to spend more time than the necessary in the cold stone halls. Hearing how the wind and snow hit the tower and other students got into a conversation, she decided to end some homework on a couch not realizing when she fell asleep.

George walked into the common room searching for the girl he loved more than any other, and he quickly found her asleep in one of the couches her face resting on a uncomfortable position in her shoulder and her arms hugging herself, even if there where a lot of other students speaking not so quietly it seemed like she couldn’t hear them because she looked so peaceful. George couldn’t help himself to admire the girl, everything in her was perfect, her lips that were a bit parted, her nose that had a soft pink touch in it probably from the cold, she looked so peaceful and yet so gorgeous. Deciding it was better if she was asleep in her own bed rather than in a couch with a lot of noise he headed where she was sleeping, even if there was already noise he went trying not to make any more noise.

“Hey, darling wake up” he whispered putting his hand on her arm and rubbing it gently but the girl only frown and kept sleeping, George’s didn’t want to wake her up and scare her so he begun placing little and soft kisses first on her forehead feeling how her skin wasn’t as warm as he would like to and then to her cheeks and one on the top of her nose noticing under his lips that her nose was in fact cold, looking at her again she had already opened her eyes.

“Hey you” she said beginning to stretch which caused George to smile by how cute she looked, but for George everything that girl did was either awesome or cute “What hour is it?” She said looking around as some students headed to their dorms.

“Not so late” he answered sitting by her side “I think you slept well didn’t you?” he took the girls legs and placed them over his.

“Yes I did, and I finished my homework” she said pointing to some parchments that where folded over on a table. Suddenly George slipped his hand over one of her sleeves, it was something he used to do, checking if she was warm because he knew so well she hated beign cold.

“How is it possible that you are under all that clothes and still be cold woman?” She laughed at his face, he would worry too much sometimes which was cute.

“I don’t know the cold adores me” George stood up and took her hand guiding her to his dorm which thankfully was empty and no other guy was there “what are you doing?” She asked looking how the readhead searched for something between his clothes, finally taking out a sweater with a big ‘G’ on it.

“Here wear this” he said handing it to her, the sweater was rather large for her and it felt heavy when she took it “but this time don’t bother in giving it back”

“I can’t just steal it from you” she replied

“It’s not stealing, I’m giving it to you and I have other sweaters to weas” she still didn’t look convinced enough “I don’t want to see you shivering anymore and the only times you were really comfortable you were using this” she smiled knowing he was right “and besides you look gorgeous”

“Okey I will keep it” she started getting out of her sweater, George got close to her taking the corners of the shirt she had under it pulling it down so it wouldn’t slide with the sweater.

“See gorgeous just like I said” George couldn’t help himself admiring her wearing his sweater, getting close to her putting his hands on her waist.

“Thanks for this, all of it” she said smiling “you really don’t have to” she reached for his face and softly rub her thumb on his cheek, the readhead relaxed at her touch.

“There’s no one else I’d rather do it for” he said pulling her even closer and kissing her. He felt her lips under his, colder than his and decided it was his duty making them warmer deepening the kiss.

“Sorry, I’m always cold” she said breaking the kiss but not getting away from him.

“Lucky you I’m here to warm you up” he said and hug her from the waist making her feet lift up the ground and finally placing themselves on his bed making her laugh by his action.

“I love you” she said looking at his eyes, that shown that happiness, mischief and love that she adored.

“I love you too” he replied placing a kiss on her forehead and then one on her lips instantly feeling satisfied with himself noticing how her lips weren’t as cold as before.

[peachtree-dish]

A Te Che Sei il Mio Grande Amore Ch. 7: Niente ti farà del male piccola

23 Gennaio, 1970

The first indication of Luca’s growth spurt began with his school blazer suddenly feeling too tight as he raised his hands in class. The second indication came from bursting seams on his pants and his pants becoming more like capris as he wore them each day. The third time his inseam split, Signora Mia finally resigned herself to the reality of new clothes. Now, standing in front of his mirror, Luca could see the changes he had been too busy to notice before. His body was lengthening and becoming more svelte, with his legs becoming toned from cycling around the city. His face had slimmed down, losing most of the baby fat and child-like roundness he had grown accustomed to for most of his life.

The only features that hadn’t changed with time were his eyes; richly brown with flecks of gold and red. Luca wondered what Alberto would think of when he saw him. His friend’s voice had begun to deepen when they spoke two months prior, and Luca had all but melted into the warm depths of that voice. Would Alberto have a similar reaction to seeing Luca as he grew into himself? His thoughts were mildly put on hold as a gentle hand knocked on his bedroom door seeking permission to enter. Giulia entered, her hair damps from her bath and her skin glowing from the warmth of the water.

Dante and Luisa had left about an hour ago, having visited for after-school studying. He was not overly excited for their upcoming midterms, and with the added stress of assisting the teachers, he felt nervous about how his grades would fair. She plopped none too gently on his bed while the sounds of Signora Mia’s poor singing and the radio blasting in the kitchen echoed into his room.

“They’re playing the Beatles again?” He inquired, picking up the familiar tunes under Mia’s caterwauling. He pretended to brush imaginary dust from the light blue shirt he was wearing while strains of ‘Let it Be’ floated through the air. Giulia grinned and nodded, wincing when her mother’s voice reached for a particularly high note.

“I think Beatlemania has finally bitten her.” She rolled onto her stomach and faced him. “Were you going to try on the clothes we bought?” She inquired. He flushed under her scrutiny, not wishing to appear vain, and instead opted for sitting nonchalantly in his chair by the window.

“No, I was just thinking about changes.”

“Like what kind of changes?”

“The physical kind; I didn’t realize we were growing up.” Giulia hummed in thought. Just like her mother, both women had a gift to perceive and understand those around them with hardly any words or context.

“You don’t seem overly happy about it?” She cautiously pried.

“I wouldn’t say that, exactly, it’s something new.”

“Well, if it helps, you look good in your new wardrobe. I can hear the swooning girls now.” Giulia grinned wolfishly. The thought of girls noticing him more made Luca nervous and uncomfortable.

“I sure hope not,” he looked out the window to the hues of sunlight bathing the coral and cream houses orange. The lighting reminded him of Porto Rosso, and in turn, reminded him of Alberto.

“Don’t you want to start dating? Dante hardly shuts up about girls and most everyone in your grade is going out. Unless you’re only allowed to date sea monsters.” He continued to avoid her gaze, instead focusing on a flock of pigeons strutting along the rooftop to the left.

“No one interests me here.” He hedged after a moment.

“Not even Luisa?”

Now that got his attention.

“Ew, what? No!” He wagged his arms in horror, nearly losing his balance on the chair.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry!” Giulia soothed, baffled at his reaction.

“No offense to her or anything, I just… no. Definitely not.”

“Bene, she’s not interested, if that helps.”

“Why did you ask her?”

“I never said I did,” Giulia blustered, pink spreading across her face. Luca just stared at her with an unimpressed expression. She laughed nervously, glancing to the side.

“I was just curious,” she mumbled. She began to wrap strands of hair around her fingers, obviously avoiding his gaze now. A light suddenly clicked in Luca’s brain.

“Do you like her?” Giulia’s head snapped up and she glared at him.

“Do you like Alberto?” She shot back.

Looking back at this moment, Luca would realize he should have felt fear, or nervous, perhaps even anger, but Giulia’s question felt like a shock to his system. A switch flicked on and flooded his body with realization and for the first time in years, Luca understood everything.

A shock of laughter escaped him, “Yeah, actually. I do.” He laughed again, this time harder, unsure as to why tears were starting to leak down his cheeks, staining them green. Luca pressed his face into his hands as his laughter turned into hysterical gasps for air.

“Actually, I-I think I’m in love with him.” Oh shit, shit, shit, shit. “O mio Dio, I’m in love with my best friend, Gules.” He didn’t hear Giulia move until her arms were suddenly wrapping around him and she was awkwardly rubbing circles into his back.

“Is this okay?” She asked. He could no longer form words, so Luca nodded his consent instead.

When he eventually calmed down and the only evidence of his initial panic were the scale tracks on his face and neck, Giulia quietly went to grab him a glass of water and held it out for him to take.

“Sorry, that was dramatic.” He whispered croakily. Giulia laughed kindly and patted his shoulder.

“I think dramatic is a requirement in our family. Besides, you already know how I can be too much.”

They sat in silence for a time with their arms around each other, the light outside fading to the familiar dark and loud nightlife of Genoa.

“Per favore, don’t tell my mama.” Luca cast her a look of confusion. “About Luisa.” She amended. “As kind and accepting as she is, I think this is something that would be too much of a sorpresa.”

The red-headed teen scuffed her big toe against the floor, eyes downcast.

“Hey,” Luca nudged her softly, prompting her to look up at him. “She might be the one to surprise you. I’ve never met two people like your parents, Giulia, who truly only lived to make their child happy.”

“Ad ogni modo, I’m still not ready for that conversation. Besides, it’s not like I have a chance. Luisa’s, like, super pretty and smart, and Santa mozzarella! When she sings, it’s incredibile!”

Luca smiled as his friend rambled on about the Sicilian sea monstress, wondering if this was how he looked every time he gushed about Alberto. Eyes bright, cheeks flushed, and an endless amount of knowledge about the one person you consider to be your whole world. It was a wonder no one else knew of his feelings.

21 Marzo 1970

“Santa ziti! You’ve been in love with him this whole time?!”

“Zitto, Ciccio! I’d rather not have the whole town know, thank you.” Alberto flung flour at the blonde’s face, nervously checking to make sure no one had heard them. They were currently working in the kitchen behind the Pasticcini’s front area, with Alberto kneading the dough and Ciccio creating scores in the bread or decorating the more delicate sweets.

Ciccio winced apologetically and lowered his voice, leaning in for good measure.

“Does he know, or have you not told him yet?”

“Of course, he doesn’t know, stupido! I’m trying to not ruin our friendship.

“Don’t call me stupido, and how do you know it would?”

Alberto threw the ball of dough down on the wood surface with more force than necessary, the surrounding flour splattering like snowballs after the season’s first snowfall.

“I just know, é tutto.”

They worked in silence for a while, taking turns with switching pans from the clay oven and glazing sweet rolls with fruit jellies and powdered sugar. When the sun was beginning to set everything on fire, its orange gaze turning the sweet rolls into apricot imitations, Ciccio’s mother brought warm cider and a platter of buttered bread. Alberto liked Ciccio’s mother, she was as warm as the bread she baked and her personality as strong and opinionated as the spices she used. Bella shared the same round features as her son, with a strong nose and bowed lips that were quick to smile. Ciccio once explained to Alberto that he and his mother got their strong noses and blonde hair from Bella’s German heritage, but it wasn’t something they spoke openly about.

Today, Signora Bella’s smile was strained, but it had lost none of its warmth. Alberto knew that meant either some customers had been more difficult than others or some pastries hadn’t turned outright. He recoiled at the thought of her being disappointed in anything he’d done.

“Come va tutto, ragazzi?” She lovingly patted Ciccio’s halo of curls and squeezed Alberto’s shoulder with a large hand. “It’s smelling really good in here. Ah, che bello!” She motioned to the cooling racks on Ciccio’s right. The sweet rolls and scored bread glistened perfectly in the afternoon light and the Signora’s words made Alberto glow as well.

“If you keep this up, Alberto, I may have to bribe Massimo to let me keep you all year long,” she teased. Alberto could only shrug nonchalantly, hoping his pride didn’t show.

“How did the sales go, mama?” Ciccio asked cheerfully, taking a large bite from his buttered bread. Alberto watched nervously, eating his own snack at a slower pace, his stomach suddenly feeling as if hermit crabs were marching and pinching at his insides.

Bella waved the questions away, her mouth pulling sourly at the edges. “Bah, Signor Tafani nearly scared away my customers this morning with his complaining. That man is never satisfied.” She sniffed dismissively. Alberto’s fingers began to pick at the bread, the smaller crumbs slipping from his lap.

“Was there something wrong with the baked goods?” He managed to ask, focusing on Bella’s crocifissione that hung around her neck. The older woman’s hand rested over Alberto’s, pausing the destruction of his bread.

“As I said, piccolo, he is never satisfied. No matter how perfect the bake is,” Her smile was small but firm and it made the hermit crabs release their pinching in his stomach. “God help that poor man’s wife.” Bella sighed heavily as she heaved herself to her feet.

“Ora,” she stood and clapped her hands together and both Alberto and Ciccio swallowed their bread quickly, the butter coating Alberto’s mouth with salt and cream. “Alberto, will you be staying for dinner?”

Alberto’s mouth watered at the thought; the signora’s food was always amazing, rich in seasonings and filled with love. Not to mention Ciccio’s father would usually play his guitar and serenade his family with music and singing. If he drank enough wine, Massimo would usually join in and the resulting cacophony would leave the rest of the family in tears and howls of laughter. Outwardly, the curly-haired teen hesitated, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

“I don’t know Signora, I don’t want to leave Massimo hanging…”

“Bah, but of course he is invited as well, what do you think telefoni are for?”

“To make long distances seem short.” Ciccio supplied cheekily, earning an inconspicuous kick from Alberto. Signora Bella gave her son a bemused look.

“Si, mio figlio, for that too…” deciding that it was safer to not question the odd antics of teenaged boys, Bella left to call Massimo and prepare dinner.

When she was out of sight, Alberto gruffly shoved Ciccio in the side, earning him a loud laugh.

“I think I preferred it when you were trying to hunt me,” he groaned miserably. Ciccio merely grinned.

“It’d be hard to catch a fish that’s already been caught.” Alberto kicked him harder in answer.

28 Aprile 1970

“You want me to start applying already?”

The headmaster grinned expectantly at Luca.

“Ma certo, Luca! You’ve shown so much potential these past two years, which is even more impressive considering your, ahem, background.” The balding man stage whispered behind his hand. Luca could only stare in confusion.

“Why are you whispering, we’re the only ones here?” Signore Bonetti flushed red for a moment, his thin lips disappeared under his obnoxiously large mustache as he frowned.

“It doesn’t matter,” he waved his hand away, his smile returning instantly. “What matters, mio caro ragazzo is that you could have the opportunity for great things.”

“Bene, I don’t know, Signore Bonetti.”

“You don’t know.” The signore’s mustache quivered as he peered at the curly-haired youth before him. Luca shrugged awkwardly under his gaze, feeling a nervous trickle of sweat make its way down the back of his neck.

“I still have two years here and I have to consider prices as well. Moreover, I would like to discuss future possibilities with my family first.” He offered what he hoped to be a placating smile at the headmaster.

“All the more reason to start now,” Signore Bonetti pressed, his hands inching university pamphlets across the oak desk. “Signora Castello has already agreed to help write your application letters along with several recommendations from our staff. And, I should add that we’ve had a growing handful of universities reach out with interest once I sent a copy of your grades.”

Luca sighed internally, he had a feeling that he wouldn’t be escaping this conversation without some sort of agreement.

“How many universities would accept a full-grown sea monster into their halls, Signore Bonetti?” Luca asked bluntly. Thin lips open and closed in an “o” shape. The mustache covering the top half of his mouth reminded Luca of an octopus who couldn’t quite catch its food. He decided to keep that thought to himself.

“Actually, quite a few would be ecstatic, if you were willing to supply their science departments with some information.”

Luca clasped his hands to keep them from shaking. “I will not be some science project that is locked away and never seen again.” He said firmly.

The headmaster quickly backpedaled, “No, no of course not! We would never allow-”

“I’ve seen what humans do to those they consider different. Fear is a powerful, if uneducated, weapon. If I am to go to any university, I do not want them to know about my…background, as you say.” Luca smiled condescendingly.

The bald man paled, his eyes round with shock.

“No, mio ragazzo, I don’t think that would be wise.”

“Bene, if that is everything, I need to head back to class.” Luca stood, he considered the colorful papers on the desk before grabbing the lot and turning towards the door. Signore Bonetti stuttered a farewell to his retreating figure. He didn’t look back.

“What’s got you looking so glum, chum?” Dante’s question sprayed crumbs everywhere, much to the rest of the group’s disgust. Luca glared up at his large friend, dusting the rejected food off of his copy of ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’.

“Is it really that hard to swallow first then speak, Castello?” Luisa asked, her cupid bow lips curled in distaste.

Dante rubbed a large hand across his face, dispelling a few straggling crumbs from his mouth. Without saying anything, he stared challengingly into Luisa’s eyes and took a larger bite of a dinner roll, the crumbs falling to their doom. Luisa scoffed and turned back to braiding Giulia’s red locks in intricate patterns. Giulia hadn’t said much during their lunch hour, and if Luca had to guess, he would wager having Luisa sit so close with her hands combing through her hair had something to do with it.

They were currently sat outside on the campus grounds, good weather permitting it. Around them, other students sat on benches or laid out on the grass, soaking up the weak rays of spring sunshine. Today, Luisa brought an intricate blanket that they all rested on, with Luca lying on his stomach and Dante munching beside him sitting cross-legged. A very flushed Giulia sat leaning back so that Luisa could access her hair easily.

Dante made to speak again, but Luca interrupted him. “I’ll tell you if you promise to keep your mouth shut and your food inside it.” The larger teen rolled his sky-blue eyes in annoyance but didn’t say anything, much to everyone’s relief.

“The headmaster wants me to start applying to universities.” Luca started, immediately his friends turned to him, their expressions matching.

“Cosa?!” Their table received several odd looks from the surrounding students who were simply trying to enjoy their meals.

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Apparently, there are universities already showing interest in me.”

“You don’t think they know about, ya know.” Giulia mimicked swimming, wincing when Luisa yanked her head back into place so she could continue braiding.

“I honestly don’t know, I told Signore Bonetti I don’t want universities to know about it, I didn’t think to ask if he’d already brought it up.” Luca allowed his head to rest heavily against the pages of his book. Up close, the letters were indiscernibly blurry.

“I’ve never heard of a sophomore applying for university before, my mom has never allowed it. Have you been getting tens this whole time?” Dante looked at him incredulously. A red flush crept its way up Luca’s neck.

“That and a few extra-curricular.” He mumbled. Who knew joining the swim team and being the chess club captain would be so impressive?

“Aspettare, why aren’t you happy? Isn’t this a good thing?” Luisa intervened, her honey eyes never leaving her work.

“I dunno, I’m worried about more people finding out, and then there’s Alb- my family, I don’t want to make any decisions without them.”

Giulia shot him a look through her curtain of hair, he responded by nudging her foot with his book. They hadn’t spoken much since that incident happened, something that Luca wasn’t eager to change.

“Ya know, I’ve heard my mom talk about these exchanges that universities will offer to promising students for a few weeks.” Dante tapped his lips thoughtfully. “You’d have to wait until the summer after next to do it, but that would allow you the chance to experience college life without the full commitment.”

“Veramente?” Luca felt a flicker of hope and excitement flicker in his stomach.

“Yeah, take a few classes, sleep in one of the dorms, meet your professors, etc. That kind of stuff.” Dante waved his hand nonchalantly, “You know my mom would be happy to help, it’s her job, but, like, she reaaally likes you. So, instant win.” He popped a cherry tomato into his mouth.

The bell sounded, causing the group of teens to quickly finish what they were doing. With a hum of contentment, Luisa tied Giulia’s hair and helped the other girl to her feet. Dante and Luca helped wrap the blanket up neatly, being sure to shake out any remains of Dante’s lunch. The group split into two and headed to their respective classrooms with the promise to meet after school per usual. Luca’s last two classes of the day were physics and music, and he hurried towards his physics class which rested resentfully on the other side of the school.

As he passed a darkened alcove, his ears picked up the sounds of muffled giggles and whispers. He slowed down against his better judgment and peered around the corner of faded, blue lockers that lined the walls. Two boys, at least a year older than him, were leaning against each other in the darkened hallway. The tall, lanky blonde Luca recognized from the group of teens that Luisa had soaked near the beginning of the school year. The shorter brunette was unrecognizable, especially with him facing away from Luca and most of his body being overshadowed by Lanky.

He knew he was interrupting a private moment, but Luca couldn’t find it within himself to look away. Lanky leaned down and began to gently press kisses to Brunette’s neck who laughed breathlessly in response. Luca felt his stomach flip at the sight, and if he gripped his books harder than necessary, well, that was nobody else’s business. He wondered if Alberto would kiss him like that, or if he would prefer to have his own neck pressed with gentle ministrations. The thought made him sigh forlornly and rest his head non too gently on the lockers before remembering he wasn’t alone. The two boys jerked apart as if burned but Luca was already turning the corner at the end of the hallway before either could see him.

03 Maggio 1970

“Finalmente!” Luisa exclaimed, slumping against her towel in the sand. Luca could only continue to itch at his skin, flakes peeling off and leaving red scores wherever his nails scraped. Next to him, Dante was already removing his clothing, the pale moonlight making his skin glow like marble. The tall Italian hid a yawn behind his hand, his eyelids still struggling to carry their own weight. Due to both Luca and Luisa being sea monsters, it was agreed that they couldn’t attend the beach during the day where people might see them. Thus, it had become a monthly ritual for midnight swims since Luca’s first year in Genoa. With the weather being too cold during the winter, Luca had to settle for long soaks in Signora Mia’s bath.

However, this time around his skin had felt particularly itchy, and transforming during his morning showers had revealed new scales pushing underneath his older ones. He had panicked and ran from the bathroom with nothing but a towel and a shriek. After a rushed phone call with his mother, Luca learned about the extra joys of growth spurts and puberty.

“You’re going to have to swim daily to help your body push out the old scales,” his mother explained in her matter-of-fact way. “Your tail fins especially will need the help and they’re also going to be the sorest.” Daniela’s voice turned sympathetic. “Just a few weeks more and then you’ll be home, we can help manage it from there.”

So, for the past week, Luca with his trio of friends would all pile into Mia’s small, bright yellow Fiat and drive the half-hour to the ocean at three in the morning. Without a second thought, he was in the water, pushing through briny waves allowing the ocean to peel scales away with gentle brushes. His mother had been right, his tail was instantly sore once it unfurled in the waves. The spines along his fins were growing longer and sharper, their bases pink with tender new skin. Luca did his best to stretch his body gently in the dark waters, taking brief breaks to check his location in comparison to everyone else on the beach. The signora could be seen snoring loudly on her quilt and Dante was doing his best impression of a starfish, his face mashed into the corner of the quilt. The only two who weren’t passed out were Giulia and Luisa, who appeared to be in serious conversation near the water’s edge.

Luca dove back into the cool depths, the water burned his eyes in a barely noticeable way, and he wondered if it was because more tourists visited Genoa in comparison to Porto Rosso. There were also fewer fish here, although a stray school of fish could be found here or there. He felt a familiar tug in his chest at the thought of Porto Rosso’s waters. The year was finally coming to an end, with finals taking place for the next few weeks, and then Giulia and he would be heading home. Luca grinned freely as he thought about Alberto again, the tug growing stronger in his chest the more he thought about him. He wanted so badly to talk to his friend about his newfound feelings, but there was also the risk of losing Alberto over said feelings. And then there was the decision of attending university in two years, who knew what could happen during that time? The fifteen-year-old groaned in frustration, sending a burst of bubbles to the surface. A smoothhound shark swam past him, appearing to roll its eyes at his dramatics. Luca stuck his tongue out in defense, not willing to argue with a shark at the moment.

When he rolled onto the beach with a swell, the sun was beginning to crest over the ocean’s face. Giulia and Luisa both nodded to him, neither having moved from their spot on the sand.

“Did you want to swim a bit before we head back?” Luca asked Luisa, already knowing the answer. The Sicilian girl smiled gently at his offer before shaking her head in a negative.

“Is it a self-conscious thing because I totally get that. But just to be very clear, you have nothing to be embarrassed about.” Luca balked at Giulia’s sudden boldness. The redhead in question looked at him as if to ask why he’d let her say that her face turning the same shade as her locks. “Sorry,” she muttered, wrapping her arms around her knees. “that was too much.”

Luisa had the most genuine smile on her face that Luca had seen in their entire time together. She wrapped arms the color of caffè around Giulia, pressing her grin into her shoulder.

“You’re too cute, Giulietta.”

Giulia looked dazed out of her mind, her face the definition of a satellite that had gone to space and made no motion of returning to earth.

Pulling away, Luisa’s expression turned carefully neutral, and she appeared to be at war with something in her thoughts. As the sun began to pour its warm rays along the sandy shores of Genoa, the young sea monster seemed to come to terms with something. Sighing, she gracelessly flopped forward and began to push her fingers deep beneath the sand’s surface.

“When I was really small, I was taken from my parents by fishermen.” Luisa began slowly, “I was sold to a Circo da baraccone in Napoli, and I was their star of the show. The circus was filled with other people who had anomalies, like me. For the most part, they were really nice.”

“For the most part?” Luca asked quietly. He suddenly felt oddly cold, even with the rays drying his skin.

“Our… master,” Luisa bared her teeth at the word, “was not kind. He wanted perfection instantly and he was very greedy, he barely met our basic needs for food and water. Instead, he would spend money on alcohol and parties with powerful people.” Luisa traced vicious lines through the sand, contrasting light and dark with her fingers.

“When he was particularly ubriaco, he would wake us up at all hours of the night and run through shows with us. Every time we would make a mistake, he would use his whip.” Her fingers stopped. “I was just seven years old.” She whispered.

Beside her, Giulia had become rigid, her face pale and her cheeks were glistening with tears.

“One night, he was more violent than usual, and he knocked over a lantern. The whole circus went up in flames. In all the chaos, my tank broke and I was afraid I would die without water, I’d never made the change before. When I realized I could breathe, it didn’t matter because the fire was too big by that point. The smoke and heat were everywhere, and I couldn’t run.

“But then, Marta came back for me.” Luisa gave a small smile and finally met their stricken gazes.

“She carried me to safety, and we escaped together, never once looking back.”

“Is that what brought you here to Genoa?” Giulia’s voice shook, though she tried to hide it. Luisa turned to her and laced their fingers together and they both held on tightly.

“No, I was only nine. Marta tried to help me find my parents, but I couldn’t remember where I had been taken from and I couldn’t find other sea monsters near Napoli. Actually,” she finally looked at Luca, “you’re the first one I’ve encountered in all these years.”

“I’m sorry,” Luca murmured. Luisa raised her eyebrows in question.

“Don’t be,” She answered easily, though her voice caught, “for the first time, in a long time, I have hope.”

“Anyways,” she continued, “we moved to Sicily to avoid recognition and Marta did what she could to teach me how to be a human, including teaching me my letters and numbers. Eventually, she was able to enroll me into a school.” Here, she frowned.

“I didn’t mean to reveal myself, but there was an accident with water, and I changed. I escaped school, which wasn’t hard to do when everyone is afraid of you. Marta and I fled here and changed our names, she’s sacrificed for me so much and I feel terrible about it.” Tears began to leave pink scale marks over her skin.

“No,” Luca corrected gently. He shared a look with Giulia, and wordlessly they embraced the weeping teen. “You did what you had to to survive. And there is no guilt or shame in that.” Luisa sobbed harder, years of heartache bleeding out and dampening the crystals of sand. They stayed that way until there was no guilt left.

[mangolover]

Christmas Get Together - Ikevamp Mozart fanfiction

Title: Christmas Get Together

Prompt: “Oi! That’s my hot chocolate!”

Fandom: Ikemen Vampire  / Ikevamp

Pairing: Mozart X You (F!Reader)

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: cringy fluff

Spoilers: No spoliers that would ruin Mozart’s route. GO READ IT, I LOVED IT AND I JUST FINISHED IT YESTERDAY!

Word Count: 1900+

Description: You suggest that residents and Will have a little family get together on the Christams day since it’s a modern tradition and after a fun snowball fight, you decide to make yourself some hot chocolate.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to anyone who celebrates it! I wish You a wonderful day and some amazing gifts!  💖

It wasn't a common tradition to celebrate Christmas in the 19th century France like it is in present time. But since it was your first December in Le Comte’s mansion, you decided to propose the idea of having a little “family get together” to Comte. You were even ready to invite William Shakespeare, even if some of the residents like Theo and Leo weren’t too happy with that idea. Comte was aware of the celebrations that were happening in the present and he was more than happy to help you organize your little gathering.

You, Comte and Sebastian discussed everything that was necessary.

“Is there any way we can get even a fake Christmas tree to decorate? It’s a common tradition for families to gather together on the Christmas Eve and decorate it, putting the star on the top and then place the presents under it, telling kids that Santa put them under.”

“I’m sorry ma chérie, that might not be possible on such a short notice,” Come de Saint-Germain said with an apologetic look on his face. That was understandable, after all it’s not a tradition yet. Still, you couldn’t help but feel a little sad.

“So, we will have to discuss all the meals we need to make. Not to mention baking all the cookies,” Sebastian was making a mental check list and mumbling to himself. That really sounds like a lot of work, though.

Half an hour late, you three have planned everything and the only thing left to do was inform all the residents and send an invitation to Will. As you were walking down the hall, collecting dirty sheets to wash, you heard the melody of piano coming for the music room. It was a new composition, that was for sure. It was a happy melody, filled with love and leaving a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest. Playing the piano was none other than your lover, a talented and famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You knew that you had work to do and that he wouldn’t mind you coming into the room to listen to him playing, but you decided to sneak up closer to enjoy that feeling just a tad bit longer. You put the basket with laundry down and crept up to doors to music room on your tippy toes, holding your breath and trying to make as little sound as possible.

But like any other time, Mozart heard you and stopped playing. That startled you and you tried to get away unnoticed, but failed miserably as Mozart opened the door with a raised eyebrow. You turned your head around and gave him a sheepish smile. He just let out a little sigh, shaking his head with a smile on his face.

“How many times do I have to tell you meine liebe? You’re always welcome to stop by and listen, no need to try sneaking up on me.”

“Sorry, I kind of get lost in that melody you were playing. It’s perfect for this winter time.”

“Why do you think so?” He asked, a puzzled expression on his delicate face.

“Well, in future we celebrate this holiday called Christmas on 25th of December. And all the Christmas songs leave a fuzzy and warm feeling in your chest, just like this one.” You explained with a smile on your face. Christmas was your favorite holiday ever, “that reminded me! We’re having a little get together in the mansion that day. Everyone will be there, even Shakespeare.”

On mention of William’s name, Mozart made a bitter face, but he knew you were getting along just fine with him. You respected him and you would sometimes go hang out with him and Vincent when either Vincent asked you to accompany him or when Theo asked you to look out for him so that, and I quote, “Snake”, can’t manipulate him.

“So, can I count on my lover to be there as well?” You asked sweetly.

“You know I can’t leave you alone because you would end up doing something stupid.”

“That last part was uncalled for!” You pouted, “but I’ll love you, so I’ll forgive you if you give me a kiss.”

Mozart happily obeyed your wish and kissed you tenderly on your lips, placing his hands on your cheeks. When he pulled away, you quickly bid him farewell with a quick embrace and then you went to do your usual work, excited about the upcoming event.

And so, preparations started. Everyone has been informed and most of the residents were eager to help you prepare for this, dear to you, modern holiday. You even got shy Isaac to join you, but under one condition. You, Arthur and Dazai are not allowed to make fun of him. And Theo was only helping and attending because Vincent made him and Napoleon bribed him with his pancakes.

When the 25th of December finally arrived, you were ready to eat till you were sick and then relax in the living room where Mozart would his new composition that left you feeling so warm and fuzzy the last time you heard it. Of course, you had to beg him and bribe him with chocolate, but he promised that he will play it, only because you are the one that asked him to do it.

That morning you woke up before the dawn and got out of Mozart’s bed, trying not to wake him up. You silently got ready for this special day and got down to kitchen to help Sebastian with the breakfast and slowly started making the special lunch menu you and him have settled on. Residents slowly started piling up in the dinning room as they woke up, getting their rouge or blanc and some breakfast if they wanted.

Fast forward to lunch time. You helped Sebastian serve everyone a meal and then grabbed yourself something. All 13 of you sat down at the table and everyone silently turned their heads toward you, staring.

“Uh, do I have something on my face?” You asked nervously and gently outstretched your hand towards a napkin.

“Could you all not stare at her, please?” Mozart lowered his gaze, “you’re all clearly making her uncomfortable.”

“My apologies Mozart,” Comte chimed in with a polite smile, “we’re all wondering what we should do next.”

“Oh, I forgot about the traditional toast, I’m sorry everyone!” You apologized and slowly rose to your feet, gently raising your glass and softly calling: “I wish you all a merry Christmas, I’m really happy I have this amazing opportunity to celebrate this holiday with my family, and that includes you too William. So, I wish you all a pleasant rest of the day and I would once again like to thank You all with all your help and for this opportunity, I love you all”, you finished with a smile on your face and everyone smiled, even Mozart, Jean, Isaac and Theo and followed your lead, rising their glasses and wishing each other a merry Christmas.

After the wonderful lunch, you all moved to the living room where the piano from the music room was moved so Mozart could play for you all.

“Remember, you owe me a chocolate,” he whispered in your ear before walking and settling down at the piano followed by the applause of the audience. His fingers flowed from one key to the other, a soft smile on his lips. He was in his own world now and you started at him in awe. No matter how many times you watched him play, you were always fascinated by it. You’re sure you will never get bored of his playing.

Few nice comments and one more applause arose from the residents and yourself as the last note faded and Mozart dipped in a little bow, announcing the last part of this get together. Qualitly family time!

“Okay everyone, settle down” you spoke, “now is the time for some Christmas stories and hanging out.” And so, you told them of many modern Christmas stories, some happy and some sad. And when you noticed the sunset begging to appear, you suggested to go out and have a snowball fight in the garden.

“Got you Hondje!” Theo called out as he hit you right in the face with a snowball. The impact made you stumble backwards and you fell on your bum. You quickly wiped the snow of your face and opened your eyes only to see Mozart’s worried face a few inches away from yours, tinting your cheeks a slight rosy color. “Are you alright, meine liebe?” Mozart asked, his voice full of affection and worry.

“Yeah, I’m alright don’t worry Wolf” you smiled and he got to his feet, only for Theo to make his way to you and hold out his hand, “I’m sorry hondje, here.”

He helped you to your feet and you laughed, shoving some of the snow you picked up before you took his hand, right in his face. This irritated him and you had to start running for your dear life as other residents laughed. “I’m sorry Theo, please don’t kill me!”

“Come here Hondje, I just want to talk!” He shouted behind you, throwing some snowballs your way.

“Theo, be gentle!” Vincent yelled out of concern for you even if he knew Theo wouldn’t hurt you.

“Eeek! Let me go!” You screeched with surprise as Theo caught up to you and picked you up, throwing you over his shoulder. He had much longer legs after all. He carried you back to the group of residents that have all scattered around as Comte and Leonardo teamed up and dominated over them, throwing seemingly endless number of snowballs their way.

“Well Theo, that’s no way to treat a lady” Arthur said with a teasing smile, rising from his hiding place only to get hit by a snowball.

“You’re going to make our little Wolf jealous,” Dazai chimed in, giving away his safe spot, only he managed to avoid getting hit.

Theo put you down and you couldn’t stop laughing, clearly having the time of your life as you ran to Comte and Leo and joined them in shooting other residents.

And so, your little snowball fight continued on late into the afternoon. You all only returned back in to the mansion because you were all freezing and your hands felt numb. Some of the residents decided to go and warm themselves in thermae while some decided to go back to their rooms, seeking a change of clothes. You however decided to go change into some warm and dry clothes and then head to the kitchen.

You wanted to make yourself some hot chocolate since that would definitely warm you up and you always remembered drinking it as a kid in the winter. But just as you poured the hot beverage into your mug, you felt someone’s warmth against your back and saw a delicate hand reaching for it.

“Oi! That’s my hot chocolate!” you turned around ready to fight anyone who might try and take you favorite drink from you, only to see Mozart with a smirk on his face.

“As I already said, meine liebe, you owe me some chocolate, so I’ll be taking this now” he said and stepped to the side.

“Whatever, I’ll just make myself another one” you said with a little sigh and a shrug.

After you put the milk on the stove you stole a glance Mozart’s way, only to see him with a childlike grin on his face as he slowly sipped his hot chocolate. You had to place a hand over your mouth to stifle a giggle back and not ruin that adorable sight that surely warmed your heart and made this Christmas the best one so far.

 The end!

[gustafsnightangel]

Shattered Lives Ch 40 Pt 4

She was sore, all over sore. That was the first thing she realized when she cracked her eyes open, everything hurt. She grinned, but what a night. They’d fucked each other like a couple of horny teenagers and even though every muscle in her body ached, it was worth it. She’d slept later than Gustaf, his side of the bed already empty, the sheets cold. Hissing as she climbed out of bed, she wrapped her robe around her and padded out to the kitchen to see the kids at the table eating breakfast, Gustaf in the kitchen making tea.

“You know that massage you offered my ass the other day after ice skating?” She said as he kissed her.

“Mmm, I do.” His smirk playful.

“I may cash that in.” She snorted. “I’m so sore. Muscle sore, like I used every single one.” She chuckled as he kissed her tenderly. “Who knew there were that many of them in the most uncomfortable places imaginable.”

“I’m sorry.” He said wrapping her up in his arms and kissing her again.

“Don’t be, it’s a good sore, but damn.” She laughed. “I’ll be feeling you for days.” She purred in his ear and she nipped it.

“Don’t tease kitten.” He kissed her and winked. “Or I’ll have to take you out to the igloo again.”

“Give it a few days and you can igloo me all you want.” She grinned and sat at the table with the kids as he brought the tea over, the don’t tempt me look in his eyes making her stifle the whimper.

They spent the morning out finishing off the forts and entertaining Lily with a pint sized snowball fight. Gustaf recorded the twins hitting Sildie in the face with a giant snowball. He laughed as she got her own back, tossing them into a fluffy snowdrift. He loved seeing that smile, not a care in the world, happy, and stress free. This trip had been good for all of them, relaxing, bonding, and working toward being the family unit the kids desperately needed. But most of all it was just the time to really process everything that had happened last year since he’d met her. His life had done a complete one eighty and he love it, it would settle more with time. Eating an early lunch Sildie stayed indoors with Lily so the boys could have boy time and snowball the hell out of each other. If she was being honest the night had taken a lot out of her, she was physically and mentally exhausted, but in a good way. He gave her that freedom, a freedom to let all control and responsibility go and just feel. When Lily went down for a nap at one, the boys were well into their snow wars, so she took a few videos and some quick photos on a semi cease fire and left them to it. Curling up in bed with her book she passed out a little while later.

She surfaced much later, dark outside later, and she felt worse than when she’d gone to bed. “Probably too much sleep now.” She snorted and went to take a shower.

When she came into the living room the kids were around the fire toasting marshmallows while Gustaf read to them, Lily half asleep in his lap. He stopped when he saw her and smiled.

“There’s my sleeping beauty.” He smiled, his comment earning him a snort from Sildie.

“Sorry guys I crashed out.” She yawned.

“It’s ok we had our snowball war, part two tomorrow.” Gustaf grinned like the kid he was at heart. His brow creased as she went to put the kettle on, something was off. Getting to his feet he snuggled Lily in and stood behind her, hand resting on her hip. “You ok love? You look a little pale.”

“I’m ok, just tired still, I actually feel worse than I did this morning.” She said honestly.

“You catch a chill last night in the fort?” He was concerned, no trace of humor in his voice now.

“I hope not, but if it is, it is. I have zero regrets, especially after what you did to me.” She smiled and played with Lily’s hair. “Go put her to bed, she’s out cold.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to have some tea and maybe some toast and go back to bed.”

“You’re sure you’re ok.” He looked at her flatly not quite ready to believe her.

“Stop fussing.” She said and chuckled. She was fine, just a little off which could be explained by the vigorous activity they’d partaken in last night. She sat with the boys as Gustaf got Lily down and heard about their day, the fun they had as she munched on some toast and jam.

Gustaf put Lily to bed and got the boys settled, Sildie on his mind. He hoped he hadn’t got her sick with his insistence of sex in the snow, igloo or not it had been cold. He came into the bedroom to find her curled up with her book reading like any other night. “How are you feeling?” He asked stripping down and getting under the covers.

“Stiff and sore and just generally tired, wiped out. I think it’s a combination of last night and all the stress leaving my body like you exorcised it.” She chuckled.

“Be serious Sildie.” His tone changed and her face fell.

“I’m ok, honestly, I’m just sore and wiped.”

“Did you eat something?”

“I wasn’t really hungry, but I had some toast.” She went back to reading her book.

“Proper breakfast tomorrow ok, don’t skip too many meals love.” He wouldn’t push because if he did she’d shut him down.

“I promise, breakfast tomorrow.” She shut her book and snuggled down as he flipped the light off.

“I love you Sildie.” He said tenderly.

“I know you do, but I’m ok.” She kissed his chest where her head lay. “I love you too.”

At three in the morning she knew she was in trouble when the mad dash to the bathroom hurled up bile and not much else, her throat feeling like she’d swallowed a coil of razor wire and the devious little gremlins were playing tug-o-war with it. “Shit.” She spat, she was sick. “Fucking shit.”

“Sildie?” The soft tap at the door made her feel worse. Gustaf would blame himself for this.

“I’m ok.” She said feebly as she hurled again.

He came into the bathroom to see her sitting on the floor, hair held back in one hand the other gripping the bowl like her life depended on it for stability. She’d gone ashen grey, his woman was sick. “You’re not ok.” He said gently.

“I feel like ass to be honest.” She croaked, even her voice was sore.

“I’m so sorry love.”

“Don’t.” She held up her finger. “Don’t. I don’t blame you. Shit happens, I’m sick, we’ll deal with it.” Once she realized nothing else was going to be expelled from her gut she started to get to her feet, Gustaf helping her.

“I’ll get it. Brush your teeth and get back into bed.” He said as she went to flush and clean up the mess she’d made.

“I can...”

“Teeth and back to bed. Don’t fight me on this love, you’re sick and look like death warmed up.” He kissed her brow. “And you have a fever.” He added with a sigh. “Back to bed.”

“Ok.” She said simply at the concern on his face. “I don’t blame you.” She said meekly.

“I know love.” He smiled and helped her get toothpaste on her brush. “I didn’t want you getting sick from it though.” He kissed her head and started brushing her hair, the loose braid enough to keep it out of the toilet should she need to puke again.

“Thanks.” She mumbled, resting her head against his chest while she tried to find the energy to walk back to the bed.

“Get into bed, drink some water. I’m going to see if I can find some broth or something so you have food in your stomach or the ibuprofen will burn a hole in your gut.” He waited until she’d finished in the bathroom and helped her into bed before heading to the kitchen. Hunting through their groceries he sighed when it didn’t yield any broth, but there were some cans of chicken noodle soup. “That will have to do.” Sitting the soup on the stove to heat he found some ibuprofen and took it into her, he needed to get the fever down. “I have some chicken noodle soup warming up.” He said handing two tablets to her and a cold cup of water.

“Ok.”

“If this gets worse Sildie we’ll have to take you home.” He said softly.

“No.” She said quietly, it came out more like petulant child’s whine. “I’ll be fine, probably just a head cold.”

“Here’s hoping, but if you get worse we go, no arguments from you.” He would hog tie her to the roof rack if he had to.

“The kids will be heartbroken they spent all that time on their fort.” Why, she thought, why when everything was going so well did shit have to fall apart? Couldn’t the kids have one fucking vacation, one fucking memory where nothing bad happened?

“The kids will understand. Your health is more important.” He kissed her temple. “I’ll be back with some soup and toast.”

Placing the soup in the biggest mug he could find he picked up the toast and brought it in for her, she was already dozing. Grazing his knuckles down her cheek she woke and focused on him, eyes glassy with fever. “Eat love. I’ve already let it cool a lot so it won’t scald your mouth.”

“Honestly that would feel better than the razor wire coiled up in it.” She sulked. She hated being sick and hated that she’d let herself get sick when the kids were finally building some good memories.

“Probably. Let me see what’s in the medical kit here at the cabin, we might get lucky with some throat lozenges or something.” She nodded and took a tentative sip of the soup. He came back to find her dunking the bread in the soup and eating slowly. He could see it was painful as she swallowed but at least she was eating. “I found a packet of lozenges and some stronger paracetamol and ibuprofen. That will have to do for the moment.”

“Better than nothing. Can you make me a ginger tea? I’ll see if I can sweat this out of me.” She handed him the empty cup and plate and got out of bed to put her base layer thermals on and a set of sweats. She was so cold her teeth were almost chattering.

“You’ll cook.” He huffed.

“Yeah, well, sweating it out is the only option I have so I’m not ruining the kids vacation.” She muttered and drank the water. Fluids and sweat it out and sleep. “Well that’s my itinerary for the next few days at least.” She mumbled bitterly as Gustaf went to make some tea.

“This is so fucking typical. I stop to rest and relax and bam, I get sick.” She grumbled to herself. After drinking the ginger tea she bundled herself up under the covers and shivered, the fever had well and truly set in. Sleep took her again and Gustaf stayed awake watching over her. Checking his phone for reception he texted his mother and she confirmed that they were doing all they could for the moment.

If it goes to her lungs bring her home and straight to the doctor. Normal cough is fine, coughing up yellow or green usually means it’s in the chest and possibly pneumonia. Don’t wait on that. Pneumonia, straight to the doctor or emergency room.

Thanks, I’ll keep you posted.

Please do. I’ll let Sam know as well.

Thanks mum.

Take care of her Gustaf.

He drifted to sleep until Lily’s cries woke him with a start, Sildie was still out cold. Brushing his knuckles to her brow he frowned, her fever was raging. He collected a cool wash cloth and wiped her face gently before placing it at the back of her neck to draw some of the heat away. The last thing he needed was her convulsing. Changing and dressing Lily quickly he woke the boys and gave them the run down. They were understandably bummed. “After breakfast I need you to pack your bags and help get everything ready in case we need to leave in a hurry ok? We’re not leaving yet, so you can play in the fort as much as you like.” They all nodded and hugged him. “She’ll be ok, were hoping it’s just a head cold.” Deep down he knew it wasn’t, not with a fever like that. The minute she started coughing they were heading home. They should probably head there now but he’d wait for now.

She slept most of the day, only waking when Gustaf forced her to drink and take pills to get the fever down. She hated him for it, but knew it was a necessary evil and he was worried. Her throat felt worse, she had a headache, and her appetite was non existent. The only blessing was she wasn’t coughing, yet, but she knew it was only a matter of time. She waved to the boys as they stood in the doorway and told her about the snowball fight they’d had and she smiled. At least they’d snuck in another round, she thought. And that was why she didn’t want to go yet. They needed as much time here having fun as possible.

It was around 2:30 in the morning when she started coughing. It started with an occasional one or two in her sleep, a slight tickle, but by seven she was coughing to the point of throwing up. She was a mess, hot, delirious, cold, achy, headache, the cough that wouldn’t quit, her throat so shredded and sore she could barely swallow, and she was only able to take short breaths. It felt as if her body was trying to expel her lungs out via any orifice willing to let them escape. And she was fatigued, like someone had taken all her batteries out.

“Sildie I need you to sit up love.” Gustaf said gently. “Stay sitting up ok?”

“I’m sorry.” She croaked and the tears she couldn’t hold back anymore fell. “I’m so sorry.” She cried and coughed, in no condition to keep her emotions in check.

“It’s ok love. You’re sick, let’s get you home so we can get you well ok?” He kissed her brow, the fever still raging. Whatever had her, had her fully and wasn’t letting go any time soon. “I need you to sit here while I get the boys ready and the car packed alright? Just doze and I’ll come get you when we’re ready to go.”

“Ok.” She sniffed, which only prompted another coughing fit. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok love.”

It was eleven by the time they’d packed the car up and double checked they had everything. Texting his mum he had a spot waiting at the hospital when they arrived, he’d drive them straight there.

Megan will come and sit with the kids and take them home. Sam will meet you at the hospital.

Great thanks.

How is she?

Worse. High fever, coughing until she pukes, short of breath.

It may have gone to her lungs.

That’s what I’m thinking.

Be safe, get her here as soon as you can.

Thanks mum.

Once he had the kids in the car he collected Sildie, carrying her from the bedroom straight to the car, she was barely coherent. Their vacation may have been cut short by a few days, but they’d made some memories at least, he thought as he drove. They would be back again for sure. The boys helped out so Gustaf could keep driving, feeding Lily a snack, keeping her occupied and happy. With one hand on the wheel the other held Sildie’s, the gentle squeeze every so often and reply squeeze letting him know she was at least conscious.

Megan met them all in the waiting room, Alex was with her for some additional support and a driver if needed. “Brendan.” Gustaf said quietly. “I know you’re all worried about Sildie, but I need you guys to go with Megan and Alex and let me get her seen to ok? I’ll call when I know what’s going on.” He hated doing this to the kid, the grief from the last time something major happened well in the forefront of his mind. The teen nodded barely holding back tears.

“I’ll be ok B.” Sildie croaked and winced at the pain in her throat before a coughing fit stole her breath.

Gustaf didn’t wait, he wheeled her to the desk and got her seen immediately. Sure he pulled some strings and his brother came in a moment later with the ER doctor. Sildie waved a hand at Sam, the thought of talking and the pain that came with it making her clam up. They took her away for chest X-rays and after a swab of her throat the doctor confirmed Gustaf’s suspicions, pneumonia.

“We’ll have to wait for the test results to be sure, but I’ll start you on some antibiotics, get some fluids into you and see in a few hours whether we need to admit you.”

Sildie shook her head. “I don’t want to stay.” She said, throat feeling like that razor wire had been ripped from it.

“You may not have a choice love.” Gustaf said gently.

“No.” She shook her head again and the coughing fit silenced her. “Not staying.”

“Let’s see how we go.” The doctor said and went out to order up what she needed.

“Sildie don’t make me fight you on this, if you need to stay to get well, you stay.” He had to be the voice of reason and he knew this wouldn’t end well.

“Then I’ll fucking walk out of here myself.” She spat. “I’m not staying.”

“Love you can barely stand.” He murmured, trying to keep the edge out of his tone.

“Fucking watch me.” She wheezed.

“Breathe love.” That wheeze was panic not pneumonia, though neither helped her right now.

“I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest.” She hissed.

“That’s because your lungs are full of fluid.” Sam said gently. “Sildie I’m not going to tell you what to do, but you might want to consider staying.”

She shook her head. “Not. Staying.” Her voice breathless, but the edge was still there. That edge that clearly said don’t fuck with me.

The nurse came in and hooked her up to an IV, the drip forcing fluids in at breakneck speed, the antibiotics they added hitting her hard. Within about twenty minutes she was almost asleep.

“Lay back and rest love. We’ll be here for a bit.” He kissed her temple and wiped the tears. “I need to go call the kids let them know what’s going on ok? I promised them.”

“Don’t leave.” She cried softly. “Please don’t leave.” Complete panic took over, her wheeze almost causing her to pass out.

“I’ll call them Goose.” Sam said catching on. “Stay with her.”

“Tell them I’m ok.” She croaked. “And I love them and I’m coming home and I won’t leave them.” It clicked for Gustaf then, he should have see it like a flashing neon sign and mentally kicked himself. Fear.

“I will.” Sam smiled at her. “I’ll tell them you’ll call in a little bit ok?” She nodded and wiped her tears away, angry they’d fallen.

“I’m sorry love, I should have realized.” Gustaf said tenderly and held her hand not occupied by the IV, thumb stroking her inner wrist. She just shrugged and closed her eyes, willing the whole process to go faster so she could go home.

“It’s stupid. I’m a grown ass woman scared out of her fucking mind about being left in a hospital.” She mumbled before the coughing fit took her breath away.

“It’s not stupid and stop talking.” He said holding up his hand as her eyes focused on him when she opened her mouth. “I won’t leave you here, I won’t make you stay. You will however, do whatever it is the doctor tells you to do, no arguments. None Sildie.” He said sternly as she was about to protest. “You wanting to argue with me tells me this stuff is already working.” He kissed her fingers. “Close your eyes, rest, sleep. I’ll stay right here.” With that he kicked back in the chair and read his book he thankfully had on his phone.

The hours ticked by and she slept, to the point where the doctor came in to assess her and decided that while she was out cold to add another bag of fluids and antibiotics. Gustaf was more worried about the fever now than her lungs as she shivered, the heat radiating off her, hot and dry.

“I’ll have them draw some antibiotic shots for you to take home, we can keep her on the IV until the fever breaks, the bags are easy enough to change out. It’s either that or I admit her.”

“You’d have to knock her out and she’d never forgive me.” Gustaf said wearily, he was so tired.

“I’ll get you setup then.” He smiled. “Lay down next to her and get some sleep. I’ll discharge her in the morning unless her condition changes. Let’s keep her here as long as we can.”

“Thanks.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry about her outburst before.”

“No need, I remember her brother and wife.” Gustaf nodded, there wouldn’t be many in this hospital that didn’t remember.

Sildie barely moved when he stretched out beside her. Quietly he pulled the side bumper up so he could lean against it without falling out. “Lovely lady.” He sighed out, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. He breathed out and relaxed, she was in the right place for help, he was here with her, the kids were safe with Megan and his brother. It was the best he could do. It has to be enough, he thought. Even half comatose she found him, his scent wrapping around her. She shifted, curling against him, seeking the comfort and security of his body, of him. “I’m here love.” He murmured and caged her in with his massive frame. “Sleep now, rest.” He mumbled. Gustaf felt himself slip into sleep, the exhaustion finally pulling him under.

Gustaf wasn’t sure how long he crashed out for. However, Sildie attempting to get out of the bed woke him in an instant. “Sildie?” He murmured.

“I need to pee.” She fought with the covers trying to get free of them, her strength was non existent.

“Ok, let me help.” He said softly, half expecting the snap of her temper, it surprised him when it didn’t come. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit.” She croaked as she accepted his hand to steady her as she got to her feet, her cough stopping her cold. It stole her breath and he could see her chest heave as she fought for oxygen.

“Let’s get you to the bathroom then back on the oxygen.” He helped her shuffle to the bathroom with the IV pole, her legs weak like jelly. Sitting her on the toilet he left her to take care of business and stood outside, the door cracked open so he could hear her if she fell or passed out. He got her settled in bed again and sat beside her. “You should stay a few days love.” He held his hand up to silence her. “I understand you don’t want to stay, and if it was something a little less serious I’d agree with you, but you’re sick love, you’re struggling to breathe, and you’re fever is still raging. You need to be here, getting fluids and antibiotics to kick the crap out of whatever is destroying your system.” It broke his heart as tears streaked down her cheeks. “I love you Sildie, and I know being here scares you, I know that it’s the absolute last place you want to be, but we need to get you well love.” He took a Kleenex and handed it to her, the coughing and tears making her nose run. His decision to keep her here was strengthened when the tissue came away pink, tinged with blood. “I’ll do it with or without your approval love, but we need to admit you and get you better. Your approval will make it easier. You can hate me for it once you’re well.”

“I don’t want to be here on my own.” She sobbed quietly, she had no energy to fight him on it, her body wanting nothing more than to shut down entirely.

“I know love, and I’ll be here with you, but at some point I’ll need to go see to the kids and calm them down because I have a feeling they’ll be freaking out a little by now.”

“I need to see them.” She sniffed. “Be with them, not here.”

“I’ll bring them to visit.” He kissed her brow and willed her to just let him take care of her. “Let’s get you settled, I’ll see if Bill or dad can come and sit with you and I’ll go get the kids and bring them here for a visit.” He gripped her chin gently and brushed his thumb over her cheek as she cried. “I know you hate this and you’re angry at me for forcing you, manhandling you. I’m not doing it for giggles, it makes me sick to the stomach.” Her eyes met his. “I love you Sildie, let me take care of you.” Her subtle nod had him breathe a steady breath of relief.

As the admissions staff got her settled he phoned his family, Eija was free and would be there in thirty to sit with Sildie. He needed to get home, shower, eat, and get a grip on how he was going to function with the kids over the next few days. He called Megan and spoke with the boys, the fear evident on their faces as they FaceTimed.

“She’s ok, we just have to keep her here for a few days so they can make her better.” He said gently.

“Can we come see her?” Brendan asked, his voice shaky.

“I’m going to get her settled in and come home. Once I’ve had a shower and food we’ll come visit her later this afternoon ok?”

“Ok.” The teen nodded.

“Brendan?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s ok.” He saw the kids shoulders relax and knew it would be better once they saw her.

Eija waved to him as he paced waiting to see Sildie. “I’ll hang out until she’s settled.”

“Sounds good. She ok?”

“Pneumonia. It got her pretty good.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, and she doesn’t want to be here, same hospital as Quinn and Dana were in.”

“Oh shit.” She breathed.

“Yeah, the kids are freaking out a little too.” He blew out a breath and slumped against the wall.

“Just breathe big brother, you got this and we’ll help.” She smiled at him.

“Have I ever told you you’re the best little sister a guy could have?” He sighed.

“I’m the only little sister you have doofus.” She slapped him playfully as Gustaf hugged her.

“Thanks Eija.”

“Anytime goose. You two are good together.”

“Yeah we are.”

“She’s the one isn’t she?” Eija said softly.

“She is.” It was said without hesitation and was the absolute truth. Sildie was his soulmate and he’d protect and care for her until his last breath.

The nurse came and found him and took him into see her, she looked so small and frail curled up, eyes closed. Eija waited outside as he sat on the edge of the bed and toyed with her hair, it had lost its shine. Her eyes opened at his touch.

“Hey there lovely lady.”

“Hi.” She whispered, her voice and throat too raw to speak properly.

“Eija’s outside she’s going to sit with you for a bit ok?” She nodded at his words. “I’m going to head home and bring the kids back this afternoon. I’ll bring you your toothbrush and stuff.” He kissed her brow as the tears fell. “I’m coming back love, I need you to sleep and let the meds do their job.” She nodded again and it broke his heart to have to do this to her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Her fingers gripped him, her separation anxiety flaring. Eija came in when Gustaf called softly.

“Not quite the girls day in, but I’ve worked with worse.” Eija grinned and it got a slight smile from Sildie.

“I’ll be back this afternoon love.” He kissed her hair and stepped away, he had to make it a clean breakaway or he’d never go. Eija sat in the chair and started talking, pulling Sildie’s attention to her. As he closed her door he leaned against the wall and took a few breaths.

“You’re killing me love.” He sighed, letting his head thud against the wall. “Fucking killing me.”

The doctor updated him, she’d be in for a bare minimum of four to six days. She was slightly improved this morning but not enough now she was coughing up blood and Gustaf felt a little better at forcing her to be admitted. He headed straight home, a shower and food at the top of his to do list. As he sat for food, the clean clothes making him feel like a new man, he organized a schedule with his family for the kids to be watched and someone to be with Sildie while he bounced between the hospital and home. He knew this was going to shackle Sildie, make her feel like she’s being handled, incompetent, but he had little choice and would take her wrath if it came to that. He felt like an asshole for pushing her, but her health was more important, she could rage at him after. His next call was to Oliver. Sildie was supposed to start back at the office on Monday, that was going to be postponed a few days. The kids tackled him in a group hug when he stepped through his fathers front door, he saw the worry on their faces, that deep seated fear for Sildie. “She’s ok, Aunt Eija is hanging out with her until we get there.” He took Lily from his dad as she lunged for him with her usual dad dad squeal.

“I’ll come with you, bring them back home tonight, I’ll stay with them at your place, they’ll settle better in their own beds.” Stellan said softly.

“I’ll need to stay with her overnight.” Gustaf said, knowing she’d sleep and heal faster with him there while she slept.

“As you should, she needs you.” They sat at the table and Megan sat a coffee and a plate of cookies beside it, the gentle squeeze of his forearm reassuring him that he’d done the right thing. “We’ll take care of the kids, you focus on Sildie.”

“She’s pissed at me for having her admitted.” He snorted as he bit into a cookie, Lily wanting one. He gave her a small piece and she stuffed it in her mouth devouring it.

“She’ll get over it.” Stellan assured him. “Sometimes you’re screwed either way. She’s sick, you made the right decision, don’t doubt that. She’ll see that once she’s able to think straight.” Gustaf nodded at his statement, he still felt like shit for overruling her, especially when she was so fiercely independent.

His conversation with his father and Megan relaxed him, taking the edge off his own anxiety. Loading the kids into the car, his father drove so Gustaf didn’t have to focus on traffic. He was exhausted already.

“Feels weird being back here.” Brendan mumbled and Gustaf pulled him in close for a hug as they walked.

“She’s feeling much the same way.” He told the teen, Brendan got it, he understood it a little better than the twins.

His heart lightened as he stepped into the room. She was sitting up trying to eat something, Eija eating her own sandwich. He watched her face light up at seeing him, the kids rushing in. “Ok, boys, don’t make her talk, it hurts.” He chuckled and she waved him off.

She didn’t care if it hurt to talk, she was relieved to see the kids. The boys told her about what they were doing and their stay at grandpa’s, their speech going a hundred miles a minute. “It sounds worse than it is.” She croaked, the use of her voice sending her into a coughing fit.

No, he thought, it’s much worse than you’re letting on love, but nice try. She was trying to set their minds at ease knowing they would be freaking out much more than she was. He sat Lily on the bed and she crawled into Sildie’s outstretched arms, the both of them needing the contact, her soft mum mum making Sildie smile.

“Hi little lady.” She whispered, whispering didn’t hurt as much. The rest of her felt as if she’d been dragged behind a truck for a thousand miles. So fatigued, just keeping her eyes open was a struggle, her bones feeling like someone had replaced them with lead, and she had a nagging headache. She knew Gustaf had made the right call by forcing her to stay and felt like a cranky bitch for fighting him on it. She’d grovel later, oh how she’d grovel.

He watched her energy fade, the fight to stay present for the kids, to make sure they were alright. Eija said her goodbyes and told Sildie she’d be back tomorrow to give her a manicure and watch some really bad b movies while Gustaf had kid duty. The boys crowded in for a group hug, the separation not as brutal as Gustaf had envisioned. Stellan had after all promised ice cream so the kids were putty in his hands. They were suddenly alone and he saw her relax back, eyes closing, it had exhausted her energy reserves.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“Rest love.” He sat on the bed and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles.

“No, about fighting you on being here.” Her hand searched for his and she squeezed. “I’m sorry.”

He kissed her temple and lingered. “I would have tied you to the bed if necessary.” He growled and she huffed a chuckle which made her cough. “Shall we get you up for a bathroom break and to brush your teeth?” Her nod was enough. “You’ll feel like a new woman with clean teeth.” He helped her shuffle to and from the bathroom, a smile from her after cleaning her teeth lightening his heart. He sat her on the edge of the bed and undid her braid, gently brushing her hair, the action soothing them both. She leaned into him as brush and fingers soothed her anxiety, lulled and relaxed her body and mind. He took his time braiding her hair, the kiss to her head lingering to breathe in her scent and offer her the same comfort. “Let’s get you into bed.”

“Are you staying?” She asked, her words shaky.

“I’m staying.” He kissed her temple and got off the bed to help her get settled. Putting the bumper up he stretched out behind her and raised the bumper on his side so he wouldn’t fall out.

His arm came around her snuggling her in. “I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you too, sleep now love, let your body heal.”

“Thank you for staying.”

“Nowhere else I’d be.” He kissed her head and felt her relax, giving herself over to the fatigue and plummet into sleep.

That was his brutal routine for the next five days, wake, help Sildie, go see the kids, bring the kids to see Sildie, stay with her overnight, rinse, repeat. The upside was she was getting better, eating a little more, coughing a little less, but she was still fatigued and from what Sam had said she would be for weeks once she got out of the hospital. His time spent with the kids at home was put to good use finding a cleaner and persuading Alice into working for them part time while he was away, starting a few weeks before he left to get used to their routine. At least Sildie would have breathing room when she got home to take the load off, the only issue, getting her to slow down until she was back to full health.

She woke to the feel of him next to her. Her lanky man curled up in a bed not really made for someone of his height and massive frame snuggled in close. Rolling she looked at him, he was exhausted, dark circles painted under his eyes, a slightly haggard look of someone under a shit ton of stress with not enough sleep. She’d put that look there and felt terrible about it. Her own stupid stubbornness and pride. May as well have beaten him about the head with it, she scolded herself. Her head was clearer than it had been in days, the headache a dull roar, her throat still raw. But it was the soul crushing fatigue that she couldn’t handle. She needed a nap every few hours not able to stay upright or awake, her body was literally making her slow down or putting her down on her ass.

His eyes snapped open as fingers brushed his scruff, ice blue eyes looked back. Clearer than yesterday and she had a little more color in her cheeks. “Morning love.” He said softly, his arms tightening his hold on her as if she’d slip from his grasp.

“Morning.” Her whisper was still more comfortable than talking.

“You’re looking better.” He smiled. “Less corpse like.”

“Feeling better, little bit.” She shrugged and his smile got bigger. That was more than she’d said or done in nearly a week. “Can we go home?”

It was the first time she’d asked that since he had her admitted. “I can ask.”

“I’m glad you put me in here, I needed it, but I want to go home now, be in our bed.” He kissed her forehead.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Her fever had finally broken two nights ago, she was a normal temperature instead of that raging inferno burning her from the inside out.

“And I want to shower. I feel gross.” She chuckled.

“I think we can manage that.” He kissed her tenderly before prying himself from her side. Making sure she’d started eating, he went to the nurses station to page the doctor for her to be released, he really hoped he allowed it because fighting with her on this again would be the end of him. He needed a few days sleep in their bed too.

“Well Sildie you’re doing much better.” The doctor said positively. “But if I send you home you’re going to need to continue to rest and not push yourself. The fatigue you’re feeling is normal and it’ll take a few weeks for your body to bounce back. Your energy is going to be low for a little while longer and I want you to stay on the course of antibiotics for another two weeks.”

“She’ll behave or I’ll bring her right back.” Gustaf said in that tone that told her he meant every word and would in fact tie her to the bed if he had to bring her back. He raised his eyebrow at her glare, just try me, he thought.

“If your body says sleep, you sleep. The more you sleep, the more you rest, the faster you’ll heal.” The doctor added.

“I’ll rest.” She whispered, and she would, she didn’t want to see Gustaf look like this again, like he’d not slept or eaten in a month because she’d scared him halfway to an early grave. “I just want to do it at home.”

“Ok then. I’ll get one more round of IV antibiotics into you and you can go home this afternoon.” He said and that was that.

“Do you want a shower now or after they pull the IV?” Gustaf asked.

“After. I want to scrub this place off me before I leave.” She smiled. “You’re so tired love.” Her whisper caught in her throat. How could she have done this to him?

“I’ll be ok once you’re home and we can sleep for a few days.” His smile weary.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Not your fault love, shit happens.” He kissed her gently.

“Not your fault either.” Her fingers over his lips and the slight shake of her head silenced his retort. “It’s not. I probably picked up the bug ten days or so before I showed symptoms. It could even be as far back as the Christmas party. The doctor said with the bug and the amount of stress I’d been under it was no wonder I ended up sick.” She kissed him gently. “Not your fault at all my sweet man.”

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak as the relief flooded him.

“And I’m sorry I snapped, freaked out.” She added.

“I understand why. After everything that happened here I don’t think I’d want to be here either. Sam was here, mum works here too, they know me, us, it’s was easier. Next time I’ll take you to a different...”

“No. It’s fine. I just need to stop freaking out. That was then, this is now. Just the entire thing got shoved in my face, pushed my anxiety to the brink and being sick made it worse.”

“The kids were a mess when I went home the first night.” He said softly.

“I’m not surprised. That was the other reason I didn’t want to be here, what it would do to them. I didn’t want to put them through all this shit again.”

“They’re ok love and will be happy you’re on your way home. I know I am.”

“I want our bed.” She sighed. “In our home.”

“Oh fuck me I hear you on that one.” He chuckled.

“Are we ok?”

His brow creased in a frown. “Stronger than ever love.”

“I hurt you and I’m sorry.” His fingers toyed with the wisps of hair at her face, tucking them behind her ear.

“You didn’t hurt me Sildie, just scared a few years off me.” He kissed her temple. “No more now, we move past it. Get you better, lots of sleep and rest, and get those goddess curves back where they belong.” She’d lost weight, a substantial amount and she looked gaunt.

“You saying I’m too skinny?” She played.

“I like your curves.” He growled. “I’d like them back please kitten.” He hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look at him before slowly kissing her, that tender yet erotic kiss that made her toes curl.

“Then I need more than jelly.” She screwed up her face, clearly over the taste of it.

“I’ll get you settled in at home and go get whatever you want.”

“Pho. Buckets and buckets of pho and coconut shrimp.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“I need to lay down again.” She sighed. “Just being vertical wears me out.”

“Lay down and I’ll go make some calls, let dad and Megan know you’re coming home.” He said standing and helping her back into bed. “Dad’s been at our place with the kids so they can sleep in their own beds. And before you get upset, he chose to stay so they’d have more stability, it was the right call.”

“I know, it’s just... what a fucking mess.” She sighed.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s family, we stick together.”

“Still acclimating.” She mumbled as he kissed the top of her head and smirked.

“They’ll grow on you.” He said as she coughed. It was still there but not as bad as before, that was progress, it still left her short of breath. “Nap time, I’ll find you some ice cream or something and I have calls to make.” The real progress was her not clinging to him for dear life because he left her alone in the room for five minutes.

After talking with Stellan for nearly an hour he made his way to the dessert shop across the street from the hospital. With a tub of sorbet in hand he grinned as he saw her dozing. With the tiniest amount on the spoon he pressed it to her lips, her eyes fluttering open. “I would leave you napping but this will melt and it’s sacrilege to waste premium pear sorbet.” He said softly,

“Yes it is.” That smile, he thought, how he’d missed that smile. He handed her the tub and pulled his own out of the bag, she giggled which ended in a coughing fit. “I’m ok, better to cough it up than keep it in there.” She said and started to eat. “I can’t taste much but that feels so good on my throat.”

“Don’t make yourself puke. He chuckled. “That’s why I only got you a small one.”

“It’s enough and it’s not jelly.” She said eating another spoonful.

They talked as the final IV bag and medication worked it’s way through her system, the nurse coming by and giving her the last dose of antibiotics by injection and pulling the IV out. The nurse ran through her meds and got her ready for discharge, the doctor coming by saying she could leave when she was ready. “I want a hot shower before I go anywhere.” She chuckled and started coughing.

“Need some help?” He smirked.

“You are not fucking me in the hospital shower.” She quipped as she shuffled past.

“No sex for you for a while, period.” He countered. “I want you at peak performance when I have you next kitten.” He growled, kissing her hand before nipping her knuckles.

“Now there’s some motivation.” He heard her mutter as she closed the bathroom door. Smiling to himself he packed up her things, knowing she’d want to hightail it out of here as soon as she stepped out of the shower.

At this moment in time the shower she was currently broiling herself under was better than sex. There was nothing in the world like a good hair wash and scrub after you’d been sick and wallowing in your own sweat even when you’d done the personal hygiene wash twice every day. She emerged a new woman, had Gustaf help her dry her hair as she was already tiring, and dressed in some leggings and a sweater, total comfort.

He wasn’t wrong, no sooner had her feet pushed into her shoes she was ready to go. “Stay here I’ll bring the car around.” He said as he wheeled her to the foyer.

“Ok.”

He left her sitting in the wheelchair just inside the door to keep her in the warmth and jogged to the car, pulling up at the curb a little while later. She felt bad for having to lean on him so much, her energy fading as they drove home. “We’ll take it slowly, there’s no rush, the kids are still at grandpa’s with Valter.”

“Mario Cart wars?”

“Something like that. It took their mind of everything.” He chuckled.

“Good thinking.”

They made it to the elevator when the coughing fit started, the cold air getting into her lungs and bringing her up short. Pulling her sweater up over her nose and mouth to breathe warmer air she tried to level out her breathing as they took the ride up. “Damn that’s fucking dynamite.” She sighed exhausted.

“I bet.”

“I cough so much and I can’t stop. It makes me want to puke.” She whispered.

“Your body doesn’t want all the muck in there anymore.”

“Nope.” She said shuffling to the front door. “Home.” She sighed and he thought it was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. Her tone held such longing and love, they were home, their home. He opened the door to balloons and a welcome home sign the boys had made strung up over the kitchen island. Those boys jumped up excitedly and hugged her as she shuffled inside. Such love in this apartment now, he thought as he watched them, that smile on Sildie’s face both joy and relief.

@hausofobsession @ill-skillsgard @grandpa-sweaters @authentic90skidd @tuckersgirl @fairlyfallacy @flowers-in-your-hayr @raewritesfiction @stinkerbelle007 @kamie-b @mrsaugustwalker @skrsgardspam @loliwrites @trippedmetaldetector @lihikainanea @fay-walden @nandadb @grimeundglow

[austarus]

HR Wells x Reader Scars Across Time

**A/N: The picture/edit/gif does not belong to me. It belongs to @acewest360

Word Count: 6245

*Hey everyone! Please remember to hit that reblog button as well as liking and following! Sharing the content makes the world spin~ This is probably going to be the last fic I post until winter break. Things have not been going too well for me, I rarely have time to sit down for myself and write or play pokemon at all. But I promise I’ll be back with more fics and series parts with the winter season

“I can’t feel my fingers.”

“And this is why we keep our gloves on,” you emphasized, taking your gloves off and handing it to him to wear as the two of you walked to your apartment, “especially during a snowball fight.”

“But you’ve got to admit, I nailed BA pretty hard.”

“You did,” you giggled and pecked his rosy-cold cheek. “And I’m proud that you did. Knock some sense into him and Harry while you’re at it.” You mumbled the latter part to yourself. The other Wells doppelganger was still having trouble with his daughter, who’s back on Earth-2. She had ‘kicked him off his own Earth’.

“It’s too bad Jesse wasn’t here; I think she would have liked it.”

“She’s still upset with Harry, HR.”

HR did a half shrug, side-glancing at you as he took your hand in his, “She missed all the failed igloos and speedy snow angels, the laughs and arguments we all ended up having on who cheated or not.”

“She’s busy on her Earth being the Flash, though. That must be taking priority over everything else.”

“I know,” he sighed, taking your hand into his. You felt how frigid they were through the knitted gloves you had given him. His eyes met yours are the two of you walked, the chilly air piercing the layers you have on. The novelist hoped that his doppelgangers daughter has been taking care of herself as she takes care of her city. “Harry shouldn’t have avoided her and the issue between them though, that’ll only create a greater rift between them. I know he’s not good with emotions, but… Something doesn’t feel right, like… it just doesn’t add up.”

You only offered the novelist a half-shrug, not really knowing what to say. “I think they’ll end up talking it out, whatever it is that happened between them. They’ll eventually get through it together.” You unlocked the door to your apartment and pushed it open. The door creaked nastily from its hinges; you’ve been meaning to fix that. “Now, let’s first get you inside and thawed out, I’m pretty sure I have some cold sludge stuck down the back of my shirt.”

The two of you entered your cozy apartment, kicking off any spare snow remnant that had clung onto your boots and clothes. Both you and HR left your boots by the door. A shiver ran down your spine, the ice-water mix shifted in your shirt as you moved uncomfortably through your home. You attempted to not track any water on the hardwood floors, eagerly locating some dry towels while HR brought a laundry basket from one of the rooms. The taller man returned with one as you handed him a fluffy towel. You and HR stripped off the winter-y layers of clothes, placing them into the basket. Your long-sleeve shirt clung to your skin, the cool damp cloth making you a bit antsy to get out of it. The Earth-19 being took the basket to throw in the washer, adding in the appropriate amount of detergent and softener. He whistled throughout completing his task, towel around his neck. HR started drying his hair off as he walked back to the living room.

You turned on the weather channel, overhearing Iris mention something about a serious storm going to hit. Flipping through the channels, you finally landed on the Central City News station and just in time for the weather spokesperson to come on screen. The woman fully articulated the severity the storm could cause as well as how many inches of snow to expect with an estimated time. HR’s ears had perked up, eyeing you from behind the couch as you watched the news. You ran a hand through your damp-ish hair before deciding to set it in a towel turban. Well, it’s a good thing I went grocery shopping yesterday. I should still have the portable heater that Cisco made just in case. The candles and matches should be in a spare drawer somewhere.

You glanced over your shoulder to see HR with chaotically messy hair and the collar of his shirt soaked. You nibbled on your bottom lip while setting down the TV remote. “Hey, um… HR do you want to stay over the night? There’s a winter storm coming and stuff,” You sheepishly wrung your fingers for wanting to ask him to stay the night when you knew he probably had an upcoming deadline to meet. Am I being selfish? I’m mean… we’ve been together for almost a little bit over a year now. Gah, fuck, I’m overthinking again. Stupid past relationship trauma and emotional distress. You just didn’t want to inconvenience him.

You will never deny how safe you felt around him, how you didn’t need to be careful of how to act. You can be you. And HR can be the dorkily cute novelist that he is with no filter in regard to his ideas and thoughts and expressions. The two of you complimented each other, two wounded souls just fixing and adoring each other. It took a couple of weeks for you to open up about your past relationships to the novelist, which he listened with understanding and concern taking hold in his eyes. He had done the same thing you had done. HR had proposed to ask three questions and you would need to answer fully and honestly with the reward in return. A reward of something you had long forgotten because having HR understand your past like you had done with him caused your heart to swell to a grand scale.

HR’s gaze softened at you, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “I don’t mind staying the night.” It’s so much better than sharing space with one grumpy scientist back at the labs who’ll probably hurl objects at me if I do anything out of line in his eyes. He saw that bit of insecurity eating at you, and he would do all he can to brush it away. Your insecurities had lessened over time, but every now and then it pops back up. But it’s understandable, you were trying your best to be a good and considerate girlfriend.

HR’s heart melted when you perked up, a bright smile crossing your face as if your sullen thoughts had washed away in an instant. “That means we can even make s’mores tonight!”

“How-“

“-I bought this handy dandy electric s’mores maker-”

“-Birdy, we’ve talked about this. You can’t buy every single thing from Amazon.”

“But… but the s’mores.”

“Do I need to take your debit card from you?” HR joked at the pout you had given him, the both of you knowing he would actually do no such thing. But he worried of these little impulse buys you get yourself into. Especially when prompted by Cisco, Iris, and Caitlin.

“I will fucking fight you.”

“No, you won’t.”

“You’re right, I love you too much.”

“Was it really necessary though?”

“… Yes, the state of my survival depends on it.”

“Liar,” HR sighed to himself. “I’m guessing Cisco and Iris happened to be browsing through Amazon again when they got bored? And you happened to be with them? Browsing from page to page, especially the bargains section.”

“… Maybe~”

“…”

“Don’t worry, I made sure I paid my rent and taken care of the apartment before deciding to buy the s’mores maker.”

“Good.”

“Plus, I really bought it for you.” HR felt the tips of his ears warm a bit. “You said it was one of the things you used to make with your mom, but now you just don’t have the time to camp or be by a fire to make them. So… I got this for when you’d come over and stuff…”

“How did I ever get so lucky to have someone as precious as you in my life, my little birdy?”

Your giggle allowed his heart to jump through hoops. Hail started pounding on the windows of your apartment catching both your attentions. “We should probably go wash up. I think I still have some clothes you left when you slept over a few times.” An idea lit up brilliantly in your mind, your brain already gathering the necessary materials.

A smile graced HR’s face, feeling his heart flutter as you shuffled to gather his clothes. I would do anything for you. The taller man looked out the window, observing the outside world ravaging in the heaviness of white fluff. The power might go out soon. If we’re lucky, then it doesn’t. But mother nature doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. “Which drawer are they in?” He questioned, padding off to your bedroom but throwing a glance at you.

“I think they might be in the top left drawer,” you lied to him, needing to buy some time. “I’m not really sure. But if not, you’ll have to look around for them in my closet or something.”

You hurried to the bathroom once he was out of sight, stepping closer to the closet. Twisting the handle, you were greeted with towels on one shelf and scented candles on another. Now, what to choose. You opted for the scents of Balsam-Cedar and Autumn Leaves from Yankee Candle. Scattering the small candle containers around the tub, you made sure they were positioned in a place to avoid any fires. This is going to look simply divine. You mused a cheery hum from your lips as you worked fast. The electric lighter was in a drawer along with the bath bombs for relaxation. You contemplated whether the tiny flower petals were a bit overkill, then figured that it would be. I’m extra as fuck anyway, so why the hell not. You pulled out the mason jar filled with pastel pink-blue hydrangea and hibiscus petals. With everything set up, you just had to fill up the tub with water and work your magic. Shutting off the bathroom lights, you shuffled over to your room right as HR let out an ‘aha!’ when he found his checkered cotton pajama bottoms.

“Come take a bath with me,” you started, taking his hand and squeezing it meaningfully with jubilant warmth within your eyes. “We can warm up faster in less time before the storm cuts out the power.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to…” He trailed off; his other arm held his clothes to his chest. You knew what he meant and nodded assumingly. An ex many years ago had tried to drown you once, but… Your ex isn’t HR. The man in front of you is considerate, kind, dorky, and quirky. The man in front of you is more wholesome and beautiful inside and out than any other man you had been with. You knew the novelist would never dream of hurting you. We’ve proven that much to each other in the past year, we wouldn’t hurt each other no matter what.

“I trust you, HR.” You leaned up and kissed his nose gingerly, “You know I feel safer around you.”

“And I, you,” the taller man allowed you to tug him to the bathroom once you had pulled out your own pajamas and undergarments.

“Before we go inside, I’m going to need to you wait out here for a few moments.”

“Interesting. What are you planning, little birdy?”

“Who? Lil ol’ me? Nothing really!” You responded with a cheeky grin before entering the bathroom. HR just kept that boyish smirk on his face then sneezed. God, he loves you, but he needed to get out of these clothes soon. Another sneeze left him when the sound of water graced the silence in the apartment. The hail had stopped, but heavier clumps of packing snow fell onto the city.

“Done~” you mused with childish delight, opening the bathroom door and ushering him inside. HR held his breath as the scents of the forest greeted him. The candles were beautifully lit around the tub, flickering and wavering as it cradled the bathroom with a dim glow. The bathroom lights were off to allow the candles to work their magic in the darkness. Neither of you would deny the warmth the candles brought as the flames danced happily in their respective glass communities. Scents of cedar oak, maple trees, and autumn leaves flourished in the air, but it wasn’t overbearing. The running water moved gently as you had begun to strip down and out of your clothes. Your movements shook HR out of his trance, tugging his own clothes off, but stopped short of shrugging his pants off when he saw all of you. Your eyes caught his intense gaze. A tight knot formed in the pit of your stomach.

“HR?”

“You’re…” He couldn’t find the right words. Any word couldn’t justify the beauty in front of him. “You’re elegantly divine.” Is what he settled for as he felt hot oil splash onto his cheeks.

“It’s not something you haven’t seen before.”

“It’s something that I hope I don’t have the misfortune to never see.”

You screamed on the inside as your mind started spinning at his desire. A smug grin grew on his face as you looked away, stumbling over to a jar on the sink counter. HR fully stripped, coming up behind you with his arms encasing you and strong hands resting on your hips as he watched. He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. You leaned back into him, dropping a good two handfuls of flower petals into the water. His body, while chilled from your earlier winter-y activities still provided your own with a spectacle of warmth. Goosebumps gradually ran over every in of your skin. The taller man watched you with tired eyes.

“You know you’re going to have to let me go so we can wash up, right?”

HR pouted, to which you leaned up on your tippy toes to try to kiss his pout away. “Fine, but I think we both deserve some time to cuddle.”

“I was going to trap you in bed, regardless.”

A quiet laugh left his lips. Breaking away from his sturdy limbs and wonderfully sculpted body, you rifled through a drawer for a bath bomb. Milk and Honey~ Unwrapping it and disposing of its bindings into the trash, you set it down into the water as it instantly fizzed.

“Wait, you like bath bombs?” HR questioned with an arched eyebrow.

“Yeah, but only the organically made ones- that way it doesn’t irritate my skin.” You shut off the hot water and pulled out the necessary towels for the both of you.  “Also, they smell phenomenal!”

“They do.”

“What’s wrong?”

“One year on this Earth and I hadn’t even noticed that you had bath bombs too. Do yours also release an underwater firecracker?”

“An underwater firecracker??”

“Yeah, little ocean sparks underwater that also stimulate the water to move like the waves as if pulled from the effects of the moon.”

You just stared down at the slowly fizzing bath bomb in disappoint. “Why don’t you do that? Rude.” The novelist craned his head down to kiss your cheek with a snicker at your evident disappointment.

You stuck one foot in, the warmth enticing you as a hum left your lips before going all in. A wave of relief washed over your muscles as a tired groan left your lips while shutting your eyes. Leaning back, your skin touched the cool marble of the tub as the water drifted in multiple directions. The water rose to just above the top of your cleavage. HR had followed suit once you fully entered, sitting across from you with his legs crossed. A sigh had left him as he felt the tension in his body break away, the scents also helping him ease into relaxation. After a moment he pulled you in between his legs and you humored him because his were so long that they needed the space. Your eyes finally adjusted to the brightness set by the candles from your position.

You eyed the scar on his chest, teeth raking over your bottom lip. The one where Savitar had left his mark. Those thoughts came back. Your throat dried instantly. Swallowing thickly, your mouth moved on its own accord. “I almost lost you.” HR froze as he leaned his broad back against the tub, an arm on the rim of the cool marble. You reached out a hand to trace over the scarred skin. The closer you had gotten- the more you looked at his upper body- was the more you mentally berated yourself under the soft glow of the candlelight. Scared paths and crossroads of tinged undertones on his skin, some faint- others dark and deep. A few were clean and a few others were messy. Even the scar, perfectly hidden by his left eyebrow seemed to be clearer to your eyes now. Your heart sank in your chest, frustration and anger and hurt welling up inside you at the pain HR must have endured over the years. But mostly, anger and hatred towards yourself. How have I been so blind? How many times have my eyes overlooked these? How pathetic and ignorant have I become? HR shivered under your touch, under your gaze over the ugly reminders on his body. “We’ve been together for a year,” you started, “a little bit over a year- and I’m a damned fool for never truly seeing how hurt you’ve been.”

“I…” The words died in HR’s mouth. The sullen look in your glassy eyes, the pained expression on your face. His heart felt heavy, yet it oddly thrummed loudly in his chest. The warmth of the water didn’t help how you were feeling.

“And for that, I’m sorry.”

“Just being by my side and seeing who I am- how I’m worth something, exceeds any grim reminder of my past.”

“But, I didn’t-”

HR took your hand and intertwined your fingers together, “You’re the light of my life, you allowed me to forget my past and accepted me, all of me. I don’t hold it against you that you didn’t notice, we’ve been going through one hoop after another with these crazed villains. Hell, I forget the scars are even there when you’re with me… I feel whole when you’re with me.” The novelist strained emphasis on the last sentence. You felt the tears start to riot in your eyes before streaming down your face. HR gently cupped your face, wiping the tears away with a dry hand. “I’m happy that you overlooked them. I’m happy that I could shed them when I’m around you.”

You were silent for a few seconds. “I’m still mad at Iris,” you whispered with a sharp sniffle, your fingers finding the scar over his heart once more. “No, I’m pissed that she didn’t the willpower and guts to speak up when she had a chance. We… we could have prevented… both of you could have-”

“-We could have gone through a million different avenues, but the results would have led to the same road.”

“Wouldn’t it? You, at least, couldn’t have been hurt if we had done something differently.”

“Iris could have been hurt.”

“You were hurt!” You snapped as your voice wavered. “You were going to die, had it not been for Julian and Cisco and Barry. I… I can’t lose you. Every night, a dark thought slips into my mind. You could have died- You could have died right there when you were just starting to live a life of your own. All because of Barry and Iris.” Your cheeks felt wet and only then did you realize that the tears had pooled up and escaped. His gaze softened at you, nonetheless, the tears didn’t take away from any frustration that you had presented.

HR recognized the bitterness in your voice. The fiery anger within your eyes as you looked up at him with desperation. The same anger that he had long disciplined himself to distance from. Anger blinds all gates of logic within the mind. Because in a way, you were right. Iris could have easily said something when she was disguised as his persona. Instead the queen of the castle seemed reluctant in sacrificing herself, instead allowing the pawn to take the fall. HR had thrown it all away to save someone who didn’t really care to know him and treated him with disdain at first. All to prove to the others that he was worth being on their side. To prove to Savitar that he wasn’t a coward like the projected future had revealed. But most importantly, to prove to himself that he’s capable of more than just standing on the sidelines as backup. The anger and distraught and hate. HR worked tirelessly to move past them. You were his future now. You and the fact that in the end he seemed to earn his spot. Sadly, even at the expense of his own life. At the end of the day those were the cold, hard facts. Ones he willingly chooses to not give in to.

“But I’m here.” HR wrapped his long arms around you, pulling you closer to him. You choked back on a sob. Your anger waned at his gentle touch. “I’m here and I’m alive,” he let out roughly, letting you cry it all out as he rubbed your back soothingly. HR knew everything you had said had been true. And even if it did work out in the end, he didn’t want to imagine a reversal of the situation. If it had been you who had traded places with Iris instead of him. The novelist can only hope that the team wouldn’t have to put anyone else in a situation like that. That Barry and Iris wouldn’t have to play close to this dangerous game of chess again. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you sniffled, calming down with a stutter. You knew that anger blinds judgment. You didn’t hate Iris, but you resented her inability to save both her live and HR’s. HR wet his hands and cleared your face from any remnant of tears. kissing your eyelids sweetly.

“Interesting that you put hydrangeas and hibiscus petals.”

“How so? And how did you know?” you raised a questioning eyebrow at HR.

“The jar’s labeled.” You facepalmed at yourself. Of course, the jar’s fucking labeled, I’m such a dumbass. “But also, I studied the language of the flowers as well as the language of the colors for my writing.”

“So, what do hibiscus plants stand for?”

“From what I recall,” HR scratched the back of his neck in recollection, “they stand for love and affection between family members, friends, and others. A perfect statement of gentle feelings towards the others. It can even symbolize passionate relationships.” You had placed both hands on his shoulders as he spoke, mesmerized by his knowledge of the flower. He wiggled his eyebrows at his later statement, causing you to giggle with flushed cheeks.

“What about the hydrangeas?”

“Ironically, heartfelt emotions,” he kissed your cheek, rubbing the skin of your lower back as he continued. “Gratitude for being understood.”

“I would call it more of a fateful coincidence,” you mumbled, pressing your lips to his for a chaste kiss. But truthfully, he just wanted to roll around in bed with you and kiss you silly to his heart’s content… amongst other certainly heart-fluttering bedroom activities. When you pulled away, your eyes drifted over his figure. “Can- Can I ask you about them?”

Them. HR knew what you were referring too. That curiosity of yours is one day going to land you in trouble, birdy. HR mused to himself with a little noise of thought. He was well past the mental pain, taking up meditation and various things to acknowledge and push past it. But the idea of you feeling the need to know didn’t rub him the wrong way like it should have. Rather, it stirred something deep in his heart, a playful glint hidden in his eyes. “Depends on what’s in it for me, little birdy?”

You thought deeply for a minute and HR remained silent, running patterns over the skin of your arm. You felt warmth build up on your skin with every contact. “One night.”

“One night…?”

“One night, you can do anything to me- within reasonable bounds. You decide when the night can be.”

The Wells doppelganger immediately licked his lips and felt his blood rush at the notion. “Is that your final condition?” Because if it is, this big bad wolf’s going to make sure to devour his little red riding hood all night long. HR tilted your head back, a hooked finger under your chin as his lips skimmed over yours. There’s much planning that needs to be done.

“Y-yeah.”

“‘Yeah’ isn’t a word of confirmation.” Learned that one from a law buddy back on Earth-19.

“Yes,” you won’t deny the anticipation in your voice. The murky white waters retaliated with every movement from the two of you. “One question, one scar.”

“One question, one scar, one night.” The novelist smirked down at you, a cocky look on his face.

“Fair enough.” I essentially ordered one love romp of a night… I’m so fucked, literally and figuratively. I just hope I don’t have to come into the Labs the next day, neither of us.

HR watched you closely, grabbing the body wash as you decided with a focused look on what scar to choose. Your eyes roamed his body. You already knew of his mental scars, and he knew of yours. The novelist waited patiently as you quietly processed the image of them on his skin. Some scars on his body were from hitmen, bullies, or muggers- mainly during his young adult life or when he was creating STAR Labs with Randolph. That bastard probably sent some after me, wouldn’t be surprised since he knew I would be executed if I crossed dimensions. Bath sponge in hand, he lathered your body wash on the sponge with every intention that he would help wash you while he reiterated a scarred tale.

“What’s the story behind the one on your eyebrow?”

That one took HR by surprise; usually human nature would be intrigued with the most noticeable of things- big things. Instead, you pinpointed the one that was easily concealable in plain sight. Settling for the smaller scar in comparison to the others. The novelist took your arm, scrubbing your skin with lips pressed thinly. You opened your lips to ask if he’d rather you choose a different one, but HR cut you off in a matter of milliseconds.

“I got it back during my university years. I was an English Arts major,” he paused for a moment, switching to your other arm to give it the same treatment. “My father obviously didn’t approve, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to keep going with my literary studies, taking up photography in my spare time. One day, I was just walking through the city in the late evening. Dismal and dark, with fog everywhere.” HR rinsed off your arms, gesturing for you to turn around between his legs so he can start on your back. He plucked off the PanOxyl Foaming Wash bottle from beside a candle, using a different sponge specifically for the backwash. You had told him that sometimes you unfortunately get acne on your back and shoulders, so you use this backwash to keep it clean and acne-free. To your surprise he wasn’t revolted in any way, instead he admired your constant diligence with wanting to keep good hygiene, especially since so many factors can trigger different responses from the human body. You silently waited, listening intently as he continued. “I heard whimpers. Cries coming from down the alley. There was this… this small puppy- I-I can’t really recall what breed it was, but it looked hunger and tired and scared.” You looked back at him, heart aching as you saw his eyes show the pain in his heart too. “I thought to myself. How could someone leave a helpless baby animal to starve in the city’s alleyways? Why couldn’t someone have the heart to nurture it?”

“What did you do?”

HR ran the water over your back to remove any bubbles or foaming wash from your skin. “I saw myself in the puppy. Lost. Abandoned. Alone.” he whispered as he raised his chin, eyes finally meeting yours as you fully turned to observe him. Your gaze softened; your wet hand reached out to cup his jaw. Droplets of water fell from your skin into the colored water as he nuzzled into your touch. “I approached it, I wanted to keep it safe and warm. It didn’t object when I picked it up, cradling it like it the baby that it is. It trembled and shivered in my arms.” His heart dipped remembering the way the puppy felt in his arms. One of his larger hands held onto yours, the one cupping his chiseled jaw. “I had to do something, couldn’t just leave it there.” I couldn’t abandon it.

“There’s a ‘but’, isn’t there?”

“There always is…” He let out a mirthless laugh. “Things went south when a couple of drunk guys found me and the puppy. Turns out these were the same guys that had been harassing the little one through the alleys. They had been trying to use the puppy in illegal cage fights.” HR bowed his head slightly. “One thing led to the other, there was a knife and I was running like hell with the puppy. Until they cornered me, hence…” He trailed off, gesturing to his eyebrow scar with a free hand.

“HR,” you whispered, but he squeezed your hand as he took it off his face. Your other hand tightened into a fist in the water. HR’s eyes caught the movement but didn’t say anything.

“They roughed me up pretty good- I’m wasn’t- I’m not a fighter, but I would have been damned if that little puppy had been hurt. I ended up finding the little guy a home where he can be looked after and well-fed and safe.” You unclenched your fist, gently listing it to stroke his stubbly cheek as he concluded. HR ran his fingers down the length of your arm.

“You’re safe.”

“I know. You’re safe too, my little birdy.”

“I know.”

You twisted your body, stretching an arm out as you reached for his Old Spice body wash. It was your turn to help wash him. You started working away at his sturdy chest, obviously doing your best to not ogle at his abs and his entirely toned framework. But he caught your eyes drifting off more than once.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For always listening to me.”

“I love you, HR. And I would do anything in the multiverse to keep you safe and loved. You’re my one one one after all.” You winked at him, eliciting a deep chuckle from his lips. Music to your eyes, smiling as the corners of his lips lifted upwards. “There’s that radiant smile I love so much.” The man blushed but continued to grin.

HR ran a hand through his hair before catching a glimpse of his hair in the mirror. He squinted a bit as he held a lock between two fingers. “Looks to be about that time of year again.” Your fingers threaded through his hair once he released the strand.

“I’m assuming a haircut is needed.”

“Yup”

“I will never understand how men ask for their hair to be done.”

“It’s honestly really easy, with the provided visuals of course. I should take you with me once.”

“I’d be okay with that.”

“Probably going to need to dye my hair black again.”

“I think I have some leftover dye in a cabinet somewhere. You know… I wouldn’t mind seeing silver streaks on you. Makes you look like a sly silver fox to me.”

“… I’ll keep that in mind for next time as long as you allow me to learn how to do those intricate braids in your hair.”

“You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Wells.” You leaned up to kiss his lips.” The novelist smirked against your lips as he ran a hand over your bum. Neither of you had noticed that the water was starting to become lukewarm, the candles and warmth of each other distracted the two of you. “It’s a done deal.”

Taking his Old Spice Shampoo in hand, you squeezed a good amount out meanwhile he tilted his head down closer for you to reach. HR’s hands settled on your hips, steadying you on his lap to have your legs wrap around his waist. You scrubbed and massaged his scalp, creating a bubbly hairdo for him. You couldn’t help the giggle that escaped your lips. But once your bright eyes met his baby blue ones, you felt your heart skip in your chest.

HR felt your hands slow as you retracted them but made no effort in submerging them in the water to get rid of the bubbles. Instead your smaller hands rested on his broad shoulders with the tips of your fingers doing a sort of feather-light dance against his skin. The novelist found himself mesmerized by your radiance, never mind the candlelight that continued to flicker around the both of you. You felt hypnotized by his baby blue eyes, pulling you into an ocean of wonder. HR licked his lips with half-lidded eyes as you moved to kiss him deeply, your lips slowly moved against his with a sensual kind of dance to it. The doppelganger breathed you in slowly and he pressed forward. His palm rested on your cheek while his other hand took one of yours to hold onto. The kiss broke but was soon reconnected. Over and over again. The moment wasn’t rushed. There was no hurry to get to the finish line. It was just you and him and the wisps of fire around the two of you. HR nibbled on your lower lip before you reluctantly pulled away. Your tongue ran over your swollen bottom lip.

“We should probably finish up before the power decides to run out,” you started in a low-ish voice. HR noted the slight jitter in it and his heart swelled at the effect of his kisses on you.

“I don’t think it might get to that point. We’d probably end up snowed in, but there’s a chance that the power might not go out.”

“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“I know. If we must, then by all means,” The novelist murmured, nuzzling his nose with yours before the two of you finished washing up.

HR stepped out first from the foamy waters of the tub, stretching a fine limb over for some dry towels. He handed one to you when you had stepped out after him unfortunately a little less graceful as you almost slipped on the tiled floor. HR’s hand reached out to steady you. Giving him a sheepish smile, you whispered a thank you to which he returned with a wink. He knew you could be clumsy at times, but nevertheless he’s grown to love that about you. HR had come to realize that him being able to catch you from tripping over your feet or stopping you from running into things would give him a sense of ‘being your hero’ or ‘saving you’. It was just a small thing that made him happy. A ‘your hero in-the-moment’ kind of thing.

You wrapped the towel around you to rid your body of the water and bubbles. The two of you had cleaned each other well which made you sigh in contentment because feeling clean and being clean made you feel satisfied and relieved after a long day. You couldn’t help the stare you had fallen into as your eyes roamed over your boyfriends’ body as he dried himself off. Subconsciously, you licked your lips at every dip of skin, every inch of muscle. Wrapping another towel around your hair, your eyes never left HR until he turned towards you. You blinked for a split second and hastily busied yourself with pulling your undergarments from your clothes pile. HR walked back past you with his pajama’s on. The novelist had every intention in extinguishing the candles that were left only to land a soft smack on your ass. You let out a little yelp in surprise at the impact.

“See something you like?” He teased as he blew the fire out. He knew. There was a large mirror in the bathroom after all. A smirk finally settled on his face, one that he had been repressing until he smacked your ass. The heat had stayed on your cheeks from the bath and getting caught.

“Maaaaaaaaybeeeeeeee.” To be honest, it was a nice ass.

HR chuckled, “Well, since you’re done why don’t you get that cute ass of yours in bed while I go and get the smores maker?”

“How can I ever refuse such a generous offer?” You hummed, leaning up to kiss him. The Wells doppelganger nipped at your lips in return then broke away from you. He stepped towards the door. “HR?”

“Hm?” He turned back to you with curious eyes. There was a soft glow that had settled within your eyes. The sight made his body tingle.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[freckles-and-jalapeno]

First Snow

Word count: about 5K 🎧: this Originally I posted it on AO3 in 2 languages, English and Russian. Check it out if you'd like! Other than that, I hope u enjoy! 🌟

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First snow...

No, we’re not talking about that pathetic, grey, mashed potato-like mud that makes your socks wet. It’s not those soggy pieces of cold white cotton wool, blown into the folds of your scarf by the wind. And it’s not that icy-cold frost that bites into your cheeks and ears, ruffles your hair and pierces the layers of your coat and sweaters. It’s that warm, pure December snow that quietly falls from the sky in soft flakes.

- What fine weekend weather we‘re having today! - happily said Tonks as she was crunching on her cheese toast. - Last week, you said exactly the same thing about the snowstorm - remarked Talbott, briefly looking up from his book "Transfiguration Tips for Young Wizards and Witches".

"What’s wrong with enjoying life?" Tonks would have answered, but since her mouth was still full of food, she only managed “Fffoosss wwonkk ittph eehooaaifff?”

Indeed, everyone at Hogwarts was in high spirits: the winter holidays were in full swing, half of the tables in the Great Hall were removed to accommodate beautiful Christmas trees, and students from different houses were allowed to sit together. Y/N, Tulip and Bill were the first ones to arrive for breakfast and attack the apple oatmeal; then Talbott and Tonks joined them. The air was full of joyful hubbub: the owls, who already delivered their morning parcels, were hooting and flapping their wings; students were rattling with their spoons and cups or loudly discussing the latest gossip from The Daily Prophet . And yet, there was one man in the castle who did not share the common joy.

Charlie has entered the Great Hall and tragically plopped down next to Tonks. - It’s a nightmare. I asked Francesca Wayne out on a date, and she agreed. - And... isn't that good news? - Bill gestured with his spoon of oatmeal towards his brother. Coincidentally, some oatmeal flew off the spoon, soared over the table and sludged right onto Barnaby’s shoulder.

- Her agreeing to go on a date with me was good. - Charlie said. - We were strolling around Hogsmeade, and everything was swell until some fifth-year Slytherin student unexpectedly jinxed me with the Tarantallegra charm. I began to tap-dance like a madman!.. And then it got worse. I was still dancing by the time Fitwick showed up. He did cast a counter-spell, but.. - Charlie covered his face with hands, and now was talking through his fingers. - ...by that time I had already managed to plummet into some mud nearby… I suspect it was porlock’s dung. It smelled all the same. Basically, I looked like a complete idiot ... oh, crickey!

Just at this moment they noticed a group of cute Hufflepuff girls passing by. For some mysterious reason, all girls had their hair gathered in a neat, long ponytail. The tallest gal from the gang stopped and waved in their direction.

- Hee-hee! Hiiiii Charlie! .. How are your legs doing today? ..

The feeling of shame caused Charlie’s face to take on a shade of beet.

- This is officially it. I quit girls. From now on, I will become a druid, go somewhere like Egypt and will only be dealing with dragons.

- Oh come on, Charlie! Don’t mind Francesca! - Y/N reassuringly patted her friend on the arm. - You know, I often see her in Potions class: she hides behind a cauldron and picks her nose, thinking that no one can see her.

- So true, - Tulip signed with her brows. - I bet she’s eating her boogers, too!

The whole company burst into loud laughter.

- But seriously though, - continued Tonks. - Let's forget everything about these bloody incidents and celebrate the weekend properly! Let's visit Hogsmeade, buy some butterbeer….

- Take a look at Zonko’s! ..

- Blimey, how could we forget about Zonkos’ for a split second?..

- Actually, this might be a good idea. I do need a new moke leather bag...

- I”ll get some sugar quills! ..

And so they agreed.

* * *

After shoving themselves into warm sweaters, hats, and mittens, they headed out of the Courtyard together. Bill, Charlie, and Tulip were walking in front, followed by Talbott, Y/N and Tonks. The group chatted about the upcoming semester and wondered which subject will have them writing most essays. Shortly thereafter, they met Professor Snape, grouchily making his way back to the castle, and they started proposing different versions of why he wasn’t around much these days and what mysterious business he was up to. Finally, they had an argument about what kind of festive pudding the elves would be making for the last day of holidays. Talbott betted galleons to Fizzing Whizzbees that the pudding will have strawberry flavor, Y/N voted for lemon, and Tonks - for cherry.

The road was gradually getting covered in white. Snow was sneaking into their boots, and the wind was merrily propelling them forward.

Suddenly, when friends were walking past a small brome grass field (now frozen and covered in snowdrifts), a large snowball glided through the air, furiously whistling all the while. It crashed directly into Tulip’s hood and majestically exploded with snowflake glitter.

- What the %#!*i9&! - angrily cursed the Ravenclaw as she turned around in search of the culprit.

Tonks was standing a little further away, now mockingly tossing another snowball up and down.

- Haha. One-zero, Karasu. C’mon you guys, we can't just walk away from this much snow.

Tulip shook her head to get the snow out her hair.

- Well, you're doomed, you little pink-haired witch! - she yelled and lunged herself at Tonks.

- Look at yourself, you tomato head! - metamorphine shouted in response and dashed away from her friend, laughing uncontrollably.

Unable to resist such good fun, the rest joined the battle, which was about to become the greatest strategic snowball battle in the history of Hogwarts.

They split into 2 teams. While one of his teammates was distracting the others, Talbott would conjure gigantic snowballs and avalanche them onto the heads of enemies via Wingardium Leviosa. Meanwhile, Tulip sneaked up on Charlie using a disillusionment charm; she grabbed his red hair and dipped him into a snowdrift right up to his neck. Bill, suddenly filled with brotherly instinct, jumped in front of Y/N and covered her from a charge of Tonks’ snowballs with his body. This sacrifice, however, turned out to be utterly useless, as the very next moment Charlie doubled the snow artillery in her direction; so much so that he knocked Y/N’s cap off.

At last, they tumbled in Madam Rosmerta's pub as one noisy lump of fun and laughter: cold, wobbly and covered with snow, but lively and carefree nonetheless.

- A table for six, please! - Tonks demanded in a jolly voice.

- For six? M’dears… - a low pitched, cackle-like noise came from a table at the very door.

It was professor Trelawney who tremulously perked up from underneath her thousand and one sherry-scented shawls.

- I think I heard I ... saw that you wanted a table for six? But did you know, m’dears, that the ancient scroll of prophecy specifically says NOT to sit down at a table on the sixth day of lunar December, if you are a group of six? The last one to sit down will lose a friend on the very same night ...

The group of friends exchanged puzzled glances. Of course, no one believed in Trelawney's predictions, but it was still very uncomfortable to hear things like that.

- Here, please. - Madam Rosmerta appeared in front of them before anyone had the time to reply to the terrible omen. She led the group up to a cozy table next to the fireplace.

- Blimey! What rubbish this old blind cat is saying this time? - Tonks hissed.

- Nonsense, like the usual. Every tea leaf class she’s now predicting a painful and a horrible death for just about everybody. Woo-o-o-o! Some dark forces are hovering over Hogwarts… - Y/N mimicked professor Trelawney’s voice and gestures. - But when aren’t they?

- Right. - nodded Talbott. - Besides, no one has died so far.

- Uh .. Well, who wants to sit down last? - Charlie asked hesitatingly.

- I’ll go! - volunteered Y/N.

- Suit yourself. - shrugged Charlie and hastily sat down.

- You don't believe those silly predictions, do you, Charlie? - Tulip settled down on a nearby chair. - Take a look, there are so many people around here sitting in groups of six. This doesn’t mean they will all lose a friend overnight ...

- Numerologically speaking, it is simply impossible, - added Bill and sat down, too.

Tonks sat down next to Bill. Talbott thoughtfully gazed at Y/N for a moment, and then he silently joined the others. Y/N was the last one to sit.

Without listening to friends’ endless squabble about Trelawney's competence, she stretched her legs towards fire, feeling blissfully warm and tired. Today was such a good day. And Madam Rosmerta is about to bring butterbeer for everybody! ..

- While we’re here, - Tulip cleaned her throat, - we need to make sure that there is enough of the wonderful drink for each one of us.

She took out her wand and pointed it at the glasses with beer.

- Engorgio!

The glasses had grown twice in size. They weren’t glasses anymore, really - they were jugs.

Bill raised his jug in the air:

- Let's drink to friendship! - To loyalty! - To honesty! - To dung bombs! - To holidays! - To Hogwarts!

Comfortably nestled at The Three Broomsticks, friends were clinking their glasses and drinking, and then some more, and a little bit more. At last, when everyone started to feel the soothing and flushing effects of the caramel liquid, Tulip grabbed a pack of Self-Shuffling playing cards from her coat.

- Alright, friends. How about we play some truth or dare? - she suggested.

- Since when does truth or dare require cards? - argued Charlie.

- Since today, you silly redhead. Highest card gets to ask. Lowest card gets to answer. I'll start, you chickens... Y/N, take one card, too.

Y/N stretched her hand forward and caught a card that jumped out of the deck. One moment later, the two girls smashed their cards onto the table. Charlie declared:

-Three of feathers and a phoenix. Hey, Tulip wins!

Tulip let out a wide mischievous grin.

- Y/N, tell us the truth then. Marry, flip, kill: Penny, Merula, Charlie.

Bill and Tonks immediately started to giggle and nudge each other with their elbows. Talbott and Charlie, on the other hand, straightened up in their chairs, leaned forward and stared at Y/N solemnly, without blinking.

After some thinking, Y/N tilted her head to one side and replied:

- Okay, I think I got it. I’d marry ... Charlie.

Tonks let out a loud whistle.

- I ... Uuhhh thanks I guess? - responded Charlie, blushing furiously.

- I would flip ... Merula. - continued Y/N.

- You mean you’d flip the greatest witch at Hogwarts? Ha-ha, that’s an interesting choice. - Tulip mightily slapped Y/N on the shoulder.

- Wow Tulip. - Talbott gingerly proceeded to remove Tulip’s hand from Y/N’s shoulder. - You pronounce “horrifying” differently than I do.

- Wait, so this means that you kill ... Penny? - Bill's jaw dropped in astonishment.

-Don’t get me wrong ... - explained Y/N. - She’s nice and all, but sometimes I get this feeling that she’s following me everywhere… and I mean everywhere. So yeah.

- Poor Penny. The sun-like creature who is always happy to see you. - Talbott chuckled. - And now, she has to DIE.

Their table shook from the loud cackling.

Brilliant! - Tulip clapped her hands. - The first round is over. Y/N, you won, now you get to choose who draws cards next..

Y/N chose Bill and Tonks.

- 7 of wands and 9 of stars! That was a close one, Bill. - Tonks’ face glowed up and her hair turned raspberry color. - So here is your dare, William...

- Oh no, no, no ... - Bill grabbed his red hair and started to crumple them.

- Don’t fret, dear Bill! I like you, so I will provide you with options... You can either ask Ismelda for a kiss or... you can kiss a garden gnome’s tummy!

Y/N and Talbott simultaneously snorted into their butterbeer glasses, almost choking on the drink. Bill, on the other hand, looked like someone had just asked him to drink a cup of newt’s goo.

- What bloody hell is this, Tonks ?? - he howled from annoyance and smashed his fists on the table. - There are NO gnomes in here!

- Most certainly there are. - Tonks replied calmly. - Take a peak at that table in the corner.

The table in the corner was taken up by Hagrid. He was quietly cooing with a small potato-like creature he had brought to the pub - apparently in secret from Rosmerta. At this very moment, he was feeding colorful Bertie Botts beans to the gnome.

- Merlin's saint underwear! - Y/N whispered reverently - It looks like Hagrid knitted a suit for him ...

And surely so, if one was to look closely, the gnome was dressed in a blue sweater and coarse-knit socks that were almost reaching the creature's thighs (if garden gnomes have thighs, of course). By some unknown coincidence, the gnome had no pants at all.

Bill looked at Tonks with the most touching expression Y/N had ever seen in his eyes.

- Can we play without the kisses?

- Hey, come on. I'm not asking you to kiss a Dementor, aren’t I? - Tonks just laughed in response.

(read here if you want Bill to kiss Ismelda)

I can't believe I'm doing this. - Bill shook his head. - I'll go out there and ask Ismelda for a kiss.

Charlie delightfully roared "Hallelujah!" and let a few green sparks out of the end of his wand. Tulip, Y/N and Tonks began to synchronously thump on the table and whisper: “Smooch! Smooch! Smooch! Smooch!”... Talbott threw his hands behind his head and settled himself more comfortably on the bench, getting ready for the spectacle.

... As a prisoner goes to be executed on a guillotine, that is how Bill Weasley was approaching Ismelda. The Slytherin gal was chatting with her fellow students at the bar.

- Check it out, it looks like she noticed him ... - Tulip started to comment on the action. - He’s telling her something ... great, they have contact! Come on, come on ....

- I almost feel sorry for him now - announced Charlie.

- Never let me forget this, ok? - Talbott smiled lazily.

Nobody else had the time to add anything because in the next second, the pub was filled with Ismelda’s shrilly wails, immediately followed by the ones of Bill. The girl, as one might expect, went absolutely berserk at Bill’s proposal and wacked him in the eye with all her mighty strength.

- Left hook! Fa-la-la…. A punch to the stomach! Fa-la-la ... And our hero returns ho-o- ome! .. - friends began chanting Bill's name merrily, with no tune or tempo whatsoever, which attracted even more attention to the oldest Weasley.

- Somebody please tell me why I became friends with a bunch of brainless doxies.. - Bill muttered under his breath as he was sitting down. He tried to say it with the most serious expression there is, but all the while his lips were quivering from a suppressed smile.

(read here if you want Bill to kiss the gnome)

- I can't believe I'm doing this. - Bill shook his head. - I choose to kiss Hagrid’s gnome.

- On the tummy! - abruptly corrected him Tonks. - Otherwise, you'll have to redo the dare!

- His tummy looks like pumice, did you know that? It’s crusty and hard and got some weird flakes falling off of it… And it smells just like my Great Aunt Tessie’s feet! - Bill exclaimed in anger.

- Stop whining! Just go already. While we sit here and enjoy ... - one could hear pure delight in Charlie’s voice as he was (for once) telling his older brother off.

Bill let out a sad sigh, got up from the table and started to make his way towards Hagrid. Apparently, the giant was not very happy to see him - the garden gnome would be considered quite a contraband for Madam Rosmerta, and she could forever ban Hagrid from The Three Broomsticks.

- Crickey, it's starting now! - excitedly squeaked Tulip.

The company stared at the show unfolding in front of them without blinking.

- Ah, it seems that the birds started chirping, can you hear? - Talbott said quietly.

- Fountains are sparkling, little hearts are flying in the air! - continued Y/N.

- Oh gosh, oh look! Oh, he’s kissing him!

As a matter of fact, it seemed like the angels themselves started crooning the moment Bill's lips softly touched the gnome’s belly button.

The friends doubled over with mirth. Tonks laughed so hard that butterbeer and snot started spewing from her nose.

But the gnome, as it occurred, did not like being distracted from his bean feast at all. The creature got even more upset as all the boundaries of his personal space were violated, and probably that’s why he suddenly growled and bit Bill’s nose. "Crunch!" - the sound echoed throughout the pub. Bill angrily yowled and burst out in obscenities. Now all the eyes in the pub were watching in his direction only.

- Yeh… What are yeh doing?! Stahp scaring the baby ... - Hagrid said gruffly and hid the gnome in his pocket. - Go back to yer’ friends, now, or he’ll start molting from stress .. And tis’ the worst, you know ...

Bill returned to their table, still rubbing his swollen nose in frustration.

- Oh, hey, Father Christmas! Did you bring us any gifts? - Charlie mused.

- I brought you a whipping, reptiloids... - Bill replied with the most serious face he could make, but his lips were quivering from a barely suppressed smile.

* * *

It was getting dark. While the group of friends was drinking and enjoying themselves at the pub, Hogsmeade was slowly being enveloped by velvet darkness. One after the other, the stars were lighting up. Here and there, windows of little shops and huts were blossoming in shades of orange. The garlands and wreaths, untouched after the holidays, were glittering with frost. Now there was cheerful music emerging from Madame Rosmerta's pub - those were the local musicians. They were playing flute, lute and tambone. One of the guests, who had a pig's snout instead of a nose, joined the musicians and started to grunt and beat on the drum. Many visitors picked up this joyous tune and began clapping and tapping to the beat - slowly at first, then faster and louder. One of the guests - a bubbly witch dressed in a lilac robe and a pointed hat - jumped from her chair, knocking over a mug of fiery whiskey, and began to dubstep dashingly with a goblin in a tweed jacket.

- Wowza, it's getting hot in here, - Bill said, wiping his beer mustache away. - Let's have the last round and head back. Talbott and Charlie, now it's your turn.

- My pleasure, - replied Talbott and drew a card.

Charlie drew a card with a higher suit.

- A perfect ending for a perfect day! As you can see, I'm a man of many talents, not only Quidditch. - Charlie boasted and gracefully ran his hand through his hair.

- Uh, yeah, except that quidditch sucks, - Talbott raised his eyebrows.

- You suck! - Charlie blurted.

- Mmm ... not as much as quidditch. - smirked Ravenclaw in response.

The young Weasley's cheeks turned so red that one could easily fry eggs on them if they wanted.

- Fine. Okay. If you do hate quidditch that much, maybe you’d care more for dancing? I dare you, Talbott Winger, to go out there and have the best time of your life on the dancefloor - yes, IN FRONT of the musicians! But of course I can’t let you suffer alone - sarcastically added Charlie. - Go ahead and invite someone to dance with you… if they agree to dance with a haircut like yours, that is.

Talbott squinted his eyes and examined Charlie’s face in disbelief.

- Uhhh ... I look cool.

- Pffft. Whatever you say. - the redhead let out a cheesy grin.

- I say I look cool. - Talbott replied calmly.

Tulip and Tonks audibly snorted.

- Now then… Who will be the lucky one to have the ultimate all-inclusive Talbott Winger experience? - asked Bill and started to tap his fingers on the table. The rest of the group picked on this beat and joined Bill, making the sound be a very accurate drum roll.

- Hmmm ... I know just who to take on this adventure. Y/N... would you like to dance with me? - asked Talbott and offered her a hand - I promise not to step on your toes more than three times.

- Oh? I thought you “fly solo”... - teased him Y/N as she was taking his hand and getting up from the table.

Talbott didn’t answer, just sighed and rolled his eyes at her.

The two entered the dance floor in an uncertain and shy manner. A new festive holiday song was just beginning. Another vocalist stepped onto the stage, bowed, and dimmed the pub lights with Nox . He then casually flicked his wand, created a few golden and silver wandering pellets of light, and then sent them floating around the pub. Soon, the music began to play, and the vocalist started singing in a heart-warming voice:

Last Christmas, I gave you my Hippogriff,

But the very next day, you gave it away...

Y/N felt that the majority of gazes were directed at her and Talbott - not at the singing wizard. What a strange feeling - to be in the spotlight. It got very hot; she felt a few sweat drops form and slide down her forehead. Talbott looked at Y/N with a weird expression on his face. He seemed to be slightly uncomfortable, too. Without changing his bewildered expression, he took Y/N's hands and placed them on his shoulders, then dropped his hands on her waist.

- Talbott ... I hope you know what you’re doing? - Y/N inquired quietly.

- What kind of question is this, of course I don’t know what I’m doing. - said Talbott with feigned confidence.

- Now I get it. You're winging it, Winger!

Both dancers burst out laughing. The tension was released. They began to move, jump and spin to the beat of the music. And even Merula's screams about how they looked like two prancing warty frogs could not spoil their mood. Maybe they weren't professionals and had no idea what they were doing, but they were having a lot of fun together.

The song ended. To Y/N’s great surprise, there was an applause from the audience! Someone from the crowd even threw them a bright, fragrant bouquet of orchids, freshly conjured from the air.

- For the record, I hate dancing. But it wasn’t all that horrible with you around. - Talbott said bashfully. - Maybe I should have gathered my courage and should have gone to the Celestial ... you know ...

Talbott and Y/N returned to the table, slightly out of breath after the dance and still holding hands. “Two brooos !! chilling at the Three Broomsticks! Five feet apart ‘cause they’re not friends!” - the others hollered and cheered and greeted the two back.

- Will you just shut up?.. - chuckled Y/N as she was letting Talbott's warm hand go.

* * *

It was time to return back to the castle. Friends were getting dressed in silence. All their wet clothes had almost dried up by the fire, and for those pieces that weren’t dry yet, they used their wands. Before leaving the pub, Y/N gave the bouquet to Madam Rosmerta. At the very exit, Trelawney's warnings came back to Y/N. It was so scary to think that on this night, according to the prophecy, she would lose a friend, and so she chased those thoughts away. As soon as the group stepped outside, contrast between the warm pub and icy cold air made them cough. Sniffing and cursing from freezing weather, they rushed towards Hogwarts down the snow-cleared path. This night was especially quiet: there was only the sound of snow creaking under their feet, and from time to time there came a bird’s distant cry.

- Bloody hell, we never bought anything, - Charlie complained in annoyance.

- Well… Let it burn, then. It will just be added to that list of four hundred things I have to do tomorrow ... or the day after ... or after.. or after .... - Tonks answered him with a loud yawn.

Friends were already approaching the doors of the castle when Talbott deliberately started to slow down. He stopped right in front of a path fork that was turning off the main road and leading to the owlery.

- Ummm... I need to send a letter to someone, - he said shyly, milling about the path. - Care to join me, Y/N?

“Hmm .. that’s a strange request, it’s practically nighttime... Something is fishy (pardon me, birdy) here.” - Y/N thought in her head, but out loud she only said:

- Uhh .. okay, sure. Let’s go.

After all, Talbott was her friend, and she had no reason to mistrust him.

The group of friends said their goodbyes and parted ways. Talbott and Y/N turned to the owlery. Tulip was waving at them a very long time after that, until their silhouettes blurred out, enclosed by the veil of snow.

Several minutes had passed since Talbott and Y/N were alone together. They were strolling down the path and talking about all sorts of things that happened during the past few days. The two of them were approaching the little towers of the Owlery rather quickly, and now only a small meadow was separating them from a brick staircase leading upstairs. In the summertime, the meadow was blooming with daisies and dandelions and was serving as a perfect playground for Puffskeins and Knarls. But now, the meadow seemed to have stopped in time: bare bushes were the only thing that was left from thick flowering plants; icy ground was tightly intertwined with fallen grass and wrapped in snowdrifts. Here and there, towered a few cedar pines, spruces, and chestnuts, but now they all were covered with white snow dust. For some reason, Talbott stopped walking towards the Owlery when they reached this meadow, and he began searching for something in his pockets. Finally, judging by the way his face lit up, he found what he was looking for. Aloof animagus beckoned Y/N closer. He was clutching something in his fist. As soon as Y/N approached, he opened his hand; there were two small luminous grains lying on his palm.

- What are these, Talbott? - said Y/N in quiet astonishment.

- These are midnight mint seeds, - he replied. - Professor Sprout gave them to me this Christmas.

- I have never heard of them…

- These are very rare. They can only be harvested once a year from underneath ash flowers. In places where you plant them, blood will never be shed again. - Talbott remarked in a lowered voice.

Y/N couldn’t stop staring at the grains. They seemed alive.

- Don't be afraid, touch them.

Y/N carefully raised her hand above the luminous grains and covered them with it.

- They’re warm! - not expecting that, Y/N let out a smile from ear to ear.

Talbott nodded. He looked straight into her eyes.

- I kept looking for an opportunity to plant them. Today seemed very special to me, and I decided to do it now. With you. If you want to.

- I ... of course I do! - Y/N’s cheeks and neck were rapidly getting covered with blush. - But aren't seeds planted in the fall?

- Not these. These should be planted in winter. They can only be planted under snow.

Y/N and Talbott knelt down and started preparing the soil for the seeds. They dug up a sufficient amount of snow, and then carefully placed glowing grains onto dead grass. They covered them with several layers of grey leaves and twigs, and then put a dense snow blanket above it all. But even through all these layers, the magic light of the seeds was shining through. Moreover, it seemed to have intensified and was now pulsating. For a brief instant, the pulsation stopped, and little blue stars began to emerge from under the snow, where the seeds were planted - similar to mini-fireworks. The stars took off and fell, crumbling and shattering into smaller pieces and dust. But the most spectacular thing that two friends were now hearing was... singing. It was a wonderful, calm and solemn melody without words. It was sung by the grains! Y/N had never heard such music before; she felt how her heart was opening up because of this melody. If someone had looked out of the Owlery window at that moment, then through the veil of a starting blizzard, they would have only distinguished a soft blue light illuminating two young faces floating above it.

The singing ceased; the blue light also faded away. Friends were silent for a minute, as if they were afraid to destroy the soothing feeling that the magical grains have produced within them. Finally, Talbott said in a hushed voice :

- You know, I didn’t actually need to send any letters. I just wanted to spend some time with you but without those dorks. So ... Thank you for being here with me.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he was smiling softly at Y/N.

- It was my pleasure, - she answered quietly.

Talbott rose and brushed the snow off his knees. He then reached out his palms towards Y/N to help her get up, but he did not let go of them after that.

- There was something else. Care for one more dance with me?

For the second time during that evening, Y/N and Talbott were dancing together. But this time it was so much different than it was in the pub!! Instead of all the noise and din of The Three Broomsticks, soft spruce paws were playing them a silent symphony of winter. It was a melody of silence, a melody of bright joy, a melody of snowflakes and wind. This melody cannot be heard unless one would actively try to listen to it. The snow was falling inaudibly. It was cascading from the sky in large flakes, performing a couple of waltz motions with the dancers, and then laying down on the ground and sparkling merrily under their feet. These instants were filled with a sense of miracle: without any magic or magic wands.

- You know, dancing like this is so much better than having to dance while hundreds of thousands of eyes are staring at you. - Y/N noted.

- Agreed.

Gradually, without noticing it themselves, two friends stopped dancing. They were now standing across each other, looking at individual snowflakes on their faces and hair. Every now and then, several small crystals would shiver and gravitate down, but they would never reach the ground as they would melt in a cloud of frosty haze from their mouths. It was very quiet now. Soft light was being reflected from snow and onto their cheeks, flushed from the cold.

- We might freeze this way. - said Talbot, slightly smiling.

Slowly and gently, he unwound his blue and silver scarf and wrapped it around his own neck first, and then around Y/N's neck; now their heads were even closer to each other, connected by knitted threads. Y/N could see his face much more clearly now. She could see glitter in his brown eyes, his every eye lash, every mole, she could smell the herbal scent of his shampoo ... she could even feel the warmth of his breath.

- What I actually wanted to tell you, Y/N, - Talbott said softly, - is that the longer I think about it, the more it seems to me that professor Trelawney was right about her prophecy.

- H-how do you mean? - stuttered Y/N.

- You’re about to lose a friend because I don't think ... I don't think that I can stay friends with you any longer ... I want to be much more than that, - Talbott whispered and leaned over toward Y/N's lips and kissed her.

It was a light, subtle kiss, but Y/N could clearly feel the warmth gently spreading among her skin. And then, another kiss followed … and one more ... and one more.

All the while, the snow was falling - soundlessly, tirelessly, tenderly.

* * *

Much later, after going back to her dorm in the Gryffindor Tower, Y/N had been sitting on a windowsill for a very, very long time. She was looking through a window, wreathed by frost: at the icy lake, at never-ending fields, covered with silver and at the...

First snow.

[secretshinigami]

routine and soft eyes

Author: @hazblogs For: @beyondplusultra Pairings/Characters: nearmellomatt, mention of lawlight Rating/Warnings: T, mentions of Mello’s scar  Prompt: Wammy House kids sleepover (A, B, L can be included, can be AU) Author’s notes: I had so much fun with this !!! soft bois…. thank you to anyone who reads it !!

Mello is positively fuming. Someone (who shall not be named, though if you want to know it starts with “N” and ends with “-ate River”) just got on top of Forensic Science and Investigative Skills and History of Crime and the Justice System. Those are Mello’s topics. They’re the best at these and they always have been (in the two years they’ve studied here. But that’s long enough, right ?), so the fact that Mister Nobody just came in and stole their turf… That’s infuriating. To top it all off, the dean did them dirty and assigned someone to the second bed in their room, knowing full well that they need that second bed for Matt. This week is just a pile of flaming shit.

As they swing the door open they are greeted by the beeping sounds usually coming from Matt’s bed, a comforting electronic melody. Matt doesn’t even turn around to raise his middle finger to protest against how loud Mello is, but that’s also common practice around here, so no worries. 

“Heard you got your ass beat,” Matt says a while later, Mello’s hand carding through his strawberry-green hair. “By the newbie no less. How’re you taking it ?”

“Matt, my hand is dangerously close to your eyes and you need those to play on that stupid console. Better not risk it.”

“Like you’d ever hurt me,” Matt grumbles, and the certainty with which he speaks makes their heart pulse just a little faster. Mello is hopelessly in love, aren’t they ?

The rest of the evening is quiet save for that same musical background, a welcome white noise as Mello finishes their essay for Writing Comedy. The teacher seems to have some trouble with their rather macabre humour so they try to tone it down for once - rather unsuccessfully.

“Also heard you’ll have a roommate,” Matt continues a few hours later as they prepare for bed - gotta put some moisturiser on that scar like a damsel doing her skincare routine, the doctor said, “or you’ll experience how actually painful it can be”. Talk about being threatening…

“I heard. I can kick them out.” Mello would do it. Without remorse, even.

“I can sleep in your bed too,” Matt offers. “But only if you promise not to kick me out from under the covers every single night.”

“Okay, first of all, fuck off, and secondly, why the hell would I want someone else to room with me ? You’re already here. You’ve always been here.”

“And I always will be, Mels. Just… I think it’s time you get out of your shell a little bit, you know ? You can’t keep pretending that talking to me twice every day and ignoring Linda a couple times a week is enough friendly interaction for the little pea inside your coconut.” Mello turns away from the mirror, moisturiser in hand, and sends a glare to Matt who sighs and raises his hands in defeat. “Don’t say I didn’t try ! Think about it, okay, Mello ?”

They do think about it. The whole night. They don’t sleep - it’s not because Matt snores but that’s the excuse they’ll use. Ever since the accident and the scar, people have usually been too impressed - or scared - by them to even consider starting a casual conversation. Matt was there even before, and he probably always will be, Linda is a weirdo who wants to draw them with a ponytail, and… Well, that’s it. Mello lives for schoolwork, to be the best and hope to right some of the wrongs in this world.

“Yo, Mihael,” the dean says when he sees them in front of his office the following morning. Lawliet is a TA at their university, still haunting the dorms. He has a creepy smile under his stupid raccoon eyes and he keeps using Mello’s birthname, like it makes any more sense to call them with that than to call them “xXx_sexy_blondie_xXx”, or however you pronounce that out loud.

“Lawliet. I saw you assigned me a roommate.”

“I did,” he smiles still, like there’s a joke Mello doesn’t get.

“Why ?” Mello would actually like to know - Lawliet never does anything at random.

“You’ll see when he arrives later today,” is the cryptic answer, and Mello sneers at their stupid fucking dean as they leave for their 8am lecture.

Because yes, multiple things are out to get their skin - though they won’t be deterred.

The day goes by in a flash, Screenwriting and Poetry being two of their most interesting classes, and by the time they’ve finished their Crime Prevision and Prevention homework at the library, the sun is well on its way down. Mello walks slowly to the dorms, enjoying the warm air - it’s still only September and winter hasn’t come yet. The music blasting from their headphones is a perfect background to the chill atmosphere, a few bird silhouettes dark against the wonderfully peach clouds. In a few minutes they’ll kiss Matt and they’ll eat a bite, and they’ll sleep knowing they’re safe now.

When they arrive in front of their room, a few cardboard boxes occupy the entrance. Shit fuck hell, they’d forgotten the roommate arrived today. All they can see from where they’re blocked from entering is a white blob of hair on top of baggy clothes, perched on the desk and looking at whatever Matt is playing.

“Uh, I’m supposed to be able to enter my own room,” Mello kind of yells. Only kind of. “Would you please not be a giant stupid bother before I even get your name ?”

“Sorry,” the snowball says, not looking sorry at all. “I’m Nate River.”

“But you can call him Near ! He plays retro games, which isn’t… let’s say it’s not my strong point, but I’m sure it’ll go well, we’re three whole weirdos with weirdo nicknames !”

Mello blinks. Near is still here. They blink again. Near is still here, looking a little like a frog with his lopsided smile, a hand playing with one of his curls. Mello blinks a third time and doesn’t expect Near to have packed his things and go, but that was a close call.

“Are you fucking kidding me,” they mutter. “Lawliet is gonna get killed.”

“You actually know enough about criminology to not be caught, so go you.” Near is smirking. Mello wants to cry. “But I would advise against it, because he’s dating that twink Light Yagami, the alumni who came last week to give the presentation about the War on Drugs and its consequences. He’s a police lieutenant now.”

“Called it !” Matt raises a fist in victory, taking five years from Mello’s lifespan. “Anyway, now that you’re here, please do help us with the last boxes. We’ve been setting up Near’s compy and it’s revoltingly difficult.”

“I will not- how can you ask me to- I’m gonna commit arson and this time I promise I’ll succeed !”

“Dramatic bitch,” Matt says jovially. “Just come in and drop your stuff, apparently someone from the ADA thing comes tomorrow to make sure the room is accessible with a crutch and to help Near settle in.”

Mello just now notices that Near isn’t fully standing up - he’s propped on the desk, a mechanical knee peeking through the bottom of his shorts. This changes nothing - though Mello feels the both grim and hopeful sense of community that disabled people get when they meet. Their ear still works wonky and their eye ? Not the sharpest either. Without talking about all the skin damage, the phantom pain, the- hell no, they won’t get into “reflective mode” without having eaten dinner first.

Reluctantly, Mello spends the rest of the evening avoiding Near as Matt and them help him settle in, surprised by the small amount of belongings he actually has - most of the boxes he brought are board games and hundreds of little kapla sticks. Is Near planning to recreate the Golden Bridge ? He looks like a nerd, maybe it’ll be the Death Star.

Routines are a persistent thing, and before they know it, Near has managed to get a small space - small, they insist - in Mello’s well-oiled machinery. He eats breakfast with Matt, a meal that Mello forgoes entirely, and he goes on unfortunate walks to his PT appointments, because he’s out of money from whatever government organism gives benefits to disabled people and can’t afford a cab. Mello thinks they should get into it a little more, maybe call their case worker, because ramen tastes worse and worse when you have it for every meal of the week. And then Near and Matt start talking about something or another, especially topics that annoy Mello, or Near gets a little too close to them while they both work on their assignments at their desk, his elbow barely brushing Mello’s side. It makes them shiver, but they will ignore that, thank you very much.

Another routine - bedtime - has gotten a little different. One single bed is enough for “one person and a half”, according to Matt, so the obvious solution to them being three in a two single beds room is to push the beds together.

“And now you have a perfect three people beddery !” Matt triumphantly declared. “Mello, you sleep in the middle.”

“Why am I in the middle ?” they protested. “It’s the least comfortable !”

“Oh well, we can take turns,” Near had snarked, knowing full well that the first one of them to sleep in the middle would have to accept defeat.

Mello does end up in the middle, Matt cuddled against their left side where the burn is, and Near an ever-closer presence against their right arm. It’s not as uncomfortable as they expected. Near doesn’t snore and he smells like minty toothpaste, a strangely comforting scent that lulls Mello to sleep way more easily than the five thousand melatonin pills they take before going to bed.

Oh well, maybe Lawliet can live a little longer. His boyfriend - Matt saw them kissing through the peephole, it’s official now - won’t have any (more) reasons to put Mello behind bars.

Near gets on top of International Law and keeps wearing strangely baggy clothes everywhere - or well, everywhere but in the dorms. Mello has time to get used to that mechanical knee, even asking a few questions about phantom pains on the days Matt is away and the itching gets unmanageable. Near is quiet like snow but they’re nothing alike in warmth, grey eyes like molten metal setting on Mello’s face and crinkling in a smile.

And it works wonders. One time they get a bad mark (for their standards) and they even study with Near for extra credit, a presentation about the death penalty that lasts about three quarters of the two hours class. The teacher gives them both full marks and Matt celebrates by crushing them both against his chest, the smell of motor oil and mint so comforting that Mello closes his eyes, just for a little while.

It’s winter before they have time to think about it, and finals go by in a blur of “no sleep, no food, no distractions”. They even manage to end up at the nurse’s office when they faint during the Criminology Theory exam, forced to drink sugar water until the world stops exploding in a million tiny stars when they move their head.

Mello thinks that surviving their last winter exam session ever - they should be able to find a job with a double Master’s degree in Criminology and Creative writing, right ? - deserves a celebratory nap and they sprawl on the bed as soon as they’re back from the last stupid oral presentation they have to do about stupid Foundations of Criminal Justice. Near is not in the room - which is weird, because he finished five minutes and thirty six seconds before them - and Matt is away for the day to try and get his internship at the garage, so they have the full three-person bed, and they fully intend to enjoy the luxury.

They enjoy it so much that they fall asleep, only noticing that time has passed because before they blinked, it was day, and it is now very much nighttime. Light giggles fill the room along with the muted light from Near’s bedside lamp, and Mello takes the time to relish in the quiet atmosphere. Hushed conversation rises from near the desk, giggles and the smell of hot chocolate both making Mello sit up at last.

“Lookit you ! Sleeping beauty arises. Though I haven’t kissed you yet,” Matt smiles, and he climbs on the bed to press his lips against Mello’s. “Love you,” he whispers as he pulls away and goes back to slump on Near’s shoulder.

At first, Near felt like an intruder each time Matt kissed them, but he’s become so embedded in their life that Mello doesn’t feel any awkwardness anymore - to the point where not including him has become the cause of their inner turmoil.

Because yeah, uh, there’s that. Near in a tank top and booty shorts, prosthetic being painted on by a very enthusiastic Matt, has become the new image they conjure up each time the need to strangle someone arises. And poof, instant peace. Discreet touches, Near sleeping fully cuddled against their right side now, Matt nosing through Near’s hair just after he’s washed it because his strawberry shampoo smells divine, Mello even going as far as ruffling Near’s hair without warning, just to see his little nose scrunch up… All that has become routine too, and suddenly the change is too big to go by unmentioned. 

They’ve managed to hold on to their feelings until then but as Matt starts talking again, Near’s smile is a little too tight - though his eyes sparkle, it’s like… something’s missing. 

“Emergency mee-ee-ting,” they yawn, the skin around their left eye crinkling up painfully. Near notices and doesn’t even ask before grabbing the petroleum jelly tube and throwing it rather inaccurately at their face. See, that’s what they were talking about, Near has just become… there, in the way Matt is there even when he’s asleep in another part of the universe where Mello can only hope to ever go to. “We gotta talk shit out.”

“Are you over your gay crisis yet ?” Matt asks, eyes calm and open, sipping hot chocolate with noisy slurps that Mello doesn’t bother mentioning anymore. His green hair looks more and more red as time passes, which is a strange feat of hair dye conspiracy. “Can we go back to playing ?”

“I haven’t even talked !” Mello protests. “I just really think it’s necessary to mention that…”

They don’t know how to continue that sentence. Near is looking at them with something strangely akin to hope, and Matt still has that infuriating openness about him like he just knows Mello so well he doesn’t need to be told what they feel. 

Near doesn’t, though, and he matters enough to Mello now for them to want to include him in the little bubble as well.

“I just think it’d be cool if we shared the secret chocolate stash with Near,” is what comes out of their mouth.

Well done caporal, please die of shame now.

“Mels, wow, that’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said !” Matt’s voice drips with amusement - devoid of any mean spirit, they should add, because Matt is the one thing Mello knows is good in this world. And well, maybe there’s a second one they’ve stumbled on, and they want Near to know that he means a lot to them too.

“I mean it !” Mello whines. “He’s one of us now. I think we can share.”

“Mello. Please realise that I’ve been flirting with you this entire time,” comes Near’s deadpan answer. “The time I told you I wanted to braid your hair ? The time I made you sleep and finished the presentation alone because you’d gotten the flu and I hate being sneezed on ? The fact that Matt literally sits in my lap half the time, and only half because the other is spent on your lap ?”

“Okay, first of all, fuck off with me getting the flu.”

“You’re avoiding my question.” Near looks stubborn, and it’s a good look on him.

When did Mello start to think Near looks good ? “I, uh. I may be slightly romantically obtuse. Has Matt told you the time when-”

“-he kissed you and you thought he wanted to practice smooches for his secret best friend, because of course you wouldn’t be his best friend ?”

Utterly mortified, Mello can feel their cheeks become bright red. “Well, uh. Enough mushiness for tonight. Just pass me the chocolate, Matt, I’m starving.”

Matt giggles and throws a Kinder Egg at their face. Near munches on the leftover shell while Mello assembles the toy, and it’s peaceful - and happy, too, so when Mello raises a hand to their scar they smile still, in spite of their involuntary shiver.

[lilyvandersteen]

The Christmas Guest Chapter 4

Author’s Note:

Thanks to @redheadgleek​‘s Write a Little Every Day project, this chapter is done much earlier than I’d hoped, yay! Enjoy the snowball fight, and Blaine realising that (HUGE SPOILER) he might actually like Kurt for real. Who’d have thought, huh?

Read Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 here on Tumblr, or read the story on AO3 or FF.net.

Chapter 4: Sweet Surrender

In spite of his nocturnal trip, Blaine woke up early, and decided to dress and get downstairs to see if Kurt needed something.

When he arrived in the living room, Kurt was sleeping peacefully. The snoring had stopped, and when Blaine checked his forehead, he was glad to find the fever had subsided too.

“Good, you must be feeling better already,” Blaine murmured, grabbing the blanket that had fallen off Kurt and tucking him in again carefully. “I’m going to let you sleep a little longer.”

As he tiptoed out of the room, he was greeted by Carole.

“Morning, Blaine! You’re up early!”

Blaine smiled at her. “Good morning, Carole. Yes, I’m an early bird. Always have been.”

“Best let the others sleep another while, or they’ll be grumpy. Come to the kitchen, we can make a nice breakfast for everyone.”

Burt came downstairs as soon as the smell of bacon started to spread.

“Bacon!”

Carole shook her head at him. “Not for you. We don’t want you to have another heart attack.”

“Just one rasher? It’s Christmas!”

“In two days.”

“Oh, come on! Please?”

Carole gave in. “All right. One rasher. But then I don’t want to hear any more complaints about the healthy food I’m serving you the rest of the week. Deal?”

Burt sighed. “Okay, okay.”

Carole winked at Blaine, who suppressed a snigger and busied himself with setting the table.

When he had nearly finished his plate, he heard a groan coming from the living room.

“Ah, Kurt is waking up!” Carole said. “I’ll make him some eggs too.”

“I’ll go see if he’s okay,” said Blaine.

He arrived just in time to keep Kurt from face-planting, and escorted him first to the bathroom and then to the kitchen.

After pouring Kurt a mug of tea and adding a generous spoonful of honey, Blaine sat down again to finish his own breakfast, smiling at how out of it Kurt still seemed. He didn’t seem to be sniffling or coughing anymore, though. That was good.

They made cookies after breakfast, and it made Blaine’s feeling as if he’d stumbled headfirst into a Hallmark Christmas movie even stronger. Kurt was clearly an experienced baker, whipping up two kinds of dough in no time, and letting Blaine eat the scraps.

Then Kurt’s stepbrother Finn arrived, all six feet plus of him, his size and demeanor reminding Blaine of the jocks who’d bashed him into hospital before he transferred to Dalton Academy, and he shrank into a corner until Carole introduced him to Finn and he got a smile and a hug from the gentle giant, who seemed genuinely pleased to meet him.

By the time they had all decorated the tree together, Blaine’s worries had evaporated, and he enthusiastically agreed to a snowball fight in the garden.

He and Finn were having so much fun goofing off that it took some time for them to notice that Kurt had joined them.

Unlike them, Kurt hadn’t chosen to just grab some snow, pack it together and throw it. No. Kurt had chosen stealth and strategy. He’d built a shield he could hide behind, he’d made towering stacks of snowballs and had even fashioned some kind of sling to be able to throw the snowballs further.

He also had deadly aim. His first snowball hit Finn straight in the chest, with so much force that he almost fell over.

“Uh oh,” Finn said. “Okay, man, we’re going to have to team up, or we’re toast.”

The two of them hid behind trees, but every time they ventured forth from their hiding place, they were pelted by such an onslaught of snowballs that they couldn’t get round to launching an attack of their own.

It took Kurt only ten minutes of this to wear them down. By then, their coats and trousers were white with snow and pretty much soaked through.

“Aw, man, this isn’t fun anymore!” Finn complained. “Kurt, why do you always take these games so seriously?”

Kurt appeared from behind his snow shield, his clothes as good as pristine, his stance regal and his eyes blazing with determination. Though Blaine had suffered just as much as Finn and was just as ready to give up the fight, he thrilled to this version of Kurt, who looked magnificent. It lit a flame somewhere within and made him forget all about his freezing fingers and toes.

“Do you surrender?” Kurt asked, his chin up and his back rigidly straight.

And ugh, the steel in his voice made the fire inside Blaine burn even brighter.

Finn shrugged. “I guess. I’m going back in.”

“I surrender,” Blaine answered, not entirely capable of keeping a quiver out of his voice.

Something sparked into Kurt’s eyes, and he started coming towards Blaine without looking away even once, but a mere two foot from him, he seemed to change his mind and veered off towards the house. “Let’s get inside, Carole is going to make us hot chocolate.”

Blaine felt himself deflate. What had he expected to happen, exactly? Why was he all a-tingle like this? And what was this strange energy between him and Kurt?

A sudden gust of wind made him shiver and hurry to the back door. Hot chocolate sounded heavenly.

When Blaine came in, Finn was complaining again, this time about the seating arrangements in the living room. As victor of the snowball fight, Kurt had claimed the big sofa for himself and Blaine, and forbade Finn to squish in too.

“You can take the loveseat,” Kurt said.

“That one’s hard as a rock!”

“Sit on the floor for all I care. The sofa is ours! Come, Blaine! I’ve got your hot chocolate right here. That will warm you up.”

Blaine accepted the mug gratefully, holding it with both hands to get his fingers warm again, and drinking deeply.

Ah, that’s better!

Finn stomped out of the room in high dudgeon to go complain to his mom, but Carole agreed with Kurt.

Blaine saw Kurt grin in satisfaction, and the grin only widened when Finn came back in and found fault with his film choice too.

“Seriously, man? I wanted to watch Die Hard!”

“I won the fight, so it’s my pick.”

“Burt, back me up on this, come on!”

Burt looked up from his newspaper. “We can watch Die Hard tomorrow.”

Kurt added, “Now stop being a baby about this. Either shut up and watch, or go do something else.”

Finn looked mutinous, but plonked down on the loveseat and shut up.

Kurt hummed along with the opening music and pulled Blaine a little closer still. His arm around Blaine’s middle felt both possessive and grounding. Blaine felt the spark from before rekindling, a jittery feeling that made him want to… What? He didn’t even know, but he wanted. Oh, he wanted!  

“What is it?” Kurt murmured. “Are you uncomfortable like this?”

“No, no.”

Blaine wiggled until his head fit exactly into the crook of Kurt’s neck, and then let himself sink into Kurt’s embrace. “Perfect.”

He felt a laugh rumble through him, and Kurt’s hold tightened infinitesimally.

“Good,” Kurt whispered, and softly kissed the crown of his head.

Blaine felt his lips stretch from ear to ear and closed his eyes to bask in the feeling of utter contentment that washed over him.

He couldn’t imagine anything that could ruin the moment now.

Of course, that was because he forgot about Finn.

“Mom, I’m hungry! Can I have some more cookies?”

“You already ate them all, hun!”

“So when’s supper?”

“After the movie.”

“But I’m hungry!”

Finn disappeared to the kitchen, grumbling under his breath, probably to search the pantry for snacks to tide him over until supper.

“Want a chocolate chip cookie?” Kurt asked Blaine softly, holding out a cookie tin and looking very smug.

Blaine burst out laughing. “Is this still payback for Finn putting snow down your shirt?”

“You know it! Also, I wanted to save some cookies for us. Finn ate all the shortbread and the last of the sugar cookies before we even got a chance to have some. Greedy pig!”

Blaine took a cookie and savoured it. “These are the absolute best.”

“Mmm.”

However lovely it was to cuddle up with Kurt, Blaine became uncomfortable after a while because his wet trousers felt cold and clammy and seeped all the heat out of his legs.

“I’m going to put some other pants on,” he whispered to Kurt. “I’ll be right back.”

That promise fell into the water when Cooper called him while he was in Kurt’s room, blathering on and on about all the fancy parties he’d been to and would still be going to.

It took nearly an hour for Coop to stop talking about himself and to ask what Blaine was doing for Christmas.

“I’m in Ohio,” said Blaine.

“But Mom and Dad are on a cruise!”

“Yep. Thanks for telling me about that, by the way. How long have you known?”

“Oh, they told me this summer, I think.”

“Lovely.”

“You didn’t know?”

“Nope. Flew out here for nothing.”

Cooper whistled low. “That sucks. So you’re all alone for Christmas?”

“No, actually, I’m not.”

There was silence at Cooper’s end. Then he asked, “So… You’re saying you’ve been hooking up with Sebastian again?”

“What? No! Ugh. Coop, please. As if! He cheated on me!”

“So who’s with you, then?”

“Kurt. I’m staying with his family.”

For the second time, his reply managed to silence Cooper.

“My boyfriend, Kurt, remember?”

“Um, no?! Now who’s forgotten to tell their brother something?”

Blaine laughed. “Well, it’s recent, so that will be why. I probably haven’t called you yet since we became an item.”

“So… Tell me about him.”

That was all the prompting Blaine needed to start singing Kurt’s praises, and it wasn’t until he’d rung off that he realized two things.

One: he’d referred to Kurt as his boyfriend without even thinking about it, whereas they were only faking a relationship. He’d regret that later, since Coop would tell their mom for sure, and he’d have to hear about it for years.

Two: he desperately wished they could be boyfriends for real. Somehow, in what the Warblers would call a classic Blaine move, he’d fallen for Kurt. Hard. And in a matter of days. There was no way this was going to end well. He was so screwed.