#tiny marshmellows are the best

[puxpy]

I feel like hot chocolate would be his favorite

[alkalineleak]

🍓:-3c i hope youre having the best day

hi and for the love of god hello !!!!!!!!!U can ramble SO MUCH and i Loveee seeing it every time and then theres these tiny explanations for stuff and i need to dissect it immediately. Ur art is like marshmellows at 24 f degree weather btw.

[koostarcandy]

hi can i pls req a jungkook fic based on when you’re ready by shawn mendes? thank u !!!

whole world - jk x reader

pairing: pining!jungkook x fem!oc (unnamed)

summary: jungkook hopes you know his intense feelings towards you. alternative? jungkook would wait 10 years if it means to be with you.

genre: fluff

wc: 680 words

a/n: shawn mendes has got some really good songs ㅠㅠ requests are open because I can't look at textbooks all day long 😃👍🏼uh jaykay is very pining here (idk how you say it English but it makes sense in my head okay) it's not as bad as you think it is but it did take me 2 days to write so🕳🏃🏽‍♀️ also, I left it open cause why not?

jungkook thinks you're like all the seasons, combined.

early spring, where the flowers are slowly blooming and the air is filled with the giddiness at the prospect of summer. you're eager to pick out tiny daisies to make flower crowns for the both of you, always on the lookout for cute animals to capture pinterest worthy pictures.

you're the soft sunshine brightening up his life, the relief of mid-day rain during the peak heat and he can only hope you know that he loves spending spring with you.

summer, filled with popsicles and frequent trips to the pool. there's tons of polaroids on jungkook's desk, left by you so he can put it in their designated albums. you're always dragging him to carnivals and fairs, summer nights a haze and memorable with you.

you're like the cool and chill nights, that brings relief after the sweltering heat. he hopes that, years down the lane, you're looking at these precious albums with him, old and wrinkly and happy.

when it comes to autumn, jungkook loves the fact that you go up and beyond to get "cuddly" clothes, getting matching ones to even pair up with his dear doberman, bam. you're always stomping the crunchy colourful leaves with him, silent content at the sound.

like the sudden gusts of wind which remind him that fall season is here, you're in the tight hands held and close proximity to ensure there's enough warmth for everybody. he hopes that, years down the lane, he's still holding your hand in his, enjoying the crisp air with you.

in brisk winter, jungkook knows you'll find a hundred reasons and more to make delectable hot chocolate, decorated with your favourite fluffy tiny marshmellows. you make it a point to see the first snow with him, turning it into an impromptu snowball fight.

like how children's eyes light up when they get their christmas presents, you're the sparkle that everyone looks for when it comes to the holidays, especially jungkook. he hopes that, when the time comes, you'll be passing down the sparkle, making the whole world a better place. just like how you do to his.

jimin is flabbergasted, speechless and most importantly, shocked at the audacity of his best friend, now drunk.

"jimin-ssi," a drunk jungkook wails, "what do i do?"

jungkook might not know it and he might not even care, but the stares garnered and projected to them, even though they're in a private booth of the bar, makes jimin think twice about his life choices.

it takes everything in him to not up and get out, frankly tired of how blind his jungkookie can be.

"you want her to stay with you, yes?" jimin asks slowly.

jungkook nods furiously, drunk sleepy eyes suddenly widening. "that goes without saying! of course, i want that!"

jungkook's precious hyung winces slightly at the rise of volume but he goes on anyway, "so why don't you just ask her out?"

the pining boy shakes his head so fast and quickly, jimin thinks it might fall off. "she's not interested in me like that, she never has been and I've seen it, hyungie." jungkook nods solemnly, flicking open the cap of soju and pouring himself a shot and downing it.

"but i'll wait for her. like i always do and i don't mind that at all."

jimin stares at him, mind reeling from the rant jungkook had gone on you being "all seasons combined" after hearing the song 'four seasons' play in the bar. the poor man massages his temples with one hand, the other fisting to meet jungkook's buff arm, softly punching him repeatedly.

"you blind, utter, foolish, dumbass!"

"i'm sure you're right but why?!"

jimin heaves the biggest sigh he's let out around jungkook and that's saying something. "you said that you're sure she's not interested in you. at all?"

jungkook mimics his hyung, sighing and grabbing the soju bottle, "jimin-ssi, how many times do I have to tell you? she isn't-"

"if she isn't, then why does she look at you like you're her whole world?"

pt time: @armys-dna ; @joondiary ; @soobhyun ; @shatzkrinslinzki ; @highly-functioning-mitochondria ; @taegisms ; @cherishoshi

[hippogriffs-and-alicorns]

Lune makes the BEST hot cocoa, like its lowkey just liquid chocolate with marshmellows and tiny chocolate chips in it as well (aka how i make hot chocolate). She just Makes a thermos full of it for cozy glow when they're hiding out at luna's tower before luna has to go deal with something (never get between a pissed off luna and an important goal, you'll get curb-stomped) -Heartbreaker

Living for all these Mom-Luna moments

[madamhatter]

act ???. backstage your name is….. silver tongue.

“Sion, Sion, Sion!” Scrawny legs and worn shoes chase after the quietly pacing figure of the Informant. Dandelions clumped in her hair, messy brown locks curled out and dancing in the sunlight, she couldn’t keep herself in one place as the older person’s walking was made her too anxious to keep still. 

“If I were to--” Numbers and confusing phrases are what she hears leaving from their mouth. It sounds too technical, too boring, too specific, to be about anything near by them. Bottom of their boot digs into the red soil, drawing out small lines and intersections as they continue in their plan.

“Si-on! Listen to me, please!” The young girl haughtily announces, balling her fists, tugging on Simeon’s jacket. Tiny hands were met with scarred hands greeting them, gently patting them, trying to ease their frustrations. Lilac pink eyes meet earthly brown eyes, two brows lowered from impatience and the other’s one brow raised in curiosity.

“What’s wrong, little one?” 

“I’m soooo bored!” 

“What am I to about that, lilita? What about your older brother and sister? Are they not wanting to play with you?” 

“Rosibel is too busy with that hot thing or something. Reuben, he thinks he’s too big to play with me--! I’m only 8! And he’s 10! And that’s dumb! I’m taller than him so I--”

“Alright, alright, enough.” Or, as her mother would say, tranquilate. “I suppose I can do something about that.” The way they rubbed their chin, eyes averting, already had the young girl staring widely, wandering what was in their head. 

“I could--” They wave their hand over their throat, quietly kneeling down to her height. An already pitched voice quickly deepened, a foreign rasp yet familiar softness coming from their mouth now. “Show you a world of possibilities of people you can meet.”   

They return to their feet, back straightening, a distant warmth in their eyes, almost as if possessed by another. “Why not a man whose been around the world before and knows all these places? He’s quite old, but, ‘Ah, maybe for you, I will tell you a story' because you always brought him strawberries you’ve stolen from your mother’s pantry.” 

“Don’t tell her--!”

“I won’t. I swore, I don’t forget.” Simeon sighs, clearing their throat. “Ah, but maybe this mischievous stranger the old man knows may consider it..! She’s a renowned thief,” they click their tongue, voice already sharpening and shrill, higher-pitched with the accent thicker than the previous. While the young girl couldn’t pinpoint it, it was most certainly Russian. “How do you convince her not to spill your secrets? Maybe her friend, the old man, can convince her.. But,” Simeon rolls their shoulders, shrugging, glancing away from her, “ ‘Should I really consider that? What do you have for me that I could eeveeer want?!’“ 

Simeon rocks on the balls of their feet, rubbing their chin. “Or, there’s always...” Their voice rolls into a hum, accent dissipating and taking on a sleepy tone. They shuffle to seat themselves on a nearby rock, legs crossed like a woman of proper with their posture reeking power all behind careful eyes. “The calculative detective who might take up on your case to figure out how to stop the thief. Though, you need to impress her, she has quite a reputation,” Simeon spoken this, almost like they were familiar with this story too many times, “but, she is remarkably considerate, if not aloof, if you’re able to step yourself up and come running to her door.”

“But, oh, oh....there’s always the valiant route. Not so deceptive, more so action-packed, honorable--” 

“The highly regarded and greatest defenders of the empire, you can seek them out..! You can hire a knight of the great Orden--” Their posture was striking stiff, disciplined, though their was certain passion in their voice. Lila’s brows furrowed, quickly patting Simeon’s abdomen, demanding attention.

“Sion! They don’t exist!” Lila interrupts. “So you would prefer a detective over a knight?” Simeon tilts their head. “You say people I can meet!” She clarifies and “Of course, of course--” they quietly nod. “....” “....” “But, wouldn’t it be cool?” They murmur under their breath. “They would have a stick u-” She was about to finish her sentence -- “Hey, hey! Don’t say that!” until Simeon quickly dissuaded her. “But you did before!” “Don’t repeat me!” “Why?” “Lila, ¿terminaste tus quehaceres?” “Mami--!” .... “SION, THAT’S NOT FUNNY.” “That was a little mean, I admit -- I’m sorry, it’s okay-”

It was only after moments of Lila sticking out her tongue, and Simeon returning the same childish act, that both erupted into euphoric laughter. Though, Simeon’s voice returned to normal, their laugher softer and quieter than the young girl’s, she was growing conscious of her own and covered her mouth.

But, of course, Simeon had spoken out, encouraging her: 

“You have a beautiful laugh. Don’t hide it, please!”

Two (2) HCs:

No matter how much Sophie embraces personas and taking on acting/being a different ‘person,’ the core of her being will always stand out. One of those traits being an innate love for children and always having a incredible soft spot for them. She will honestly make herself look silly and ruin any form of seriousness on her (or Simeon, in this case) to make them smile.  This also does mean that if you mess with children, you’re on her shit list. There isn’t any workaround this and this one way to actually see her mad. Her true anger works slowly, calculatingly, and coldly. She waits the best time to strike and she will not hesitate to mark you off a list to do in her daily schedule. ( read more on her anger here: x )

Sophie’s innate magic originates from her voice. The same way reality bends to her voice and how much everything is disposable at her command, her magic itself pretty much always 'on.’ Explaining her magic takes a while, so don’t expect to find out really what it can do here. (I just call it a ‘sophie can make everything fucky wucky on a bad day.’) However, we’re going to talk about the property that it is channeled through and one of her unique aspects. She is able to implement mimicry and change her voice freely when she properly trains herself (which she does in this verse). Control of magic (or general ‘self-control’ as a theme for her, including illusions) in pretty important and can also be reflected by another extension of her power (over here). She doesn’t need any formal command or spell to do this and can happen naturally (when thought of properly). 

NOTE:

I originally had Sophie/Simeon about to give an explanation and a ‘did you know fact’ comparing the warriors to roosters and Lila would’ve slapped her hands over their mouth. But, just know Simeon was ready to lecture.  ｡ﾟ(｡ﾉωヽ｡)ﾟ｡ I just want my baby to talk and fumble over her words in excitement and feeling comfortable to talk about her interests and passions. even if she can dumb of ass, stubborn of ass, she is soft of ass...a marshmellow, a marshmellow hedgehog....

[electricbluehedgehog]

"(─‿‿─)" and offers some hot chocolate with tiny marshmellows

"Heh, thanks!" Sonic smiles happily, taking the offered cup of hot chocolate. He snuggles up close to his alternate, returning the cuddles as best he can with the cup in his hands. His nose twitches curiously. Mmm...Hot chocolate...

Now.

He mlem.

[forestfairyunicorn]

@niuniente Entrapdak Secret Santa 2019 gift fic to @mysticqueen-bee! Hope you enjoy; one prompt was the best fic idea and ran away with me~  Happy Holidays!

Contrary to popular belief, Hordak is aware of most Etherian holidays.

He was aware of some during his time with Horde Prime. A passing fancy, as some cultures are determined to have their holiday as it was literally their livelihood. At the time, he did research into the subject, and sometimes there’s a pattern of togetherness and occasional superstition.

While as the ones on Etheria are not as extreme, he did have one or two determined soldiers request time off. A quiet request here, a spying there, and Hordak once discovered through Imp a closed off holiday party celebrating Snowrest.

From that, Hordak surmised what Snowrest is: loud, boisterous, well-wishing for the new year and a tradition of ‘driving off the Bonechill Specters.’ In other words, just like all the other holidays he was aware of and doesn’t care. He allowed some holidays as requested, but only within good reason. The last thing he wanted was some inefficient soldiers messing up a plan.

So when Entrapta mentioned Snowrest, Hordak pricked his ears at that.

They were in his Sanctum, Hordak tinkering at a small plan while Entrapta was off to the side, working on her own project while humming a familiar tune. The robot Emily chirped along, which was, Hordak admit to no one, endearing.

Entrapta finished the song with a final note, and a laugh. “My favourite Snowrest song! Always a good one.”

“Snowrest?” Hordak inquired, looking up at her.

“An annual holiday about celebrating the biggest snowfall of the year, so that winter will end and the new year will bring a better harvest, a better time, a fruitful year. Sometimes there’s decorations, singing, lots of lights, snowfalls, ice sculptures, festivals, plays, gift exchanging, and so much sweets!” Entrapta ended the last word with laughter as she was caught up in the excitement. Her hair propelled her around, her joy apparent.

And then she stopped. “Well, at least that’s how I remembered it.”

Hordak frowned. From her description, Snowrest seemed more than the party he recalled. “Do you still celebrate it?”

Entrapta shrugged, getting back to her task. “Sorta. I liked the sweets, some of the plays, decorating the tree, giving gifts, but it’s the parties I have a tough time with.” Her mask flipped down, her voice continuing. “Especially going to different places and dressing up. And crowds. Definitely crowds. Being forced to go to back to back parties with no rest, too much music, just…too much.”

Emily whirred, mimicking the solemn mood. Entrapta immediately perked up, mask up. “Best part of the holiday is the sweets! And a smorgasbord of it! Hot chocolates, candy canes, cookies, so much! Smaller, the better and the sweeter!”

“Hm,” Hordak mused, “Do you plan to celebrate it soon?” He’ll have to create a request form for her, and guide her through the process.

“Maybe not.”

That stopped him in his work. Blinking, he stared at her, confusion apparent. “I thought you enjoyed the holiday?”

“Oh I do! It’s just that after the last party I went to, my robot had malfunctioned and caused a bit of a scandal, which was expected because someone dumped juice on it and they blamed me for the trouble. Which was completely unfair because the kid was a brat and he did it on purpose. And since then I focused on my work, celebrating by myself. Which isn’t bad: no parties, no loud noises, no social rules. Just me, my work, my staff, my robots.”

And with that she focused on her task.

But Hordak heard the wistful tone in her voice. Allowing a moment to pass, he collected his thoughts. “You can celebrate it here.”

Emily squeaked a quizzical sound as Entrapta turned around, mimicking the noise. Hordak continued, “I would not oppose to having a small festivity here. Two of us—“ Emily and Imp, who appeared on the robot at some point earlier, chirred and squeaked. “With Emily and Imp. In a small place in my Sanctum. No loud noises, no crowds, no parties. Only our work and however you wish to celebrate Snowrest. Quietly,” he added the final word as a confirmation. No one else is allowed in the Sanctum unless he wished it. Entrapta is the exception as she preferred using the vents to travel.

The woman in question gasped, eyes sparkling as excitement took over her body. She vaulted over to Hordak, her hair giving her height as she hugged the surprised warlord. “Oooooohhh! A Secret Snowrest! I’ve heard of those before, but I never participated in one! Hordak, this is fascinating! Thank you,” and she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she squeaked. “I gotta get ready! There’s sweets to get, a tree to decorate, so much! Be back soon!” And with that she lifted herself off of him and into an overhead vent, the sound of thumping and thudding receding, and then stopped, and then returning. Her head popped out, a comical sight. “Oh! Hordak, you don’t have to give me anything for the gift exchange. Just a heads up. Be right back!” And then she is gone, taking away Hordak’s unspoken question.

He sighed, both amused and slightly bothered by Entrapta’s enthusiasm. It was endearing, yes, but the spontaneity and the mystery of it can be baffling to decipher. But it was part of her, and she was honest.

“What did she mean by—Oh.” He recalled that gift exchanging, an act of trading of tokens, however meaningful or whimsical, was one aspect of the holiday. For some, it’s departing of the old materials to those who are less fortunate to have such materials. A gesture of goodwill.

Glancing at Emily, Hordak mulled over Entrapta’s last words. “I think she would like a gift. I would not know what she needs.”

The robot twittered. He continued, “I do not require anything that she can offer in a small material form. This,” he placed a claw on his improved armour, that she made for him, unprompted. “Is more than enough, I think.”

Both Emily and Imp voiced their agreement.

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

Over the course of a few days, Entrapta and Hordak worked. Entrapta, her projects with First Ones, weapons and machines for the Horde, and assembling for Snowrest. Hordak, his occupation as Lord Hordak, warlord of the Horde, his projects, and keeping an eye on Entrapta’s work with amusement.

Finally, Snowrest was here.

And it was just the two of them with Emily and Imp. Hordak took in the small corner that designated as Snowrest festivity. A small crooked sculpture, assembled by scrap pieces of metals, adored with a few lights and minor decorations. A plate of small sweets, smuggled into here with some bribes to the cooks and the transports, side by side with two small mugs of steaming hot chocolate topped with tiny marshmellows. Against the wall was a sofa, covered with blankets.

“Oohhhhh, it’s perfect!” Entrapta stood beside him, alit with joy. Emily beeped beside her, happily jiggling a collar of bells on her leg. She moved to sit beside the sculpture, Imp scrambling on her. He himself was wearing an oversized sweater, from Entrapta’s youth. Garnished in odd colours, movement almost restricted, Imp adored the warm sweater. He curled up on Emily, taking position to gaze at the whimsical sculpture with glittering objects and beautiful colours.

“It is rather enchanting,” Hordak agreed, watching Entrapta. Her delight was worth the odd scuffle and near hassles. It felt, nice.

“One last thing!” Entrapta went to the sofa, sitting down as she gestured Hordak to come. He obeyed, settling himself. Once he was comfortable, Entrapta placed a single bow on his chest, right below the diamond-shaped crystal.

“What is this?” Hordak murmured, glancing from the tiny bow to Entrapta. Her soft gaze almost undid him.

“You know how I said you didn’t have to give me anything?” At his nod, she continued, “I do mean it, in that you are the best thing I’ve ever gotten. You listened to my theories, to my rambling, and you don’t belittle me. I don’t need anything, because you’re the best gift I’ve ever been blessed to receive. You’re my lab partner, my friend, and the best thing in my life.”

Face warm and ears parallel to the floor, Hordak barely comprehended what she said. He blinked, and cleared his throat. “I…I am honoured to be your gift on this Snowrest. You are, also a gift to me as well.”

Entrapta smiled, giving him a mug while holding hers. “I did have a hard time finding a gift for you, but Imp and Emily kinda helped.”

“Oh?” Hordak sniffed the drink, the aroma of earthy and spicy herbs a pleasant one.

Her hair brought over a small ornament of sorts, rather misshapen with various sticks and glitter and nuts and bolts.

“Yeah, Imp and Emily recorded that day that the armour I made was more than enough for you, but I also wanted to make you a small one. Your first Snowrest decoration!”

Hordak had to chuckle at that. Small and imperfect, the ornament is a clumsy attempt, but there is endearment in its form, and crafted with some care.

“Thank you,” he gingerly accepted the gift, “to all of you,” he directed to the snoozing duo. Emily let out a quiet chirr to respond.

Entrapta snuggled closer to Hordak as her hair wrapped the blankets over them and he moved into a comfortable position.

“Happy Snowrest, Hordak,” Entrapta whispered as she nuzzled his cheek.

Tenderly, Hordak kissed her. “And to you, Entrapta. Happy Snowrest, lab partner.”

[inanthesis]

@writingalaxies​ : "Nah, nah, Todoroki, it'll be GREAT! I'll harden with my quirk so I won't even feel a thing, and then you can try SMORES!" Eijirou looked EXCITED, the bag of fluffy marshmellows in his hands. He still couldn't believe the other had NEVER had it before!

❝ Well, IF YOU SAY SO. You would know your own quirk best after all, so if you think fire isn’t going to be a problem we can try it. ❞ Shouto conceded with a slight shrug. With how hard Kirishima had been working on his hardening Shouto was sure the other MUST know the limitations of his quirk and Shouto wasn’t going to just assume he lacked the strength or ability to withstand his fire. That seemed like it’d be rude.

BUT... there was just a tiny worry in his head about not wanting to burn one of his friends so perhaps just a TINY BIT of caution could be warranted.

❝ I don’t know how hot you’d want it but try like this first JUST TO MAKE SURE. ❞ Left hand would be held out, a low temperature controlled flame beginning to sprout from his upward facing palm. ❝ Then we can move on to whatever your plan is. ❞

[mamabearlarusso]

Time for Mountain Magic

Needless to say, I had another early day. I knew it was going to be quiet when I got home--the kids were still in school, but for some reason...after everything that happened today, the house just sounded sad and empty. I could have sworn I heard the fridge click on, the second I closed the front door. On my way to my room to change, I debated on just falling asleep for the rest of the day. I stopped and stared at the spare room door, as if it would help me decide. It was just open...waiting for something...anything to happen. It wasn't like there was a preteen throwing tantrum or an angsty teenager blasting rebellious music behind it...just a quiet room, free and cIear of any present drama. I barely lingered at the threshold, I just walked in, decision already made. I had been thinking about it for days, and now I was too far gone to stop myself. I snatched the clothes from the drawer and changed right there.

I saw myself in the hallway mirror (A thermal shirt and flannel lounge pants...in the pre summer climate?! What?...It hasn't really been pre-summer anything lately...it keeps looking like it wants to rain anyway. What are you doing? I don't know, kinda feels like a wake doesn't it?...gotta be properly dressed, right? Fine...well, you know what they do at wakes.) On my way back down to the kitchen, I stopped off in the den and had another three fingers of Jack...

Down in the kitchen, I saw the leftovers sitting there in the fridge--just waiting to be heated up...but went into the freezer instead...grabbed the half empty, five quart tub of cookie dough ice cream, the bag of chocolate chips, the bag of crushed Oreos, the bag of little Marshmellows and the bag of shelled Pistachios...with a big handful of each, a heavy drizzle of three different syrups and a giant spoon...I made my way back upstairs. Almost lost my balance for a second there, but I was fine.

Flipping on Universal Solider--the first movie we ever watched together--it almost felt like he was sitting up, in the bed next to me again. (It's just the booze. Yeah, well, I don't care) It didn't take long before the inevitable began...(Why didn't I just do something back then? Because you were still married. Didn't stop Daniel. You're really gonna make me say it, aren't you...you're better than that now. When did that happen? Oh, I don't know when I stopped all that crap!...maybe it was when you had Samantha or when you said I Do, maybe it was when we met Daniel and saw those dimples were only smiling for us...or, maybe--and this might be the booze again--maybe it was when I wanted to prove that I was worth all the Reynosas time and energy...wanted to show them that I wasn't going to ruin all they had done for me...that I wasn't going to waste my time in college with all that bullshit high school drama anymore. Yeah, well, look where that got me. You mean graduating from business school, getting married to a man that loved you-- --yeah, but did he...really? Hey, Daniel was good to me...just because things didn't work out doesn't mean you get to trash your whole time together...he gave you a family-- --you already had a family, that cared about you, that took you in...that you threw away the second you thought you had a real chance at the good life. Yeah, well, never said I was a genius. No, I screwed it all up...Joey and the family are gonna hate you, because I ruined everything! Woman...shut up and stop letting the booze talk for you...you're me and I'm you, you know I'm always going to be a part of you, so you might as well learn from me...I've seen every dumbass move we've made, but we're still here to fix it...we still have people that love and care about us...so stop talking crazy and get some sleep...if nothing else, Daniel gave us two beautiful kids that need you to be your best...you can figure everything else out later.)

I don't really remember actually watching the movie, more just looking at the pretty pictures move across the screen, wishing he was there with me...teasing me about liking Jean-Claude again. It must have been the booze (always blaming the booze, aren't ya?), but after that was over, I think I might have kept the nostalgia going with Masters of the Universe. I think I might have nodded off somewhere mid-movie, because I think I was dreaming...Dolph Lundren was in my room...in my bed...in full He-Man get up...eating ice cream with me at one point. We were watching a movie, but it wasn't any of his, it was a home movie of my last two years. He really got into the karate scenes...had a few choice ideas for handling Kreese--and Anthony...even had a pro and con list for every one of my 'love interests' as he called them...but he obviously had his favorite. Then somewhere he disappeared and Sam was there eating ice cream...finally talking to me again. I don't remember what she said, but she was smiling...and laughing.

When I woke up with a tiny bit of a hangover...the ice cream bucket was gone, the t.v. was off and a glass of water was on my nightstand next to a bottle of aspirin and a couple fast food breakfast sandwiches. I had slept through the rest of the day and the whole night...but I wasn't expecting this. (Weren't you though? Don't start that right now.) I also saw a folded piece of paper lying next to it.

Mom,

I hope you're feeling better when you read this. I know things have been weird with us lately, but that doesn't mean I don't still worry.

I'm taking Anthony into school, he doesn't know about the drinking, just thinks that you came home from work with a cold. Oh, and Sheila called. I answered, only because I didn't want it to wake you. I told her you'd be in late, because there was a school thing...I don't think she really believed me, though. I think she's just worried about you. What happened?

Remember, Mom, I still love you.

I took the aspirin and started eating. Not knowing what the hell I was going to tell her...what I was going to do at all. This will just add to her worries not to mention justify most of them. But I can't just...

*eating through second sandwich, grabs phone and texts* @chickskickasstoo

I had a really bad day at work, Sweetie. But everything will be fine now. Thank you for breakfast and taking your brother. I'll see you later tonight.

I love you too.

(Oh...And...Yes Mr. Lawrence was involved, but things are bat crap crazy upside down again, like always. I'm not telling her that! She'll find out eventually. Not now she won't...I'll keep her out of this for as long as I can...I'm not going to have her playing ping pong with my drama AND everything on her plate...she's only got a few more years to be a kid...I'm not going to ruin it anymore than I have too. Okay, but you do know that's what Mom and Dad did, too. Not now!)

I don't know why I didn't see it until now, but I had a new text notification. My thumb hovered over the icon...worried that it would be Sheila with another work update...worried that it wasn't Sheila about work.

Rattles: Talk to me... please.

*Hard swallows last bite, arms drop, stares out aimlessly...shakes head*

*Texts* @everyonesfavoritegoldenboy

Rattles, I

Johnny, I

'We’re not what you want. I’ve got nothing left. Just remember that I never once doubted my feelings for you. I just wish I was man enough to tell you sooner.'

*looks down, remembering what I'm wearing, pinching and pulling the shirt out, sees ice cream and syrup stains...looks to see the empty space on my nightstand where his picture used to be*

'Mandy, if you decide you’re worth more than him, give me a call.'

*sees Robby's picture next to that empty space...a cute, little elfish smile on his face*

*texts as a tear lands on the screen* I think we need some space.

*lays back down and cries into my pillow*

[eddieeatsass]

Eddie Kaspbrak had spent over a decade of his life preparing for this very moment. The late nights studying, sacrificing his social life, stressful placements in residencies, it had all lead up to this instance: the first time he’d get to deliver a baby.

Eddie had been over the moon when his first patient at his new practice had been none other than Beverly Marsh, one of his longtime best friends. Her and her wife had gone through the process of implantation merely a week before Eddie had secured his job, and she promised him that if the pregnancy took, she’d be the first one walking into his office.

A couple of weeks and three positive pregnancy tests later, Eddie was talking them through the process of taking him on as their official OB/GYN.

The situation was unique, not only because Eddie had been best friends with Beverly since childhood, but also because the child she was carrying belonged, in part, to Eddie’s husband.

Richie Tozier: an imperative staple in Eddie’s life and Beverly’s alike. When Beverly and her wife had decided to have a child, it was no question who they wanted to ask to be the sperm donor.

“You have to promise not to be a backseat parent.” Beverly had said, as Richie nodded furiously with tears streaming down his grinning cheeks. “When you relinquished your sperm you also relinquished parental rights.” Beverly’s wife had added.

Richie, of course, agreed to the conditions. The child wouldn’t be kept in the dark about who their father was, but Richie would remain uncle Richie, and that was good enough for him.

So there they found themselves, a foursome crammed into a small room in the hospital as Beverly’s screams traveled down the halls. Richie was flocked to one side of her with her wife on the other, both sacrificing their hands to Beverly’s vice grip.

Eddie was stationed at the foot of the bed, guiding Beverly through her contraction and ramping her up for one last push. From where he sat, he could see a thin crown of deep black hair, thick for a newborn, but fitting given their father’s genetics.

“Okay Marshmellow, think you can give me one last push?” Eddie glanced up at Beverly’s sweat soaked face, nodding through the pain like the champ he’d always known her to be. The most resilient woman he’d ever met, and soon to be the most resilient mother.

One push later Eddie was catching a child in his arms, an incredulous laugh leaving him unexpectedly. The nurses rushed to Eddie’s side, beginning to clean the baby off.

Eddie was starry eyed as he gazed down at the most beautiful creature he’d ever held; a perfect combination of the two most important people in his life. He could already see Richie in the way the baby scrunched up their face as they took in their new surroundings. He could recognize the gentle slope of Beverly’s nose and the rich amber of her eyes.

“Uh, Eddie, think we could take a turn?” Beverly’s wife spoke up softly, a laugh welling up from her chest. Eddie glanced back towards the bed, where Richie and Beverly were both watching the little bundle in his arms with awestruck expressions.

Eddie mumbled an apology as he rushed over, carefully placing the newborn in Beverly’s arms. Her eyes filled with tears, no longer from pain but from sheer joy, as she peered down at the tiny face that watched her.

Eddie felt Richie’s arm curl around his waist and a tender kiss pressed to his temple.

“Congratulations, Dr. K.” Richie murmured into Eddie’s ear.

“Congratulations to you too, dad.” Eddie giggled.

“Sperm donor.” Beverly’s wife corrected, not bothering to glance up from where she was perched on the edge of the bed, curled over Beverly with both their attentions fixed on their new world.

After minutes had passed of heartfelt silence, and Beverly had managed to get the newborn to latch on and begin feeding, Richie pulled Eddie aside.

“You did amazing, seriously Eds.” Richie ran a hand down Eddie’s face affectionately. Eddie leaned into it, closing his eyes and humming.

“And seeing you holding a baby...” Richie’s voice petered off.

Eddie opened his eyes, seeing soulful ones staring back at him.

Richie brought his other hand up, cupping Eddie’s face and leveling him with a serious look.

“Let’s have a baby.”

Eddie blurted out a laugh.

“Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously! We’ve been talking about it for years... why not now? You just settled down at your practice, my tour just ended... We could really do this.”

Eddie searched Richie’s eyes before breaking out into a shy grin.

“Okay.” He agreed excitedly.

“Yeah?” Richie’s eyes filled with renewed tears.

“Yeah.” Eddie’s own followed the lead.

Richie pulled Eddie into a tight hug, swinging them around clumsily as their laughter filled the room.

“First we need to find a surrogate.” Richie declared, as he pulled away from the embrace.

Eddie and Richie both looked over to Beverly.

“Oh hell no. I am not going through this again.” She joked as Eddie and Richie rejoined her with smiles that rivaled her own.

Richie watched the little baby squirm in Beverly’s arms, fondness blooming in his heart. He squeezed Eddie’s hand.

“I can’t wait to do this again.” He decided.

[chocolatemillkk]

Talk (BL)

Request: (a s u p e r old request in my inbox-sorry!) Byron x Spencer Sutherland’s Talk

Y/N was taking her time carefully tucking her hair into her coat as we got up to leave the busy restaurant we’d picked for our weekly dinner. It’s been our tradition to catch up over dinner at least once a week, sometimes friends joined us, or a girlfriend if I had any at the time. Y/N rarely brought along her boyfriends-but then again, she didn’t date much.

“Hey did you break up with that guy you were seeing? The one with the tattoo?” I ask, suddenly remembering that she had mentioned a new boyfriend a couple weeks ago.

“No-still together, why?” Y/N zips her coat up and she slightly resembles a marshmellow with how puffy her layers made her.

“You didn’t talk about him once during dinner,” I wrap my own scarf around my neck just as we head out. “I thought maybe you broke up. Remember that time you were dating Ryan? Or Bryan? You wouldn’t shut up about how he took you on his-“

“Brian. With an I. He was clingy. But anyway we’re still in the early stages of dating soo, you know how it goes.”

“Yeah, the way it generally goes Y/N, is you would be crazy for him right now.” I tease. “I would be sick and tired of hearing about him. I would want to throw myself in front of the next car coming down the road, ending my misery as you detailed your love life like you did with Brian with an i.”

“Well not that it’s any of your business!” She shoots me a look to say she was annoyed at my poking. “But I’m just trying to stay level-headed in case he doesn’t feel that intensely! I don’t want to go too crazy.”

“That’s your issue, woman!” I give in to the urge to push her and she bounces, in all her layers, against the storefront just as I expected. We immediately burst out in laughter, our previous conversation temporarily forgotten.

“At least I’m warm in here!” She shouts to anyone nearby who may be judging her marshmellow resemblance. I resist the urge to push her again and quickly wipe the tears from my eyes before stuffing my hands back into my warm pockets as we walk to the tube.

“You know, love isn’t about staying level-headed,” I continue. “It’s not really love if you can stay level-headed.”

“Well watch me Mr. Love Guru. I’ll be the first level-headed lover out there.” Y/N juts her chin out.

I sigh and just leave her be as we reach the underground. The ride home mostly consists of Y/N trying to wriggle out of a couple layers, complaining about how hot she was getting and all the while I laugh at my best friend’s crazy.

•••

Y/N’s hair is spread out around her, her bare shoulders uncovered from my white duvet tucked around her. She’s so still as she sleeps, her slow breathing as peaceful as the still morning around us. I study her face in the dim lighting as dawn approaches outside my window. I’d never noticed how graceful the curves of her face looked or how mesmerizing she was.

She shifts in bed, now facing me. How had I never noticed how breath-taking she was?

Her eyes flutter open like she could tell I was staring and she smiles sleepily when she sees me.

“Last night was fun,” she mumbles into the duvet, still too tired to form proper words. The intimate vulnerability between us fills me with happiness. I was so in love with this woman.

“Yeah,” I pull Y/N closer, hyperaware of her skin and her warmth and the feeling of her as she presses closer, wrapping her leg over mine. I kiss the top of her head when suddenly, a loud noise blares from somewhere in the house.

“Do you hear that? What is that?” I ask Y/N but she remains peacefully sleeping. Was I going crazy? “I’m gonna go check-“

I’m jolted with the realization that it was my phone beside me blaring out my ringtone. Just as I check the screen through bleary eyes, it stops. Who was calling me this early?

I turn back around in bed, now silencing my phone, and attempt to fall back asleep. But the pieces of my dream start to come back to me and my eyes widen as I remember. That was kind of a fucked up dream. I didn’t even like Y/N like that let alone love her...I was not in love with her-

Yet I can’t get the feeling of her out of my head as I close my eyes again. Her sleepy smile and the curve of her lips as well as the curve of her hips as I held her in the morning of my dream.

“Stop it!” I say out loud. “She’s your best friend you idiot.”

•••

I pace the lobby of Y/N’s building, nervous about seeing her. It had been a few days since that dream and I thought at first it would fade as all dreams did but this one didn’t seem to want to leave my mind. The harder I tried not to think about it, the more I was reminded of it. I distracted myself-even went clubbing with friends to try to get it out but every time I would remember flashes of her and it drove me crazy. I didn’t know if I could see her the same way.

Y/N finally steps off the lift and I spot her before she sees me. I was sure she’d worn that dress before but suddenly, I feel different seeing her in it. The low cut of it threatens my attention and the fit of it just takes me back to the dream.

“There you are! Why are you just standing there you weirdo!” Y/N’s voice snaps me back into reality. “Let’s go-we’re already late.”

“Well that’s not really my fault,” I find my voice, walking ahead and holding the door open for her. “One of us changed their outfit twenty times and it wasn’t me.”

“Whatever,” she gets into my car parked out front. “Now listen, this is a big deal. It’s not just an office party but a very strategic political play and I have to make a good impression...”

My mind wanders as Y/N details how I had to behave.

That stupid dream-it was just a dream! It was a PG dream but my thoughts were far from PG. Y/N was my best friend but...I know I can’t go back to how it was.

“Are you listening!” Y/N’s voice cuts through.

“Yeah yeah,” I glance over at her and quickly look away. “They’re the same rules my mother would tell me: behave myself, laugh at all the lame jokes, never leave your side. Blah blah blah-“

“Byron!” She scolds. “This is a big deal. Please take it seriously!”

“I am,” I turn in to the venue and find an empty parking spot. “Don’t worry, you’ll get the promotion. Just relax a little bit? Take a chill pill or whatever.”

“I’ll need a drink not a pill for that,” she allows a small smile to grace her lips.

“Oh come on! You can give me a better smile than that,” I tease and it’s enough for a full Y/N smile to shine through. And my breath catches again. This was going to be the most difficult night ever.

“Have I got something in my teeth?” Y/N suddenly rips the visor down to peer into its tiny mirror. “What are you staring at.”

“Nothing,” I close the visor gently. “You just look...really good tonight. Like you’re confident and beautiful and you’re ready for a big promotion.”

“Oh stop it,” she opens her door with a smile before turning back to me. “I do look good don’t I?”

“Let’s not get carried away,” I usher her out and we walk arm in arm to the party.

•••

“I don’t know if I should just wait a couple months when I move into my new flat,” Y/N and I sit across from the other at our weekly dinner that week. She still hadn’t invited her boyfriend even though I told her to. I thought maybe seeing him with her would help me get over my new obsession but she said something about him being busy.

“Yeah,” I respond absentmindedly.

“Yeah but if I get one now...”

I’d been distracted all night, barely able to respond to Y/N. It was painful to be so casual when all I wanted to do was stop talking and kiss her instead. It didn’t help she’d worn a deep red lipstick tonight and my eyes kept wandering to the way her lips moved when she talked, when she smiled. Even when she scowled as she was doing just now. Shit.

“What’s going on with you?” Y/N snaps her fingers. “Have you not been sleeping?”

“Huh, yeah. I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem fine. You’ve been acting kind of weird.”

“I’m fine-really!” I insist, putting a forkful of food into my mouth so I don’t have to talk. I wasn’t fine, my best friend was suddenly everything to me and I just couldn’t give up now that I was feeling love. Now that all I wanted to do was just kiss her.

“You’re always so distracted whenever I talk,” she pouts. “Is something wrong? Ooh does Byron have a new crush?”

“No!” I say, my anxiety making my voice a little louder than intended. “It’s fine-I’m fine!”

“Why are you getting angry huh?” She presses my buttons ever so gently.

“I’m not,” I try to settle down but the fustration I felt with myself creeps into my voice. “I’m not angry.”

“Well that was a convincing argument,” she rolls her eyes, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “You know, you barely even talk to me anymore-I know something’s wrong.”

“All we do is talk!” I burst out. When we should be kissing, I want to add. But I’d already said too much.

“Well...what else are we supposed to do?” She raises an eyebrow at my outburst.

“I-nothing.” Shit. “Just forget everything.”

“I don’t want to forget it. Am I talking too much? If you have an issue with me or something just say it.” Insecurity seeps into Y/N’s voice and I hate myself for it.

“Maybe we should just cut the night short,” I say, getting up. “I’ll talk to you later.”

I leave enough on the table to cover us-an apology without saying one. I felt like a dick walking out but I had to or I was going to say something I could never take back.

•••

A few days later, Y/N shows up at my flat without saying so. I’m caught off guard when I open the door for her. She acts like nothing happened, asking me how I was doing and where we should go for that week’s dinner. I play along, feeling more confused as she makes herself comfortable.

“Are you...mad?” I finally break the facade when there’s a pause in our friendly conversation. I couldn’t take it much longer.

“About?” She raises her eyebrow. And I suddenly see it in her face-this was her plan all along. To get me to bring it up. I can’t help the laugh that comes out-I should have known better.

“The other night.”

“I’m not mad, just confused,” she says. “I still don’t know why you got so upset.”

“Okay good.” I try to gather a safe explanation.

“What did you mean all we do is talk?” She asks again. I battle between just saying what I was feeling and making up an excuse that I was tired but before I can think of one Y/N interrupts with, “Don’t think I don’t know your excuse-making face. I want the truth Byron-I’m tired of you being so weird.”

“Fine. This is going to sound crazy though,” I say after a lengthy silence. I was just going to tell her. She was my best friend-a stupid dream shouldn’t come between us. I had to stop this now.

“I doubt it will but go on.”

My eyes scan her waiting face, the set of her jaw and the softness of her lips. Her eyes bore into mine, expecting an answer.

“A couple weeks ago I had this...dream. Andyouwereinitand-“

“Oh my god!” Y/N’s shout stops me mid-sentence. “Is that what this is all about?”

She throws her head back and cackles with laughter.

“Wait! Why are you laughing?” I ask. “It’s not funny! I’m trying to explain-”

“Oh my god! It’s extremely funny!” She says through her laughter. “Was I at least any good in your dream?” She asks clutching her stomach.

“I-wait. So you’re not angry?” She didn’t care about the dream?

“Angry?” She tries to hold in her laughter but it turns to giggles. “Byron why would I be angry over something you dreamt about? I’m too gorgeous-you can’t help it right?”

“Alright that’s enough,” I roll my eyes. “Let’s pack your ego back up, it’s uninvited.”

“So tell me, how bad was it?” She ignores me. “Tell me!”

“I-it-we...this is weird,” I struggle to continue. “Nothing really happened.”

“Oh,” she finally sits up, appearing a little more sane. “So then...why are you acting so weird?”

“I thought it would fade away after a couple days but the dream sort of-well it made me realise...” I can’t bring myself to say it.

“Oh no,” Y/N shifts closer to grab my hand. “Byron we-“

“I know! I know. We’re best friends. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything-I thought it would go away eventually but you were just too damn curious to let it go.”

“How long have you felt like...that?” Y/N asks gently.

“Never!” I cry. “I swear I’m not some cliche best friend. You’ve only ever been my best friend. That’s how I’ve always seen you! But I don’t know anymore. And it’s stupid anyway. It’ll probably just pass.”

“So wait, when you said all we do is talk?”

“You’re still on me about that?” I chuckle. When she looks at me seriously I sigh. “I wanted to be kissing you instead-happy?”

I remove my hand from hers and get up. I needed the space.

“Byron-“

“You don’t have to let me down easy or anything Y/N. I’ll be alright. And anyway, you have a boyfriend so it’s not like I’m-“

“We broke up,” she interrupts.

“What?” I look at her finally and she’s stood up too. “When?”

“After you told me the whole level-headed thing-I realised you were right.”

“Oh.” I continue looking her way and when she looks at me, it’s exactly the way she looked in my dreams. Intimate, her guard down. Had we both felt it? Was there something brewing under the surface all along? Were we both just waiting for the other to make a move?

“So,” Y/N moves closer to me.

“So,” I mimic.

“All we do is talk...?” She raises an eyebrow.

I smile at her hidden question, reaching out to touch her. My hands find the same waist from my dream I kept replaying. She feels exactly as I thought and so much better at the same time. She takes her time as slips her hands around my neck.

“All we do is talk,” I grin. “When it’s our bodies that should be having the conversation.”

“That was way too cheesy,” she groans, her face mirroring my own grin. “But I do like the commitment to the whole talking m-”

“Still talking,” my words are minimal as I pull her closer. “Stop talking.” I mumble but even then, we can’t stop smiling against each other.

When we manage to sober up enough to actually kiss each other, it’s hard to believe she’s the same woman I was convinced was nothing more than my best friend a few weeks ago. The same one I was trying to avoid for weeks. Kissing her is bliss. And now, the absolute last thing I want to do is talk talk talk.

[flowerpowell]

Whoops (Chris x MC)

This is the fic I wrote back in November but decided to publish it for Christmas but then Captain Powell Week was announced because TS ended (and I’m not over it and won’t be over it for a looooooong time) and I decided it was a perfect time to post it. Hopefully you like it! This is a sort of follow-up to my one shot First Word but it’s not crucial to read that one first. And as always, feedback is much appreciated! ♥

All rights go to Pixelberry.

Rating: Fluffy

Tagging (perma + Chris + the hosts): @damienazariostan @littlegreenmoo  @katurrade @agent-bossypants @mysteli  @gardeningourmet @mr-sinclaire @delightfullypinkglitter @jellybean-marshmellow @syltti78 @jared2612 @kadencantarella @christopher-powell @maxattack-powell @marikagia @mynameiskaylabella @regrettingnathan @kinkykingliam @chrispowellappreciation ♥

“I really don’t want to go,” Amy sighs when Chris puts a scarf around her neck. He gently kisses her forehead and smiles encouragingly. “You can do it Amy, it’s not the first meet and greet you’ve had.” 

She quickly turns to face him, eyes narrowed. “I’m not worried about me!” she exclaims, “I’m worried about leaving you alone with Noah.”

“Amy...That was the only one time I really screwed up, okay? But he’s not using the word anymore.”

“Well, he’d better,” she murmurs and Chris chuckles.

“Come on babe, I can take care of our son. We’ll have a lot of fun together.”

Amy rolls her eyes but Chris notices a tiny smile. “I mean it, we’ll have some quality father-son bonding time.”

He kisses her softly and Amy relxes slighlty. “I know you’ll be fine. You’re the best father Noah could get. I love you. I’ll be back late in the evening, please don’t burn the house,” she says as their son runs up to her and hugs her.

“Daddy promised we would decorate Christmas tree!” he grins and Amy looks at Chris. “Please be safe. Don’t make Noah--”

“Amy, I’ve got this. You go now or you’ll be late,” Chris interrupts her and she realizes it’s already late and she should have left about twenty minutes earlier. “Okay then, I love you! See you soon!” she waves her hand at her boys and before she closes the door behind her, she hears Noah yelling “Bye Mommy!”

The second Amy drives off, Noah starts jumping around his father, excitedly clapping his hands. “Can we go to Target for some ornaments Daddy?” he asks and Chris only shakes his head. “No buddy, we already have everything we need.”

“But Daddy,” Noah pouts, “they are old!”

“No, they’re not! Your mom and I got them when we bought out first house,” he explains and opens the box with all the necessary decorations. Each piece brings him many memories, maybe Noah would listen to the--

“They’re old! Like you!” Noah yells, which makes Chris narrow his eyes. This is going to be a long day.

~~~~

Few hours of decorationg and a couple of arguments later, the tree was finally decorated. Chris goes to the kitchen to make something to eat for both of them. His preparations are suddenly interrupted by a glass-shattering sound coming from the living room. He quickly runs to the room and finds his son looking helplessly at a few Christmas balls, now broken, laying on the floor.

“What happened here?!” Chris asked, dragging Noah from the pieces of the ornaments.

“I told you they were old. They fell,” he answers, shrugging slightly.

Chris turns to his five-year old son and eyes his suspiciously. “They fell...by themeselves?”

“Old things break easily Daddy. Now we need to go to Target to buy new ones.”

“We really don’t need to buy anything, Buddy. Besides, it doesn’t look that bad! This tree was overloaded anyway.”

Noah narrows his eyes, clearly offended, or maybe just mad that his plan has failed. “You’re no fun Daddy! Can we at least build a snowman?”

Chris looks at his son and sighs as he runs his hand through his hair. “Noah...you’ve been sick for over a week and you still look too weak. I don’t think it’s a good idea to--”

“WHY DO YOU ALWAYS RUIN EVERYTHING!!! I want Mommy to come back, you’re awful!” Noah sticks out a tongue and runs away to his room. Chris stands still with the pieces of ornaments in his hands, shocked at his son’s outburst. He knew that his temper Noah took after Amy but it was enough. Sick or not, Noah can’t behave like this!

Having cleaned the mess his son made, Chris makes his way to Noah’s room. He finds his rebellious 5-year old playing on his phone, not even bothering to look at his father.

“Noah! What was that? You can’t talk to me like this! I’m doing what’s best for you and you just...Noah!” he slams his fist on the desk realizing his son is not listening, too invested in whatever he’s doing on the phone.

“What? I’m busy!”

“Give me that,” Chris takes the phone from Noah’s hands and shoves it into his pocket. “What’s gotten into you?”

“YOU! You are the Christmas Grinch, I can’t do anything fun with you anymore!”

“Excuse you! I am so much fun!” Chris pretends to be hurt but in fact, he is actually a little bit hurt.

Noah looks at his father and shakes his head before answering. “You won’t let me go out and do anything cool! I have more fun with Mommy!” he pouted.

Yeah, go ahead Noah, twist the knife even more!

“Maybe if you were nicer to your own father, you’d appreciate him more,” Chris starts carefully trying to calm down.

“Maybe Mommy should’ve married Santa because Santa is always nice to me!” Noah exclaims motioning a picture of him sitting on Santa’s, that is Zig in costume, lap, from year ago. They have an agreement that each year one of them dresses up as a Santa and vists homes of the others to entertain the kids. Last year it was Zig’s turn, this year it is James who is actually supposed to come the next day.

Chris counts to ten before opening a mouth but Noah is faster.

“Santa is so cool, he looks a bit like uncle Zig but maybe he’d be Mommy’s type. Don’t get me wrong Daddy, I love you but Santa is cooler. And definitely would let me play outside. And would give me presents every single day! And--”

“And he doesn’t exist Noah, please calm down. Mommy’s mine.” He says firmly only realizing his mistake a second his son’s eyes fill with tears. Shit.

“Noah, it’s not like this, I said it because I was angry, it’s not true, I swear, I--”

“SANTA ISN’T REAL, SANTA ISN’T REAL!!!” Noah cries running out of the room, and downstairs, and then around the house. “Christmas is ruined!!!”

“Noah! Please, I’m sorry! He is real, you’ve met him!!” Chris tries to comfort the kid but it’s pointless.

“That’s why he always looked like one of my uncles! It was all a lie!!! Aaaaaaaaah!” Noah yells and in this moment the door opens and Amy comes inside.

Her eyes widen at her son running around, yelling and crying, and her husband trying to catch their five-year old.

“What is happening here?” she asks and both men freeze.

“Mommy! Daddy said Santa wasn’t real!” Noah runs to his mother and clinges to her legs. Amy throws a cold look at Chris before crouching and pulling the kid into a hug.

“Tell you what, Mommy will make you hot chocolate and you’ll tell me everything that Daddy said, okay?” she offers and Noah nods. Amy kisses his forehead and heads to the kitchen, throwing her coat at Chris. When she’s done and goes to Noah’s room, Chris scratches his head nervously, not being sure what Amy is going to do with him.

Finally, she emerges from their son’s room and wordlessly sits down on a couch next to Chris. They both sit in silence, and Chris worries about what she may say. After a moment, she breaks the silence but still doesn’t look at her husband.

“So...I think I’ll never leave you two together again.”

“Amy..” Chris starts, sorrow in his voice, “I swear I didn’t mean to! I’m so sorry, I know I screw up. Please don’t stop loving me.”

“I really hope you’ll be more careful with this little one,” she says, still not looking at him but placing her hand on her belly.

“I know I—what?” he turns to her suddenly realizing what she just said. “Are you--?”

Amy smiles widely before finally turning to her husband and nodding. “I was planning to tell you on Christmas day but I figured you needed some cheering up after today.”

“Amy...that’s...I’m..” Chris pulls his wife into a hug. They’re having another baby! Addition to their growing family.

“But I swear Christopher, if you screw up again, I’m--”

“I won’t, I promise! I’ve learned my lesson. I’m so happy, Amy, so, so happy! I love you so much,” he says and kisses her passionately. When they part, Amy looks at him lovingly and snuggles against his chest.

“I love you too, Chris.”

“And you,” Chris says to the belly, happy tears in his eyes, “I can’t wait to meet you and I promise I’ll be a better father and never tell you the Santa is not real--”

“Christopher!” Amy says, hands protectively on her flat stomach, “The baby isn’t even born yet!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m just too excited! I promise I’ll be the best father our kids could have!”

Amy chuckles as she kisses her husband’s cheek, “I know you will, you already are. Just remember to be careful around them, okay?”

“I will, I swear,” Chris burries his face in Amy’s hair, embarrassed but also happy.

Amy shakes her head amused. Life never gets boring with Chris and she can’t wait for this little one to arrive and to see what life has planned for them next.

[choiceslife]

Christmas in Hartfeld (Aaron and Zig Ortega)

Disclaimer: Based upon characters in Choices - The Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior series. All characters presented are the property of Pixelberry Studios. I claim no ownership. This story is purely the work of the poster as fanfiction.

Story Note: This fic is for the #achoiceschristmascarol hosted by @choicesseasonalprompts @blackcatkita and @darley1101 . I’m using the prompt ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, particularly the version by Rumer. This is the result and I hope you enjoy.

Story Rating/Warning: Mature (To Be Safe)/Adult Language and Content. It’s Fluffy, but this story is intended for an Adult audience.

Summary: Zig scrambles to salvage his roommate’s holiday after learning of Aaron’s predicament.

Author’s Note: This story follows the events of my fic, Constant Craving, and takes place before MC heads off to London. It is a part of my Chromatic AU. The link to my Master List is in my bio header.

Tag List: @cinnamonroll-duffy @darley1101 @debramcg1106 @brightpinkpeppercorn @ladynonsense @katurrade @regrettingnathan @teamtomsato @luxurylives @akrenich @kenjikatsoros @riseandshinelittleblossom @kinkykingliam @tmarie82 @jlouise88 @eileendannie @marshmallow-ortega @littlecrookedheart @i-choose-liam @bobasheebaby @boneandfur @europeanguy @walkerismychoice @jellybean-marshmellow @pixieferry @sstee1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @3pawandme

***

Winter break in Hartfeld was always relaxing and peaceful. Gone were the throngs of undergrads packing the local establishments to capacity. In their place, the slower pace of local residents catching their collective breaths from the busy fall semester. Unlike many college towns, Hartfeld residents had a great relationship with the University that resided within its borders. Even still, the quiet downtime of the holiday season was instrumental in maintaining that symbiotic relationship between students and locals.

Zig Ortega was part of a small percentage of Hartfeld University students that grew up in the towns within a few miles of the school’s property. His close proximity to campus was both a blessing and a curse. While it was great that he could get a home cooked meal every night rather than the typical student’s cafeteria fare; it also meant that he wouldn’t get the full college lifestyle by living at home. Thankfully, the Second Chance Scholarship changed all that by coming with a housing stipend that allowed him to live in a campus apartment. Zig loved his mom and sisters, but he was glad to have some independence when he first enrolled.

Being close by also meant that there were less baristas available to work shifts at the coffee shop, so if someone called out, Zig was one of the few around to cover. Which is exactly what happened the week leading up to Christmas.

“I promise I’ll be home on Christmas Eve mom. The shop we’ll be closing early. I’m just gonna stay on campus this week. I worked a double today and I have to be back early tomorrow morning since we’re short staffed.” Zig took long strides up the stairs to his third floor apartment, fishing for his keys as he readjusted his backpack onto the opposite shoulder. “Yes mom.... I love you too. Okay...Bye.”

“Ziggy Pop? What are you doing here?” A shocked Aaron jumped up from lounging on the couch as his roommate entered their living room. Aaron clearly hadn’t expected anyone to be around over winter break. A couple of empty pizza boxes and discarded fast food wrappers littered the coffee table in the living room. Aaron’s appearance was slightly disheveled compared to his usual well kept look, as if he had been stressing over something.

“Brandon called me this morning asking if I could cover his shifts this week.” Zig placed his backpack down on the floor beside the front door. He took in the sight of the clutter around the apartment. Typically the place was spotless. Aaron and Zig were both pretty meticulous about maintaining a clean abode. “Apparently his brother bailed on Christmas and his mom is pretty upset, so he wants to spend more time with her. What are you doing here? I thought you left for home yesterday?”

Panic set in as Aaron began to rub the back of his neck wracking his brain for an answer, any answer, to Zig’s inquiry. But he couldn’t. Aaron knew he finally had to come clean to his roommate and best friend. “I’m sorry Ziggy-O. I should have told you sooner...”

___

“Mijo!” Linda Ortega exclaimed as her only son entered the front door. She wrapped her arms around her strapping baby boy, pulling him away from the bitter cold and darkness outside. Linda hadn’t been expecting Zig to return for another few days based upon their earlier conversation, but when he called with an emergency and needed her help, she didn’t hesitate to take action. “And you must be Aaron,” Linda said to the young man standing behind her son with a small book bag strapped to his back and a canvas laundry bag in his hands.

“Yes ma’am,” Aaron replied as Linda yanked him into a motherly embrace.

“We are so happy to have you with us for the holidays, Love. We put some fresh linens on Zig’s bed, where you’ll be staying. He can take the couch. Oh and there’s a change of clothes in the room as well. Stuff Zig hasn’t worn in a while. They should fit you.”

“You didn’t have to go through all the trouble Mrs. Ortega. I’m okay to take the couch...”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all Honey,” Linda interrupted. “And guests in this house do not sleep on the couch. Zig is totally fine with you taking his room for a few days.” Aaron noticed Ziggy-Pop nodding in agreement as Linda took a hold of the laundry bag in his hands before patting him on the behind and ushering him up the stairs behind her son. “Now go. Zig will show you to your room and you can freshen up. Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes. I’ll get this load of laundry started. And please, call me Linda.”

Aaron smiled brightly at the enthusiastic Mrs. Ortega, before following his best friend upstairs. In that moment, he felt love. Zig’s mom was pure delight and it became absolutely clear just where Zig got his warmth and compassion. Aaron truly lucked out getting assigned as his roommate; he just wished that it could last for Zig’s final semester.

___

The next couple of days were a whirlwind in the Ortega household. Linda and her eldest daughter, Marie, enjoyed cooking and baking with Aaron; Sophie enjoyed getting his advice on which professors’ classes to avoid; and Lucy and Mila enjoyed binge watching Beautiful Tiny Fibbers on WebFlicks with him. For Aaron, it just felt nice to feel like he belonged somewhere again.

Zig returned home one afternoon, a couple days before Christmas, in a fluster. “Aaron. Come on. I need you to come with me to the store. I forgot to grab a gift for Britney and Chris.” Zig shot a knowing looking to his mother as Aaron retrieved his garments from upstairs. Linda acknowledged her son, ready to set their plan in motion.

“Do you have an idea of what to get them?” Aaron asked as he descended the stairs while pulling on his coat.

“Not a clue. This could take a while.”

“Have fun boys,” Linda bid farewell as her son pulled his friend out the door. She waited until she heard Zig’s car leave before giving her daughters the all clear. “Ok girls. Operation: Merry Zigmas is a go!”

“Really Mom? Merry Zigmas?” Lucy questioned as her oldest sister, Marie, went to grab the new gifts that her mom and brother secretly bought for Aaron the other day.

“Well this was Zig’s idea and Aaron is his best friend,” Sophie answered. “We have been blessed, but Aaron is going through some tough times with his family right now. Zigster just wants him to have a great holiday like the rest of us.”

“Yeah. He’s a sweetheart and deserves to feel loved,” Marie chimed in as she returned with the gifts. “I can’t believe his parents disowned him for being true to himself.”

A brief quiet washed over the Ortega ladies as they contemplated the internal struggle Aaron must have been going through. But soon, they each realized, without saying a word, just how much they wanted to bring joy to his holiday. A flurry of wrapping paper and ribbon soon took over the living room as Zig’s mom and each of his sisters set to wrapping a variety of gifts for their holiday guest; knowing just how important their small gesture would mean to their brother’s best friend.

___

Love, laughter, and Christmas music filled the air of the Ortega household on Christmas Eve. Zig was fortunate that the café owner decided to keep the shop closed today, allowing all of the employees to spend more time with their families for the holiday. And quality family time is exactly what happened all day, afternoon, and evening.

As night set in and the hours got late, Linda finally got everyone’s attention for the final Ortega Family Tradition. “Okay my babies, the time has come for you all to open one gift before Christmas Day arrives. This year, however, I’ll be the one randomly picking the gift from beneath the tree for each of you.” Linda caught her son’s eye and winked as the words left her mouth.

Aaron watched as each of Linda’s children unwrapped the gift she handed to them. Marie received a pair of tickets to next year’s Aurora Music Festival, while Zig was gifted a book on Japanese culture and customs with a link for downloadable language lessons. Each of Zig’s three younger sisters received Surface tablets, which Mrs. Ortega was quick to point out, was to help them with their school studies. Linda then stood before Aaron with a small envelope with his name on it. “Oh Mrs...erm, Linda, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Nonsense Honey,” Linda scoffed. “Everyone with the Ortega’s for the holidays partakes in our family traditions.”

“She’s not gonna take no for an answer Aaron,” Zig added with a smile while gesturing for his roommate to open the gift.

Aaron nodded and proceeded to peel open the envelope. Inside was a formal note on fancy letterhead. He was a bit confused, but as he started to read, tears began to form in his eyes.

“What’s it say?” Mila finally asked; the suspense killing her.

Aaron hitched his breath for a moment before speaking. “Prescott Industries is offering to pay my tuition, room, and board for the rest of my time in college. And they’re inviting me to join their Summer Intern Program this summer to see if the company is a good fit for my career goals.” A chill ran down Aaron’s spine as tears streamed his face. He rose from his seat without saying another word and wrapped his arms around Linda. The petite mom hugged the sobbing, athletically built young man as best she could before being joined by her daughters and Zig.

“I hope it’s okay that I told your story to my boss,” Linda said the moment the group hug ended. “He overheard me talking with my co-worker when we were discussing some gifts we could get for you. I left out your name because, well, people don’t need to know your name, but Mr. Prescott was upset with your predicament and just wanted to help. He is such a wonderful man and a fantastic boss.”

“He is wonderful and I can’t thank him enough,” Aaron managed to utter between sobs while trying to regain his composure. “But you and your family... you’re amazing. I never...” Aaron began crying again, unable to find words as he was completely overcome with emotions by the incredible gesture of the Ortega’s and Mr. Prescott. Linda, her daughters, and Zig all encircled Aaron in another group hug and soon his tears turned to laughter. “Thank you all.”

The night wore on and eventually the excitement and joy subsided; being replaced with yawns and tiredness from all of the day’s festivities. Zig hugged each of his sisters and mom goodnight, letting Linda know that he’d clean up the mess in the living room before going to bed. Aaron stayed back to help him.

The two friends scooped up discarded wrapping paper and boxes in relative silence as soft Christmas music continued to play lowly in the background. For a moment, Aaron watched as Zig stuffed the festive remnants into a trash bag. He appreciated everything Zig and his family had done for him, and Aaron realized that it was time for him to tell his friend the whole truth. “I love you,” Aaron blurted out. His face turned three shades of red when Zig turned towards him and Aaron realized that he skipped right over his explanation. He shook his head and refocused his thoughts. “When I came out to my parents, I didn’t say to them ‘I think I might like a guy’ like I told you I did. I told them that I was in love with you. They shamed me. Told me that I was violating your trust as a friend. And then my dad told me that he would not accept a son with an alternative lifestyle.”

Zig dropped the trash bag and wrapped his arms around his roommate as tears began to form once again in Aaron’s eyes. Only this time, Aaron willed them away.

“For years I wanted to tell you Zig, but I felt like I couldn’t risk losing your friendship,” Aaron continued. “And then after how my parents reacted, I thought it would be best to just finish out this semester with you on a happy note; that when you came back from winter break and I wasn’t there would be easier than trying to explain my situation.”

When the words finally stopped flowing, Zig spoke up. “I love you too Aaron. If I’m being honest, I was afraid to tell you my feelings as well.”

The two friends looked at each other; Zig still holding Aaron in an embrace, before softly chuckling at their shared behavior. Had they spoken sooner, they would have realized their mutual love. Aaron got lost in Zig’s eyes as ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ by Rumer began to play softly.

“I love this song,” Aaron commented as he placed his forehead against Zig’s.

“Shall we dance?”

Aaron smiled with a slight nod, before snuggling even closer to Zig. The two men swayed in time with the slow and classic ballad, both happy to finally be honest with the other. All of their fears and worries washed away as the song played because they both knew they finally had each other.

The song came to an end, but Zig still softly rocked with Aaron for a few more moments. When he finally opened his eyes, he realized that the two were standing beneath the festive red and green plant that his mother loved to hang about the house at this time of year. “You know what we’re supposed to do when we’re beneath this don’t you?” Zig inquired as he tilted Aaron by the chin to gaze upon the decor above.

Without hesitation, Aaron crashed his lips to Zig’s, enjoying the softness and the warm sensation from the man he long craved. Aaron savored the taste as he drug his tongue along his partner’s tongue before pulling back slowly. He caught Zig’s lower lip gently between his teeth and playfully nibbled before placing one last quick peck on his roommates luscious mouth. “Damn. I have waited so long for that and it did not disappoint.”

Before Zig could answer, someone cleared their throat behind them. The guys turned to see Sophie sitting on the stairs. “Thought you guys should know, but that’s holly you’re kissing under. The mistletoe is the white and green plant hanging over the couch.” Sophie got up from her seated position and started to make her way back upstairs, before turning back. “I can’t imagine what you two would do with each other under actual mistletoe.” She shot her brother a sly grin.

“Goodnight Sophie,” Zig said flushed with embarrassment.

“Goodnight boys.”

Aaron kissed Zig on the cheek, pulling his attention back from his departing sister. “I know what I’m imagining I’d do to you under the mistletoe,” he chuckled as he pulled Zig onto the couch.

***

(The End)

[dookins]

Hey all.  I’m starting a GoFundMe page for Onion’s medical bills.  The whole story is posted on the link here, but I’ll also put it under the cut just incase you may miss it some how...

THE STORY:

Hello.  My name is Caitlin (Yoshi) Killough.  Last week a devestating occurence happened to one of my fuzzy babies.

The victim of this story, is my ferret, Onion.

I have had him and his little sister Marshmellow for two years now. They mean the world to me.  And I go out of my way to do/give them the best I can.  Feeding them a balanced raw nutritious diet, making sure they have plenty of love, play time, and treats.  And I try to have them roam outside of their cage as much as possible while supervising them.  In that short amount of time, we've traveled from New Mexico, to New York, and now Oregon.  They are my family, and I never will leave them behind.

Last week is when the horrible occurence took place.  Onion was having problems going to bathroom that night.  It was the first time I had noticed it, but just assumed he was consipated.  I gave him some water (which he drank and played in) , and a tablespoon of pumpkin puree (which can be used for constipation in ferrets in small amounts).  When I awoke the next morning, I knew something wasn't right.  He was still attempting to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes.  He was clearly straining from contracting his muscles all night.  And he was very, very tired.  I picked him up, and noticed how tight his belly seemed.  He whimpered.  

Immedeatley me and my fiance went to the closest vet...

It was 7:00am, so they had just opened.  However they  told me that no doctor had arrived yet.  And worse yet  they only saw cats and dogs.  They referred me to another place nearby, but took 20 minutes to get to in traffic.  DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital.  We checked in quickly, but they deemed him stable enough for me to fill out paper work before they saw him.  I told DVM Katherine Earl,

"I think there is a blockage of some kind."

The doctor performed a simple examination. She said that ferrets rarely ever become constipated.  That the fullness seemed to be in his bladder.  She told me they don't usually perform on ferrets, seeing as they were more experienced with cats and dogs, but graciously still offered further examination and possible treatment...  with the cost of it being steep, and just as expensive.  She was very kind and up front with me, as well as the women at the front desk giving me a large list of places that did specialize in ferrets.  But just having that simple emergency examination and giving him some pain medication had cost me $139.69.

From there, my fiance had to leave for work, so I was forced to wait with Onion at the Animal Hospital for a Lyft ride.

We had to go to the next town over at Southwest Animal Hospital.  At least there they speacialized in 'exotic' pets and pocket pets.  After filling out a very detailed form, they took my Onion and begun the examination.  After some X-rays, and my go ahead, the DVM Mark Burgess showed me what the issue was. It was a blockage of sorts, but in his bladder and urethrea.  He had bladder stones.  Large ones.  And male ferrets apparently cannot pass them.  His urine was literally being backed up into his bladder and was on the brink of bursting.  The cause of these bladder stones?  

Peas. After moving to Portland we were very tight on money, so I had decided to temporarily switch my ferrets to Marshall's Premium Ferret Food for awhile.

The doctor expressed to me how deathly they are, and how multiple petitions and customer complaints had gotten other company's to remove peas from their ingredient list.  Apparently the largest company in ferret breeding and nutrition SOME HOW didn't get this memo.  Thus I had been serving my poor babies a death sentance.

They had to do emergency surgery.  The only grace I had received payment wise was that they miraculously had zero surgeries to perfrom that day due to multiple cancelations.  Because of this they were able to wave the emergency fee (which apparently was also substantial). I had to pay a deposit before hand of a percentage.  It cost $605.  $382 of it was thankfully saved to be put towards the final cost of the surgery. After 2 hours of surgery, he was out.  This is what they found:

These are the stones they extracted.  The size of nerd candies.  He had to stay over night for examination, and I got an unfortunate call from the doctor explaining how everything that could go inconvenient in the surgery, had.  So...  this raised the price.

I went back the next day to pick up my brave boy and bring him back home after paying the final bill. Of $1463.50.

They could not allow me a payment plan due to people lying and ducking out of their bills in the past.  And I wasn't eligable for the veterinary payment card I had applied for. So without hesitation, I payed it all and depleted the entirity of my bank account.  It has been 5 days since than. And Onion is in recovery mode.

He has 4 different medicines to take, and cannot hang out with his sister until his 18 sutures from the surgery are removed in the next on coming nine days.

He and his sister are needless to say on different ferret food perscribed by the doctor.  Natural Gold Ferret Food.  But as I've stated, we are completely broke after dropping a total of $2206.19.  Not evening costing the amount of money I was not able to make due to missed work for these two days.  

I don't want to ask for more money than I need.  I just want to be able to live with my fiance and my two wonderful ferrets in pain-free peace.  And now with the threat of losing my job, I cannot risk doing nothing.

THE REWARDS:

Like many of you I do my best to make an honest living for myself and my family.  So I am prepaired to work to reward those who donate to our cause.

For those who submit $15 or over, they receive a free print of my sweet little Onion as a thank you.  It will also be hand signed, and mailed right to your door.

For those willing to spend $50 or over, I will graciously do a thank you digital art  commission of a bust of their own pet.

 that, is the entirty of our story.  I am potentially jobless by the middle of this month and would perfer to be able to support my family until than doing whatever I can.  I do have a couple of potential interviews, but I need to cover every base I can think of.  Having the funds to atleast recover from these medical bills will give me a chance to look for more work and be able to provide food and shelter for my family.

So please, share this with ferret lovers, pet sympathizers, Marshall haters, or just ANYONE and EVERYONE you can think of.  Any support you can offer, even a dollar will go MILES in helping us.  One dollar for us, is 30 loads of fresh clean ferret bedding!!  So please don't consider even such a tiny amount as insignificant.  Even your thoughts, and words are go so far.  Just reblogging and sharing.  Please, please share this story with those you love.  

Thank your so much for listening to our story...

Sincerely, Yoshi

[lostinthe-pines-blog]

Fate Doesn’t Write My Stories pt. 10 - Epilogue

This is a multi-chapter story about MC, and Chris finding their way back together after years of being separated post graduation. Chris’s career takes him to Boston, a city he’d promised was her territory. But it’s not just Chris, fate has seemingly brought the entire Hartfeld crew back together.

NOTE: This is a fictional story based on Pixelberry’s Choices App. *Books The Freshman, The Sophomore, The Junior. I am not affiliated with Pixelberry nor do I own the rights to their original characters.

Tags @jared2612  @katurrade @annekebbphotography @emerald-bijou @jellybean-marshmellow @jollybouquetangel

Stargazing had been the most constant hobby in MC’s life. Laying on her trampoline in the backyard of her childhood home, to the roof of her college dorm. On the deck of Vasquez’s house, and the steps of her and Chris’s first apartment. She’d watched stars shine and fade almost weekly for her entire life. MC loved the idea that she was a part of something so much larger than herself or those around her. The cosmos all playing a party in her tiny little life. Looking up to the stars now they were just beginning to appear as the light of day was fading. A cold January morning on Cape Cod. A place normally for summer vacation it would now house a wedding. Her wedding. As she stands on the balcony looking out over the water freezing to Ice along the edges and the blankets of snow covering the trees. She wasn’t cold, she was warm, everything leading to these moments made her feel warm.  She tuned out the sounds of chatter behind her. She lets the warmth of memories overflow as she remembers all the best moments from the last two years with Chris.

 She shoves her key into the silver handle, her first time walking into what she’d call home. She knew he was waiting inside. She’d been here only a few times before. Stopping by before games or on errands while spending her days with Chris. Nothing much had changed except that he’d made room for all of her belongings. Everything had fallen back into place between them so quickly that she couldn’t even say for certain if they were using a label for their relationship before she accepted the key to the apartment. 

 Shutting the door behind her she wanders, her shoes clicking against the dark hardwood floors. “Chris?” she calls quickly trying to find him. As she approaches the bedroom she sees the door is closed, she can hear music playing from the other side. She may have been moving in but she was still unsure if she should knock or not? Was she allowed to enter her now bedroom without permission? Taking a deep breath pushing her daunting questions and anxieties behind she opened the door sliding inside. Her eyes scan the room her gaze catching on the bedside table once covered in his memories and papers it was now empty. He was making room for her. She looked again and saw him facing the window. Had he heard her come in? She didn’t know how to tell him she was there…

Chris sat facing away from the girl whose presence he’d yet to notice. He’d spent his long morning at the gym taking a little extra time today on his legs. Something that would always be hard on him since the accident. He knew the quickest way to heal the pain would be a hot shower. Kicking off his shoes and socks quickly he pulled his shirt off and piled them all to the side. It was in this moment he heard something, a gasp? He wasn’t alone. He turned his gaze behind him and smiled seeing the blush crossed her face.

 “Sorry… I didn’t mean to intrude… I uh, we were doing lunch still right? I must be.. I’m early. The key works though!” she panics mumbling and trying to find a subject that will stick. As she continues to ramble Chris approaches her his only clothing a pair off loose gym shorts wrapped perfectly around his Adonis belt. This was an image she’d not seen for years and even though age had changed them some he was still carved from stone. MC’s rambling stops as she feels the heat of his body close to hers. 

“You’re not intruding… you live here.” he answers her first question “Yes, we are doing lunch still, but you are early if you don’t mind waiting for me to get ready.” he continues answering the rest of her mindless questions. Baring his perfect white teeth through a gentle smile he pulls her eyes to his. He can feel the tension floating off of her, her eyes refusing to remain on his. He sees her uncertainty as her gaze falls to his eyes, his chest and eventually down to their feet. Chris quickly ducks to catch her eyes “You’re always welcome here.” he reassures her before brushing his lips against hers as he lifts her head up. A moment that was meant to be brief was quickly becoming something more.

Caught off guard by his kiss she is quick to melt into his embrace. Opening to his taste she feels his tongue tease her own, while his hands trail down her neck and back. She hadn’t had sex with Chris in almost 5 years. He was stronger now, different now. She felt the butterflies fill her stomach and travel lower to her core. The kisses familiar while the touch felt new. She doesn’t remember pulling away long enough to remove her sweater but it was no longer there. Her every touch against his own inspired by years of intent; she wouldn’t soon forget this… 

 One memory fades into another as she begins to understand more of what “for better or for worse” was going to mean. Her memories remind her that their two years reconnecting weren’t full of only good memories. 

 “You should consider pain medications Christopher, these spasms are serious.” The Doctor speaks. A Doctor Chris clearly knew, someone who’d watched over his physical therapy in the years MC had missed. 

Living in Boston now Chris wasn’t able to visit here as much, he needed to make the most of this trip to Maine. To clear his progress with the Doctor. MC didn’t know him, but she needed to trust him. She couldn’t trust him as she listened to him suggest the same medications that sent her love off the deep end before.

 “Scott..” Chris trails using the Doctor's real name, possibly gaining and losing respect from him. “I will deal with the pain… I cannot go back on those medications, I fear I wont be able to get off them if I do.”

 Scott nods gently and understands Chris’s reasoning. “This injury is part of you forever Powell, and the pain will come and go forever. If you ever can’t handle it, please do not hesitate to call us.” He says exiting the room.

Chris looks to MC in the corner of the room, she’d been silent all morning. She was just as scared of the medication as he was. “Let’s get back to my moms, she’s been waiting for us.” The car ride still silent between them. Chris confused that MC might be angry, how could she be? He’d denied the medications. He did it for her and for them. As he pulled up in front his mothers very small home he felt a rush of pain jolt through his leg. “Aghh!!” he yells grabbing and trying to massage down the pulsing muscles. 

 “Chris you shouldn’t have said no.” MC admits as she lays a hand over his, attempting to distract him from the pain. “You’re not the same man you were back then, and you might need them.” 

“I would rather deal with this pain than look at you through a faded gaze. I said no for you, and for us…” He says through his pain.

 “Really?” MC pauses, she hated seeing him in pain but she loved him all the same. She knew that she now would have to be his distraction his pain medication. It wouldn’t be easy but it was far easier than watching him slowly lose his mind. She reaches her hands through his letting him grip them tight as his muscles spasm in complete discomfort.

Again she’s brought into the reality of the cold as she hears Zack come to retrieve her. “MC, it’s time.” he smiles softly. As she leaves the balcony she notices quickly that everyone had left the bridal room. Zack her “man of honor” remained as well as her parents. Her father ready to escort her down the aisle the moment she was ready. She takes a few deep breaths and taking one final glance in the mirror. Her simple lace dress still made her smile with every look at it. The neckline lower than she’d ever worn before gave her confidence. The long lace trailing only an inch or two behind created the perfect bridal silhouette. She remembers well the choice being made.

 “MC, you look so beautiful!” Molly chimes softly at her friend.

“Oh that's the one for certain!” AJ whoops from the couch, the now 16 year old sister of the Groom had not been quiet about her opinions of these dresses.

 “She’s right” Zack grins high-fiving the teenager. “I’m sure you’ll pick this but lets see what our at home audience has to say” he jokes snapping a picture and sending it off to Abbie, Kaitlyn, and Becca.

 The answers come in quickly...

 Kaitlyn: Zack! Tell her HELL YES! But make sure to ask her if she's still certain I’m not the one she’s meeting that the end of the aisl?!?!

Becca: A neckline that deep on MC? Who is she? But all things considered… It’s perfect for her.

Abbie: MC looks so lovely in all the photos you’ve sent but the girls and I all agree this is the dress.

“Jury’s out MC, wrap it up and let's go.” Zack beams proudly. 

MC looks to the mirror again, her friends were right. This was her dress. A smile peeks onto her face as she stands there imaging him seeing her for the first time in it. Blushing now she turns back to the three of them. “This is my dress.” she admits proudly.

These memories comfort her as she walks leaning on her father, excitement and nerves filling her chest. As they step through the doors she sees a crowd of familiar and distant faces rise for her. But the only face she’s fixated on is his. His eyes widen and even from the end of the aisle she can see the glisten of his tears. This moment had been so many years in the making, she was certain she’d wake up from this dream any moment now. 

Christopher Powell had run into her, knocking her off her feet on the quad 10 years ago. Now she’d spend every moment of her life catching him when he fell and allowing him to do that same for her. No matter who or what it was that knocked them down. As she reaches the end of the aisle her father kisses her cheek softly before Chris’s familiar hands lead her toward the Officiant. She’d easily tune out the speech being given just by examining her lover. The first she noticed was their “something old and something blue” wrapped together in one peeking out of his pocket square. She laughed silently remembering how this fashion choice came to be.

 “Why do you have this?” Molly questions holding up a grayish blue plaid flannel. “It’s got a huge stain all down the front!” 

 MC looks up shocked. She didn’t even know she’d had this top still and how it’d made it all these years. As she was cleaning and gutting out the apartment with Molly and Chris to make room for wedding gifts, this was the last discovery she thought she’d make. 

 “Is that?” Chris asks with a laugh recognizing the shirt immediately.

 “Yeah it is” MC says snagging it from the sweet blonde crossed from her. “This is the shirt I was wearing when I met Chris” she says quickly explaining the story of how they met, and how Becca had dumped coffee on her causing the now faded stain. How Chris desperately tried to help her clean it but had to give up. MC was about to throw it away when Molly proposed they let her re purpose it. 

Re-purposed indeed, she’d made it into the the now handsome pocket square she saw laying against his chest. Her memories had distracted her she wasn’t even sure where they were at in the ceremony anymore, she caught up quickly as she watched Chris pull out a note book his hands shaking just as much as his voice. 

“MC” he smiles taking one hand off the book and placing it in hers as he continues. “10 years ago you laughed it off when Becca spilled coffee down your shirt defensively. This was the first moment I knew you were special, forgiving, caring and unique. Months later you convinced me and the rest of the school that I was trustworthy enough to run the student government. To make changes no one else could have. You believed in me far more than I did, it is my only hope that for the rest of our lives you will continue to believe in me as you did in our innocent school days... As you did when everything in my life crashed around me.” he pauses his voice thick now as he squeezes her hand. “No matter what god you believe in it doesn't matter” he chuckles “Something brought us back together and I have been the luckiest to see the woman you have become. I will strive to tell you every day that I love you, I vow to listen before assuming and I will stand by you no matter how wrong you might be. Because you are my light. You are the light that pulls me out of my darkness time and time again. Please let me be lucky enough to be your partner, to make you laugh at your saddest, heal you at your weakest and to love you even when you're cheering for the wrong teams.” Chris pauses watching MC laugh tears forming in her eyes. “Let me be your husband, let me be with you for the rest of your remarkable days and for whatever may come after.”

MC breathes deep wondering how she’s supposed to follow that, she turns grabbing a small worn piece of paper Zack had pulled from his suit pocket. “I’m lost without you, eyes so blue.” she pauses “I’m lost without you, my souls gone blue. I’m lost, I’m lost.” she reads the shortest poem she has in her writing collection. The words simple, the pattern and rhyming elementary. She’d written this poem her first month in Boston miserable without him. She folds the old piece of paper again speaking now from memory. “I wrote that, when I thought I’d lost you forever. But forever was to long, some may say it was fate but I believe we chose to defy fate. To create a story together that fate didn’t want.” she smiles up at him grabbing both of his hands tightly. “Take me as your wife, and guide me whenever I’m lost, help me see what is right and what is wrong. Help me do the same for you. I will give you the support when you need it most and even when you don't. I vow to you Christopher Powell to be honest and true, to laugh with you and laugh at you all that the same time. I vow to love you no matter what challenges and pain life throws at us. To remind you everyday that you are worth the world, and that you have a heart of gold. I vow to be yours from this moment until then end of moments. I love you.” she finishes knowing her vows were weaker and shorter than his. How she was the writer in the partnership the audience would never know. 

Her eyes stinging from the happiest tears she’s ever felt and her heart pounding out of her chest she listens now only for her moment to speak.. 

“I do” she says almost laughing out of eagerness. She doesn’t hear the officiant even finishes his next sentence before Chris’s smile is placed over hers. She deepens into what would be the most important kiss of her life as he dips her back showing off to the crowd cheering before them. When she finally pulls away she looks out to the guests young and old. First she spots Tyler near the front dancing with his twins next to a very pregnant Abbie who cheers through her cupped hands. As her gaze moves she spots Becca and her husband sharing a kiss of happiness together. Molly, Zig and Kaitlyn stand in the back of the crowd arms reaching in celebration. She spots her parents her father laughing and her mother sobbing across from Chris’s mother who matches her own mother's tears. AJ and Kyle dancing to non existent music. She looks to her right and sees Zack’s reassuring gaze smile at her before leaving her eyes and moving a crossed them to Chris’s own best man. Zack winks to Miles as he blushes in return. A new and innocent relationship forming at the bonding of their best friends. Her stare finally returns to Chris whose one gaze has been on her the entire time. His blue eyes reassure her there is no fear in her future. That he will be everything she needed him to be for her. Her perfect Chris. This was her happily ever after.

[abrieenthusiast]

Best parts of the lighting thief musical (yes i saw it, it was magical)

until the show started, there was lighting and thunder sound effects. it was kinda scary for my friend

so in the front is a giant blue banner with the logo and in percy’s entrance, everyone pulled it apart

percy just..falls into the front of the stage in his entrance

JORELLS HAIR BEING FLOOFED AROUND BY CHRIS

the tiny sphinx

the very VERY quick transitions with the wings

AND the swordd

percy just CHOKING UP when he finds out he got expelled

“SALLY! BEAN DIP!”

they actually got blue marshmellow

grOvER! ur a FURRy!! whATS goOING ONn??!!!

another terrible day is..amazing

DONT CRY CHRIS when he finds out that his mom died

JORREL MADE A BE MORE CHILL REFERENCE ON PURPOSE (he said so at the stage door) HE SAID “cm0n percy, lemme show the amphitheater, the CAFETORIUM.”

CHIRONS WALK

put you in your place as a whole

how can clarisse hit those darn NOTES THO

THE TOILET PAPER

“All hail percy jackson, supreme lord of the bathroom.”

everyone not knowing what to do when chiron says “remeber my lecture, he ate his children”

Lukes shakey voice when he says “chIRON wiNS”

percy being too excited when he finds out that his dad is posiden and everyone else is just in terror

Mr. D just wants to turn Percy into a dolphin

“no sons of hades” WELLLL.....

“no DAUGHTERS OF ZEUS” cue a few girls going “awww”

ANNABETH WITH DEM NOTES THOO

JORRELS HAIR FLOOFING AROUND WHEN SAYING IN A HIGH PITCHED VOICE “uHUUhh” TO THE SQURRIEL

“and my mom turned her into a mdfaosdhfiod(drinks water)” “a what” “She means a monster” “GROVER”

My Grand Plan as a whole

“hERmes exPrESS shiIpIng, by PeRcY jAcksoN and AnnABETH CHASE.”

“The gods will think we’re impertenent” “oh we ARE impertenent”

“we are TOTALLY killing this quest. SAY IT.” “we are   totally killInngthis quest...” pause... “Guys we GOT THIS-

“why my brother and i arrived just yesterday. may first. 1939″ BIANCA IS THAT YOU

REMEMBER THALIA enter complete silence’

“mom i cant go to the movies im on a quest..”

GROVER SOBBING WHILE HES SINGING

DONT FUCKING CRY GROVER

NOOOOO

“and MAYBE IF I’D BEEN A LiTLLE BIT BRAVER” STOP THE TEARS BUDDY

Annabeth comforting levels: 100000000

DOAAAAAA

did she say ETERNITY

“its like my feet aren’t connected to my brain” “well tell ur brain to dO SOMETHING”

like,, the FISH SAUCE

TOILET PAPER STRIKES AGAIN

wierdest family reunion ever

“thats my dad..” “thATS ur dad (uwu activate” its okay sally we know you love him

THE LUKE PLOT TWIST THO

Every squirrel in the northeast is out for him

THE WHOLE MUSICAL