#somebody should definitely come sneak in and treat me really softly

[fraye-complex]

I was Not made to do taxes! I was made to get high and kiss another boy on the mouth and sit up in his lap all comfy and melt into him, kissing lazily at his neck and shoulder until I'm so foggy I start to fade in and out of consciousness against him and then I can just be his toy! That's what I was made for 💛

[simsadventures]

Only Mine: Chapter 11: Night Out

Summary: Attending a ball with Bucky as his official girlfriend is a big deal for you, and you try to prepare accordingly. Meanwhile, Bucky tries to determine the actions of his enemies.

Warnings: fluff, mentions of sex (nothing graphic here), mobster AU, swearing, angst

Word Count: 3035

A/N: Who’s excited for this? Because I definitely am! Reader’s dress are showcased in the moodboard, for anyone interested, but feel free to imagine any dress you like. It’s your story after all! FEEDBACK is gold my people, so please, please let me know what you all thought of this chapter. Lots of love!! xx

Series Masterlist __ Masterlist

< Previous Chapter

Waking up, you felt butterflies in your stomach. Well, it actually felt more like a bunch of bats were trying to tear you from the inside, trying to get away, but that didn’t sound so romantic, so when Nat asked you how you were feeling, you told her the butterfly version.

It was Friday morning, and even though you had to go to work, you couldn’t care less about that. Tonight was the night when you’d finally be introduced as Bucky’s girlfriend to more than his closest men and family. And as much as you were nervous about the whole thing, you couldn’t help yourself to feel excited as well.  

You knew that the Bucky you’d see in the evening would be a very different version to what you were used to, but you also realised that if this relationship was gonna work, you’d have to get used to even to his official mobster persona. You told him like a million times during the week, that if he treated you like one of your bitches, he’d regret it. Greatly.

And despite him being the actually dangerous one in the relationship, you heard him gulp through the phone, and he just husked out a simple understood, which made you smirk in return. This big mafia boss was yours, and you couldn’t be happier about it.

True, you two didn’t have any conversation regarding your feelings, but if tonight went well, you were determined to tell him how you felt about him. You weren’t able to hide it any longer. Every second you spent with Bucky convinced you that you were doing the right thing, letting him have your heart. As cautious as you were during the very beginnings of your relationship, none of it bothered you now. Every day, Bucky proved to you just how much you meant to him, even if the actual words never left his mouth.

Work was torture because all you could think of was your beautiful dress awaiting you at home, the wonders that Nat could do with your make-up, and the moment you finally was with Bucky again. He has been busy the whole week, only managing to visit you once, for a brief talk before you fell asleep, completely exhausted. You knew he was there with you until you fell asleep, drawing circles on your exposed back, humming compliments into your ear. You remembered thinking that you could get used to something like this every night because sleep always came easier when Bucky was there with you.

So when you finally escaped work, thinking about all those things that happened between you and Bucky, and about what was about to happen, you almost sprinted the whole way to your apartment. You felt like an idiot feeling so giddy about such thing, but you just couldn’t help yourself. Your man would be astounded by your appearance tonight, and you knew for a fact that he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself.

—-

“What do you mean nobody saw him for the last 3 weeks?” Bucky’s voice boomed through his office, every man sitting there, shrinking further into their chairs. Bucky was furious, the vein on his forehead was ticking like a time bomb, ready to explode, his nostrils flaring like an angry lion. Even Sam and Steve were quiet, their heads bowed because they knew too well that were they to piss Bucky off at that particular moment, a bullet might be the next thing they saw.

As much as Bucky seemingly calmed down ever since you walked into his life, it didn’t seem to affect his work. He was as ruthless as ever, maybe even more, because now he had an actual person to protect from all the shit happening in the city.

And Pierce being underground didn’t seem like him, and it made chills run down Bucky’s spine. He needed to know where Pierce was at all times, and because his men forgot to mention that they couldn’t find him for the good part of the month, Bucky was ready to explode.

“Why the fuck is nobody speaking up? Didn’t I tell you that the second something changes with that motherfucker, you come right to me? Huh? Or are you idiots to fucking dumb to remember a simple task? I’m looking at you two shitheads, Rumlow, Johnson. I thought you were assigned to his case!”

The two men still didn’t look at Bucky, probably not even breathing in fear it would make Bucky snap.

“I expect answers!” Bucky yelled, and he saw Peter flinching from the corner of his eye. But he didn’t care, not at that moment. Somebody’s hurt feelings were the last of his worries, and if he had to, he would beat the information out of his own men.

“We thought he just had a vacation, or something, y’know?”

Boom.

A book that was laying on Bucky’s side of the table was sent flying across the room and landed with a loud thud.

“Vacation? You’ve got to be kidding me, Rumlow. For fuck’s sake. Dig deeper and fucking find him. And I’m telling you, if anybody crashes tonight’s party, heads will be chopped off. And I fucking mean it, so I advise everybody here to fucking do something about it. I want all the other guys at the ball too, I want everyone there in case Pierce decided to show up.”

Bucky yelled and left the room before he actually hurt somebody. Steve and Sam shared a look before they both got up from their chairs and followed Bucky outside. The rest of the men remained seated, waiting till they heard some door closing behind Bucky, so they could sneak out unwatched.

Bucky went outside to the porch, watching the trees move under the light breeze, trying to think of things to calm him down. He really didn’t want to have to kill anybody on his own team, but it was getting harder and harder to keep to that.

He knew Steve and Sam would come to talk to him, so it didn’t surprise him when he heard the door opening and closing and set of two boots strutting towards him.

“It’s probably nothing, Buck, and you know it. If the guys genuinely thought it was something, they would have told you. I bet they just didn’t want to disturb your honeymoon phase with Y/N. We all see how happy you are with her, and nobody wants to destroy that,” Steve said softly, patting Bucky on his shoulder.

Bucky sighed and closed his eyes. He knew Steve was probably right about the men, and definitely right about you. Just the thought of you laughing at something stupid he told you made a small smile creep to his cheeks. You’ve ruined him for any other woman, that was for sure. Maybe, you even ruined him for the line of work, people trying to protect him from any sort of information was not something that happened too often.

“I know, and all that’s nice, but when I give an order, I fucking expect people to follow it, and not think about my poor, poor heart. I’m the boss here, and something, I’ve the feeling people forget it.”

“Ha! Don’t worry, you instilled the fear of God in them a long time ago. Nobody doubts what you’re willing to do for the city, for your men. Trust me, man, if anything, they fear you even more, because everyone knows that were something to happen to Y/N, you’d probably murder half the city, including them,” Sam smiled at Bucky, patting his other shoulder.

Bucky nodded thankfully at both his friends, feeling better about himself and about the whole situation already. He huffed out a breath he was holding and let himself get excited about tonight. His birthday was on Sunday, but he wanted the ball to be on Friday, and the theme for this year was Hell. Simple but effective, Bucky thought, and he seriously couldn’t wait to see what you’d wear.

He wanted to buy you a dress, but you insisted on them being a surprise, and, honestly, Bucky wanted to be surprised by you and your beauty. The night couldn’t come soon enough for him.

—-

It was a surprise to find Peter standing in front of your door at 8 sharp, and even a bigger surprise was that Bucky wasn’t there with him. You scolded yourself inwardly because you knew it was his party and the host should probably be there for when all the guests arrived. Still. Your possessive ass wanted him for yourself, and it only now dawned on you that tonight would be the first night when you’d be with him, be he wouldn’t be entirely yours.

“You look exquisite, Y/N. Bucky is gonna faint when he sees you,” Peter interrupted your invasive thoughts, and you blushed slightly at his compliment. You looked him up and down, finding him dressed in a suit, looking sharp as hell.

“Well, you don’t look too bad yourself, Mr Handsome! All you mobster boys can dress up really nicely, Imma give you that,” you smirked at him, getting into the back of the car. You could see Peter blushing as well, and you had to chuckle. He really was too sweet for this life.

The car ride was filled with the two of you laughing like crazy people, him sharing some stories about his aunt May, while you told him what your younger twin-sisters did to prank you when they were little. You didn’t even realise you were driving so long when you suddenly saw a beautiful renaissance building in front of you, with red and black drapes hanging on the railings, giving the whole building a hellish look.

Bucky really did take the whole theme seriously, you thought as you got out of the car with Peter’s help.

You looked around the entrance, and could already see many people, standing there and chatting. Your eyes slid to the women, who were all scarcely dressed, all their dresses reminding you more of lingerie than an actual dress. You gulped and looked down at yourself, suddenly feeling weird in your silky red dress with tin straps and long slit. It was still a long dress, and you wished you wore something more revealing, doubting that Bucky would even spare you a glance in the vast amount of mini-dresses, where the women showed their panties without hesitation.

Peter saw your doubts, and he rushed to your side. He didn’t understand what was going on, but he wanted to make sure you were ok, nevertheless.

“He’s right inside, Y/N. C’mon, you look lovely, and I bet the big boss is anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

You scoffed and shook your head.

“Look around, Peter. Everyone looks much hotter than me and, let’s be honest, Bucky is more prone to look at the girls with their boobs spilling out of their dress than at me, barely showing anything other than a bit of cleavage and my leg. Ugh! I should’ve known that this was not a normal ball. Maybe I should’ve let Bucky buy me the damn dress, and he would actually like what he saw!”  

Peter squinted his eyes and then raised his eyebrow, unbelievingly.

“Wait a second. You think Bucky will be interested in anybody else than you? I meant it when I said you looked exquisite, and if you only gave Bucky the chance to actually tell you himself, maybe these idiotic doubts wouldn’t come to your mind,” Peter said with a smirk, proud that he could scold you like that without apologising.

You gaped at him slightly, before you blinked a few times and let him know that you were ready to walk into the lion’s den. You caught Peter’s elbow, not willing to face all those people alone, and he gladly let you use his arm as both physical and moral support.

You could feel people staring at you, some with curiosity, but most, and especially the women, with distrust and disdain. You pursed your lips even harder, not giving them the chance to talk to you because you needed to find your footing first. You needed to find Bucky to calm down. Or to tell you that you weren’t what he wanted and you could go home and cry.

Peter wasn’t really sure where his boss was, but he was determined to find him as soon as possible, preferably before you’ve had enough of your self-doubts and turned around to leave the party. From the very first second, Peter met you, he enjoyed your presence, around the mansion and around Bucky, and he was determined to keep you two together.

When he finally noticed three men, standing like they owned the place, and he noticed that the shapes of the heads matched heads of Bucky, Steve, and Sam, he quickened his pace, not realising that your high heels didn’t let you run around like him. He tapped Bucky’s shoulder, and for a second, he was scared of his boss because Bucky gave him a look that said how dare you to disturb me, but that quickly changed.

Bucky glanced at Peter with a snarky retort on his tongue, when he noticed somebody with their beauty beyond words gripping Peter’s arm and his heart skipped a beat.

You looked like a goddess, or the queen of hell, to be more precise. Your dress wasn’t as revealing as most of the women in the ballroom, but maybe that was why Bucky loved your dress even more. They hugged your curves perfectly, leaving little to the imagination as they accentuated your breasts and your hips with your ass, the slit on your leg revealing your perfect thigh to the world. And as happy as Bucky was to see you, he suddenly didn’t like that dress that much.

You watched as Bucky’s expression changed from bitchy to amazed, to angry in a few seconds, and the last look almost made you take a step back. Why he was angry, suddenly, was beyond you.

Bucky nodded at Peter, who then let go of your arm, and Bucky stood impossibly close to you, pressing his chest against you in a desperate hug.

“What do you think you’re wearing, doll?” He hissed into your ear, and you bowed your head, ashamed. You knew he’d be pissed because you didn’t show enough.

“I’m so sorry, James. I thought this was a ball as in a ball, but when I came and saw all the mini dresses all around, I felt like a fool. I still do. Maybe I can make Peter drive me to the closest mall, and I can get myself something shorter? Or maybe tighter? I know how much-“

“Shorter? Tighter? Have you lost your fucking mind? I thought you were revealing too much! Everyone can see your perfect body like that, and that body’s mine! I don’t want these sly men ogling what’s fucking mine!”

You frowned and pulled away from him slightly.

“What? Have you seen what the other women are wearing? I’m like the most modest person here, babe!”

“Yeah, but all these women are mostly sluts only here to try and get into our pants. And while I’d love you in my pants, I can’t stand the idea that other men are thinking the same fucking thing,” he growled and instinctively pulled you to him again. You let him and smirked into the crook of his neck. He still had eyes just for you.

“I’m yours, Mr Barnes. No need to be jealous. I don’t care what other people think as long as you’re not ogling other women,” he whispered into his ear, and it was now his turn to pull away, his mouth turned to an amused smirk.

“Other women? I don’t even fucking see other women, doll. I told you, you’re different, and you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

You giggled before he pulled you in a heated kiss, obviously laying claim on you, but you couldn’t care less. His claim on you meant that you had a claim on him, and so you happily obliged, hoping that all those bitches were watching you and understanding that your man was off-limits.

Bucky seemed to have read your mind because he gave you a knowing look and pecked your lips once again, before you started walking around the room, him talking to some important people, while you were standing by his side, calming him with your presence.

The whole night was rather pleasant, Bucky’s hand firmly placed on your hip, and whenever you had to go to the restroom, he would make Peter or Drax, or both take you there and back to him after. You wanted to fight him on this, but one stern look from him told you that this was not the place nor time when you should protest against his commands. So you always just rolled your eyes, inwardly, and let the guys take you to the restroom.

When you were back in Bucky’s arms, his shoulder lost the tension they had whenever you left his side. It was well after midnight, both you and Bucky had a glass of champagne in your hands, and you were stealing away a second for yourselves, having a hard time to keep your hands on your own bodies, when the other looked so delicious when you heard the first crash.

Bucky’s playful side was suddenly gone, and in was the sharp and concentrated man you remembered from the night of your attack. You exchanged a quick glance before you stepped into the room.

Another crash sounded, and you only then realised what it was. Gunshots. Somebody was shooting in the ballroom.

Before you knew what was happening, you were on the ground, panting heavily, and a pain shot through your whole body. This wasn’t happening.

It was only when you saw droplets of blood around you that you let the panic overwhelm you. You were under attack, and there was almost a zero chance that the two of you would make it out alive.

/ Next Chapter >

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[kpop-zone]

Itzy reaction to their s/o flirting with them post wisdom teeth removal

Yeji

Yeji heard you grunting next to her and she immediately put her phone down, leaning forward so that you could see her as soon as you opened your eyes. Her members were sitting a little further from your bed and were loudly laughing at something Yuna had said.

“Shhh.”

Yeji shushed them because she didn’t want you to be overwhelmed once you woke up.

When you opened your eyes, you looked at her in confusion and Yeji could see that you weren’t quite there yet.

“Whoa excuse me if it’s rude to say so, but you’re really pretty.”

Yeji giggled at your remark, while hiding her face behind her hands.

You looked really cute right now with your drowsy look, but suddenly the other girls broke out in laughter.

“Did you just flirt with her?”

Yuna asked and you seemed to be embarrassed. But Yeji couldn’t let her members tease you.

“I think Y/N is hungry. You should get us something to eat in the cafeteria. All of you.”

She said sternly and Lia looked at her in confusion.

“But Y/N is not even allowed to eat something?”

She asked, but Yeji looked at her sternly and Lia got the cue.

“Alright girls. Let’s get something to eat.”

Once her members were out of the room, Yeji sat on the edge of the bed, softly stroking your cheeks.

“Now where were we?”

She asked with a smirk, definitely wanting to see more of your cute side.

Lia

Lia was sitting next to your bed, observing you closely. She was a little anxious, because she hoped that you wouldn’t be in a lot of pain when you woke up. Suddenly you started to make cute noises and Lia jumped to her feet, excitedly taking your hand in hers, because she was sure that you would be waking up now.

You actually glanced through your eyelids and Lisa smiled at you.

“Hey.”

She said softly and you finally opened your eyes fully.

“Are you an angel?”

You asked drowsily and Lia immediately blushed profoundly.

“No, I’m your girlfriend.”

She answered, but she kept giggling.

“What?! How did I get so lucky? You are way too beautiful!”

You exclaimed loudly and Lia’s blush darkened even more.

“Jagi, stop!”

She tried to make you shut up, so that she would stop blushing.

“Oh my. Hearing you call me jagi with your beautiful voice, makes my heart flutter.”

You kept flirting and Lia hid her face in her hands.

“I think you’re definitely not in pain.”

Lia muttered under her breath, her worries from before long forgotten. You kept flirting with her and after a while she got used to it, laying on your bed beside you and letting herself get showered in compliments.

Ryujin

Ryujin went to buy you some flowers while the doctors worked on you. She was just coming back, when they rolled you into the recovery room. With the flowers in her hands, she sat beside you until you finally struggled to open your eyes after a while. You blinked a few times, looking around in confusion before your gaze fell on her and the flowers. Your eyes lingered on the flowers before you smirked at Ryujin.

“Is someone trying to woo me?”

You tried to sound smooth, but you actually rather slured your words, but that didn’t stop you from looking smugly at her.

Ryujin blushed a bit and giggled.

“I thought I already managed to do that.”

She stated sheepishly and you raised an eyebrow.

“Just because you’re drop-dead gorgeous and your dimples could melt  icebergs, doesn’t mean that I’m wooed that easily.”

Ryujin covered her mouth with her hand, because she had to giggle even more at your remark.

Although you tried to be flirty right now, Ryujin thought that you looked incredibly cute. So she sat on the edge of your bed and took your hand in hers to kiss your knuckles.

“But I’m already yours.”

She whispered before leaning down and softly pressing her lips on yours.

You looked at her dumbfounded afterwards, making ger laugh again before she laid next to you, waiting for the medicine to leave your body, so she could take you home.

Chaeryeong

Before the doctors brought you into the treatment room, Chaeryeong promised you that she would be there when you woke up again. So she waited patiently the whole time the anesthesia needed to wear off. When you finally opened your eyes, and noticed her sitting next to you, she smiled widely at you.

“How are you feeling?”

She asked you, but you furrowed your brow as if you were deeply concentrated.

“Did the sun come out or did you just smile at me?”

You suddenly slurred and Chaeryeong’s eyes widened before she started giggling.

“Are you flirting with me?”

She asked surprised, and you smirked at her in response.

“Well, you’re pretty and I’m cute. And I think together we would be pretty cute.”

Apparently, everything has been deleted in your brain except for cheesy pickup lines and Chaeryeong blushed a little, but then she decided to have a little fun with it.

“I think somebody should call the cops on you, because it’s got to be illegal to look that good!”

She said with a wide grin and you accepted the challenge.

Your competition of who could come up with the cheesiest pickup line went on until the nurse came in to check on you, and Chaeryeong ducked her head in embarrassment.

You winked at her and Chaeryeong started giggling again. She hoped that you would remember this after the medicine was out of your system.

Yuna

Yuna had brought Lia and Chaeryeong along to keep her company while you were treated and while you were still asleep. Together they watched some videos on their phones until Yuna could hear you shuffling in your bed. She sneaked over to you, but you still needed a while to be able to see anything against the light.

“Good afternoon, sleepyhead.”

Yuna greeted you with a wide grin and you rubbed your eyes.

“You’re the cutest girl I have ever seen.”

You said while staring at her and Yuna’s grin doubled.

“Have you heard that? I’m the cutest girl.”

She yelled over her shoulder to Lia and Chaeryeong who came to your side and giggled.

“Y/N is definitely going to regret that tomorrow.”

Chaeryeong joked, but you looked offended.

“I’m not! I’m only telling the truth. Whoever dates her, has to be the luckiest person in the world.”

You stated confidently and Yuna giggled sheepishly, while the other two girls rolled their eyes.

They decided that they had heard enough of your declaration of love and turned back to their phones. Yuna, however, still thought that you were cute. Quickly she pecked your lips, making you look at her with wide eyes.

“You really are the luckiest person.”

She stated cheekily, making you absolutely speechless.

[jj-lynn21]

Cozy Cove: Emotional Turmoil

Saved by an Angel , A side of tits with your pancakes ,Fires Burn Hot , spending the nights , Learning and Loving , The end is not always the end,   Axel Grease, Big Decisions, Sex and Jet Skis, Late night fun , Old Wounds , Storms pass, Dangerous Waters  Nursing the patient , Making it Work , Never Have I Ever   , The Masquerade ,  The Proposal, Emotional Turmoil, sneaking

tag: @dragsraksllib @super-pink-a-palouza @loomiz @waywardtigersandwich @shkaboodle​ @theskarsgardcult @babyboy-cody @bskarsgardlove92​ @bill-skarsgard-owns-my-ass @shenevertricks1831 @hornyhetero @taintedglass  @grandpa-sweaters​ @bskarsgardlove92​

Warnings: the title says it all, dash of fluff and angst

Axel shivered wrapping his arms around himself as he got off the plane in Ohio. He had not even thought of the temperature difference when he got on the plane in jeans in a thin black t-shirt. He bought  a I LOVE OHIO sweatshirt on his way to the rental car area. They had his car ready as soon as he showed his ID, insurance card and signed the paperwork.  

He was glad the black Infinity QX80 SUV had a GPS and the heater warmed the vehicle up quickly. It was 3am by the time he got to the hospital. Axel did not think they would let him see her this late so stopped for a quick restroom break before heading to the ICU. Her parents were in the waiting room.  

“Axel.” Her Mother whispered to him as he came around the corner. “She is just getting settled. The receptionist said we could see her for a few minutes, tonight. I can’t believe you flew all the way here tonight.”

“I love your Daughter so of course I did.” Axel muttered.  

Her Father smiled. “Good man. Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

“I was just going to crash here until they let me see her again in the morning.” He covered his mouth as he yawned.  

“None sense.” Mr. Quinby told him. “You are staying with us tonight. You could use some sleep, so Susie doesn’t reprimand us for treating you poorly.”

Axel chuckled. The night clerk looked at him sternly and pointed to the quiet sign. He mouthed he was sorry. A nurse came out. She walked over to Susie’s parents motioning for them to follow her. Axel went along. Susie was hooked up to an automatic blood pressure cuff, heart monitor and had IV fluids hanging.  

“You can only stay a few minutes.” The nurse glared at Axel. “Who is he?”

“I’m her boyfriend.” Axel didn’t move his eyes from looking at his sleeping angel hooked up to all her medical needs.

“You should wait outside.” She said gently as not to provoke the obvious, to her, hoodlum

“No, he should be here for her.” Her Mother reprimanded softly. “Is she doing alright now?”

“Your daughter will be taken to a regular room in the morning.” The nurse informed them. “She will be released in the afternoon. Her toxicology report showed a blood alcohol level well below the legal limit. There was Fentanyl in her system that could have caused her to pass out. Somebody,” she looked to Axel. “must have slipped it in her drink. The police will be asking her about it tomorrow.”

“I think I talked to the guy who did it.” Axel smirked. “This really creepy blond guy was trying to get her back in the party while she was video chatting me. I scared him off. I would definitely recognize him if I saw him.”

“I see.” The nurse smirked. “So, you were not with her all night?”

“I was in California.” Axel was trying to keep his composure even though this nurse seemed to be trying to blame him for drugging Susie.  

Susie’s Mother put her hand on his should. Her Father told the nurse to let their family have the room for the few minutes they were allowed.  

“I’m sorry that nurse was rude to you Axel.” Mr. Quinnby shook his head. “People can’t see beyond their own fears sometimes.”

“I would never hurt her.” Axel gritted his teeth as he sat by the bed to hold her hand.

“You take a minute alone with her.” Mrs. Quinnby suggested. “We will be right outside the door.”

“And I will talk to that nurse’s boss.” Mr. Quinnby opened the door to lead his wife out.

Axel kissed Susie’s knuckles as she laid there sleeping. Susie’s lips were dry and flaky. He kissed them anyway before he got up to leave. A good night's sleep would be a good idea. He was starting to crash from the adrenaline that pushed through his system just a few hours ago.  

“Axel?” Her eyes fluttered focusing on the unbelievable sight. “Is it really you?”

Axel rushed back to her side. “Yeah, I’m here for you, Babygirl. Your Mother and Father are right outside. They are making us leave soon.”

“drink.” She murmured hoarsely.

He poured her a glass of water and held the straw to her lips. “Here, just little sips. I’m not sure how you will handle it since they pumped your stomach.”

She took a small sip and her stomach retched. “Maybe ice on my lips. I’m tired.”

Axel lightly brush ice over her lips. “Go to sleep. We will be back as soon as they let us in in the morning.”

The nurse opened the door and more politely said, “I’m sorry Sir...”

Axel stood. “I’m leaving peacefully Nurse Rachet.  She woke for a minute for a drink. I think a sip made her feel sick.”

“That is to be expected.” The nurse replied. “She just needs some rest. And I am sorry I insinuated you had anything to do with this. It was unprofessional and wrong.”

Axel just nodded. He was used to people thinking he was the bad guy because of his tattoos. His neck tattoo only showed the first two words in the sweatshirt, but it was enough to get subjected to instant criticism. Susie’s parent put their arms around him when he came out. Maybe it was his exhaustion or worry for Susie, but he just broke down crying there.  

Susie’s Father drives Axel’s rental while her Mother cared for him as she drove home. “Susie will be fine now Axel. I think you just need some rest.”

“Yeah,” is all Axel managed embarrassed by his emotional outburst. He was still sniffling and holding a tissue to dab his eyes as he looked out into the early morning before the sun was even ready to rise.

They set Axel up in the guest bedroom. Her Mother made him some calming tea. He was laid out cold before he finished it.

The Quinnby’s didn’t wake Axel when they started their day. Mr. Quinnby went for a morning walk as his wife got to work on a huge stake of pancakes, sausage and hash browns. A large pot of coffee was brewing also. As soon as Axel smelled all the goodness he sat up. He was a little disoriented for a moment. Then remembered it all and jumped out of the bed to shower and get back to his girl’s bedside.  

Mrs. Quinnby heard his feet on the wooden surface that only had a runner rug to pad his steps. She waited a few moments for him to get in the shower before knocking. She inched the door a hair open so he could hear her. “I hope you slept well Axel. Breakfast will be ready shortly. Fresh cloths are on top of the dresser. They should get you by for today.”

“Thank you, Sandra.” Axel mumble as he was letting the water beat down on his neck. “I’ll just take coffee to go. I want to be there when Susie wakes.”

“We all do, but first a hearty breakfast.” Her voice was insistent. “We can’t get in to see her for another two hours. You can eat with us.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Axel sighed.  

She closed the door. Axel was tense. He felt bad about flaking on his brother and leaving his workplace to someone for at least two days without much notice. But he would have been going nuts not seeing Susie was okay himself.  

Axel is surprised yet grateful for the huge meal Mrs. Quinnby had ready when he walked out to the kitchen. He sat and she slid a cup of coffee his way. “We have several different flavors of creamer and sugar if you need it Axel.”  

She smiled kindly like he always thought a Mother should. She was so different than the Mother he had for a time in his life. The maid always made him cereal or sometimes eggs. Nothing like the feast that was laid out in front of him.  “I just take sugar. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble to make a huge breakfast just because I am here.”

“Don’t be silly.” She chuckled. “This is normal for us. I just usually make slightly less. It was no big deal. The pancakes are not even as good as you are used to, I am sorry to say.”

He poured syrup over them and took a bite. They were missing a little something, but they were light and fluffy. “Good, thanks.”

Mr. Quinnby came in and kissed his wife on the cheek squeezing her around the waste as he whispered something that made her laugh. He sat across from Axel. “Good morning young man. How did you sleep.”

“I slept good enough, Richard.” Axel cut a piece of sausage with his fork and stabbed at the hash browns to. “Thanks for the hospitality.”

“You’re welcome.” He took a sip of the coffee his wife put down for him. “Thank you for breakfast sweetheart. So as soon as we eat, and I shower we will go check on Susie. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes, Sir.” Axel continued to devour his food. Susie’s Mother filled his plate again as her Father went to shower. “Thank you. I hope I am not eating more than my share.”

“don’t be silly.” She was smiling at him like nothing made her happier than to make sure he was full. “It would just go to waste if you didn’t eat it Axel.”

Axel’s mind was blown. This was a different world. With a Mother that seemed to care. Even care for him when he was not her kin at all. He thought this was the way it should be. The way a Mother should act. The way Susie was going to treat their children someday.

It fucking blew his mind even more something like that even crossed his mind. Even though he loved her, there was no guarantee she would want to come back to him when her education was over. He pushed that out of his mind as he finished a second cup of coffee and second plate of breakfast.  

They arrived at the hospital minutes before visiting hours. The desk clerk in the waiting area was just sitting down when Axel went up for the group to ask if they could see Susie. The clerk got up and went to check with the nurse.  

“Miss Quinnby is just getting ready to move to Eight East.” The clerk told the family. “If you take the elevator up to the eighth floor, take a right, she will be in room 805 shortly. I would check with the desk to make sure. Sometimes room assignments change.”

“Thank you.” They said in unison. They walked to catch the elevator.

“She must be doing well this morning to movie to a regular floor.” Her Mother felt some relief.

“Yeah.” Axel mumbled in the elevator.  

“That is a really good sign.” He patted Axel on the back. “No worries, Axel. She is alright.”  

Susie was being rolled in a wheelchair into her room as they made their way down the hall of Eight East. They stood outside a moment for her to get settled in the bed. Axel let her parents go in first.  

Susie looked up with a smile. “Hi guys, sorry I worried you. I...” She saw Axel when he stood up straight behind her parents. “Axel? I thought I dreamed you were here last night.”

“It’s no dream Susie Q.” Axel smiled with relief.  

“We are glad you are feeling better Susie.” Her Dad stood behind his wife who sat in the chair beside her bed.

Her Mother took a deep breath, “What were you doing at a party like that anyone? Not one of your friends had each other’s back. Those are not good friends. I don’t think...”

“Please, Mom stop.” Susie looked away from everyone. “I get it. I fucked up. I made the decision to go out. The decisions leading up to this moment were on me not on my friends. Of course, I could have stayed home but I chose not to. The bad decisions are done now. Don't blame my friends.”  

“I’m just glad you got on the phone with someone that helped you.” Her Dad added. “It could have been much worse. Do you need anything?”

“I think I will be going back to the dorm this afternoon.” Susie sighed as she looked back at her parents. “Thanks Dad.”  

“Let’s leave the kids to talk sweetheart.” He squeezed his wife’s shoulders.

She got up. “Just be more careful Susie. That is all we ask.”

Susie just nodded.  

Her parents left and Axel sat beside the bed. “I would have come without the hospital stay. You just had to ask, Babygirl.”

Susie smirked. “And here I thought getting myself into a dangerous situation was the only thing that would get your attention.”

They stared at each other for a minute. Then broke out into laughter.  

[moveslikebuckywrites]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Good Omens (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens) Characters: Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens), Anathema Device, Sergeant Shadwell (Good Omens), Newton Pulsifer Additional Tags: Established Relationship, witchfinder army, still not finding any witches Summary:

“So, the situation is, the angel, my angel, has somehow misplaced his halo,” the demon takes in the confused looks on the faces of present company, “He’s quite clever but he can be a bit of a ditz at times. He’s asked me to find it for him, somewhere we’ve been in the last week. We’re going to split up and canvas the neighborhood and find his halo. Simple enough, yeah?”

Crowley stops pacing and stares straight at them as Newt raises a very shaky hand. Crowley ignores it.

“I said,” he glares, “Simple. Enough. Yeah?”

---

It’s another prompt fill for the Ineffable Outliers discord channel!  This one was a real treat to write!  Click through to AO3 or read the whole thing under the cut!

Edit:  Helps if I remember to put the cut in the post; this is why you don’t post fic when you’re at work kids!

---

The year after the Apocalypse-that-wasn’t had been very good to Crowley.

Hell was no longer breathing down his neck, he was free to do as he pleased.  So was his angel.

Yes, his angel.  It had taken all of five minutes after leaving the Ritz the day after the world almost ended for things to start rolling, and once they started, they just didn’t stop.

Walking to the bookshop that day, Aziraphale had reached for his hand.  That alone had been near enough to discorporate him on the spot. Aziraphale had lingered with him outside the bookshop, rocking back and forth on his heels while Crowley tried to get his face to stop being such a bright shade of tomato-red.  Aziraphale had finally huffed and said I think, dear boy, this is the part where you’re supposed to kiss me.

Crowley had finally found his footing and lurched forward to kiss him and they stumbled backwards into the bookshop together.

They didn’t come back out for a week.  (A lot to catch up on, one might say).

Things might have been too fast back in the sixties, but now they were going at a breakneck pace.  Crowley was almost afraid it was too fast for him.

Once Aziraphale was free to love as much and in every way that he wanted to, it was almost overwhelming.  Every day a new pet name, every night the softest kisses to the demon’s temple or wrist or palm or lips (most of the time, all of these).  There were long walks in St. James Park, holding hands like it was something they'd done forever.  Lingering kisses whenever they could get away with it.  Long evenings in the bookshop led to long nights sleeping in the flat upstairs, and after six months Crowley had realized he only visited his flat once a week at most to water scream at the plants.  The whole flat seemed a bit superfluous after that.

Within a few days of that realization, the plants had all been relocated to the bookshop.  Some were in the shop itself; most were in the upstairs flat (unused for the better part of two centuries, but now in use almost all of the time) collecting sunlight from the skylights in the bedroom or the bay windows in the kitchen.

The Mona Lisa sketch was in the living room, as was the lectern from the church.  The wrestling statue was nowhere to be found, but Crowley knew exactly where it was. He’d sneak it into the décor at some point.

He had tangible mornings now.  Mornings waking up next to Aziraphale, or mornings where he’d wander blearily into the kitchen only to be handed a cup of coffee made exactly the way he loved it.  There were dinners and dates and oh so much life to live. One would think, having been around for 6000 years, that one would’ve seen it all.  

It turns out there’s much more to see when you get to see it with someone you love.

Paris was different.  Venice was different. Hell, the entirety of London was different.  Crowley no longer had to hide the affection he had for his angel, and all of that time spent pining when they’d visited places before could now be spent holding his angel’s hand and stealing kisses at opportune moments.

Go- Sat- Somebody, Crowley was happy. He couldn’t think of anything that could possibly be better than what he had right here with his angel.  

He’d do anything for Aziraphale (which, in itself, wasn’t a change at all), so when his angel came to him with a problem, all he could do was try to solve it.

---

“Alright, you lot,” Crowley addressed the group assembled in the main area of the bookshop in much the same way he would address an unruly rhododendron, “We have a very important job to do, and as I want it done quickly, I decided to call you in.  You are still on my payroll after all.”

The assembled group consisted of the entirety of the Witchfinder Army.  

One Sergeant Shadwell, who was not currently voicing his disgust in working with a demon, but it was painted clearly on his face, nonetheless.

And one Newton Pulsifer, currently promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.  This was almost fully against his will and had only happened because he and Anathema had run into Shadwell and Madame Tracy in Tesco’s a few months previous. The conversation meandered to the promotion when Newt tried to distract Shadwell from asking about Anathema’s nipples.

Neither of them particularly wanted to be there, but neither of them particularly had anything better to do.

Plus, the demon was right, they were on the payroll.

Crowley paced back and forth in front of them, not unlike a general getting ready to deploy his troops and no less intimidating.

“So, the situation is, the angel, my angel, has somehow misplaced his halo,” the demon takes in the confused looks on the faces of present company, “He’s quite clever but he can be a bit of a ditz at times. He’s asked me to find it for him, somewhere we’ve been in the last week.  We’re going to split up and canvas the neighborhood and find his halo. Simple enough, yeah?”

Crowley stops pacing and stares straight at them as Newt raises a very shaky hand.  Crowley ignores it.

“I said ,” he glares, “Simple.  Enough.  Yeah?”

“Well, um,” Newt manages to stammer, hand still shakily raised in the air in much the same way the shy third grader from the back of the class might, “It’s just, Mr. Crowley, sir, um.  Wouldn’t someone have noticed a glowing disk? Or maybe not, maybe that’s silly, but um, the better question is, um, what exactly are we looking for?”

“Nae, laddie,” Shadwell said with a huff, “The question is why we’re doin’ this in the first place.  We’re the Witchfinder Army, not some kinda detectives.” He looked to Newt, still with his hand in the air, and yanked his arm back down by his sleeve.

“Can’t really call yourself an army though, can you?” Crowley asked, lifting an eyebrow higher than should be humanly possible, taking on an air of condescension, “I mean, Major Milkbottle?  Really? ”

“Cannae say too much about it, laddie,” he said with a smug grin, “The southern pansy thought the Major was a fine fellow.”

“Unlike Aziraphale, Sergeant ,” Crowley pulled his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose, showing off his snake pupils, “I’m not so easily fooled.” He stared Shadwell down for a few seconds for good measure.  He didn’t like that there were humans that knew the truth, he liked it even less when those humans had been playing their own game for quite some time.

“Anyway, Lance Corporal Pulsifer,” Crowley continued, “to answer your question, it’s a signet ring.  Gold, looks like angel wings.  Dunno where the featherbrain might’ve taken it off at, but he definitely lost it and that makes him worry.  When he’s worried, he gets tetchy, and when he gets tetchy, I don’t get sleep.”

The demon paused to stare down his army, if one could even call it that.  But surely even these two could handle something simple.

“So I suggest you each take one of these lists, and start looking and asking questionssss,” he handed them each a sheet of paper, “Like the good little detectivessss you are.”

Newt and Shadwell crowded out of the door, each heading a separate way to start on their lists.  Crowley had a list of his own, and he was determined that the halo would be found by this evening.

He had a date with his angel, after all, and he wouldn’t be late.

---

“Angel, why are you so fidgety?”

Crowley had watched Aziraphale flutter and pace around his bookshop for the better part of the day, and now that they were in bed, supposedly relaxing the angel couldn’t seem to sit still.

“It’s nothing, dear,” he had that look on his face. The one that said he popped over the channel for crepes.  The one where he was hiding something.  

“Well, probably nothing.  More than likely nothing. Of course it’s nothing.” The angel was now wringing his hands together.

“Aziraphale, I haven’t seen you this wound up in months, it’s obviously not nothing,” Crowley had taken the angels hands in his, “What’s bothering you, Angel?”

Aziraphale sighed, “It’s just, I seem to have lost my ring.”

“Don’t see why you’d get so worked up about a ring, but we can find you another one, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Oh no, Crowley,” Aziraphale stuttered, “You don’t understand!  It’s not just a ring, it’s the manifestation of my halo!”

Crowley stared at him, stunned.  “So you’re telling me, somewhere along in the last day or so, you lost your entire bloody halo?”

Aziraphale looked at him sheepishly, “Yes, it would seem so.  Oh, I do worry about it. I know I’m not on Heaven’s side anymore, but an angel without a halo that’s just silly, and I did rather like it.”

There it is, the puppy dog eyes.  The most powerful weapon in Aziraphale’s considerable arsenal of weapons he could deploy to get Crowley to do absolutely anything he wanted.  Oh sure, the angel had a lot of new weapons for that. Sweet fond smiles and softly spoken pet names had been quickly becoming a favorite, as had kisses of all kinds.  But it was always that sad yet hopeful pout that the demon was powerless to resist any time it was aimed in his direction.

Just enough of a bastard, indeed.

“Angel, would you like me to look for it tomorrow?”

Aziraphale brightened instantly, eyes sparkling, “Oh, would you, dearest?  I have to meet with that rare book dealer about an original copy of William Blake and I’d hate to miss it.”

“Of course, Angel, I’ll find your halo.”

“Oh, thank you, darling,” Aziraphale said and kissed Crowley so quickly that the demon didn’t even have time to be annoyed at the task in front of him.

---

There were two mugs on the little coffee table, one of cocoa and one of a nice earl grey tea.

“Does he suspect anything yet?” asked the first voice, dark and feminine with more than a little mischief of its own.  One might even say witchy.

“Oh, you know how he is,” this voice was posh and southern, “Once he gets started on something, he’ll be at it until the end.  He doesn’t suspect anything.” Both the tea and cocoa had been, miraculously, the perfect temperature for going on an hour now.

A cup of something warm and friendly company were always a good thing, after all.  Especially when you were plotting.

“Yes, well, from what I’ve heard the search has been entertaining so far.”

“Ah, yes,” said the posh accent, “Your man on the inside, as it were.  I do hope mine isn’t being too cruel to them.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much,” said the witchy voice, “Now, you mentioned wanting my help picking out your outfit?”

“Ah, yes of course my dear, I don’t want to be late after all.”

---

This was an impossible task.

Crowley was starting to lose the faith he’d always had in humanity.  Who didn’t turn things into lost and founds anymore? He was sure whoever had found the ring had taken it to a pawnbroker by now.

Though it would be kind of funny to know how much a place like that would think a ring made of pure holy matter was worth.  Could be quite a laugh.

Newt had checked Kew Gardens and St. James Park, among other places, with no luck whatsoever.

Shadwell had, likewise, been to the British Museum and the opera house and anywhere else Crowley had been able to think of.  Likewise, he’d come up with nothing.

Crowley had been left with the extensive list of restaurants he and the angel had visited in the past week.  (“Seriously, Angel, it’s been missing a week?” “Well I didn’t want to worry you, dear.”)

This list included, but was not limited to, three different Italian bistros, the little sushi place down the street from the bookshop, two tapas bars, a hole-in-the-wall Greek restaurant, and the Ritz.  Always the Ritz.

That had been his best bet, and he’d come up short.  Now he had less than thirty minutes until his date with Aziraphale and nothing to show for it.

He’d been so distracted about it he hadn’t even been able to properly yell at Newt and Shadwell, he’d just sent them on their way. Shadwell had still been grumbling, Newt was just happy to leave.

Now Crowley was back in the bookshop, in the backroom draped across his favorite chair with his head in his hands.  Headaches were so terribly human, yet he was pretty sure that’s what was happening now.

Nothing for it, he’d turned up empty handed.  They could check the pawnbrokers tomorrow and go from there.

Even though Aziraphale had wholeheartedly detached from his former employer, he was still an angel at the end of the day.  His halo would be the last thing he had of Heaven, and, even if Heaven wasn’t as good a place as it had ever been1, Crowley was sure the angel would be very sad without this one little reminder.

“Might as well face the music, then,” the demon said to no one in particular, because no one was in the bookshop with him.

Aziraphale had told him to meet at St. James at six o’clock on the dot.  No time to sit and brood.

---

He found Aziraphale with a full picnic spread out under one of the apple trees.

“Crowley, my dear! There you are,” Aziraphale’s entire face lit up as soon as he saw the demon, Crowley didn’t think he’d ever get tired of that.  Something was different though.

Aziraphale was actually wearing modern clothes.  

Not super modern, nor even vaguely modern by most standards.  He was wearing sensible khakis and a tartan sweater vest over a light blue button-up.  He’d forgone the bow tie, and his shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

If it had been a year ago, Crowley might have thought it obscene .

“Y’look nice, Angel,” Crowley said as he caught up, giving the angel a quick kiss, “Finally decided to catch up with the times?”

“Oh, oh thank you,” Aziraphale said with a bit of a wiggle, “Just for today, thought I’d give it a go.  It’s a special occasion after all.” Crowley noticed the angel’s ears turning a very lovely shade of pink.

If he weren’t a demon, he might say it was cute.

“What’s all this then?  Evening picnic in the park is a bit different for us, yea?” Not that he minded, Aziraphale was constantly surprising him.

“Well,” the angel started, the pink creeping in on his face now, “I promised you a picnic, back in 1967, I figured I should make good on it eventually.”

Crowley felt the blush rising in his own cheeks as Aziraphale smiled at him fondly.  He’d never forgotten that night, his world had been reeling and it had been the first time he’d truly let himself hope that Aziraphale might truly love him back.

“After all,” the angel continued, starting to wring his hands together like he always did when he was anxious, “We’ve been to the Ritz so often, but never on a picnic, silly thing that.”

“You’re more nervous than usual,” Crowley said, raising an eyebrow, “’S just a picnic, Angel.”

“Yes, of course, just a picnic,” Aziraphale said quickly, taking a seat on the tartan blanket, “Any luck today finding my halo?”

Crowley felt a lump form in his throat as he leaned against the apple tree next to where Aziraphale was sitting, “Ah, about that, Angel. We looked everywhere and checked in at all the places we’d been.”  He couldn’t even look at Azirphale, he didn’t want to see the disappointment on his face. Didn’t think he could handle it.  

“Tore the bookshop apart even – don’t even start, everything is in its proper place, perfectly disorganized just the way you left it – if anyone found it, they likely took it to the pawnbroker’s so we’ll have to start there tomorrow.  I’m sorry, Angel, I really tried to find it.”

It was at this point Crowley heard what sounded like snickering.  He chanced a look at the angel who was very, very clearly trying to hold in a bout of laughter.

“What’s so funny, Angel?”

Aziraphale stopped his giggling almost immediately and swallowed hard, “Well, dearest, truth be told I’m more than a bit nervous.”

“Nervous?  What the heaven have you got to be nervous about?”

“Well, my love, if you must know,” the angel took a deep breath, “I never actually lost my halo.”

Crowley stared at Aziraphale open mouthed, his glasses sliding almost imperceptibly down the bridge of his nose.

“You what.”

“I never actually lost it.  I just had to do something with it, and I didn’t want you to ask where it was and-”

“So, you sent me on a wild goose chase?!  I called the Witchfinders!  I had to spend an entire day with those two lunatics!” Crowley was now stalking back and forth, gesticulating wildly.  So much so he didn’t notice Aziraphale moving from sitting on the blanket to being on one knee.

“Crowley-“

“And then I had to go to all of those restaurants,” he did not see the angel pull out a ring box from his pocket, as he was too busy stomping about, “Do you know how many bloody bistros there are near Soho?  Don’t even know if they were the right ones!”

“Dearest-“

“Not to mention I had to go to that Greek place,” nor did Crowley notice a very peculiar witch hiding in the bushes about 10 yards away with a video camera, “You know the one!  You know Yaya won’t let me leave without eating and I can’t disappoint her.2

“Crowley for Heaven’s sake will you just turn around and look at me?”

Crowley turned to the angel and his entire being stopped. He couldn’t form any more words, nor could he move at all.

Aziraphale was on one knee with a ring box in his hand; and, despite the fact that they were immortal celestial beings who definitely didn’t need to go in for that sort of thing, the very human implications were 100% clear.

“Dearest, I wanted it to be a surprise, but I worried you might suspect something was amiss if you noticed it missing, and it took a lot to disintegrate and reintegrate it in such a way.  So, I sent you on a bit of a red herring to buy time to get everything absolutely perfect.”

“Ngk,” was all Crowley could manage to say.  A bush about 10 yards away laughed.

“Crowley, my dear, I know it took me a long time to finally catch up to you, and the fact that it took the near end of the world was absolutely preposterous of me.  This past year has been, without a doubt, the happiest of my entire existence. If I had ever gotten my wits about me, I’d have known that on our own side, together, was right where we were supposed to be the entire time.”

Aziraphale opened the box, and inside were two gold rings. One of them was a golden Ouroboros with a tiny red stone for the eye.  The other looked very similar to Aziraphale’s signet ring, two angel wings, but much thinner and more modern. Crowley was still working on getting his brain moving again.  Aziraphale was here, for all intents and purposes proposing to him.  With his bloody halo.

Just enough of a bastard, indeed.

If he’d been in disbelief at the state of his life for the past year, that was nothing compared to the state of disbelief he was in now.

“This is the last piece of me that was still a part of Heaven.  I’m not on their side anymore, I’m on yours, forever if you’ll let me be.” Aziraphale paused, clearly waiting for some kind of answer, while all Crowley could do was open his mouth and then close it again.  

“While I know that it’s not in any traditional sense, and as celestial beings there’s no real need for it,” Aziraphale started to stammer, which meant he was backtracking, and that just wouldn’t do, “I still wanted to have some kind of symbol of all of this.  But if you don’t want to, that’s fine as well, I just-”

Having finally gotten his brain back online Crowley had answered in the only way he could think of, and had lunged full force into the angel, crashing their lips together desperately, knocking them both to the ground.

The bush 10 yards away heaved a sigh, stopped filming, and the occupant got up and walked away3

After what could’ve been a few minutes or a few hours (time is relative, even more so to an immortal celestial being), they finally broke apart.

“Does that answer your question, Angel?”

“Quite,” Aziraphale said, beaming at him.

Crowley was sure that the dopey grin on his face was most unbecoming of a demon, but as they sat on the tartan blanket drinking champagne, he couldn’t bring himself to care.  

He glanced down at his hand, gold angel wings glinting in the fading light of the sunset, and sighed contentedly.

As he laced his fingers with Aziraphale’s and kissed the snake ring on his angel’s finger, he knew in that moment there was nowhere in any universe either one of them would rather be.

After all, they were on their own side now, and they always would be.

---

1 - As far as Crowley was concerned, Heaven had never been worth the capital letter that always got bestowed upon it.  One group of pricks that you could only trade for a different, smellier group of pricks. In the end, it didn’t matter, they were all a bunch of bastards.

2 - The little hole-in-the-wall Greek restaurant was owned and operated by a small Greek family, who’d been running the restaurant for generations at this point.  ‘Yaya’, as Crowley (and most of the regulars) called her, was the family matriarch. She took one look at his skinny frame and immediately decided that no one had fed the poor boy a decent meal in his life, and therefore he was never allowed to leave without eating as much as she put in front of him.  Aziraphale always found this hilarious.

3 - It is a known trait of witches that they always know the precise moment to arrive and the precise moment to leave.  Whether or not this particular witch had any intervention on this conclusion from a different, much more particular witch from the 1600s was neither here nor there.

[autumnfanfiction]

3.

Robyn never went to sleep that night after her visit with Dolly. Something about what she was told piqued her curiosity, and she prayed to God it was true. It was more like a conversation with her doing all the talking and hoping that God was listening, but even with the prayers being full of optimism and positivity, deep down she didn’t want someone to come along. It frightened her more than it excited her she begun to realize as she sat back and stared at the walls.

In her 25 years of living on this Earth, she had only been with two people. Her first boyfriend when she was back on the island of her home Barbados, and she couldn’t really say he was her first love. It was a puppy love—– both of them young just wanting to see what a relationship was all about. They dated for a time, but they decided it’d be best to remain friends and that’s what happened until she moved to the U.S. at the beginning of her teenage years.

Her second boyfriend was her most recent relationship and current breakup. The reason why she detested love and thought it was silly to believe in such a thing, at least on her end. She was with him for 5 years, and it seemed all was going well—– they were in love, living together, and it seemed a proposal was coming her way with the next stop being at the altar. So she thought until they both discovered she had cancer, and that’s when their relationship began to plummet.

She shook her head and chuckled bitterly at the thought. Here she was possibly having to face the fate of coming face to face with death and the person she had been with, the person she thought would be there for her abandoned her. She gave him all the love she could give so much so nobody could call it ordinary. She loved hard, and maybe that was the problem. She gave enough love for both of them that he probably felt like there was no need to give it back, so he could just take advantage of her.

After the diagnosis, was done he treated her like the plague––– not wanting to touch or have anything to do with her. It broke her heart and crushed her self esteem that the man who once worshipped her body, found her to be unattractive because she had cancer. She vowed to herself she would never allow him to have that power of viewing and valuing herself any less than what she was.

Her condition worsened at a time, and that’s why she was sent to the hospital and had been for months so the doctors could keep a close eye on her. He never visited her once, and that angered her how he could pretend as if their relationship never happened. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, and he never called, came, or even sent a text message. He had left her to deal with this alone, and that was when Love was nothing more than a myth to her. Love left her heartbroken, it left her alone looking at four white walls day and night, and made her feel unlovable. She wanted other people to find it, but she just couldn’t see it for herself.

Light knocks on her door brought her out of her thoughts. “Come in.” She said softly but loud enough for the person to hear.

Her Nurse Sandy came inside, and she smiled at the bubbly nurse walking in. Nurse Sandy was responsible for her, and her Gran Gran and the two have been inseparable since.

“Hey, Robyn, how you feeling honey?”

“I’ve felt better, how are you?”

“I’m fine, but you know I worry about you. Is there something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Just been thinking a lot lately and trying to come to terms with Gran Gran leaving me soon. I guess I’m just fearful about being alone, you know?”

“Oh Robyn,” she offered her a smile “you’ll never be alone. You know there are people here around the clock that are here for you if you need any company. We’ve come to grow to love you here and just want you to get better but more importantly be happy.”

Robyn smiled. “I know. I just meant like my family since Gran and I are the only ones left.”

Nurse Sandy nodded and said nothing. She went to do the usual routine of checking Robyn and seeing if she could detect any signs that were alarming. “Have you felt any severe pains?”

“No, my chest pains are normal honestly. I cough regularly and I get night sweats periodically but nothing that’s out of the ordinary.”

The nurse nodded while writing Robyn’s declarations down and writing information of her own she gathered from doing her checkup. As she was Robyn noticed an envelope on her clipboard, and tried to get a good glance but with the way, Nurse Sandy angled the board it was no use.

“Nurse Sandy what is that?”

“Hmm? Oh! I almost forgot, he’d kill me if I forgot.” She laughed and handed Robyn the envelope. “This is for you, finished yesterday night, and delivered to you now. If you decide to write back just tell me and I’ll deliver it for you.”

Robyn raised an eyebrow before realization set in. Could it be her ex finally sent her something? She didn’t want to give herself false hope, so she asked, “Who is this from?”

“My lips are sealed.”

Robyn groaned. “Can you at least tell me if it’s somebody I know?”

Nurse Sandy smirked. “Definitely not,” she paused then smiled. “But I guarantee he’ll be someone you’ll want to know.” She winked then exited her room without another word.

Robyn sat the envelope on her lap and looked at it. The cover was beautiful—– her eyes drawn to perfection and she couldn’t really explain how this person was able to do this if they’d never met. Her mind went to a stalker then she laughed and quickly dismissed the thought, her best answer was that it was most likely a fan.

Not wanting to waste more time she carefully opened the envelope not wanting to rip it and took the letter out. She read it, and with the first read, it made her laugh at how cute the person was. After several more reads, there was a permanent smile on her face. And the drawing? She loved it so much. She felt it captured features she didn’t know she had. She couldn’t contain herself any longer, so she got up and went to her Gran’s room to share.

-

After reading it and showing Dolly the letter itself the only reaction it gauged from the older women was a smirk. Did she know something she didn’t? “What you smirking at Gran?” And she twisted her lips when all she got was a laugh

“None Anna. So yuh gon’ write back, yeah?”

She nodded. “I just don’t know what to say.”

“Neither did he, but him managed, and it’s good if yuh ask me.”

“Do you know something I don’t Gran?”

“Even if mi did, would mi tell ya?”

Robyn let out an exasperated breath as her Gran laughed at her obvious annoyance. Robyn knew she wouldn’t get any answers but she wanted to try at least. She shrugged and decided to start her response and hopefully it would make him want to continue writing. She’d never done this before and never felt this way before either so she definitely wanted to see where this would go.

Robyn didn’t notice, but she had a smile all throughout writing her letter. Dolly sat back and watched proudly as her granddaughter seemed happier she’s ever seen her besides them spending time together. She definitely had a hunch the letter was written by the man she told Robyn about. She didn’t mention it, but she had another vision, and actually, more than she let on. Those were exclusively meant for another pair of ears, and she couldn’t wait to meet the man behind the art.

-

Chris sat in his room all day impatiently waiting to see if he’d get a response back. The day went by, in a blur and it was time to see if a letter would be delivered or if he attempted to shoot his shot only to brick.

“What if she didn’t like it? Maybe I should write another one, but then that would mean I’m trying too hard.” He kept speaking to himself not noticing Nurse Sandy had entered the room with the very thing he woke up this morning wanting

She cleared her throat, and Chris looked up surprised not knowing anyone was in his room. “D-did she write back?”

Nurse Sandy silently waved the letter and Chris did a little dance in his bed while Nurse Sandy joined him in his hysterics. “She did, and I can say she was really happy with what you wrote and I probably should’ve let her letter tell you that, huh?”

Chris chuckled then waved her off. “It’s fine I’m glad to hear that. I’ve been waiting for this all day, what took you so long?”

“I have other patients to attend to Mr. Brown, you’re lucky I was able to sneak a couple minutes in to get this to you before you started wreaking havoc in this establishment.”

Chris playfully stuck his tongue out at her and took the letter from her. On the front of the envelope was “TO CB 💋” and his excitement was palpable when he saw the lipstick mark. He opened the envelope carefully not wanting to rip it before he swiftly took the letter out. He was about to read it when he noticed Nurse Sandy was peering over his shoulder waiting to hear what it said.

“Oh come on you’re not gonna share a little bit?” Chris smiled shaking his head. “You have other patients to attend to remember?”

She scoffed “Just petty.”

Chris laughed. “Well, I’ll be back tomorrow morning to pick up your letter.” She left the room, and he braced himself before reading what it said.

[ficdirectory]

Somewhere Inside (Disuphere series #4) Chapter 35

(To listen, click here) - 12:51

“Before we go, I just wanted to mention...tomorrow and Sunday are Trauma Weekend for me…” Pearl ventures.

“What’s that?” Francesca wonders, glancing up from her drawing.  

“It means...it’s the anniversary of when my trauma happened.  So, things are probably gonna be harder for me.”  Pearl glances at Jesus.  “It would help, I think, for you guys to be aware of that.  And, maybe to check in?  Ask how I am?  But don’t ask about what happened directly. Please.”

“Oh, you mean traumaversary,” Francesca fills in.

“Wait.  There’s a term for it?” Pearl asks.

“Well, in my family, there is,” Dominique offers.  “We have cake.”

Pearl raises her eyebrows, incredulous.  “Why?”

“It helps.  I don’t know.  It takes something powerfully negative and just turns it into power.  Doesn’t have to be cake.  Doesn’t have to be anything.  You do you.  Just putting it out there, if you want advice.”

“I do, yes,” Pearl nods.  “I’ll take any advice I can get.”

“You can watch movies you like.  Read.  Or just talk to us, as needed.  It’s really up to you.  The key is, to treat yourself gently.  Trauma’s hard enough on you.  It doesn’t need your help adding to it…” Dominique shares.

“Hmm…” Pearl muses.  She’s beginning to see why Levi likes hanging out with Dominique.

“I don’t like celebrating mine,” Jesus shares with the group.  “Because it was pretty scary.  I just like it to be as close to a regular day as it can be.  But I like people to ask about how I am, too, like Pearl.”

“And I...I’ve only had one.  And Moms made it really awkward at dinner.  Said how glad they were I was alive and stuff…” Mariana bristles.

“So, they made your anniversary about them?” Pearl asks.

“Yeah.  It was really awkward,” Francesca adds.  “And then they yelled at you in the car on the way home, remember?”

“Yeah,” Mariana sighs.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal if you didn’t go to my concert.  You could see it on YouTube later.  But Moms thought it was a big deal…”

“They said I made them feel guilty...like...not wanting to be in the car that day.  It made them feel like the bad guys.” Mariana mutters.

“Well, they were,” Francesca insists.

“Anyway...I don’t have any advice because my first one was terrible.  So...sorry…” Mariana says.

“Hey, the first one is brutal,” Jesus offers.

“What if...you can’t remember yours?” Levi hesitates.  “Just an age.  Maybe a time of year?  But maybe not?”

“Maybe you count the time it started being a thing?” Dominique asks.  “April-something?”

“Great.  So I stole your birthday and now I stole your trauma month?” Levi sighs, sending a regretful look Pearl’s way.

“Hey.  You didn’t steal anything from me.  You gave me something.  I get to share our birthday.  Now, I get to share our trauma month.  It’s good.  You know, not to be alone with it.”

“I don’t have a trauma month,” Francesca observes, still drawing.

“That’s a good thing, buddy.  We don’t want you to have to have a trauma month.  They’re a scary deal,” Jesus says.  “And we don’t want you to be scared.”

“Hey guys, what are we gonna do for your birthday?” Francesca asks, looking at Levi and Pearl.

Pearl glances at Levi.  “That’s a couple months away,” she tells Francesca.

“So we have two months to plan,” Francesca says happily.

“I appreciate that you wanna plan something, but right now I really need to focus on getting through the next couple days.” Pearl says gently.

“And I have to focus on going to work...which I hate…” Levi rants.

“Hey, I’m coming as backup,” Dominique says.  “Maybe even dressed as Kaz this time,” she smiles.

“And I can go,” Jesus offers.  “I mean, if you guys want.”

“You’d come?” Pearl asks.  “What if Gary recognizes you again?” she asks, thinking back to the last time she and Jesus went shopping at SuperOne together years ago.  Pearl had had no idea Jesus was so recognizable.

“He can borrow my Sadness costume…” Dominique jokes.

“Yeah, being blue wouldn’t make me stick out at all…” Jesus laughs.

“Seriously.  Do you want to take my car?” Pearl asks.  “That way you too have an option for driving around, but staying really local.”

“Nobody has to go,” Levi sighs. “I mean, I do.  But you guys don’t.  I don’t want a repeat of yesterday with everybody having a terrible time because of me.  Just stay.  It’s safer.”

“But not for you,” Pearl insists.  “And I want you to be safe.  As safe as you can be.  You know if that damn store wasn’t ground zero for my trauma, I’d be there in a second.”

“I know.  But you need to be taking it easy this weekend, remember?” Levi says.

“Levi,” Dominique says.  “We wanna go.  We want to be there for you.”

“I want to,” Francesca says.  “I wish it wasn’t late so I could go.  

“You got super tired,” Levi points out, apologetic.

“So?  It was so fun!  Dominique said I could smell all the bread I wanted as long as it was wrapped.  And I looked up sloth videos on her phone.  And I talked to her friend, Lena, from her apartment on video,” Francesca recounts.  She leans across the table and whispers conspiratorially to Jesus: “You should definitely smell the bread.”

“I mean, if I do that, I might end up eating the bread…” Jesus jokes.

“You can, if you pay for it first,” Francesca says, matter of fact.

Unlike her own mother, who would sit silently after a comment like that, or ridicule Pearl for making obvious remarks, Pearl finds herself smiling gently and saying, “That’s true.”

--

Levi does his best to sneak away from the table as the time edges near a quarter to three.  But Dominique has already disappeared into one of the bedrooms.  She comes out in her pink wig, purple contacts and suit.

He catches sight of Jesus across the kitchen filling a big purple lunch bag with snacks.

“Oh, no way!” Pearl sounds happier than Levi’s heard her in days.  Maybe months.

“What?” Jesus asks, confused.

“You still have it?  That old lunch bag I packed for you?” she asks, touched.

“I’ll do you one better,” Jesus says, and unzips the side, pulling out a handful of folded notes.

“Ohhh, you still have these, too?” Pearl gushes.

“What are they?” Francesa asks, curious, and climbing up on a chair to see.  Levi watches as Jesus naturally puts an arm behind her, to steady her.

Levi glances at Mariana while the rest talk about whatever the notes are.  “He’s sentimental,” she says, an explanation that somehow clarifies everything and nothing.  “Hey, take the sanitizer with you.  You might need it.  In case you run into Peanut Butter Cookie.”

“Who?” he asks, a laugh bursting out of him.

“Your trauma.  Peanut Butter Cookie,” Mariana insists, straight-faced.

“Right.” Levi smiles.  “Somehow my trauma sounds way less scary that way…”

“Keep taking away its power,” Mariana advises.  “It gets smaller.  You get stronger.”

“Is that how it works?” he asks.

“I mean, I guess it’s a thing?  Seems to be for Jesus and Dom at least.” Mariana insists.  She really does grab the apple hand sanitizer from the table and put it in his hand.  “Seriously, if it helps you feel more secure, keep it.”

“We should go,” Levi calls out softly.  He nods at Mariana, tucking the small bottle in his pocket.  “We can just take my car, if everybody’s cool with that.  Y’all can drive it around while I’m working.  I don’t care.”

“Just come back for him,” Pearl insists, rushing forward with her arms open.  

“We will, Pearl,” Jesus promises.  “We won’t forget.”

“Please, please, please be so careful.  I’m a nervous wreck at the thought of you being there tonight,” Pearl says, practically smothering Levi in a hug once he opened his arms to accept her.

“I’ll text you on breaks.  So you’ll know I’m fine,” he hugs her tight.

“Send me selfies?” she asks.

“As long as I get you and Cleo ones back…” he agrees.  “Okay, I love you.  I just gotta go.”

“Okay, I love you.  If you really need me, I can come with mace,” Pearl offers, brave.

“No, no need.” Levi insists.  “Thanks, though.”  He makes the rounds, hugging Frankie, who’s about to be real upset if Levi leaves without hugging her, and Mariana who Levi wants to be sure feels seen.

“Have fun tonight,” he tells Francesca.  “Watch a good Disney movie for me.”

“I will.” Francesca agrees.

“And hey, thank you for my secret weapon,” Levi says quietly, embracing Mariana.

“Anytime,” she says, and her hug still feels just as perfect as the first.

--

Jesus surprises himself getting into the front passenger seat willingly.  He’s not even freaked out about it.  It could be that it’s been fourteen years since he got in That Car.  Could be that the trigger of getting in this particular seat has faded with time.  It could be that Levi’s just a kid.  Younger than Jesus.

Whatever the case, Levi’s driving, and Dominique seems to relax, realizing neither Jesus nor Levi will be joining her in the back.

While Levi drives, Jesus asks if he can have Levi’s info.  “So we can text.”

Levi passes it along, and Jesus gives Levi his.  It’s a major act of trust.  “Just don’t share it around?  If you wanna give my info to somebody, just refer them to me first.”

“Yeah, of course.  I’d never give y’all’s numbers to randos.  Or anybody.”

“So...we’ll probably just hang out in the car until it starts getting dark.  Then we’ll come in and see if there’s anything we need.” Jesus passes along when Levi parks.

“Text us if you need us,” Dominique adds.

“Yeah, will do.” Levi scans the parking lot and takes a deep breath.  “She drives a black car.”

“We’ll watch for it,” Jesus promises.

“Actually, let’s go in with him,” Dominique insists.  “Make sure he’s good.”

“You guys don’t ha--” Levi starts, and then, realizing that Jesus, Dominique and Dudley are all getting out of the car.  “Okay, you’re really doing that.”

“Yeah, we really are,” Dominique insists gently.

(Jesus hasn’t heard her use her Kaz voice once since putting on the costume.)

They wait as unobtrusively as possible while Levi gets set up.  Jesus gives the front of the store a once over.  Then, they’re on their way out to Levi’s car.

“Francesca wants a sloth,” Dominique remembers.

“But does she need a sloth?” Jesus smiles.

“I mean, you weren’t here when she was making me watch all the videos about them...and talking about how they were like her…”

“Like her?”

“I didn’t say it, but...slow.  Slow, like her.  Speed-wise.” Dominique shares.  

Jesus laughs.  “That was always her favorite part of Zootopia.  Now I know why…”

She keeps an eye on the parking lot, not letting her guard down until they’re safely back inside Levi’s car.

“Look at this one.  If I buy it for her, can I send it to your place?  Or hers?  Or mine?  I’m kinda freaked out to send anything to your parents’ to be honest.”

“Yeah, you’re not the only one…” Jesus muses.

“You okay?” Dominique asks.

“That’s cool, it actually holds onto her,” Jesus says, looking at the toy Dominique’s found.  “Send it to you.  That way, you can give it to her yourself when we hang out.”

“Is it okay?” Dominique double-checks.  “I mean, it’s not like…  You’re not mad I’m spoiling her?”

“You’re not spoiling her.  It’s one toy.  You said yourself, she feels a connection to it.  I think she’d dig having a little buddy like that clinging onto her.  It’d sure make it easier for her to bring places.” Jesus observes.

“You’re avoiding, Avoider.  We don’t avoid each other.  Unless you don’t wanna say how you are.  In which case, I totally respect that,” Dominique rambles.

Jesus takes an intentional deep breath.  She does, too.  “Dominique.  We are okay.  If you’d feel more comfortable somewhere else, we can go somewhere else.

“No, I got it.  Just...it’s a lot.  It’s been a lot.  You know?”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” he nods.  “But your thing with Francesca?  Your relationship with her?  I appreciate that.  So much.  Not sure if I ever mentioned it.  She really needs you in her life.  She does better.  I think she feels really seen by you.”

“Well, I feel the same,” Dominique says back, reserved.  “So...I’m sorry but I have to ask...I’m not coming on too strong with her?  You’re not mad I’m a bad influence?”

Jesus’s eyes widen.  “Are you kidding?  You’re the best influence.  I’m so glad she has you.  I’m so glad we all do.”

“So, I’m not too much?” Dominique asks.  “Falling apart in front of her?”

“Falling apart in front of her teaches her it’s okay to do,” Jesus points out.  “That’s a good thing.  That’s needed.”

“This is hard,” Dominique admits cryptically, glancing out the window.

“I know,” he echoes.

“But we have each other,” she breathes.  “And Levi has us.”