#sorry. hello everyone who didn't know me two years ago - this is Blue - he is my old F/O LMAO

[byakuyasdarling]

who was going to tell me the game updated and there is a whole ass friendship simulator??? AND AND AND THIS??

REDRAW REDRAW REDRAW

he is so charismatic to the point it is annoying (light-hearted) 

[ronance4everbrainrot]

Some moooore little incorrect quotes from Descendants! This is gonna be a long one, sorry not sorry.

(with ships)

Audrey: *kisses Uma*

Uma: !

Audrey: ...Did you steal my chapstick?

Uma: Did- did I what?

Audrey: My chapstick, Uma. Did you steal it?

Ben: Audrey, for the love of God, not this again.

Uma: I- No, I didn't steal your chapstick. We use the same chapstick.

Audrey: No, there is absolutely no way we use the same chapstick, because it was only sold on one Etsy shop two years ago and they discontinued it, and I loved it so much that I bought the last of their stock, and I keep it in my freezer so it doesn't go bad. It's been discontinued for three years. No one uses the same chapstick for three years. So unless you've been eating a whole fuck ton of something that's flavored like chocolate and popcorn, you absolutely stole my fucking chapstick.

Uma: Chocolate and popcorn?

Ben: Why do you think it got discontinued?

(WHY IS THERE NO YELLOW! I DON'T WANT TO MAKE BEN BLUE! I ALREADY HAVE SO MANY BLUE ONES! Also slay and wtf? What a great start)

---

Ben: Do you think I'm plastic?

Audrey: No.

Ben: Phew. Oka-

Audrey: Plastic, at least, has some use in life. You're not plastic.

(Damn. What did he do to yo-..oh.. right.. yeah. I've also decided to make him Orange because it's close to yellow)

---

Ben: War is heck!

(facts)

---

Chad, to Ben: If my dad doesn't say "I'm King of the world" within an hour on that boat, I will give you my next pay check.

Charming, within 5 minutes of getting on the boat: I'M KING OF THE WORLD!!!

(Absolutely. Canon)

---

Audrey: God, if only someone loved me…

Uma: *standing behind them with roses*

Ben: *holding box of chocolates*

Chad: *has balloons and a card*

Mal: *facepalms* This is sad.

(Me: *holding a big Teddy Bear* lol I had a crush on her only in the Third movie. Loved her Queen of Mean Era)

---

Chloe: So, what is Red to you?

Maddox: The reason I wake up every morning.

Chloe: ...That’s adorable.

Red earlier that morning, barging into Maddox's room, smacking pans together: WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP!!!

(They've got this sibling bond)

---

Chloe: Are pigeons drones?

Chad: What? No, I'm trying to sleep.

Chloe: Think about it. How come you've never seen a baby pigeon? And why do you never actually see a pigeon nest? Because they're DRONES!

Chad: *Crying* Please let me sleep...

(Sibling sleepover. Also Chloe, your Mary Anne is showing)

---

Red: I intend to stay pissed at you forever.

Red: Even if I seem helpful.

Maddox: Then you're in luck.

Maddox: Because you don't.

(Canon)

---

Uma: Hello all, it is I, your favorite person.

Carlos: Actually, Jane is my favourite.

Uma: Okay then, it is I, that bitch.

(Yup and I love you. Carlos and Jane✨🫠)

---

Evie: I love making parties more interesting by telling strangers “I want you to know that I personally have no problem with you being here.”

(Sweet and dangerous. Perfect.)

---

Uma: Evie said its my turn with the brain cell.

Mal: Square up.

(lol. Canon.)

---

Uma: What starts with F and ends with Uck?

Chad: No it doesn't.

Jane: Firetruck!

Mal: FUCK!

(Mal speaks my mind. Jane is smart and Chad got the spirit. He's not wrong tho.)

---

Jay: Good morning. As you begin your day, remember that violence is always an option and often the answer.

Carlos:

Jay:

Carlos: ...Please, go back to bed.

(Jay loves to annoy everyone. Mostly Mal.)

---

Carlos: I can do anything I put my mind to. I once figured out Jane's phone number just by choosing random numbers.

(..why didn't you just ask? But also impressive)

---

Chad: What's the scariest horror movie you've ever watched?

Chloe: IT.

Dizzy: Annabelle.

Maddox: Paranormal Activity.

Red: High School Musical. All throughout high school I was scared that everyone was gonna randomly get up and start singing and dancing, and I would be the only one who doesn't know the words.

(Honestly just did this because Kylie was in the HSMTMTS. Honestly. They do that in Auradon too. So watch out)

---

Red: Why is it so hard for you to believe me?!

Chloe: ...

Red: Oh, right. The lying.

(Has she ever lied to Chloe? I don't think so. But I find the quote funny)

---

Evie: A mouse!

Mal, pulling out a knife: Go back to where you came from or I'll stab you.

Jay, pulling out a frying pan: It'll make a nice meal!

Carlos, giving the mouse cheese: You deserve a treat, little guy.

Gil, gasping: It's Ratatouille!

Harry: His name is Remi, dummy.

Evie: ...I was going to say to just trap it and throw it out the window... what is wrong with you people.

(um.. yeah.. you know what-)

Chloe: A mouse!

Dizzy, pulling out a knife: Go back to where you came from or I'll stab you.

Celia, pulling out a frying pan: It'll make a nice meal!

Maddox, giving the mouse cheese: You deserve a treat, little guy.

Chad, gasping: It's Ratatouille!

Red: His name is Remi, dummy.

Chloe: ...I was going to say to just trap it and throw it out the window... what is wrong with you people.

(just some family time)

---

Chad: Sometimes I like to call people by the wrong name to show them I don’t care about them.

Red: That’s brilliant.

Chad: Thank you, Maddox.

(yeah)

---

Jay: Everyone has a toxic trait. Except Carlos, they’re perfect.

Carlos: Wrong! My toxic trait is how badly I want to domesticate a raccoon.

(Facts. He is perfect)

---

Red: Hold the fuck up.

Chloe: Excuse me?

Red: I said hold the fuck up.

Chloe:

Red: I’m the fuck up, hold me.

(Aww...canon.. I mean she's not a fuck up. Maybe in her mother's eyes. But aww)

---

Jay: You know, there’s something weird going on with your face?

Mal: What?

Jay: You’re smiling! I didn’t know you could do that?

(Because she and Evie finally got together. UwU)

---

Evie: How do you tell someone their breath stinks?

Jay: Hey, I'm bored, let's drink mouthwash.

(He definitely did that with his teammates)

---

Jay: You look like a corpse that was just pulled out of the river.

Evie: Wrong. I look like a cool rock star who just OD'd in their own pool. Big difference.

(Oof. Do I want to know?)

---

(Little surprise from the past)

Charming: Care to give a free sample to a pretty person?

Ella, manning a bake sale and tired of their shit: Sure! You know one?

Charming:

Charming: Care to give a free sample to an ugly person?

(he's trying)

---

Brigdet: I have a question.

Ella: Shoot.

Bridget: Is the S or C in scent silent?

Hook: Fuck you, I’m going to be thinking about this all day.

Ella: Okay well, cent is pronounced the same way as scent so I’m gonna say the S is silent.

Bridget: Okay, but sent is also spelled the same way.

Hook: Google says that the C was added in the late seventeenth century, so I guess the S is silent.

Morgie: Plot twist, both the S and the C are silent and the E actually makes the sss sound.

Hook: Morgie is not allowed to talk anymore.

(Just them having a double date)

---

Bridget: Made you all playlists!

Bridget: Hades and Maleficent, yours have only heavy metal, and is dark like your soul.

Bridget: Ella and Uliana, yours have sad songs and blues to pair with your crippling depression.

Bridget: Charming, Morgie and Hook have the ABBA Gold album.

(she knows them well)

---

*Everyone is standing around the broken coffee maker*

Ella: So. Who broke it? I'm not mad, I just wanna know.

Everyone:

Bridget: ...I did. I broke it.

Ella: No. No you didn't. Uliana?

Uliana: Don't look at me. Look at Morgie.

Morgie: What?! I didn't break it.

Uliana: Huh, that's weird. How'd you even know it was broken?

Morgie: Because it's sitting right in front of us and it's broken.

Uliana: Suspicious.

Morgie: No, it's not!

Hook: If it matters, probably not, but Maleficent was the last one to use it.

Maleficent: Liar! I don't even drink that crap!

Hook: Oh really? Then what were you doing by the coffee cart earlier?

Maleficent: I use the wooden stirrers to push back my cuticles. Everyone knows that, James!

Bridget: Okay let's not fight. I broke it. Let me pay for it, Ella.

Ella: No! Who broke it!?

Everyone:

Hook: Ella... Hades has been awfully quiet.

Hades: rEALLY?!

*Everyone starts arguing*

Ella, being interviewed: I broke it. I burned my hand so I punched it.

Ella: I predict 10 minutes from now they'll be at each other's throats with warpaint on their faces and a pig head on a stick.

Ella:

Ella: Good. It was getting a little chummy around here.

(Damn Ella)

---

Bridget: It’s just that lollipop sticks last longer than the head, even if they’re less flavorful. I’m thinking of paper sticks, because you can peel off the layers with your teeth or leave it there until they fall off naturally, but plastic sticks can be chewed on too or left sticking out like a cigarette. Paper straws can be eaten layer by layer over time though, so they have the edge.

Morgie, bored: Can’t we just leave while they’re distracted?

Ella, genuinely interested: But what about wooden sticks?

Morgie: I hate you.

(No. It doesn't taste good and it's flaky? I don't like the paper ones. I like the plastic ones. Love to chew on them, tastes neutral ig idk. Wooden sticks tho. Taste great. And you can chew on them. But they break easily and you could get a splinter I think? But still Wooden wins for me. Plastic second and then paper)

---

Hope you liked it!

This was a bit longer.

Sorry not sorry.

Byeee.

[aquagirl1978]

a story in which mc goes to the past and meets the child chevalier and the boy ends up having his heart stolen by belle

Anon, this fic has lived rent-free in my head for entirely too long. I hope you're still around to see this finally posted 😊

It Was You - Chevalier Michel x Reader (Ikemen Prince)

A/N: Part of the Different Universe, Same Love Content Creation Challenge hosted by @xxsycamore and @queengiuliettafirstlady

Pairing: Chevalier Michel x Reader

Prompt: free day (i'm not exactly sure what kind of au this falls into - time traveling? soul mates? something?)

Tags: fluff

Word Count: 1674 (so long i included a word count)

The skies were gray and the line was long as you stood and waited your turn, white rose in hand as  soft sobs and muffled whispers filled the air. Raindrops gently fell from the clouds, as if heaven, too, was mourning the loss of Rhodolite’s queen.

Two young boys stood in the distance, away from the crowds. And despite their distance, they somehow caught your eye. Your heart ached as you caught the sad expression on one of the boy’s faces; he must have been close to the queen and is grieving.

You tugged on the long sleeve of Mr. Akatsuki’s dark kimono, your wide eyes pleading. “Is it okay if I go see those boys over there? I’d like to offer my condolences.” Mr. Akatsuki turned and looked at the boys, noticing their elegant attire.

“Don’t stay long,” he replied.

“I won’t.” You turned to face the boys, the distance between you closer than you had initially thought.

As you approached the pair, their voices grew louder. 

“...from the books I’ve read. I thought I would feel something, even just a little bit, but –”

Your heart lurched; you were right, they were close with the queen.

The voices grew quieter and you couldn’t hear anything for a moment, but then you heard the same emotionless voice again.

“I realized this awhile ago, but somehow, I can only see things from a bird’s-eye point of view.”

Your heart ached hearing the young boy speak; he couldn’t be more than 10 years old. Such a young age to lose his mother. 

He must be hurting so much.

The boys, engrossed in their conversation, didn't even notice you approaching them.

“Hello?” you called out.

The two turned and looked at you. The boy with purple hair looked stunned, as if he had just heard a horrifying secret. 

The other boy, the one you had heard speaking earlier just stared at you silently, his ice blue eyes cold and emotionless.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, but I just wanted to offer my condolences…”

“It’s not necessary,” the boy with blonde hair replied, coldly dismissing you.

“Chev, please,” the other boy spoke up. “This young lady came all the way over here to offer you her sympathy. Don’t you think, as the queen’s son, you could just accept it and say thank you?”

Chev, as the boy with purple hair called him, narrowed his eyes, and looked as if he was refraining from scowling. 

“I have no need for her sympathy, Clavis. You should know that better than anyone.”

Clavis approached you, a smile plastered on his face, clearly covering his grief. “You’ll have to excuse Chev. He’s so overcome with sadness that he’s forgotten his manners.” He took your small hands in his. “Allow me to accept your sympathies, on behalf of the royal family. Thank you.”

Having done what you came for, there was no reason for you to stay and intrude on them no matter what your heart was telling you. Lifting your skirt, you curtseyed and said your goodbyes to the pair.

But as soon as you took one step away, you turned around and walked right up to Chev and wrapped your arms around him.

“What are you –?” he asked, his arms awkwardly pinned to his sides by your embrace. 

“You looked like you needed a hug. Everyone deserves to love and be loved. And you lost one who loved you.” Your eyes met his, his blue eyes wide and wild like those of a caged animal. “So I’m giving you a hug today.”

You remained in the embrace until he calmed down, his body relaxed somewhat and his blue eyes returned to their cold, emotionless state. After letting go, you took a step back, your gaze holding his.

“Prince Chev, I’m really sorry about your mother,” you whispered before turning around and walking away, not giving him the chance to dismiss you again.

Clavis stared at his brother, your figure growing smaller in the distance. He watched Chev watch you walk away, and thought he detected what could be considered a ghost of a smile gracing Chev’s lips.

*****

The bookstore had been empty all afternoon, to which you were grateful as it gave you the time to finish reading. When the bell chimed, announcing the arrival of a customer, you quickly put your book away, readying yourself to work.

The gentleman who entered was tall and lean, pale blonde hair framing a face carved from marble, bright blue eyes intense as he perused the books on the shelves. Dressed casually in a black turtleneck and trousers, you wondered to yourself if he worked at the university as a professor and that was what brought him to the bookstore today. 

As he walked around the store, you got this feeling that you knew this man from somewhere. Probably a past customer, you told yourself.

But you’d remember a man so handsome, wouldn’t you?

“Excuse me, is Mr. Akatsuki in?” he asked, his tone curt.

“No, he’s out this afternoon. Can I help you with something?” 

“Yes, perhaps you can, I had ordered a number of books from him and was told they should be here.” 

“What is your name so that I can look for your order?”

“Chevalier Michel…” His voice trailed off as he looked away, clearly not a fan of social interaction.

Definitely not a professor, you told yourself as you went into the back room where Mr. Akatsuki kept all the orders. It wasn’t hard to find the order – it was a large stack of romance novels. Only romance novels. In many different foreign languages. Impressed, you were stacking the books, double checking the list to make sure everything was there, when it hit you.

Chevalier Michel. The Second Prince of Rhodolite. The late queen’s only son.

Chev. The boy you hugged on that sad day so many years ago.

Despite all the years that had passed, for some reason, your heart remembered him when he walked through that door into the bookstore.

You put the books down, an attempt to catch your breath, somewhat relieved in knowing he would not remember you, so there would be no need for any awkward conversations about that day.

How you had wondered about that little boy you met that cold, gray day. You had heard the stories about Bloodstained Roses Day; you had heard of the prince they called the Brutal Beast. 

But for some reason, the man waiting in the other room did not seem brutal nor beast-like to you. To you, he was a boy who had just lost his mother. 

“Here you go,” you said as you returned with the books, placing the pile before him. “Feel free to check over them and make sure everything is in order.”

Your hands were still on the books when his hand darted out, his fingers encircling your wrist.

“Do you remember me?” he asked, his voice cold and emotionless, much like it was all those years ago.

Your eyes widened in shock. “You remember me? After all these years?” 

“I don’t forget a name or a face. Ever.”

“Oh,” you whispered, swearing you felt his thumb gently caress the inside of your wrist. You closed your eyes, wishing for a moment that he was a professor and not royalty.

“I don’t normally come in to pick the books up myself…”

A chill washed over you as he removed his hand from your wrist, knowing you’d likely never see him again.

“Thank you. For the books.” He gathered the books in his arms, and without as much as a smile, he turned and walked out of the store and your life.

“Royalty and commoners cannot mix,” he muttered to himself, more reminder than commentary, as he closed the door behind him, leaving you for good.

*****

“Do you have any questions?” 

You looked at Sariel, who was waiting for your answer. Your eyes flicked down to the voluminous contract placed before you; your eyes flicked up and found eight sets of eyes on you.

No, that would be incorrect. Seven sets of eyes stared at you, one set looked down at the table, his eyes not meeting yours the entire meeting.

Sariel sighed as he stood up. “If you have no more questions, you have a bit of reading to do now.”

“Belle,” he added, as if to remind you of the role you just accepted. 

You quietly waved goodbye to Sariel and the other princes as they all left the room.

All but one.

He made his way towards the door, as if he was leaving with the others. But he shut the door, his body pressed against it, blocking any entry as he glared at you.

“You.”

A chill ran down your spine as he spit the word out, his body seething with controlled anger.

“I didn’t ask for this task….” you tried to reason.

How were you going to spend 30 days in this castle – his home – with him this angry.

“Of all the people in all the towns of Rhodolite, they had to pick you.”

“You keep appearing in my life. Why?” When his eyes finally met yours, you felt sadness, not anger.

Your heart ached; pushing back your chair, you stood and walked over to Chevalier, placing your palm on his cheek. 

He bristled at your touch causing you to slowly withdraw your hand.

“Don’t,” he whispered. He let out a low sigh before continuing. “No one has ever touched me.”

“Except me…”

“Except you.” 

His hand found yours and he tugged you roughly, pulling you closer to him. You looked up at him, your heart pounding wildly in your chest, his pale blue eyes softening, shards of ice melting. 

“It was you, all these years it was you. It was always you.” His lips crashed against yours in a kiss you had both waited a lifetime for. Deepening the kiss, he wrapped his arms around you in an awkward embrace.

“It will always be you.”

Tagging: @redheadkittys @alixennial @rhodolitesroseforclavis @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @chaosangel767 @queengiuliettafirstlady @queen-dahlia @ikehoe @ikemen-writer @talfollowingstuff @kpop-and-otome @kisara-16 @altairring @lucyw260 @lordsisterxotome @violettduchess @umi-adxhira @bellerose-arcana @yarnnerdally @crypticbibliophile @lancelotscloak @scorchieart @tele86 @nightfoxqueen @melodiousramblings @wendolrea @aceuuuuu @randonauticrap @aria-chikage

[bidisasterevankinard]

Inspiration Saturday

tagged by @watchyourbuck @thewolvesof1998

My brain said no to ending fics again, so here's a new wip(which I already mentioned)

Meet Alex Diaz aka Eddie's little cousin:

“Well, hello cutie,” the guy Buck never saw enters Eddie’s kitchen. His hair is wet and some dots of the water run over his gorgeous body. It’s so good, that the abs that Eddie had years ago when they first met, would lose.

The dark blue sweatpants highlights the guy’s V-line. Buck would have started flirting right this moment to throw them off him, if not the panic that he came to cook the dinner only to meet Eddie's new boyfriend. Whom he didn't even know about.

“Ehm, Hi? Who…,” and then Buck’s panicked tired brain decided to start work. The similarities of the guy and Eddie and the quiet young age of the stranger comes to the picture for Buck. “Oh, you’re Alex. Eddie told me you will come from Texas today. Sorry, my brain works bad after a half of the shift I covered today after 24 hours with a team even if I slept after. And I’m Buck by the way.”

“Yeah I figured you’re the guy Eddie, abuela and Chris talk a lot about. Fit the description, And it’s okay you forgot. What is not okay is that my cousin hasn't told me we're gonna have such a hot cook today, before coming to get Chris from school. I would be faster in the shower and prepare myself better for the first expression. It’s important,” the guy smiles brightly and comes a little closer to him, leaning on the countertop near him.

“Trust me, you left more when a good expression,” Buck mutters and a second he registers he said it out loud he wants to slap himself. But Alex smiles more.

“Oh, yeah? I'm happy I left such a good expression on you,” Buck looks up and sees a cute smile and warm brown eyes with something like interest in them. “Are you Eddie’s boyfriend?”

“What? No, we're just friends,”the topic change catches Buck off guard. Especially as recently absolutely everyone made it their mission to talk to Buck how it’s so obvious he’s pining over his best friend. But Alex can’t see it after 5 minutes of conversation when Eddie is not even around, right? Or is Buck so bad at hiding it?

“Oh yeah? Sorry I just assumed as you are really popular in a family that you two are dating. And you have keys. But my bad,” Alex raises hand as he surrenders and Buck makes a deep mental exhale. Nor so obvious then. “And really that’s good,” Buck raises his eyebrow on the new Diaz. “Means I have a chance and shouldn’t steal such a cutie from my bro. Not good family behavior,” Buck opens his mouth not knowing what to say to the young man. “Do you need help? With cutting something or with setting the table?” Buck nods and gives Alex vegetables for a salad.

tagging @honestlydarkprincess @heartshapedvows @honestlyeddie @hoodie-buck @housewifebuck @eddiebabygirldiaz @eddiediaztho @fortheloveofbuddie @forthewolves @mandzuking17 @hippolotamus @pirrusstuff @bigfootsmom @monsterrae1 @loserdiaz @devirnis @spotsandsocks @lover-of-mine @daffi-990 @ghostscowboys @giddyupbuck @callmenewbie @jeeyuns @jesuisici33 @wikiangela @the-likesofus @theotherbuckley @rainbow-nerdss @anakinfallen

[luv4fandoms]

Can you write a blurb about your latest earring headcanon? It’s so wholesome😭🥺

Hello! I'm so sorry this took a bit for me to write, I kind of struggled a bit coming up with scenarios, but I hope you enjoy! ☺️

For anyone curious, these are the headcanons.

The boys wouldn't give the matching earring to just anyone. Like they have to be in love with that person, that had to be their mate before they even entertain the idea. Why? Because that's as close to a wedding ring as you may get with these boys. They are allowing you to wear something that directly ties to them, something more than just their jacket or bracelets or anything like that. These earrings are a big thing. You join the group, you get your own earring…but it's different from everyone else's, it has to represent you just like theirs represents them, so to have you walking around with their matching earring on…that's it, end game, you're theirs.

You had been with David for a bit now, and you can still remember when the two of you met that fateful night on the boardwalk. You had been hanging out with your friends, chatting in front of the movie rental store when suddenly the sound of motorcycle engines drowned out your words. You had turned to the noise, rather annoyed about being interrupted, when you spotted him. He was sin in leather and you swear everything else disappeared, especially when those piercing blue eyes met yours. He was easy to fall for, those smooth words and charming smile enough to make even the most prudish of women give into fantasies. And fall you did, and rather hard too, so much so that when he showed you what he really was you didn't even bat an eye. You gave him everything you had to offer, and in return, so did he. Because what he never confessed was as soon as he saw you he knew you were his, you would always be his. He had never felt that before, but as soon as he laid eyes on you the world vanished. He hadn't let on that he was nervous when he told you what he was, he wanted you to accept him on your own, and when you did, he knew even more that you would be with him forever. That was almost a year ago, and the offer to change was still on the table, an offer you had been cautious about. Yes you were beyond in love with him, but the thought of throwing away your humanity still scared you a bit. Tonight had been another night at the boardwalk though, and another night of David dealing with surf Nazis trying to get you, knowing very well who you were with. Tonight though, this one has been rather bold…or rather stupid, in saying.

"I don't see a ring on her finger, must not want her too much" and that was how later that night he became David's dinner. But his words struck a chord with David, you could tell because he was unusually quiet. Even after you returned to the cave, everyone else already forgetting the dumb man's words, but you watched him go to his room before leaving the cave. You were worried to say the least, David was never like this, so you followed him, and found him on the beach smoking. You sat next to him in silence, knowing that he would only talk when he wanted to, so instead you looked up at the full moon overhead.

"I still want you to turn" he finally spoke, a sentence he had told you before.

"And I will,I promise" you told him, which you had promised him before, you were willing to change, you just needed a bit more time of being human.

"I don't have a ring" he started after a moment, causing you to look over at him and finding him already looking at you.

"I never saw the use for one" he paused for a moment, reaching into his pocket, before he pulled out his matching earring. You stared at the metal that glinted in the moonlight with wide eyes. You had asked the boys early on if they only had one earring or if it was simply a choice to wear only one, to which they explained their concept, and what they planned to do with the other earring because of how much it symbolized for them. So to have David offering you his…It was better than any ring.

"Are…Are you really offering me?" You couldn't finish as you looked into his eyes and only saw love.

"I still want you to turn" he spoke again, this time with a smile.

"Because I want you to be mine forever"

"Oh David" you smiled, leaning in to give him a gentle kiss.

"I already am". He leaned in to give you another kiss before leaning back and placing the earring in your ear, watching as the grin stretched even wider on your face. 

Dwayne knew you would be his when he first laid eyes on you. They had all gone to the boardwalk, Laddie included, and enjoyed their night, though at one point Laddie had asked Star if he could go play some more games, the woman agreed and off they went. Dwayne figured he would be safe with Star, and so the boys went on their own way to look for dinner that night…what they hadn't expected was a little later Star and Michael to come over asking if Laddie had come back to them. Star explained that she ran into Michael and they started talking and when she looked down Laddie was gone. Dwayne was upset that Star had let him out of his sight and immediately left to look for the boy. When he found him he was holding the hand of a girl and smiling up at her, holding a big bat plush in his other hand. 

"Dwayne!" Laddie yelled when he spotted the man and immediately ran up to him.

"You left Star" Dwayne spoke, and Laddie hung his head.

"I'm sorry, Star and Michael started kissing and it was gross" he explained and they both heard a soft chuckle behind the boy, Dwayne looked up, meeting the girl's eyes and instantly knowing. It was like everything faded away but her.

"This is Y/N! She won me this" Laddie smiled, holding up the plush. Dwayne looked down at the boy with a soft smile, before returning his gaze to the girl.

"Thank you"

"Oh it's no problem, I just spotted him at the games by himself and, well with the reputation this town has I couldn't just leave him there alone, so I figured I would accompany him until we could find someone" you explained with a smile.

"I have a bunch of nieces and nephews back home that are around his age so I'm used to taking care of little ones" you added, grabbing his interest even more. 

"I'm Dwayne" he spoke, giving you a charming smile, and watching as the light blush dusted your cheeks.

"Y/N…though you already knew that because Laddie told you…sorry that was…"

"It's very nice to meet you" Dwayne spoke up, cutting off your ramblings, no matter how cute they were, he figured he would save you the embarrassment. 

"It's nice to meet you too" you smiled,before a silence fell. And he watched you fiddle with your rings.

"Well I should probably-"

"Do you want to walk around a bit? With Laddie and I?" He asked, not wanting you to walk away just yet, not when he had finally found you.

"Yeah" you answered quickly before catching yourself.

"Yeah I'd love to"

That was almost a year ago, and tonight was very much just as it was then, the two of you walking around the boardwalk, Laddie holding a hand each, and the two of you lightly swinging him, smiling as the young boy laughed. It hadn't taken long for Laddie to adopt you as his mom, he found that motherly comfort in you almost immediately and you would be lying if you said you didn't think of the boy as your son.

"It's getting late" you stated, and watched as Dwayne looked up to the sky, noting that it wouldn't be long until morning.

"You should grab something to eat before it gets any later" you told him, and he nodded before looking at you. He had been so worried when he told you what he was, so worried that you would just turn and run…But you didn't. You just smiled at him, grabbed his hand and told him you were in it for the long haul, you had even agreed to turn one day when you were ready. 

"I can watch Laddie, don't worry" you smiled, bringing the little boy towards you as he smiled up at you, back now against you while your arms draped over him.

"Yeah y/n and I can go on rides until you get back!" He smiled at the man who laughed.

"Not too many, both of you have had way too much cotton candy" he stated, walking closer to you.

"Ugh, yes dad" you sighed,but couldn't stop the smile that peeked through when you looked at Dwayne, a teasing smirk on his lips.

"I'll be back soon" he told you, pressing a kiss to your lips and earning a 

"Ew gross!" From Laddie, the both of you parted with a laugh and you watched him slowly walk off to find the others.

"Let's go on the bumper cars first!" Laddie yelled, already dragging you off. That was at least twenty minutes ago, and you both decided to get something to drink before another ride, what you hadn't expected was a guy to come up behind you in line and start flirting. 

"Come on beautiful, I don't even mind that you have a kid, I wouldn't mind being a dad" the guy smiled, the action making your skin crawl.

"I already have a dad!" Laddie yelled as he started pulling you away, no longer wanting a drink, at least not from there.

"Come on kid don't spoil your mom's fun, we were just talking"

"No you were just leaving me and my son alone" you told him.

"Or what? He must not be a husband, I don't see a ring on your finger, so is he even around or did he just knock you up and take off?" He asked and his question made you see red, but just before you could cuss him out Laddie spoke up again.

"My dad is totally gonna kick your butt!"

"Oh yeah?" The guy taunted with a laugh.

"Yeah" Dwayne's voice rang out behind the man and caused him to quickly spin around, coming face to chest with Dwayne. You watched him slowly look up at a very pissed off Dwayne and could visibly see the man start shaking.

"Look man, all I was saying was I didn't see anything on her that said she was taken" he tried to defend…stupidly.

"She said she wasn't interested, that should have been enough" Dwayne stated.

"Or do you need more?"

"N-No it's enough man, whatever" and with that he bolted, leaving a very pissed off Dwayne, while you and Laddie laughed.

"I thought he was gonna pee his pants," you laughed.

"He was so scared," Laddie giggled.

"I'm glad you two are amused" Dwayne spoke, still upset but having calmed down some.

"Oh come on, his reaction to you was funny"

"He chose right by leaving"

"Yeah otherwise you would have kicked his butt" Laddie smiled, causing Dwayne to smile too.

"Exactly" he said before picking the boy up.

"Come on, let's head back" he stated and began walking to the bikes, Laddie held in one arm and your hand held in his other.

"Such a cute family" you heard an older woman say as you passed, and you couldn't stop the blush, you guessed you three really did look like a family like this…especially when Laddie called you mom and Dwayne dad.

Once you returned to the bikes Dwayne sat Laddie onto Paul's bike, while you climbed into his.

"We'll meet you at the cave" he told the boys who nodded before taking off, but before you could ask questions Dwayne was taking off towards the other part of the beach. The two of you finally slowed to a stop when he was far enough away from everything, and you took his hand as he helped you off of his bike.

"Babe what's wrong?" You asked, you could feel the tension coming from him still.

"This isn't about that guy still right?" You asked again, watching as Dwayne sighed, so it was. What about that guy got him like this?

"Just something he said I guess" he spoke, watching you tilt your head.

"He said you didn't have anything that said you were taken, and that's true"

"Well I would suggest your jacket but I'm not too keen on having to beat up other women every time we walk around so" you joked, getting a smile and chuckle out of him, good, he was relaxing.

"No, but there is something I can give you" he told you as he made his way to you, stopping just as your body's were almost touching. You watched as he lifted his hand and opened it, his matching earring resting in his palm. You had asked the boys early on if they only had one earring or if it was simply a choice to wear only one, to which they explained their concept, and what they planned to do with the other earring because of how much it symbolized for them, so for him to offer it to you made you tear up.

"Wait…really?" You asked, looking up at him through slightly blurry vision, but you could still see the soft smile he gave you.

"Only if you want to"

"Yes! Yes a thousand times yes" you laughed, wiping at the tears while Dwayne gently placed the earring through your pierced ear, before leaning down to capture your lips.

"I love you" he breathed against them

"I love you too" you smiled.

Paul would know right away that you were the one for him. He always believed in true love and always believed he would have this feeling when he found the one he was supposed to be with…And that's what happened when he met you. You had been hanging out in the record shop with your friends when this loud group of guys walked in..well…a group of four with two being loud, one in particular. Though you had to admit that even though he was loud, he was extremely easy on the eyes. Paul on the other hand knew something was different as soon as he stepped into the record shop, it was like there was electricity in the air, and he just knew. Quickly looking around his eyes spotted a group of girls, but his eyes focused on one. Making his way over he quickly made note of the Motley Crue album you were looking at. 

"Beautiful and good taste of music" he smiled, watching as you looked up, the world quickly fading away when your eyes met. 

"Could say the same about you" you winked at him, and he swore he melted.

"I'm Paul" 

"Y/n" you smiled.

"Got any good recommendations?" You asked after a beat, and he couldn't stop the excitement as he began to suggest all his favorite bands. That was almost a year ago and Paul still couldn't believe he was lucky enough to find his one. You had even promised to turn! He still remembered when he told you what he was, he was so scared you would just turn and run, say you never wanted to see him again, the thought had him shaking. But you hadn't, in fact you had tackled him! Going on about how cool it was that he was a vampire and asking if he could turn you when you were ready. He swore he had died and gone to heaven at that moment. So when the night started out as any other he hadn't thought anything could go wrong, the both of you had enjoyed the concert that happened on the boardwalk, a rock band actually having stopped in town, and honestly you and Paul were riding a music high. So when David had told Paul they needed to go feed before it got any later you ushered Paul along, telling him you would be here when he got back, and he swore he wouldn't take long. You were just walking around, enjoying the buzz of the boardwalk when you were stopped by a voice, and upon turning, realized it was one of the members of the band.

"Oh my God hi! You guys were awesome!" You smiled, happy to express your love of their music, after all, it had you and Paul dancing all night.

"Hey thanks gorgeous, you know I saw you in the crowd, wanted to know if a pretty thing like you wanted to come back to the tour bus, maybe party with some rockstars" he flashed you a smirk and you instantly regretted acknowledging this guy.

"Oh! No, I'm waiting on my boyfriend" you told him, hoping that saying boyfriend would give him the hint…it did not.

"Not a very good boyfriend if he left you here alone, if you were mine I wouldn't let a beautiful thing like you out of my sight" he smiled.

"Well that's the cool thing about trust" you told him.

"I'm sure he trusts you, but I wouldn't trust other guys to not just" he started, walking closer.

"Snag you right up" he finished, grabbing you by the waist and pulling you closer.

"Hey! Let me go asshole!" You yelled, pushing against him.

"Come on baby, lose the wannabe rockstar and come try out a real one"

"Fuck you! Paul is more of a man than you could ever hope to be" you told him, slamming your foot down onto his and making him lose his grip. That paired with him suddenly flying backwards caused you to break free, a new hand on your lower back.

"You ok baby?" Paul asked as he looked down at you, examining you for injuries.

"I'm fine Paulie, thank you" you told him, and his attention instantly turned to the man.

"When a woman says fuck off, she means fuck off" he stated, stepping in front of you.

"I take it you're the boyfriend" the guy laughed before looking around Paul at you.

"Really? Him?"

"Bitch!" You started, going to lunge forward but Paul stepped in front of you again.

"Yes me, now go back to your band" he stated.

"Or what? Come on man, a girl like that, not wearing anything of yours? She can't mean much to you" the man stated rather stupidly, but the statement struck a chord with Paul and suddenly the man was pressed against the wall.

"You have no idea what she means to me, now if you want to keep touring I suggest you leave" he spoke lowly, and unbeknownst to you, flashing his vampiric eyes for only a moment, but enough to make the man get the picture and take off.

"Damn babe, slam me against a wall like that" you laughed, but Paul just grabbed your hand and led you to his bike. The silence put you on edge, Paul was many things, but silent was not one of them. You climbed into the bike and grabbed him just as he took off towards the beach, not stopping until he was far enough away from everyone. 

"Babe, talk to me" you tried once the two of you got off of the bike.

"It just annoyed me, how he thought he could just take you, how he thought you meant nothing to me" 

"Paul babe, he was an idiot, you and I both know what we mean to each other" you told him, but he just shook his head.

"But I want everyone to know what you mean to me" he told you, and you smiled.

"You planning on putting a ring on my finger" you joked, but watched as Paul just stared at you.

"Paul?"

"It's not a ring but" he spoke before slowly lowering onto one knee, your hands instantly covering your mouth.

"Paul, what are you?"

"You're my mate y/n, I wanna be with you forever…if you'll have me?" He asked, opening his hand and showing the matching earring to his. You had asked the boys early on if they only had one earring or if it was simply a choice to wear only one, to which they explained their concept, and what they planned to do with the other earring because of how much it symbolized for them, so to have Paul using it as an engagement ring in a way.

"There is no one else I would want to spend forever with" you told him with such love he swore he could feel it. With a wide grin he got up and gently placed the earring through your pierced ear, giggling when it dangled against your skin.

"I love you" he breathed.

"I love you too Paulie" you smiled, pulling him down for a kiss, watching as he grinned when you broke apart.

"Now, about slamming you against a wall" he smirked.

Marko is flirty but that doesn't mean he believes in love at first sight. He often teases Paul about how Paul swears he will know when he finds his mate, how he will just be able to feel it, yes Marko always thought Paul was stupid for believing in that kind of stuff…Until he met you. There was just something about you that drew him in, something that made him want to always be around you. You had been coming out of the tattoo shop, cling wrap covering the new ink that you were happily sporting, and he swore he had never smelled something as amazing as you. The smell had reached him first, before he turned to look, and once his eyes landed on you it was like there was nothing else, even Paul's voice faded away as he watched you laughing with your friends, a grin spread as you examined your new tattoo. Without thinking he dismounted his bike and was walking over to you.

"So what did we get?" He had asked playfully, looking at your arm that now sported a very stylized bat, it was actually rather impressive.

"Oh! Just…something I drew up" you smiled shyly at him, a faint red tinting your cheeks as he smiled at you.

"A fellow artist, may have to get you to design me something cutie" he grinned, watching as your blush deepened at the nickname and your smile widened.

"Yeah, I could do that" you had told him, and he swore he hated how right Paul had been about love. That was almost a year ago, he had since told you what he was, something he was terrified would be the breaking point between the two of you, but you had taken his face in your hands to examine him closer, before leaning in and pressing a kiss to his fanged mouth, smiling, and telling him that you loved him no matter what…that had been the first time either of you had said those words and he didn't even bother trying to stop himself as he picked you up, grinning up at you before you leaned down and kissed him again. Tonight had started out a typical night at the boardwalk, playing games and going on rides when it suddenly went downhill, all because of a tourist that wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I said no thank you! I'm in a happy relationship!" You told the man, before turning to leave for what felt like the hundredth time.

"It can't be too happy if he is not even here, come on amore mio, let me show you what a relationship should be" he smiled, and the fact that he called you something that Marko normally did made your stomach turn in disgust.

"I said no! Now go away!" You stated, grabbing the plush bat that Marko had won you before he went off to feed with the boys, tighter to your chest while you turned.

"Amore mi-"

"Chiama di nuovo il mio amore e sei morto (call my love again and you're dead)" you heard a very familiar voice speak, and instantly you felt a wave of comfort wash over you, turning, you spotted a very pissed off Marko standing behind the man.

"Chi sei? (Who are you?)" The man asked, and you hated that you were still learning Italian from Marko, wishing you could understand them.

"Lei marito (her husband)" Marko growled.

"Marito? non vedo nessun anello lei dito (husband? I see no ring on her finger)" the man laughed

"Non vedrai niente se continui a parlare con mia moglie (you won't see anything if you keep talking to my wife)" Marko spoke, and the tone told you it was a warning, but you were too struck by the bit that you were able to pick out…Marito meant husband…and Moglie meant wife….Had Marko just called you his wife? You watched the man simply scoff before finally leaving you alone, and you watched Marko eye him as he left, no doubt Marko would be feeding twice that night. 

"Amore mio (my love)" you spoke, turning him to face you, watching the anger begin to melt.

"Thank you" you smiled while leaning in to kiss him, a kiss he happily returned.

"Come on" he told you, and took your hand, leading you to his bike that you happily climbed on. He quickly drove you to the beach, wanting to be with just you for a bit, because he knew there was something he needed to do. 

"Marko, can I ask you something?" You asked while the two of you walked.

"Course babe" 

"Did you call me your wife? That's what Moglie means right? And Marito means husband" you stopped as he stopped a few steps behind you. 

"Are you mad?" He asked

"What? No! No I'm not mad" you smiled.

"Just…surprised" you shrugged with a laugh.

"Why?"

"Well…I mean…I guess…I never thought I'd be lucky enough to meet someone like you, let alone that they might one day think of me…That way" you told him, and it was true, Marko really was the guy of your dreams.

"Babe, can you close your eyes?" He asked, watching as you nodded, slowly closing your eyes. He knew he would do this one day with you, especially when you agreed to turn, that day coming closer every second. Slowly he pulled the earring from his pocket, gently hooking it through your pierced ear and watching as the matching little black skull dangled against your skin.

"It's not a ring but" he stated, and you opened your eyes, you hand reaching up to feel the little skull, and instantly your heart melted. You had asked the boys early on if they only had one earring or if it was simply a choice to wear only one, to which they explained their concept, and what they planned to do with the other earring because of how much it symbolized for them and to now be wearing Marko's matching one.

"It's better than a ring" you smiled, pulling him in for a kiss that he happily returned.

"Sei tutto per me (you're everything to me)" he spoke against your lips, causing you to giggle.

"You haven't taught me that one yet" 

"Just glad you're mine" he smiled.

"Per sempre tua (forever yours)" you smiled before he leaned in to kiss you again.

-------

Again the Italian is from Google translate so I really do apologize if any of it is wrong. I don't know enough yet to not use Google translate 🥺

[2braincellslz]

Hello! Here are some ideas for requests:

- Bucky Barnes with male reader where reader lost his voice after a traumatic event, they both live together to help each other come but one day Bucky has a brutal breakdown or a nightmare, reader tries to calm him/wake him up but nothing works, so he tries to say Bucky's name and that's the only sound that forces Bucky to open his teary eyes.

- Jason Voorhees and male reader where they have this soft moment, Jason still feels a bit weird around reader, because he thinks he's with him bc of fear, pity or Stockholm syndrome, that he's a monster and monster can't be loved by a human and vice versa, reader notices it and does the "I look at you and I see two eyes, like mine, two ears, also like mine, *boop* a nose which I also have, one mouth, here and here as well, and what else, hmmm, two hands *puts their hands against each other and see the huge size difference*, two legs, Jason is still feeling off and reader takes his hand and places it on Jason's chest "One heart. A heart that beats for me and..." *hugs Jason while standing so Jason could hear his heartbeat* "...same heart as yours, that's beating for you".

- Billy Hargrove and male reader where reader gives Billy a necklace for Christmas (reader was on vacation in California and found a sea shell with pearl) and says "One day, you'll find one there for me as well".

Sorry for such lame ideas, you can delete them if you want, totally ok with that. It's also a mess...😬

Anyway hope you'll have a good day/night. 💕

Better Late Then Never

Ship: Billy Hargrove x Male!YN

Notes: probably not my best but whatever lmao.

Billy's birthday had come and gone. He had thrown a big party at one of his friends' houses. The cops were called. It wasn't an awful birthday, like some of the other ones, but it could have been better. It could have been a lot better. Better how? Well, for starters, his boyfriend could have been there.

It wasn't YNs fault, really. His parents had surprised him with a trip not too long ago. They couldn't blame YN parents either. They don't know when Billy's birthday was and they didn't know that it would be important for YN to be there. It was just on a big quicadince. 

But that wasn't even the worst part of it all. The worst part, at least for Billy, was that he was going to Cali. he would never tell YN to his face but he was a bit salty that he wasn't in Cali with him. Or just in Cail in general. He really does miss California.

But all of that didn't matter because today was the day. Today was the day that YN was coming home. That YN was coming back to billy. 

It felt like it had been years. At least to YN it had. He enjoyed his time in Cali but he was antsy the whole flight back to Hawkens. He and Billy had planned a whole alabrote day to spend together as a kind of “sorry my parents forced me to go to Cali on your birthday.” not only was YN antsy to see his Boyfriend but while in Cali he had found this beautiful necklace. It had a small blue shell on the end of it. It was simple but YN knew that Billy would like it. 

The plane ride was never ending. Thank god YNs parents spent the extra money on the first class. It made the trip at least a little bit more bearable.

When the plane finally landed, the worst part was yet to come. Actually getting off the plane. While YN wanted to rush off the plane, his parents held him back. They wanted to wait till everyone was off the plane before they got off.

“You don't want to be shoved off the plane, do you?” YNs mom, who was sitting next to YN in the window seat. “You don't want to be rushed.”

“Mom, Billy is waiting for me…” YN sighed, fidgeting with the box in his pocket.

“I don't understand why you want to spend your first day back with him. I haven't heard great things about him from your brother.” YNs mom sighed, watching the people that left the plane.

“He's kind to me.” YN could see his mom give him an off look out of the corner of his eye.

YN knew that other people, mostly people in his family, had a sneaking suspicion that YN wasn't as entirely straight as he let on. No one said anything but it was kind of obvious.

“And you are going to be with him all day? Are you spending the night?” YNs mom asked. YN trusted their mom. If he was going to tell anyone what was going on between him and Billy, it would be his mom. She coved for him. If YN wanted to spend the night at BIlly's house, though they usually got a hotel so they wouldn't have to deal with Neil, then YNs mom would cover for him.

“Yeah, I'm staying the night.”

“Getting a hotel again?”

“Yep.” YN could see his mom smile. Even if she didn't know what was going on between him and Billy, she was happy for YN. even if Billy was just a friend.

But he wasn't just a friend. 

He was more. And his more was waiting for his boyfriend and probably getting irritated.

“Alright, let's go.”

YN and YNs mom stood up, grabbing their book bags from under the chair in front of them. 

YN practically ran out of the plane, passing his brothers and dad. He ran past people in the airport and weaving by suitcases. He ran all the way to the baggage claim. 

He looked around, panting. It took him a bit but he found him, the man that he ran through a whole airport for. 

“Billy!” YN yelled, practically knocking over the basketball player when he lunged at the man. 

“Jesus, calm down.” Billy hugged YN back. It was rather quick though so that no one would get any bright ideas.

“Hey.” YN smiled, hands itching at his side to reach back out to Billy.

“Hey.” Billy looked over YN. “You got a tan.”

“Wow, it's almost like I was in the sun for a whole week.”

Billy rolled his eyes. “Shut up, let's go get some food.” he smiled, wrapping an arm over YNs shoulders. 

Billy had grabbed YN luggage while he was waiting and, like the gentle man he is, was carrying it for YN.

“Where shall we eat?” Billy asked once you got to the car, throwing your luggage in the backseat of his Chevy. 

“It's your day, you pick.” 

“Starcourt Mall. We can eat in the food court.”

“Sounds good to me.”

YN slipped into the passenger side as Billy got into the driver's seat. Billy started the car and rock filled the car. The song was easily recognizable. “Love Of My Life.” by Queen. It wasn't Billy's usual music but it was YNs.

“Is this the mixtape I gave you?” Yn asked as Billy pulled out of his spot and drove out of the airport parking lot.

“Maybe. What did you name it? Something sappy, right?”

YN rolled his eyes. It was sappy. It made YN cringe whenever he thought about it. “Melted candy hearts or something.”

“Exactly, really really sappy.” 

“Yeah, whatever you say Mr. Tough guy.” YN let his head lul back, closing his eyes as the ballet filled his ears. YN rested his hand on the center console which was quickly held by Billy.

It was one of the few things YN and Billy could do in public, kinda, to show each other affection. No one could really see their hands while in the car so they always took the opportunity to show each other a little bit of affection. Another thing they would do would be walking with Billy's arm around YNs shoulders. To the outsiders, they just saw it as a guy leading his friend somewhere but they knew. Billy and YN knew what it really meant and it was kind of special for them. 

Billy pulled into the mall parking lot and shut down the car. He stepped out and waited for YN who quickly followed. 

Billy reposished himself back with his arm back around YNs shoulders. The pair walked around a bit before they settled down to eat some shitty Chinese food. Honestly though, it was better than the food they gave YN in first class.

“How was your trip?” Billy asked, shoving some more rice into his mouth.

“Boring. It wasn't any fun without you there to get us into trouble.” YN looked up from his tray with a goofy grin to watch Billy's face shift to fake shock.

“How could you! I thought we were friends!” Billy dramatically placed a hand over his heart.

“You hang around Eddie too much.” YN rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his orange chicken.

Billy just chuckled and turned back to his food, stuffing some more into his mouth. 

After the pair was done eating their food, they walked through the mall. Occasionally, entertaining the idea of stopping by Scops Ahoy to see if Steve would let them in the back way.

After everything the Hawkings kids have been through, no one really cared about childish things like popularity causing all rivalries to become unimportant. Sure, people still remembered what Billy has done but they also know he is working on himself. He is becoming better. He has made amends with Max. he is better.

YN took Billy's wrist, pulling him into the ice cream place. They walked up to the counter, interrupting Steve's pitiful attempt at flirting while Robin held up a shigh from the back that read ‘SOS’ in bright red.

“Steve!” YN shouted, drawing Steve's attention away from the two girls who used Steve's moment of being distracted to make their escape. 

Steve's face lit up. “YN!” he shouted back. 

“Hey! Nimrod. How many kids are you friends with?” Robin asked from the back.

YN knew Robin and Robin knew YN. basically everyone knew everyone in their big group but Robin was not one to pass up a monet to make fun of her friends.

“We are your age.” Billy smiled, slipping through the divider to get to the back with YN close behind. 

Steve jumped through the window and closed the shutters. “How was Cali?” 

“Not that great. We didn't get to go to the beach or anything, just spent a lot of time at my grandma's house while my parents ran off to have fun or something.”

“Or something?” Robin asked, ignoring the sound of Erica abusting the bell.

“Or something.” YN repeated with a shrug, sitting down at the table.

“So where are your kids, stevie? I thought they always hung around here for the free ice cream?” Billy asked, placing his hands on your shoulders. The two of you could be yourself around the gang, they all knew.

“Well first off, they aren't my kids.” 

“Yes, they are.” Robin said, cutting off Steve.

Steve glared at Robin “And secondly, they are at the movies.” 

“Speaking of movies…” YN said with a smile. 

Steve groaned and rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah, sure.” he moved from his spot leaning against the counter and pulled open the door for the couple.

“Pretty sure they are playing Dr. Zhivago.”

YN stood up and walked out the door, thanking Steve on his way out. Billy wasn't too far behind him. As soon as the door shut, their hands were interlocked together. It might not be a long walk but might as well take advantage of one of the few moments they have alone together.

They sat down near the back, no one really sat in the back so they could enjoy their moment together. The movie had already started, about twenty minutes in, but it's not like they could complain, they did get in for free. 

YN fidgeted with Billy's hand the whole time. Whether it be rubbing circles into his hand with his thumb, moving YNs promise ring to Billy's hand then back again, or just holding it. It was another one of the few moments they could be affectionate in public. Everyone was watching the movie, anyway. 

The movie ended and the pair went on to the next activity and the next. The last thing they did before turning into the hotel was bowling where YN absolutely destroyed Billy. 

Settling into the hotel for the night, Billy and YN laid in the massive bed together while watching some random documentary on TV, though neither of them were really paying attention. 

Billy had his arms wrapped tightly around YNs waist with YNs head resting on his chest. YN clinged to Billy like a baby otter clinging to its mom. 

That's when YN remembered. The necklace.

“Billy?” 

“Hmm?” Billy hummed, rubbing YNs back.

“I got you a birthday present.” YN pulled away from the warmth, sitting up on his knees.

“Really?” Billy asked, sitting up.

“Alright, close your eyes.”

Billy closed his eyes, chuckling softly.

“Ok, Now. stick out your hand and open your eyes when you feel the box.”

Billy stuck out his hand. YN fished the box out of his pocket and placed it in Billy's hand. Billy blinked his eyes open, looking from YN to the box in his hand. He pulled off the small lid and looked over the necklace.

YN watched carefully, fidgeting with his hands. He prayed to whatever god there was that Billy liked it.

“Wow… this is perfect…” Billy smiled, leaning forward and placing a kiss on YNs cheek before pulling out the necklace and putting it on.

“Does it look good?” Billy asked, playing with the small blue shell.

“You look good in everything.” Yn said, scooting forward and resting his head on Billys shoulder. 

“Someday, when I visit California again, I'll get you a matching one.”

“Vist? Don't you want to move back there? That's your home.”

“My home is wherever you are.” Billy hummed, kissing the top of YNs head.

“That's so sappy.”

“Shut up!”

[waterfire1848]

Entrapta/hordak + 22

-📖🔭(L)

Hello @xtratooth thanks for the ask!

22. two miserable people meeting at a wedding au

Hordak sighed as he took yet another sip of his drink and leaned back in his chair. Why was he here? Seriously. Why was he at Adora and Catra's wedding? Less than ten years ago he had been trying to kill them and now they invited him to their wedding.

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"We want you to come-" Adora looked at Catra, who had a raised eyebrow, "I want you to come. It'll be good for you. You can't just hide away in your lab forever."

"I did it for decades and I was content with my life. Why should it be different now?" Hordak asked.

"No war for starters." Adora reminded him.

"He wasn't really doing much for the war anyways." Catra mumbled.

"Catra." Adora moaned, "Please."

"You can't keep me from making comments." Her fiance smirked, taking a bite of a cookie in her hands.

"I appreciate the offer, Adora, but I think it would be best if I stayed out of your wedding ceremony. I don't even know that much about them." Hordak added, but Adora refused to give up. He did have to give her credit. She was persistent. It was why she made such a good soldier. Hordak had once seen her get hit in the face with a metal pole and get rid back up.

"Which is exactly why you should come! Catra and I didn't even know what weddings were until a few months ago and now we're having one. Please, Hordak. It'll be fine, I promise." Hordak growled a little as his ears pinned down. Behind Adora, he could see Catra's ears pinned down as well, clearly against this idea. Adora's blue eyes continued to stare right through him though. Was this a power of First Ones? Being able to make people do what they wanted with a simple stare?

"Fine. I'll go."

"Yes! Thank you! You'll see! It'll be fun!"

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Hordak would not describe tonight as fun.

The only people who spoke to him were clones that had been invited to the ceremony and party as well. Everyone else avoided him like a sickness. Not that he could blame them. When you tried to take over the planet and murdered hundreds of people, it was very hard to make friends. The only reason he wasn't dead in a grave someone was-

Entrapta.

She was here.

She was sitting at a nearby table. Her long purple hair hanging in it's typical fashion. She was wearing her traditional clothes, except these had no stains on them, but she looked upset. Hordak hadn't seen too much of her recently as she had been needed by her people in Dryl. Honestly, he sometimes forgot she was a princess with people of her own that she was responsible for.

"May I sit?" Hordak asked.

"Of course!" Entrapta chirped, instantly perking up, "I didn't see you at the ceremony. Did you just come?"

"No. I just wanted to keep myself hidden. For everyone's sake." Mostly for Adora's though. She had been one of the few people who actually gave her a chance after everything he did. Having She Ra behind him really did help his case in many instances. Adora and him, both being aliens from other worlds, spent many days bonding over that. Hordak told her as much as he could about the First One's and Adora clung to his every word.

She had done so much for him. He didn't want to be the reason her wedding went wrong.

Entrapta nodded, "Understandable."

"Why do you seem so upset?" Hordak asked.

"Catra and Adora took all my equipment for tracking this social experiment. They even took my notepad." Entrapta put her mask down over her face. At least they let her wear her regular clothes and a mask. Neither woman seemed to have any want to force Entrapta into a dress or suit when she was incredibly uncomfortable in clothing that wasn't her regular clothes.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?" Hordak asked.

"Do you have tech?" Entrapta asked.

"None to spare I'm afraid." Hordak clicked the metal on his outfit, one Entrapta had made to help him stand out from the other clones, with his claw.

"Brother!" Another voice yelled.

Hordak looked up to see Wrong Hordak, why he kept that name Hordak would never know, walked over to him, "It is so good to see you! Did you enjoy the ceremony?"

"I did. It was quiet beautiful." Hordak said.

"It really was. I wish I knew more about these Etherian celebrations though?" Wrong Hordak said.

"What do you mean?" Hordak asked.

"In most of the plants Horde Prime took us to, the point of festivals like this was for the couple to share their love and announce it to the world but also to ensure that they would have children and continue both their bloodline and add to the population." Ohhhhhhh. Hordak could already see where this was going, "I congratulated both Adora and Catra on their celebration of love but when I wished them many children they ran away."

“Yes. That is generally something people don’t say to a couple.” Hordak winced.

“Queen Glimmer explained that to me. After I apologized to Adora and Catra, Catra they showed me a new game to play to help me have fun.” Hordak instantly narrowed his eyes. Catra showed him a game?

“What game?” Hordak asked.

“You look at people around you, make a prediction about what will happened and, if it does, take a drink of this beverage she gave me.” Wrong Hordak explained.

“Oh. Wrong Hordak that’s-“

Entrapta was cut off by Wrong Hordak’s smile, “I’ve never had more fun!” He walked off leaving Hordak and Entrapta to share a concerned look.

“He’ll be fine. Clone bodies can handle a good amount of alcohol before becoming intoxicated.” Hordak explained. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head, “However, I think I do have a way now for you to do your experiment even without tech and a notepad."

"Tell me!" Entrapta yelled, using her hair to hold herself up.

“We do what Wrong Hordak is doing.” Hordak explained.

“I don’t want to drink. Alcohol is…” Entrapta just shook, “No. I’m just drinking my fizzy beverages.”

"We wouldn’t drink. We would simply have a competition between the two of us. We’d make predictions about what we think people will do and see how they will react during the party. The one who guesses right the most will get to use the new First Ones tech Adora discovered on her latest mission.” Entrapta’s eyes lit up.

“Let’s do it!” She grinned.

The two began to go around the party, looking at the guests carefully and trying to see if they could pick up a pattern. The two were pretty evenly matched in this respect. While Hordak had been on the planet longer than Entrapta, he hardly left his lab in years and was rusty with interactions with other people. Entrapta, while having been forced to be around some people, simply wasn't good with people. It's why she stuck so close to technology.

After making a couple rounds around the party, the two returned to their table and compared their findings.

"I believe that Scorpia will ask Perfuma for a dance and knock someone out with her tail." Entrapta told him.

"Indicate your reasoning." Hordak said.

"I saw her watching other couples dance but she and Perfuma weren't because Perfuma was speaking with Bow. I also saw her drinking with Catra. I think that, combined with her nervousness, will cause her to paralyze someone on accident." Entrapta predicted.

"Impressive. I believe that Catra will hiss at at least one guest." Hordak said.

"Too broad. You have to make a more specific prediction." Entrapta created a hand out of her hair and pointed at him.

"Very well. She'll hiss at one of the clones." Hordak specified, "Catra has a history of hissing and using her claws when she gets nervous. While this is a happy day for her, I can tell by her tail movements that she's also incredibly nervous. Queen Glimmer and Adora won't stand for her hissing at one of their friends or a citizens, but the clones are still not viewed as full citizens by everyone on Etheria meaning Catra will most likely take her nerves out on one of them." He calmly explained.

"Ohhhh. Good catch with the tail movements." Entrapta created a seat for herself with her hair while Hordak simply leaned back in his chair.

The two watched the celebration continue to unfold until they were disrupted by the sound of a yell. They looked to the dance floor where, sure enough, Scorpia was apologizing over and over to some poor dancer she had hit. Entrapta looked at Hordak with a wide grin while Hordak deflated upon seeing Adora place a hand on Catra's shoulder before she could take her nerves out on a clone that had walked into her.

"I forgot to take Adora calming her down into account." Hordak said.

"One point for me! Let's do another one!" Hordak chuckled lightly upon seeing how happy Entrapta was.

The two continued throughout the night to make predictions and see if they could put their previous studying of social experiments to use. Eventually, the party began to wind down, leaving Hordak and Entrapta as the last ones to leave.

"Entrapta." Hordak whispered, "Entrapta, it's time for us to leave." Finally getting a good look at her, Hordak could see that Entrapta was asleep with her head against his shoulder. Smiling, Hordak took the princess in his arms and brought her to Bright Moon castle where the guards took him to a spare bedroom to use.

"Goodnight, Entrapta. Thank you for a great evening." Hordak was about to turn and leave but Entrapta grabbed him by the waist with her hair. It seemed her hair had a mind of it's own because it acted without Entrapta even waking up, dragging him back to the bed, "Alright. Alright." Hordak's words seemed to calm the hair enough to let him go.

The former leader of the Evil Horde climbed into bed with the scientist and got under the covers. Once again, Entrapta's hair worked it's magic and brought him closer to her until they were only an inch or two away. The hair refused to let go until Hordak was holding Entrapta. His eyes grew heavy watching the princess sleep until they closed, leaving him and Entrapta fast asleep inches apart from one another.

[multiverse-imagines]

@lupina36-blog of ao3 and Tumblr!

Hello

I've loved Trigun for years! Vash is such a wonderful man!!! I would therefore like to make a request for an OS in which the Reader comes from another planet and is on a research mission on Gunsmoke and meets Vash who is unabashedly flirting with her and is keen to get to know her better, which the Readers do thrown into quite a dilema. Because on the one hand she likes the blonde very much and she thinks that he has beautiful eyes, on the other hand she is of course not allowed to tell him that she comes from another planet or that she is an alien. Would it be possible?

A/N: Anything is possible! I'll make it possible!!! Such a wonderful concept deserves to come to life! I'll be placing this during Episode 14 in Trigun 98. During the episode he has like, no screen time. I love hearing about Lihio, and your otp makes me so happy! Let's fuckin gooooo

This will be 2 parts, minimum. This first one is kinda short, because I have better ideas for part 2!

Adventures of Lihio-Minaa: Episode 1

The Mission is Compromised

Landing in the sand just outside of a small town of Gunsmoke, her skin color changing from her beautiful green to a modest tan.

Lihio-Minaa brought her goggles over her eyes to check over her most recent mission checkpoints. She had been sent to Gunsmoke to check on the humans quality of life, their cohabitation ratio with Plants, and progress of life since crashing on this planet 130 years ago. The Federation found it odd that life as fragile as a humans had managed to survive on a planet like this for this long. 

She trekked into town, nearly regretting wearing her sneakers as she felt the sand sinking into them. She lifted her goggles as the wind died down around her, the buildings of the little town of Promotory. She had noticed the small few acres of geoplants on the land of one resident. Everyone else seemed pretty miserable.

They went about their day to day, sure, but their dopamine levels and serotonin levels were so low, Lihio could barely tell they were alive. She couldn't believe they were even functioning.

Making her way to a local saloon, the levels seemed to be higher there, as patrons drank and smoked to their heart's content. Not wishing to deal with the rowdy crowd, she turned to leave, bumping into someone.

She looked up to see a man in a long red duster coat. His luscious blond hair defied gravity as it stuck upwards like fields of wheat. His eyes, surprised but quickly melting at the sight of her, reminded her of the waterfalls of Virmire. A beautiful blue when shining in the sun, yet his eyes retained that color in the shade of the bar. 

"Oh Sorry, Miss, I didn't mean to run into ya!" He was surprised, "Why don't I buy you a drink as an apology?" He offered. There were no underlying motives in his voice. 

"Um, sure." Lihio nodded. He guided her to the bar, ordering a bottle for the two of them to share. The stuff was cheap, but tasty. 

"I haven't seen you around, before, are you new in town?" He asked after taking a drink, allowing the alcohol to seep into his system. A quiet beep from her goggles that could only be heard by Lihio, meant she should check her Glass Ware. This was the computer she kept in the safety of her goggles. She couldn't do that with this man here.

"Yeah, I just stumbled in today. Got tired of being cooped up at home, and decided to go on an adventure." She shrugged, taking a drink of the whiskey, not feeling much. With the alcohol loosening his mind, she did a gentle search into his mind to see what this planet was like.

She blinked, flabbergasted. She'd seen too much. Too much for any more human to have in his head. Life on the Seed ships, a mother figure, the Fall, his hardships. The trials he faced… a brother… a wanted poster with his face… a door of locked memories he didn't have access to. This man… he was a plant. An independent plant.

Lihio hadn't met many independent plants in her time, but she knew they were a species that lived for a long time, as long as nothing happened to them. They didn't seem to die from aging. He isn't that much older than she is. 

"W-what's wrong?" He said, noticing Lihio's surprised face.

"O-Oh, I just realized I don't even know your name, stranger!" She said, recovering. The man gave a light chuckle.

"My name is Vash the Stampede." He held his hand out to shake.

"Lihio-Minaa. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Stampede." Lihio shook his hand and nodded.

"Lihio, what a beautiful name!" He smiled, "It sounds like… standing in a tall field of flowers…" he closed his eyes, as he imagined standing in a field of sunflowers. A memory from the seed ship, no doubt.

"Thank you. And Vash is quite a beautiful name as well." She complimented.

"I think you would look lovely with a crown made of little flowers, or a beautiful bouquet in your hands." He continued, a gentle smile on his face that sent a shiver up Lihio's spine. 

 'This man is a problem' Lihio nearly frowned at the thought. She liked him a lot. He'd been through so many hardships. He had a wealth of information about this planet, its people, and its tragedies. She had seen a memory of his scars. So many scars that covered him from head to toe.

This long life had not been kind to him. She saw friends, people he called family, only to betray him. Humans who lived such short lives, yet he loved them unconditionally, no matter what sin they created. 

"You okay? You seem lost in thought." He asked gently. His eyes looked worried.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just admiring your coat. It's a lovely color." Lihio recovered.

"Ah, Thanks. It was a gift from my family." The thought of the ship that still floated above Gunsmoke drifted through his mind at the memory, "I need to go home and visit them sometime." He nodded. 

"I know the feeling. It's… been quite a while since I left my home." She nodded. This was a fib, honestly. She'd been home maybe a few years ago. Work had kept her busy.

The two of them talked about anything and everything, allowing Lihio to get her information about this planet and its inhabitants. This planet desperately needed help, and she would bring it to them. 

While Vash was partying it up with the locals, she snuck out of the bar. She was a few buildings down when she heard Vash's voice.

"Hey! Aren't you gonna stick around?" He jogged up to her, and an orange and green necktie swayed, smacking him in the face as he drunkenly tottered.

"I have to go, Vash. I had an amazing time."

"Whaaaat? C'mon, stay a little longer!" He whined, gently patting her head, "it'll be fun!" 

"I'm sorry. I would love to stay, but I can't." She frowned up at him. He looked drunk enough that he might not remember anything in the morning. 

"Goodbye, Vash. I'll miss you." She stepped back from him, and clicked her watch, her skin returning to a pale green and she was beamed back up to her ship. 

---

Lihio walked to her bosses office, practically breaking down the door in her excitement. 

"Sir, I have a request!"

[rattyshipss]

Rewrite of one of my favorite few pages including Stanley in Ggbb💖 (To clarify this isn't all my original work, this is a page I'm copying from the book and including parts in) ⚠️Spoilers warning⚠️

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"Is Stanley Forbes in?" asked Pip. "He should be." The woman finally located the correct key and slit it into the lock. "We've got the write-up of the memorial to sort out before we print today, so Stanley asked me to come in and help." She opened the door. "After you." She said, and Pip stepped over the threshold into the small front room.

"I'm pip." she said, following the woman as they passed two tired sofas and headed for the back office. "Yes, I know who you are," the woman said, shrugging off her jacket. And then, in a slightly less frosty tone: "I'm Mary, Mary Scythe." "Pleased to meet you, again." Pip said, which wasn't exactly true. She figured Mary was one of those people who blamed Pip for all "The Trouble" last year in their nice, quaint town. Mary pushed the door, revealing a small, square room, four computer desks lining its walls, as tight and claustrophobic as Pip remembered it. Guess that's what you got for a tiny town newspaper that ran mostly on donations from the family living in that mansion up Beecher Road.

Stanley Forbes was sitting at the desk against the far wall, his back to them, his dark brown hair in unkempt clumps, presumably from where his finders had tunneled through. He paid them no attention, leaning towards his desktop screen, which, judging by rhea white-and-dark-blue stripes, was on Facebook.

"Hi Stanley," Pip said softly. He didn't turn. In fact, he hadn't moved at all, still scrolling down the page. He hadn't heard her. "Stanley?" she tried again. Nothing, not even a flinch. He wasn't wearing headphones, was he? She couldn't see any. "Honestly," Mary scoffed, "he does this all the time. Has the most selective hearing I've ever come across. Tunes the whole world out. I have no idea how (y/n) likes him or can even stand to be around him as much as they are. Hey Stan!" She barked that last part, and finally Stanley looked up, spinning in his chair to face them. "Oh sorry, were you talking to me?" he said, his green-brown eyes jumping from Mary to settle on Pip, head perking up at the mention of that name.

"No one else in the room," Mary said irritably. "Wait (y/n) likes me?" Stanley said swinging from side to side in his chair with a coy smile on his face watching Mary as she walked away dropping her handbag against the desk farthest from Stanley's. "Hi," Pip said again, walking over to him, crossing the distance in just four large steps.

"H-hello," Stanley said, getting to his feet. He held out his hand apparently to shake hers, but then evidently changed his mind and drew it back, then changed his mind again and re-extended the hand with an embarrassed laugh leaving Mary holding back a laugh across the room wondering if this is how he flirted with (y/n). He probably didn't know how the appropriate way to greet Pip, given their fraught history and her being eighteen while he was at least in his late twenties.

"Sorry," Stanley said, returning the awkward hand to his side. It wasn't just the Singhs he'd apologized to; Pip had also received a letter from Stanley a few months ago. In other he'd apologized for the way he'd talked down to her and for Becca Bell taking Pip's number from his phone and using it to threaton Pip. He hadn't known at the time, but he was still sorry. Pip wondered how sincere he really was. "What can I...," Stanley began. "What do you-"

"I know the memorial will probably take up a lot of room in tomorrow's paper. But could you make space for this? I'm trying to spread the word to everyone in town." Pip dropped her backpack so she could take out the reserved Missing poster. She handed it over, watching Stanley read, his eyes furrowed and a hollow burrowing into his cheek as he chewed it from the inside. "Missing is he?" He looked down again. "Jamie Reynolds."

"Know him?"

"Don't think so," Stanley said. "Might recognize the face. Is he from Fairview?" "Yep. Family live on Cedar Way. Jamie went to Fairview high, with Andie and Sal."

"Missing since when?" he asked. "It says there." Pip's voice rose impatiently. Mary's chair creaked as she leaned closer to listen in, interested in the different than normal (y/n) rambling topic. "Last seen around eight o'clock at the memorial, until I learn more about his movements. I saw you taking photos, could you email those to me?" "Er, yes OK. Police?" asked Stanley. "A missing persons report has been filed," Pip replied "Polive response is nonexistent right now. So it's just me. That's why I need your help." She smiles, pretending like she didn't resent having to ask.

"Missing since the memorial?" Stanley thought oloud. "That's only, like, a day and a half, right? "Thirty-seven and a half hours," Pip said. "That's not very long, is it?" He lowered the poster. "Missing is nissing" she countered. "And the first seventy-two hours are critical, especially if you suspect foul play." "Do you?" "Yes," she said. "The family does too. So will you help? Can you print that notice tomarrow?" Stanley looked up for a moment, eyes spooling as he considered it. "Suppose I can move the article about potholes until next week." "Is that a yes?" Pip said. "Yes I'll make sure it goes in." He nodded, tapping the poster. "Though I'm sure he'll turn up OK." "Thank you, Stanley." She returned his polite smile. "I really appreciate that." She pivoted on her heels ro leave, but Stanley's voice stopped her before she reached the door.

"Mysteries always seem to find their way to you, don't they?"

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LOOK AT MA BF😭👉👈💖 Comments and reblogs are appreciated but not expected!💖

[stories-poetry4all]

💔5 years later, she became a doctor and attended the wedding of alpha king, who rejected her before.

"Alpha, do you accept the beautiful bride as your luna?" The priest asked.

"I'm afraid, no." He was gazing at me. "She came back...I mean, my true mate."

5 years ago…

I was only 18 years old when I met him.

The Alpha King.

Or My Fated Mate.

It was my first time participating in a gathering of werewolves, since I was old enough to have a mate so my parents thought taking me to the event would be an amazing thing for me, if only they knew they were right about one thing.

I did find my mate there.

It's just that he didn't want me to be his mate.

"You're Gwen?" Even his voice sounded deep and sexy in my ears.

For a girl who is never in love nor has experience with man only from an amazing and beautiful story about finding a mate, my heart beating fast for the first time almost like I couldn’t breathe.

I nodded "Yes, Gwen Louve" I replied nervously.

He looked at me intently which made me feel shy and smaller.

"Why don't you have your wolf?" He asked straightforwardly and I knew it was probably the first time he had come across a werewolf without a wolf like me.

I smiled wryly. "I don't know."

He nodded and I frowned in confusion because I saw no smile forming from his lips.

Is he not happy?!

"Then this will be easier" He said and made me more confused.

"Huh?"

"You see the woman I'm with is more worthy than you…” He speaks while locking his eyes on me for the whole time, I never thought this is what I heard the moment I find my fated mate “So don't think you deserve to be my mate.”

"What?!” I whispered in shock.

"I'm a king, it's impossible to be with a wolfless girl like you" he continued.

Stab... Stab...

Again the sharp stab of his words made me raise my hand and touch my aching chest.

"I hope you understand" were his last words before he turned away and left me hurt by it.

God...

Why?

I thought not having a wolf meant not having a mate, but you gave me the best man of all werewolves only he didn't want me, why?

From then on I realised that even the moon goddess was not on my side, I had to find my own future and happiness.

**

Present Day.

Forest Riege.

She finally returned to my hometown after 5 years.

Looking around the airport in this small town hasn't changed much, in fact it's practically the same.

“Hello, Gwen, are you there?”

Gwen gasped as she heard the voice of her long best friend, Alice and the wave of her hand in front of her face.

"Sorry, I was daydreaming" She mumbled in embarrassment.

Alice smiled "Are you thinking about something?"

She smiled back, unsure of how to explain that something was making her uneasy.

Carrying two large baskets, the brown curly-haired, shoulder-length, blue-eyed girl stared at her surroundings.

The next town which is close to the hometown where she was born and raised, it has been almost 5 years since she came home and today she decided to return after a long time her father finally contacted her to invite her to become a doctor in the town where she was born.

Gwen Katherine Louve who is the third child and the only girl in her family of Alpha descent, but she is also the only one who does not have a wolf inside her which makes her different to people.

Some consider her weak, strange and unnatural, but those who know her know that she is a special woman.

For someone who doesn't have a wolf inside you, who is always made fun of by others because of that, how do I explain that I also get rejected by my fated mate?

No one knows about the incident 5 years ago…

No one knows that I have a fated mate and he rejected me because he has someone else…

As the 3rd child of an Alpha, everyone was already confused as to how I could not have a wolf inside me, so I guess I will keep it hidden about me getting rejected.

Going to university with humans is the right choice because many female werewolves don't choose to have higher education because they can't part with their life mate, but I'm different, I can be free to be and do whatever I want, because I don't have a wolf so people are convinced that I won't have a life mate, well they, again, were right about I don’t have a mate because he rejected me.

I chose this path because I wanted to prove that I deserve the best things in life, that I have the ability to be anything.

I deserved to be happy...

##Chapter 2

It was my graduation and my father's compulsion that brought me back to this city, back to the people who had started talking about me.

The lack of doctors here made my choice to become a doctor; a good one and for the first time, my father was proud of me, I know my choice to leave the city to studying medicine isn’t what he thought I will choose for my life, but since that night, the painful night make me thinking about leaving the life of werewolf or be part of it is what I truly want as a way to forget my pain.

"How are you, Alice?" I changed the subject and asked her how she was doing.

Alice was my little friend, she’s 3 years older and of course, already had her life mate, who surprisingly was my brother no 2, Rick, thus making her a Beta wife.

But despite that, Alice was still Alice and I was very happy that Rick had her as his mate, because I knew my brother, Alice was the best choice for him.

"How is life there?" I raised an eyebrow at Alice's question

"What do you mean?"

She giggled "Come on.... There are no guys at all! I know human men are no less attractive."

I laughed "You want details of my s* life?" I replied with an amused chuckle

"Ew... No!" she frowned and realized what she just said "Forget what I said, I don't want to know"

I laughed out loud and made her giggle.

Thump!!

What is that?

Why is my heart racing?

Thump… Thump… Thump!!

"Is anyone coming?" I said when I saw the large number of werewolf guards standing guard around the area leading to our town from the human world airport.

Alice nodded "Do you know Rolf Titus AKA the Alpha King?"

My heart almost stops the moment she mentions the name.

"Seems to have heard of it, what's wrong with it?" I pretended to look cool and asked carefully.

"Tonight some important Alphas are gathering in our city to discuss the King’s mates" She spoke in a whisper as if afraid of being overheard.

What?!

I frowned "What's with the mate? I thought he had someone beside him?"

Alice raised her eyebrows “How do you know?”

I quickly shrugged my shoulders “Hey, he’s being a king for what… 200 years? How come he has no mate?” I comment lightly so my friend won’t get suspicious. Yes, even I didn’t tell Alice about the night, no one knows about me getting rejected.

She sighed and shook her head “500 years for exact and nope.. he still has no fated mate”

What?! How come?!

My eyes widened in shock after hearing that; he said he’s with the woman he brought that night. I thought he would claim her after he rejected me.

Alice, as if understanding what I was thinking said "No Gwen, he has his wolf, the mighty 'Wolf' but for a long 500 years he has no fated mate" She spoke like it was my question and I just gave her a small smile.

I was surprised to hear that..

Then how did he live without a mate all this time?

So, who is the woman he brought that night?

The woman who is the reason why he rejected me is because I am not good enough to be the fated mate of an Alpha king.

As Alice's car pulled into the garage and we walked together while pulling my suitcase, I saw that my father's house, the Alpha's house, was full of people.

I saw someone standing at the entrance and from the look in his eyes I knew he wasn't waiting for me but my friend, his mate.

"Alice..." He let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly kissed her cheek then hugged her tightly like a couple who hadn't seen each other for a long time.

I rolled my eyes lazily and snorted. "Hello to you too, brother, the Beta" I greeted Rick who smiled as he released his hug and came forward to hug me.

Compared to my relationship with my first brother, Ryan, my relationship with Rick is much warmer, maybe because from a young age he was not taught to be responsible as an Alpha, unlike Ryan who always had this obligation from an early age.

"You finally remembered to come home too, little brat." Rick teased and locked my head in his armpit, just like we used to do since we were young.

"Gwen..."

The booming voice I remembered called my name. Rick removed his hand that he had placed on my shoulder and bowed his head in respect to my Dad who walked over with my first brother beside him, Ryan, and a few other Alphas who had already arrived.

Soon people also started greeting me and started talking about the King who was rumored to be very handsome.

'He's here...' I was surprised to hear a voice from inside my mind that never existed before.

What?

Who's here?

Who's talking?

I was so confused that I heard a voice that I had never heard before, like it was coming from inside me.

I gasped.

Could it be...?

My wolf...?

##Chapter 3

The atmosphere was tense since the arrival of the Alpha king, with the Alphas mentally bracing themselves to say things that they believed could kill them.

I heard a lot about him, the Alpha king, there's even a book about how he brutally and mercilessly eliminated his enemies so that the werewolf kingdom became as powerful as it is now.

I guess having a wolfless mate will be his weakness so he hates the idea of having me beside him.

Don't know if that's his reason?

But it's still wrong, if he's really strong, protecting me should be an easy thing, right?

Never mind Gwen, don't think about it anymore, let it go...

You're a strong woman, a doctor and deserve another man and be happy with anyone if your fated mate doesn't want you.

But as usual, luck was not on my side as I saw a dashing figure standing in front of my parents who looked tense.

Thump.. Thump.. Thump...!

My heart, please quiet!!

IT IS HIM?!!!

I try to act cool or not nervous but my heart seems to have her own mind because it is beating fast.

“I don’t know what makes you so nervous but I know everyone could hear your heartbeat”

Gasped, I turn my gaze to meet my old friend, Daniel, standing beside me with a smirk forming of his face “Dan, you surprise me”

“Welcome back, baby girl” He greeted me with a huge smile before giving me a tight embrace.

I chuckle “Still charming I see”

“Always baby” He responded with a wink and I can’t help but laugh at him.

Daniel is a manwhore but he is my long cousin and we were close since young so talking with him like this is what we used to do. I know about his adventure and he treats me like his little sister.

“Why didn't you stand with your family to greet the Alpha King?” He asked and I just shrugged my shoulders.

"Should I?" I asked and Daniel knew that I had always hated being associated with the Alpha family.

He just chuckled and patted my back lightly "I don't think he'll realise that you're not there" He replied lightly, but somehow it seemed like luck had never been on my side.

"GWEN!!!" I gasped as I heard my father's voice call out and we both raised our heads to see everyone looking at us.

Huh?

My heart raced again as I met his eyes.

His eyes lock on me the whole time…

What did he mean by that look?

Why did he seem angry?

"O..kay, why does it seem like the Alpha king hates me? He looks like he wants to kill me with his gaze?!" Daniel whispered before gently pushing my back to start moving closer to where they were standing.

Angry?

Why is he angry?

Is it because I talked to Daniel?

[fraink5-writes]

In the Names of Freedom - Chapter 17

Hey, everyone, this chapter is a bit early because, unfortunately, I won't be able to post tomorrow or next Sunday (sorry in advance!).

Thanks to @leio13 who dedicatedly edited this chapter through her incomprehensible screaming.

Summary: After confirming the death of his latest target, Xiao’s secret mission is interrupted by an eccentric stranger in green, who claims to be Xiao’s protector! But the reality is much more convoluted… What destiny could possibly link Xiao with Venti—an assassin of hitmen?

This chapter can also be found on Ao3 here. Without further ado, please enjoy!

Venti left the scene with great haste. To think he would run into the famed lead detective of the Adepti Agency, Morax, a second time… He hadn't changed at all since their last meeting. Venti could still remember that day at the hospital in Wolvendom twelve years ago as clear as day…

He had been beaten within an inch of his life, but somehow he had won. At least, he thought he did. But he had collapsed shortly after, and then, to his surprise, he woke up in a hospital bed a few days later. He was only a teen then. A teen with absolutely nothing. And yet many people had come to ask him questions—"What happened at Decarabian's Tower?" "Who killed Decarabian?" He had ignored them all. 

Until an unusual man paid the room a visit. Although his posture and step carried an undeniable authority, when he spoke, his face and voice were surprisingly disarming. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I am Morax."

The boy's plan was, of course, to ignore the stranger just as he had done with the rest. "..."

"What is your name?"

"..." A foolish question. Even if he played along and made one up, it would mean nothing. 

"I'm sure you've met many people over the past few days trying to ask you about Decarabian's Lair, but I'm not interested in that. I want to talk about you for a bit."

Yeah right. Morax may have worn a dignified facade, but he was no different from the other detectives. Besides, there was nothing to be said about the boy anyway.

"See?" The nurse chimed in. "He refuses to say anything to anyone—not even the doctors who saved his ungrateful life! All he will say is 'Where's Venti?' We've looked, but there is no 'Venti.' He's useless. I'm sure you won't find what you're looking for with him."

Morax exhaled. "Would you mind letting the two of us talk alone?"

"Suit yourself." The nurse walked out of the room. 

So Morax was one of the persistent types. What would it be? Yelling? Threatening? Grabbing? Hitting? It didn't matter.

"That was an inexcusable thing to say about a patient—especially in front of him."

He didn't care. They were probably right that he was useless, anyway.

"Well, since we're alone, I will get serious. What I want to speak with you about today is…" 

Here it comes, the inevitable interrogation about Decarabian…

Morax reached into his pocket and pulled out a square photograph. "Do you know this boy?" The boy in the photo had black hair in two short pigtails and eyes as blue as an autumn day.

The hospitalized boy's breath got stuck in his throat, and his eyes went wide.

"Is this 'Venti?'" Morax asked.

"What happened to him?!"

"I was hoping you would tell me."

He wanted to pounce and scream "TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED!!" but his body crumpled in agony when he so much as sat up.

"Try to remain calm; you'll only end up hurting yourself otherwise," Moraxed coaxed him. "I'll tell you what I know after you tell me what you know about him."

The boy growled, but he relented. Morax was the only person who took his search for Venti seriously, and he needed whatever information he could get. "We… Me, him, and an unfamiliar boy… we were running away…"

"Running away?"

"Yeah… from Decarabian's Lair. Everyone was panicking and fighting all around the city, so we decided to use the chance to run away."

"Where were you running to?"

"I don't know. Neither of us had left before—we weren't allowed."

Morax jotted something down on his notepad. "Okay, so then what happened after you ran away?"

"The other boy… He was injured and delirious. But Venti was insistent that we bring him with us. So I stayed behind to buy them some time…"

"I understand. So you don't know what happened after that?"

"No… Tell me already—what happened?!"

"I'm very sorry to inform you that Venti is dead. By the time I found his body, he had already passed. He had been stabbed twice and fatally shot in the chest."

Dead? Venti was… dead? The giant beautiful world that Venti had sung songs about just a week ago suddenly collapsed. The song that was supposed to illuminate the blue sky and nurture the living creatures of the planet fell from the heavens. "Arghhhhhhh!" The boy's whole body screamed and writhed. 

Morax watched silently. There was no consolation he could give. When a nurse knocked on the door, he sent them away.

A tear broke through the boy's eyelids and tumbled listlessly down his face. Then others followed in a silent funeral procession towards the bleak, white sheets. "So what happens now?" The question was just as much about himself as it was about Venti.

"The boy's body is being sent back to Decarabian's Lair where it will be buried in an unmarked grave alongside the other victims of the tragedy."

So that was it? Venti's body was going to be thrown into an unmarked ditch and forgotten like he never existed? "Why…? He had a name… He almost made it out too…!" It was too unfair.

"I'm sorry. It seems like Mondstadt's government wants to quickly put this incident behind them. The sudden, implosive collapse of one of their biggest cities—even if it was an overgrown drug den—can't be a good look for them."

He wanted to scream. The outside world was no different than Decarabian's City. Venti's dream had always been an impossible fantasy. He had died for nothing. 

"But there still is some hope." Morax suddenly smiled. "You're still alive."

What did it matter? He was nobody. For Venti, he had wanted to be someone, but he had failed.

"If Venti is important to you, you must remember him; you're the only one who can." That was the last piece of advice Morax gave before irreversibly exiting the nameless boy's hospital room forever.

It was only many years later, when his own journey led him to Stone Gate, that he would learn that the other boy had also survived, that Morax had found him too, and that he now went by the name Xiao.

Venti was an entirely different person since he had last met Morax, and while he wished that was enough to prevent Morax from recognizing him, he knew better than to get his hopes up. If anything, he was grateful that the detective went along with his lies.

But he had no idea what Morax would reveal in private. Venti himself had no idea what he wanted Xiao to know, and the thought of Morax taking that choice from him petrified him. Of course, it was all unfair. Xiao had the right to know. Which is why during lunch he had nearly worked up the courage to tell him about the other case—about the other Venti. But after Xiao had told him no and especially after Morax appeared, Venti's resolve was crumbling. After all, what good would this information do Xiao? What could it do besides saddle on another painful memory? Venti wanted to save Xiao; he wanted him to be happy. And for that, perhaps it was better if he never remembered.

All these reminders of the past made Venti crave a drink. Xiao had been very stern with his directions before Venti had left, but Venti was an adult who could make his own decisions. Financially, Xiao still had the upper hand; he had left Venti with no money, but this was Stone Gate—with a little stealth, Venti was sure he could get his hands on something.

Before he knew it, Venti had arrived in the neighborhood of the hotel. It would actually be more convenient to find a supply near the hotel, so he quickly took a seat on the low roof of a nearby building. From here he could watch the entrance of the hotel (lest Xiao arrive unnoticed) and the surrounding areas. And strangely enough, someone caught his eye almost immediately; a familiar woman had exited the hotel. With straight, dark hair in a ponytail, she was wearing purple Liyue garb and round, golden spectacles—oh, Venti had seen her at the restaurant. She had her phone against her ear and a scowl on her lips.

"I could easily find the lyre on my own…"

…

"I just don't understand why we had to come all this way…"

…

"With the right budget, I could have resolved this search without having to leave Liyue Harbor!"

Having leapt from his perch, Venti tapped the woman's shoulder. "Excuse me."

"Uh, hold on," she muttered into the phone before turning to Venti. "Um, hi?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but are you looking for a lyre?"

"Something came up. I'll talk to you later. Bye" She hung up the phone with great eagerness before beaming at Venti. "Yes, I am! Do you know something?"

"Unfortunately not, but I'm also looking for a lyre myself!"

"Oh, really? Then, why don't we look together?"

"That would be wonderful!" Venti readily agreed. "I have no clues as to where my lyre might be, so you lead the way."

"O-oh, okay." The woman started walking south east.

"You know, since we're so close to Mondstadt," Venti began. "You could probably buy another one here in Stone Gate?"

"You're probably right, but the one I lost is important to me. I actually bought it on a recent trip to Mondstadt, so I'd really like to find it again."

"Oh, I completely understand! A musical instrument carries the heart and memories of its owner."

"Exactly. That's why I'm here again in Stone Gate to see if I can find it… What about you? Are you here to look for your lyre?"

"I wish. I'm not even sure it's in Stone Gate. It's an old model, so I'm terrified just thinking of what might be happening while I'm not there." Venti shuddered. "I'm actually here because my partner dragged me along."

"...Partner?"

"Yeah, he said, 'I'd love to go to Stone Gate since we both have so much history there', and now here we are on this impromptu getaway."

"Wow, sounds very romantic…"

"Oh, you wouldn't think that if you'd met him."

"Why not? What kind of person is he?"

"He's very scary. He's a man of few words, and he's so tough! Oh, but he's actually a sweetheart! You know, I'm just a little bard, but I know I can count on him to save me in a pinch!"

"O-oh…"

"You know, Stone Gate has something of a bad reputation, but I'm sure my partner could beat up any lame criminal this town throws at me! He's my hero!"

"Oh, w-wow…" The woman was staring with her eyes wide and jaw slightly agape.

"Ah! Sorry for saying such things! I'm just not used to traveling by my lonesome, so I'm a little worried…"

"I-it's okay. I understand! So, um… where is this partner of yours if not with you?"

"Oh, well… He ran into an unexpected family problem, so he'll be busy with that for a while… So don't worry! There's no chance of him interrupting our search! He doesn't even know I'm out!"

In that matter, Venti and the lady from the restaurant continued chatting (mainly about music) as they wandered south, casually searching for a lyre. As far as music went, Venti noted she was an amateur at best, but as an expert, he could not turn away the opportunity to teach her a lesson. When they reached the waterfront, the conservation came to a stop.

"Oh wow, we made it all the way to the port, didn't we?" Venti remarked.

"It looks like it. And we still haven't found the lyre…"

"What a shame…"

"Oh, but we might be able to learn something helpful here!"

"Really?"

"Some of my friends keep a boat here; perhaps they found some leads."

"Then let's go talk to them! I'd love to meet them!"

Venti let the brunette lead the way as he trailed slightly behind her. Meeting her friends would probably take a long time. Venti would have to apologize to Xiao when they met again. As they slowed, he reached into his back pocket and unlocked his phone. He had laid out every phone he had ever owned in the exact same way just for moments like this one. Without looking, he guided his fingers to his messages (luckily there was only one) and quickly sent off his coordinates to his only contact: Xiao. Then he shut his phone off and turned all his attention back to the ship they had stopped in front. It was a small vessel, but anyone in Liyue would know to fear its carmine sails. Venti's legs nearly failed. He knew he and Xiao were being followed, but he never thought their pursuant would be the most feared pirate group in Teyvat and Ningguang’s shadow—the Crux Fleet.

Two strong hands grabbed Venti's arms and twisted them. When Venti's knees buckled, the mysterious person put him in cuffs. "That was surprisingly easy," said a male voice from behind him. "Are you sure this is our guy?"

The restaurant lady nodded. "Sorry, my bard friend. Looks like we were both here in Stone Gate for other reasons."

[shelfwar]

Maverick X Reader ~Can we try again?~

Warnings:Angst, slight smut, curse words, fluff 18+

You and Pete were best friends growing up, like y'all did everything together to the point he became part of your family and you became part of his family.  You could even remember the day you two met, it was the first day of kindergarten and you were the new girl at the school. You had stumbled up to the bus stop you were assigned to, and waited for the bus along with some other kids twice your age.

When you spotted the yellow bus everyone lined up, but of course the older kids pushed and shoved you to the back of the line. Once it was your turn to climb up the stairs you nervously asked the bus driver if this was going to Beaver elementary school. The driver nodded yes as you made your way onto the bus, instantly kids moved to the outside of the seats making it harder for you to find one, until one kid didn't.

He had raven black hair with piercing green eyes, he also had on a airforce one shirt and a pair of blue jeans. So you plopped down next to the boy, which he  greeted you with a big toothy smile. "I'm Pete, what's your name?" "I'm uh, y/n." "Well nice to meet you. I'm assuming your new right?" "Yeah." You whispered as you looked down at your backpack. "I can show you to your classroom if you would like y/n?" "Uh okay." "Awesome!" He chuckled as you did to.

By the time high school rolled around it was obvious to everyone that you were a couple, but in reality you weren't you were just good friends. In fact the two of you were crowned homecoming king and queen your senior year. But before the two of you could even graduate bad news had struck you, you'd have to move to California because of your father's job.

So here you both are in the middle of the woods hiking. "Pete?" "Yeah, y/n?" Pete stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at your worried face. "Y/n, what's wrong?" "Me-me and my family are moving." You sobbed as he held you close. "Hey is thats a good thing, right?" "No Pete, I'm moving to California." "What" Pete whispered softly. "I'm sorry, it-it wasn't my idea" "Shh, it's okay." "No it's not Pete! Your my best-" Pete cut you off in with a hard kiss before breaking it.

"Pete" "I know it's not your fault and I just thought that if I kissed you, you'd-" This time it was you who cut him off in a kiss.

That was 5 years ago, when you both confessed your feelings for each other with a kiss. So here you are working on the Top Gun planes that the aviators will be flying here in 2 days. The commanding officer Viper walked onto the hanger letting out a low whistle. "Miss y/l/n are these jets in tip top shape?" Viper said as he touched the jet. "Ah yes sir, just putting on the last nut." "Okay, thank you y/n for all of the overtime." "Your welcome sir!" You saluted to him before he left the hanger.

That afternoon, you sat on your porch and watched as all of the new pilots made there way to there new homes for the next couple of months. As you were watching you noticed a very familer set of black hair in the distance, no it can't be you thought as the man shut the door behind him, as another man did to. "Pete?"

The next morning you had a written letter on your door step from Viper stating that you had to show up to the first day of class. So that morning you arrived at work a tad bit early from everyone else because you wanted the planes to be in tip top shape as Viper said. So you placed your aviators on and you made  your way to the hanger were the class would be held in.

When you arrived Viper and the rest of the commanding officers were standing in front so that the class would  face them. So you took a deep breath and walked down the isle whilst being introduced. "Ah, here she is our head plane mechanic y/f/n.  She will be your go to gal if you notice anything off, I mean anything off with your aircraft, you will report it to her."

When you got up to the group you nodded your head and faced the whole class, while taking off your sunglasses. "Hello, and welcome! I'm y/n your lead mechanic. If you notice anything I mean anything don't be afraid to swing by my area." You smiled as you scanned the room, but someone familiar once again caught your eye. It was Pete Mitchell.

Pete looked your way, as his eyes grew wide with surprise as the man next to him tried to get his attention back. "Alright pilots! I expect you here right away in the morning for our first training! Class dismissed."

"I see someone eyeing you up." Charlotte the other flight instructor said as the pilots got up and left the hanger.

"What's his name?" You asked not taking your eyes off of him."Pete "Maverick Mitchell, why?" "Oh just wondering." You said as you walked away from Charlotte so you could work on your personal plane. Once you arrived you shed off your jumpsuit and was left with a army green shirt with bleach washed jeans. You walked over to your radio and turned it to country. After that you walked over to your piper cub and started it up, just to hear if it needed some well needed tuning to the engine.

Once you were satisfied with the way it sounded you killed the engine and checked the tire pressure, instantly you heard a low hiss coming from one of the front tires. So you walked over to your work bench and got out the supplies that you needed to repair the flat tire. "So your our head mechanic I saw this morning!" You look up to see 2 two men still dressed in there flight suits. One had frosted blonde tips as for the other man he was oddly tall.

"Uh, yeah I'm your mechanic. What can I do for you fellas?" "We just wanted to get to know the base, you know?" The blonde one said. "Uh, okay. I'm y/n aka Leaf." "You fly?" "Of course, why would I be fixing up the Piper huh?" "Explains enough. I'm Ron "Slider" Kerner." "Howdy." "And I'm Tom "Iceman" Kazansky." "Noice, now if you don't mind I'm going to be tinkering around." "Ok, then. We will get going." "Bye Leaf" "Bye Iceman, Bye Slider."

You waved goodbye to the pilots as you went back to work. After a while you went over to your work bench and placed all your tools in the right spot before heading back home.

Once you got home you hopped into the shower, and got changed so you could go to the local bar. Once satisfied with your look, you wandered down to the beach bar. In the distance you could smell burgers, booze and cigarettes as you got closer to the bar.

Once there you opened the doors and found a empty stool at the bar. "Hey, Leaf what can I get you?" "You know the usual." You sighed as you dug out a 20 from your pocket. "Alright one rum and coke coming up." "Thanks, Garrett." "Anytime my dear." Garrett handed you your drink beneath a coaster with the bars logo on it.

You started to look around as you saw many pilots with there whites on, then you saw Iceman and Slider with Pete and his friend. So you picked up your drink and made it there way. "Hey, Ice and Slider." "Hey, if it isn't Leaf!" "Hi guys" "Oh, this is Goose or Nick Bradshaw." Slider said as he pointed to a man next to Pete. "And this is Pete "Maverick"-" "Mitchell" You finished Sliders sentence. "Holy shit." You heard Goose say as he stared at you.

"Wait, your the girl Mav keeps on explaining to me. How did you to-" "We grew up together." Maverick said as he stared at you. As he stared at you another memory came flooding back to you.

"Pete" "Hm." Pete hummed as he held your naked body close to his, under the covers. "I'm gonna miss you Pete." He sighed before he leaned on his elbow looking down at your tired face. "I know I'm gonna miss you to baby." "I'm sorry Pete this whole moving had to happen." "Hey it isn't your fault love, your dad found a better job to keep a roof over your heads." "I know, Pete." "I love you." "He whispered as he cradled your face with his hand. "Pete I love you to." Pete leaned down and gently placed a kiss on your lips before getting up to help you put on some clothes before he did to.

After that he crawled back into the bed with you and cuddled you from behind. "Pete?" "Yeah, love" "I'm scared for this next chapter in my life in California. A country girl going to the big city. It doesn’t have a ring to it." "I'm sure you'll be fine baby, remember I'm a call away." "I know." You said as you kissed his knuckles.

Once you moved away Pete and you would talk almost every day but then he stopped calling. During that time you thought he broke up with you, but later it did confirm in a letter from him stating that the navy owns his ass now and he needed to brake up with you. You still remember that letter and how it was crinkled into your fist as you cried and cried, that the fact you lost your best friend to the navy. In fact you framed that letter and hung in your room as a daily reminder to keep on moving through the break up.

"So wait, a second Mav and you were friends!" "We were!" You snarked at Goose. "Listen it's been a long day/night I can't deal with this shit right now." You said as you tried to hide your sadness. "I'm sorry" Was all you heard from Pete as you walked away from the trio.

You walked up to Iceman and his RIO and just stood there. "Leaf, you good?" Slider asked as he hit the pool stick. "Yeah, just. It's Maverick." "What the hell did that punk do?" Iceman said very protectively as you jumped a bit. "We had a past." You whispered loud enough so only those two could hear. "You two had a past together?" "Yeah. We were best friends until he broke up with me 3 years ago." "Aw Leaf, it's okay!" "I know, I'm being a baby." "No, your fine I've had some relationships like that. Trust us your not the only one."

"Awe thanks Ice!" You said playfully. After an hour of getting to know the trio you decided it was time to head back home although you only had one drink. "See ya later guys!" "By Leaf." You started your way our of the bar when you felt a hand on your shoulder. "Y/n, can I talk to you?" You turned around on your heels and saw Pete standing there. "Go away Maverick, I don't wanna hear your excuses of me and you. I know it was all my fault so just drop it."

You hissed at him as you continued your way out of the bar and to the outside. Once you got out there you let out a sigh and started your way home. That night you didn't sleep for shit, all you could think of was Pete's face and how he really cared for you when you two were dating. Hell you remember when you had your first panic attack in front of him. At first he was ever loving confused but as you started to studder profanities about how you looked or why should he be dating you. He instantly took you into his arms as you shuddered in his embrace. "Hey, hey it's okay. You are human and a wonderful one to be exact. I love everything about you y/n. And screw the rest of them questioning my decision to be with you."

The next morning you grabbed the coffee grounds and put it into the coffee maker and waited for the best caffeine in the world. Whille waiting you made breakfast and got dressed for the day. Once your coffee was done you just grabbed the whole coffee jug from the maker and made your way down to work.

When you arrived you placed your backpack on your chair as you drank big gulps of the hot liquid, before opening up the big hanger doors to let the breeze fill the room. "Y/n?" You looked in the direction of the voice to see Pete in his flight suit along with his helmet in one of his hands. "Maverick, what do you want?" You scoffed as you picked up the coffee jug and drank from it. "You still do that?" He questioned as he moved closer to me. "Yeah, I do. Why are you here?" "What do you mean?" "What I mean, is why are you here in my hanger?"

He let out a sigh before speaking. "Because I want to explain everything." "Oh you already did Maverick." You said as you moved over to your desk. "No- no I didn't y/n. Jesus it hurt for me to write that fucking letter, it torn me to pieces because you were thousands of miles from me! I wanted you right there to say goodbye to me, tell me to come home to besides my parents. I missed you, I missed us."

You felt a tear roll down your cheek as you looked at your wall of pictures, there hung a picture of you and Pete at graduation. "Mav-" "I know your upset with me, but you were the one who technically left me." "Left you?!? Maverick I had no choice!" "I know, and and." "And what Pete." You said as you swiveled in your chair, as you did that his eyes widen.

"What did the fucking Navy steal my boyfriends heart cause I think it did Pete." "It wasn't the navy's fault!" "Then who's fault is it Pete?" "Ours because we went on our separate ways in life " "mine wasn't controlled Pete! Yours was!" By now you were angry crying. "Listen, I knew were I was gonna be stationed at, it was near March air force base and damn well I was gonna try to find you."

"I was so desperate to find you y/n, but after a while I gave up." Pete got down on his knees so he could face you, as he took your hands in his. "I'm sorry that we broke up and I'm sorry this all happened but I wanna give us a second chance, what do you say Leaf?" You looked up at him with a grin before you pulled him into a much needed hug.

When you broke the hug Pete leaned in as both of your lips clashed together in a very passionate kiss. You felt him grab your hips before placing you safely in his lap as you wrapped your arms around his neck. "MAV WERE ARE YOU, WE'RE GONNA- oh." You both broke the kiss as you heard Goose walk into the hanger. "Oh thats right, sorry Leaf." Maverick helped you back up on your feet as he wrapped his arm around your waist.

"You two can explain later. Come on Mav!" By now Goose was dragging Maverick out of the hanger. "Bye Mav bye Goose." You waved as your boyfriend and Goose walked or you should say run to class

[cherrycheridarling]

lockscreen | t.h.

tom holland x famous!reader

warnings: none just fluff

summary: tom goes on jimmy fallon for a game of 'show me your phone'. being the oblivious child he is, tom forgets about his lockscreen.

wc: 1.4k

"Welcome back! We're here again with the star of the Spider-Man series, Tom Holland!" Jimmy's announcement drew cheers from the audience. "Tonight, we are going to be playing a game called 'Show Me Your Phone'."

Jimmy went on to explain the game to the crowd as Tom sat across from him patiently waiting. Jimmy pressed on the button first and ended up showing the world that his last photo was a selfie taken minutes ago in the washroom. That gained a lot of laughs. Then it was Tom's turn.

"I'm terrified. I don't even know what's on my phone." Tom shook his hands before firmly pushing the button. It landed on the iMessage icon. "Oh? My last text message convo?" he began to unlock his phone. Eyes skimming over his lockscreen.

"Yup, and once it's locked in, you can't touch it." Jimmy reminded him of the rules as Tom quickly skimmed through his last conversation.

Tom ran a hand down his face before chuckling, "Oh, geez. Alright, some context, I needed help picking a tie for tonight and my mate, Harrison, is nowhere near helpful."

He placed his phone in front of the camera as the conversation appeared for the audience to read.

Tom: haz what tie? red or blue?

Harrison: youre ugly either way

Tom: you look like dolores umbridge. pick a tie ffs

Harrison: mm my babe umbridge. jokes. i'd say purple

Tom: you're gross and no help at all

Harrison: have fun babe the bed is waiting for you

Tom: don't make me puke before i go on the show

Harrison: puke on me daddy

The crowd bursted out into laughter along with Jimmy as Tom covered his beet red face in embarrassment. "He is going to kill me for showing that." Tom was laughing as he spoke.

"That's hilarious! Okay, my turn." Jimmy ended up sharing a voice memo of him reminding himself to do chores around the house.

Tom wiped his hands on his pants before pushing the large button again. It landed on the lock icon. "What does that mean?"

"You have to share your lockscreen."

Tom's posture visibly stiffened at the information given. He wished he had gotten some warning before coming on the show. A caution sign telling him to erase everything on the iPhone.

His lockscreen was a memory. A keepsake. You. A piece of his heart. A reminder of happiness and the loving moments you shared with one another. It was taken a little over a year ago at Zendaya's house for a get-together with a few close friends.

You were propped up on the kitchen island, a wide smile on your face. Tom standing in between your legs with his back to your chest. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders as he tilted his head and placed a kiss on your cheek. Jacob Batalon had captured the moment. A heartwarming interaction that you had both done an outstanding job at keeping under wraps.

You had been dating for nearly two years. How you had managed to keep it hidden for such an extended amount of time was a wonder to everyone who knew, including yourselves. It wasn't that you were both set on no one ever finding out, you just never saw the need to. It was your relationship, only meant to be shared between the two of you.

Tom hoped you wouldn't be mad if the world found out, but he enjoyed the privacy and the feeling of having something that was only his. Something he didn't have to share with the globe. Tom debated on his options. Showing the picture and making headlines for the next week or refusing to do so and ruining the game while making everyone suspicious of him.

The former won.

"Okay, um." Tom nervously let out a laugh, "Surprise?"

With shaking hands, he placed his locked phone on the stand and avoided looking into the crowd as reactions varied throughout the studio. Gasps, cheers, 'aww's, even some screams. Both of his hands shielded his expression from the cameras as he allowed the audience to examine the photo.

"Oh, my god! W-what?!" Jimmy stammered, shocked what his eyes saw, "That's Y/N Y/L/N! A-are you two?" his eyes flicked from the phone to Tom.

Tom nodded slowly, "Yeah, yeah. It is and we are. Nearly two years steady." this intel drew more shocked reactions from the habitants of the studio.

"This is amazing! We love Y/N! But wow, how did no one know?!" Jimmy was still in disbelief.

Tom smiled at your name, "I may be loose-lipped with movie spoilers, but this is proof that I can keep secrets."

Jimmy's mouth was agape, "I have so many questions and you are so lucky that we are out of time."

Tom released a breath he didn't know he was holding as Jimmy said goodbye to the cameras and they stopped recording.

As Tom made his way backstage to head to his hotel, his heart began to beat out of his chest as he thought about your reaction.

-

Lounging on his hotel comforter, Tom pulled out his phone once again and clicked on your contact. m'lady. Pressing the FaceTime icon.

Your bright smile lit up the screen, illuminating his mood like the sun on a stormy day.

"Hello, lover. To what do I owe the pleasure of this late night call?" you chuckled while sitting up against the headboard of your bed, Tessa laying beside you.

Tom couldn't suppress his grin at your presence even if it was through a screen, "Hi, darling. I didn't know if you would be awake. Isn't it nearly three in the morning there?"

You nodded and pushed your glasses up on your nose, "Had to run some lines with Tess before filming tomorrow. She's a great actress." you panned the camera over to the sleeping pup.

"Sometimes I think you're only with me for my dog." he joked with a light laugh.

"Shoot. I thought I had you fooled." you teased back, "Why did you call, bum?"

He scratched the back of neck and avoided looking at the screen. That was enough for you to know that something was up.

"What part of your movie did you spoil this time?" you chuckled.

Tom shook his head with a smile, brown curls flopping on his head, "Nothing about my film, love. More or less about us." he mumbled the last bit, but you heard it.

Your shoulders tensed involuntarily, "I'm gonna need more information than that."

"We were playing a game where you have to show certain things on your phone and I had to show my lockscreen and, well, you know what my lockscreen is." his nerves grew with every second that your face stayed expressionless.

"Okay. How did they react?" you stifled a yawn.

Tom's eyebrows furrowed at your response, "Y-you're not mad?"

You chuckled, "Do you want me to be mad?"

"No, no, no." he quickly protested, "I just didn't know if you were ready to tell the world about us and I'm sorry for not informing you before making that big of a step in our relationship."

You smiled at the caring boy in your life. His thoughtfulness overpowering any negative emotions that could've surfaced. You weren't mad at all. Two years was a long time to keep a relationship hidden especially when both of the parties are well known to the public.

"No need to apologize, mi amor. It was about time everyone found out. Long overdue if you ask me. I would've appreciated a heads up, but I'm not mad." you insisted, and it was true.

Tom visibly relaxed at your words, "The audience was shocked and some gushed and screamed. Can't wait to see the headlines and news articles tomorrow."

"I can see it now: 'Spider-Man Actor, Tom Holland and Actress, Y/N Y/L/N's Hidden Love'." you spoke in a mocking voice making your boyfriend laugh.

"Can't forget; 'All the evidence of their relationship that the public overlooked'." he joked in the same tone as you both laughed together joyously.

Your laughter died down while a peaceful smile lingered on your lips, "I'm glad you had fun tonight. I should get some rest. Need to be in hair and makeup at seven."

He nodded understandingly, "Have fun on set, darling. I'll talk to you later. Goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams, lover." you gave a little wave before ending the call.

[hiraethenthusiast]

"I love you most."| t.h.

pairing: actor!tom x reader

warnings: floof attack.

synopsis: tom gives you the best wedding you could've gotten. he's in love with you madly, that's what he says.

a/n: guess who wants this? i do. i absolutely adore a loving husband no matter what, and i adore heartfelt gifts even more! i hope you all like this fic, this one's really close to me! tpwk everyone!

listen to clinton kane's i guess i'm in love

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

“So do you, Y/N Y/L/N take Tom as your lawfully wedded husband?” The priest asks you while you and Tom look at him with impatience in your eyes.

“I do.” You say, making everyone cheer and making Tom smile.

“And do you Tom Ho-” “I do!” He shouts before the priest could even complete his sentence, making everyone at the altar erupt into laughs.

“Let him finish bubba” You laugh along, signalling the priest to go on when Tom mutters a small ‘sorry’ to him.

“Do you, Tom Holland, take Y/N Y/L/N as your lawfully wedded wife?” He asks again, while Tom looks at you with nothing but adoration in his eyes.

“I do.” And everyone cheers once again, and you gently squeeze his hand.

“So I shall now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The priest says lastly before getting off the stage and as if on queue, Tom sweeps you under his arms and holds your waist before pressing his lips to yours. The moment was wholeheartedly content, his and your parents, both with tears in their eyes, even Paddy and Harry shed a few, because the moment was so pure to just not cry at. Tom kisses you as if he was the luckiest man on Earth, like he had achieved something which he thought he could never. He pulls back to look at you beaming with the biggest smile he’s seen on you in years, and smiles to himself once again.

This was the best day of both of your lives till now, and there was no doubt about it.

After 4 years of being together, Tom finally proposed to you, and then forgot where he kept the ring, but you couldn’t care less because the man you were in love with was now, going to be a forever favourite in your lives. And today, he was now your husband from your fiance, and you couldn’t be anymore happier.

You both settle down after roaming from one place to another greeting every guest that had attended your wedding, finally for a drink and some food. Harrison sits right behind you, completing the duties of best man with all his will, and you smile at him. The twins and Paddy come in a bit later, but your eyes are looking for someone else. Where’s Tom? Your question was answered when you hear the clinking of a glass, just to find your handsome husband there.

“May I have your attention please?” He looks directly at you and you blow him a kiss, him pretending to catch it making everyone laugh. Actors.

“Thank you all for attending and being a part of our very wonderful day, I swear you guys are our favourite people” He says while chuckling.

“Today is the day I married my wonderful and stunning lover, Y/N and in recognition of that, I decided to give you the best gift of this evening.” He says, making you wonder what he got for you.

“I remember when Y/N once told me that she always loves heartfelt and handmade gifts filled with love more than people buying her the gift of her choice. She likes the element of surprise, as she likes to say. So Y/N my darling, I thought you might notice and scold me for it but you didn’t, not even once in this 4 year old relationship, and trust me this is going to shock you. I’ve managed to record every important and goofy moment of our lives, from falling on a staircase to the time I proposed to you, I have it all. I’ve compiled them into one sweet video for you, while your favourite singer of them all, Mr. Clinton Kane sings a song for us! Please give him a huge round of applause!” You jerk your head to the place where Clinton enters from, and he waves at you making you wave instinctively as well.

You look back again towards Tom, who was smiling sweetly at your little fangirl moment and continues.

“I’d also like to thank Harrison and Harry for helping me edit this video, because I’m literally so dumb without anyone of these four with me.”

“Can you put the lights out and start the video please?” He asks one of the workers there at the venue, and jogs up to sit down beside you, giving you a small peck while you take a hold of his hand.

And on queue, the lights are dimmed and the video starts to play. You can hear the faint strumming of the guitar that Clinton is currently playing, but you aren’t able to identify the song just yet. You look ahead towards the screen, and your eyes light up when you see Tom dressed up in his wedding tuxedo, you finally realising that this bit was filmed just a few hours ago.

“Hello my lovely wife! Well, I’m filming this part before the ceremony starts but I think I’m pretty certain on showing you this video after we’re married. This was...boring. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the video my love, and don’t hit me when we get home! I love you so so so much, enjoy!” He says before shutting off his camera, while everyone laughs at his goofiness and you glare at him playfully. The video rolls again and you look forward, but suddenly realise the song. It’s ‘I Guess I’m In Love’, you say to yourself. Tom had proposed to you after a few days when the song came out, and somehow on the night of him proposing, this song was played. You labelled it ‘our song’ and he happily obliged. 

“Haz hold the camera correctly for god's sake...” You hear your husband’s voice and move your head towards the screen, smiling brightly.

“Oh I’m obsessed. With the way your head is laying on my chest.” Clinton starts, immediately soothed by the presence of your lover and the melody in your ears.

“I am holding the camera nicely mate bugger off! Nikki taught me well!” Harrison says in the background making everyone giggle.

“She’s coming shut up” 

“What’s this Tom?” You ask him, as he looks at you like a kid in love.

“Y/N”

“Tom” You say in the same manner, feeling anxious by the second.

“So we’ve been dating for 4 years and trust me those have been the most beautiful four years of my life. I know this is so out of the blue, but Y/N Y/L/N, will you do the favour of marrying the person who loves you immensely? A.k.a. Tom?" He says and you laugh. You hold on for a few seconds, looking in his eyes which were filled with desperation.

"Yes" You say and his face lights up like a Christmas tree. He can't stop beaming and searches for the ring in his pocket, only to find out that he didn't have it.

"Oh I'm a mess. When I overthink the little things in my head."

"I have the ring I promise." He says, moving frantically.

"Tom-"

"I swear I kept the ring in my pocket-"

"Tom-"

"How can I be this stupid you probably don't want to marry me anymore-"

"TOM!" He jerks his head towards you as you shout his name.

"It's okay. I just want you right now." You say and he immediately hugs you, the tightest of them all.

The clip ends and you knew the tears were coming very soon, Tom senses the action and rubs your knuckles., giving you a hearty smile.

The second clip rolls in soon, your eyes brightening almost instantly.

"You seem to always help me catch my breath. But then I lose it again, when I look at you, that's the end."

"Why the hell are we on the top of the Eiffel Tower? And why do you want your phone to crash?" You ask him, while he struggles to make a video with his phone while the winds roar at the top of the monument.

"Because I want to remember this moment!" He shouts, making you smile even more.

"My goof"

"Your goof"

"You're lucky I love you"

"I wouldn't have it any other way darling" He says and gives you a quick peck on the lips, this moment too pure to realise.

"Why do I get so nervous when I look into your eyes? And butterflies can't stop me falling for you."

"Now we may invite, a very handsome young lad, who happens to be Spiderman, Mr. Tom Holland!" Harry shouts in the video, while you all pretended to have a grand gala when you couldn't attend Tom's premiere.

He walks in wearing a black tuxedo, his shirt buttons open from the top, looking dashing.

"Thank you for inviting Harold, but please, call the star of today's night." Tom says, making everyone groan about how in love he was with you.

"Patience Thomas. Now may I present, the queen of today's night, Ms. Y/N Y/L/N!" Everyone applauds as you walk down the stairs as you hear your name. You reach the door wearing a red and black dress, the clothing complementing your body more than ever. Everyone seems to keep clapping but your attention is towards that one dummy, who's standing like he's seen a ghost.

"..Oh wow." He's speechless, and everyone knows it. You blush at your boyfriend's gesture and nudge him in the shoulder, as a signal to stop staring.

"I hope you all understand that I scored a jackpot, thank you" He sees and everybody laughs.

You laugh along with the other guests, remembering the faint memory from over two years back. This was one of the most fun nights you've had with Tom. While you laugh at the clip, all Tom can do is stare at you in awe. How did he get so lucky, he thinks. He watches how your face glows when you see someone happy on the screen. He truly was blessed.

"And darling this is more than anything I've felt before. You're everything that I want, but I didn't think I'd find. Someone who was worth the wait of all the years of my heartbreak. But I know now I've found the one I love."

"Please don't go" You sniffle on Tom's shoulder, asking him to stay one last time before his flight leaves for Atlanta.

"If it was in my hands darling I'd never leave your side." He says, trying to hold back tears.

"It's okay, I understand." You say, pulling back and clearing your throat.

"Awh Y/N please don't cry." Tom tries to persuade his emotions by telling you to stop, but a tear falls down his cheeks in an instant.

"I'm sorry." You say, chuckling lightly, making Tom chuckle too.

"I'll be back before you know it."

"I know you will be"

"Please board the flight for Atlanta which leaves at 1330 hours" The flight attendant announces, and you know it's time to let him go.

"Come back home to me soon okay?" You say, wiping your tears.

"As soon as possible"

"I love you" He says.

"I love you more."

"I love you most." You can't argue with that now.

"Bye bubba" You say, giving him one last kiss, a very long one indeed, that left you both searching for oxygen.

"Bye darling" And he leaves to board his flight. You look in the same direction until he disappears and you turn around.

"Harrison, are you crying?"

"No-" He sniffles and you laugh.

You knew you were going to cry as soon as you saw the location. This was one of the hardest moments of your life, letting your lover go away from you for so long, and you weren't ready for that. You wiped your tears while Tom rubbed your hand with one of his, the other cleaning his tear stained face. You look back to see Harrison crying once again, and you laugh a bit at him before giving him your hand for comfort. He really was the best man. You blow a kiss to your family and Tom's, who were currently high on emotions. Even the brothers had tears in their eyes. You really did get the best family.

"And I love the way. You can never find the right things to say. And you can't sit still an hour in the day. I'm so in love, let's run away because us is enough."

The rest of the video were some clips of you and Tom being goofy and so in love, which were a delight to watch. The song played in the background, adding its own special touch, which was necessary to bind this moment together. All these moments which Tom managed to shoot secretly were a lifelong reminder of how much your person loved you. He loved you.

And that is all you need.

The video gets over and Tom looks at you with puppy eyes.

"So, how was it?"

"You're the reason my makeup is ruined and I have mascara stains" You say, laughing while crying.

"That good, huh?"

"That good." You say and he pulls you in for a hug and kisses your forehead.

"I love you bubba"

"I love you more" He says, kissing your cheek.

"I love you most." 

He couldn't argue with that.

"But I know now I've found the one I love."

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

tagging some friends who'd like to read!

@evanssimpybaby @hollandsmushroom @tomsoxytocin @scarletspideyy @leafy-holland @t-lostinworlds

[wlwmarvelenthusiast]

Turn Your Luck

Summary: After a day filled with bad luck and a series of unfortunate events, Natasha manages to turn your day around

Pairing: Reader x Natasha Romanoff

Warnings: None

Words: 6,167

When you woke up in the morning and smacked your big toe off your bed frame, you didn't even think twice of it. It sent a jolt all throughout your foot, but after a few swear words, you were already feeling a little better. You didn't bother making the bed you'd just stood up out of. All your life you'd reasoned that it wouldn't be 24 hours before you just messed it up again. You grabbed a towel and moved into the bathroom. The hot shower made you forget all about the sore toe you'd been sporting only a moment earlier.

You were feeling great when you stepped out of the shower. The warm water had always instilled comfort into your very bones even this early in the morning. You wiped some of the condensation off the mirror to brush your teeth. The tube of toothpaste was completely empty, and the drawer where you usually kept the new ones was also barren. You rolled your eyes at your own irresponsibility, before brushing your teeth without any toothpaste and then using some mouthwash to try and compensate for it. You stepped out of the bathroom.

You got dressed in your favourite white shirt and black pants before making your way into the kitchen. You tossed your phone onto the counter as you passed it on the way to the small kitchen table. You were after the fruit bowl, which was already needing a refill. There were still a few apples left, though, and you were expecting to have one for breakfast. You were mistaken. You pulled the empire apple out of the blue bowl to find the bottom had grown immensely soft and was clearly not in any condition to be eaten. You were disappointed but tossed it into the compost bin and moved on.

Humming a soft tune as you moved, you popped a pod into the single-serve coffee maker and pressed start. You were moving toward the fridge in no time when a strange noise caught your attention. You whirled to face the coffee maker. Instead of the steady stream of coffee you usually got, it was spraying the hot liquid like it was a shaken pop can. You jumped behind the small island, using it as a shield. Thankfully, you'd managed to keep your white shirt safe from the wrath of the coffee. When it stopped, you finally dared step back into the kitchen. The dark liquid was dripping down every nearby surface. You huffed, running some paper towel across the biggest surfaces quickly.

You gave up on the coffee. It seemed you weren't going to get it anyway. You glared at the machine as if it had intentionally smitten you. Instead, you reached into the fridge instead and poured a glass of orange juice for yourself. You sipped it before setting it back onto the countertop. When your phone buzzed and indicated an incoming message, you reached for it. Your elbow hit your glass and it fell onto its side. The orange liquid spilled off the counter and into your white shirt. You gave the mess the middle finger, tossing a dishtowel on it to soak it up, with the intention of actually cleaning it after work. You already had to clean the coffee up anyway.

Any attempt at breakfast was abandoned. After the three kitchen incidents combined, you were convinced you'd be better off heading to some drive-thru on the way to work. Now in a new blue shirt, you grabbed your bag and headed out your front door. You unlocked your car, slid into the driver's seat, and hit the ignition. The car sputtered for a few seconds, before refusing to start. You tried again, and then again, before groaning, taking out your frustration on the steering wheel in front of you. You stood up and stepped back out of the vehicle, slamming the door behind you with much more force than necessary.

Then, it was off to the bus stop. You headed down the sidewalk to the nearest one, pulling out your phone as you walked so you could check your app to find out when the next bus was coming. When you saw big red letters informing you that the bus was halted until further notice, though, you had to refrain from throwing your phone hard into the concrete. You supposed you should have had a little sympathy for those in the accident that had halted your bus, but you couldn't find it in yourself right then. Your morning was not going well.

It was a good thing you hadn't smashed your phone against the sidewalk. It was the only thing you could use to get you to work now. You switched apps and ordered an Uber to come to pick you up. When the driver arrived, you climbed into the back seat and gave him the address of your place of work. He nodded and pressed his foot down on the gas. Your eyes had been glued on your phone, but your gaze flickered at the driver's movement. He was adjusting the mirror and you were absolutely sure he'd angled it to face you a little better. You could have puked when you realized the creep was checking you out. You didn't say anything, at this point just wanting to get to work and be done with it.

You practically sprinted into the building when you arrived. Security didn't seem to mind your rush, having seen your face every day for over three years anyway. You hopped up the stairs two at a time, faster than the elevator would have been able to carry you anyway. When you reached the meeting room door you took a few seconds to catch your breath, not wanting to seem too flustered in your professional environment. When you finally pushed the door open, everyone was rising to their feet. Their eyes all darted up to glance at you. You smiled sheepishly.

"You're late."

"I know, I'm sorry." That was honest. You might have been frustrated, but you hadn't wanted to inconvenience any of your coworkers as well. "I've really had a rough morning."

Your boss nodded. "We've all had those days. I'll send you an email and give you a summary."

You thanked him and left the meeting room with everyone else. You trudged into your office, throwing your bag to the floor, and refraining from slamming the door behind you. You collapsed into your office chair and closed your eyes for a brief moment. But you didn't have time for that. The paperwork on your desk needed your attention. You gave it. The hours you spent on all the files, emails, and documents were the smoothest thing that had happened all day, even if it was mind-numbingly boring and felt absolutely endless. It might have been smooth sailing, but it didn't brighten your spirits at all.

When your phone rang, you reached out blindly until you felt your hand come in contact with it. You shuffled it until it was upright in your hand. You were so completely absorbed in the document that was displayed on your computer screen that you didn't even bother to look at your phone as you fumbled to slide the answer bar. Only when the incessant ringing had finally ceased did you know you'd successfully answered the call. You hesitated before you slowly raised the phone to your ear, eyes still scanning the lines in front of you.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Hun."

Immediately you regretted not checking the caller ID before answering the phone. You could have kicked yourself. In fact, the move was so ridiculously and incredibly stupid that you could have beaten yourself to a pulp. The voice on the other end of the line was familiar, completely unwelcome, and not a surprise after having the day that you were having. You turned away from the screen, resting your elbow on the desk and massaging the migraine that was beginning to form in your forehead. You sighed heavily, sure she heard it.

"Hi," you stated. "What?"

"Hun-"

"Please stop calling me that, I already asked you."

You had asked her that. Multiple times. You'd broken up months ago after she'd broken your heart. Catching her in bed with someone else had left you shattered and unsure if you could trust anyone. You'd been okay for a couple months now after some comfort and reassurance from your best friend, who you were having dinner with tonight. You glanced at the time. Your attention was unfortunately brought back to the girl on the phone, though, when she sighed your name as if she were the one who was hurt. She had no right to be hurt.

"I just-"

"I'm working," you finally said bluntly. "Is it urgent?"

"No. No, I'm sorry. I... I can call you tomorrow."

You wanted to snap and tell her not to bother, but you didn't. You just nodded despite her not being able to see it, said goodbye, and hung up. Once more you were faced with the urge to smash the stupid phone. Once more you fought it, instead shoving it into a drawer so you could ignore it and work on the mountains of paperwork you had to get through before your six o'clock reservations. You got back to it. Soon enough, the information was able to push your ex far from your mind. You didn't want to think about her anyway.

It felt like it had been eons since you'd arrived at work, and yet, according to the clock in the corner of your screen, you still had over an hour until your reservation. You might have slammed your head down onto the desk in front of you had two things not stopped you. The first was the migraine that was still throbbing in your head, and the second was the ringing of your office phone. Even though you knew she couldn't call you on here, you checked the caller ID before you picked up this time. It was the front desk.

"Hey, Tamara. What's up?

"There's someone here for you. She said you're going to miss your reservations."

"Reservations? It's only 4:45."

Tamara hesitated. "Daylight savings. It's 5:45."

You had entirely forgotten about that and even if you hadn't, you would have expected the computer would auto-update something like that. But you had forgotten, and the computer hadn't jumped forward, and now you were going to be late, and you still hadn't turned in the file that you'd promised to turn in today. You groaned in frustration, but transferred the file to a flash drive, shoved it into your bag, and left your office. Clearly, everyone else had remembered the time change, as the office was empty.

You cursed all of your coworkers in your head. You made for the elevator. When you stepped on and hit the button to bring you down to the lobby, you actually crossed your fingers. With your luck, all of the cables on the elevator would snap and you'd plummet all the way to the parking garage and die in a fiery explosion. Thankfully, your little gesture of luck seemed to work, for the doors slid open safe and sound in the lobby. As you stepped out, though, your bag hit the door, and the company ID snapped off and slipped in that tiny little crack between the elevator and the floor and out of sight. You cursed loudly.

You didn't dare shine your flashlight down the crack to try and see how far it'd gone; either your phone would have gone down after it out the doors would have slammed shut on either side of your skull. Neither of those things were a chance you were willing to take. You abandoned your ID and continued to the front desk, letting Tamara know what had happened. She nodded in understanding before pointing out your best friend, who had come to collect you after you'd let her know this morning that you'd taken an Uber to work. You approached her and tapped her shoulder.

"Hey," she said brightly.

"Hey, Nat."

Natasha Romanoff was the best thing to happen to you all day. She was your very best friend. Too, maybe you wanted her to be a little more. She was the most beautiful woman you'd ever laid eyes on, the red waves on her head only accentuating her emerald green irises, which sparkled when she smiled at you. That was only her physical beauty. Though she was, to most everyone that knew her, a tough, scary Avenger, you knew it was a façade. Natasha was the kindest, most generous, selfless, and caring person you'd ever had the pleasure of knowing.

"Tamara tells me you forgot about daylight saving time started last night."

"Shut up," you grumbled.

"Irritable because you lost an hour of sleep?"

"Nat," you said, already feeling bad for snapping at her. You rubbed your head. "I'm not having the greatest of days."

That was how your friendship with Nat was. You both understood that not every day was a good day. She tried to convince you not to compare, but you especially understood that. Natasha had been through hell on Earth when she was a child and you wished with every fibre of your heart that you could bear some of that for her. But you couldn't, and you were sure that if you could have, she wouldn't let you. So instead, you understood the bad days, and in turn, she did too. When you stated that today was one of those days, she turned to you with concern sparkling in those beautiful eyes.

"You okay?" She asked.

Your heart fluttered when her hand took yours.

It was a friendly gesture, of course, but you couldn't help but wish it otherwise. You wanted to hold her hand and have it not be just as a friend. You wanted to be able to intertwine your fingers with hers and squeeze her hand tight and feel that constant touch against her. You didn't want it to be friendly, you wanted it to be more. You wanted it to be so much more. You wanted to call her yours and for her to call you hers. But she was just a friend, and it was far better than nothing.

You hadn't always believed that someone could fall in love without some sort of a romantic relationship leading up to it. Now you realized it didn't need to be romantic. You and Natasha were close. You were closer than you'd ever been with anyone before. Because of that relationship, you knew you loved her. You were head over heels in love with her at this point, and you'd realized that a little while ago when you caught yourself fondly admiring her as she drummed her fingers against the table, deep in thought. It was a habit that had once had the ability to drive you up the wall.

"Hello?" She tried again. Her hand squeezed yours.

Your stomach flipped. "Yeah. I'm alright. Just waiting for my bad luck to run out."

"What happened?"

"What didn't happen?" You scoffed. "My fruit is all spoiled, my coffee maker broke, I spilled orange juice on my favourite white shirt, my car won't start, my bus wasn't running this morning, my Uber driver was a creep, I missed my meeting, I almost missed our reservations, I lost my ID badge and... she-who-must-not-be-named called."

Natasha's eyes darkened, her hand gripped yours tighter, and her gaze moved to meet yours. You took a chance and swiped your thumb over the back of her hand to try and get her to ease the tension out of her muscles. It seemed to work, as she relaxed a little. Her shoulders moved back down, the crease in her eyebrow lessened, she loosened her grip on your hand and exhaled carefully. She nodded in thanks, green eyes once against soft and gentle as she searched your eyes. You knew she was looking for any hint of you being upset. You weren't, though. You were with her.

Natasha hated your ex-girlfriend about a hundred times more than you did. She'd begged you to let her sneak over to her house at night and slash her tires and egg her house. You'd given that a firm no, not wanting Nat to get in any sort of trouble. It was Natasha's idea to never speak her name again, and to burn a bunch of photos and clothes that were left behind at your house. She'd gone so far as to have the bench you'd once carved your names into removed from the park and replaced with a brand new one... on Tony's Starks card, of course.

"What did she want?"

"Dunno. I told her I was busy," you actually laughed a little for the first time that day. "It wasn't exactly a lie. I was swamped today."

"Hey, if Fury is overworking you, I'll kick his ass."

Imagining Natasha kicking Nicholas Fury's ass was utterly amusing. You had no doubt she could, but Fury was a force. She'd kick his ass and the next day half of S.H.I.E.L.D. would be at her doorstep to retaliate. But he was a good boss. It wasn't his fault you'd procrastinated your own work for days. That was on you, and you knew it. So, you shook your head no, he wasn't overworking you. She seemed satisfied by that, but the topic of your ex wasn't dropped yet.

"Next time she calls you can direct her straight to me."

"Tasha, you won't answer."

"Damn right I won't."

You laughed again. It brought a smile to her face too.

With that, you continued on down the street without another word of she-who-must-not-be-named. You had almost reached the restaurant where Natasha had left the reservations when you stepped on something that most definitely was not concrete. If Natasha hadn't had your hand, your leg sliding out from underneath you would have left you on your ass. She held tight to your hand, her other arm catching you around the waist. You had to force yourself from blushing red as a tomato.

You glanced down at what you'd stepped in and could have punched someone. The white paint that was being used on the storefront had spilled onto the sidewalk and of course, you'd stepped in it in your new, black shoes. You scraped the bottom of it off on the sidewalk, grumbling all the while. Natasha had let go of your hand when you'd tugged it away from her to wipe the excess paint on the side of your shoe onto the post of the 'no parking' sign next to you. It was still ruined, but at least you'd gotten enough off that you wouldn't stain the restaurant's floor.

"You weren't kidding with the bad luck, huh?"

You shook your head no. You motioned onward, though. She got the hint, and you closed the distance between you and the restaurant. You shifted your bag on your shoulder as you stepped in, hoping they wouldn't notice the wet paint you were tracking onto their floors. If you managed in and out without them seeing, you'd be alright. It was New York City. You were sure people had walked in with worse things on the underside of their shoes.

You watched Natasha closely as she gave her name for the reservation. You hated how the host eyed her even more than you hated how your Uber driver had eyed you this morning. You didn't want anyone to eye her like that. You wanted to be the only one allowed to look at her like that. You knew you weren't, though. You ripped your gaze away from where it had been travelling along her jawline just in time for the host to arrive and lead you to your table. You sat across from her, keeping your eyes down and you collected your thoughts.

"What are you having?"

When you looked up, her eyes were trained on you. Her eyes were your absolute favourite part of her. They always shone so brightly, and so clearly expressed whatever she was feeling. They sparkled like they could see into your very soul and were so deep you could get lost in them for hours. Even the colour was perfect. They were that amazing shade of green that had very quickly become your favourite colour. You often found you'd been staring into them for a little longer than what might be considered normal. Now was one of those times. You looked back down at the menu.

"I'm not sure. Definitely a drink," you hummed. "Though I might get poisoned."

She rolled her eyes. "I don't think your luck is so bad that your assassin will choose to poison you today."

No, because she would protect you from anything. She always had. You might have been a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and perfectly capable of protecting yourself, but she was always stepping in front of you to defend you. You couldn't say you minded. You liked having her at your back. Some people had a physical location where they felt safe. You didn't. Natasha Romanoff was your safe place. When you were with her, you felt like nothing in the world could touch you. She wouldn't let anything hurt you, and you wouldn't let anything hurt her.

Soon enough the waitress was stepping up to your table and taking your order. You gave yours first, opting for a simple fettuccine alfredo. Natasha gave hers, unaware of the way you watched her lips moving as she talked. When the waitress left and she looked back to you, your eyes were cast toward the window, watching a young couple pass by, huddled close together in the cool March evening. When she called for your attention and you gave it immediately, looking over to her. She sipped her wine as you did.

"You said your car wouldn't start?" She said.

"Yeah. It keeps sputtering on and on."

"I'll drive you home and take a look at it tonight. I know a thing or two about cars."

It was a good thing she did, because you knew absolutely nothing about what was going on under the hood of the car. All you could think was that maybe the battery had died on you, but that wasn't possible. If you'd left the lights on, you would have been able to see it through the window in your bedroom the night previous, and you hadn't. There was no other reason the battery could have been drained. You'd driven the car yesterday from your house to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York location. You might not have known what the hell was wrong, but Natasha would figure it out in seconds. The thought of her bent over to study the underside of the hood made you shiver.

The image was pushed from your mind when the waitress returned with your food. She placed your pasta down in front of you and you thanked her politely. She set Natasha's down as well. The redhead smiled widely and after double-checking that everything was alright, the server left the two of you to your dinner. Natasha glanced up at you, a very amused smile playing on her lips. You knew exactly what it was about, too. You'd gotten the wrong order and said absolutely nothing of it. Honestly, you didn't really care. At this point in the day, you just wanted to eat.

"You could've said something," Natasha teased.

"It's nothing. I'm hungry and this is just as good."

"We can still say something."

"It's fine," you assured.

"Let's stop and buy you a couple hundred good luck charms on the way back to your place."

You laughed aloud.

Dinner was good, despite having gotten the wrong order. You suspected that was due to Natasha's presence. The two of you had been exchanging stores of the craziest missions you'd ever gone on. Of course, she was winning. She was an Avenger. Your missions as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent were anything but boring, but they didn't compare to the alien invasion last year that Natasha had been at the heart of. You'd been helping from the edges of the city, evacuating civilians and the like, but you suspected she'd killed hundred more of the Chitauri than you did: one.

Before long you'd both finished, and the empty plates were cleared away. The server returned to you with the bill. You made sure your card was out before Natasha could even think about trying to pay. They collected your card, and you gave Natasha a very smug little smirk. She only rolled her eyes and thanked you softly. You thought all was said and done when the server returned. You prepared to leave but she shook her head, signalling you to stop what you were doing. She reached out, handing you your card back. You took it.

"I'm afraid the transaction isn't going through."

It seemed that your bad luck had struck again. You were fully confident that there was enough money in your account. There had been last night when you'd checked it, anyway. Either you'd had the misfortune of your card deciding to kick the bucket while you tried to buy dinner for Natasha, or even worse, someone had gotten into your bank account and cleared it out. That thought made your heart drop into your stomach as you reached for your phone, hardly noticing Natasha pulling out her own credit card this time.

You prayed for one tiny bit of luck today. Your prayers went unanswered. You logged into your online banking to find that someone had managed to get your credit card number and had been online shopping all day. Your card had long hit its limit and you were already dreading the phone call you were about to have with the bank. You huffed as you set your phone down roughly on the tabletop. Natasha glanced over at you as the server took her card this time. She raised an eyebrow. You were sure smoke was billowing from your ears.

"Luck isn't turning yet?"

You didn't answer that. "Thanks for dinner, Natasha."

She laughed. When the server returned her card and wished you both a good evening, she took your hand and dragged you back out the doors onto the noisy streets of New York. She was leading you back to S.H.I.E.L.D., where you knew she must have left her bike. When you got there, she scanned her ID and brought you both down into the parking garage. She brought you right to the motorbike and lifted the helmet off from where it was hanging on the handlebars. She reached out and set it on your head, doing it up underneath your chin. Her fingers brushed your skin as she worked at the straps.

"Normally I would never condone riding without a helmet, but I only have one. This head," she said, rapping her knuckles twice against the helmet on your head. "Is much more important than mine."

"Is not," you laughed. "There's hundreds of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, but there's only six Avengers."

"And there's only one you," she insisted. "The helmet stays on that pretty little head of yours, and that's final."

That compliment seemed to awaken the butterflies in your stomach. They were still present when you both climbed onto the bike. They fluttered even more when Natasha told you to put your arms around her and hold tight. You could have stayed like this forever if she'd asked you to. You almost wanted her to ask you to, because you loved the ways your arms fit perfectly around her waist. Facing forward, she wasn't able to see the smile that was growing on your lips. Maybe all that bad luck was to make up for this.

Reluctantly, you took your arms off from around her when she pulled into your driveway. She put the kickstand down and took the helmet once you'd pulled it off and handed it back to her. You straightened out your hair a little bit in the reflection of your car window. Wordlessly, Natasha had moved to the hood of your car and tapped on the red paint to get your attention. You unlocked the car and popped the hood for her. She unhooked the latch and lifted it up, studying the inside carefully. That scene you'd been picturing earlier was coming true before your eyes.

"Start the car for me?"

You nodded. You dropped your bag on the doorstep, digging through the pockets until your hand had closed around your car keys. You withdrew them by tugging on the dinosaur keychain that Natasha had once given you after winning it at the arcade, where you'd spent hours at all the different games. You slid into the front seat, turning on the car when Natasha gave you the thumbs up. The car sputtered loudly. Then it made a sound you might have mistaken for a gunshot. The backfire nearly made you jump out of your seat. You quickly got out.

"You alright, Nat?"

"I'm good," she nodded. She moved away from the car. "It's probably just your spark plugs. When's the last time you had them replaced?"

You raised an eyebrow. "Hell if I know. I drop it off for a tune-up and expect them to tune it up."

Natasha laughed. "I'll grab some tomorrow and replace them for you."

You nodded. You watched as she reached up and grabbed the hood of the car, closing it again. She rubbed her hands against her pants. You clicked a button on your car keys, locking the doors. The lights flashed to indicate that it was indeed secured. You fiddled with the keys in your hand to get the house key out, opening your mouth to invite Natasha in as well, but found you couldn't find the golden key. You growled at nothing and dug through every pocket in your bag to see if it had fallen off in there, but there was no trace of it.

"My house key is missing."

Natasha actually laughed at this. "Did you walk under a ladder this morning? Spill the salt? Break a mirror?"

You glared at her. "Can you help me get in through a window?"

She nodded. You both moved around to one of the windows that you'd left open last night, after telling her you weren't sure you had locked it when you shut it this morning. Indeed, she found that once you'd removed the screen, she was able to slide the window open. You linked your fingers together to make a spot for Natasha to use for leverage. You boosted her through the open window and then moved back to the front door just as you heard the deadbolt slide out of place.

"My hero," you grinned as she opened the door. "I owe you a drink. Come on."

"I still have to drive home."

"Stay the night," you offered. "If you don't, I could very well just get murdered tonight."

Natasha laughed. "Well, I'd better stay and make sure you're okay, then."

You smacked her gently. She knew her way around your small bungalow well, having visited what could have easily been a million times. She made herself at home on the couch, tossing her leather jacket beside her. You moved into the kitchen, only paying half a glance at the towels you'd thrown over the two spilled beverages. You poured the both of you a drink and then brought them into the living room, kicking back on the couch beside her. You grabbed the remote, clicking the TV on. The screen lit up the room. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed the beautiful face beside you that had been illuminated. You turned back to the screen.

"I can put Netflix on," you said, pressing a button. "What do you want to watch?"

"Can I test your luck?"

"What?" You responded, turning your full attention to her.

She didn't offer an explanation. You felt her hand touch your thigh. Your breath hitched and the remote almost fell to the floor. You managed to set it down on the table as your cheeks began to burn red. She left her hand there for a few seconds before it slid away, letting you take a moment to remember how to breathe. Her hand moved away and wrapped around her glass. You knew how obvious you were being when you watched her touch the rim to her lips and the slight movements in her neck as she swallowed the alcohol. You needed a drink too, but you were frozen.

"I just mean... I could either turn your luck around or just maintain the bad luck."

You still didn't know what she meant. She was setting her glass down on the coffee table. Her eyes searched yours and you were once again tossed into the sea of green that you were so obsessed with. When she leaned forward and connected your lips, though, you lost sight of emerald green. Her eyes had shut and only a second later, yours had fluttered shut as well. You put a hand on the back of her neck to hold her closer and moved your lips with hers. You wondered briefly if you were dreaming. You didn't have long with your thoughts. Your mind was so overcome with whatever was happening right now.

Natasha pulled back. Her hand had, at some point, moved back onto your thigh, and was resting there gently. Your hand moved to cover it. She flipped hers over so that her fingers could intertwine with yours and for the first time, it didn't feel like it was just in a friendly manner. It felt so much more than that, just liked you'd wanted it to. Your eyes moved from there up to her face. She had been studying you intently. You'd never seen Natasha Romanoff look nervous. Not until that very moment. You chuckled a little, nervousness in your chest as well, and let your eyes fall.

"You definitely turned it," was all you said.

"Yeah?"

"By a long shot. I mean, I think this amount of good luck was enough to actually balance out the bad luck."

You didn't know Natasha could giggle, but she did. The sound made a smile immediately spread over your face. You reached out and took her hands in your own. You leaned forward and kissed her again, infatuated with the feeling of her soft lips pressed against yours so rough and yet somehow so soft. One of your hands pulled out of hers so it could thread through the red waves on her head. You'd wanted to do that for so long. She only pulled back when you'd both lost your breath. Your forehead rested against hers and you could smell the whiskey on her breath.

"Do you know how long I've wanted that?" You breathed.

"I'd guessed it, but I thought it was just my imagination because I wanted the same thing."

You laughed. She put her hands on your shoulders, pushing your back down against the couch and then putting her knees on either side of your waist. Her lips were on yours again, a little hotter this time. You didn't complain. You just let her lean down over you and kiss you and run her hand down your side. You only raised a hand to her chest and pushed her away when you once more felt the need for oxygen burning inside your chest. She didn't move far, face inches from yours, studying you this time from above. You blushed under her gaze.

"I... I've felt really strongly about you for a while," you said, hand moving so you could trace your fingertips across her cheek. "You know what I mean?"

"Are you trying to tell me you love me without saying you love me?" She asked, the teasing back in her voice again. "Because you're not going to scare me off. You can say it if you want."

"I love you, Natasha."

"I love you, too."

You couldn't help but laugh. It wasn't funny in any way, but maybe it was the relief trying to find a way out of your body. The sound seemed to make Natasha's eyes, sparkle. Your heart softened and the laughter fell from your lips and you didn't move a muscle. Her face was so beautiful looking down at you like it was. You felt so right having her touch you like this and touching her the way you were. Her hands were holding her torso up above yours and yours were touching her face so gently. It wasn't like a friend touched a friend anymore.

"Thanks for turning my luck."

"Are you kidding me? I'm the lucky one."

"I think we're both really fucking lucky, Natasha. Thank you."

[treasureswordsgirl55]

Find You

Character: James "Bucky" Barnes

Pairing: White Wolf!Bucky x Photographer!Reader

Warnings ⚠️: Christmas Things. First meetings. Photography. New Avengers. White Wolf!Bucky. Post!FATWS. Fluff! So Fluff! Funny!

Inspired by: Al Aire - Morat

Author's Note: Hello, everyone! It's a long time that I posted something here and... I'm so sorry about that. But I don't feel good to write nothing this last part of the year.

The short version is that two of my cats passed away in less than three months and if you love pets, you'll understand the pain that I'm having right now. In this time have a depression a little bit rough.

And I didn't want to write nothing. Until now that I'll be coming back little by little.

And this is my little gift of Christmas for all of you, who has been like my stories, and always makes me smile when I'm down. So thanks you, thanks you for still reading my things and I hope that you like this one.

I love Christmas and this is my first fic in this time so... This is my "thank you" for all of you.

Thanks for all the replies, it means so much if you could say me if this likes you, and hello for my all my new readers and followers!!

I ❤️ you and thanks for the wait!

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹

No llame para pedir una canción pero para hablarle no tengo otra opción porque ella muy probablemente está escuchando y yo de frente no me atrevo ni a empezar esta conversación...

- A cup of tea please, thank you.

I see the young woman leaves while I observe with a smile everything around me: If there is something that can brighten my day, it's Christmas. I don't know how long ago I began to be aware that I loved this party, but the idea of ​​the arrival of these parties makes me smile more than usual. Despite the fact that the last Christmas I would have liked to forget, the Christmas spirit takes care of making me smile against my will.

While I wait for my small tablet to recognize the memory of my camera, I see that people look with curiosity and surprise at my Christmas sweater, which the vast majority of people use on Christmas Eve, I use them every day. Who can blame me for loving those ugly Christmas sweaters?

The weak sound of digital connection takes me out of my thoughts and I am distracted for a second by the photos that appear on my screen, making a small and very audible sigh when my gaze goes to the first photo that appears and I know, that it's him because it was the last one I took.

My photography work for the local newspaper is a bit complicated, because since there are not other colleagues who can cover different events, I must be running from one side to the other, especially when important events occur on the same day, or to my misfortune on the same day, in the same moment. My work went from being on marches against tax increases, on climate change or some other important event to going on to photograph each event in which the Avengers are present.

And that if it was a complicated job, especially when it was not possible to photograph the entire formation in any of their interventions.

And that's when my real problem began ...

The first time I took a photo of him, it was by accident. I was on my way to a march on the rights of the LGTBQ + community but I came across a block of streets surrounded by policemen, where the colors of Captain America's suit could be seen a few meters away, as striking as if it were a lighthouse. With a simple touch of curiosity, I got close enough to the fence to take a photo, encouraged by the hidden fanaticism that I had for the group and which I would never admit in front of my loved ones, and when I take the photo, the object of my thoughts from then on passed in front of my camera lens as if trying to get my attention.

And boy he did, his gray suit clearly contrasted with the officers' dark blue suits, as well as contrasted with his short jet-colored hair, and I couldn't help but stare at him like an idiot until I pulled the trigger and made him a couple, well, several photos. I verified that the photos had turned out well and when I refocused it, the young man in the gray suit turned and stared in the direction of the camera, as if he were aware of my little disguised scrutiny, and the only thing I felt was the heat rising by my face and invading my entire body, as if it were setting me on fire, I know I blush and he just smiled before turning to whoever was calling him.

That moment of romantic platonic romance ended with a nothing delicate push from a group of young women who were trying to attract the attention of the heroes, some of whom responded with a handshake and the odd barely approached.

I left quickly and ran, as always, towards my original destination, but it was in vain because due to the impertinence of my best friend, who barely saw the photos on my camera, she sent a couple of them to my boss without my consent, which made her the "Official Photographer" of whatever had to do with the Avengers.

I knew that denying a little would not make my boss change her mind or even think about it, but I tried, although inside me the idea of ​​seeing the hero in the gray suit again was stronger.

- Here you go, Noelle - I take the cup that Corrine gives me and leaves two gingerbread man cookies on the table, but she stares at the photos for a few seconds smiling - What good photos, and what a beautiful male specimen.

We both laugh as I open the photo and refrain from closing it, because of the feeling of jealousy that suddenly overwhelms me.

- Is it the superhero halo that makes him more attractive?

I shake my head as I take a sip of my tea - If I'm honest, whether him is a superhero or not, if he passes me on the street, I turn to see him without hesitation.

The sound of the background music begins to diminish as the announcer talks about the holidays, upcoming events in downtown New York, the parades and about the songs that everyone dedicates to loved ones during the next hour.

"Here is the time to dedicate songs to our favorite people, those that we see every day, those that we cannot tell them what we feel up front or we want to pamper them at this beautiful time of year - I type the email for my boss where I am attaching a couple of the photos I took in the last Avengers appearance in New York and I stop writing when I hear that they talk about a regular listener who wants, again, to dedicate a song to a girl - And here is our daily listener, James. For those who don't know his story, I will give you some quick details about it: he has been calling for several weeks, we are going for the third month, if we take it that way, with the intention of locating a young girl with whom he was somewhat clouded and it should be clarified that our friend is very famous now, for which, he asked us for help to find her "

- That's adorable - Corrine puts her cup on the other side of my table and sits taking off her apron and tries to snoop on what I'm writing, but I move the tablet hiding the vision of my screen from her curious eyes - I hope he find her. .

- It's Christmas, everything is possible at Christmas - We both laugh as I press the send button and wait for the confirmation, which appears in green before closing the screens and returning to the photo that I am not going to send to my boss, the one of the blue-eyed superhero.

"So be kind and help in the search, or failing that, if you are there young lady, do us the favor of showing up and ending the agony of our friend who will be a good for all of New York"

The first chords of the song "Al Aire" by the Colombian band Morat begin to sound through the cafeteria speakers and a small silence is heard accompanied by a sigh before James begins to speak.

"Hello, I know this is not what I do best, because it is difficult for me to express what I feel, but this time I will say it, because something inside me tells me that you are listening to me. I know that you are somewhere around here and that the possibility of you hearing this is nil, but still I want to try. I'll tell you what I never had the opportunity to tell you up front because every time I try to get close to you, you run away who knows where. And that exasperates me - I let go a laugh while my friend turns the tablet towards her and begins to see the photos and again I focus on that voice that for some reason that I do not know, it seems familiar to me - I know, I know that you are a photographer and that you have been taking photos of my classmates, as well as I know that you have also taken pictures of me and I know that you only blush when you point that little blue polaroid-style camera at me. I saw you and since then, I can't get you out of my head, doll"

As soon as I hear those words, I feel that my heart stops beating, besides that I feel the gaze of several of those present at my table, more precisely in the case of the camera that is next to me. Corrine looks away from the tablet and looks at the camera on the table. My blue polaroid. I look at her for a second and she sees me with a wide smile as I shake my head like I'm a little Hawaiian doll in a car.

The strangest thought begins to bounce off the sugar and gingerbread walls of my brain: NOT ME.

- My God. Is that man talking about you?

- Of course not, there are many photographers in the city ... - I feel the heat begin to invade my face as I move my hands trying to hide the camera from some people who are trying to take photos.

This is not the Christmas I was looking to spend...

- You're blushing and I don't think all the photographs are with a blue polaroid-style camera ... Hell shit, it's you.

- No, it can't be me unless the speaker is ...

We both looked at each other as if the same flash of inspiration had hit us and at the same time, we looked at the camera screen where the photo of Captain America's partner is.

- The handsome man in the photo.

I am distracted from the murmurs around me by the doorbell of my cell phone where Rosie, my best friend, sends me a message about the radio transmission, asking the same question about whether the girl they are looking for is me, as well as the data of the superhero of the photo:

Your crush is called Sergeant (because you have to name his title, of course) James "Bucky" Barnes. Don't thank me, and I know you love me.

Not right now, Rose.

- How probably... is there that it's him and the one he's talking about is me?

- Only you know the answer ... And the sparkle in your eyes tells me that you know the answer very well.

- My God ... What trouble did I get into photographing the Avengers?

Corrine lets out a laugh and I focus again on the voice coming through the radio - "I've tried every radio station in New York trying to find you, or if someone knows you, but I can't figure out who you are. .. So, if you are listening, I want you to know that, as the song I want to dedicate to you says, I would change all the fame that I have just for a minute by your side to know your name and ask you on a date "

- Oh shit. This is better than the Christmas movies I watch every year.

- Shut up - I look at the photo one more time while I hear that Morat sings about a love at a distance that cannot be realized because fate did not allow the two people to meet again and I feel the need to see him, to know if the owner of that bearing of security and confidence that contrasts with the sadness in his blue eyes was the same one that spoke through those speakers.

- And that you waiting for? Call him!

- What the hell? I'm not doing it.

- Let yourself be carried away by the Christmas magic, Noelle. Who says you might be surprised by Santa Claus this year.

🔹🔹🔹

- You know, if she didn't show up until now, there's a very high probability that she either isn't interested in you, or hasn't heard the message - Bucky gives his partner and best friend a hateful look as they walk towards the exit of the 10th radio station they visited with the help of Sam's contacts in Manhattan - It would be easier to hear from her by sending someone from SWORD to investigate.

- I want to ask her out, Sam. Don't scare her away.

- But it would save us the waste of kitsch everywhere ...

The blue-eyed man lets out a sigh at the little gallantry and chivalry of his best friend towards women and he felt more out of place in 2025. But he knew that Sam was right, he had been looking for her for more than three months and there were no traces of her, only He would show up with his little blue camera whenever there were problems and the team was present.

Yelena had been the one who had made him notice that he was being watched and since then, he couldn't help looking at the young woman with that particular camera.

And still, he couldn't find her on the streets of New York.

- Let my boys find something Buck. Perhaps it is possible to find her faster ...

- I don't know, Sam I ... - The two stopped as soon as they heard a voice calling them, and Sam begins to smile assuming they are fans, but they relax when they see what one of the young people from the radio station is.

- Excuse me, but you weren't answering the calls.

- Hey, first breath and then speaks. What happen?

The young man looked at Bucky and indicated his cell phone.

- There was a response. A young woman called and left a message for you, James.

The two best friends looked at each other as Bucky took his cell phone out of his jacket and moved away from him to listen to the message.

"Eh ... Hello. My name is Noelle, and I would like to respond to the previous message ... Because I think, no, I suppose it is destined for me - Sam look at his friend leans against the nearest wall with his gaze lost in some point to the street and let out a sigh when I see the illusion on his face. What love does ... - And It's true. I took a picture of you in a scene where the Avengers were and ... I ran out because I was late to the march that I really had to cover. And yes, I like old things, that's why my blue Polaroid - Bucky hears that in the background, someone asks for a coffee and others talk about Central Park - Next time I won't run from you, White Wolf . I promise even though I never ran from you. I hope to see you again sometime, Merry Christmas"

Sam, who was waiting for the reaction of his partner, Bucky responded with a smile as he approached to shake the young man's hand - Thank you, really.

- You found her?

Bucky just nodded as he gave Sam the phone to listen to the audio - Tell me that are you sure she is, because there could be an entourage of women looking for you.

- It's her.

- Sure?

- Yes, because I never said that I am the White Wolf. Help me find her, Sam.

- Oh God of Christmas, help me with this.

- I'm coming for you, doll. And I'm going to find you.