#this is not like the year I gave up espresso and didn’t realize until may I’d basically taken myself off my meds cold turkey

[stylishanachronism]

The problem with giving up takeout for lent is that I’m not actually up to cooking anything right now and I’m out of instant stuff, which would normally be solved by takeout But

[darthwheezely]

grande - g.w.

Summary: George meets a mighty adorable barista in the new cafe on Diagon Alley and the man just can’t help himself... based off the song Coffee Girl by Johnny Socko! Sorry this took me absolute ages (9 days oops) to get out, guys :/

Warnings: DIABETIC FLUFF STUPID AMOUNTS OF CARDIAC ARREST INDUCING FLUFF UWU,mentions of sexism, Fred being Fred, cussing probably, alludes to sex, PG/PG-13

taglist or people that might like this but idk: @theweasleyslut @kitwalker02 @loony-loopy-lupinn @wand3ringr0s3 @gcdric @thehufflepuffwife @monoscandal @lupinsclassroom @whiz-bangs78 @vogueweasley @rogueweasleys @band--psycho @lumosandnoxwriting @oh-for-merlins-sake @amxrtentias @virgohufflepuff @vivianweasley

George Weasley didn’t sleep. This had long been the habit of his ever since he and his parents had discovered that his elder twin Fred had been an avid sleepwalker by age 4, then became a (minor) party animal in his Hogwarts days, and finally when he became the co-owner of one of the Wizard World’s most successful entrepreneurs and business owners.

The man hadn’t slept in about 18 years give or take. And days like this reminded him of it constantly.

It was a Saturday, the first of the month, and to boot, it was about to be Christmas in a little over a week. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes was packed with everyone from couples window shopping, children in desperate need of fun now that school was out, parents trying to keep them in line, and even some old lady named Ethel (who swore she was part Veela, and therefore Fred couldn’t “escape her girlish charm.”)

“Ethel, you have an absolutely ravishing day, and don’t even worry about that moisturizer it’d be a waste of product on a natural beauty like you” Fred winked and kissed the old lady’s hand, George watching from the top of the steps rolling his eyes.

“Oh, Freddie, you know how to keep a lady young, don’t you? Oh - goodbye, Georgie! Have a good rest of your day boys!” She waved majestically to the younger twin on the stairs and he bowed royally in response.

“Bye, Ethel!” They both called as she exited the building, the bells flurrying in her wake.

“Georgie, mate, hate to say it but you are being uncharacteristically quiet and it’s making me uncharacteristically uncomfortable.” Fred said bounding up the stairs to meet him, chuckling briefly.

“Freddie, mate, hate to say it but I’ve had absolutely no sleep as of late and it’s getting to me. But I’ll be back up to my usual antics in no time.” He padded down the stairs, winking at a couple young ladies ogling him, sending them into a fit of giggles. Fred sat down on the middle step eyeing his brother carefully. It didn’t take a genius to see George wasn’t holding on much longer, the dark circles littering his eyes and the way he mussed up his already purposely messy hair just...didn’t comfort his older twin at all.

“George.” Fred sighed, George looking back at him, confused. He took his hands away from the merchandise Wonder Witch he’d been rearranging and gave him full attention.

“Take your lunch break early. And longer if possible.”

“Pffft, why would I do that when I have women to woo and boxes to juggle?”

“George.”

“Fred.”

“Stop, I mean it. You look half dead as it is, just go take a nap or get an espresso from the cafe down the aisle or something that reinforces the idea that yes, you are a human being and no, not a zombie.” Fred crossed his arms feeling suddenly a lot like Molly and dropped the cross. George pretended to ponder this tapping his chin, rather finding the mature brother role reversal funny as hell.

“Oh, alright, but can I still be a zombie when I get back?”

Fred hit him with a folder and sent him on his way.

-•-•-

You had just finished the lunch rush, finally being able to calm down and not have to worry about making one more goddamn Butterbeer Latte for at least another 20 or so minutes...until there’d be another rush. You grabbed a lemon scone, took off your apron and sat against the back counter. You inhaled the citrus scent, it was always something that you loved to savor, and took a bite.

The holidays for the Merlin’s Mochas, the cafe, had been absolutely atrocious so far. All you had for customers were angry businessmen, bratty kids and their upper class parents who let them run around the already small place being rude to everyone, your boss Lionel who had an affinity for calling every woman who worked there a “bitch” (...ok lionel) and to top it all off: you’d been pulling 9 hour days every day except sundays. Needless to say: you kind of super hated your job.

You had just finished your scone when you heard the door chime signal a customer, immediately wiping your hands on your jeans and restrapping your apron.

“Hi how can I-“ oh Jesus this is the hottest man I have ever seen. He was easily no older than 23, fiery red hair, a perfectly tailored striped terracotta suit, green tie, and the most gorgeous doe brown eyes you’d ever seen.

“How can you...?”

“Help you, ohmygod, I am so sorry I’m super-“

“Tired? Yeah me too...interesting how similar we are this early in the game hmm?” He winked at you and your knees felt too weak. No he was just a stupid hot customer that also was really hot and also? Was super hot. No worries, Y/N, just don’t die by 22 okay thanks.

“Very funny...wait are you-“ your finger led from him to the statue outside Wizard Wheezes, realizing a simple oh shit

“Yeah, that would be me. Or my twin Fred but we never really decided, that’s why he kind of looks like both of us mixed. Although we’re twins so we basically look the same anyway. I mean because were identical. Twins, yeah.” George, what the fuck is wrong with you, why are you sweating? She’s just a simply beautiful girl in a simply maddeningly purple coffee shop can you please breathe and not make yourself look stupid-

“Oh, wow! I’ve never met a twin before - not like twins are anomalies or anything it’s just so crazy. Science. Science is crazy” You closed your eyes and took a breath

“We should probably start over shouldn’t we?” You wrinkled your nose.

“That sounds much more redeeming than anything we both were about to say” George breathed out laughing softly, rubbing his hand through his hair.

“I’m George. Weasley. Like I said, I work at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, the shop over there, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this place before...or you for that matter, I never forget a beautiful young woman.” He said smoothly, his heart steadily subsiding - something about you had the power to not only make him scared out of his mind, but also totally at ease.

You returned the smile, warmly, the blood rushing to your cheeks at his compliment and sticking your tongue to your teeth. “Well, George Weasley, of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes I’m Y/N Y/L/N. And yeah, we’re new around here,” you leaned further onto the counter, realizing, albeit a moment too late that your eye level was directly with his abs now, and although he was wearing a suit...you could definitely tell they were there.

“We erm, just opened three months ago. It’s honestly a bit of a time to work here.”

“Oh and why is that?”

“Well, nothing like a blatant sexist to run an entirely female employed establishment and weird stuffy rich people.” Your eyes widened suddenly, and you felt like you had said far too much far too soon. But he gasp-laughed - laugh that ended as soon as it began and burst into a smile...like you had shared a secret with him.

“What the hell is he doing here then? Got a boy’s club to run in a purple coffee shop?”

“I mean you never really know these days, George, imposters are among us at every moment” you purred and pushed off the counter, meaning it as a joke but George’s heart screamed when he heard your name. As you moved to the other edge of the counter, he followed you.

“What a resourceful and cruel young woman, I am starting to like you, Miss Y/L/N.” He clucked. “And do you think of me like you think of Mr. I-Hate-Women-That’s-Why-I-Hire-Them?” He got inches from your face, smelling the coffee beans and vanilla extract that riddled your skin.

“Hmm...Mr. Weasley, I’m not so sure.” You coyly stepped away from him and took long strides to the far end of the coffee bar by the wall. George immediately felt a pit of flirtatious butterflies and (arousal?) something more in his stomach, jaw dropped, he followed you again. He pressed his hands to the counter in front of you.

“Well, how can I convince you?” He asked rather quickly.

“Hmm...” you leaned forward like he did before and his breath hitched in his throat “...let’s get you a cuppa first.”

-•-

“Wait, okay let me get this straight-“

“Yes?”

“You have 6 other siblings.”

“Yes.”

“...because your mom wanted a girl?”

“That-that would in fact be true, yes.”

You thought for a moment.

“So you’re telling me after she made it through you two-“

“-she still wanted to have more of us, believe me, it races through my mind daily.” He nodded vehemently laughing with you. You two had taken to the empty cafe at a table nestled in the corner, him sitting in a chair across from you on a bench. You had both been cracking each other up with stories from your childhoods, like how you both had managed to never know of the other’s existence until now.

He’d discovered that you had transferred from Hogwarts to Beauxbatons early on in your fourth year. You, a Hufflepuff, loved the quiet and soft landscape of the French school. You both had absolutely no idea the other existed. How? The world may never know.

He was brash. You were careful.

He was already flying when you were just feeling comfortable learning how to walk.

But you sat there with him for the better amount of an hour and a half, laughing and interrupting each other with memories of the school years you had, some weird and strange, and especially during fourth year, hard for George to talk about.

Ginny, his baby sister, had almost died. And as he said to you in a candid and highly vulnerable state: he blamed himself for almost letting her go to this day.

“I...I really do believe it was my fault.”

“George, it couldn’t have been your fault. Hogwarts is a big freaking death trap - you and I both know that,” you had said with an exasperated laugh, eager to make him feel better in any facet.

“Yeah, but...I’m her big brother. Yes, she has five other older brothers but...we were supposed to protect her.” He swallowed and blinked back tears. “It was her first year, for Christ’s sake, and I paid about as much attention to her as a doorknob would.” He had rolled his jaw and taken a gulp of his gingerbread latte (you had said it was your favorite, and he was loathe to try anything else) and you had softly draped your hand on top of his.

“If she’s as kind and loving and funny as you, I’d love to meet her.” You quipped, a small smile growing on your face in effort to soothe. He had smiled back at you, turning your hand over in his and drawing his digits lazily over your palm.

“Funny, because I was thinking the same thing.”

-•-

He had told you to close your eyes, that much had been true.

See, his coffee had started to get cold. So, like if you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll have to have some milk-

If you give a George a latte he will have to not only have another one, but also feel the strenuous need to show off for you and take you to his place of work. Naturally. And it was so lucky that by the time he’d proposed you leave, he even helped you clean and lock up afterwards.

Truthfully, it almost scared you how much he had seemed to care.

“Alright, Y/N, darling, I’m going to release my hands on the count of three, yeah?”

“Perfect, Georgie” you giggled. You’d legitimately only knew him for so long, but you just...you trusted him. He grinned widely, his strong hands only applying a slight amount of pressure as not to hurt you.

“Alright, then. 1. 2-“ he took his hands off your eyes and watched you adjust not only to light, but to your surroundings as well.

“3.” He breathed out taking in the way you smiled like a teenager, face alight with pure inundating wonder. You squealed and started to run around the store.

“Look at these! Pygmy Puffs - ugh they’re so adorable look at this one! Oh, oh - ‘Fizzing Whizbees’ - these look absolutely wicked! And Per- ‘Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder’?” You picked up the glittery stone in your hand, and heard a smooth voice perk up behind you.

“A real money spinner, that one.” You turned around and there was a man that looked absolutely identical to George, although entirely different in the same way.

“Handy if you need to make a quick getaway,” you heard George on the other side of you. He smiled warmly down at you, nodding his head up to look at the twin across from him.

“Y/N, this is my-“

“-older, much more attractive and fiscally responsible brother.” He winked and you blushed almost immediately. “Fred. Weasley.”

“Y/N Y/L/N. Georgie has told me a lot about you and the shop - absolutely marvelous this place is, I cant believe you two created so much in such a short span of time. Brilliant it all is, really!” George had started to flush, rubbing his jaw to seemingly take the red away from his striking face. Fred, upon hearing the genuine warmth from your voice and the unmistakable use of “Georgie” had a small, but highly distinct aha moment:

“Well, we couldn’t have done it all on our own, one of our best friends helped us out a good lot. But thank you, really...it means so much when other people see how much we do and-” he looked directly at George.

“-acknowledge the things we love, right George?”

“Absolutely, Frederick.” Fred had given him the look that seemed to imply: “please, God, make a damn move.”

“Well, Y/N, I’m going to be off and woo some ladies, have a biscuit and do some paperwork” he smiled wide when you giggled, already enjoying your company.

“But I hope to see you again, very soon, yeah? Please stop by whenever you can, we’re alwYs just down the street.”

“Freddie, for your company, I’m not so sure, I’m still deciding.” You quipped. Fred laughed heartily at that and looked at George.

“Georgie, I like this one.” George looked at you and winked.

“Me, too Freddie, me too.” You leaned back on your heels as Fred padded back up the stairs to the flat, now completely alone with George. You threw your arms behind you back and forth and took a long stride to George.

“So...what are you those?” You nodded up to the array of pink bubbles in a clam shape in the corner. He hummed and reached to grab your hand.

“Love potions - c-can I show you?” He raised an eyebrow slightly, but he felt his whole body turn to mush when you accepted his hand and nodded slowly. As he walked with you, you memorized the feeling of his callouses and veins, the way your hand curled deliberately in his.

You wanted to make sure if it was the last time you felt something like that, you had that memory with you for a while.

“Essentially, if you give these to a person they will temporarily have feelings of love and attraction for you. Depending of course on the dosage you use and the weight of the person in question.” He explained. You watched the way his suit jacket pulled taut against his back muscles and instinctively wanted to honestly just take the whole thing off-

“Hmm...I don’t know about these, Georgie.” You hummed mischievously. Your heart was pounding in your chest.

He scoffed placing a dramatic hand over his heart. “Am i being questioned in my own establishment, Miss Y/L/N?”

You rolled your eyes and hit his arm, bowing slightly at him. “Well, do forgive my feminine insolence, Mr. Weasley, it’s not often I meet such bewitching mad scientists like you.” You watched his face grow blank for a moment at your compliment and immediately wanted to throw up.

“George, I’m really sorry, I know we just became friends-“

“Do you mean it?” He took a step towards you. You swallowed finding again his perfect milk chocolate eyes. You nodded.

“Hell yeah I did, you’re smart...and wicked hot” you both laughed at that. He took another step, the distance being unbearably harder to live in as his digits found a piece of hair and wound it behind your ear.

“Well, darling, the feeling is quite mutual.” He said quietly, taking in the whole of your face. He wanted to crash his lips onto every possible nook and crevice of your face, collide with you entirely.

“We’re going to have to do something about that, then, aren’t we?” You gently nudged his nose with yours and wrapped your arms around his neck, his strong and powerful arms pulling you to him gently. He wanted you to feel him not to break under his embrace. He leaned down and brushed his lips up to yours, feeling you whine and let out a minuscule sound.

“Got you making noises for me already and haven’t even kissed you yet, hmm?”

Your eyes fluttered close and one of your legs made it’s way in between his, snapping any chance at loose air between you two out of the way.

“Please, Weasley, pants a bit small for you?”

“Keep talking like that and they might, yeah.” You two laughed softly and with a final look to your lips he closed the last gap.

His mouth was perfect. His lips ghosted over yours one last time before wrapping every part of himself onto your frame, your lips entangled in each other like you’d never be able to taste him again.

But it was loving and slow and sweet. He tasted like gingerbread lattes and pastries and cinnamon and licking into his mouth you could feel the spice. He moaned lightly into your mouth, sending your knees buckling. He dipped you slightly, a hand traveling to your lower back to keep you steady, and his other hand coming up to nestle under the nape of your hair. Your hands caressed his face, his chest, needless to say? You wanted them everywhere. You wanted him everywhere.

The kiss broke and you and George were left breathless in each other’s hold, your foreheads pressed together as he kept you slightly dipped.

“Y/N, I’m feeling a bit tired” he quipped hoarsely, pressing a brief kiss to your lips and onto your neck. You hummed satisfactorily.

“Georgie, you’re gonna need another latte aren’t you?” You set multiple chaste kisses to his lips and cheeks, feeling him rumble with a small giggle. He caught your mouth with his and you moaned slightly.

“I’m gonna need a whole pot, to drink you in, love.”

[liquid-luck-00]

Habits

Bio!Dad Bruce

Day 4: Habits

@biodad-bruce-month

First ~~~ Previous ~~~ Next

~~~~~~~~~~

The bat boys went out of their way to make Marinette feel included into the family. However she seemed to always get lost in the manor. Little did they know that she was using the horse miraculous to travel to and from Paris and still hasn't had enough practice with Kaalki.

Yet when they do happen to find her she seems to always be lost in thought while sketching or designing.

They had noticed early on that they could still hold a conversation with her and she would respond and remember the conversation.

---

Marinette hadn't been at the manor for two days when the first incident occurred.

It was Jason who first caught her completely focused and to say it was a shock was an understatement. He had walked into the living room, trying to find her and Tim to play Mecha strike, so when he saw she was designing and Tim was sitting on the other couch reading.

"Hey Replacement, Bluebell who wants to play UMS III?" Jason asked the room.

"I'll play," Tim responded looking up from his book. Both boys then looked at Mari, who seemingly didn't hear them. Tim got up and walked over to her along with him. While

Marinette seemed to be hyper focused on her design that she didn't respond when Jason asked her again. So Jason decided it would be smart to tap her on the shoulder to get her attention. That was a bad idea. . He had snapped her out of her thoughts, but as he did she glared at them.

"Holy Fuck" Jason screamed as he backed away from her.

"What is wrong with you. You break my concentration and then scream. Like seriously Jason." She was holding her head covering her ears while glaring at him.

That was when Tim seemed to find his voice again. "Well if genetics hadn't proved you were Bruce's daughter, you giving Jason his signature glare would prove it."

"Well I guess that explains a few thing now" she hummed.

"That is all you get out of this?" Jason asks.

"What else was to get out of this?" she asked tilting her head, "so what did you guys want anyways?" she went back to her sunny personality.

---

The second incident occurred later that same day but with only Dick. He had gone to find her for dinner, so he went to her room. He had heard from both Jason and Tim that she could pull out the Bruce 'Batman' Glare so he did the smart choice of first knocking on the door.

"Come in" was her only response.

She was sitting at the desk staring at one of her sketchbooks. Her chin was resting on her arm her nose was scrunched and eyebrows furrowed concentrating on the image in front of her.

It wasn't the Batman Glare but she looked just like Bruce when he was in deep concentration.

"Dinner is almost ready" he answered after entering the room.

"Dick thank goodness" She snapped her head up and looked at him with her full attention. "I can’t decide on a color for this blazer. It would look nice in an emerald or in a sapphire blue. I know I want to use gold as an accent around the main part that is black stitched with holographic music notes but I don't know maybe"

"Mari" he interrupted her. God she even over thinks like Bruce, that was why he had stopped her. "Breathe please. Now is this for a certain person or no one in particular?" He asked breaking her slight panic.

"It is for a commission so a certain person." she answered calming down.

"So would the person's hair or eyes clash with those colors" Thank god Barbara always dragged him shopping and complains how certain colors clashed with her hair.

"Neither would clash necessarily, but the sapphire blue would complement his hair and skin tone better" she finished writing something in on the page.

"Okay now that, that is settled why don't we go down for dinner Little B" Dick gave her a smile.

"Little B?"

"Little Bruce" be elaborated, really be meant little bat, but she doesn't know that yet so he improvised.

"Why?"

"The way you scrunch your nose and eyebrows when concentrating is just like him. That and completely overthinking and over analyzing things is just like him"

"It's a habit I've been trying to break" she answers sheepishly.

"Don't, just ask yourself questions to not get sided tracked, it is one of the best qualities a person can have" he answered honestly. "God only knows Bruce wouldn't come up with half of what makes up WE if he didn't overanalyze every little thing" she seemed to cheer up a bit at this and he is glad he could help his little sister.

---

The third incident happened with Tim to say he was surprised when he saw her awake in the kitchen at 3 in the morning as he came back from patrol was shocking.

Honestly the only people awake at that hour were either the Bats, criminals, or him well him or even Bruce who would still be working. But here she is completely awake making, wait is that.

"Is that coffee?" He ended up asking out loud.

She turned to face him "Yes. Want some?"

"Please!!" he practically begged.

"Fair warning this is my special blend, I haven't found anyone else who could handle it" she warned him, but he took it as a challenge.

"Try me" and she did, she set a cup down in front of him and also poured herself one. After the first sip he realized it was strong, much stronger than his usual, and that usually had an entire cup of espresso. "That is good. You are making this again if you don't give me the recipe" she giggled.

"Let's see if you can handle a cup and make it to breakfast." she countered and she left to her room.

When morning came he was still wired in fact he was practically bouncing in his seat while having breakfast and everyone was staring at him. Granted he was usually a zombie in the morning so this was new, actually functioning properly that is.

"You okay there Timmy" Dick asked him, and that was confusing.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Tim asked.

"Now your beginning to scare us. Wait did you actually sleep, Replacement?" Jason asked him.

"I don't think he did Jason" everyone turned and stared at Marinette. "Half a cup" she said staring at him.

"Care to explain Bluebell." 

"So turns out I'm not the only one awake late. Someone" she stared at Tim, "caught me making coffee last night, drank a single cup and still seems to be wired" she shrugged "so half a cup next time Tim"

"Wait, he is the most awake he has ever been in the, almost six years I've known him, and he hasn't slept." Damian stated bored. "what did you put in the coffee?"

"Nothing much, but if you know how to roast the beans right anything is possible" she rose the mug she was holding. That was when they all noticed the mug in her hand.

Out of concern, he is guessing, Dick and Jason moved to take the mug from her. They turned around to face each other with a smirk and they saw that they were both holding identical mugs to the one in, wait Marinette still has a mug.

"Enjoy the cocoa" she smiled as she took a sip from her cup.

"You really are Bruce's daughter if you can pull that with little to no sleep." Tim replied. Her only response was a head tilt. "I swear not sleeping and still being able to function absurdly well is genetic. You, Damian, and Bruce are alike in that."

---

The fourth incident happened and was witnessed by Damian. He was sure that he would be able to have the gym to himself as everyone was out on patrol but he was mistaken.

There was Marinette a headset on, with her hands wrapped moving between punching a bag and a sequence of movements. He watched her until she seemed to finish her set. She looked up and when she noticed him he walked towards her. She wasn't being her usual bubbly self, in fact it looked to him that she was upset.

"I didn't think anyone else would be in here" he stated."

"Oh, really" she answered lowering her headset ”I won't be a bother and did you want to take the punching bag." she said a slight frown on her lips. Okay he may not be the best at dealing with emotions, but he was extremely good at perceiving them on others.

"Something is bothering you, isn't it?" he was blunt sure but he wasn't expecting her to freeze and look around before taking a breath and schooling her features.

"No, everything is fine"

"It. As if I would believe that"

"Really now why don't..."

"Either you talk or we spar" he cut her off. He was expecting her to speak not take off her headset completely, set it down, and take a stance. The two began to spar and after almost two hours they were both lying on the mat exhausted.

"Thanks Damian, I needed a good spar"

"Any time you need, ask" he got up and began walking back to his room.

If he didn't already know she was a Wayne then that would prove it. Only a Wayne would rather not face their emotions and would rather fight.

His sister was his and he would be damned if he didn't at least help her. Albeit it he wasn't the most mushy of the family but she already was the most bearable of his sibling. Maybe he'll teach her to sword fight, then maybe someone would be an actual challenge for him.

Next

~~~~~~~~~~

Tag list:

@mochinek0 @justafanwarrior @abrx2002 @ranger-gothamite @fantasiame @moonystars14 @mochegato @bigbeautifulandfullofsugar @maribat-is-lifeblood @iglowinggemma28 @miraculous-ninja @talutah0 @vixen-uchiha @danielslilangel @witchsblackfox @pawsitivelymiraculous @lizziejay @marinettepotterandplagg @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @dast218 @sassakitty @miyla-lokidottir @lilkymilky @tazanna-blythe @tired-butterfly @lozzybowe @smolplantmum @queencommonsense @loopingtangent @chez-pezeater @paintedhope7 @technicallyburninggarden

[spencerspecifics]

New oneshot alert!! @spencers-renaissance asked for this so here we are!! They asked “OK OK I’ve got so many ideas that I’ll never write SO. I really want to read a fic where a fem reader is dating emily and they’ve been together for Years. and then I want to read some cute fluff of her visiting emily when she becomes unit chief? and she’s really fond for the reader and she’s friends with the bau too, especially spencer and penelope! I just wanna feel like I’m emily’s whole world is that too much to ask 😳”

And no it’s not. And I’m sorry but I lowkey made it angsty ugh sorry. I love emily sm so here we go! (Also this is my first wlw writing piece so please don’t be too harsh!)

f!reader x emily prentiss

———————————————————————

Moya Lyubov'

———————————————————————

You hadn’t been able to see her this past month, and it was weighing on you like a stone. It’s not like you never saw emily, more though it was only through sleepy late night FaceTime calls and selfies she’d send to you to remind you that she loved you. And as much as you loved that, and secretly saved all those pictures to your cloud, you needed her.

Real her, not selfies and calls. You had to see her. You had to be able to reach out and hold her hand, and push her hair back out of her face and give her a kiss and know that she was a real person again. Because at times, it felt like she was a ghost.

Of course, you signed up for all of this when you two did start dating so long ago. Emily had practically tried to convince you out of dating her, because she knew the strain of her work would compromise all the romance she’d ever get. But you didn’t care. You were there with texts and late night FaceTime calls, and hell; sometimes she’d even relay case information to you and you’d offer up an angle she may have not considered.

It worked, the life you and her had built together. And you’d continue to make sure it worked until you were two old ladies sitting in rocking chairs and reminiscing about how young you used to be. But for now, you missed her. And you had to go see her.

~

And you did, it wasn’t uncommon for agents spouses to come through to see their partners when they were working overtime- which emily had been doing to an extreme as of late, not to mention she had flown out twice this month to consult on other cases, and the fact she had just been promoted. Her entire life was in the office right now, and you were more than willing to accommodate. If you were there, you knew it would just be better.

And you didn’t come empty handed, you knew well enough now to not show up without treats for the rest of the team. So when you showed up, you had two drink carrier’s worth of coffee with you.

You arrived quickly, as you couldn’t carry two drink carriers for too long- you were bound to drop one. And you made your way into the bullpen, “Well hello there gorgeous, what’re you bringing us coffee for?” Derek asked as he looked up from his case files, a tired smile on his face. He’s probably been here all day too.

You smiled back, him complimenting you didn’t phase you. Derek was naturally flirty and kind towards everyone, it took you a while to understand that at first, but now you were totally comfortable with him- and the rest of the team. J.J. made her way from her desk in the bullpen over to you once she saw you with the coffee carriers.

“Y/n, hey! What’s all this for?” She asked you happily as she gave you a hug, the team was very touchy (except for Spencer, which you didn’t mind either way.) so you accepted all the hugs and shoulder pats they gave you. It meant they accepted you for who you were, and that was the most important thing. After all, they were Emily’s family.

“No reason, really,” you explained as you reached into the drink carriers to find everyone’s orders. “I just wanted to come see em, and I thought coffee would be a nice surprise for everyone.”

“Thank you. And if Prentiss doesn’t marry you, I will. Team can’t afford to lose you now.” Derek gladly spoke as he reached over for the coffee, you handed it over to him with a wordless smile. You almost loved the team as much as emily did. Almost, because obviously you’ve never had to wrestle serial killers with them, and you only really can pack bond with people after you’ve done that.

J.J. grabbed her coffee, giving you one last ‘thanks’ before heading back to her desk. She seemed to be in the middle of something, which was no bother to you.

“Where’s Spencer?” You asked Derek after a moment, realizing it was only really him and J.J. in the bullpen currently.

“I think him and Garcia are in with your girl,” Derek said as he pointed up to where Emily’s new office was. The blinds were drawn shut, this was either really good or really bad. Or nothing.

“Are they in trouble?” You couldn’t help but ask, not sure if the question sounded dumb or not. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I think it’s more of a friend talk, than a professional talk.” Morgan explained, sipping on his coffee casually.

You nodded, grabbing the coffee carriers off of his desk, “I’m going up there, giving Rossi his coffee before going to interrupt whatever they’re up to.”

“You go, girl.” Derek said supportingly as he swiveled around in his desk chair, focusing back on his computer monitor.

~

True to your word, you stopped into Rossi’s office and dropped a coffee off at his desk, he was on the phone in a heated debate, arguing about god know’s what;

“Martino, I’m not paying you to tell me your opinion- if I wanted that I’d walk into a bar!” Rossi raised his voice into the receiver, he briefly looked over at you and pulled the phone away from his mouth so he could talk to you, “Grazie, amore. My publisher’s an idiot.” He sighed, as if you could understand what it felt like to be a published author.

All you did was nod in response, “I hope he gets his head out of his ass.” You joked, Rossi chuckled in response, “Yeah, me too,” before turning the phone back to his mouth so he could yell some more, “You think I won’t take my business elsewhere? You want to doubt my integrity?! You’re on thin ice!” He reached for the coffee you brought him with ease, looking up at you with a wordless ‘thanks’ in his eyes.

“See you later.” You spoke softly to Rossi, moving towards the door, he nodded in confirmation. At you or the publisher, you weren’t sure. But with that, you left, shutting the door quietly behind you before walking to Emily’s new office.

~

You didn’t knock, instead just walking in. It wasn’t like you had a sense of superiority surrounding the fact your girlfriend was now the unit chief of the fucking BAU, but it was also just a bit of that. You couldn’t help it, she reached new heights she never would’ve imagined, you wanted to relish in it with her.

So you entered with ease, Spencer was sat in one of the guest chairs, Penelope was standing next to him, and Emily was on the opposite side of the desk. Her new name plaque simply read; “SSA Emily Prentiss- BAU Unit Chief”.

Everyone stopped when you entered, Spencer looked over at you from over the top of the chair, meanwhile Garcia turned a full one eighty, and Emily just raised her eyes to meet yours, immediately a small smile spreading on her face.

“Hi! Y/n, what’re you doing here?” Penelope asked giddily, always excited to see you and hug you and let you know that you were loved. She was the fucking best.

You raised the drink carriers as a weak excuse, “Thought you guys could use some coffee.” Garcia smiled happily, taking the carriers out of your hands gingerly, setting them down on Emily’s desk, immediately looking for her caramel grande extra shot vanilla almond milk whatever the hell she ordered.

“Did you bring one for me?” Spencer asked, “As if I wouldn’t. I know you don’t get enough sleep, Doctor.” You joked, he smiled sheepishly, and you pointed to a cup in the carrier, “That ones yours, it’s got an extra espresso shot.”

“You’re a life saver.” Spencer thanked you as he reached for it happily, you made your way past them and to Emily, who was still smiling softly at you, like you were the only person in the room. Her gaze was always so powerful, stopping you in your tracks, making you feel like it was only just her and you, and the rest of the world was static.

You smiled back at her, you couldn’t help it. “Hey, Unit Chief Prentiss.” You spoke, using her official title, a blush rushed up to her face, she looked bashfully down at the floor, she was beautiful.

“Okay, me and Reid are gonna dip because you two beautiful ladies need some alone time but we will talk later Emily! Y/n, thank you, I love you!” Garcia spoke happily as she set the last coffee, Emily’s coffee, onto her desk, before finally giving Reid the “let’s go” look; who nodded and got up out of the chair himself.

“Thanks y/n, I appreciate the coffee. Emily, please let us go.” He directed his final words at her, emily just chuckled in response, “Reid, unless serial killers stop for two weeks, I don’t think you and Garcia can go to that convention.”

“What about all my vacation days?” “They don’t cover half a months worth of absences.” “Can I take some of Rossi’s?” Spencer asked, getting off track- forgetting he was supposed to leave.

“Reid, c’mon!” Garcia called for him from the hallway, Spencer obliged, leaving with one final nod back at you, before turning and shutting the door behind him quietly.

~

“I missed you.” Prentiss spoke after Spencer left. Emily was always so reserved in front of the team, but alone, she would shower you with attention and love. It was an interesting personality shift to see.

“I missed you too,” you responded easily, leaning down to catch her lips in a chaste kiss.

“God, I missed you.” She repeated herself after she had pulled away. “I really, really fucking missed you.” You smiled, a smile that hurt your face if you kept it up for too long- which you knew you would. You couldn’t help it. Emily was an infectious disease, the kind that took over your body first, making you crave her, and then taking over your eyes, making you dream of her; and finally, over taking your mind and heart; only making you think of her and long for her. It was her, it would only ever be her that made you feel this way. And you didn’t care, all you cared about was her. And you had her, finally, thank god.

You couldn’t stop yourself, leaning in to kiss her again happily. You had missed her, you had missed this. You had missed being with her, talking to her, seeing her smile in real life- and not over video. This was like breathing fresh air after breathing in smoke fumes for hours, it was exactly what you needed. And it was exactly what she needed.

The kiss ended, you pulled away and moved back, towards the guest chair so you could sit and converse with her. She didn’t take her eyes off of you while you moved, and once you were seated she spoke again.

“This is perfect.” You raised your eyebrows, a signal as if to say ‘continue’, because you weren’t sure what she was referring to. “Having you, in my brand new office- where I’m unit chief. This feels like a dream.” You gave her a soft smile, “It’s what you deserve, you’ve worked so hard to get here, em.” You told her comfortingly. She deserved everything she’s gotten so far, this promotion especially.

Emily couldn’t stop herself from smiling and blushing, it was the one thing you could always end up doing to her, make her melt. It was your superpower.

“I don’t think I deserve you sometimes,” She admitted after a beat of silence, you stayed quiet as you watched the gears turn behind her eyes. What was she trying to say?

“You’re too good to me.” Emily settled on saying after a moment of thinking, “Seriously, this entire month I’ve been swamped with shit and you’ve just been fucking amazing to me and...” she trailed off, sighing.

“You can’t control the fact so much happened.” You offered up. Because it’s true, everything just started randomly, and now she was here. “I can’t,” Emily acknowledged, nodding. “But I can control how much I talk to you. And it’s not as nearly as much as I’d like it to be, baby, I’m sorry.”

She continued; “I’ve not been doing enough for you. I love you. I don’t care about work half as much as I care about you. I don’t want this month to last any longer, I just want to be with you; watching stupid rom coms and eating takeout with you and cuddling with you and Sergio at night, like how we do when I’m not on a case.” She rambled on towards the end, but her statement was clear.

“You don’t have to say work isn’t as important, I know especially with the promotion-“ you started, ready to excuse Emily’s apology. Because she didn’t necessarily have to apologize, but her being busy had affected you both.

She cut you off, however, “You are the only person who has made me believe I can have a life outside of my work. You’re the only person I want to spend time with, babe. Everyone on the team is mandatory, and I love them, but not like I love you. You’re my everything, you’re...” she trailed off, needing a second to find the words.

“You’re my world. At this point, I don’t want to be here without you next to me.”

You couldn’t respond, you weren’t sure how. Emily’s love had always been intense and passionate. But now? It was mixing with an apology she didn’t need to give, and one you didn’t deserve to receive.

“If my work keeps me this late ever again, I’m stepping down.” Emily ended her monologue of sorts with that, an intense ending.

“Emily,” you spoke softly, “I don’t want you to give this up, this is good..” you said, looking around the office as if to further prove your girlfriend had achieved so much, and shouldn’t throw it away.

“If it gets between us, it isn’t any good.” Emily spoke easily, this wasn’t a decision in her mind. She had already come to this conclusion, when, you weren’t sure. Maybe it was just moments ago, or maybe it was on your seventh FaceTime call where you admitted you hated not seeing her in real time. You’d never know when, but all you knew now was that she was firm in her decision. And she never doubles back on a choice.

“Babe..” you whispered now, quieter than normal. You didn’t want to get in the way, and it felt like you were- but she was telling you that you weren’t.

“You’re my favorite part of the day. You’re my love.” Emily admitted easily, originally it had been hard for her to open up in your relationship. But once you had shown you’d stick around through everything, she opened up like a book. And now she had no shame within telling you how much she loved you. Sometimes she’d even say it in her sleep when you both would lay down after a long day of work, anxieties, losses. She’d still always keep you in the fore-front of her mind, you never knew how.

“...I love you..” was all you could muster up saying, you weren’t sure what else needed to be said. Or what you could say. It felt like everything was being whispered right now, as if either of you spoke too loud, something would break.

Emily’s soft smile never wavered as she got up from her chair, pushing it in, and rounding the desk to stand in front of you.

“Let’s get out of here, moya lyubov'.” She spoke softly, the universe still seemed so quiet within her office. You felt the heat rise to your face as you heard her say “moya lyubov'”, it was Russian for “my love”, and it was one of the few phrases Emily knew.

She always called you pet names, loving names, even in her sleep she’d say it. But moya lyubov' was a special phrase. It was for those nights when so much was wanting to be said, but you couldn’t come up with the words, and by the end you both would be gasping for air, holding each other close instead.

So, neither of you would have to speak for infinity. Because as much as it mattered, moya lyubov' covered it all. It meant, “I’m sorry”, and it meant “you’re beautiful”, and it meant “I’m the luckiest person alive”, and most of all, it meant; “I am yours, and you are mine”.

So, as Emily Prentiss called you moya lyubov', you knew what she meant exactly. And she needn’t say more.

———————————————————————

[mickmarstookmyheart]

More Espresso, Less Despresso

Part: 3/?

Pairing: Mick Mars X Reader

Summary: You have a decent conversation with your mom about Mick.

(pic from Pinterest)

You couldn't recall when was the last time you laughed that much while you were at the studio with the Crüe. Tommy was a total goofball, Nikki was kind yet a bit high, and Vince was like a gay friend you were aching for years. Doc seemed the smartest one among them, of course, beside Mick. After you all ate the food you had brought they started to tell stories of the previous concerts and backstage moments. You had a deja vu but not in a good way. Memories and feelings crossed your mind as the hours passed.

"Are you alright? You look a bit pale." Mick asked with a concerned look in his eyes. You had been quiet in the last ten minutes and he noticed it. At first, he thought it was because of your introverted self, but then he saw the tears in your eyes.

"Yeah, I'm okay." You sighed blinking fast to get rid of the tears. You didn't want to be weak. You wanted to forget that whole era of your life. And now, you were in the same deep pit.

"Hey, (Y/N)!" Vince yelled, putting his feet on the table. "You are coming with us right?" The blood froze in your veins and you even forgot how to breathe properly. You gulped then put a smile on.

"I don't know, Vince. I barely know you and-"

"That's the point! We want to get to know you." You weren't the most spontaneous one. At least, not anymore. Joining a band on tour after one day was quite a big deal. And your mother wouldn't be so happy either. On the other hand, you weren't sure if you wanted to tag along. You had enough.

"Vinnie, you met her hours ago. You couldn't force her to come with us." Nikki said. "Right, (Y/N)?"

"Yeah." You smiled.

"Well, you know where we are going so feel free to come and see us on a show." Vince winked and drank from his beer.

"Just call me and I will give you a pass." Doc added.

"Thanks, guys, really. But I think I gotta go now." You jumped down from the top of the piano and headed to the door.

"Why so soon?" Tommy pouted standing in front of you blocking the way. He didn't help your situation. You felt horrible and just wanted to go home.

"Please, Tommy." You said shyly. But he didn't move just smirked. You knew he just joked but you weren't in the mood.

"Drummer. Let her go." Mick snapped from behind earning a sigh from Tommy. He stepped aside but patted your back.

"See you soon." He grinned and hopped down on the couch next to his Terror Twin. They were so kind, you hated yourself for leaving. However, you know that you wouldn't enjoy yourself. You wouldn't be able to distract yourself from the memories they all brought back.

"Bye, guys!" You waved and left the room with Mick by your side. After he closed the door you let out a long breath you didn't realize you were holding. You didn't say a word until you weren't in the streets again. "I'm sorry." Mick turned to you while walking with raised brows.

"For what?"

"For leaving so early." You shrugged and adjusted your coat tighter. "I didn't feel like a good company."

"Yeah, I saw that something was up. Wanna talk about it?" You shook your head as a no. You weren't ready to talk about that. You didn't want to tell him the reason you moved there with your mom. Why you were the girl reading in a café. The introvert one, the shy one. Why you had to hide behind this disguise.

"Everything is alright, Mick. Nothing serious, I promise." You showed your most believable smile which he loved. He noticed that you were lost in your thoughts and those thoughts made you sad. He saw that something snapped suddenly after Vince asked but he didn't want to ask there. He asked it now but you didn't feel like telling him and he respected that.

"Got it." He stopped and stood in front of you. "But if you are feeling down or wanna talk about anything I'm here, okay?" He rested his hands on your shoulders. "And it's the most obvious thing to talk to each other every night, right?"

"Of course. Though I will miss my caffeine buddy." You sighed.

"Well, if you visit us at one of our concerts I will take you to the finest café nearby and we will drink a huge amount of that!"

"Pinky Promise?" You asked pointing at him.

"Sure, whatever it is." He looked puzzled but chuckled anyways when you intertwined your little finger with his. "Then you have to promise to me that you will come to a concert as soon as possible."

"I promise." You winked and continued walking home.

∆

"Hey, mom!" You yelled as soon as you stepped in the house and hung your coat.

"Hello, honey! I'm in the kitchen!" She shouted back as she was flipping pancakes. You sniffed in the air and hummed from the delicious smell. You stepped next to her and placed a kiss on her cheek making her smile. You loved your mom more than anyone, even yourself. She was there for you when you needed the most, where you needed the most. She always knew how to cheer you up and make you happy. She knew you better than yourself.

"Smells good." You smirked.

"Thanks. So where have you been? How was your day?" She asked glancing at you while placing the pancake on a plate.

"The café." You lied. Well, you didn't lie just didn't tell your whole day. "Read a book, drank a cappuccino as always."

"Sounds interesting. And boring. Why don't you find a book club so you can meet new people?"

"I like being on my own." You said filling your mouth full with pancakes sitting on the counter. You tried to distract the topic but it was hell hard. "And what about you, mom?"

"But it's not healthy being alone all the time." She insisted making you groan and roll your eyes. "Don't grimace, young lady. And yes, you need to find new friends. Who may help you forget the old ones..." She sighed.

"I like the old ones. But you are right. I need to forget them as all those years from that era." You lowered your head staring at your black leather boots. She was right you knew that. And you did find friends just not the right ones. The guys didn't help you forget, on the contrary. "But enough about me. Do you like your new workplace? Is your boss handsome?"

"Hey!" She threw the kitchen towel right on your face from that last statement. "And to answer your question...FUCK YES! He is tall, dark-haired, and has blue eyes..."

"So basically, your type." You giggled watching her faking fainting.

"Girl, you know me so well!" She laughed. "And his voice...I can listen to it for eternity." She sighed hearts all around her head.

"Then, you are in the best position you can ever be. Being his assistant means hearing his thunderous voice. All. Day. Long." You pointed at her with your fork stressing the last words.

"Don't play with me. And? What about you? Don't tell me you haven't met Prince Charming in that café you go to every day." She glanced at you, but you were staring down avoiding eye contact. "So you've already met him, haven't you?" She asked in a low voice.

"You could say that." You jumped down from the counter and headed upstairs but your mother grabbed your wrist before you could reach the stairs. You didn't know if you should tell her or not. You have a deep connection with your mom, you told everything to each other so she would listen to you. However, her reaction would be quite controversial.

"(Y/N). I could see that there is something wrong." She placed her hand on your cheek giving you a warm smile. "Come. Let's eat then you can tell me everything."

"I'm not hungry. I will start now. So there is a guy." You began.

"Let me guess. Black hair, sarcasm, music lover. Am I right?" Your mom interrupted.

"Damn, mom!" You snapped glaring at her.

"Okay, I will shut it. But was I right?"

"Of course, you were, goddamn. He came to me at that café while I was reading and we started to talk. We have many things in common, more than we should, actually. He is kind, generous, and is a great company." Your stomach did a backflip just thinking about it. At the same time, your heart was aching since you knew it won't be the same. It wasn't your café, not your usual coffee, not the squeaking chair you usually sat on and not the old-fashioned table with the blue cloth covering it.

"Sounds good to me." She frowned.

"Promise me you won't freak out." You looked deep in her eyes making sure she understood what you asked. She nodded so you took a deep breath and prepared yourself. "He is a musician, more precisely, he plays in a rock band. And I know what will you say but please let me finish it!"

"Alright." She swallowed and clenched her jaws.

"They are leaving town tomorrow and when they asked me if I would like to join...I said no. Did you hear me? I said no!" You gripped her hand firmly. You didn't like when she was making that face and it broke your heart. She was disappointed, sad, furious at the same time if that was possible. "I won't meet them again if you tell me not to. But please let me meet Mick once more. Just once so I can say goodbye." You sobbed.

"Honey, you don't need permission for that." She gave you a half-smile. "I trust you, I believe that you know what is good for you. And you are an adult now, you can do whatever you like. Things happened in the past, that's why we moved here. To leave those awful and horrible events which occurred there." She gulped and pressed her eyes together trying to erase those memories from her mind. Drugs, booze, rock and roll, death.

"I love you, mom and I'm so grateful. To have such an understanding and strong mom like you." You stood up, walked over to her, and hugged her tightly. She was the strongest person you've ever known. She lost a son, you lost a brother. And still, she managed to put a smile on her face whenever you felt down, desperate. Moved to another city, found a new job, and continued being the coolest mom on Earth.

"Your brother would be so proud." She sighed letting you go. Despite the fact that your brother overdosed, she still talked about him like it hadn't been his fault. She got over it and tried to remember her son as he was before the drugs. Lively, creative, and cheerful.

"So, this means I can visit them? On the tour?" You asked with full of hope.

"If you can take care of yourself and avoid all those things, then, of course, darling. I want you to be happy and somehow that guy makes you that. I can see it in your eyes and the way you talk about him." She smirked.

∆

Days, weeks, months passed. Lonely days, sitting in the café, reading books. Every time the bell rang above the door you glanced up to see who it was. It wasn't him. You have pretty mixed feelings. Although your mother was okay with it, you just couldn't make your finger pushed those buttons on the telephone. Every time you tried, you just put the phone back to its place and continued suffering.

On the other hand, you were afraid. Scared to see them using drugs and killing themselves with it. You wouldn't survive. You have already seen your brother passing out on the couch while injecting heroin in his veins and it was the most horrible thing you've ever gone through. You shook your head to get rid of the memory and kept on reading. Hours went by and you were about to read the last page when a shadow covered all the lights.

"A moment, David. I'm on the last page then you can close the café." You said not leaving the page.

"Hey, (Y/N)." A familiar voice echoed making you drop the book and gulp.

"Mick?!" You literally jumped up from the chair on him. "Wh-what at you doing here?" He hummed feeling your arms around him and the scent of your hair.

"I was missing my soulmate." He smirked not letting you go. "Cause she didn't visit me against the fact she promised me. And it was even a pinky promise! An unbreakable vow, we are talking about." He chuckled making you grin.

"Well, the tour hasn't ended, has it?"

∆

Taglist: @leatherandheels @littlemisscare-all @safari-karrot @crazyrockrlady @savageandnikkiapproved 🖤

[boldlyanxious]

Continued

Fake dating with a Twist

Masterlist

Shocking to me too. I was not expecting more but I thought it and wrote it so I'm sharing it. There is no clear plan for how this will go. 🤣😬🙄

Part 2

Marinette wasn't sure ordering an espresso drink was the best idea. She was already feeling nervous. She was usually so careful about getting to know someone before going on a date. It was easier in school because she could see potential dates over a period of time and know whether or not she was interested in dating them. Recently it had escaped her notice that she had basically stopped dating because she was so busy with building her brand.

She was intrigued by Jason. She wasn't sure what caused him to notice so much about her and what was happening at the event. It had saved her though. Her schedule the last few months had been filled with meetings trying to make it in the fashion world. She had steady online business. Too much for just herself to manage really, but not enough to hire help.

With the connections she made that night, she thought she might have the backing to make her debut at a fashion show. That may not be enough to get her a shop but it could boost her enough to hire help and get her work out of her apartment. A dedicated workspace that she didn't have to clear out of the way anytime she needed her kitchen table would do a lot to help her.

She looked up as Jason entered the coffee shop. She had thought he looked great in his suit but leather was definitely working for him. She was happy she hadn't gotten her drink all the way to her mouth because she didn't think it would have worked right if she attempted to swallow just then. When he turned to grin at her she almost wished that her excuse of meetings later had been just an excuse in case things went poorly.

He joined her at the table after ordering at the counter. Rather than sitting where the chair was he flipped it around in one hand and sat backwards and very close to her. As grateful as she was to him for helping her, she was woefully out of practice for any sort of small talk that wasn't business related. Luckily he seemed perfectly at ease.

"I hope your day has been as lovely as you look," he said after sitting.

"It's been okay. Just boring with meetings instead of the work I enjoy."

"Well don't tell me about that. Tell me about what you enjoy."

Marinette released a breath before starting in on a subject that relaxed her. She suddenly realized she had been talking several minutes and stopped suddenly.

"I'm probably boring you," she said, looking down in embarrassment.

"No, I may not have understood everything you said but hearing someone talk about their passions is a great way to learn about them. Especially if they look or sound like you."

"What about you? Are you passionate about your work?"

Her focus shifting directly to him was enough for him to feel like he needed to catch his breath. He reached up to cup her cheek just to see if he would have the same effect on her. The color that filled her cheeks at the gesture delighted him.

"Not so much passionate as I'm really good at it. I work security."

"Like in a mall on one of those rolling things?"

His sudden laughter almost startled her.

"Definitely not. Private security for a large corporation. Usually assessing what could be a threat before it becomes an issue or placing myself where I suspect I will be needed."

"That explains a lot about how you were able to read the situation the other night."

"Definitely couldn't let the competition run you off before I had a chance to get your number."

"He's just a friend. Things have just been complicated recently and I didn't want it to interfere with my business opportunities."

Jason nodded, not adding any of his opinions to her assessment. They spent the rest of the available time chatting easily until Marinette needed to leave for her meeting. But before they went their separate ways they made plans to see each other again in a few days.

---

Marinette was euphoric after her last meeting. She hoped her planned dinner with Adrien didn't drag her back down. She had been very clear that they were going as friends as they had always done and that they would arrive separately at a more unknown place to avoid his press. She didn't want to be pictured in the papers with him especially after getting the news of what she hoped would be her big break.

She arrived before Adrien and went ahead to sit at a table mostly hidden just in case the paparazzi did follow him to the out of the way cafe. Marinette was excited about trying this place. It was a European inspired cafe and she was hoping their selection of French patisserie would help cut some of the homesickness she was feeling during her time in New York. She still spoke to her parents frequently but it wasn't quite the same.

She gave a little wave and smiled when she saw Adrien approach the table. He looked every but the face of the company with his up to the minute fashion and million euro smile. He had done well taking over the company after his father's sudden death when he was 17. Nathalie had stayed until he graduated from school and he went on to business class as well as working directly with the CEO. He was still not running the company himself but he is expected to be voted in when the contract is up for the current CEO.

"You look exceptional this evening, my lady." Adrien said with a smile. "Are you trying to impress me?"

"I had meetings all day. But I got really exciting news so maybe that is it."

"Do tell."

"Well I've been meeting with a lot of people trying to get more exposure for my designs and I just found out my designs will be featured in Gotham's small boutique fashion week."

"In Gotham? I've never even heard of it"

"It's the first time Gotham has ever done it. The official announcement should come out tomorrow, I think. But it's expected that some of the small boutique participants might make it to the New York fashion week this year. That would be amazing."

"You really should just let me help you with this. Did I ever tell you my father was a famous fashion designer and left me his company when he died?"

"I don't want to spend all my life defending my designs from people who say I only succeeded because we are friends. I need to make it on my own."

"I guess I understand that. But I still wish I could do something. We could do so much together."

Marinette let that hang in the air awkwardly for a moment before switching to a new topic. They had a good time catching up over dinner. The meals were very good but the patisserie items were only okay. Marinette mostly picked at it thinking about how much she missed home. Adrien was trying very hard to respect that she had turned him down but Marinette could see in his eyes that he didn't want to let it go. There was a certain wistfulness about the whole situation where their possibility of love was ruined by timing and hidden identities.

I'm not intending to make Adrien super creepy. It's been 10 years ago they have both grown up a bit and they are friends.

Tags: @redscarlet95 | @theymakeupfairies

[shurisneakers]

espresso [13]

Summary: In which your best friend’s brother begins to set you up on dates when you mention that you haven’t been in a relationship in years, but things don’t go as expected.

Warning:  angst, pining 

Word count: 2.1k (???)

A/N: hi !  all my love to @samingtonwilson​ for making me not sound like a 6 year old when i write this never-ending series and for being a true queen ! we stan an icon

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing <333

Previous part- Part 12 || Espresso Masterlist

To Bucky:

Can we talk?

From Bucky:

Coffee shop at 7?

To Bucky:

Okay.

It almost felt like déjà vu. But this time you were nervous, and not nearly as much as you were confused– a stark contrast to the meeting you had at this very location months ago to start this deal.

It was deserted– for now.

You knew the crowd would pick up gradually as students filtered in for their daily dose of caffeine, so you didn’t have much time.

You took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and let the bell above you jingle. A joyous sound for something so… jumbled up.

Bucky perked up at the noise, pausing momentarily from cleaning the counter.

I got this. I got this.

“Hey.” He sent a tiny lopsided smile your way as you took your place at one of the stools before the counter.

I don’t got this.

“Hey.” The confidence you’d felt just outside was beginning to slip away.

Fuck.

“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked politely, gesturing around to the menus in front of you. It was almost eerie how uncharacteristically silent your surroundings were.  

“No, I’m good. Thank you though.”

He nodded as he pulled a stool towards him to sit. The counter separated the two of you. “We have about thirty minutes before the usuals start coming in.”

“Okay.”

Be brave. Be brave. Be brave.

“Did you read it? The letter?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

And it scared the shit out of me.

“Fucking hell,” you cursed, sighing lightly. “I’m so confused, James. It was so fucking confusing.”

“Why?”

“Because of the dates. Every time I thought there may be a hint of something more, you’d set me up on another date with some other guy who I didn’t even like. Did you do it on purpose?”

“No. Not consciously at least. I would never,” his voice slowly trailed off.

“But?” you pressed.

“But I did spend time thinking about it and… reflecting, I guess. And I think my defense mechanism or insecurities or whatever did have a role in it, but I never noticed until you pointed it out.”

“That’s a fucking dick move, you know.”

“I know,” he swallowed, tired eyes on the counter flitting up to meet yours. “I’m sorry. Truly. ”

“And what is it with these?” You pointed to the cups in front of you. “Why is everyone so obsessed with these?”

He leaned forward on his forearms. “I used to write little pieces of poetry whenever you came in. Or messages when you didn’t look like you were having a good day. Just innocuous stuff.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought you saw them but didn’t care. A bunch of times you threw them away pretty quickly so I kinda figured you were doing it to save me from humiliation. So I just stopped after a while.”

“I didn’t see them.”

“Yes, I know that now.”

“Do you remember some of the stuff you wrote?” you asked hopefully. “Do I get to read it now?”

“All of it.” He laughed and pulled away from the counter. “But you’re not going to see it again. It’s too embarrassing.”

“Why do you hate everything you write so much?”

He shrugged. “I tend to get dramatic a lot. And emotional.”

“That isn’t a bad thing.”

Wordless, he just picked up a cloth to wipe at some glasses he knew were already clean. Until, “Any more questions?”

“Why didn’t you like Rumlow?”

“Oh, come on.” He looked at you like you were kidding, disbelieving. His expression fell when he realized you weren’t.  “Really?”

“Really. We’re getting all the skeletons out now.”

“Because-” a disgruntled sigh, “because he was absolute garbage! He was a fucking dick and I already hated him, but then he went and did that whole thing with Dot-“ he gestured wildly to make up for unfound words.

“-And after that I literally couldn’t look at his face without wanting to punch the living shit out of him.”

If it wasn’t clear by now, you could tell by the clench of his jaw that talking about Rumlow triggered something in Bucky.

Deciding to spare his anger before it spiraled through less important explanations, you pointed at the bandage wrapped around his knuckles. “What happened here?”

“Punched a wall.” That was a lie, you could tell. But you didn’t push it any further. “Pulled a Kyle.”

You rolled your eyes at his outdated joke, but he didn’t seem to mind, going back to wiping at the mugs in silence.

You just watched him breathe through it, his shoulders dropping tight tension as seconds passed.

“You know, you never actually told me what happened at the bar,” he spoke up, attempting to change the topic smoothly, but it didn’t go unnoticed.

“How much do you know?”

“Only what Dot told me, honestly.”

Fucking Dolores.

You groaned. “Dot? Fucking Dot knows about what happened?”

“She doesn’t know anything,” he interrupted before you had the chance to whine more.

You looked at him quizzically.

“It wasn’t my story to tell. She just said that your reaction made her realize there was some kind of history between you and Rumlow because no one leaves so suddenly in the middle of a conversation.”

You were gonna regret this but-

“Why was she in your room that day?”

He titled his head in confusion. “Which day?”

“Your birthday. I came to give you your present and she was wearing your shirt.”

It was like you couldn’t help yourself.

You cleared your throat after a beat, straightening your posture. “Actually, I’m sorry it’s none of my business. I didn’t-“

“Becca spilled her drink on her,” he explained coolly. Not defensive in the least. “I just gave her a shirt so that she didn’t have to stay in that for the rest of the night. Nothing happened between us.”

Oh. Becca had mentioned that she’d spilt her drink on fucking Dolores. Okay, maybe you didn’t connect the story. In anger. Maybe a little jealousy.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my place to ask.”

“It’s alright. I was going to clear it up that day but you left so suddenly.” You almost snorted as he continued, “She asked about you after the bar. She was a little worried.”

Slowly, the guilt of disliking her so badly was starting to creep into your mind. You’d always known there was no real reason to.

You owed her an apology basket.

Maybe two.

“What’s going on in your head? I can feel you thinking too much all the way here.”

“Who the hell writes people rejection letters, Bucky?” The thought was absurd enough to warrant a smile from you and a small laugh from him.

“Told you it was dorky.”

“Didn’t realize it was to this degree.”

“Yeah, well.” He shrugged, not saying anything to defend himself.

You glanced at the clock above the register. You had only ten minutes to go, and almost all the questions you had thought of had been answered.

Almost.

The one thing you wanted to know itched at you, aching to get out but you weren’t sure you had the confidence to just fucking ask-

“You good? Sure I can’t get you a-“

“Do you have feelings for me?” you asked directly. A straight shot.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise. To be honest, you were almost shocked yourself at how blunt you’d just been, but you were so tired. So tired. You wanted it done, out in the open. Clear air for once.

“Like, right now. This instant.”

“Y/N, I-” A sigh. A slow comb of his hands through his hair. A glance to the side.

“The letter, James.” You didn’t break your stare. Didn’t dare. Your heart felt two seconds from bursting through your chest. “You wrote it in the letter that you used to.”

No movement aside from a shift of his gaze downward, focusing on restless fingers. He pursed his lips, another sigh. But he said nothing.

Seconds of silence passed.

It almost felt suffocating.

Your eyebrows were knit together. “Bucky-”

“Yes.” You fell silent as his eyes met yours with little hesitation. “Yes. I do.”

You didn’t know what you were expecting him to say, but you froze. You opened your mouth but shut it again, unable to form any words. Well fuck.

His shrug was nonchalant, but the fall of his shoulders to a defeated slump was anything but. “Y/N, you have to know that our friendship means the world to me, and if this is going to change everything, then please, please stop me right now.” “I-”

“You’re my Mario,” his voice cracked but the corner of his lips tugged upwards. “I can’t afford to lose that.”

You didn’t know what to say. Of course everything it would change things between you. How could it not?

It’s not like you wanted to give up what you had with him. You didn’t know if you were being selfish, but the intensity of whatever it is that you were feeling was there and it hurt.

“Don’t-” he interrupted your train of thought with a restrained, almost forced smile. An attempt at confidence, perhaps. “Don’t overthink this. You really don’t have to say anything.”

“I just-” Bucky continued, another dramatic gesturing of his hands when words fell short. “Figured it was ‘bout time you knew. Properly.”

“Since when?” you sounded unsure.  

“How long? Oh, man.” He laughed softly and shook his head. “Shits, I think it’s been a good couple of years now.”

Silently, you mulled it all over. Sat with it all for a minute.

He smiled, genuine now. No longer forced and tight, but relieved at the loss of the weight on his chest.

He set down the glass he was holding and swung the rag over his shoulder.

“I’m… fuckin’ shit at communication, Y/N,” he admitted as your lips pursed. “You know that. I couldn’t tell you, I couldn’t tell Dot. I couldn’t talk to Becca, forget anyone else. It’s so fucking hard for me to talk about-”

“Feelings?”

“Feelings,” he confirmed, nodding. “Emotions. It’s almost like I can’t. It’s easier just shut up and listen to others talk all the time.”

It made sense.

Even though he asked you not to overthink, everything he did was thought over, and then thought over again, and again and million more times just out of selfless concern.

“It feels selfish. And I hate feeling that way.”

You knew he wasn’t very open but this-

This was new to you. It didn’t shock you like you’d thought it would, but it was still… a little difficult to hear.

“What you feel is important too, you know. Not that you should feel that way, but it’s okay to be a little selfish,” you replied, voice soft.

“Yeah well-“ He paused before shaking his head. “Communicating is just something I have to work on, I guess.”

“Me too, apparently,” was your mumbled response.

All of this could have been avoided if you’d just had this conversation months ago. Like proper adults. Mature adults.

“We both have some serious issues,” he said lightly, cracking a smile at you.

You didn’t respond. You just played with the hem of your scarf, unraveling a piece of thread from the rest of it.

You could hear the sound of cars pulling up to the shop. A glance at the clock confirmed an incoming crowd.

But something felt incomplete.

You felt uneasy.

“Ah fuck, here they come,” he cursed, a quick smoothening his hair before pulling on his barista cap.

You took it as your sign to leave, gathering your few belongings that sat scattered before you.

“I’ll see you around Buck-”

“Y/N.”

You lifted your head to meet his stare.

“I know I shouldn’t really be asking this, but are we- We’re good, right?”

You stopped your own restless fidgeting.

You couldn’t tell him you weren’t sure, could you? Could you tell him that and that you were relieved?

Relieved that it hadn’t been in your head, that there were feelings on his end. Angry, though, that even if his intentions with the dates had been pure, what he did kinda sucked. That misunderstandings which could’ve been solved with a little maturity and a little communication lingered for so long, caused so many sleepless nights.

Could you tell him all of that and how it all hurt?

You knew he wasn’t looking for reciprocation. You knew he didn’t deem himself worthy of it. Even though he was good. Through it all, he was still good. Probably always would be. Too scared to hurt others, too scared to put the weight of his feelings on anyone else.

Maybe that’s why it was so confusing.

It was so fucking confusing.

His stare didn’t waver even as the bell above the door rang, signaling a new customer. Never a lapse in intensity.

“Yeah. I think we’re good.”

[coffeecakefanfics]

The 1,001 Clichés of A Teenage Romance (Peter Parker x Fem!Reader)

Studying with Ned was nothing new to Peter, but actually stopping by ‘Kay’s Coffee and bakery’ for coffee was.  The coffee shop sat two buildings down from his apartment and Aunt May would stop in before work every morning.  With her day off she asked Peter and Ned to run and get her a coffee and whatever they’d like.  

It was a typical coffee shop, the walls were painted a muted cream and the tables were a beautiful sturdy oak.  There were pictures of New York plastered on the wall along with a big picture of the “Kay” family.  Behind the counter was a menue board along with a black board with the desserts of the day scribbled in pink and yellow chalk.  

“Good morning, welcome to Kay’s Coffee and Bakery where every cup is brewed fresh and every baked good is homemade how can I help yo- Oh hey I know you two from school,”  The girl stood behind the counter.  She had a smile on her face.  She wore a plain black long sleeve with a small Kay’s logo on the left breast.  The half apron she wore was black and the name tag was pinned to the top ‘Y/N’

“We have Calc, bio, and english together and im pretty sure we share a lunch break too,” she beamed.

“Oh yeah you’re in drama and on the volleyball team right?” Ned kind of lit up.

“Yup, and i’m in knowledge bowl, student council, and they’re trying to get me to join prom planning,” she kind of laughed. Peter recognized her alright, she was the top hitter on the volleyball team, he remembers watching her last season with MJ. 

“You stay busy then?” Peter piped up this time.

“Well I mean between school, clubs, and work i’m surprised I have time for anything else,” She took a deep breath at that. “So, what can I get you guys?”

“I need an,” Peter looked at the text May had sent him, “Iced French Vanilla with Extra Extra Cream and white chocolate syrup and a coffee cake muffin” he finished and peeked up at the girl who was already brewing the drink. 

“So you’re the famous nephew huh?” she teased as she poured the creamer into the cup. Peters face went flush and he started to stutter

“I-well I uh”

“It’s fine, I think it’s sweet.  She tells me how good you take care of her and the trouble you get in to.  It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of my morning.  Everyone else is suuuch a drag,” She laughed and slid the drink and muffin across the counter. “Anything else?”

“We don’t really drink coffee,” Peter turned to Ned. “do you want anything?”

“Yeah can I have a hot chocolate?”  He asked.

“Of course, plain or with extras, extras are free of charge except espresso shots”

“However you like it is fine”

“alright that’ll be $8.27 thank you,” she took the cash, gave them change and went to making the drink. 

“May We’re back” Peter called into the apartment.  May came almost running from the couch to grab her coffee. 

“You are a life saver,” she kissed the top of his head.

“Come oonn” he gently pushed her back.

“Where’s Ned?”

“He had to go home, something about a new episode of a show, I don’t know” He flopped onto the chair cockeyed to the couch.

“She’s cute right?” May smirked and set her drink down.

“I mean yeah, She’s pretty, but she’s also popular,” he shrugged. 

“Peter, baby, she has a job and a full ride to MIT, not to mention she likes a lot of the same dorky stuff you do,” she shifted and looked at him. “You haven’t been on a date in years Pete, why not go now?” she poked.

“She probably already has someone, I mean she is popular, remember?”

“I think you should go for it, get out of the house,” The conversation ended there. Peter laid in bed that night thinking about how he’d spot her in class or in the halls.  She was pretty, but she was also busy, he didn’t want to mess with her schedule. 

Lunch rooms are the devil, they’re clique filled and loud, but the only time he can actually talk to his friends. 

“Come on you KNOW that padme just lost the will to live,” How the topic started none of them new all they new was Peter and Ned were going at it again and MJ wanted out. “Dude she just gave up, her husband joined the darkside, face the facts”

“Actually, Palpatine took her life force for Anakin, Padme was a strong woman who fought for what was right, she wouldn’t just leave her babies alone,” Y/n jumped in and sat next to MJ. Ned and Peter looked at each other and back at the girl.

“What i’m popular not uncultured,” she laughed. “Okay MJ I need some serious help with knowledge bowl studying”

“Y/n, I love you, I do, but I’m busy this week, I have a ton of homework because Mr. Braun decided to be a dick, I’m sorry,” MJ spoke remorsefully.

“My meet is monday, it’s going to decide who goes to state, is there no way you can help,” Y/n pleaded with her friend.

“I’m sorry, I am, but I can’t fail this class”

“You’re right I’m sorry, if you need help studying or doing homework i’ll help you” She smiled and went to stand. 

“Peter can help,” Ned blurted

“I can?” Peter turned his head sharply.

“He can, he has a stark internship until 6 but after that he’s free,” Ned motioned with his eyes from Peter to the Girl.  

“I-uh-I, yeah I can help,” he stuttered and flushed.

“Peter you really don’t have to,” she gave him a sympathetic look.

“Yeah no, it’s uh, no problem,” he smiled awkwardly.

“You just saved my life, I owe you.  I’ll meet you at the coffee shop and we can go to my place after okay?” she beamed.  Peter liked her smile, it was bright. 

“Of course” he grinned. 

“Y/N, Game plan!” One of the other girls called.

“Sorry, I have to go but tonight at 6,” she lit up as she grabbed her tray and jogged over to her friends.

“What the fuck?” peter turned to Ned.

“I saw how you looked at her at the coffee shop, and you haven’t been on a date in years. it’s my job as a wing man to help you get dates,” Ned shrugged and took a bite of the sandwich in front of him. Peter sighed and pulled his phone out.

P:Hey May, I’m helping a friend study I won’t be home till late

M:You’re not patrolling are you?

P:No, I’m seriously helping a friend study

M:Stay safe, I sent you $10 for dinner <3

The streets were dim when Peter walked up to the shop.  She stood locking the door.

“Hey” He called.

“Peter Hi,” she grinned and waved. 

“So um, y-your place?” he tugged at his straps. 

“Yeah, I live in those apartments right there,” she nodded at the building two doors down.

“Wait, what? so do I, how come I never see you?” he turns to her. 

“I usually take the fire escape home, I hate walking through the lobby, and I can sneak in without having to talk to my family,” she laughed. “Not that they’re bad people, I just get over worked and don’t want to take it out on them” they walked into the lobby and got in the elevator.

“Don’t worry about them being home, I live with my dad and he’s on a business trip,” she unlocked the door and let Peter walk in.  It was cleanly decorated with neutral greys, whites and blacks. 

“This is nice,” he lets his eyes wander the apartment.

“Yeah, it’s how my mom liked it,” she smiled sadly.  Peter remembers it happening, it was one of the attacks on New York, The avengers couldn’t get everyone out in time, 3 people had died that day.

“I’m sorry for your loss”

“I’m not, she’s why I do what I do” The girl smiles and kicks her shoes off, “my room is back here, it’s way cooler than this,” she laughs and drags him to her room.  Warm LED lights illuminate the room.  Peter spins and looks at all the posters and figurines scattered around the room.  The walls are decorated with posters of various animes and shows. He turns to the tv stand and sees shelves full of games. 

“Told you I’m cultured,” she teases and sits on the bed. Peter sits next to her.  She pulls out her laptop and plugs a flash drive into it. 

“So this will give you questions and the answer, I get a point if I get it right,” she smiles and spins the screen to him. “thanks for doing this, by the way,” she adjusts and holds a decorative pillow to her chest.

They had been at this for nearly two hours she was growing frustrated and uneasy.

“Who wrote A farewell to Arms?”

“Hemmingway” she looed pleadingly

“Yes,” he beamed and went to click next.

“I can’t anymore, I’m done,” she flopped back on the bed. “This sucks” she yells muffled by her pillow.

“Then why keep doing it?” he closes the laptop. She sits up and pushes her hair out of her face. 

“That is a topic for a different level of friendship,” she smirks and looks him over.  She had had a crush on him forever, and by forever she means since last year.  She admired how his eyes kind of drifted around the room. 

“Do you need to go home yet?” she asked. His eyes jumped back to her and locked. 

“No, I live two floors down so it’ll only take a minute to get home”

“Do you want to play a game or watch a movie?” she asked, getting up and grabbing the controller. His face kind of flushed. “A-a movie is fine”

“What? scared I’ll kicked your ass or something?” she smirked.

“No way I just don’t want to make you cry when I beat you,” he joked cockily with her.

“Oh you’re on Parker, Injustice 2?” she looked back at him and he nodded.

“Black Canary is way to OP this is bullshit,” Peter throws his hands up. Y/N laid laughing at him.  His phone cut the laughter short.

“it’s May sorry,” he picked up the phone. “Peter it’s 10 pm where are you?!” she called into the line.

“there’s no way it’s-” he looked at his watch. “Oh shit, May I’m sorry i’m coming down now,” he hung up.

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize how late it is,” he scrambled to grab his stuff. 

“Fire escape is faster than the lobby, there’s a window to the hallway if you go to the right” she grabbed his phone and bag for him. 

“i had fun,” he smiled at her.

“I did too, especially since I kicked your ass at injustice,” she smirked.

“I’ll see you at school monday?” he asked.

“Um, I’m free saturday if you want to come over, we can play games or watch a movie or something? I’ll get us pizza or-” she trailed off.

“I’d love to,” he blushed.

“It’s a date,” she smiled and opened her window. Peter stepped out onto the landing. 

“Hey peter?” she called and he turned to her.  She leaned out and kissed his cheek. “A little something for the road,” she held something wrapped in white paper to him. He shut the door to his apartment. 

“There you are, I was worried sick,” May scolded.

“I was upstairs with a friend, I’m sorry we lost track of time.  He set the paper on the counter and opened it.  A fresh coffee cake was sitting in a small box with a note

‘For May and Peter’ 

[octbrsaturn]

REPENT - ARVIN RUSSELL

note: hi friends ! so this is my first time posting on tumblr (i normally just post on wattpad haha) and also my first time writing for arvin ever, so please be nice !! i changed a few things in this (for example, arvin lives with emma and everyone, but they’re still in the same state, instead of moving states) sorry ! i’ve not seen any black!girl pairings for arvin so i decided i’d start it ;) i hope i did it well. 

anyway, please enjoy !

warnings: contains harsh language against black people (one time), harsh language, blood, violence, (mentions of) death, protective!arvin

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PART ONE

A lot of major things happened in 1945. Truman became president after Roosevelt died. Hiroshima and Nagasaki surrendered to the United States. Hitler died.

And Y/N M/N Lewis was born.

Y/N was born in May of 1945 to William and Marie Lewis, first-time parents. The second she popped out, Y/N was the light of their world. Everything about her was perfect - her gorgeous espresso skin was smooth, with no blemishes or marks. She had curly black hair on top of her head, even right when she was born. Her eyes were a dark, dark brown - almost black. But if you looked close enough, you could see that her eyes were indeed brown.

William and Marie moved to West Virginia in 1948, their now four-year-old daughter in tow. They were originally from a small town in East Tennessee, and they'd moved to West Virginia for work. Despite the move at such a young age, Y/N was still a great little girl. She didn't argue very much, she was always polite to everyone, and she had a constant smile on her face. People tended to comment on her Appalachian accent that she already had despite her young age.

The house that the Lewis family moved into wasn't very big. It was two rooms and two bathrooms, which was perfect for a small family. William always said that they didn't need much - all they needed was to be together, and they would be alright. Y/N always listened to her father's words - she practically hung off of every syllable. The way her father spoke was so eloquent and melodic, Y/N could sit and listen to him talk for hours. So when her father said those words, she agreed wholeheartedly, and never forgot it. She didn't know what she would do if she didn't have her mommy and daddy with her.

A few hours after freshly moving into the house, William decided to pack Marie and Y/N in the car and drive them up the road to the neighbors. Of course, he was wary of the idea. He didn't want to piss off any white folk and put a target on his and his family's back. But he decided to be nice and give a quick hello, tell them that they won't be any bother, and drive back down to their home.

William pulled up into the dirt driveway of the house, seeing a man sitting on a rocking chair on the porch, a beer in his hand. He stood up slowly and put his beer down on the brown, wooden porch before making his way over to the Lewis family, confused as to why they were there.

William stepped out of the car, telling Marie that it would only be a moment. Marie nodded and prayed to God that these people were kind and not ignorant. She'd already been through a lifetime of ignorance and hate. She didn't want it anymore. She watched as William walked around the car, starting to tell the man his name and their reason for being there.

Y/N watched with nervous eyes, cowering in the corner of the back seat as she watched her father talk to this scary looking man. Her parents taught Y/N to be careful when first meeting people.

Willard put a hand out for William to shake. He did so, introducing himself as William Lewis, the new neighbor down the hill.

"Willard Russell," Willard replied, giving the man a nod. "Pleasure to meet ya."

"That there's my wife, Marie," William turned to Marie, who gave a soft wave to Willard. "And in the back is my very own pride and joy, Y/N Lewis."

Willard Russell's eyes traveled to the back of the car and through the window to see a shaking little girl. Willard was confused for a moment, thinking that it wasn't too cold out, not yet. After a moment's thought, he realized that she wasn't cold - the poor girl was scared. Willard took a better look in the car, stepping closer and bending down so he could be seen through the window. He gave a soft smile and stuck his hand in through the window. "Hello, Y/N. Nice to meet ya, baby girl."

Y/N looked between the man's hand and face. Marie turned in her seat. Y/N’s eyes shifted over to her mother, asking if this man could be trusted. Marie nodded with a soft smile. "Go on, baby. Shake the man's hand."

Y/N looked back at the man as he stayed there, waiting for her to take his hand. Willard's hand didn't falter. He needed to show this girl that he could be trusted. "I won't hurt ya."

Y/N slowly put her hand out, grabbing him and shaking it softly. Her hands still shook, but not as much as before. She looked into the man's eyes and realized that he wouldn't hurt her - his hands were gentle, despite the callouses and blisters. Y/N looked back at the man's eyes. He gave her a small wink with a smile. She smiled back softly, a giggle escaping her lips.

The door of the house opened. A woman walks out with a boy on her hip, him playing softly with her short, red hair. She walked over and stopped by her husband. "Willard? What's goin' on, honey?"

"Baby," Willard let go of Y/N’s hand and turned to the woman. "this is William, Marie, and little Y/N. They took over the Roger's old house down the road." Willard explained as the woman put down the little boy. Without a moment's thought, the boy walked over beside his father and leaned on his tip-toes to see inside the car. He had a blue baseball cap sat on his brown hair. Y/N couldn't see his entire face very well - just his cap, a pair of brown eyes, and lightly freckles cheeks. The boy didn't talk. He just looked into the car. And Y/N just looked right back.

"Oh, how nice! It's nice to meet y'all, I'm Charlotte, and right there's our Arvin." Charlotte introduced herself. Arvin was still staring at Y/N. His eyes hadn't moved away from her's once.

It was hard for everyone to understand what Arvin was thinking at that moment. He'd never been the most social kid. He tended not to share his feelings unless he truly needed to. Nobody, not even Charlotte or Willard, could tell you what Arvin had running through his mind.

Arvin couldn't take his eyes away from her. Even at four years old, this boy knew that Y/N was going to be one of the most important people in his life.

"Arvin!" Willard shouted, snapping the boy out of his daze. He looked up at his dad, peeling his eyes away from Y/N. "It's not nice to stare, boy. Be polite."

"Hello," Arvin said, looking back at Y/N, still standing on his toes to see in the car and peering into the window.

"Hi there," Y/N answered back, finally speaking. For some reason, she felt like Arvin was the only person here that she could talk to - even at only four years old. He looked very nice and looked like he was a good person to play with. "I'm Y/N M/N Lewis. I'm four."

"I'm Arvin Eugene Russell," Arvin replied. "I'm four, too! Wanna play with my Lincoln Logs? My daddy just got me some."

Y/N looked over at her mother, who gave her a short nod, telling her that it was fine. Y/N looked back at Arvin and let out a happy, "Yes!"

Arvin opened the car door and stuck out his hand, just like his daddy taught him to. Y/N grabbed it without any hesitation and Arvin helped her climb out. He kept a hold on her hand and dragged her into the house to show her the new toys his dad had gotten for him.

The Russells and the Lewis' watched as the two ran off, all understanding that they those were going to get along just fine.

And they were right.

At age nine, Arvin and Y/N were starting the third grade. Their schools had just integrated, letting colored kids and white kids go to school together. When Arvin had heard the news, he jumped around the entire house with joy, letting out whoops and hollers of happiness. His dog, Jack, ran around with him as well, howling as if he was happy, too.

William was nervous, knowing that Y/N was about to go through one of the hardest things in her life. He knew that the kids at school weren't going to be happy about the integration. He had talked with William about it, asking him to talk to Arvin. He wanted Arvin to keep a lookout for the girl and let William know about anything Arvin saw, so he could talk to Y/N about it. But Willard, as always, took it a step ahead.

Willard had grown to love the girl as if she was his own. He always let her over to their house whenever she wanted (She didn't have to knock before entering anymore), he would teach her little lessons like he did Arvin, he even once took her hunting with them. Hell, he even took her and Arvin out for ice cream when she hit her first buck. Y/N was pretty much a Russell at heart.

So when Willard realized that their schools were integrating, his heart was filled with dread.

Not because he didn't want the schools to integrate - of course not. He fought in the war for people to progress, and realize that skin color doesn't and shouldn't separate anyone. Willard Russell was more scared for Y/N to start school with the other white kids, whose parents were raised on the belief that colored kids were less than them. He knew how awful kids could be - they'd be ruthless towards her.

So Sunday night, the night before Y/N first day, Willard took Arvin by the arm and took him out to the prayer log. Arvin didn't understand why his father was taking him out there, but he didn't dare ask. He just waited until he was on his knees with his hands folded, ready to pray for whatever his father told him to.

"Arvin," Willard said slowly, staring at the log. "Tomorrow is Y/n’s first day of school with you."

"Yes, I know, daddy!" Arvin said happily. He noticed that his father's hands weren't clasped and he didn't look like he was about to start praying. So Arvin turned to his father more, sitting on his bottom with his back against the log. "I can't wait to show her around."

"I can bet," Willard laughed, ruffling his son's hair. "But I need to tell you some things. This may not go as smoothly as you'll hope."

"What do you mean?" Arvin asked. Truth be told, Arvin was incredibly excited for his best friend to start school with him. He couldn't wait until he got to show her around his school, show her to her classes, eat lunch with her, play on the playground with her. But his father looked scared, so now Arvin was feeling a little scared. Come to think about it, whenever Arvin talked to his mother about it, she'd always give a small, close-lipped smile, say "Yeah, baby ..." and nod.

"I ain't never raised you to take this into account," Willard stated, sighing. He moved to sit beside his son, with his back against the prayer log as well. "But you and Y/N technically ... y'all ain't the same."

"I know," Arvin nodded. "She's a girl and I'm a boy. But I don't care, daddy, she's still my best - "

"Not like that," Willard stopped him before he could go into one of his famous 'we're best friends and ain't nothin' gonna change that' tangent that he got into whenever it came to Y/N. "I know y'all are best friends. That's perfectly fine and dandy. But what I'm sayin' is ... is that Y/N ain't look the same as you. Her skin ain't the same."

"Oh ... I noticed that," Arvin shrugged. "I 'on't care, though."

"That's good," Willard nodded, happy that he was getting somewhere. "You shouldn't care. Because you know that her mommy and daddy are amazing people, right? And sunshine is an amazing girl?"

"Only I can call her that," Arvin said to his dad (referring to the nickname he started calling her when they went out in a field once and Y/N’s skin glowed in the sun like he ain’t never seen before) before nodding and agreeing. Willard nodded, knowing his son was a little protective already. "But yes. They're all good people."

"Others ain't gon' always think like that," Willard said quickly. "Others ain't gonna give Y/N a chance like you did. They're gonna see that she don't look the same as them, and they're gonna be mean to her for it."

Arvin could feel his heart drop into his stomach. "Mean to sunny? Why? She's ain't never mean to no one. She's never been mean to me in my whole entire life. She ain't do nothin' wrong, did she, daddy?" Arvin asked, his eyebrows furrowed. It didn't make any sense to him - why would anyone be rude to Y/N Lewis? She was the best person on the planet - even better than Arvin himself. Only people who are mean should be hurt. Not nice people.

"It's like I told you, son, they'll take one good look at the color of her skin and decide that she's not equal. There's a lotta no good sons a bitches out there." Willard said. "But I need you to listen real close-like, okay? She's still your best friend. And I'm gon' need you to protect her with everything you've got, alright? Don't let nobody touch her. Don't let her get hurt. Do you hear me?"

Arvin nodded. He'd do it. He swore it. Not just to his father, but to himself. And to sunny.

The first day of school came quickly. Arvin was up all night, punching the pillow that he had taped to the wall to prepare for the next day. Arvin didn't get picked on at school. Some of the kids knew him as the boy who was friends with the colored girl, but he never really minded it.

So Arvin stayed up all night, planning out his entire day. He would grab Evelyn's hand the second that she was by him. Then, whenever someone looked like they wanted to hurt her, he'd pull her behind him so he could protect her. He practiced everything he'd say to the mean people - 'get away' or 'leave her alone' or something. Arvin fell asleep that night somehow. His mind was too busy racing with the thoughts of tomorrow.

The next day, William walked Y/N up to the Russell's house so Y/N could get on the bus with Arvin. Despite his nerves, Arvin still smiled at the girl. She had her thick hair in twists and in pigtails on both sides of her head. She had on a pretty yellow dress that went down a little past her knees. On her feet were white socks with frills on the ends and nice, black shoes. She had a gray backpack that looked a little worn, but still got the job done. Y/N skipped up to Arvin with a smile, gently nudging him when she reached him.

Arvin immediately held onto the girl's hand and didn't let go, just like he'd planned. Y/N and her father had talked the night before, so Y/N knew that she was going to get picked on for what she looked like, but she knew that if she had Arvin with her, then she'd be fine.

William stood beside Willard as Arvin and Y/N talked to each other, still holding hands. "Do you think they'll be okay?" William asked.

"Your girl will be fine," Willard answered. "She's the strongest outta all of us. And Arvin's got her back. He ain't gon' let nothin' happen to her."

William nodded, watching as the school bus made it's way around the corner and right in front of the Russell's home. They watched as Arvin gently led the girl onto the bus, never once letting go of her hand.

The bus was silent for a moment. Arvin looked around for an empty seat. He eventually found one near the back and walked the girl towards it. Once they made it, he stepped aside and let Y/N sit in the window seat. He knew she'd like it, but he also knew that if she sat on the inside, people couldn't mess with her as easily.

The bus ride was pretty okay. Nobody teased the girl - they just asked her name and how old she was. Arvin could tell that they knew he meant business - he wasn't gonna let nothing slide by him.

The bus pulled into the school and everyone was let off. Arvin grabbed a hold of Y/N’s hand and walked her around the school, showing her things like the cafeteria and the gymnasium. Everything was going great. People just stared at them, not saying rude things. Y/N seemed to be okay, and Arvin was more than happy to show her every nook and corner of the school. Eventually, though, he was stopped by Dean Cooper.

Dean Cooper was known for being the kid that never let anyone breathe. He messed with everyone, despite looking like he couldn't hurt a fly on the outside. He had nice brown hair that was always done well, with stormy blue eyes and tan skin. He had a dimple on his left cheek, Arvin figured it was from all of the evil smirking that he did.

"Little Arvin Russell," Dean said with that exact evil smirk. "How's it going?"

"Leave us alone, Dean," Arvin said lowly, hoping to go through the whole day without getting into another fight. His black eye from earlier was just starting to go away, and he didn't want another one. When Y/N saw his black eye, the poor girl cried her eyes out. Arvin could've sworn that she was hurting more than he was.

Dean's eyes flitted over to Y/N. She took a step closer to Arvin, holding onto his arm, starting to get scared. Arvin kept a hold on her hand and pushed her further behind him, hoping that Dean would focus back on Arvin, rather than Y/N.

"Who do we have here?" Dean asked with a fake grin, one that didn't look like he was truly asking. It looked like he wanted to know just to mess with her.

"Leave us alone," Arvin repeated himself, not backing down from Dean.

"I heard the rumors, Arvin," Dean laughed, stepping around to see Y/N shaking in fear. Arvin could feel her trembling - it broke his heart. He hated to see - or feel - her like this. Gripping his arm with all her might, trying her hardest to be brave. Arvin didn't care how scared the girl was - he'd always be brave for her. He decided that last night. "But I never figured they were true."

"What rumors?" Arvin practically growled.

"That you're a nigger-lover."

That day, Arvin came home with a bruised eye and two bloody knuckles. The truth was, he'd gotten off amazing compared to Dean Cooper, who had a bloody nose and a deep gash on his cheek. Y/N had a bloody elbow from being pushed over by Dean, which sent Arvin into a fit of rage that got Dean his bloody nose.

Arvin felt awful for Y/N - he couldn't believe that she'd gotten knocked over. He was upset that he let it get that far. He should've punched the boy when he first called him that name - when he called her that name. But he was pretty happy with how Dean ended up. His father was also proud, telling him to always protect Y/N because it was what she deserved. Arvin agreed with his dad wholeheartedly.

Years later and this was still the case. It was now the year 1963. Y/N and Arvin are both eighteen years old and seniors in high school. For the most part, people had gotten used to the fact that coloreds were allowed to share rooms with the whites, even though they were still pissed off about it. Y/N was now on the cheer team. She had practice every day (that Arvin would pick her up from). She still wasn't one to fight anybody. She mostly kept to herself when it came to school, never looking for trouble.

Arvin was still her best friend. The two were never apart. He always looked out for her, no matter what classes they had. He always had an eye out for her, making sure that nobody was causing her trouble.

Y/N was more grateful for it than he'd ever know.

The two were something. Sure, best friends, but everyone around them knew that there was something under the surface, something they couldn't see, but knew was there.

What they didn't know, was that Arvin Russell was now absolutely in love with Y/N Lewis. They didn't know that he thought about her every day, that she was the first thing on his mind in the morning and the last thing he thought about before bed. They didn't know that there were times that he couldn't eat because he was too busy thinking about Y/N, hoping that she was okay, especially after everything she'd gone through the last couple of years.

What they didn't know was that Y/N Lewis was also completely infatuated with Arvin Russell.

The final bell rang at three o'clock, as it always did. Arvin and his step-sister Lenora walked out of the school and towards his car, so Arvin could take her to see her mother's grave, just like he always did. It was just a few turns to get there, not a long drive at all.

After Lenora was done with her mother, Arvin dropped her off at their home with their grandma Emma and uncle Earksell.

"Thanks, Arvin," Lenora said to her brother before stepping out. She leaned in through the window, watching as Arvin lit up another cigarette and placed it in his mouth. "You goin' to get Y/N now?"

Arvin nodded. "She had that big math test. I think I'm gon' treat her to a shake, so I'll be home a little later than normal. I'll see you, Lenora."

Lenora waved goodbye and walked inside.

Y/N stood outside of the highschool by herself. Arvin was a little later than usual, but she didn't mind. She was forever grateful for the boy always giving her rides that she couldn't complain whenever he was late - she'd feel too awful.

About thirty minutes after normal, and Arvin pulled up in front of her. He was ready to get out and search for Y/N when he noticed that she was already there, waiting for him. She walked towards the car with a smile on her face. Arvin opened the door from inside and watched as she sat inside. He grabbed a cigarette and quickly lit it, letting out a long breath. The smoke went out of the window.

"What'd I tell you about waitin' outside for me?" Arvin chastised the girl after she shut the car door behind her. His lips held a frown that others would cower at, Y/N only gave the boy a funny look.

She rolled her eyes and looked out her window while Arvin drove off. "It's not a big deal, it was only like ... I dunno, forty-five minutes, maybe?"

"Forty-f - sunshine, you cannot be outside all by your lonesome for that damn long! Do you know what coulda happened to you in all that time?"

"Arvin, you're freaking out over nothing again."

"You know what Dean Cooper would've done if he knew you were out there by yourself? He wouldn't hesitate." Y/N replied, his heart starting to beat faster at the simple thought of Dean Cooper.

The boy was still around, and he was still a problem. Most of the time whenever he saw Y/N, he also saw Arvin, so he'd leave her alone. But that didn't stop from the constant rude words from the back of the class, or the laughing in her face as she walked down the hallways. Sure, Y/N was strong. She'd kept her head up through the integrating of schools across America - but she still had feelings. A lot of the time, the girl would cry in her room by herself. But Arvin didn't need to know that - he had enough on his back, the last thing she wanted to do was burden him with more of her problems.

"Dean Cooper went home early!" Y/N laughed back. "He ain't even here!"

Arvin piped down at this. His mouth snapped shut and he nodded softly at the road. "O-Okay, fine. But still. If I'm late, then you stay inside - "

"Stay inside a bathroom until you come and find me, I know," Y/N grumbled, leaning back into the seat. She didn't like Arvin's rules, but she knew that they were ultimately for the best. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, there were still people who weren't going to like her. That was something that took her a long time to cope with - that there wasn't one thing on Earth that would make some people like her. She'd gotten over it for the most part, but sometimes she still got sad.

"I'm just trying to keep you safe." Arvin glanced at the girl with sorry eyes. She looked back at him with a smile and grateful eyes.

"I know," Y/N answered. "And I love you for it. Thank you." She leaned over and kissed the boy on the cheek. Arvin felt his cheeks heat up, but he ignored it. He gave the girl a smile back after taking another puff of his cigarette.

"You're welcome," Arvin replied. After a moment's silence, he continued. "So, you had that big math test today, right? How'd that go?"

"I passed!" Y/N said happily, digging out the paper from her bag and showing Arvin the big red A+ that was circled on the top of her paper. "I am no longer failing arithmetic!"

"I knew you could do it! See, I told you that Trevor Wilkinson was the best tutor on God's green Earth!" Arvin laughed, taking the girl's hand and giving it a happy squeeze. He brought her hand up to his lips and gave her knuckles a small kiss before letting her hand go. "I'm so happy for you, sunshine."

"Thanks! Maybe you can go out and order some food from a diner and we can see a drive-in movie tonight," Y/N offered with a smile, hoping that she'd get more time with Arvin this weekend. Since he lived a few towns away from her, the two didn't get to see each other as much as they could when they were kids. And since her mother had died, Y/N’s father has been a little off-putting. Y/N didn't have as much fun with him as she used to.

"I'm fine with that," He agreed, slowing down his car and pulling into the diner. "But before that, I've already decided that I'm gonna get you something else, too."

Y/N shrieked happily. "A shake?"

"What flavor you want?" Arvin asked, putting his car in park and turning to look at the girl. He already knew the answer, but he liked to give her the option just to see if she'd choose something else.

"Um ... " Y/N pretended to think. "I think today I'm gonna go with ... Butter pecan. Just to switch it up." She ordered the same flavor that she always did.

Arvin chuckled and shook his head before getting out of the car. "I'll be right back."

"Hurry back!" Y/N said jokingly as Arvin slammed the door shut. She watched as he tipped his blue cap at a few girls that stood outside. They giggled among themselves as he opened the door and walked inside.

Y/N looked at the notebook in hand. She grabbed a pencil and began sketching random things: a tree, a bird, a butterfly, Arvin's dog Jack ...

A body made its way in the window beside the girl, causing a shadow to be cast over her. She looked up with a smile, expecting it to be Arvin, but she could tell immediately that it wasn't. This person was taller, leaner. Y/N’s eyes squinted, trying to see the person's face. It took her a second for her eyes to focus. Once she could tell who it was, her heart felt like it dropped into her stomach.

"Hey there, Y/N,"

Dean Cooper.

[talk1about7seventeen]

ღ Saw You In A Dream ღ

Summary: Virgil keeps dreaming about a mysterious boy he has yet to meet. Turns out it’s his soulmate. 

Warning: Mild cursing, anxious Virgil, happy Patton, sleep Janus, chaotic Remus, low self esteem, mentions of caffeine, mentions of sex. 

Characters: Patton, Virgil, Janus, and Remus.

Word Count: 1969

Ship/ Pairing: Janus x Remus (Dukeceit - Romantic.) Virgil x Patton (Moxiety - Romantic.)

AU: Human: You dream about your soulmate until you meet them in person/ realize who they are.

Song Inspiration: Saw You In A Dream - The Japanese House

I hope you enjoy! ☆=(ゝω･)

---

“Hey, don’t worry Virgil! Maybe I’ll see you around or something, if you’d like I could---”

The alarm rang at the worst possible time waking Virgil up from the angelic voice of the boy he couldn’t ever quite remember the face of. His voice however, he couldn’t forget it. Smooth like buttermilk and warm like a Summer’s day. Virgil didn’t recall it exactly, but he was certain he had a gorgeous smile. Anyone who treated him so.....nicely....must. 

Pushing his bangs out of his face, he sat up and pulled on his purple stitched jacket which laid on top of his messy bed. One of his pillows was hanging off the side of his bed and his favorite stuffie laid lonely on the floor. His anxiety spiked as he saw his comfort item left there untouched. Quickly, he scooped the old teddy bear from the creaky wooden floor boards and sat him on the innermost corner of the bed on the remaining pillow that touched the mauve walls. 

The alarm on his phone blared on, seemingly getting louder and louder as each precious second passed by. Virgil turned, shoulders rising parallel to his jawline. “Too....early....for this...” He groaned, slamming his finger on the button to turn off the ungodly noise. In the atmosphere now drifted silence. Virgil let out a sigh and began to gather his things for the day.

“Not so fast, emo boy!” Remus grabbed the back of the boy’s shirt as he tried to pass by the kitchen. “Ugh, put me down you neon disaster.” Virgil fought back, swatting the air around him, attempting to hit the taller being behind him. He could never move fast enough to catch Remus though. “Boys,” A voice called out from down the hall. They both turned, Remus’ wide eyed with Virgil still in his rather strong grip. Janus, their other roommate sauntered out of the darkness into the small glow of the kitchen light with it’s faint green hues. Janus pressed a mug to his lips and took a long gulp of his cold coffee. “If you’re going to kill each other, keep the house and I out of it.” He motioned to the counter and placed the cup into the microwave. 

“Up late again, Snakey?” Remus dropped Virgil and walked up behind Janus, wrapping his arms around the even taller boy’s waist. “When am I not...?” Virgil looked away as they chatted, intertwined with each other like two pieces of red string that connected at the fingertips. This was no real surprise for him, he was use to seeing the two so affectionate. That’s how it always was when you found your soulmate....

Virgil couldn’t really understand how. Maybe it was his lack of experience with romance, or maybe he just refused to believe in something that he was convinced would never apply to him. Love....now that was something he could laugh at. Who on Earth could love him? Besides Janus and that dumpster fire of a person he was tied to, no one else really stuck with him. He was convinced it was how easily he could push other people away or his unfriendly nature. No matter which one it was exactly, the only thing close to love he would ever get was inanimate objects that never spoke back and those two drooling all over each other. The love that he did get, wasn’t the kind he was searching for. Virgil appreciated what he got immensely, without Janus and Remus, he probably would feel more alone than he already does. But they didn’t look at him how they looked at each other; no one looked at him that way. 

“I should head out.” Virgil announced as Janus pulled his warmed up coffee cup out of the kitchen appliance and set it back down in front of him. “See ya!” Remus stuck out his tongue to Virgil and went back to embracing his lover. “Stay safe.” Janus told him without looking up, exhaustion closing in on him similarly like how one would imagine Remus’ embraces to be like; noticeable and slightly aggressive. 

 Leaving the house, he popped in his headphones and pressed shuffle on his Spotify playlist named: Drowning out the fucking from the next room. This playlist included and not limiting to, Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, and MCR (Obviously.) Why he made this playlist started off as a joke and then transformed into him successfully being able to block out even the most unholy sounds, like people talking to him, or Remus being Remus. 

As he walked down the street with his hood up, the words of the mystery boy played in his head. Who was he? Why was he so often in his dreams? Maybe it was pure coincidence. That he was so low that his brain felt the need to create a love interest out of thin air for the lonely boy. Wouldn’t that be something? Ridiculous....Virgil thought to himself. On autopilot, he went through the motions of walking up to his local coffee shop and ordering something for Remus, Janus, and himself. The barista who knew him by face at this point asked him what he wanted. He answered the same most every time, only occasionally switching up the order. It was easy to stick with what he knew, and it never disappointed, not when it’s a hot cup of coffee with caffeine you could practically taste just from the scent. 

“Have a great day, sir!” She smiled handing Virgil his hot coffee as well as a baked good for Janus and an espresso drink for Remus. Not that the borderline chaotic evil idiot needed so much coffee, because he surely did not. But Virgil would rather just go along with it to avoid conflict. “You too.” Virgil tried to push a smile since she was always nice to him. As Virgil began to walk out the door, he noticed the sky was particularly blue today. I’ll take a little detour...He thought to himself, nodding once.

Passing Virgil by were children with parents smiling and giggling as the warm breeze blew through their hair, people walking their dogs, and teens making their way to the skate park which was about a ten minute walk from where he was. The buildings lined in a row opened up to a park with a large water fountain in the midst of the area. Why not..He shrugged making his way into the park. Butterflies fluttered and children’s laughter could be heard. The overall feeling of this place gave Virgil a feeling of contentment that he hadn’t felt in some time. Breathing in and out, he took advantage of this feel-good opportunity. He sat down on a nearby bench, leaning until his spine touched the back of the seat. “Excuse me?” Virgil’s eyes shot open and he pulled the earbuds out of his ears. In front of him was a golden haired boy with freckles planted on his cheeks and nose. 

Virgil felt his chest began to explode with so many emotions. “Oh! Did I disrupt you? My bad!” He apologized. The boy’s voice was so recognizable but for some reason, Virgil couldn’t figure out exactly where from. It hurt his brain as he fished for answers but came up empty handed. “No! It’s uh....it’s okay...” Virgil’s voice quieted as he began to speak on. The boy gave a wide smile. “I just wanted to say I really like your hoodie. I’m Patton.” He held out a hand. “Thanks,” He swallowed a lump in his throat as he looked at Patton, now feeling a new kind of anxious. “I’m Virgil.” Patton shook his hand gently. “Did you make it yourself?” Virgil looked down at his purple and black stitched hoodie. “Yea, I did.” Patton’s face lit up. “That’s so cool!” 

“I hope this isn’t too weird but, do I know you from somewhere?” Virgil couldn’t seem to place the familiar feeling he felt when looking at Patton. It was like being engulfed in your childhood blanket for the first time in years. It felt....right...

“Uh, I don’t know but, I was thinking the same thing.” Patton pressed a finger to his lip and pondered for a moment. They stood there for a moment, their surroundings making up for the lack of words. The boy in front of him brushed it off with a shrug and looked back into Virgil’s eyes. “Well, anyhow, I should probably be on my way.” Patton giggled. Virgil felt his heart sink into his stomach. The golden haired boy placed a hand on Virgil’s shoulder, looking into his eyes as if he could read how the dark boy felt. 

“Hey, don’t worry Virgil! Maybe I’ll see you around or something, if you’d like I could give you my phone number!” Virgil nearly spit out his coffee at the words he said. “What did you say!?” He exclaimed. As Patton repeated his words, he covered his mouth instantly. Everything in that moment clicked. The boy’s smile, his gentle and kind demeanor, he was Virgil’s dream boy....

How did this simultaneously make so much sense, but also not at all? What would he say? What could he say? Was there any real approach that wouldn’t make him look like an idiot? “Do you believe in soulmates, Patton?” He asked breathless. Shock ran through Patton. “You....” Patton tried to speak. “I think....” They both stared at each other for a long moment, taking in the awe and wonder that had for each other. In that moment, they were no longer strangers, but a story yet to be written. “Patton, I think you’re my soulmate.” The boy’s eyes widened and then softened as his lips curled up into such a dazzling smile. He pulled out a blue colored sharpie from his bag. “May I?” He pointed to the coffee cup. “Oh!” He handed it to him and Patton began to write something on the white part of the cup. He handed it back a very star struck Virgil. “Please call me.” After that he gave a little wave and left, disappearing behind the water fountain and out of sight completely.

Virgil sat there, brain full of questions racing at a million miles an hour. I need to get home. Without wasting anymore time, he quickly made his way home, practically running. “Welcome back, Vi---” Janus tried to say but stopped as he took a glance at the expression on his good friend’s face as he walked through the door. “I think I just met my soulmate.” 

“Well, God damn, My Little Paranoid!” Remus answered. “He gave me his number and---” Remus cut him off. “GO CALL HIM NOW!” His voice boomed in he small house. “Remus, give him a bit he’s probably overwhelmed.” Janus turned from the couch, looking over the side at Virgil. “How do you feel, Virgie?” He asked. “I---I think I forgot how to breathe.” Virgil stared at his own shaking hands. “HAHAHAHAHAHAH!” Remus cackled. He ran up to the shaken boy and took the drink and baked good for Janus. “Try to calm down and when you’re ready, go call him.” Janus eyed Remus, emphasizing his words. Remus began to chug his drink. “What?” He asked after a large gulp. “Okay! Thank you!” Virgil ran up stairs into his room. 

Jumping onto the bed he examined the cup and very slowly punched the numbers in. He stared at his phone for a minute. Is this really happening? Or is this just a dream I’m living in? Virgil shook his head. “I’m gonna do it...” He with great hesitation pressed the call button, the ringing making him jump. It rang once, then twice, and finally....click!

“Hello?” Patton asked, cheery like a Summer’s day.

“Hey.”

[puckinghell]

Wanting Is Enough | Leon Draisaitl

Summary: seven // august by Taylor Swift Words: 2k Note: I was just minding my own business, thinking I wasn’t gonna bother with the folklore project anymore, when someone asked if I would write for Leon. Does this answer your question? Not proofread, we die like men. 

--

Leon remembers you.

Sure, it’s a little fuzzy around the edges, the way memories will get when they’re stored away for so long. He was only seven when he knew you, and the storyline has become frazzled; he doesn’t always remember your face exactly, and he knows your name only because his mom told him.

He still remembers he loved you, though. Thinks he loves you still, now.

He remembers the swing over the creek. It had felt like a million feet in the sky, back then, but looking back it was only a tiny swing built with ropes and planks found at random sheds around the neighborhood. He doesn’t know how many of the neighbor’s kids had helped built it, but he remembers how you used to giggle as you swung across the creek.

You loved the creek, told him time and time again how it was the most beautiful thing in the world. Sometimes, you said it was the only beautiful thing in the world, and that’s where Leon would disagree.

After all, you were beautiful, too.

You never jumped into the water, always too scared, even though he used to tell you it’d be fine.

“I wouldn’t let anything hurt you,” he said, and your smile was always soft.

“I know. Still not jumping.”

There were other things you would trust him to protect you from, though.

“I think your house is haunted,” Leon said, wrapping his small arms around your tiny body. You were shivering a little, tears streaking down your face. “That’s why your dad is always mad.”

Your dad would scream all the time, so loudly Leon could hear it even from his house. You lived next to him but the houses weren’t that close together, and Leon didn’t think it was normal that he could hear.

His mom would tell him to ignore it, but how could he? If your dad was screaming, that meant you were crying, Leon had learned, and if you were crying he couldn’t just do nothing.

So he climbed through your window.

It wasn’t easy but Leon was strong for his age and there was a big oak tree next to your house that could be used as a ladder if only he managed to jump high enough the reach the first branch.

Somehow he managed to get into your room and you’d ran to him immediately, throwing yourself at him until he hugged you tight.

Even at that age, there was nothing Leon hated more than to see you cry.

“You should come live with me,” Leon mumbled into your ear. “We can be pirates, and then you won’t have to cry.”

“If I go live with you, would I learn how to skate?” you sniffed in response. You’d been bugging Leon about teaching you how to skate, because he was so good at it and you loved watching him fly across the ice.

He always looked so free, and you longed to feel that type of freedom in the form of the icy wind on your face.

Suddenly, before Leon could have answered, another thought occurred to you.

“Your parents wouldn’t want me to live with you.”

Leon shrugged. “You can hide in the closet whenever they come into my bedroom. Or you could pack your dolls and a sweater and we’ll move to India forever.”

Of course neither of these options were possible, but at age seven, it feels like everything in the world is a possibility if you just want it hard enough.

You had never wanted anything more.

“Why India?” you questioned.

Leon noticed your breathing had calmed down while talking to him, and you weren’t crying anymore. Even for that reason alone, he started talking more; about your neighbor across the street who came from India and gave you candy all the time, about his white family dog that had rolled through the freshly mowed grass and ended up colored key lime green, about pirates and princesses and a talking mouse.

He made up stories until you fell asleep, and then he wondered if one day, the story of you two would become a story that people told each other, too. He liked the thought of that: your love would last until nobody told your story anymore.

And Leon wanted your love to last forever.

--

But things don’t usually go the way you want them to.

--

The August heat is sweltering, sticky and heavy the way only August can be. It’s not like that in July, not in Germany, where July still holds a hint of spring, with crispy mornings and darkness setting early evening. In September, the leaves will change color and the air will hold the smell of rain, but in August, there’s just the heat.

“I can’t believe you canceled on me for him.” Your best friend’s voice doesn’t sound upset per se, but it sounds disbelieving. To be fair, it’s really not something you would normally do.

But.

Leon is lying face down in the grass, tiny droplets of sweat forming onto the tanned skin of his back where his spine dips. You can’t imagine it’s comfortable to have the grass pressing into his face, even though it was freshly mowed this morning; you can still smell the scent of it, if you really try.

“I’m sorry,” you tell her before you hang up. You’re not sure if you mean it.

When you canceled your plans to go swimming with her, this morning, you hadn’t even known if Leon was going to call at all. You canceled just in case he would, and you’d been glad for it when your phone rang early afternoon.

“Meet me behind the mall,” was his greeting. “Ice cream. My treat.”

The heat melted your ice cream fast enough that it was dripping down your fingers before you could even get halfway through, and Leon had laughed at you as he stuffed his entire ice cream cone in his mouth in two bites.

You only got him back three months ago.

You let your eyes fall back onto Leon. His eyes are closed, eyelashes fluttering against his cheek, but you know he’s not sleeping.

Sometimes, when you look at him, you remember that you’re on a time limit, and you wish you could just write your name into his skin, so he’ll always just be yours. You don’t like the idea that he’ll go back to Canada and belong to the city of Edmonton, and forget about you.

You allow yourself the simply pleasure of tracing his spine with your index finger, featherlight; his muscles jump where your finger passes.

“Hmm,” Leon hums, not opening his eyes. It’s an acknowledgement that he’s awake, but it doesn’t seem like he feels the need to move or say anything.

To be fair, it’s way too hot for that.

“It’s kinda crazy that we ran into each other like that,” you whisper. Your hand reaches the part of his spine where his back meets his ass and you let your hand rest there, not daring to go any further.

Leon opens his eyes, now.

“I recognized you right away,” he says, with a smile. “We hadn’t talked in years.”

“Since we were seven,” you agree.

“But it felt like we never missed a beat.”

--

You ran into Leon at a coffee shop, back in May, and you’d just been pouring sugar into your latte when you’d heard your name, in a voice that was foreign and familiar all at the same time.

You didn’t have to search your brain for who it was.

“Leon!”

Leon had been all smiles and polite chatter, but he looked so tired and worn out, and you weren’t the slightest bit surprised when he ordered a triple espresso.

“You won’t sleep for the next week,” you’d joked, and Leon had replied: “Wasn’t going to, anyway.”

You still don’t know why he’d immediately decided to trust you, but he’d asked you to sit down for coffee and you hadn’t been busy so you’d agreed.

He told you about where he worked now, in Edmonton. Played hockey for a living, in the NHL. He’d come home for the summer because they’d not made the playoffs, again. You didn’t really know exactly what that meant but you could tell it pained Leon to talk about it, so you hadn’t asked.

He said he was tired, and that he wished he could skip summer entirely, but also wished summer would last forever. That he felt like he could sleep for months, but when the night fell, his brain never seemed to quiet down enough for him to actually fall asleep.

That he remembered you, from when you were seven. Leon’s parents had moved when you were seven, and there hadn’t really been any way for you to stay friends. But he remembered a lot.

You talked about the swing over the creek, that wasn’t there anymore. It broke when you were nine, sent a neighboring kid down into the creek with a splash. It was one of the kids that used to make mean jokes about your father, so you hadn’t felt bad for him.

Your father left when you were 11, and you hadn’t really felt bad about that, either.

When you were 8, you dressed up like a pirate for Halloween, but it didn’t feel quite the same, without Leon.

You still braided your hair. Leon still knew how to braid it for you.

At the end of it, Leon had said he would like to see you again and you’d exchanged numbers.

You don’t think you’ve ever wanted a call so much in your life.

--

There’s a small problem, with your current arrangement with Leon.

Namely, that he’s going to go back to Edmonton at the end of August, and you’re falling in love with him.

You should’ve known.

“Want another one?”

Leon holds up the half empty bottle of wine, raising a questioning eyebrow. You’d been staring into space, you realize, and he noticed it, because he somehow always notices everything about you.

“Sure,” you answer, holding out your glass and letting him pour the wine.

There’s a fire crackling in your backyard. The night isn’t cold, on the contrary, but fires are somewhat of a summer staple around the neighborhood and Leon has made it somewhat of a hobby to build the most perfect one.

“You’ve been thinking very loudly,” Leon says.

You turn to look at him. The orange glow of the fire illuminates the bright blue of his eyes, and there’s shadows cast onto his face. It makes him even more beautiful than he always is and there’s almost something magical about it.

You almost say it, then.

What happens when I lose you?

Almost, but not quite. 

“Thinking about you,” you answer instead, and it’s not a lie but it’s not the truth either. Leon takes it the way you knew he would, and he reaches out and extends his hand towards you. You stand up and go to him willingly, let yourself curl into his lap, your face hidden in the crook where his neck meets his shoulder, his strong arms wrapped around you like armor.

He’s everywhere, all around you, and it becomes less scary when you’re this close to him.

Leon’s voice is soft when he mutters you name.

“Yeah?”

“I know this is probably not the right thing to say this, but I need you to know that I want August to last forever.”

He doesn’t have to tell you what the words really mean, beneath the surface, where the truth always hides.

It can’t happen, but I want this. I want us.

You suppose sometimes, wanting is enough. At least for right now.

You kiss him, then, press your lips against his in the most careful way. He tastes like red wine and like the smoke of the fire, the freshly mowed grass, the heat of the day.

He feels like summer.

--

When Leon goes home, he kisses you so deeply you can feel it tingle in your toes, but he doesn’t promise you he’ll call.

You guess you can’t live for the hope of it all forever, and sometimes wanting isn’t enough after all. You hadn’t really thought that it would be.

You’d always known you’d lose him to hockey: and maybe in a way, he was never yours to lose.

So August slips away into a moment in time, sipped away with a bottle of red wine, tangled up in white sheets. And September comes with her golden leaves and the crispy mornings and the rain heavy in the air, and Leon doesn’t call and summer feels like forever ago.

But you remember Leon. And Leon remembers you.

[atxlxs]

Beyond The Veil: Chapter 1

Society as a whole has the same collective belief. If you can’t see, hear or touch it, it doesn’t exist.

Funny how by that logic, Eras shouldn’t be alive.

Not that they were alive, by average standards at least. Even with quirks they're kind of an outlier. Muska had made it a point to joke about that fact ever since they realized it over breakfast a few years ago. Not that either of them ate breakfast. It was more of just a shared space to feel the dread of wakefulness and drink their coffee. Early morning just didn’t agree with the thought of food, or whatever metallic smoothie Eras decided to blend that day.

Now they're getting off topic.

Anyways, society as a whole doesn’t actually know about the world behind the veil. A convenient name for the sheet drawn over the existence of those that were beyond what defines as ‘human’. Muska and Eras were prime examples of people from “beyond the veil”.

Muska was a witch. Not the stereotypical black hat broom witch. That's just offensive. No, she’s the altar having, spell making, wary of the fae witch that knows everything and anything a witch should know. Eras always felt bad but she really just didn’t know a lot of what witches actually do besides the obvious that she sees every day. She does, however, make a point to note any shiny rocks or glass bottles that seem interesting. She may not understand what Muska does but she will make damn sure that she at least helps out when she can. Also, Muska- despite her prowess- was a former regular human. Thus she appeared like one. She has a quirk and everything, but she gave up on being completely human to become something slightly different. Those ‘beyond the veil’ are shaped by what they see afterall.

Eras is an entirely different species.

Black hair that's cut just above the shoulders would reveal pristine snow white hair underneath if jostled or blown by the wind. Arguably, since the dawn of quirks, that was the most normal thing about her. To keep that normality when she needs to visit society, two sets of sharp and longer than normal canines are just a mutation. Cat-like slits in black eyes that will glow a vibrant and toxic green during certain circumstances become a sign of quirk activation despite not having a quirk or quirk factor. Certain special abilities of course get played off the same way. That was how people like them decided to fit in with the normals of society. Life becoming safer under the disguise of being the same.

Muska had asked, after they revealed their actual self during the early years of their friendship, what life was like before the quirk wars. Eras had responded with a simple sentence that they packed all their feelings into and delivered with a deadpan.

“Like getting dropped off in hell to become Satan's personal whore, only to discover that he not only has a foot fetish, but also enjoys weird shit like my little pony.”

Safe to say the cackles that followed, when Eras passed a phone with my little pony on it to Scout after explaining that it was a pre-quirk show for children, were expected.

It was a familiar start to their morning, Eras waking from a ‘sleeping’ state and using the rope to come down to the ground from their ceiling wide hammock and Muska groaned loud enough to be heard through her door as the sun probably hit her face from the window.

Tibbles, Muska’s familiar, was sitting poised on the kitchen table. Right underneath the cabinet that carried the cat food and treats. Reaching up, Eras grabbed down the food and pulled over Tibbles fancy food plate that was bought because “he deserves the best”.

After quickly dishing out the familiars breakfast, Eras was thanked with an allowed head scratch and Tibbles went on to ignore the world in favor of food. Eras would always lament about not being able to hear Tibbles talk like Muska.

Walking over to the stove, gas powered thank you very much (electric stoves are a lie to all that is holy like cooking and making espressos), Eras pulled out the moka pot and coffee beans. Grinding the coffee into a fine espresso powder, she set it up to boil the water and brew the coffee.

Despite receiving no nutritional value from everything not blood related, coffee is one of the few things she continues to enjoy. She likes the taste. Pouring the now brewed coffee over ice in one cup and nothing in the other, Eras set up the two coffees to their designated people's expectations.

Halfway through the process, her keen ears (slightly pointed like a half elfs) picked up the telltale sign of a door being pushed open and the soft footsteps of fuzzy socks on wood making their way to the kitchen.

“Coffee’s almost done, want anything to eat in the next hour or 2?” Eras asked, not looking up from the task at hand.

“Crepe” was the only word from her best friend and roommate.

A snort escaped at her dead to the world tone as Eras finished up the coffees. Placing the iced mocha in front of Muska, Eras went back into the kitchen and started to grab the ingredients out for crepes. How the vampire who doesn’t eat human food became the chef was beyond understanding at this point.

The morning was a quiet affair as usual. Neither feeling the need to speak besides a quick question or too about specifics wanted in the crepe. Placing said food in front of her friend, Eras sat in the chair opposing Muska around the round table that was settled in a place surrounded by windows on two sides, vines and moss growing up the sides of the actual house gave accents to the view as Eras stared out at the forest that surrounded them.

The pine and moss covered forest was a peaceful background as they sat in companionable silence. Both with coffees and one with actual food. A phone rested in Muska’s left hand as she ate, probably scrolling some social platform or website.

Eras sighed in contentment, an unneeded action since she doesn’t need to fucking breathe at all but its the point behind it that matters. This was until her best friend, the light of her undead life, the pizza to her hut, decided to speak and say some cursed shit.

“I want to take the UA exam to join the hero course.”

Eras took another sip of her coffee, avoiding the inevitable for a short moment, before they returned their gaze to their friend. Who was still causally reading their phone. As if they didn’t say something ‘life’ changing.

“Why?” Eras finally asked, and really, just why?

“I want to get control over my quirk since I haven’t really used it despite having it for 2 centuries now and well, Recovery Girl is at UA.”

Well, Eras thought, that makes a little more sense. Sighing again, this time in resignation, Eras nodded.

“Sure, I’ll set up an identity and pay for it. The exam is in around 4 months so you’ll have to work out what kind of abilities you're gonna show off and I’ll update your quirk registry with it.”

“Energy manipulation, just tag me under that hotline.” Muska said, a small smirk appearing on their face as they turned to look up. Eras just sighed heavily once more for the dramatics.

“I won’t be joining with you know.” Eras said, slightly shifting with nervousness that she rarely displayed. She hasn’t been comfortable with the thought of a highschool, any kind of school that was physical, since she had to hide everything that made her, well, her. She despised the thought of schools and she had several degrees. 5 PhD’s and a handful of masters and bachelors. She didn’t need school.

A look of understanding invaded her friend's mischievous gaze as she nodded.

“I didn’t expect you too.”

And that was that.

@baguettehead

[hamiltonimagines]

I Like You a Latte

Pairing: Phillipa x Reader

Request: “Hey! Can you do a Phillipa coffee shop au please? :)” - @multifandomwriterx

Word Count: 2k

I stepped into the warm, inviting coffee shop and looked around. I had just gotten off of work and desperately needed some caffeine. There had been a different coffee shop I went to everyday that had just closed down, so I figured I’d give this one a try.

I walked up to the counter and ordered an iced latte. I waited a few minutes and then was handed my drink. I looked around for a seat and saw none that were open. Then I saw a table that had one girl at it, she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen.

I figured that I may as well introduce myself. I walked over towards her, carefully.

“Umm excuse me, is this seat taken? All the other tables are full” I asked, politely. “No no, sit please” she said, smiling back at me. Her voice sounded so sweet and soothing.

I sat across from her and put down my drink. “I’m Y/N, by the way” I said, extending my hand to shake hers. She gladly shook my hand and said “I’m Phillipa, but my friends call me Pippa”.

She exuded happiness and was like a walking ball of sunshine. “That’s a really pretty name” I complimented her. “Thank you, so are you new here?” She asked me.

“Yeah, I used to go to the Espresso Café every day after work. It’s that coffee shop a few blocks from here. But they closed down, so I’ve been looking for a new place to get some much needed caffeine” I explained. “I come here everyday. I’ve always loved the atmosphere” she said, smiling.

“I can’t blame you, this feels like the perfect place to curl up and read a book” I said, not being able to help but admire her beauty. She seemed like a person that you could always rely on for anything.

“Well I can assure you, I have definitely done that and it’s as magical as it sounds” she mentioned.

She went back to working on her laptop and I pulled out my phone and responded to some emails. We both worked in peace for what seemed like hours. She had a really calming presence, I just wanted to stay with her forever.

“So I should get going, but maybe I’ll see you tomorrow” she said, winking and leaving the shop. I couldn’t help but blush and start to look forward to the next time I could see her.

I then noticed that she left her book on the table. I looked around and realized she was already gone. I guess I would just give it to her tomorrow. I picked up the book to see what she was reading. Before I could read the cover, a piece of paper fell out.

I picked it up and it read “Soooooo I was way to nervous to do this in person, but I think you’re really pretty and I really hope you’ll keep coming to the coffee shop. Here’s my number, I really hope you’ll use it”.

I instantly felt my cheeks start to heat up and I couldn’t believe what I was reading. She really thought I was pretty, it felt too good to be true. I sat there, thinking about her infectious smile and how much I couldn’t wait to see her again.

I finished my coffee and put her book in my bag, so that I could remember to return it tomorrow.

I went home and fell asleep, wondering what would happen tomorrow.

I was currently sitting at my desk at work. I kept checking the clock to see when it would be time to go. I only had twenty minutes left of my shift, and that meant twenty minutes until I could see Pippa again.

Then my boss walked up to my desk. “Y/N, so remember when I let you leave early a few weeks ago” he said. He wasn’t the best boss, but I needed the job. “You didn’t let me leave early, I used my personal time off, I had a doctors appointment” I defended myself.

“Well regardless, I need you to stay late today” he said, smugly. “Wait, no I have plans” I told him. “Well, I need all these forms entered into the database, then you can leave” he said and he placed a huge folder on my desk.

I checked the clock again and began diligently entering the forms. I looked down and saw that it was time for me to leave and I should be seeing Pippa soon. I had only gone through half of the forms. I picked up the pace and began to work even faster.

I finally finished and saw that it was fifteen minutes after when I was supposed to leave. What if Pippa left? What if she thought I stood her up?

I grabbed my bag and raced to the coffee shop. Through the window, I saw Pippa, looking disappointed and stirring her coffee, silently. I finally stopped running, and fixed my hair and walked into the shop.

Pippa and I made eye contact and I saw her eyes light up. I smiled back and walked over and sat down across from her.

“For a minute, I didn’t think you were coming” she said, looking relieved. “I’m so sorry, my jerk boss held me late. But I’m here now. Oh yeah and I have your book” I said, smirking and I handed it back to her.

She took it from my hand and I said “I’m going to go get a coffee”. She looked confused, she probably thought I hadn’t even seen her note. While I was in line, I saw her open the book to see if her note was still there.

Her eyes went wide when she saw that I had replaced her note with one of my own. I had written “To Pippa, aka the gorgeous girl from the coffee shop, I am so flattered and I would say that our feelings are mutual. I really hope we get to spend more time together, you radiate positivity whenever you’re around”.

She looked over at me and we made eye contact and we both just smiled and giggled to ourselves.

I sat back down with her and we just talked for hours. We eventually had to part ways, but I knew I would see her again.

*2 weeks later*

I had just gotten home from coffee with Pippa and I set down my purse on my bed. I went to grab my phone out of my purse and saw that there was a book in my bag. I was confused, it wasn’t my book and I then recognized it as the book Pippa and I had put notes in, she must of slipped it in when I wasn’t paying attention.

I grabbed it and saw a note. It said “I’m coming to your place at 7. Be ready, I’m finally going to take you on the date of your dreams! -Pip”.

I smiled to myself, Pippa and I had only ever had coffee together and I was so excited to finally go on a date.

I put on a summer dress with a jean jacket and Pippa was right on time. I opened the door when she knocked. “You look stunning” she complimented me. “Thank you, you look beautiful too” I told her, honestly.

She took me out to dinner and we had an amazing time. We went for icecream afterwards and just talked about anything that came to mind. She was so enjoyable to be around. She lit up any room and she made me really happy.

When I got home, I took the first note that Pippa ever gave me and I put it in a frame and placed it on my desk.

*3 years later*

Pippa and I have been dating for 3 years and it’s been such a blessing to be able to call her mine. I’ve seen all of her broadway shows on opening night. I got to meet all of her Hamilton castmates. We even got a dog that we named Peaches.

We lived in an apartment in NYC and I was currently sitting on our couch with Peaches, while scrolling through my phone.

“Hey are you busy?” Pippa asked me, as she walked in the room. “No, why do you ask? Do you want to go on a spontaneous trip to France? Because I have a meeting tomorrow that I can’t miss” I joked with her. “You are such a dork, put on your shoes” she said, laughing.

“You know you love me” I said as I slipped on my shoes and stood up. “I do love you, so much” she said and she slowly leaning and kissed me, softly. I fell more and more in love with her every time she kissed me.

“So where are we going?” I asked her, as she grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door. “It’s a surprise” she said, with a smirk on her face:

We started walking down the street and eventually Pippa covered my eyes and she lead me what felt like maybe a block down the street.

She uncovered my eyes and I saw that coffee shop where we met, three years ago.

“Oh my god, we haven’t been here in so long” I said in awe. We both walked in and that familiar, inviting atmosphere flooded my senses. “It hasn’t changed one bit” Pippa said, with a smile on her face.

Pippa ordered for us while I looked around and took it all in. I couldn’t believe I was back here. It had been so long and it was weird to think that this place was responsible for me and Pippa meeting.

“Oh look, our table is open” I said pulling her with me, once she had gotten our drinks. We sat down at the booth were we had spent many weeks, talking for hours.

“It’s amazing to be back here. This is a really good surprise” I told her. “I remember when you sat down with me, all I could think about was how pretty you were. I pretended like I was working on my laptop, but I was looking up ways to try and ask you out. I couldn’t work up the nerve. The only thing I could think of was saying “I like you a latte”. It felt too cheesy, so I decided to write it in a book. I guess it worked out though” she said smiling as we both reminisced.

“That is so sweet. I remember thinking you were gorgeous and I thought it was a joke when I read your note, I didn’t know how a girl you like you liked me” I told her. “Oh that reminds me, I have a book that I think you should read” she said, pulling a book out of her purse.

She grabbed the book and handed it to me. I held it in my hands and looked at the front cover, it was the original book that Pippa had left behind. This book was one of our favorites and we read it all the time. It held so much sentimental value, since it was the book she gave me.

“Pip, I don’t understand. We’ve both read this thousands of times already” I said, confused. Then it dawned on me. It had to have a note in it. Why else would she give it to me?”

I opened the book and saw a note, as I suspected. I held the note and read it, it said “Dear Y/N, the love of my life, I’ve loved you since we met. Will you marry me?”

Instantly, there were tears in my eyes and I looked up at her and she was holding a ring. “So, will you marry me?” She asked me. “Yes yes of course” I said, through the tears. We both had the biggest smiles on our faces. She slipped the ring on my finger.

I stood up and pulled her into a kiss. We pulled away and we just stared into each other’s eyes and I felt like I was on cloud nine.

[heartbrokenct]

the summit - n.jm

pairing na jaemin x reader

genre a bit of fluff but also angst ig uh-

word count 1.7k

warnings uh this is not a happy one :,)

summary feelings are so hard. haing them not be returned is evben ahrder. when the perfect confession moment comes along for him to confes and all the buildup has led to this moment, there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the mess he created in your heart.

There is not a single feeling in the world that can compare to this moment. The feeling of finally holding a diploma after four years of grueling work, next to your close relations, your family, and your best friend, Na Jaemin.

  “Let’s all go out!” someone suggested, and everyone strongly agreed. After a bit of confusion, everyone was finally shoved into a car and the group that came to celebrate your graduation all huddled into a small korean café not too far from the venue. 

   “Yah, what are you getting?” You hear a soft voice ask, and your attention is drawn away from the menu and towards none other than Jaemin himself. The relationship between you two had always been a bit of a rollercoaster. When the two of you had met in your first year of University, you despised him. He seemed so energetic and somehow that gave you the impression that he was egoistic, and arrogant. Within a few months of his continuous badgering to be his friend, (and with many eye rolls on your part) you finally gave in. Slowly but surely you found yourself falling for his soft eyes, and his bright smile. The way his face lit up whenever he was laughing, and the way he just carried himself. You fell for the way his mood seemed to influence everyone around him, and how he could make everyone laugh with just a single gesture. Everything about him piqued your curiosity until he surprised you by bringing you to meet his new partner. The shock was so intense that you basically avoided him for the 3 months they dated, and continued to pine for him. After a few rounds of dating and breaking up with a slew of lovers, and the sadness that came with each one, it dawned on you that you and Jaemin would most likely never have any sort of romantic relationship. Begrudgingly, you managed to get over him. But now, as you looked at his smiling face you couldn’t help feeling a familiar tug in your heart. 

   “Hey, did you hear me? Why are you staring at me like that?” He questioned, a confused and slightly flustered look on his features. You shook your head with a start and took a deep breath. 

   “Uh- yeah, I might get the milk tea with boba.” 

   “Sounds good. I’ll probably get my usual.” 

   “Ah, yes. Na Jaemin and the famed 6 shot dark roast espresso.” 

He laughed, and looked at you with a look that seeked approval. You dismissed the look, hoping it had been your imagination and gave a laugh in return. 

   “Just don’t blame me when you can’t sleep again tonight. I won’t be up to keep you company like I usually make the mistake of doing. Ask Chenle or Jisung." You retorted, and he chuckled. 

   “Well, no one forces you to, it’s not my fault you’re obsessed with me” he jokes, pretending to flip his hair and you roll your eyes, scoffing.

   “You wish. More like you’re the one obsessed with me,” you said, and walked up to the counter smugly without even waiting for a response. What you missed was his panicked face watching you, as if you already knew his secret.

--

A few weeks had passed since your graduation, and you’d moved out of your dorm and into an apartment a few towns over from Jaemin and most of your friends. Job searching had become increasingly more stressful on top of the whole moving thing, and each prospect was less exciting than the one before, and you grudgingly applied to another place that might hire you on. A knock at your apartment door drew you from your wallowing, and you sighed, getting up to answer the door. You flung it open, and upon being greeted with Jaemin’s bright smile, you found yourself mirroring him.

  “What’s the occasion Jaems?” You said, letting him in. He held up two bags of takeout and raised his eyebrows. 

   “Well I was… in the neighborhood and I figured I’d stop by, we could have some food and catch up. You haven’t talked to me for weeks!” He complained, and elicited a laugh from you. 

   “I’m trying to be an adult and apply for jobs, not everyone has rich parents like you.” You counter, and wait as he unpacks what he brought. The delicious smells suddenly remind you how hungry you are, and you go rummaging in your drawers for some utensils. Jaemin studies you while you’re turned away, and wonders how exactly he should go about saying what he came here for. When you turn around, holding the utensils as if they were some sort of weapon he jumps, and laughs, snatching them out of your hand. 

  After the meal and hilarious company, you sit back in your chair with a hand on your stomach feeling full. A few moments later, Jamein also tosses down his utensils and mirrors your position. 

    “Thank you for lunch… and for thinking about me. It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I can’t believe I really missed that much! Did Haechan really end up getting that clean up job? I'm surprised he didn't take something in his field” You rambled, but with a genuine smile on your face.

 After some more back and forth, he stands to grab the dirty utensils and garbage, putting them in the sink and bin, respectively, before coming back to sit across from you. 

   “You know, I always think about you. Sometimes I want to call you, but I never know what you’re doing since you decided to move away…” He continues, but you frown slightly, still dwelling on ‘I always think about you’. You shake yourself. There is no way that you could possibly have feelings for him again. Not after the debacle of 3 years ago. Something draws you out of your reverie, and after a bit of blinking and clearing your throat you focus on Jaemin's curious look. 

  “Earth to y/n, are you there? Stop spacing out on me! I'm much more important than whatever it is."

  “Sorry Jaems! Just thinking… you know.”

  “Thinking, about what? I didn’t know you could do that.” At this, you scoff, and reach over the table to smack his arm. He tries to pull away, but to no avail, and ends up jabbing his elbow into the armrest of the chair. While he whines about hitting his funny bone, you’re overcome in a fit of laughter, “That’s karma for you Jaems, watch what you say!” 

   "Yah, y/n! How can you be so mean but right at the same time?" He whines once more, and you stifle your chuckles. You look down at your phone that just pinged with an email, and he studies you once more. The curve of your nose, and the soft angles of your jaw. Your lashes, which frame your eyes so beautifully, and those sparkling eyes that he always seems to get lost in.

 As you light up with joy at one of the many job interviews you went to, he stands and grabs his phone quickly. The pure joy and happiness on your face was something he had to capture, and he did just that. 

 You noticed, but chose to ignore, and instead focused on the words in the email. 

"Dear Y/N. We are pleased to announce that we have considered your resume and interview, and would love to have you join our team!" Another squeal left your lips and you stood, jumping around crazily. 

  "Jaems, Jaems! JAEMS, I GOT THE JOB!" You shrieked, and he stood, coming over with a huge smile plastered on his face. His arms enveloped you into a hug, and you returned the hug, unable to contain your excitement. He congratulated you, and promised to get you something nice to celebrate. 

 He knew he should be happy for you but the disappointment that the moment may have passed him by was evident on his face. He tried to brush it away, but stopped you and took your hands into his. 

   "Y/n look at me. I really don't know how to start this but I seriously need to tell you before I completely lose all confidence." He starts, and you try to control your breathing as you focus on his serious tone. 

   "It's been weighing on my heart for so long… and I know I'm not perfect, and definitely far from what you deserve… but I cannot keep ignoring how much I love you." He finished simply and you froze. Your eyes locked on his, unable to comprehend what his words meant. They replayed in your mind over and over as you stood there looking at one another, you confused and him holding his breath for an answer. 

  "Jaemin, I'll admit this is unexpected. Especially from you, my best friend. Jae I loved you. I did. Back in university I knew it and I was going to tell you but then suddenly you introduced me to dozens of people who you got romantically involved with and suddenly I realized maybe there wasn't anything between us. I realized that you and I were not meant to be more; that this wasn’t some fairy tale where two best friends slowly fall in love. But here you are three years later telling me you love me?" You say, and slide your hands out from between his. Taking a deep breath, and a few steps back, you frown. 

  "Y-You… in sophomore year?" He said, now being his turn to feel shocked and confused, "Well if I had known then…" 

   You cut him off, "Then what? Huh? What, you'd have dropped everyone and dated me?" 

   "I'd have thought about it… And yeah I probably would have run to you over all of those mistakes. It was always you, always people who reminded me of you. Always me trying to find someone to occupy my thoughts rather than you. Always me trying to stop loving you because I was scared it would break us apart. I didn't want to lose you, and I wasn't sure if confessing back then would have backfired." He says, and reaches out a hand towards you. You shake your head and look up at the ceiling, tears threatening to pool over. 

   "Well Jaemin, you're too late. Too many years of broken promises have led to this and I don't want to go through the process of… un-loving you again." You say, and the tears finally spill over onto your cheeks. Jaemin's heart lurches in his chest at the sight of your tears and he closes the gap between the both of you, gathering you into his arms. You don't even fight him, and just stay there, having finally overcome the summit. 

[ladyreapermc]

Fic: Hanging by a Moment (Jack Traven x Fem!Reader)

Summary: For a long time you had a crush on Jack and before you could do anything about it, he met Annie. Now, two years later, maybe you two have a second chance.

Author’s notes: so this was requested by @takimamplanbingo. I’m so sorry it took so long to post it. Hope you enjoy it. Also, in my head, this is sort of a prequel to Stimulus Equivalence

Wordcount: 3185

Warnings: lots of fluff. A tiny bit of angst.

When the small chime above the coffee shop door rang you didn’t look up. It was weird no longer feeling obliged to do so, but you haven’t worked there in two months, so it was about time you got used to being a customer and not the barista.

Weirdly enough, you kind of missed it. It was a job that you didn’t have to be constantly thinking. After the first six months, your hands seemed to know the process of every coffee order in the menu and, while your mind wandered, your fingers worked the levers of the espresso machine, making the brewing magic happen for your next satisfied customer.

You also missed meeting all kinds of new people every day. People coming in for their breakfast orders or in need of a pick me up after a long night of partying. You missed the regular customers that knew your name and seemed as interested in your own story as they were in to share theirs.

You missed the small talk and the friends you made and that was why you started coming over every day, commandeering a table so you could study for cases or write for your thesis. It was a way for you to hang out with friends at the coffee shop and see old acquaintances. Besides, the café was right across the street from the clinic were doing your internship, the coffee was infinitely better there than at the library and Vinnie always gave you a discount on the pastries.

It was the perfect place for you. You could get lost on your work because everyone knew you would call if you needed anything and the idle chatter around you worked like white noise for you, helping you concentrate and sometimes you got so lost in your own little world that people needed to call your name a couple of times to catch your attention.

He didn’t. He said it once in that familiar baritone and your head snapped up, your heart hitting your throat as you came face to face with Jack Traven.

How long had it been since you last saw him? Maybe a year and a half? Maybe more? You weren’t sure. Even since you stopped taking the morning shift when you still worked at the café because you had classes at that time. The glamorous life of a Ph.D. candidate.

“Hi,” you said dumbly just staring at him.

In the time you hadn’t seen him, Jack had grown out his hair, so instead of his usual buzzcut, he was actually spotting a nice mane of black hair that suited him perfectly. His sense of fashion hadn’t changed at all though. He was still favoring those unbelievably tight jeans and white t-shirts, topped over by button-downs of the ugliest prints.

He still looked like a dream. Those broad shoulders stretching his shirts, along with his strong chest and bulging biceps. His face full of that boyish charm of a guy still settling into his own skin as he approached his thirties.

Jack was one of the handsome men you had ever met as well as one of the nicest and sweetest, which explained why the silence lingered as you stared at him. Even after all this time, Jack was still able to render you speechless by just being in the same room with you.

“It’s been a while,” he finally said, noticing that you were stuck without words. “May I?” he gestured at the seat across from you and you nodded.

Once again, the two of you just stared at each other, wordlessly until Jack let out a small chuckle, spotting that familiar sort of shy grin of his and your heart leaped. Almost two years later and your crush hadn’t abated. Just hibernated in the time you didn’t see him.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, once again breaking the silence. “Vinnie can never get my coffee order right.”

“I heard that!” the older man called from behind the counter, sending Jack a mock dirty look and you chuckled, shaking your head.

“How have you been?” Jack asked, ignoring Vinnie’s teasing.

“Good.” You nodded, glancing at the mess of papers and books surrounding you. “Busy.”

“That’s good,” replied and once again silence stretched between the two of you, heavy and weird as you racked your brain thinking on something to say.

It used to be so easy before. The conversation flowed, so did the banter and the flirting. You always had a teasing remark for Jack, which he replied with a grin and equal amounts of teasing. It was no secret you had a crush on him and everyone in the café seemed to think it was mutual. And it probably was until everything changed.

The door chimed rang again as you got lost in your own thoughts and memories, bringing you back to that day two years ago. You had been anxious from the second you stepped inside the coffee shop because you hadn’t been in all of last week, so you hadn’t seen Jack for that long.

It wasn’t that you were waiting for him exactly, but you kinda wanted to see him with your own eyes, make sure Jack was fine after the close call he had with the bomber in the elevator. You knew he wasn’t harmed. Not like his partner that ended up with a bullet on his leg, but still, you want to see him.

You would look up every time the chime rang, but this time, when it did you met a pair of familiar warm brown eyes and a wide smile that had you smiling too.

“Look who it is! The man of the hour!” Vinnie shouted, making everyone look over and Jack ducked his head with a shy smile. “Jack, my man! You’re a hero, I heard.”

“I’m no hero,” he said with a shrug as Vinnie busied himself setting Jack muffin on the counter before turning to make his latte. “Just doing my job.”

The two of you shared a look as Jack walked up to the register where you were. He took out his wallet and you just waved him off.

“On the house today,” you said with a smile. “For doing your job.”

“Thanks,” he replied, smiling too and for a moment you two just stared at each other, before someone behind Jack cleared their throat and he had to move away, letting you go back to work.

Even though your gaze was on the customer in front of you, your attention was at the easy banter happening between Vinnie, Jack, and Bob, the bus driver that usually came in at the same time as Jack.

You heard Vinnie quipping about some party and Jack’s good-naturedly reply:

“Can’t have been that good. I woke up alone.” You couldn’t help but look over then, catching him looking at you, his gaze full of meaning.

“That’s because you can’t get your head out of your ass and asked the girl out!” Bob joked on his way out, making both you and Jack blush as both realized you’ve been just staring at each other for the last minute or two.

You looked away quickly, trying to go back to work, but you could still feel eyes on you. His eyes.

“He’s right, you know?” Jack’s voice was surprisingly close and you looked over, startled to see him at the register again, watching you with a hesitant smile. “Go out with me? Tonight?”

“Pick me up at seven?” you asked, smiling too and Jack nodded, before grabbing his coffee and muffin and calling out a quick goodbye to Vinnie before stepping out.

That date never happened though and you shook yourself from your reveries, focusing back on the Jack in front of you and not the one from your memories.

“And, how are you?” you finally asked, fidgeting with the pencil in your hand. “Still with SWAT?”

“I’m doing, alright,” Jack nodded, peering at you. “Still with SWAT. It’s what I’m good at.”

And he was. You knew. What he did that day with the bus and the bomber, it wasn’t something most people could do. Or even would do. Leave it to you to fall in love with an actual hero.

“I should get going,” he finally said, getting up. “But it was nice to see you.”

“You too,” you nodded standing up to say your goodbye. The hug you shared was awkward and hesitant, but his scent lingered on you long after Jack was gone.  

You thought it would be a one-time thing, seeing Jack at the café again. You usually came later in the day when your classes were done or after a shift at the clinic and you knew Jack would usually stop by on his way to work.

Only on the following week, there Jack was again, on the same day, around the same time. He only waved at you this time around, picking up his coffee and heading off. Next week the same thing happened. And then the next.

In the fourth week, you changed tables, sitting at the one right by the window and watched as Jack came out of the building across the street, heading straight for the coffee shop. That was when you knew.

When Jack came in, you invited him to join you, offering a seat at your table. Once again, the silence lingered between the two of you, awkward and stilled until your gaze flickered at the clinic and Jack looked over too, letting out a relieved sigh.

“So, you know.”

“Yeah. Nothing wrong with it, you know?” you commented, giving him an encouraging smile and Jack nodded, gaze on his coffee. “What made you decide to start?”

“A case.” His voice was low, stilled. “A bomber. It brought back memories and…” Jack looked up, forcing a smile. “Can we not talk about it? I just spent the last hour doing just that.”

“Of course,” you assured.

You raked your brain trying to come up with something to say. Something to ease the worried lines of Jack’s face and the tension in his shoulders. So, you settled on your default. You babbled about your thesis. It seemed to be the right thing to do because you could see Jack visibly relaxing, his lips drawing into a little smile as he listened to you, one hand on his chin, brown eyes tuned to your every movement.

And so, your new routine started. Every Tuesday afternoon, like clockwork, Jack would come out of therapy and sit with you, talk about everything and nothing. Conversation became easy and natural again, so did the banter and it was as if nothing had ever changed between the two of you. Like the last two years didn’t happen.

Except they did and in the back of your head a little voice kept pushing you to ask that question and finally clear your last doubt, but every time you remembered that day, the one after the whole bombing on the bus thing. After you spent an entire day fretting over his wellbeing, wondering if Jack had come out alive from that case.

The day he walked into the coffee shop still covered in bruises and cuts, holding hands with Annie.

The worst thing was that you couldn’t even fault Jack for falling for her. They had shared something that you couldn’t even begin to understand, and she was smart and funny and beautiful. They made a lovely couple.

You could tell the second Jack remembered that he had asked you out the day before. He froze in place, his expression a mask of embarrassment as he met your eyes.

You hated the fact that you couldn’t bring yourself to be mad at him, not even when he pulled you aside, out of sight from the rest of the customers, his face pleading and regretful.

“I’m so sorry. I just…” he looked back at where Annie was sitting, drinking her coffee, laughing at something Vinnie said.

“It’s ok,” you interrupted, your eyes burning as you force yourself not to cry. “I’m glad you’re safe, Jack.”

You kissed his cheek then, before moving back behind the counter and making sure not to look his way until he was gone.

Now the nagging doubt remained with you. Where was Annie? He hadn’t mentioned once in all the times you two had met and talked. You felt weird about asking, but you were dying to know. Because you didn’t want to get your hopes up. Not again. Not after last time.

“She moved back to Arizona,” Jack said suddenly at one of your weekly meets, startling you. “Annie. Got a great job offer and she would be closer to her family…” he drummed on the table, a sad smile gracing his lips. “I guess we always knew it wouldn’t last.”

“Why do you say that?” you asked.

“Relationships based on intense situations never do,” he replied, smiling again as if remembering an inside joke and you couldn’t bring yourself to ask. “Anyway, I thought you should know since you’ve been working up the nerve to ask me for the past couple of months.”

There it was again, the grin, this time with just a hint of smugness, and that familiar twinkle in his brown eyes. It made you chuckle, heat rising to your cheeks as you sneaked a glance at him.

“That obvious?” you asked, and Jack just shrugged.

“Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part,” he said, sipping his coffee. “But anyway, now you know.”

“Now I know,” you nodded, pausing as you contemplated your next words. “There’s no one either,” you declared, meeting his eyes. “In my life, I mean. Romantically speaking.”

“Really?” Jack actually looked surprised. “Guys in your grad-school stupid or blind?”

“I don’t know,” you replied with a chuckle and you missed this. The flirting. “Maybe.”

“Lucky me then,” he said, his smile widening as he got up from his seat signaling it was time for him to go and you couldn’t hide your disappointment. “I’m not blind or stupid.”

You weren’t expecting to see Jack the very next day. Especially not before you even arrived at the café and already taking control of your usual table, a wide, but hesitant smile slipping on his face when you walked in.

“I have the day off,” he announced as soon as you were close enough.

“That’s nice,” you replied, noticing he had a basket with him. “Big plans then?”

“Yes. For both of us.”

“Us?” you repeated dumbly. “I can’t Jack, I have so much to do…” Even though you were verbally protesting, when he took your hand and guided you back out of the café, you didn’t think about struggling or asking him to stop.

“You can take one day,” he declared, pulling the passenger door of his car open for you. “Your thesis will still be there tomorrow.”

He did have a point, of course. Jack had that annoying habit of being frequently right. More frequently than you liked to admit. With a sigh that was more for show than anything, you climbed on his Bronco, throwing your overstuffed backpack on the backseat and turning on the radio as Jack pulled into traffic, taking the familiar route to Griffith Park.

It was a lovely day for a picnic. The weather was nice, the sky bright blue with barely any clouds and as the two of you sat on a spot of green grass overlooking the city skyline and enjoying the pastries Jack got from Vinnie’s coffee shop, you couldn’t help but feel like this was a perfect date.

Except you didn’t want to assume and Jack didn’t say anything either. Not while you were up there, not in the drive to drop you off at home late at night. He actually walked you to your door. Because you needed even more evidence, he was perfect.

“I had a great time,” you declared, hand on your doorknob as you watched Jack. “Thank you. I really needed that day off.”

“Yeah, me too.” Jack smiled at you, his gaze seeking yours for a second before he pressed a kiss to your cheek. “Is tomorrow night too early for a second date?”

You grinned at him, your heart skipping a beat at that confirmation. It was all you needed.

“No,” you said with a head shake. “Tomorrow sounds perfect for a second date.”

“Pick you up at seven, then.”

“No bombs this time, please,” you joked, hoping you weren’t crossing a line. But Jack just chuckled, walking backward to his car.

“I’ll do my best.” He winked at you before he got into his Bronco and drove off.

You were a pile of nerves on the next night because it had been a while since you’ve been on a date and especially with someone you liked as much as you liked Jack. You fretted over your clothes, your hair, your makeup… You knew you were driving your roommate crazy, but you just couldn’t help yourself. It was Jack.

At ten to seven, you were ready and waiting, watching out of the window as the minutes ticked by without any sign of Jack. Seven came and went and he didn’t show up. Your chest filled with dread and panic. You flipped through the channels, expecting to see him in yet another dangerous, life-threatening situation but if it was happening, the press hadn’t caught wind of it just yet.

You paced your living-room, resisting the urge of calling precincts, find out what happened because half-hour had gone by and Jack still hadn’t shown up or sent any kind of word and it was driving you insane.

You made up crazy scenarios in your head: another bomber; a sniper, a hostage situation gone wrong. In all of them, Jack was hurt or dead and before you knew it, your mascara was ruined because you couldn’t stop the tears.

So lost in your own horrifying thoughts, you didn’t hear the doorbell or your roommate opening the door. You only heard the way Jack called out your name. You turned around to look, part of you wondering if you were dreaming.

He was filthy. His blue dress shirt smeared with grease, as well as his cheek and you could see there was a rip on his trousers. But all in all, Jack was completely fine, not a bruise or a cut.

“I had a flat,” he explained with an apologetic smile.

Before he could say anything else, apologize or explain any further, you were in his arms, hugging him and all but smashing your lips against his. Jack tugged you close to his body, holding you tight, his lips fitting perfectly against yours for a kiss that tasted like relief and longing.

You didn’t care if he was getting grease all over your dress. You didn’t care that you had lost the dinner reservations in the restaurant you’ve been dying to meet. You just cared that Jack was there. Safe and sound and with you. That was all the mattered.

xxx

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[ryuubees-moved]

summary ; ryuunosuke finds that the moments he spends with his new friend hachimitsu are like espresso shots: small and fleeting, yet nonetheless revitalizing...then again, perhaps it’s more than a simple friendship that’s brewing.

pairing ; ryuubee (ryuunosuke tsunashi x hachimitsu aino)

a/n ; let me just start by saying that love is one hell of a motivator, apparently—i wrote this in 5 days and it ended up just under 4.5k words?? which is the most i’ve ever written in that short of a time period,,,crazy.

anyways!! i thought it’d be fun to do something special for our three month anniversary (especially considering i forgot the day and missed the last two but shhh), so this is a little trip down memory lane with a little lot of oblivious pining on ryuu’s end. it’s a far longer read compared to my last fic, but i hope you give it a go and enjoy it!! 🤎

ryuu remembered their first meeting like it was yesterday.

night had begun to settle over the city, bringing with it a faint chill as he walked home from a hectic day. it was still hard to believe that they had won at the black or white competition little more than a month ago, but, since then, the skyrocket in popularity that came with their victory had left him with busier schedules than before. it wasn’t that he minded—though it was hard work, he still enjoyed it—but he’d found that free moments like these were becoming increasingly difficult to come by. and when work typically consisted of not only rushing between rehearsals, publicity stunts, and the like, but mediating the ever-frequent spats between his two groupmates as well, he’d come to appreciate these quiet moments where he finally had time to think and unwind.

it seemed that the night had other plans for him, however, as his train of thought was cut short at the sound of a familiar melody playing from nearby—all too familiar, in fact, he noted as he stopped in his tracks for a moment. after all, that was definitely one of their songs he was hearing, wasn’t it? it may have been one of their newer releases, but it was still easily recognizable—and, from what he could hear, whoever was playing it sounded good.

his curiosity piqued, he resumed his walking, the melody growing louder as he followed it to its source. eventually, he stopped at the door of a small café situated along the street, the sign hung above the door reading "kumamai café," accompanied by a little bear drawing that he assumed was the store mascot. his hand rose to the door handle, resting there for a moment as he debated whether or not to enter, but eventually made up his mind, readjusting the mask on his face before stepping inside.

the bell by the door chimed softly as it closed behind him, though it was paid no mind as he laid his eyes on the singer. she was seated on a stool towards the back of the café, her gaze on the guitar she was strumming as she led into the chorus of the piece. it was new, hearing a song like theirs in an acoustic form like, but it was far from bad. maybe it was the way the accompaniment carried through the microphone, or the way her voice lilted along every phrase, but he soon found himself lost in the melody, hanging on to the notes he knew by heart.

and then, as suddenly as he’d heard her, it was over, the strum of the final chord snapping him from his trance. as the guests began to applaud, and him with them, she looked up from her instrument with a smile.

"alright, that’s all for tonight!" she announced cheerily into the mic. "thank you all for coming to listen!"

oh, that was it? it seemed he’d only caught the tail end of her performance. the applause quickly simmered down, the members of her audience returning to whatever conversations they may have been engaged in before. his attention remained on her, though, watching as she slipped off of her stool and began to set about clearing her things. noticing she seemed to be stuck doing so alone, he made his way over to her to offer some assistance.

"need any help with that?"

"oh!" the girl glanced in his direction as she continued wrapping up the cord from her microphone, flashing him an appreciative smile. "if you don’t mind! i just need a little help carrying all of this back to store away until next time."

he gave an affirmative hum and set about picking up some of the heavier-looking items, following after her as she led him to the storage cabinet in the back of the café, directing him as to where it all went.

"…and that should be the last of it!" she concluded, brushing off her hands on her jeans before turning to face him fully. "thanks for your help, um—"

she cut herself off abruptly as her eyes landed on him, shock and realization slowly dawning on her face. "wait…you’re—!"

she’d recognized him? well, considering she had just been performing one of his group’s songs, maybe it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise. tenn had always told him that he and gaku were still pretty noticeable despite their disguises, especially now with their popularity on the rise. "ah, yeah," he confirmed her discovery, his hand rising to the back of his neck as he chuckled sheepishly.

at that, she clasped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide as saucers. "oh my god, i’m so sorry! i didn’t even notice, and you…" she trailed off, struggling to find her words amid her disbelief. "…you heard me?"

he nodded, lowering his mask and offering her a smile—they were the only two back there and she’d already figured him out, so he supposed it was alright. "only that last one, but you sounded good! i was impressed by what i heard, especially considering that son hasn’t been out very long."

a squeal escaped through her bit-back grin, practically bouncing in her place as she flapped her hands excitedly. he had to admit, it was quite endearing to see.

"you’re kidding! you really—" she cut herself off with a breathless laugh, growing more awkward as she began to settle. "sorry, i just…i’ve been doing this for years, but i never would’ve expected this! it’s like a dream...i mean, you’re here, and you heard me singing your song, and you…you liked it?"

once again, he answered with a simple nod, which seemed to be more than enough to brighten her features once more. even so, she cleared her throat in an attempt to calm herself.

“well, i suppose i probably shouldn’t keep you! i’m sure the life of a black or white champion is a busy one, and i wouldn’t want you wasting your free time like this,” she mused, adjusting her glasses with a sheepish expression. “thanks again for your help, ryu—er, tsunashi-san.”

“happy to help,” he replied with a chuckle. “and it wasn’t a waste at all! this was just the break i needed to end my day.”

“really?” she blinked at him owlishly. “well, if that’s the case, i’ll be doing another one of these again a week from now, if…”

she trailed off, but it wasn’t hard to figure out what she was implying. then again, maybe it was because he had found her hopeful proposition so appealing. “i’ll keep it in mind, um...”

“aino hachimitsu,” she finished for him. “sorry, i guess i forgot to introduce myself.”

“it’s alright, don’t worry,” he assured her. “well then, aino-san, i’ll try to stop by if i can.”

sure enough, he’d managed to stop by that next week—and the next, and the next, until the two found themselves settling into their own little routine before they even realized it. they certainly had their share of awkward moments, of course, but even so, he found that being around her brought him an odd sense of comfort he couldn’t quite place. he’d come to appreciate the nights he got to spend just talking with her in the back of the café, away from any stresses of work or fan’s prying eyes.

"you seem tired today, tsunashi-kun. you didn’t have too much trouble at work, did you?"

well, away from all but one.

"no, work’s been the same as usual," he assured her, though he could still see the doubt in her eyes as she stared him down from her chair. "things have just been a little busier with the concert coming up, that’s all."

"oh, that’s right! that’s in a few weeks, isn’t it?"

"mhm. are you going?"

"of course, i have my ticket and everything! i even splurged a little and got myself a good seat," she declared, puffing her chest out proudly while he chuckled at her response. "i was glad i managed to get one before they sold out, honestly."

he was relieved by the fact, too, though he didn’t mention it. it was true, their notoriety made tickets hard to come by, typically selling out within a day or two. he was certainly experienced in his work by now, but that wasn’t to say that he didn’t still feel that pang of nerves before a performance. just knowing he’d have a friend out there in the audience cheering him on already helped to put him a little more at ease.

"how have you been, though?" he asked after a moment, moving their conversation forward. "i assume things have been normal here?"

"yep! business has picked up some, but otherwise it’s all good here," she answered, though she grew more sheepish as she went on. "between you and me, though, i think some people have caught on to the rumor that you’ve been coming here. i get questions every once in a while from a couple customers."

"oh, really?" that was a cause for concern. his visits hadn’t caused them any trouble, had they? hachimitsu seemed to be fine with it and her boss had never complained, but he didn’t want to end up making them overwhelmed later on. and what if it sparked some odd rumor about the two of them? tenn and gaku would never let him hear the end of it, and he wasn’t sure that he wanted to know what president yaotome would say on the matter, considering it definitely wouldn’t be anything good.

"oi, earth to tsunashi!"

a poke on his shoulder accompanied by her raised voice served to startle him out of his worries, and he looked to his companion to see her staring at him with her brows furrowed. however, as she heaved a sigh, her expression softened upon successfully regaining his attention—he wasn’t sure how long she’d been trying.

"it’s nothing to worry about, okay? i promise we’ve got things under control here," she told him sincerely, a laugh escaping her as she continued. "it’s not like this is some sort of big scandal or anything, after all! i’ve just had to disappoint a curious fan or two with a little 'oh, i wish i could say i’ve met him!' you know, waxing poetic and all that.”

finding her laughter infectious, he couldn’t resist the amused smile that tugged at his lips. "little do they know, huh?"

"little do they know," she echoed, a similar look gracing her features. "so no stressing here! i wouldn’t wanna lose my vip audience because of a couple fangirls. that, and i really enjoy your company."

"alright, i’ll take your word for it, then." his smile had only grown at her comment, touched by her reasonings and glad to hear that she appreciated these moments as well. in only a few weeks, it seemed that she already had a knack for knowing how to make him feel better. "thanks, aino."

"of course! now, moving on...since you’ve obviously been spending a lot of time prepping for your concert, are there any fun work stories you can share with me?"

he laughed at her request, his concerns dissipating as he put them behind him. "well, there was this one moment today when—"

"hacchan!"

a voice cut in on their conversation, and the two turned to the doorway to see the café owner standing there.

"sorry, i didn’t mean to interrupt you two!" he apologized, bowing to them both before turning to his employee. "i just wanted to let you know that i need to head out for the night. you don’t mind closing up tonight, do you?"

"not at all! i’ve told you i can take care of closing on these nights, kumamoto-san," she replied, getting up from her seat to grab the keys from the man. "did you want me to go ahead and do that now?"

"no, no, you two take all the time you need. i just thought i’d let you know. goodnight, both of you!"

they both offered their goodnights, and ryuu watched as she stared after her boss for a moment before turning back to him, hurrying back to her seat with an eager grin, one that he couldn’t help but mirror.

"so, where were we?"

"happy new year!"

hearing hachimitsu’s voice through the phone, cheerful as ever, immediately brought a smile to his face. it was still hard to believe that a year had already come and gone, especially considering all that had happened within the past months. between all of the concerts and events they’d participated in (or not, he noted, considering the sound ship incident), their newfound rivalry with the still-new idolish7, and, as of that night, their big showdown at black or white, the past year had felt full of unforgettable events.

"happy new year! did you watch the competition?"

an incredulous scoff sounded from the other end. "are you kidding? me, watch black or white? i wouldn’t miss it for the world!"

"just thought i’d make sure," he said amusedly, a soft chuckle escaping him. "so? what did you think?"

"oh my god, it was amazing! i’ll have you know i got chills watching both of your performances, even from the television," she told him. even without seeing her, he could recognize her excitement from her voice, easily able to picture the grin on her face and the sparkles in her eyes she always had when talking about things like these. he always enjoyed listening to her ramble on about the pieces she got interested in, whether he knew them or not.

"yeah, idolish7 did a great job, didn’t they? i think we all nearly started cheering them on."

"right? they just have this draw to them or something."

"i think so, too. they definitely earned that win tonight."

"hey, you guys deserved it just as much! i was impressed that the votes were so close," she noted, quick to jump to their defense. "i’ll have you know i voted for you guys, of course. i even got my family in on it, too!"

"really?"

"yeah, of course! what, you think i wouldn’t be rooting for you? i thought you knew me better, ryuu."

"no, that’s not it! i’m glad to hear it, hachi." he laughed at her antics, but couldn’t ignore the fluttery swell in his chest at her words of support. well, he supposed it was just because he was happy to hear that she was that dedicated to his group, like when their fans started cheering for them after the winners announcement at the competition. settling on that conclusion, he pushed the feeling away, moving the conversation along. "let me guess: you’ve already started trying to learn the songs, haven’t you?"

it was silent on the other end for a brief second, giving him the answer before she even spoke up.

"…i may have recorded the show so i could go back and try to figure out the chords, yeah."

"i thought so," he mused with a laugh. it seemed that every time they or another group released a new song, she’d always managed to pick it up within the next week or two that he saw her. then again, he may have been one to help every once in a while when he could. "how far have you gotten?"

"ryuu, you guys only sang them earlier tonight. i’m not a wizard, y’know," she answered jokingly. "the melodies are easy, but i’ll have to go back and listen to you guys a couple of times first before i really get the hang of the accompaniment. i might try to pick up re:vale’s song while i’m at it, too…"

"you should! they were phenomenal—though i guess i shouldn’t expect less from the overall winners."

"right? they were bound to come out on top with that!"

"well, if you want, maybe i can let you take a peek at my sheet music the next time i’m there?" he offered, "that way you can focus more on the other two, if you think it’ll help."

"ryuu, what do you think i’m going to say?"

he couldn’t help his amusement upon hearing the barely-suppressed excitement in her voice. "alright, i’ll be sure to bring it with me, then."

"yes! i can’t wait!" she cheered, going on hopefully. "next week?"

"next week," he agreed with a smile, feeling that warm, fuzzy feeling again at the prospect. it had been a little while since they’d last met up, what with the holiday rushes and crammed schedules, so he was looking forward to seeing her again. he opened his mouth to speak again, but was interrupted as another voice cut in.

"ryuu, are you coming? you’re the one who said we should do this…"

"i’m coming, just give me a minute!" he called back, before returning his attention to his phone. "sorry, we’re going out to celebrate our performance. i probably shouldn’t keep them waiting any longer."

"even though you lost?"

"yeah, i thought it’d be good for team morale!"

"oh, gotcha! yeah, i wouldn’t leave them hanging like that," she reasoned amusedly. "you go have fun! i’ll be waiting for you next week!"

"we will," he replied, "and don’t worry, i’ll be sure to remember my music. goodnight, hachi."

the little bell chimed softly as he entered the café, exhaling a content sigh as warmth returned to his body after the winter chill outside. his final rehearsal for the day had run longer than expected, so he could only hope he’d gotten there before she’d gone.

"oh, you’re here!"

looking over to the counter, he was relieved to see her standing there, thus proving his worries unnecessary. she placed the dish she’d been cleaning in its rightful spot before bounding over to him, face alight with happiness.

"sorry i’m late! gaku arrived a bit late from a shoot, so we started later than planned," he apologized, a sheepish smile on his face. "i left as soon as we were done."

"no worries! i figured it had something to do with work since you never texted me about cancelling," she assured him, though her attention quickly shifted as she eyed the folder in his hand, breaking out into a grin. "is that what i think it is?"

"i promised you i’d bring it today, didn’t i?"

"hey, i’m just making sure!" came her defensive reply, though her eyes danced with amusement. "i have to finish up a few things for kumamoto-san first, but can i take a look at it after that?"

"that’s what i brought it for," he pointed out with a laugh. "if you want, i can help you with those, too."

"are you sure? it’s my job, you know. i don’t wanna put you to work after you’ve come here to wind down and all…"

"i don’t mind! besides, the quicker you finish them, the more time you can have to read over the music, right?"

she pondered over his reasonings for a moment as he made his way behind the counter, but eventually gave in with a nod. "yeah, i can’t argue with that," she admitted, before sighing exasperatedly. "honestly, ryuu, you do too much for me."

he only chuckled at that, and the two set themselves to work finishing up her tasks for the day. a comfortable silence settled over them as they worked, save for the occasional bits of small talk they’d throw out to pass the time. he couldn’t help but find the situation comfortably domestic, a thought which sparked a flutter in his stomach that caught him by surprise. it wasn’t a new feeling by any means—in fact, he’d felt it a small handful of other instances in their times spent together—but he had never been able to place exactly what it was. still, he wasn’t given much time to dwell on the matter, not as hachimitsu brought up another story of hers that quickly stole his attention.

the minutes passed by on the clock above the counter, but between the two of them, it didn’t take long until each of her assigned chores were taken care of.

“...and that should be the last of it! thanks again for pitching in.”

“of course! i told you i’m happy to help,” he answered as the two stepped back from the counter.

“yeah, i know, i know,” she sighed lightheartedly, giggling softly as she removed her working apron. “i’m gonna go put this back real quick, but i’m checking out that music as soon as i’m back!”

he had no time to respond to her claim as she rushed off eagerly, staring after her retreating form for a moment before making his way back over to where he’d laid the music in question down upon the counter. surely she’d want to waste as little time as possible, he thought to himself, chuckling lightly at the notion as he opened the folder to the first page.

“okay, okay, i’m back! let me see!”

once again, he was given next to no warning other than her call before she was back by his side, nearly bouncing with anticipation as she began to look over the notes in front of her. ryuu, however, found himself more focused on the fact that she had practically pressed herself flush against him to get to it, a realization which only brought back that fluttery feeling, along with a warmth to his face.

seeming to notice their proximity only seconds after him, she quickly jumped back, a blush dusting her own cheeks (it was cute, honestly...not that that was important, though). “oh my god, i’m so sorry! i was so excited, i just—”

“i-it’s alright!” he cut her off with a response he could barely squeak out, clearing his throat in an attempt to both calm and hide his sudden nerves. “you just surprised me, is all.”

she eyed him a moment longer, but said nothing, simply settling back into her position as she pored over the melodies. despite his initial reaction, he settled back in close beside her nonetheless, answering her questions and providing commentary on some of the sections she found tricky or confusing. her body felt warm against his own, fitting against his side like a puzzle piece, and he couldn’t help but admire the way her eyes seemed to shine behind her glasses, her gaze trained devotedly on the pages in front of her, or the way her lips pursed in concentration, humming a line or two to herself every so often.

he was certain he was staring, but couldn’t bring himself to look away. that fluttery feeling returned, but this time he found it bearable…almost comfortable, even.

and though he still didn’t quite know what it was, as the night drew on in her company, he hoped it would last forever.

"oi, ryuu!"

he jumped, startled, as he was quite literally snapped out of his reverie, turning in time to see gaku’s hand return to his side as he stared at him exasperatedly. "are you even listening?"

"ah—no, sorry," he admitted sheepishly, offering his friend and groupmate an apologetic look.

the group leader only sighed, hands braced against his hips. "honestly, you were like this all of rehearsal, too! you know you can tell us when something’s bothering you, right?"

"oh, no, nothing’s bothering me!" he assured him, feeling a pang of guilt over potentially causing them any concern. it was true, the thoughts plaguing his mind were anything but concerning. it was just that—

"you’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?"

his eyes widened, and he turned to face their center, who he found eyeing him with a pointed look.

"what was her name again? something like—"

"hachi," ryuu answered quickly—perhaps a bit too quickly, he noted, judging by the identical looks of surprise on tenn and gaku’s faces.

tenn was the first to recover, though, a faint huff escaping him. "well, you can do what you want with your time. just do us a favor and don’t let your little crush get in the way of our work."

wait, what? as his words registered, ryuu felt a rush of warmth to his face. "no, wait, you don’t understand! it’s not like that!"

"i’d say! your crush is anything but little," gaku noted with a teasing smirk, though it was quickly replaced with a glare to their third member upon hearing him mutter a judgmental "like you’re one to talk."

but as the two soon devolved into their usual bickering, he couldn’t bring himself to step in and break them up, his focus occupied with mulling over their claims, however teasing.

that couldn’t be it, right? they were just messing with him. sure, despite what his public image might’ve suggested, he’d had very little romantic experience, but he was certain he’d be able to recognize if he’d fallen for someone.

hachi was just a close friend, after all! they’d known each other for a little over a year now, which was certainly enough to consider her such. it was natural for him to look forward to seeing her, or want to be close to her, or feel his heart swell whenever he made her smile or laugh, or—

oh.

oh.

the realization crashed over him all at once. that was it. the nervous jitters, the giddy rushes, the warm, fuzzy feelings...it all made sense, and at that moment he wondered how he’d failed to notice it sooner. how was it that his friends managed to piece it together in teasing, when with all the time he’d spent with her, he hadn’t figured it out?

he couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of the situation, the sound of which caused the other two to break off their argument, turning to him with curious expressions.

“sorry, sorry!” he managed to say as his amusement died down. “i just realized that you two might be onto something.”

they shared a look, before turning back to him.

“might?” gaku asked incredulously, raising a brow.

“okay, fine, fine, you’re definitely onto something.”

and despite the grounding realization, he felt as though his heart was lighter than ever.