#twirling my hair kicking my feet drawing hearts around this picture

[josephtrohman]

oh my WORD

[mysweetestcreature]

Purple Clouds and Tangerine Skies

Words: 24.5k

Warnings: Mentions of death...smut?

Summary: Why can’t two people who are meant for each other get it right?

***

They’re fighting again. All Y/n can do is shut her eyes in the hopes that when she opens them, everything will be okay. But no amount of wishing can drown out the noise. 

“I can’t keep pretending like everything is fine! It’s not. You know it isn’t, Matt,” she hears her mother erupt between sobs. Lately, it’s been the same angry words shouted at one another over and over again. Y/n takes her baby sister, Ava, in her eight-year-old arms. She hugs the baby close. If she can’t block the screaming out, at least she can protect her sister from it.

“Grace, please.” It’s her dad’s voice. She’s never heard him sound so desperate. “What about our family? The girls need you. I need you! You can’t just walk away from us.” 

There’s a sudden silence that follows. At first, Y/n thinks that maybe her parents have reached a resolution. Her dad has always been good at negotiating. It is his job, after all. She’s seen him in action whenever he brings her to work with him. Maybe he’s managed to work that same magic on her mum. She gently lays Ava down on the bed, creating a makeshift barrier of pillows on either side of her, before exiting the room and running down the stairs. 

Before she can reach the bottom, she’s forced to a halt when she sees her daddy slouched over on the last step. His head is buried in his hands, his shoulders are shaking. He’s crying. That’s a sight she’s never seen before. He’d always been the picture of bravery and strength, but now that’s been washed away and replaced with someone who looks broken beyond repair. She doesn’t recognize him.

Where is her mum? She slips past her dad, despite wanting to throw herself in his arms for comfort. Besides his sniffling, the house is quiet. There’s no trace of her mum. It scares her.

“Where’s Mummy?” she asks meekly, turning to her father.

He doesn’t respond, but instead, he brings his hands out of his hair, and stares painfully at the door. Without thinking, she throws it open, the sun’s light momentarily blinding her for a few unhinged seconds. It’s only the screeching of wheels on road that brings her back.

“Mummy!” she cries, running as fast as her short legs can take her. Her eyes begin to swell with tears. The black taxi is still, and she’s just able to stare at her mum through its window. “Mummy, where are you going?” she pleads as she bangs on the door, but her mother doesn’t even flinch. Why won’t she look at me? 

The engine starts up, and the car begins to drive away. Y/n chases after it, crying out for her mum to come back. “Don’t go! Please don’t leave me!” It picks up speed after it turns the corner. She feels herself slowing down, but even then, she refuses to stop. The distance between herself and the car becomes too massive.  

“Mummy, come back!” 

Arms envelop around her, and now she’s running on air. “Let her go,” her dad tells her, and she can feel his own tears against her neck. Her feet stop kicking, it’s like the energy has completely drained from her body. Her mind, however, is still racing. 

***

A few days later, her daddy packs both hers and Ava’s bags, and loads them all into his car. She doesn’t ask questions, and instead busies herself with the fleeting landscape. A part of her had expected all that’s happened to be a part of some elaborate nightmare. But each morning, she wakes up to her parents’ bed left untouched, and her dad asleep on the living room couch. Ava is asleep beside her, and Y/n can’t help but think how lucky her little sister is to be living in ignorance. At three months old, she’s only just learned to hold her head up. Barely. Y/n doesn’t remember anything from that age, and maybe that’s a good thing. Had her parents always been this hostile towards one another? Had her mother done this before? What if she had? Does that mean she’ll eventually come back?

“We’re going to be staying with your grandparents for a while,” she’s taken out of her thoughts when her dad finally speaks up.

“Why?” She catches his eyes in the rearview mirror. They only ever go up to Nan and Gramps’ house during the holidays.

His fingers thump against the steering wheel, and he breathes in deeply as though to say something. It takes a moment before he answers her. “I just...I can’t do this alone.” His voice breaks, even though he tries to pass it off with a cough. “It’ll be good for us,” he says again. “You’ll see.”

When they hit a red light, he turns to look at her. He smiles weakly. No matter how much she wants to believe him, she still yearns for her mummy. It’s become especially hard in the mornings when her hair is knotted from tossing and turning in her sleep, and her dad can’t manage to tame it for the life of him. Her mum would often braid her hair, and like magic, it would remain intact all day. She always loved how gentle and soothing her mum would be as she brushed each strand with such care. That’s not to say that her dad isn’t trying, of course, but it’s just not the same.

***

Her grandparents live in a little town called Holmes Chapel. It’s pretty, she supposes. The buildings are a lot older, and the streets aren’t as busy as they are back home. She sits back and takes a deep breath. Her tummy flips a little when she thinks about how she might never see her old friends again, or her room, or even Mrs. Watson who lives next door (she would babysit Y/n and Ava whenever her mum had to run some errands). 

When she looks out the window again, she sees Nan and Gramps stood on their front porch, smiles reaching their eyes. 

“Where are my babies!” Nan exclaims, her arms stretched out. Her dad says a quick hello before opening up the back door. Y/n hops out, and her legs feel a bit unsteady from having been cramped in the car for all those hours. 

“Hi, Nana,” she greets sadly. Nan’s smile falters slightly, but she doesn’t seem to let it deter her.

The elderly woman bends down to her height and gathers her in her arms. Over Nan’s shoulder, Y/n watches as her dad whispers something in Gramps’ ear. Although she can’t hear it, she can tell by Gramps’ reaction that it can’t have been good. “A bit peaky?” Nan asks, when she finally pulls away. She cups Y/n’s cheeks and presses a kiss to her forehead. “I just took the cookies out of the oven, actually. Let’s go check on them before your grandfather gobbles them up.” 

Gramps groans behind them. “It was one time!” 

Nan waves him off, guiding her through the front door with an encouraging push. “Oh, you won’t believe all the colors I bought for you at the crafts store yesterday! I know how much you love to draw,” she says. Her voice drowns out when she hears something fall outside. “Arthur Y/l/n! If you break another one of my pots, I swear to–” It leaves Y/n to wander through the hall on her own. Her grandparents’ house is quaint and orderly and smells vaguely of warm vanilla (probably from the cookies) and jasmine. The walls are covered in framed photographs of her daddy and his older brother through the years, a few of a much younger Nan and Gramps, and finally of Y/n, Ava and all of her cousins. (They live in Nice––her Uncle Brandon married a French woman named Dominique––and only ever seem to come around for Nan and Gramps’ anniversary.) Finally, below her uncle and aunt’s wedding photo, is her parents’. She tries not to stare at it too long.

***

Y/n decides that maybe spending time with her grandparents won’t be so bad. After all, her and Ava don’t have to share a room anymore, which means that she won’t be woken up by her little sister’s 3 am wailing fits. Nan’s done an impressive job decorating on such short notice, too. The walls are still plain white, but at least there are some pretty stickers of butterflies and flowers and a few of Y/n’s favorite cartoon characters. Even the windows are nicely covered with those gel ornaments that she loves to poke. 

It’s all very nice, but she still wonders about when she’ll be able to sleep in her own bed, in her own house, under her own sheets.

“When are we going home?” she asks her dad as he tucks her in for the night. His hands stop in the middle of smoothening out her blanket, his eyes remaining glued to one of its printed ballerinas. 

“To be honest with you, love,” he sighs, “I don’t know if we’ll ever go back...at least not anytime soon.” 

“Oh.” That’s not the answer she wanted to hear. What if her mum does decide to come back? It’s still possible, right? After all, her mummy had always told her how much she loved her. She would scoop Y/n into her arms and twirl her around the room as they both laughed their hearts out. When she was sick, she’d always have her favorite tomato soup and grilled cheese. Every day after school, she’d sit down with her and help her do her homework and then give her an extra cookie if she didn’t complain. 

Then another thought pops into her head. Her mum hadn’t been able to do any of that stuff recently. It had been like living with someone who looked exactly like her mum, but without all the warmth and tenderness that once was. Y/n turns away from her dad and starts to sob silently into her pillow. 

Maybe she isn’t coming back, after all.

The dip in the bed from where her daddy had been finally reinflates. He’s about to wrap his hand around the door before she stops him. She calls out his name, sitting up with her arms around her knees. 

“We’ll be happier here?” 

His shoulders visibly relax, and for the first time in what feels like so long, he offers a sincere smile and nods affirmatively. She hadn’t realized how much she missed his smile until now. There’s something about it that she can’t quite describe, but she feels the safest she’s felt in a while.

***

Her daddy had left for the airport some hours ago. Gramps had offered to bring her along for the ride the night before, but she decided that she would rather not watch him leave. Instead, she pretended to be asleep when he came into her room and kissed her on the forehead. She knows he’ll be back in a few days, but it’s always tough when he has to go. It’s one of the other reasons they needed to move in with her grandparents, her dad has to travel a lot for work.  

As soon as he and Gramps had loaded the car and driven away, she had stepped outside and sat down on the grass. That had been before the sun had totally risen. Now, it’s up high and shining its rays on top of her head. Nan, who had been surprised to see her granddaughter sitting out on the lawn so early in the morning, had asked her if she wanted breakfast, but was told she wasn’t hungry. 

They’ve only been living here for a little over a week. She thought that they would’ve had more time to adjust before her dad had to fly off to wherever it is they’ve sent him. So far, things have been fine...or at least they’ve been as best as they can be. She tries not to think about her mum too much (she’s down to only once or twice a day). It’s a good thing that Nan and Gramps have a million ways to keep her busy.

Today is different, however. She’d had her daddy with her when she felt homesick. Now, she feels alone. 

“Hi,” her head snaps up, and there’s a boy, maybe around her age, standing above her. He has messy brown hair that curls at the ends, his pleasant smile is complete with dimples on either cheek. It’s his eyes, however, that hold her attention. They’re like spearmint, if spearmint is even considered a color. Or maybe they’re the same shade as the stems of her Nan’s petunias. She can’t quite describe it, but she can tell that she likes them. 

“Hi.” 

The boy takes her response as an invitation to sit down beside her. “I’m Harry. Do you want a Freddo?” He pulls out a chocolate frog from his pocket. “My sister always eats chocolate when she’s upset, and she’s a girl, and you’re a girl, and you looked kind of sad, so...” He gives her a lopsided grin.

“I’m not supposed to take candy from strangers,” she says. 

He––Harry––rolls his eyes. “I just told you, my name’s Harry.” He shifts a bit, then points to the house on the left of hers. “That’s my house there.”

“What if I don’t want to believe you?” she challenges, but she’s failing miserably not to grin at how utterly exasperated he’s getting.

With a defeated sigh, Harry shouts towards the house. “Oi, Gem!” It takes only a few seconds for a head to peak out of an upstairs window. 

An older girl, maybe around thirteen looks like she could throttle him. “I’m on the phone, Harry! Bugger off or I swear I’ll––oh, no, no! Not you, Blake.” She disappears back into her room. 

Y/n can’t help but giggle, and Harry turns to her, a triumphant look on his face. “See. Told you.” 

Once again, he offers her the Freddo, but this time, she happily accepts it. They sit in a comfortable silence as she nibbles on the chocolate. 

“I’m Y/n,” she finally tells him. 

Harry studies her carefully. “Are Mr. and Mrs. Y/l/n your grandparents? Because I’ve been over there loads of times––she babysits me when my mum and Gem are busy––but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before.”

She nods. “Me, my sister and my dad moved in last week.”

“And your mum?” he tilts his head.

Her teeth bite down on the inside of her cheek. She looks at him wearily before staring down into her lap. “It’s just us.”

“Oh,” is all he replies. He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. “My parents are separated too. My dad lives in the city, but I still see him most weekends.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever see my mum again,” she frowns.

What he does next startles her, but she’s more surprised at how quickly she relaxes. He wraps an arm around her and brings her closer so she can lean on her shoulder. “Mum says hugs help a lot,” he says sheepishly, she can feel his eyes on her. She nods against him, and it encourages him to continue. “I’m sorry you can’t see your mum, but hey, you can always talk to me! I’ll be your friend.”

It’s her turn to look up. “You promise?”

“Promise.”

***

Y/n decides that she really likes living with her grandparents. Her and Harry are practically inseparable, spending the better part of the day together (and sometimes during the night when they have sleepovers). This means that she hasn’t cried in a long time, and she’s heard her daddy tell her grandparents that things are finally starting to look up. Her daddy looks better than he has been in ages, he doesn’t have that faraway look in his eyes anymore. 

Harry usually comes over after breakfast, or even earlier when he knows Nan will be making French toast just the way he likes it. They play the entire day, a variety of games that range from hopscotch to pretend, to sneaking into Gemma’s room to dig into her stash of sugary treats because the girl has enough Freddo frogs to last her until next Christmas. He even likes to draw with her, even though she knows he rather be outside running around. 

Sometimes Gramps will drive them into town, and they’ll go to the park or the ice cream parlor or their favorite Chinese restaurant. (She learns that she prefers shrimp over pork fried rice). There’s also a bakery that she thinks is the cutest place she’s ever seen. They serve all sorts of pastries and desserts that the owner, Martha, gives them for free when the rest of the customers aren’t looking. Y/n thinks that’s all to do with Harry. She’s eight, and she can already see how charming her best friend is. She’s glad that she has him by her side. He’s made her time here better than she could have ever imagined.

But soon enough, September comes along, and with it, school. Y/n would be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous. While she and Harry will be attending the same school, he’s a year older, which means she might not see him nearly as much as she’d like. 

“It’ll be fun! You’ll see,” he tells her as they walk to school. “And we have breaktime, too. I can introduce you to all my friends, and you can introduce me to all of your new ones!” He sounds far too excited. 

Y/n pulls on his sleeve, and he clumsily stumbles back a bit. “But Harry,” she whines, digging the toe of her shoe into the sidewalk. “What if I don’t make any friends?” 

“You?” he gasps. “You’re like the most awesome person I know! Just be yourself.”

She doesn’t say a word, instead, she drops her head to look anxiously 

“Come on.” He takes her hand in his. “I’ll be at the end of the hall if you need me.” And they walk the rest of the way hand in hand. 

***

Harry drops her off at her classroom before going to find his. He promised he’d walk down with her for lunch, so at least she has that much to look forward to. When he disappears down the hall, she finally lets herself turn around to examine the place she’ll be spending the rest of the year in. 

The desks are all perfectly aligned, with names of her classmates in bold and colorful writing on cards at the very front. She quickly looks for her name and takes a seat. On the board, her teacher’s name is artfully written in the center. Miss Ferguson. She must have been the one who had greeted Y/n at the door a few minutes earlier. 

Y/n’s curiosity gets the best of her, and she starts committing every feature of the room to memory. The pictures of letters and corresponding objects and animals along the top of the blackboard are just like the ones from her old school. From her seat, she can see the playground, and she fantasizes about all the time she and Harry had spent on the monkey bars and hidden in the tube slide. 

“Do you want to trade notebooks?” Y/n turns in her seat in the direction of the voice. Behind her is a girl with blonde pigtails and an adorable gap between her two front teeth. “My mum always forgets that I don’t like purple.”

Y/n stares down at her own notebook, which is pink with white polka dots. “I like purple.” 

The girl grins widely. “Yay! You’re nice, I like you. I’m Penelope,” but as soon as she says it, her nose scrunches up in disgust. “But I hate being called that. So, just call me P or Penny!” Y/n gives a brief introduction, and the two girls trade notebooks. 

“You’re new, right?” Penny asks.

“Yup,” Y/n confirms, fishing her pencil case out of her backpack. “I moved here at the beginning of the summer.”

“Really? I’ve never lived anywhere besides here before, but when I’m older I want to live in London!” 

“That’s where I’m from,” Y/n says sheepishly. She hasn’t thought much about it, but when she does, she still misses it a fair amount. 

Penny’s hands go to her cheeks as she gapes in astonishment. “That’s so cool! What’s it like? Have you ever met the Queen?”

Y/n giggles. “I don’t even know where the Queen lives!” 

“Ugh, I’ve got so many things to teach you, then.” She and Penny make plans to hang out during breaktime and lunch.

Maybe Harry was right after all.

***

When the bell rings for lunch, Miss Ferguson’s class files out of the room in a somewhat straight-file line. Y/n walks behind Penny, her new friend is explaining all the proper ways to curtsy in front of a prince when a hand reaches out and tugs on the back of Y/n’s collar. 

She spins around, ready to thwack the whomever it might be. “I leave you for a few hours and you’ve already forgotten about me?” Harry smirks. 

“You just surprised me, that’s all,” she says. She’s fallen to the back of the line now. Penny stays back too and walks over to the two of them. “Harry, this is Penny! She’s in the same class.” 

Penny’s eyes nearly bug out of her head and her cheeks flush a shade of pink. “Hi-hi,” she stutters. Y/n stares at her for a moment, unsure where this sense of shyness has suddenly come from. She shakes her head, it’s probably just a draft from an open window. 

“Hi, Penny,” Harry returns kindly. He then turns back to Y/n. “Let’s go down to the cafeteria. I’m starving!” 

“Yeah! Let’s go!” Penny says, sounding much more like herself. Y/n walks in between them, feeling content. 

***

By the time she’s fifteen, Y/n has all she can ever ask for. Her dad doesn’t travel as much anymore, except for trips to the London office once a month, he’s able to work from Manchester. Ava’s seven now, and therefore able to cause all sorts of mischief. In fact, just last night, she’d eaten the entire leftover cake in the fridge when the rest of the family had gone to bed. She claims it was a ghost, but the frosting smeared across her face told everyone otherwise.

Penny’s practically moved in with them. Things at home aren’t always the best for her. Her mum usually spends the days drinking, the nights clubbing, and the early hours of the morning in some stranger’s bed. As for her dad, Penny doesn’t bring him up much. He decided to reconcile with his wife when Penny was three years old, leaving her and her mother penniless and alone. And well, she hasn’t spoken to him since. 

Finally, there’s Harry. He’s still her funny, sweet, and incredibly cute best friend. He’s sixteen now, far more mature than her. While they still spend loads of time together, he has his friends, and she has hers. Although, he does still come around for breakfast on the weekends––Nan’s French toast is still his most favorite thing on the planet––and they usually spend the rest of the time catching up on homework and watching movies they’ve already seen a million times. She loves how she’s never bored when she’s around him. They could be laying on the grass outside her house (much like they usually do) for hours, talking about nothing and everything, and still never run out of things to talk about. 

Except in the last few months. The thing is, Harry’s got himself a girlfriend, Lia, and she doesn’t like Y/n. There’s no logical explanation as to why, but whenever Y/n tries to talk to Harry at school, Lia slips her arms around him, like she’s claiming what’s hers, and glares at her until she has no choice but to retreat. She doesn’t have the heart to tell Harry that his first serious girlfriend is a total bitch, no matter how much she wants to. 

It’s a Friday night, Penny is staying over. She’s lazily flipping through last month’s edition of Vogue on Y/n’s desk. 

“Have you ever been in love?” she asks. 

“We’re fifteen. It’s not like there’s been much opportunity,” Y/n chuckles. She glances up momentarily from her sketchbook. If there’s a punchline, it never comes. She then gives her a look. “Why, have you?”

Penny shrugs. “Sometimes I think I am, but it doesn’t really matter. He’d never see me like that.” 

Y/n doesn’t respond to this. She’s heard stories about the boy Penny’s apparently fancied for ages now, but for some reason her friend refuses to give her a name. If she had to guess, it’s probably Bobby Baker from her French class. They dated for a few months when they were fourteen, but things had ended abruptly. Sometimes she’ll see them talking between classes and while in line for lunch. Her money’s definitely on Bobby.

Not wanting to press her for details, however, Y/n changes the topic. “Harry’s probably in love with Lia. I saw them snogging at the bust stop this morning.”

Penny groans. “They’re so gross!” she pretends to gag. “Oh, Harry. You’re so handsome! Kiss me before our lips dry out! Oh, Lia, you’re so pretty. Take this flower as a sign of my undying affections!” She imitates them, doing it so flawlessly. 

They share a look, and suddenly, they’re balled over in fits of laughter.

“How do they even breathe?” Y/n wheezes into her pillow. It’s not to say that she hasn’t kissed a boy before. It’s just never been as intense––or as nauseating––as that. Besides, none of her boyfriends have last long enough. Harry says that it’s all for the best, according to him, none of them are good enough for her. 

“They’re twos, you’re a total ten,” he had said to her once. She pretended not to feel her heart leap at the compliment. “A ten can’t go any lower than maybe a seven.” She wanted to say that she thought he was a ten, too, but was too embarrassed to say it.

***

Penny leaves early the next morning, but first helping herself to some of the food Nan had just prepared before zipping out the door. She leaves Y/n half asleep and barely functional.

“So, what’s the gossip?” Nan teases her, pouring her a cup of tea. 

“Same old, same old,” she yawns. She breathes in the steam from her mug and smiles. 

Nan places a plate of French toast in front of her. “Talking about the same old things until three in the morning? If only your grandfather and I could stay up that late. Of course, we’d be doing other things that decidedly aren’t–” she pauses, and Y/n’s never been more thankful. They both turn towards the back door. “Ah, and I was just beginning to worry.” 

Harry mutters a sleepy good morning, then stumbles into the seat beside Y/n. He looks at her breakfast, then looks at her. As if they can communicate silently, Y/n pushes her plate towards him. 

“Harry, dear,” Nan starts, making up a new plate for her granddaughter. “How does your mum feel about you spending so much time here?” 

“She’s fine with it,” he says, mouth full of bread. “As long as I bring her back some food, she says I can spend as much time here as I want.” 

Nan just rolls her eyes. “Will that be banana or blueberry then?”

“Hmm...” Harry pretends to mull over the options, but Nan knows better. Y/n watches with amusement as she places both bananas and blueberries on top of the French toast, then places it on a disposable plate and wraps it with tinfoil. 

She turns to them. “I’m just going to pop next door and give this to Anne.” Just before she can slide the door open, she calls one last remark over her shoulder. “Try not to burn the house down. We just had the floors waxed.” 

Y/n continues to sip on her tea, and Harry hums happily around another delectable bite. They sit in comfortable silence. 

“I feel like we haven’t talked in a while,” he says. He looks at her curiously. “Why is that?”

She has to bite her lip in order to stop herself from saying something she’ll regret. “Well, you know. I’ve been really busy lately.” From the corner of her eye, she can see how one of his brows shoot straight up.

“Busy with?”

“You know there’s an art show happening soon. I’ve been spending all my time in the art room.” She knows she isn’t convincing anyone, let alone him. He can read her like a book.

But if Harry is thinking she’s lying, then he doesn’t say anything. “Right,” he says aloofly. Taking another bite of his––her––breakfast, he continues. “Lia’s going to have a few pieces on display.”

This catches her off guard. “Lia’s into art? Since when?” 

He gives her a noncommitted grunt. “It’s news to me too.” He takes her mug from her hands and takes a sip. “But she seemed really interested when I mentioned you were participating.”

“Huh.” She rests her chin on her fist. That’s strange. She’s never seen Lia Hall set foot anywhere near the art room. Lia’s a cheerleader and spends most of her time cheering on the school’s football team, which is how she and Harry got together. Y/n would know if they shared any common interests. At least that way, she could talk to Harry without her grumbling bloody murder under her breath. 

“What is it?” his question pulls her out of thought. She plasters a smile on her face and says it’s nothing. 

***

Her bedroom window is right across from his, and they’ve been using it to their advantage since they were kids. When they both had bedtimes that were too early to ever enjoy the night, they would look out their window and find the other looking right back. They’d spend the night trying to make the other laugh with funny faces and their own little game of charades. 

But as Y/n looks up from her half-finished essay and through the glass, she doesn’t need elaborate hand motions to know that Harry is pissed. She wonders if he realizes where he’s standing or maybe he just doesn’t care right now. He looks like he’s trying to stay calm, but Y/n knows him better than that. While he isn’t one to yell, his voice does get tight when he’s trying hard not to. 

He runs a hand through his brown locks in frustration. She feels guilty for not having the strength to turn away, but she’s just too curious for her own good. If only she could read his lips just to get an idea as to why he’s so upset, but alas, that’s never been her talent. She waits, occasionally working on her essay (occasionally), then lifting her head back up to check up on him. 

When she looks up after a stroke of genius that had promoted words to pour out onto the page, he’s gone. Her shoulders drop in disappointment. Oh, well. At least all she has to do now is proofread. 

“Did you know your nan is making pot pie for dinner?” 

She swivels in her chair, her eyebrow tilting up. “I did.”

“And you didn’t bother to tell me?” he pretends to be hurt as he falls onto her bed. “I’m wounded you would choose to withhold such valuable information from me.”

“I’m sorry?” she chuckles. Closing her laptop, she sits on the floor right beside where his head falls of the side of the bed. 

He turns to her, his upside-down face grinning pompously at her. “Eh, you know I can never stay mad at you.” She thumps his forehead with another laugh, but he only continues to smile.

*** 

Y/n’s always loved art and how it can imitate life in the way the artist chooses. Ever since she can remember, she’s been doodling landscapes and portraits on napkins or just about any plain surface she can get her hands on. She thinks she gets it from her mum. There’s not much she can remember about her, but she does recall her mother’s love for the fine arts. And as much as she tries not to think about her, she’s happy she knows where she gets it from. 

Mrs. Cuomo, the art teacher, says she has a gift, and Y/n tries not to let it get to her head, but she can’t help it! She’s already taken to looking for art programs around England. If she wouldn’t miss her family too much, she’d consider going abroad. 

“Paris seems fabulous, don’t you think? I mean, they have some of the best fashion schools in the world.” Penny muses as they walk around the gallery. “French boys are a plus.”

“Is that where you want to go after college?” 

“Possibly. I don’t know if I’d ever be able to afford it, though.” 

Y/n nods, understanding her friend’s situation.

They continue to browse all the art on display, until stopping at Y/n’s exhibit. She has three paintings. The one on the left is an abstract portrait of Ava that she’d been working on since the last art show. It was inspired by her little sister’s fifth birthday. Dad had bought her the cutest little periwinkle dress with a grey ribbon around the waist. It’s something Y/n would’ve been over the moon for at that age. But Ava being the little rebel she was (and still is) had gotten it all dirty. Right before her party, she came trudging back into the house, a complete mess from head to toe. Y/n’s entitled the portrait Muddy Princess. On the right is a landscape of a forest with the simple name Serene Acres. Finally, the one in the middle is a sideview of a boy laying in the grass. His hands are behind his head and his eyes are closed. He looks relaxed, like he’s never had a trouble in the world. As do all her paintings, this one had started off as a mere sketch born from a vision that she suddenly had just as she had woken up. To be honest, she wasn’t sure if she’d make it anything more than that. But the longer she spent refining it, she just knew she had to take it all the way. There’s something comforting about him. This one in particular is Y/n’s absolute favorite. 

“Oh, you’re totally going to win this year,” Penny enthuses. “I’m not saying this because you’re my best friend and I’d literally give you a kidney, but seriously. You’re golden.” 

“I hope you’re right,” she says nervously. “Mrs. Cuomo said that the judges are going to be a lot more critical this year. I just hope they like my stuff.” 

Penny waves her off, as if she were talking nonsense. “They will.”

“Will what?” A pair of familiar hands land on her waist, and she can’t help but smile when sees him gasp at the wall in front of her. “Woah,” he’s speechless. She pats his arm as she steps away from him, afraid that his girlfriend might catch sight of them. 

“You like them?” she smiles. He nods, still unable to speak. 

“So, where’s Lia’s display?” Penny asks, but Y/n can sense the annoyance in her voice. She knows all about the girl’s hatred of Y/n.

Harry stares blankly, until finally registering the question. “Oh...um. She decided not to enter, after all.” He wraps an arm Y/n once again, and this time, Y/n doesn’t bother pushing him off.

“That seems sudden,” she says.

“Well...” Harry looks left and right, like he’s making sure no one will hear them. “I guess she realized that she didn’t stand a chance.”

This makes Penny snort. “Are we talking about the same girl here? Lia Hall does not back down. From anything. I’ve seen her at the mall fighting over jeans with University kids. She’s scary as hell.”

***

She’s laying on the grass on her front lawn when Harry comes outside and joins her. His body is oriented in the opposite direction so that their eyes are aligned if they were to face each other. He doesn’t say anything more than a hello. His hands are placed on his stomach and his nose wriggles when a cool breeze brushes past. 

“Lia and I broke up,” he suddenly says, but his voice is even and calm. 

“I’m sorry.”

He laughs loudly. “No, you’re not.” He glances at her before facing back up. “I don’t have to be a mind reader to know that you two don’t get along.”

“At least I know you’re not dense.” She bites back a smile. Why is she so elated with the news? Does that make her a bad person? Who’s to say? “She was pretty awful.”

“She was hot, though,” Harry interjects.

“I suppose.”

Silence washes over them. If she were any more relaxed, she’s sure she could fall asleep right here, next to him. 

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

“What?”

“The clouds, Harry. Aren’t they beautiful?” She giggles when he squints at the grey canvas above them. 

“There are no clouds,” he says flatly. He turns his head, their eyes lock.

She swallows, and she’s the first to turn away. With a content sigh, she lets her eyes droop closed. Even without looking, she can feel the way his gaze lingers, like he might be waiting for something more. “You too,” it’s a gentle request, possibly an order. He’s never been able to deny her anything. 

“Alright then,” there’s an amused tone to his voice now. He breathes deeply, his own eyes closing as the air leaves his chest. 

They lay motionless for a comfortable few minutes. Things are quiet between them, and only nature’s melody that plays uninterrupted. 

The wind whistles, and the leaves on the trees dance along with crisp and breezy movements. As the air––which smells strongly of fall’s fiery allure––rubs against her skin and tickles the tip of her nose, another blissful smile leaves a pattern across her lips.

“What do you see?” she asks.

“Not much, honestly. My eyes are closed.” 

She punches his arm. “Don’t be an arse.”

He groans out in pain. “Fine then,” he concedes. “What do you see?”

The image is vivid in her head. “Purple clouds.”

He chuckles softly.

“What color is the grass?”

“Green, of course.”

“That’s boring,” he teases.

She huffs in annoyance. “Not everything needs changing, you know.” He doesn’t challenge it.

“And the sky?”

That’s her favorite part. 

“Tangerine.”

“That’s a fruit.”

“and a color.”

“Why can’t you just say orange?” 

“Because,” she starts in her best ‘you better listen to me or else’ tone. “Orange is a meh kind of color. But tangerine? It’s a bit more exciting.”

“Exciting,” he repeats slowly, as though he were testing the weight of the word on his tongue. 

When she opens her eyes, fully expecting him to be looking at her as though she had two heads, she’s surprised to see that his are still closed. She finds herself studying him. The way his chest steadily rises and falls with each even breath. He looks as calm as she feels at that moment. It’s then she can appreciate just how handsome he really is. Of course, she’s known it for a while (but she’d never tell him that).

So, she turns her head back towards the grey-washed sky and paints over its gloom with an image of their own. 

***

Right before he starts Year 13, Harry’s dad, Des, moves to Boston. Harry tries to act like it doesn’t bother him, but Y/n knows that he misses him a lot. Even though his parents have been separated for a long time, he’d at least had a good relationship with both of them. He and his dad would do “manly” things like fishing and batting at the cages. He keeps telling her that he’s fine, and it’s not like he’ll never visit him, but she can sense that something is troubling him. 

It takes a bit of finesse to get him to talk, and once he does, she immediately regrets it. 

“He wants me to follow him,” Harry says, scratching the back of his head. Y/n thinks she might throw up. Boston...America...it’s just so far away. The farthest she’s ever been is Italy on vacation. 

She stares at him apprehensively. “Do you...umm...do you want to go?” 

Harry doesn’t answer her at first. It takes to the count of five for him speak. “I don’t know. Probably not. I mean...it’s a lot to ask, don’t you think? He’s asking me to uproot my life here.” He gazes at her. “And I really like it here.”

She lets out the breath she’d been holding. She doesn’t think she’d be able to handle being that far from him. He’ll be starting University in the fall, and him going to London already feels too much. Goodbyes aren’t easy for her, and she doesn’t think they’ll ever get easier. 

“At least both parents want you,” she doesn’t realize what she’s saying until it’s up in the air. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...”

“No, it’s fine,” she shrugs him off. “It’s just, you’re lucky that both of them love you.”

Harry appears to think hard on this. “I love you.”

Her heart stops beating, her eyes double in size.

“What?” 

He reddens, and for once, she can’t tell what’s going through his head. His jaw juggles back and forth, and then he coughs like he’s got something stuck in his throat. He wipes a hand down his face. “I mean, you’re my best friend, of course I do.” 

Just as quickly as it had enlarged, something inside her deflates. “Oh, right,” she tries not to sound disappointed. It’s a little awkward now, but she’s at least comforted in the fact that he values her so much. She nudges her elbow against him. “Hey,” she quips.

He tilts his head.

“I love you too, doofus.” 

***

Y/n’s always thought her dad to be a kind and fair man.

Matthew Y/l/n doesn’t spoil his girls, but he also knows how to reward them for a job well done. He’s also one of those approachable dads, the ones you can talk to about a crush without him getting overly protective. From when she was eight and until now, he’s always been there for her and Ava, and for that, Y/n is forever grateful. 

Which is why she feels like she can discuss this one teensy little thing with him. Now, Y/n, she’s made up her mind about wanting to pursue a career as an artist. Some might say it’s insane! Risky! Financial suicide! But isn’t the threat of failure all the more reason to strive? She thinks so, and she just knows that her dad will too!

After dinner, which is when her dad is at his happiest. His belly is full of Nan’s roast, and he’s sitting next to Gramps on the couch while they watch sports. This is her chance. She’s already practiced on everyone else in the house, plus Penny and Harry, so she has a pretty solid plan on how to approach him.

“Hey, daddy,” she says sweetly, plopping between him and Gramps. He smiles at her and flings an arm around her shoulder. He returns his attention back to the telly. She gives Gramps a look, one so pleading that she thinks she might have just made him tear up, and he clears his throat and excuses himself. 

“I’ve, uh, got to take a shit.” And he stumbles into the hall, Nan’s snorting following closely behind. 

“So, dad, there’s something I actually want to talk about,” she starts, turning so she’s completely facing him. Matthew presses on the remote so that the screen is completely black. He prods her to continue. 

Y/n chuckles nervously. No big deal. “You know how I’m like crazy about my art? I mean, I’ve won three competitions in the last nine months!” 

“Of course, sweetheart. I’ve been telling everyone at work that my daughter’s an artist. You should’ve seen Anthony’s face when he found out you were the one who beat his boy out for the ribbon...”

“Yeah, thanks, Dad.” She can feel herself getting excited. “And I’m so proud that I get to make you proud. I mean, you’ve given me so much, I feel like it’s the least I can do.” On her lips is her most dazzling smile. 

He eyes her suspiciously. “Okay, I’m sensing something else going on here. Spit it out.”

“Well, it’s just that next year is my last year of college, and I’ll be applying to universities soon, so I was hoping that we could talk about me pursuing art.”

“Pursuing art, as in...?”

“Dad, I want to be an artist.” That wasn’t so bad, right? She can see her dad’s face waver in emotion. At first, he looks confused, then maybe a little unsure, but then he’s just unreadable. “Thoughts?” she presses.

“No.”

Had she just heard him right? “What?”

“No.”

“But, Dad–”

“There’s little to no security. The odds of you even making a decent living out of it are practically one in a million.”

“Wait, just hear me out first...”

“I’ve heard enough, Y/n. You’re not going to throw away an education on a hobby.” He sighs, and for a moment, he looks almost guilty. “Look, I’m not telling you to never paint again. I’m just saying that you need to approach this from a more realistic point of view. How about you major in something more reliable––like business or nursing––then minor in what you want?” He continues to ramble on about different prospects, but she’s completely drowned him out by now.

There’s a spot on the rug that’s suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. Where had she gone wrong? He’s never been so forceful with his decisions before. Had she overlooked a portion of her speech? 

“Mum loved art,” she whispers, but it’s just loud enough for him to hear.

Matthew stiffens at the mention of his estranged wife. “Your mother loved a lot of things. A lot more than she ever loved us.” And with that, he gets up and leaves.

***

“I think you should go for it,” she can always count on Harry to support her. 

She sighs, burying her face in his pillow. It smells of coconut and lavender. After her dad had walked out, she’d ran across the yard and had tackled Harry with a hug while he was taking out the trash. He’d given her some water (God knows how hysterical she’d been moments prior) before leading her up to his room so she could calm down.

“What if Dad’s right?” she mutters. “What if this really is just a hobby?” She suddenly feels herself being flipped onto her back, his legs straddling either side of her, his eyes boring into hers like lasers. Thoughts flash through her head, and it crosses her mind that he might actually kiss her. But he remains still.

“Look at me,” he says. “You’re amazing, and you know it. I know it. This whole damn town knows it. If there’s one person I know can make it as an artist, it’s you.”

While his words do encourage her, she’s far more concerned with how close he is. She nods in acknowledgement, and he flops next to her. Both of them stare at the ceiling. She wonders if he ever feels what she feels. 

“I got you something,” he says after a few minutes. He quickly turns and fishes for something under his bed.

“A present?” she doesn’t bother hiding the playfulness in her voice.

He kicks the side of her leg. “Grow up.”

“Can’t, I’m too excited.”

He pulls out a giftbag and hands it to her. “Saw this when I was out with Mum and well, it reminded me of you.” 

Peeking into the bag, she immediately smiles. “Is this...is this a frog?”

“Yeah, because remember when we first met? I gave you a–”

“Chocolate frog,” she finishes. It’s a plush toy the size of a basketball and its body is the same colors as their special world. Harry must’ve picked it out because of it. He’s always been thoughtful like that. It shouldn’t surprise her, but whenever he remembers these little things, she can’t help but feel weak at the knees. She and hugs her new frog to her chest. “It’s so cute! Oh, what should we name it?”

“Well, I feel like there’s only one appropriate name for it,” he winks.

“Kaleidoscope?” 

“That...that wasn’t even close to what I was going to say.”

She giggles, reaching over and bringing him in for a hug. “I’m just messing with you! We’ll obviously be calling him Freddo.” She sighs happily when his arms hold on to her tightly. Yeah, she likes his hugs a lot.

***

It’s the middle of March when Harry’s cousin comes to live with him. Jared is about his age, with the same shade of brown hair, only his is straight as opposed to Harry’s mess of wavy curls. Harry had told her that Jared’s mother (Anne’s sister, Sonya) had just passed away after her battle with cancer, and Y/n’s heart broke for the boy she barely knows. Similar to Penny’s situation, Jared’s dad isn’t in the picture. He’d left him and his mum before he was even born, and according to Harry, Jared’s always been very bitter about it.

Jared doesn’t leave his room much, only for school and for meals. Harry’s the only person he talks to because he wants to, not because he has to. They were practically like brothers before Jared had moved away, which Y/n is surprised to hear since she’s never heard of him before. But apparently when they were kids––way before Y/n moved in next door––Jared and his mum would always come over Harry’s house, and they’d play until one of them had to be forcibly dragged away. She had laughed when Harry had told her the story of how he and Jared had gotten stuck in the tree out back for five hours because the adults were so busy chatting inside.  

Sometimes Y/n will stop by and personally offer him some of Nan’s famous chocolate pie, and he’ll accept it only to give it to Harry once she leaves. Of course, she knows it’s nothing personal against her, it just makes her sad that she can’t help someone who is so important to her best friend. It’s hard for her to see Harry worry so much about him, and she really is trying her hardest to help him out. She doesn’t think Jared hates her, if anything, she always catches him staring at her in the halls when he thinks she doesn’t notice. That’s a promising sign, right?

“I happen to think he’s very good looking,” Penny tells her as they walk to Physics. “He kind of reminds of a young Leo.”

“You said the same thing about Harry last week,” Y/n giggles.

“They’re related, aren’t they? Maybe beautiful genes run in the family.”

Penny looks at her. “What do you think?”

She stares back at her. “About?”

“You know, Jared!” 

Y/n’s lips purse together. She hadn’t given him much thought, honestly. 

***

She’s glued to her sketchpad while sitting on the front lawn when she notices a shadow approach her. Not bothering to look up, she pats the spot beside her.

“Nan says that the pudding will be ready in ten,” she says. 

“That’s...cool.” That’s not Harry.

Tearing her eyes away from her latest drawing, she turns her head and sees the last person she expected. “Jared! Hi!” she squeaks.

He offers her a side grin. “Hey,” is all he says. He looks down into her lap. “You’re really good.”

“Oh, thank you.”

He rubs his hands on his jeans before settling them around his ankles. “Uh...do you mind if I sit here with you? You can say no, I was just feeling a little stuffed up in–”

“Of course! I love company!” she smiles broadly.

“I don’t know, you and that pencil were looking pretty cozy,” he suggests. She quirks a brow at him, but when the signs of a smirk begin to change the way his eyes gleam, she finally gets it.

“Jesus, that’s disgusting!” She doesn’t hesitate to slap him over the head. He sniggers in return but doesn’t say much more after that. Y/n continues to draw, but occasionally she’ll look up and catch him watching her. He immediately turns away, pretending to be busy with a blade of grass, or he’ll start whistling like it’s a sitcom.  

***

It doesn’t take long before Jared finally opens up to her. He’s funny––really funny, even though most of his humor is dirty––and is constantly finding ways to make Y/n laugh. She’s found that he does a nearly perfect impression of Austin Powers, and she enjoys it very much. There are also certain angles that really highlight how handsome he is. His eyes are a deep brown, almost the same shade as his hair. There are freckles evenly spread around his nose, almost as if they’d been specifically placed there. And oh, his lashes! They’re just as long as Harry’s, except maybe even fuller. She imagines what they would look like with a fresh coat of mascara. (She jokingly brought up the idea once, and to her delight, Jared says he wouldn’t mind it one bit.)

Harry seems happy that his cousin appears to be back to his old, goofball self. He’s definitely not as stressed over trying to get Jared out of his room as he had been in the immediate weeks after his Aunt Sonya’s death. Even Anne is starting to smile more. Losing her sister had been difficult for her, but Y/n admires how she had stepped up and took her nephew in without hesitance. She’s almost positive that that’s where Harry gets his selflessness from.

“Okay, real question, would you rather give up all desserts or all cheeses?” Jared asks. He always plays this game with her. She thinks it’s cute, sometimes even thought-provoking if she’s really into it. 

“Hmm, that’s a tricky one. Because what about–”

Both their eyes grow wide. “Cheesecake!”

Her head falls onto his shoulder as she laughs. She doesn’t see how Harry turns away. Although, sometimes she’ll notice how he’ll have this weird look in his eyes whenever the three of them are all hanging out together, but she thinks she’s just imagining it. 

***

When Penny tells her that Jared might like her, she doesn’t totally object to the idea.

***

A few days later, Jared kisses her. It’s one of those kisses that happen when you least expect it. She’s frozen in shock until his lips pull away. It’s strange, she likes the feeling, but something seems amiss. He looks at her nervously, like he’s afraid he’s done something completely wrong. But when she finally manages to get over that initial uncertainty, a grin slowly forms on her lips, and he’s kissing her again.

***

In two weeks’ time, she sees Harry snogging Penny outside his front door. She isn’t sure how to react, but she knows there’s this weird feeling inside of her that she doesn’t like.

***

Her and Harry haven’t spoken more than a few words to each other since they started dating other people. It’s not that she doesn’t want to talk to him, in fact, she really misses him. Saturday morning breakfasts just aren’t the same without him shuffling into the kitchen in his half-asleep state. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he was going out of his way to avoid her. Penny says that maybe he’s just feeling awkward because her two best friends are dating. (It turns out Harry had been the guy she’d been pining over for years.)

Maybe that’s true, but shouldn’t that make it easier for them to find themselves in the same room? She’s happy that Penny’s finally happy! Things hadn’t worked out with her last two boyfriends because all they wanted was to take advantage of her. If there’s one thing she’s sure about, it’s that Harry would never cross any lines that Penny hadn’t invited him to cross.

When they’re in Harry’s car, she’ll catch glimpse of how Harry takes Penny’s hand over the console, or how she’ll feed him fries from their takeaway. It makes her happy to see them like this. Really, it does.

Jared is just as much a gentleman, too. They haven’t done anything past snogging, and she’s okay with that. She isn’t even sure she’s ready for that type of commitment. It’s not like she has this idealized fantasy about losing her virginity. She doesn’t expect it to happen in the same way as the movies, with candles and a bed full of rose petals, or any of that romantic stuff. If the time’s right, it’s right. All she wants is to make sure her heart’s a hundred and ten percent in it before she lets anyone in. She wonders if Penny and Harry have talked about going all the way.

“Yeah, we’ve talked about it.”

“Oh,” Y/n tries not to sound surprised. “And how did that go?”

Penny gives a noncommitted answer. “He says he’s willing to wait until I’m ready. But the thing is, I’m ready now!”

***

Penny loses her virginity soon after. Y/n is the first person she calls, and it’s a bunch of squealing and bragging about how perfect it all was. How gentle and attentive he’d been, and how she can’t wait to do it again. It takes everything in her to not hang up. She loves Penny to death, but some things––at least in her opinion––are left unsaid.

***

The first time she and Harry get to spend time together, as in just the two of them, is when Jared is stuck in bed with a cold, and Penny is out with her mum. It’s not exactly planned, in fact, she had only seen him from the living room window whilst helping Nan dust the mantel. Deciding she couldn’t let the opportunity pass, she drops the feather duster and runs out the front door.

“Hey, stranger,” she greets, but she doesn’t sit. It’s only now she sees the bottle of beer hanging between his fingers. He usually only drinks when he’s got something messing with his head. 

He nods at her, and gestures to the spot beside him. She sits, but it feels to calculated for them. Usually, she’d plop down, not caring if their knees would brush together. Now, she’s careful to leave at least a few inches between them. And she hates how awkward things feel between them. In a matter of months, they’d gone from being attached at the hip, to barely acquaintances. 

“So, what’s going on?”

He takes a sip from the bottle, his face twitching with disgust as he does so, then takes a deep breath. “Do you ever feel like things should be different?”

A sudden gust of wind lifts her hair over her shoulders. She doesn’t know if the goosebumps running down her spin are from that or the it’s from the magnitude of his question. “Different, how?”

His features soften when he finally looks at her. As in, really looks at her. It feels like so long since he’s done, that it takes her breath away. He doesn’t say anything yet, but she can see in his eyes that there’s something there. 

“Harry?” she whispers.

His eyes drop down to her lips, and he licks his own in reaction. Nothing seems to matter at that moment. If her mind had been juggling with thoughts before this, it isn’t now. All she can think about his him. How good it feels to be so close him, and how she wants to be closer. 

Then it hits her. Jared. She’s with Jared, and Harry’s with Penny. She’d been leaning into him, but now that she’s broken from his trance, she straightens up.

Harry brushes off his disappointment with another sip from his beer. His stare lands across the street, where a pair of children are chasing each other around a tree. He drops his head, his hand wrapping around the base of his neck.

“I’m leaving for Boston tomorrow.”

She nods slowly. “Visiting your dad?”

He lets out a soft chuckle. “Something like that.”

Finally, he stands up, then offers her his hand so she can too. He doesn’t let go right away, and she revels in how good it feels. She smiles down to where they’re holding each other, then stares into his green orbs. 

Pulling on her arm, she’s suddenly trapped in his embrace. She hugs him back, her hands sliding up to his shoulder blades and pinching his t-shirt between her fingers. It’s all a bit confusing, but she continues to cling to him. She feels his nose nudge the crown of her head before he lets go.

He turns around and doesn’t look back. 

She isn’t sure what just happened, but it feels a lot like goodbye.

*** Ten Years Later

“It doesn’t feel right,” she sighs. “I can’t be the only one who’s thinking it.” He shuffles in place, eyes scanning the room around them. “What do you suggest then?”

“Take this to the empty wall by the entrance, then move the Reynalda exhibit closer to the back. It’s our main attraction, we have to make people work for it.”

Angelo nods approvingly, and she calls a thank you out to him as he gets to work. Y/n watches the rest of her staff disperse into their allocated directions, and it’s then she can finally take a moment for herself. Sometimes she feels suffocated, but at the same time so hollow.

There are so many reasons why Y/n shouldn’t be feeling as empty as she does now. After all, her life is pretty damn close to perfect. She graduated university with high honors, she has a well-paying job as director of a prestigious art gallery, and she lives in a beautiful two-bedroom apartment with her adoring fiancé who she’s been with for the better part of a decade. 

She can’t pinpoint when exactly she realized that something had been missing, or maybe this feeling has always existed somewhere deep inside, and she’s just been really good at hiding it. The only person who knows about this internal battle is Ava, but Y/n doesn’t like to bother her too much since she’s busy with coursework, as well as her own problems that come with being nineteen and young. 

Of course, there’s Jared. Her love. Her rock. Her other half. She doesn’t know why can’t talk about this with him. Maybe it’s too much of girl problem, or maybe it’s just guilt. The last thing she wants him to think is that he’s not enough to fill this void in her life. If anything, he’d been able to pick up all her damaged pieces when she just couldn’t. He’s great, more than. She depends on him, and he’s never let her down. 

But if that’s true. Why can’t she just be honest?

***

“Right, I’m heading out now. I’ll see you–” he pauses, and she can see the concern overtake his features from the reflection of the blank television screen. He walks around their living room and kneels in front of her, his hands rubbing her lower thighs with every intention to soothe her. “What’s wrong?”

“I...I don’t really know,” she laughs, then shakes her head. “It’s silly, really. You go ahead. Go have fun with Sid.” It’s her best attempt at a smile, but it’s a weak one. 

He looks at her unsurely, like he’s debating if he should protest or not. She kisses him gently on the lips. 

“Go.” And she nudges him to his feet. Although she can tell he’s hesitant, he eventually concedes, leaning down for just one more peck to her forehead, then he’s out the door.

She needs to find a way to depress this strange feeling. It’s starting to affect too much of her life. A life that she enjoys, thank you very much.

Before she falls slave to her thoughts, she slumps into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of cabernet. Maybe it’s a far too generous portion, but is there ever such thing as too much wine? At least for tonight, the answer is no.

The alcohol burns her throat with its bitter sweetness, and she finds comfort in how it settles at the pit of her stomach. She breathes in deeply. This is just what she needs. It’s all in her head. Stress, probably. 

Just as she’s about to rewrap herself in her blanket, the front door opens and closes with a gentle thud. She swings around, brows curling in question as Jared slips off his coat leans against the nearest wall.

“Sid will understand. You’re the one who needs me tonight.” 

She leans against the arm of the couch, a moved smile playing at her lips because, wow. How did she get so lucky?

***

“I found another grey hair this morning,” Jared says. “Is this what getting old feels like?”

She runs her fingers through his hair. “You’re twenty-eight, Jae. And besides, silver foxes are pretty sexy.” 

“I guess I’m a bit of a Clooney.” And he wags his brows suggestively. If he’s trying to come onto her, it’s not exactly working, but she’s also not completely turned off. This is why they’re good together. After all these years he still knows how to make her laugh.

They’re about a quarter though their takeaway (and she’s so touched that Jared decided to stay home that she doesn’t even say anything about the pork fried rice) when their doorbell sounds.

“I got it, hun,” he says, placing his plate on the coffee table, and grabbing a napkin before greeting the unexpected guest.

Y/n is pleasantly surprised when Penelope falls into the seat beside her. She looks dressed for a date, but the way she blows ferociously into the air, Y/n knows that things haven’t gone her way.

Without asking, Penny helps herself to their food, moaning as she stuffs a spoonful of that same fried rice into her mouth. “If I wasn’t wearing this dress, I would a hundred percent finish this whole thing.”

“You can borrow some clothes,” Y/n offers. Her friend pretends to contemplate, but she’s the first one to stride over into the master bedroom. 

Y/n pulls out a fresh pair of pajamas, and when she turns around, her mouth quirks in a mixture of amusement and suspicion. Under Penny’s dress is the daintiest set of red lace lingerie she’s ever seen. (And she has her fair share of lingerie since she knows it drives Jared wild.)

“Looks like you were in for a sexier evening,” she muses. She tosses Penny the set.

Her friend rolls her eyes. “I’ll make sure he knows what he’s missing,” she says. Y/n isn’t quite sure what she means by it, but smirks, nonetheless.  

“Now...” Penny pulls her hair through the hem of the borrowed shirt, “let’s finish off that food, shall we?”

Jared doesn’t say anything when they get back, either too consumed with his egg rolls or not wanting to interject himself into the conversation. Y/n simply kisses him on the cheek as she settles back into her meal. 

She glances at Penny for a moment, and her curiosity becomes overpowering. “Okay, so I wasn’t going to ask, but I feel like I have to now,” she explains. Penny cocks a brow at her. “What happened tonight.”

“He cancelled last minute. I was already at the damn restaurant when he texted saying something came up.” She stabs a piece of orange chicken. “It’s a bunch of bullocks if you ask me.” Typical Penny. It wouldn’t be fair to say that her friend is prone to trust issues, but it does take a little more effort. Ever since Harry had broken up with her back when they were seventeen, she hasn’t kept a relationship for more than a few weeks because she claims she doesn’t want to risk getting her heart broken again.

Harry Styles had broken her best friend’s heart, then disappeared to another country. Y/n hates him for that. She hates that he threw away all those years of friendship without a proper explanation. She hates that he abandoned her, especially when he knew how insecure she is about goodbyes. 

But not every guy is Harry. There are good ones that will stick by you no matter what, like Jared. Y/n reaches over and brushes his bangs away from his eyes. Penny just needs to find her person, and Y/n just knows that once she does, she’ll finally feel right.

“This is that Ahmed guy from the gym, right? I don’t know, Pen. He’s a decent bloke. Maybe something really did happen.”

Penny pulls a face, like she’s just oversaturated her food with soy sauce. “Wouldn’t hold my breath. He’s got baggage, and he won’t accept that he isn’t happy to carry it anymore.”

That last bit sticks to her. 

***

Her job requires her to have both a deep appreciation for art and a mind for marketing strategy. It had been the closest compromise that she and her father had come to when she had started her plight for a degree. 

After spending the last of her year of secondary school having second thoughts about the plausibility of making it in the art world, she decided that maybe her dad was right, after all. He would tell her to be in charge, to take control of her life. That way, she’d never be blindsided by anything. She’s still around the world she loves––the canvas, the acrylics, the community of dreamers who share their passion with the world––just from a more business perspective. The more she reflects on those naïve teenage years, the more she appreciates the direction she’d took. She has the best of both worlds, in her opinion. A steady income, and a building full of paintings and sculptures and history. What more can she ask for?

“Y/n!” She looks over her shoulder, where Angelo, her assistant, waves some a sizeable file in his hands. He gives her a knowing smirk.

“Good news?” she teases.

Angelo hands her the file. “Sales report can confirm.”

She glosses it over, satisfied with the numbers. Looks like she’d inherited more from her dad than just his advice. “And they said Expressionism was dead.” Their last grand showcase had been an ode to the German Expressionism movement. They had drawn criticism in the days leading up to the event because some saw it as outdated. But that’s just ridiculous. Art is art. And while history remains in the past, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be appreciated. Y/n’s vision for the gallery is embrace both the old and the new.

“Degenerates,” Angelo rolls his eyes. “Anyway, Dax, Narsi, and I are thinking Damond’s for lunch. You in?”

She looks down at her watch, and curses under her breath. “Can’t,” she sighs. “I have to interview the new curator in a bit.”

“You work too much,” he says humorously, but they both know there’s truth stitched into his words. He gives a friendly squeeze to her elbow. “Bring you back sandwich?” 

“Please,” she smiles. He gives her a mock salute before turning on his heel. 

When he’s completely out of sight, she lets her lips fall into a frown. She examines her watch again, there’s still a few minutes until their scheduled virtual call. She uses the time to stroll the halls, something she doesn’t really get to do. Well, not for fun, at least. 

Things are currently in transition, and all of the Maximalism works are finding their way onto her walls. She stops in front of one in particular that just screams color. With its carefully planned, yet freeing mixture of patterns and textures, it’s a piece to tickle the brain. 

“It’s beautiful.” Her eyes widen. That voice. She feels everything from her body to her unsuspecting heart freeze.

Her grip on her own arm tightens painfully. She thinks she might turn blue from her inability to breathe at this moment. 

“I’ve always liked how much of the artist we can feel. It really captures the complexity of character.”

She bites the inside of her cheek. “I agree.” She risks all and looks up, and he’s right there waiting for her. Harry. Her arms drop to her side as she feels herself grow weak.

His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “Hi,” he whispers, then smiles. That smile. She had tried so hard not to think about how it had once been her favorite image. His dimples have caved in deeper, if that’s even possible. And his eyes, they’re the same brilliant green she remembers. “I saw an ad in the paper and thought I’d check it out.”

Something must be strangling her vocal cords because she finds that she’s unable to make a sound. 

***

“And what did you do?” 

Y/n drops her head to the table, not even caring if it’s dirty. With the day she’s had, it’s the least of her problems. “I was in shock! I-I think I might have screamed at him.” 

Ava snorts into her drink. 

There’s not much about earlier that she can clearly recall, but she does remember how she had fled to her car and driven halfway across the city to her sister’s dorm and dragged her to the nearest pub. Why? Because she couldn’t think of anything else to do.

“Why would he just...show up?” she questions. “It makes no sense!”

“Probably got homesick,” Ava shrugs. “Plus, Dad says it’s been in the work–”

“Wait,” Y/n’s head snaps towards her. “Dad knows?”

The younger woman looks at her as if she were insane. “Duh, he’s the one that approved the transfer.”

“But why am I only hearing about this now?” She feels herself heating up with annoyance, anger, and something else that makes her want to pull her hair out. Ava doesn’t respond right away. She looks down at her now empty drink and watches as the ice cubes into water. 

“Well,” she starts, still not bothering to meet her eyes, “ever since he left, he’s been a bit of a taboo subject for you.” 

Her jaw tenses at that, and she sits back in her chair. That’s a bit of an overstatement. Y/n had reacted the way any person would have if put in her situation. She huffs with frustration. “So, what else is everyone hiding from me?”

“This isn’t an intervention, enough with the dramatics,” Ava says.

Y/n’s lips form into a straight line. She looks over the bar and tuts her tongue. “I need another drink,” she mutters. “Where the heck is Penny? She’s supposed to be working tonight.”

***

After Ava had started going to school in the city, her dad had decided to move into the London office full-time in order to be closer to both his girls. And lucky for Y/n, he’s just close enough to get information out of. She visits her dad during her lunch break because she needs answers.

“Dad, we need to talk,” she demands, bursting through his office door without any regard for just about anything. “Explain to me why...”

Matthew Y/l/n tilts his head at her with a raised brow, and the person sitting on the opposite side of his desk has an expression to match.

“Perfect,” she sneers. “We’re all here, then.”

She nearly loses it when Harry choke down a laugh while getting up and offering her his now empty seat. She takes it, but not before she glares at him and his stupid face. 

Her dad looks like he’s been caught in a crossfire, and he calculatingly smooths down his perfectly ironed tie. Harry takes the seat beside hers, except he makes a point to pull it a few inches away.

“So...” her dad practically sings. “Harry’s back!”

“I can see that.” From the corner of her eye, she sees a smirk. “Why are you even here?” 

Harry doesn’t seem offended despite the harsh nature of her tone. He chances a glance at her dad before turning to her. “Work,” is his first answer. He bounces one leg over the other and leans back against the back the seat. His expression softens. “But I guess I just really missed home.”

She thinks that’s bullshit. No decent person would leave everything behind without a second thought. “It took you ten years?”

“I did what I had to do,” he retorts.

“And that was to just disappear?” 

“This isn’t really the place nor time...”

“Then why bother coming back!"

That manages to crack Harry’s calm demeanor. He looks at her as if she had knocked the wind from his lungs. At this point her chest is heaving, as well. She forgets where they are and that her dad is a witness to this outburst. 

“I, uh,” they both turn to Matthew as he tries to find the words to appease the situation. “I was thinking we could all go out for dinner later?” He’s joking, right? He smiles as her, but with that ‘I’m your father and you don’t have much of a say in this’ look in his eyes. “How about you and Jared meet us around...say, seven? Hey, you know what? Bring Penelope, too!”

“Pen–”

Matthew swivels in his chair and practically hops to his feet. He leans down and kisses Y/n on the head. “Got to get to a meeting. I’ll see you later.” And with that, he’s gone. It leaves her alone with the person she wants nothing more than to get away from.

She doesn’t understand what’s happening to her. There are so many things she feels bombarding her all at once and there’s not one thing she can make sense of. Harry doesn’t say anything. Instead, he’s typing something on his phone. His lips are quirked up in an almost-grin, and she can’t help but feel miffed that he has the audacity to pull such a face in her presence when all she can do is glower. 

“I guess we’ll talk later?” he suddenly says. He slips his phone into his pants pocket. She crosses her arms and rolls her eyes. Like her dad had done, he gets up and starts towards the door. But before she can even hear it graze against the carpeting, he mutters one last thing. “Congratulations on the engagement.”

Her dress squeaks loudly against the leather of her seat because she must have turned too quickly. Their eyes meet, his are difficult to read.

***

“...and I’ve been trying to look for a flat, but the boss works me too hard,” Harry smirks over at Matthew. Her dad lets out a hearty chuckle as he finishes off the last of dessert.

“Well, if you’re really that overworked, it’s not at all obvious,” Penny says with a saucy smile. “Definitely still a catch.” She touches his arm, and Y/n digs her nails into her palm because it makes her feel sick. It’s ridiculous that she’s so bothered by how quickly conversation had flowed between Harry and Penelope. 

Jared has an arm around the back of her chair. He looks bored with the conversation. She can’t tell if he’s irked at Harry (in the same way she is) or because he sees how much her dad likes him. That’s not to say that Jared isn’t well liked by Matthew. He did get his blessing to propose, after all. Yeah, they’ve been engaged for a while now. But so, what? Long engagements are common enough, and it does allow the two participants to fully get to know one another, as well as get close to the important people in their lives. Things just aren’t as smooth between her dad and Jared as she would like, but she supposes that’ll ease over with time. 

“I wouldn’t let my current appearance fool you,” Harry snorts.

“Is that a challenge?” Penny bats her lashes at him. 

Y/n can’t take it anymore. “So!” she interrupts, “Pen, didn’t you go out with that Vogue photographer last night?

Her friend gives her an odd look, but when she sees the rest of the table’s eyes on her, she waves it off. “Oh, yeah. But it didn’t end how I would’ve liked.” She gestures between her legs. “He had a little trouble getting it up.” 

“Penelope Swanton,” Matthew warns, as if she might give him a heart attack. “Parental unit sitting right here.”

Everyone shares a laugh except for Y/n and Jared. The latter just stares at the tablecloth with vague intensity. It’s strange that he hasn’t made a quip all night. He’s usually the one who talks the most...well, besides Penny. 

“Maybe pretty girls scare him,” Harry chuckles. “It happens to the best of us.”

A mischievous glint sparkles in Penny’s eyes. “Do I scare you, Harry?” 

“COFFEE!” Y/n all but screams. “We should order coffee!” She can’t just sit there and watch her friend make the same mistakes all over again. It would be a serious miscarriage of justice is she were to let that happen. 

But she can only stall for so long, and before she knows it, they’re all making their way out of the restaurant. It’s that awkward phase of standing outside and making small talk before someone has the balls to leave. Harry offers Penny a ride, and Y/n has to watch as they get into his car, laughing like he hadn’t broken her heart all those years ago. 

Jared still seems to be in a mood as well, but he plays it off and tells her he’s got a stomachache from the scallops he had as an appetizer. She rubs his back as they wait for the valet to bring their car around, glaring at Harry’s taillights before he turns onto the road. 

***

Y/n manages to not think about Harry for a few weeks. With the newest exhibit opening up, it’s kept her body and mind busy. By the time she gets home, she’s tired and all she wants is to put her feet up and watch reruns of Downton Abbey.

The doorbell rings, and she can’t help but groan because she was just getting comfortable. She looks through the peephole, then shakes her head knowingly. She pulls the door open.

“Don’t you have work?” she asks playfully, but she wishes she could take it back when she sees the broken look painted across Penny’s face. “Oh my god, are you alright?” She guides her friend into the apartment and sits her down on the couch.

Penny suddenly bursts into tears, her face falling into her hands as though she were hiding her shame. Not wanting to distress her further, Y/n gathers her in her arms and lets her cry it out. They’ve been through a lot together, and in all their years of friendship, she’s never seen her look so somber as she does now.  

She strokes her hair, whispering her reassurance even though she’s left in the dark. Penny breaks from her hug and wipes her eyes with her knuckles before looking at her with misty eyes. “I’m...” but she starts blubbering, and nothing coherent can be understood. Y/n waits patiently until she can speak. “I’m pregnant.” 

Y/n feels the color drain from her face while her head fills worry. She can’t decide who she’s worried more about, Penny or her baby. Penny is an adult is capable of making her own decisions, but she can also be reckless. She can barely pay her rent on time and her work schedule isn’t the best either. A baby would mean growing up, but Y/n knows that Penny’s still trying to figure things out. 

Then, the inevitable question bubbles in her throat. “How far along?” Penny sniffles. “About six weeks.”

Y/n feels awful that the first thing she feels is relief. Not Harry’s. “And the father?” 

“I can’t tell him,” Penny cries, she lays her head in Y/n’s lap. “He’s...he has a...” She doesn’t need to finish that sentence for Y/n to understand.

“Penny...” her tone is every bit of disappointed. 

***

She accompanied Penny to her first appointment to the OB-GYN this morning, and the sound of the baby’s heartbeat had been enough to drive both women to tears. It was beautiful, and the look in Penny’s eyes said all that they could. Sure, Y/n had worried about her when she first learned of the pregnancy, but that had immediately changed with just that one look. 

One day, Y/n hopes to have children of her own. She and Jared have opened up the topic a few times, but they never seem to be on the same page when it comes to starting a family. He claims it’s because his job’s hours are too crazy to juggle an infant. He’s the physical therapist for the National Football team, which means he has to go with them on away games. Deep down, however, Y/n thinks he’s afraid that he’ll end up the way his father did. She wants to tell him that’s ridiculous, but she always has to walk on eggshells about that. 

It’s okay, though. Until she and Jared can come to an agreement, she has no qualms over spoiling her new niece or nephew. Auntie Y/n. She likes the sound of that. So much, in fact, that she finds herself outside of a baby boutique on the high street. She wonders if Penny will be having a boy or a girl. 

“So cute!” she smiles to herself when she sees all the onesies on the mini mannequins. Would it be too early to plan Penny’s baby shower? She’s so lost in hypothetical party planning that she doesn’t notice see body before they collide, and warm liquid misses her shoes by mere centimeters. 

“I’m so sorry!” she rushes out an apology. There’s an unflattering brown stain on his otherwise perfect white button-up. She grabs for her wallet in her purse, hoping to at least pay for the damages, but stops when she gets a good look at him.

“You.” 

The world must really have it out for her. Harry looks down at his tainted shirt. “Nice seeing you too.” 

“Sorry,” she says again. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Head in the clouds?” he muses, shaking his sleeve of the last remaining drops of coffee.

She smiles tightly. “Just window shopping.”

He looks at the store in front of them, and his head snaps towards her. “Are you...?”

“No,” she replies immediately. “A friend of mine.”

For some reason, his shoulders seem to relax. He’s still incredibly handsome, though she never doubted that that would ever change. Under his wet shirt, she notices a sizeable few tattoos inked onto his chest. The sight intrigues her, and she has to stop herself from reaching out and tracing them with her finger. 

“Let me pay for your dry-cleaning,” she says, tearing her eyes away from his body. 

Harry shakes his head. “There’s no need, honestly. Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?” She really doesn’t want to be in his debt. “I’d feel better if I could make it up to you somehow.”

“No, really. It’s fine.” Why is he so stubborn?

“I insist.” 

He studies her for a moment. She imagines that she can see the gears turning as he thinks. 

“I’m actually on my way to a viewing, and well...I’m not really sure what to look for.”

She replays his words in her head. “So, you want me to...help you pick out an apartment?” That can’t be right.

“My car’s just over there,” he points with his chin. “What do you say?”

Alarms are sounding in her head, each one screaming a different command between her ears. A part of her is saying it’s a bad idea, that she should stand her ground and stay mad at him because of what he had done. On the other hand, the rest of her––the biggest part of her––wants to indulge in the feeling she has when she’s with him. It’s a crazy mix of fury and joy that isn’t entirely unbearable. 

“Fine,” she concedes, and she brushes past him and starts towards his car. “But only because I feel bad about the shirt.” She doesn’t dare look back. She slides into the passenger seat and buckles herself in. Her stomach is doing cartwheels beneath her high-waisted pants. 

Harry gets into the driver’s seat but doesn’t start the engine right away. He pulls his jacket off and places it neatly on the console. What he does next makes her regret getting out of bed this morning. Her mouth dries as he undoes every button of his shirt and reveals the tattoos she’d been fantasizing about earlier.

“Do-do you mind?” She feels her cheeks heat up, and she turns to the window in hopes to find a distraction. 

“Well, I’m not going to talk business looking like I’ve just been bullied by a barista.”

“That’s completely beside the point!” 

“Well, you can look now, Mother Teresa,” he says smugly. She hesitantly cranes her neck back. He’s now sporting a similar shirt, but this time, it’s dark grey. “See?”

She huffs, then mutters something under her breath. He smiles at her, like he’s just dying to tease her, but ultimately decides not to. She just glares straight ahead.

“Just drive the damn car.”

***

“And this unit is complete with its own balcony which overlooks the Thames,” Mariette, Harry’s real-estate agent says to the both of them. “It sets the mood nicely, don’t you think? And it happens to be very popular with our younger couples.” She sends them a not-so-subtle wink. 

Y/n feels herself flush, and she ducks into the kitchen and pretends to inspect the marble countertop. 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Harry says. He doesn’t seem to be paying that much attention, or if he is, he’s really good at hiding his own embarrassment. Y/n wonders if he’s just humoring the over-zealous agent. After all, he was never the type to correct someone over silly little details. 

Mariette tells them to walk around, get a feel for the place, before excusing herself to make a phone call. Y/n follows Harry up the stairs where all the bedrooms are. There are three, and the master bedroom has its own ensuite toilet and bath.

“What do you think?” Harry asks her.

She glances at the view from the window. It’s beautiful, gorgeous even. The building itself is in one of the nicer parts of town, where the congested London traffic wouldn’t take away from its overall aura. She can already picture him spending the mornings on the balcony with a cup of tea and a book or passed out on a king-sized mattress in the bedroom after a long day of work.

“It’s nice,” she answers truthfully. “But it doesn’t matter what I think.”

Harry looks at her like she’s spewing nonsense. “I asked for your input, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did. But at the end of the day, it’s your home. Not mine. You might not even stay around long enough to enjoy it.” The look on his face when she lets that last part slip out makes her wish she had just shut her mouth. She leaves him in the bedroom and heads into the hall. She needs to get away. Why couldn’t she have just given him a simple answer? Why does she continue to open up old wounds that she knows she’ll never be able to close? 

Before she can get far, however, his fingers curl around her shoulder. He swallows thickly behind her. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. Until now, he hadn’t apologized. She hadn’t expected him to, and now she isn’t sure how to take it. This should vindicate her, but all she wants to do is curl up and close herself off from the world, even for a little while.

She looks down to her feet, and as though on cue, her eyes begin to fill with tears. Her hand quickly lands on her mouth to muffle a sob.

He turns her towards him, holding her by the waist. In a split-second, she’s wrapped in his arms. She tries to pull away, but her body is too unwilling to lose his familiar warmth. 

“Why didn’t you say goodbye?” she whimpers against his shirt.

His chest heaves. “Because if I did, I’d never be able to leave.” His words shake her.

She pulls away slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. “But what about me?” she asks. “Harry, you were my best friend, and you just treated me like I meant nothing to you.” It made her feel like nothing. Apparently, she’s an easy person to leave behind. First it was her mother, then the person she trusted most. She couldn’t tell you which had broken her more.

“I never wanted to hurt you.” 

Scoffing, “A bit late for that, no?”

“Then let me make it up to you,” his plea is coated with desperation. Every bit of him shines with sincerity that she wishes she could ignore. His touch burns her through her clothes like blue flames. Body and mind are rekindling, and now that she remembers what it feels like to be close to him, she can’t see a version of herself that doesn’t want him back in her life.

“I don’t know if I believe in second chances,” she says softly. His grip on her loosens substantially, and there’s a sudden fear that he’ll let go. “But,” she continues, “you’ll be my first.”

It’s a bone-crushing, heart-enlarging hug, and it leaves her feeling happier than she’s felt in a long time.

***

They’re not the same two kids who would spend every waking moment together, but this is the closest they’ll ever get in adult life.

Harry visits her on her lunch breaks and lets her bounce marketing strategies off of him whilst they walk the gallery. Just like her dad, he has a well-versed business mind. It feels good to be able to talk to him again. It’s like a part of herself has risen after years of sleep and is finally seeing the light of day. Under the fancy suits and numerous tattoos, he’s still the same guy who can listen to her talk for hours without fail.

She’s even had him over for dinner at her and Jared’s place. At first, she was afraid that things would be tense between the two of them, after all, Jared hadn’t talked much during their dinner nearly a month back. To her delight, however, they seemed to pick up where they left off, and spent majority of the night talking sports and all that ‘man’ talk that she can never be bothered to understand. 

If a month ago she had felt empty, she can proudly admit that she’s starting to fill up.

***

When Penny announces that the baby is a girl, Y/n is probably the most excited. She visits the baby boutique she’d been browsing some days ago and buys a rubber duckie onesie with a matching headband, along with four other matching sets.

“You really shouldn’t have to go through all the trouble,” Penny scolds her.

Y/n waves her off. There shouldn’t be any of that nonsense. She likes being able to spoil her best friend’s future child. “I want to. Just humor me, okay? I’m aiming for Auntie of the Year.” She lays all the rest of the outfits on Penny’s sofa.

“It’s true,” Harry adds. “She’s already had the bib made.” Y/n flips him off but is far too delighted by all the pretty patterns to come up with a proper retort. Rather, she tries to sweep Penny into conversation about a real baby shower (and not just the one she’d planned in her head), discussing potential guests and a wish list that she should start setting up on Amazon.

Jared and Penny give each other a look, and the way the former’s jaw tenses doesn’t go unnoticed by Harry but completely goes over Y/n’s head.  

***

“Why don’t you put any of your own work on display?” Harry asks her one day.

“Honestly?” she sighs, “I haven’t actually made anything in...well, almost a decade.”

His jaw drops. “I don’t think I heard you right, a decade?” 

The same amount of time you’ve been gone, she thinks to herself. Of course, now that they’re back to being friends, she would never say it out loud. 

***

Nan had called her up and asked if she and Ava would drive up to Holmes Chapel and help her sort out all the things to donate. They try to visit their grandparents every few months because they are getting to the age where they won’t be around for long. Although, Nan will tell anyone with ears that she’s stronger than she was in her twenties due to her weekly spin classes at the community center. Meanwhile, Gramps is still the same as ever. He still sits in front of the TV and watches highlights of games he’s got recorded on the DV-R, and accidentally knocks over Nan’s petunia’s when he backs the car out of the garage. 

Her childhood bedroom is also how she had left it. Sure, her teenage years had called for a bit of renovation, but underneath posters of her favorite actors and boy bands are the youthful stickers Nan had put up when they had first arrived. 

She rummages through her closet, throwing old clothes in good condition into her donation basket. There are even some that were never worn, and she debates whether she’d be able to use any of it, but ultimately decides against it.  

The top shelf is full of empty shoe boxes and other things she had carelessly thrown up there. Her old sketchbook falls open, face down, at her feet. 

She picks it up and is greeted by the same sketch that had won her first prize in the art show all those years ago when she was fifteen. Her fingers graze over the pencil lines, and it’s like being reacquainted with an old friend. She had spent months on this one drawing, and it had turned out to be her greatest piece to date (the actual painting is still being preserved at the school).

“You know, I always thought that boy looked like Anne’s boy,” Nan says nonchalantly. Y/n hadn’t even heard her come in. 

“What?” Y/n stares intently at the paper. “You think so?”

Ava practically skips in. “Oh, gossiping, are we?” She sounds just like Nan. Y/n can’t help the roll of her eyes. 

“I was just telling your sister about how that painting of hers up at the school looks a lot like Harry.”

“Is it not supposed to?” Ava seems genuinely confused. 

“I mean...it wasn’t actually based on anyone in particular,” Y/n says, feeling the need to defend herself. “It was just...something I envisioned in my head.” She turns back to her closet, leaving Nan and Ava to carry on their conversation on her bed. 

Reaching her arm up high, she feels around the shelf until she pokes something soft. When she brings it down, she can’t help but grin. Freddo. She had almost forgotten about him. After Harry had left, she had gone on a bit of a rampage, and any reminder of him had fallen victim to the trash or banishment to the top shelf.

Nan must notice her smile because she comes up and cradles her from behind and rests her chin on her shoulder. “It’s funny,” she says, and Y/n looks back at her expectantly. “I also thought that you two would end up together, but I guess I was off by a bit, huh?” She kisses Y/n on the cheek and calls for Ava to follow her downstairs.

Y/n stares at the toy as though it held some sort of secret.

***

She’s lucky she’s home by herself––Jared is off at the pub for his and Sid’s weekly meet-up––because now she has time to unwind and be as antisocial as she wants. Work had been stressful, mostly because the exhibit is set to open next week. And really, all she wants is to be under her favorite blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and just be dead to the world.

Even though she thinks that, however, she can’t help but tap on her phone screen every few minutes. Sure, she likes the time alone, but she also likes being needed. Ava says it’s a control thing, but she really just prefers to be in the know. Lately, Penny’s been spamming her with messages and phone calls about the baby or sometimes it’ll be for a little reassurance. Of course, she’s more than happy to support her. It’s brave of Penny to tackle this alone. The baby’s father is completely out of bounds, so she’s told, and Penny says she’d rather her baby grow up with just a mother than in some dysfunctional setup.

Speaking of dysfunction, she hasn’t been able to properly think straight ever since her visit with Nan. What the elderly woman had told her hadn’t exactly shocked her, per say, but it did have her rethink some of the interactions between her and Harry. It’s ridiculous, really. They’d been best friends since she was eight and he was nine. They know each other’s ins and outs, likes and dislikes, what makes the other laugh and cry. They’re simply comfortable. 

Okay. Maybe there had been times where she thought that the possibility of something more was on the table, but that quickly proved to be all in her imagination. She had her boyfriends and he had his girlfriends. She fell in love with his cousin, and he dated her other best friend. Then he left town.

Then he left.

***

Abandoning her original plans for the night, Y/n finds herself at his door. 

“Hey,” he greets her, but his warm smile falters when he takes note of her appearance. “What’s with the look? Are you okay?” She doesn’t answer, she’s too taken by the image of him and the way her heart feels like it might burst from her chest to comprise a full sentence. He doesn’t push her, though. He fishes into the pocket of his sweats and pulls out a shapely object wrapped in purple foil. “I-uh, I don’t eat chocolate that much anymore, but they don’t have these in America, so I’ve been snacking on a few of these a week.” It lands itself in her hand. “Just like when we were kids, right?”

It’s a Freddo. A fucking Freddo. Her fingers curl around it.

“You once asked me if I thought that things should’ve been different,” she says. “What did you mean by that?”

Harry doesn’t answer. She tries again.

“Why did you leave, Harry?"

“It’s been so long, I don’t even remember.”

“Don’t lie to me.” She takes one step closer. He evades her eyes, like he’s afraid they’ll speak on their own. Her stomach tightens because it’s all starting to make sense. His words. That embrace. These feelings that have always existed between them. “You left because of me.”

It’s not a question, but a sure statement. He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. She slides a hand up to his cheek, forcing him to look at her. When he finally does, she’s sees it. And her gut says it’s not the first time. 

It’s heartache. 

She knows because she sees it every time she looks in the mirror. It’s taken her this long to realize it. That hollow feeling that’s been consuming her, it disappeared the day Harry Styles walked back into her life. Once the anger over what he’d done had subsided, she’s felt nothing but joy since. 

“Why didn’t you say anything?” She wants to scream. 

“You made him happy,” is all he says, almost regretfully. “I couldn’t take that away from him.”

“So, you didn’t even consider how I felt? Harry, I would’ve...would’ve–”

“And that’s why I had to leave!” He wipes both hands down his face in frustration. “We would’ve ended up hurting two people we cared too much about.”

“You don’t know that–”

“If I had tried to kiss you that night, would you have let me?” His gaze bores into her. 

Yes. The voice within her screams it over and over. He must already know her answer because he just smiles sadly at the floor. This is why he had done it. He knew that if he had stayed any longer, it would have only been a matter of time before they gave into each other. 

It makes her sick. 

“I figured if I just took myself out the equation, the rest of you would be spared the heartbreak.” He sighs. “And it worked. You and Jared are about to start a life together, Penny’s got her baby. You’re happy.”

She wants to counter him, but she can’t find the strength. “What about you?” she whispers instead.

He tilts his head to the side. “I came back to prove to myself that I could be happy for you.” His jaw slackens, and he doesn’t continue.

She’s toe to toe with him. “And are you?”

The next thing she knows, her back is against the wall, and her fingers are tangled in his hair. His lips feed her, makes her blood come alive like she’s never lived until now. She kisses him with everything she has. Every drop of anger and every ounce of emotion that burns through her veins. His hands keep her body as close to his as possible, yet, they feel so gentle as they caress her curves like she’s made of glass. It feels so right.

And it shouldn’t. 

Just as sudden as it had started, she pushes him away. He doesn’t fight her. Without another word, she leaves his apartment.

*** When she makes it home, Jared is about to get ready for bed. She drops her clothes to the floor, and his soon follow. They fall onto the bed, his teeth gnawing down her jaw while his hand slides down to cup her heat. He asks her if she’s ready once his member is nudged against her opening. She nods, and he pushes into her, just as he’s done many times before.

She tries her best to focus on how good this should feel to have him inside of her, but the more he moves, the more she feels like this is all a mistake. It feels all too similar to when she had given him her virginity. It happened the night after Harry had skipped town. She was upset and wanted to feel something aside from the pain he had caused her. Jared had been there, and things had soon escalated. But it didn’t feel right. Her heart wasn’t in it, and so her body couldn’t give itself the relief it had been searching for.

It hasn’t felt like that since, or maybe she had gotten better at hiding it, just as she’s done with everything else. She had hoped that sex with Jared would put her mind and her heart back into perspective, but instead, she feels even more helpless.

One kiss with Harry had meant more to her than any of this. It fills her with shame because shouldn’t want to be with anyone except Jared, especially when all he’s ever done is love her. 

She doesn’t realize it’s over until he rolls off her with a content sigh, then stumbles into the bathroom. He closes the door behind him, and it’s then she feels the tears start to fill the rim of her eyes. Her thighs clasp together as her humiliation fully sets in. She turns on her side and covers her naked body with the blanket that had been pushed to the foot of the bed. Jared returns minutes later, mumbling a goodnight. If he has something else to say, he doesn’t. It takes to the count of five for him to drift to sleep. 

***

“I need to cancel the engagement,” she says. Ava gives her a circumspect shrug of the shoulders, like she’s trying not to say the wrong thing. Y/n turns to her, hands twiddling the fingers in her lap from stress. “What do you think I should do?”

Ava looks at her, the pity is obvious on her face. “I don’t know, sis.” She rubs her back. “Are you going to tell Jared about you and Harry?”

“I have to.”

***

She doesn’t have the opportunity to talk to Jared until the night of the exhibit opening since he’d been in Spain on a team trip. It’s eating her up, how she hasn’t told him yet, but at least by the end of today she’ll no longer be holding on to something so big. He had promised to come straight to the gallery once he landed back at Heathrow. His flight was set to get in two hours ago, so it’s only a matter of time now. 

More and more people are starting to fill the floor. Most are patrons whom she sees frequently at these events, but there are some new faces mixed in the crowd. She’s lucky that Ava and her grandparents are here to support her, especially when she’ll probably need them afterwards. 

“Hey, don’t look so nervous,” Nan tells her. “The place looks great. You know, I overheard that guy in the red Chanel that he’s interested in buying.” Bless her, Y/n thinks. Nan’s always had a way of diffusing the tension, even when she isn’t aware of it. 

“I’m happy you guys are here,” Y/n says, and she brings her friend in for a hug. 

Nan gives her a confused smile. “Of course, we’re here. We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she proudly declares, and she elbows Gramps in the ribs when he doesn’t contribute. “Honestly, try to look a little alive.”

“I put on a tie, didn’t I?” Gramps rolls his eyes, but then he sends Y/n a wink.  

“Where’s Penelope this evening?” Nan asks, scanning the room, brows furrowing. Y/n feels a sweat break out. She just hopes that Penny will understand when she finds out about her feelings for her ex-boyfriend. It’s been years, sure, but there has to be some kind of friendship code that prohibits this sort of thing. “And where’s that fiancé of yours? He should be here with you.”

“Probably just got stuck in traffic,” Y/n says, but honestly, she’s reveling the extra time she has to prepare.

Nan hooks arms with Ava and Gramps, and they walk the floor while Y/n greets a few of her guests. Her dad is one of them, no surprise there. He pecks her on the side of the head and lets out a perplexed sound as he gazes at all the art. 

“I feel like I should understand this kind of thing by now,” he muses, gesturing to the portrait of naked man made from duct tape and spoons. “Anything after 2003 is lost to me. I just don’t get it.”

“Are you proud of me?” Y/n shocks herself with the question.

Matthew looks stunned himself. “Why would you ask something like that? You know that I am.” He pulls her aside, so they have a little more privacy. “Sweetheart, is everything okay?” There’s worry in his eyes. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” she appeases, “I just wanted to hear it.” Her dad doesn’t respond but hugs her tight. They stay like that for a moment, she’s always felt safe in his arms, until she feels them loosen around her. She looks up at him, his look somewhere else. When she follows it, her heart skips a beat.

“Harry!” Matthew takes his hand and shakes it. “I haven’t seen you in a full two hours!” 

The younger man lets out a slight chuckle. “It’s been unbearable. I just can’t keep away.” He turns to her. “Congratulations.” 

A nod is all she can afford. 

Matthew looks between the two of them, and their situation feels almost familiar. He coughs into his hand and excuses himself as he chases a waiter down the west wing. 

“Can we talk?” Harry asks her. 

She purses her lips to the side. There’s so much she wants to say to him, but she’s afraid of what she might do. 

Against her better judgement, she leads him into her office. She leaves the door open behind her in the off chance that things intensify. She doesn’t need any more guilt on her plate. (But she wishes he wasn’t wearing such a properly fit suit. It’s far too distracting for the seriousness of the situation.)

Leaning against her desk, arms crossed over her chest, she waits for him to speak. 

“I’m sorry.”

“It was both our doing,” she stresses. If you asked her who had kissed who first, she wouldn’t be able to tell you. “We just...got caught up in the moment.” I let my heart dictate my actions.

He looks hurt by her words but doesn’t press her on it. “I should’ve stopped it. I always wondered what it would feel like to kiss you, and when it happened, I...” He shakes his head, and she’s thankful that he’ll never finish that sentence. She’s already heard it in her mind. Hearing out loud would cause both of them too much agony.

“I know,” she rasps. “I can’t stand here and say that I didn’t want it, but–”

“you don’t want to hurt him.” She smiles appreciatively, though, sadly. In another life, maybe they would have a chance. This one doesn’t have a place for them. Even if she ends things with Jared, it doesn’t erase the fact that they’re family. She could never start anything with Harry without him getting hurt. It’s a matter of acceptance now. 

This must have been what Harry had been feeling when he had left. As much as it hurts to remember, she thinks she at least understands it better. 

“I need air,” she says, not wanting to entertain those thoughts further, “join me?” She grabs her phone from her desk. It’s getting late, and she’s starting to worry about Jared. 

They leave her office and start towards the back door that some of her staff use when they want a smoke. She usually avoids it for that reason, but it was getting too stuffy in there. Her lungs will forgive her if she takes this one moment to herself. Her screen unlocks, and just as she’s about to press on her fiancé’s name, Harry pushes the door open and she looks up as the evening breeze brushes her face and then...

“What the hell is this?” She drops her phone to the ground. 

Jared and Penny pull away from each other, but the space between them is nearly nonexistent. The latter meets her with scared eyes that soon begin to fill up. One hand covers her mouth as she chokes on a sob or maybe even fear, while the other clasps over her swollen belly. Y/n’s eyes drift down to it. It clicks. 

“Y/n...” Jared starts, he’s breathing heavily. “Let me–”

“That’s why you couldn’t tell me his name,” she says shakily. It’s directed at Penelope. “You couldn’t tell me because it was him.” The night Penelope had come over unannounced after her alleged date cancellation at the same time Jared had cancelled his own plans. “I’ll make sure he knows what he’s missing.” And that’s exactly what she had done, and right under her nose. They’d have been sneaking around behind her back for months.

“We d-didn’t mean for it to get this far...” Penny tries to explain, she steps out from behind Jared’s shadow. The usually confident blonde has lost several inches of height. She says something else, but it’s like Y/n’s just drowned out all the noise. Her eyes still haven’t left Penelope’s stomach. 

She wants to hate her. She should hate her. But she’s just an innocent victim caught in her parents’ web of lies. Then she grits her teeth at Jared. How far he’s fallen from the pedestal she’d put him on. Now she’s certain that she had inflated his image in her spiraling guilt for having feelings for another man. To think that only minutes ago she was about to plead for his forgiveness for kissing Harry, when all this time he’d been fucking her closest friend. 

“Jared,” his name weighs like venom on her tongue, “I want you out of the apartment by tonight.”

She just runs. Down the alleyway, ignoring all the calls of her name behind her. Harry’s voice is by far the loudest. There’s a thud, followed by a scream. However tempted she is to look back, her legs have developed a mind of their own and lead her towards the busy sidewalk. The bright streetlights burn her eyes, but she doesn’t stop.

She keeps going until she finds the first empty cab. Getting in without a second to hesitate, she closes the door and tells the man behind the wheel to just go. 

“Where to?” he asks her. Her first instinct is to go home and lock herself in her room, but she realizes that she’ll probably have to confront Jared again, and that’s not going to happen. Her second and third options are still at the gallery, completely oblivious to all the night’s revelations. There’s just one other person on that list, so Y/n gives the driver the address. 

***

It takes less than twenty minutes for her to end up in front of a building with bright blue doors and window panels to match. She climbs the steps, one wobbly footstep at a time, but only hesitating once. Her knuckles curl at her sides, until lifting them up to knock against the heavy wood. Light from inside peeks through the curtains.

A woman appears in the open threshold, that faint light from inside creating a halo around her figure. She looks unreal, like something straight out of a storybook. Her ethereal face just as kind as Y/n remembers. It’s the most immaculate she’s ever been. 

Y/n feels herself lose the battle with the emotions she had managed to keep on leash from just one look from her. 

With a whimper, her mouth struggle with the words. “Hi, Mum.”

***

Grace sets her up in the guest room and supplies her with a cup of tea and biscuits. As she’s setting it down on the bedside table, Y/n can’t help but take note of her appearance. It’s been nearly twenty years since she had last seen her mother, but why is that she’s never looked younger? Her eyes no longer have the eternal vacancy that had highlighted her once slack expression. 

She looks happy. 

“Thank god I did the shopping earlier this week, huh?” Grace muses, opening up a new pack of biscuits. Each word to leave her lips feels smooth against her ears. “I’ve developed a bit of a sweet tooth in my old age.” Y/n doesn’t know if she appreciates her efforts to make conversation, but it does give her time to think about what exactly she wants to say. 

They drink their tea in hushed sips, like they’re afraid that any loud slurping might cause some offence. Y/n stares down into the contents of her cup, annoyed that it’s the perfect color. A part of her had wished that she could find something to fault her with. 

“So,” Grace hums, tapping melodically on the porcelain in her hands. “You want to tell me why you’re here?”

Y/n barely lifts her head as her hands strangle the air with frustrated rigidness. “I’ve spent my entire life trying not to become you.” From her decision to follow her dad’s wishes, to keeping appearances for a relationship that she now knows was destined for destruction, she’d made every choice for everyone else. 

Grace doesn’t respond, but her mouth parts with a staggered breath. 

“I wanted to believe that I was happy. I wanted to do what you never did because I didn’t want to hurt the people I was supposed to love.” All the years she’d never confronted these feelings have ultimately resulted to this. “You broke us,” she says, staring her directly in the eyes. “You ruined every image I had of love.” The anxiousness that had put her through hell had to come from this. The truth is, she couldn’t break it off with Jared because she didn’t want to hurt him in the same way that her mother had hurt her dad. That’s it. She ignored every gut feeling that told her it wasn’t right because of the bitterness she felt towards her mother.   

“The choices we make aren’t genetic,” Grace says softly.

“Aren’t they, though?” she shrieks. She bounces to her feet and paces in front of the bed. “Penelope’s mother was the other woman, and now Penelope is pregnant with my fiancé’s baby! You ran away from your family because you couldn’t forget him.” 

By that, she means her mother’s new husband, the one she had left them for. It had been during her last year at university that Y/n had discovered the truth. He had been her professor for her art history class. She recognized him from a picture she had once seen in her mother’s jewelry box. She just hadn’t put two and two together until then. “And I...I can’t forget the person I’ve loved since I was eight. What makes us different, Mum?”

Grace holds her chin close to her body. “I don’t know,” she whispers. “But tell me this. Why haven’t you planned your wedding?”

This causes Y/n’s pacing to cease. She stands at her mother’s knees, blinking rapidly. “How would you know anything that goes on with me?”

Her mother stands up as well. They’re about the same height.  

“I know it’ll make never make up for what I did but believe me. I’ve never stopped trying to be in your lives...even if it was from afar.” Her hand is shaking as she reaches up to cup Y/n’s cheek so she can wipe away her tears. “I was there when you won all your art shows back in school. I was there when you graduated university.” She’s crying her own tears now. “And I was excited for you when you got engaged three years ago.” 

Y/n doesn’t let herself give in. She pulls away. “It was supposed to be a long engagement.”

“Is that what you keep telling yourself?” Grace looks at her pointedly. Y/n’s bottom lip starts to quiver. Her mother grasps her by the shoulders. “Maybe that’s what makes you different from me. You stopped pretending before it was too late, you just hadn’t realized it.”

“Is that supposed to make me a good person?” Y/n challenges. 

“No,” Grace answers honestly, but she sighs with a small smile. “But it makes you a better person than me.”

***

She doesn’t recall ever falling asleep, but she can still feel her mother’s hand stroking her hair as she had laid her head on the pillow. The morning sun shines through the curtains of the unfamiliar room and greet her with slithers of light by her feet. Waking up here feels strange, but she’s experienced comfort that she hasn’t felt in so long.

The rug-lined steps make little to no sound as she makes her way downstairs. From the bottom, she can hear two voices talking in hushed tones from the kitchen. One is unmistakably her mothers, while the other is deep and manly. She isn’t sure how to make approach them, suddenly feeling self-conscious for having intruded. But soon enough, her mum catches sight of her and invites her to take the stool beside her. Y/n walks in, passing her mother’s husband, who smiles kindly at her. She had liked him as a professor before she had found about his private life.

“Good morning,” Grace says. “Lawrence’s just been to the bakery.” She pushes a box full of a variety of goodies. “Eat as much as you want.”

Y/n picks up a croissant and gingerly pulls it apart. She avoids how her mother and her husband gage in her every movement. 

“Did you sleep well?” It’s Lawrence who asks her. She nods. Lawrence and her mother share a look, and through their eyes they seem to converse. It reminds her a lot of how she and Harry had always been able to tell what the other was thinking without having to verbalize. Lawrence finishes up his cup of coffee, then circles around the island and kisses his wife on the cheek. “I’m just going to pop to the store,” he says. She catches the back of his head before he disappears. 

“I thought you said you had just done the shopping?” Y/n asks her mother. The older woman shrugs, continuing to pick at her breakfast. Oh. She sees that there’s apparently more to talk about. Y/n does in fact have a few more questions she wants to ask, if anything more than to talk to someone who knows what she’s going through. She takes a deep breath. “Are you happy?” The words feel awkward as they leave her mouth. Grace looks at her, questioningly. She nods towards the door. “With him?”

“Yes.” 

Y/n’s heart breaks for her father. 

“He’s my best friend,” Grace says dreamily. “I’ve known him all my life. Loved him about the same.” Y/n feels goosebumps startle her skin.

“So,” Y/n treads cautiously, “was he worth it?”

“There are things that I would have done differently when it came to you and your sister, given the chance,” her mother sighs, but when she looks at her with those eyes that are so full of light and what she guesses must only be love, Y/n gets it. “But otherwise I’d choose him all over again.”

***

She knocks impulsively on his front door, not caring if his new neighbors think she’s out of her mind insane. Her limbs are tight with anticipation, especially when she hears the scuffle of feet against well-polished hardwood. Harry stands in the open doorway dressed in a white t-shirt and black joggers, and an adorably confused look floating in his sleepy eyes. But when he registers her before him, it’s like he’d been hit by lightning and suddenly jolted awake.

“Has anything changed?” she asks, almost pleadingly. He just stares at her, frustrating her already exhausted nerves. She hadn’t come all this way after a rollercoaster of a night to not get an answer. “Am I...Am I still all that’s in...” And rests her hand where his heart is.

Her own heart leaps in her chest when his dimples emerge from his cheeks. He lays his own hand over hers, stepping towards her but also pulling her incredibly close. “It’s always been you.” 

And no words have ever made her cry out of shear joy. She laughs, or maybe it’s more of a wet giggle, before throwing her arms around his neck and bringing him in for a scorching kiss. Unlike their first kiss, this one is filled solely with everything they hadn’t allowed themselves to feel. He nips on her bottom lip, and her mouth parts and welcomes his tongue to explore every unchartered inch. He grasps her both her thighs and carries her to his bedroom. 

She can’t believe she’s gone this long without knowing his touch. Every movement of against her skin, and every exploration of forbidden pleasure makes her stomach coil and beg for more. He lays her down on his bed, his body hovering over hers like he’s afraid she might slip away. 

He leans in a little lower, and she gasps when she feels him hard against her hip. “We don’t have to do anything,” he gulps, pressing his forehead to hers. “You’ve been through a lot, and I just want you to know that–” but he doesn’t get to finish because she shuts him up with the fire in her eyes. She loves him for everything he is, even when he’s being selfless to a fault. 

“We’ve waited too long for this,” she breathes against his lips. “Let’s choose us.” 

A low throaty moan surges from of her as he grinds himself against her, sending currents of electrifying energy down to her aching entrance. Her mind becomes cloudier with his every caress. His hot breath against her longing flesh only intensifies her need.

“Please,” she begs, fingers working on the hem of his shirt. “I want you. God, please I want to feel you.” 

He chuckles softly as she whines, pecking her again. “Patience, love,” he teases. His lips glide down to her ear, his breath sending shivers down her inflamed body. “Show me where you want me.” 

Taking reign of his hand and guiding down the front of her front, she smirks at him. His pants become unbelievably tight as she lets him linger over her chest, her head falling back when the warmth of his hand flicks over her pebbled nipple. “You want me between your pretty little tits? Is that what my girl wants?” His girl. Nothing in this moment could sound so perfect than the words to have just left his lips. It’s enough for her to want to bring him in for another impassioned kiss, but she restrains, shaking her head mischievously as he squeezes gently on her breast. She leads him further down, his palm sliding down her abdomen. 

“Here.” She slots her fingers through the spaces between his and their tips graze the base of her dress, toying with the flimsy material until finally slipping beneath. He groans as his skin comes into contact with her pussy emanating all that delicious heat.

“Fuck, you’re so wet.” She rubs against him just enough for him to feel her center through her panties, and he swears to her that he might come then and there. Wasting no time, she pulls his shirt over her head, only breaking their kiss to appreciate all the tattoos on his sculpted chest. When she’d seen them before, it had only been for a quick few seconds, and she’d been far too flustered to take anything more than a peek. But now she can’t help herself, and she lets her fingers dance across the ink, the point of her nails tracing over the edge of every design. She spends the most time on the moth, or maybe it’s a butterfly, she couldn’t say. 

All she knows is that something about it makes her feel at peace, like she’ll always be safe as long as he's there beside her. She tears her eyes away from his chest to find him looking at her as though she were everything that’s right with the world. “You’re so beautiful,” he tells her, and she just beams, eyes looking back at him with such sincerity. 

He kisses the side of her mouth before descending along her body He takes his time, his lips pressing over every possible inch of her, leaving no surface neglected. Where his hands had been prior, he takes an erect mound in his mouth, tongue swirling around in through its covering. Each touch leaves her breathless, her back arching in intense anticipation the further down he goes. When his nose nudges at the bottom of her skirt, she lets out another frustrated whine, and he chuckles softly at how her abdomen sucks in as the stubble on his chin prickles goosebumps across her skin. 

“Please, just. . .” and the final remains of her inhibitions drain from the tips of her fingers and toes. “I want your cock inside me.” 

“Christ, you’ve got a filthy mouth.” And he tears her dress from her body and pulls her panties down her silky legs, leaving her completely bare before his eyes. From a pale green, the color of his irises darkens with a fierce and pounding desire. It sends vibrations down to her pussy and all she wants is for him to bury his face in her dripping arousal. She bites harshly on her lip once he licks between her slick folds. “So sweet,” he mutters, his lips slipping through the barriers to find her sensitive little nub. “I could just stay here forever.”

“Harry. . .” she gasps, fisting the sheets as her hips lift off the mattress. “It feels so good.” Her legs hang over his shoulders as he encourages her to ride his face until she’s begging to release all over his tongue. “Oh god, don’t stop.” 

One of his long fingers that had been drawing small little circles on the inner part of her thigh smooths over her damp skin until it forges its way into her glistening heat. The other hand moves down his own figure, undoing the button of his jeans and sliding past the waistband of his boxers. 

As the knot in her stomach twists with tremendous force, it pushes her closer and closer to the edge. He inserts another finger, the two digits piston in and out of her, working harmoniously with his skilled mouth. She screams out, her back arching to an almost impossible degree. It all becomes too much for her, bursts of light flashing behind her eyelids.  

“I’m gonna come,” she moans, cheek pressed deep into the pillow, eyes shut tightly to welcome the stars as she lets go with cacophonous convulsions. 

“That’s my good girl, come all over my tongue. That’s it, that’s a good girl.”

He climbs back up her body, a content smile awaiting him when their faces become level with each other. Another exchange of ardent kisses, and she feels herself tingle at the taste of her on his lips. Even after her orgasm, she already craves for another, but this time she wants nothing more but to feel him stuffed inside of her. She wraps a leg around his hip, the edge of her foot pressed against the side of his ass as she presses her core into his bulge. 

“I need to be inside of you.” He leaps off the bed to push off the last pieces of constrictive clothing. His cock springs free, flushed red at the tip and just desperate for her amorous touch. 

And he’s big, she had always had an inkling, but to see it in the flesh is a whole new sensation quivering between her thighs. “It’s so big,” her thoughts become vocalized. 

With his knees back onto the bed, she grabs his shoulders and pulls him down lower, his elbows planking on either side of her. “Feel how hard I am for you?” He hisses as her warm hand wraps around him, her thumb swiping along a dribble of precum. She lathers him in his own arousal. “Think you can handle my cock?” 

She’s completely in awe, and her mind runs untamed with fantasies of how it would feel hitting that special spot deep in her cunt, every rigid vein carving its impression in her walls. “You know I can,” she dares him. 

“Fuck.” He kisses her deeply, his hand taking ahold of his cock and glazing it with the remnants of her last climax and gliding just between her wet folds.  “One last time–” he swallows hard as he pulls away from his lips, “–are you sure you want to do this? I mean, I...”

Their eyes meet, a wordless understanding worth more than any spoken language as she cups his cheeks. 

The entire length of him slides into her tight hole until he bottoms out, his balls pressing against her taut ass. She feels undeniably full, never having experienced such exhilaration in her life as Harry’s bare cock stretches her out completely. 

“Just slid right in,” he grunts, dropping his face into the crook of her neck. He bites down and sucks greedily on the spot until he’s made his mark. She gasps in mild pain, but it feels too good to know that she can finally be his. He pulls all the way out, before slamming back in with ease, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as her walls flutter around him. “It feels like you were made for me” She feels marvelously tight, squeezing him for all he’s worth. All she can do is nod, her voice caught in her throat as his thrusts become harder and faster.  “It’s all mine now, your pussy, your lips. You’re all mine.” 

“I’m yours, all yours, Harry.” She wraps her arms around his shoulders. “God, your big cock feels so good in my tight pussy.” Nails dig into his back as they run down and carve crescents into his flexed and sweaty muscles. 

They move flawlessly in sync as she rises up to greet his every thrust with just as much excitement and fervor. Both their bodies are on fire, a pressure building up at their very core and threatening to unravel at any moment. His balls tighten, and he knows he won’t last for much longer. He looks down between them, his cock completely soaked with her with the most sinful sounds resonating whenever he pushes in and out of her delightful heat. “I love you,” he breathes into her ear, his fingers indenting into the plush of her hips. He loses any sense of rhythm he might have started out with, his movements becoming more and more urgent as he chases after his high. 

“I love you.” Her second orgasm fast approaches, she feels it thrill every one of her nerves as though currents of electricity were running through her veins. She’s so close, and her hand slips between their sweaty chests to rub desperately on her clit. Her head is spinning with an aspiration to reach the brink of ecstasy. 

“Come all over my cock,” he pleads as he pushes into her with incredible force. “Want to feel you come around me.”

And that’s it for her. A wave of pleasure crashes over her and she cries out with a high-pitched moan. Her legs hugging him so tightly that he barely manages to move. She rides it out, rolling her hips to feel him continuously poke that special spot. Soon enough, her mind is on a cloud, the rest of her body soaking up the bliss of the moment.

His movements only become more erratic, and the breath leaves her body once he releases inside of her. Hot white ribbons shoot out and paint her walls with the image of a sensational love. It warms her center, her lips turning up in a lazy smile as he remains within her even after the final drop has left his tip. Once they’re heaving chests calm to a natural pace, he collapses on top of her, arms willing their way between her and the mattress to gather her into a tender embrace. She scratches the back of his head and sighs contently.  

“To think we could’ve been doing that for,” and she counts the years on each one of her fingers.

Harry chuckles in between her breasts, then reaches up and plants a quick but sweet kiss to her lips. “How long are you going to be holding onto that one?” She pretends to think, her mouth quirking to the side as her brows furrow in contemplation. “Until we make up for all that wasted time.” 

***

“I got you something.” She looks up at him, her body still wrapped in his arms as they lay naked in his bed. Memories of what feels like another life flip through her head.

“Is this what déjà vu feels like?” 

He rolls his eyes. “Do you want it or not?” 

Smiling, she kisses enthusiastically and nods her head. He gets up, and she has to stop herself from frowning when they lose all contact. She sinks into the sheets and waits impatiently for him to come back. Listening to him rummage through his closet, then to the growling of her tummy–and she makes a quick mental note to ask him to order something for them in a while––she tries to relive every detail from the last few hours in her head. She didn’t know that sex was supposed to feel so good.

“You told me that you hadn’t drawn in almost ten years,” he states, making his way back to the bed, but this time, with a bag clutched in his hands. He places it in her lap, then slips between her and the headboard, arms going back to their initial position. “Maybe it’s time you started back up.”

Y/n opens the enclosed wrappings. Inside the bag is a new sketchbook and a carton of 9H pencils. She carefully grazes her fingers above them. There’s a feeling in her chest, like she’s just been reunited with an old friend. 

“But what would I even draw?” She’d lost all sight of that part of her life, and it seems unlikely that those creative juices will just come trickling back to her now. 

Harry kisses the side of her head, and she leans into him easily.

“Whatever inspires you.” 

It’s just that easy. She closes her eyes and reflects on what has always made her feel any bit positive. Ava and her bluntness; her dad and his sense of duty to his family; Nan and Gramps and their playful bickering; Nan and her proclivity for gossip; Gramps and his hatred for ties. All of them had been a comfort to her, even when she hadn’t realized it. They were part of what had kept her afloat.

Feeling Harry’s heartbeat press up against her back, she knows that she’ll never have to worry about drowning. She opens her sketchbook to its first clean page and lets herself be happy. 

***

“Thanks for meeting us here,” Jared says, offering her a modest grin. “I would’ve understood if you didn’t want to.” Penny nods beside him. Jared had texted her and asked if she would meet them for lunch, so that they could talk. At first, Y/n didn’t think that necessary. What was the point when it was all out in the open now? But with some convincing from Harry, she realized that she had to confront this.

“There’s no moving on if we don’t talk about it.” Y/n takes the seat across from Penny. She looks at the girl she’d consider a sister, studying her rounded and healthier features. Pregnancy looks good on her. “You look good.” 

Penny smiles thankfully. “So do you.”

They talk about everything, even the stuff that feels like it should hurt. But it doesn’t. Clarity exists where it hadn’t before. She tells them that about Harry, and apparently it isn’t much of a shock to anyone, which shocks her. Jared then admits to having had all these doubts about their relationship but had stuck through it because of his own insecurities. That had had hit close to home for Y/n. It’s somewhat of a relief that she hadn’t been the only one who felt that what they had was temperamental. 

“You were there for me when I was at my worst, and for that, I’ll always love you,” Jared sighs, reaching across the table and taking her hand. “But...”

“That’s all we were meant to be.”

He nods sadly, pulling back. His other arm is around Penny’s chair, and Y/n can see his fingers playing with the ends of her ponytail. 

Penny must notice this, and she quickly shrugs him away. “Sorry,” she mutters.  

Y/n shakes her head. “It’s fine,” she waves it off. “This was good. At least now we can all carry on with our lives.” She gets out of her chair. “Good luck,” she says to the both of them. Then she looks directly at Penny. “I know you’re worried about making all the same mistakes as your mum, but...” she smiles, “someone said to me that mistakes aren’t genetic. I know you. And I know how much you love your baby. Just promise me you’ll be there for her.”

With that she turns towards the exit. Before she can get far, however, she feels a hand grab her own. She looks back, and it’s Penny. Her eyes are teary, and her chest lifts erratically. “Do you think that...” she swallows, “...that you’ll ever forgive me?”

“Do I still get to be called auntie?” 

Penny lets out a stifled giggle. “Yes.”

Y/n touches her comfortingly on the shoulder. “Then, one day.”

She walks out of there feeling completely at peace with herself.

***

Two Years Later

The newest exhibit proves to be a hit. It’s smaller than its predecessors, this time only containing the work from a single artist. 

She and Harry walk hand-in-hand, greeting all of guests and just enjoying each other’s company. Gramps isn’t moping as much as he usually does, and she thinks it’s because Nan’s bought him a clip-on tie that doesn’t strangle him around the neck. Ava and Nan are gossiping with some potential investors, while her dad tries to apologize on their behalf. 

On the other side, her mum and Lawrence discuss color theory in relation to one of the spotlight pieces. She catches a glimpse of the civility between her parents when they catch each other’s eyes from across the room. 

“I think it’s the gallery’s best showcase yet,” Harry tells her and kisses her on the lips. “Really, I don’t see how anything might top this.”

Y/n laughs. “You’re just trying to get laid.”

Harry wags his eyebrows. “Is it working?” She doesn’t need to give him an answer with words, so instead, she pulls him by the lapels of his jacket and their lips meet in another sweet kiss. 

They stop in front of the piece in the very back, the one that’s drawn in the most viewers. They squeeze through the polluted crowd until they’re close enough to the front. He wraps his arms around her, and they both admire its beauty. 

Two kids laid out on the grass; eyes closed with content smiles on their faces. The sky above them, a product of their combined imaginations as well as the excitement of hopes and dreams. 

Below the canvas is a placcard with the painting’s information. 

Y/n Styles, Purple Clouds and Tangerine Skies.

***

A/N: HOPE YOU LIKED IT!

[chaseatinydream]

pirate king (10) || atz

How did you end up in this situation?

Cobblestone under your feet, smoke in your eyes and sandwiched uncomfortably between two men. When you look to your left, the purple haired gunner grins easily and the arm slung over your shoulder tightens, sending you into some form of secret-to-hide panic. When you turn to the right, Jongho merely looks away, your mind coming up with a hundred and one reasons why he hates you.

After treating Jongho’s wound, the quartermaster, Mingi, had announced that the ship had finally arrived in the pirate town of Tortuga. San had brought you up to the forecastle deck, where you watched civilized land come into sight for the first time since your awakening.

The ship had docked in one of the empty piers, much to the excitement of the crew. You knew many of them loved the ocean, it was their home, but you had to admit that seeing the same thing for weeks had to get boring after a while. It was also difficult to bring fresh food onto ship as it spoilt fast, so most of the ship had been buzzing excitedly about all the delicacies they would eat once they had the chance to explore the town.

But you had a different mission.

After Mingi had gone to the docks to settle the toll, San had pulled you to the side. You frowned at him as he produced a long list from his pocket.

“Uh, Master, what is that?”

“I need you to go shopping in town for me.” The healer had told you, pressing the list into your hands. You immediately started to panic.

“Me? Master, I can’t! I barely know my way around the ship, let alone a new town I’ve never been to!”

Your reasoning fell on deaf ears.

“It’ll be fine! I’ll have Jongho follow you, he’s going into town as well for some shopping.” San chirped happily as he pulled a coin pouch from the inner folds of his shirt. You stared at him in abject horror as the coins clinked in your hand.

“Master! You can’t send me with… with Jongho-hyung! Why don’t you send Seonghwa-hyung or Yeosang-hyung instead?”

No way. No way in hell were you going to be with the young battlemaster for long, extended periods of time. He’d probably “accidentally” lose you in town somewhere as revenge for shooting him on accident and you had no wish to die a terrible death in some dank, dirty alley.

San had cocked his head at you curiously. “Seonghwa-hyung is busy fixing the ship as the head carpenter on board. Yeosangie is helping Mingi negotiate for a lower price to pay for the toll. I need to stay here to treat the wounded and Jongho can’t tell a marigold poultice from marmalade.” Then the corners of his eyes crinkled a little and he gave you a sly grin. “Or is there any reason why you don’t want to be alone with Jongho?”

You glared at him. Your master must have felt the tension in the room between you and the young battlemaster earlier, and now he was just milking it for all it was worth instead of helping you out.

San had laughed at the sour look on your face and relented a little. “Alright, alright. How about this? I’ll send Wooyoungie with you and Jongho.”

“Send who with me now?” You were utterly confused. The healer sighed.

“The head gunner?” He tried to jog your memory, gesturing wildly with his hands as if that would aid you in remembering anything. “The one with the dolphin laugh? The purple haired one?”

“Him?” You were sent into a moment of panic, flailing your arms desperately. “But I don’t know him either!”

San clapped, the sounds starting to get annoyingly loud. “All the better! You can finally get to know more of your crew mates!” He steered you by the shoulders towards the gangplank, which had been lowered for the crew to disembark the ship, all while ignoring your cries of protest. “Just wait there for Jongho and Wooyoung!”

And that was how you had ended up in this terrible situation.

“So, you’re our little stowaway, aren’t you?” Wooyoung beams at you, arm around your shoulder. His hand is hanging alarmingly close to your chest, but you can’t push it away without garnering suspicion. You try to give him a smile, but it comes out more like a painful grimace.

“Yes?” Your answer sounds more like a question.

“Aigoo, you’re so cute!” Wooyoung smooshes your cheeks together much to your complete embarrassment. Then you hear a muffled snort from your right and you really want to crawl into a hole and die. The purple haired gunner is way too close, way too touchy feely, way too physical. Honestly, you’ve just met the man!

You give him an awkward chuckle through your squished cheeks and pull his hands from your face. The shackles around his wrists jingle as his hands fall back to his sides.

“So, where are we going?” You try to distract the man before he tries to hug you again. You don’t think your heart can take any more surprise embraces before it gives you a heart attack.

Wooyoung stops in the middle of the street you’re in, glancing around. The place is bustling with people, vendors peddling their wares, women in colourful dresses picking out accessories and hairpins.

Your fingers reach up to brush the short, messy braid your own hair is in and for a lingering moment, a feeling of yearning rushes through you.

“Do you want a hairpin, stowaway?” Wooyoung’s head rests on your shoulder and you leap into the air in fright. The gunner miraculously twirls out of the way with insane reflexes, barely saving his jaw from being crushed by you.

“I’m so sorry!” You squeak, horrified, but Wooyoung merely waves you off with a grin.

“Aww, it’s no problem.” He smiles merrily at you and you’re starting to get a little scared from how he doesn’t seem to stop grinning. Then he looks over your shoulder, his eyes crinkling to adorable half moons as his smile somehow grows even wider.

You turn to see what he’s looking at.

A gorgeous woman stands there, dolled up beautifully with a fair face and red slicked lips. Her dark hair is done in a shower of ringlets, pinned on top of her head with an intricate silver butterfly hairpin. Dressed in a tight leather corset and a ruffled lace skirt that barely comes to midthigh, she and her group of friends draw eyes from everywhere.

Wooyoung beams and waves at her.

The woman looks shocked for a moment before her lips curve up in a sultry smile, her finger beckoning him forward in a come hither motion. The head gunner grins at the two of you.

“Well, I’ll be going now!” Wooyoung squeezes you and Jongho into a tight hug, much to your panic. The maknae stares at him in mounting shock and fury. “Remember to take care of our baby stowaway, Jongho-ah!”

“Hyung, you can’t just leave me alone with him, you shameless basta-”

But then Wooyung is gone with the mysterious woman before the two of you can blink.

Jongho practically has steam pouring from his ears. “I’m going to kill that little son of a bitch the next time I see him. Ditching me to babysit while he sleeps around-”

A frown pulls on your lips as Jongho rants on to nobody.

“Why doesn’t Wooyoung-hyung just sleep on the ship?” You pipe up timidly, and Jongho whirls around to stare at you in shock with a hand pressed against his mouth.

The two of you stare at each other for a moment.

Then Jongho starts rambling with the most unnatural smile you’ve seen plastered on his face. “I can explain-”. He pauses for a long moment, then shakes his head furiously. “No, scratch that, I actually can’t explain. Well… Wooyoung-hyung doesn’t like the hammocks on board, so he prefers sleeping on land-”

“So is the woman his friend?” You ask, glancing back at where the two had left, a lavishly decorated building of marble and stone, the letters above it spelling “The House Of Pleasure” in crimson red.

Jongho’s smile turns rather strained and his eyes flit around desperately as if looking for something. “Yes?” He finally chokes out, not quite meeting your gaze as he steers you away from the building and down the dusty street.

“Their skirts are really short.” You muse to yourself quietly. You wonder if that’s practical and turn to the silent maknae to ask, but his face is as dark as a thundercloud and you’re immediately wary of his temper. Swallowing your question, you follow him as he stomps down the alleys and winding streets, meek and silent as a mouse.

Eventually the two of you end up outside a small, dingy shop, the windows dark with grime as if they haven’t seen a clean rag for centuries. A wooden sign hanging from the doorway depicts a picture of a snake curled around a short staff.

“This is an apothecary.” Jongho jerks his thumb at the shop. “Get whatever the hell you need fast so we can get back to the ship.”

You jump a little at his curt tone, but you can tell he’s still simmering with rage at how Wooyoung just up and left the two of you alone with each other. Your head droops. He must really dislike you after the little stunt you pulled with the musket yesterday. And now he’s stuck with you, forced to take care of you and stay with you.

“I’m sorry.” You mumble quietly under your breath, but Jongho hears it anyway and whirls around to stare at you.

“What?”

The two of you stare at each other for another awkward moment. Well, shit, you hadn’t meant for him to hear that, but since he had, you might as well tell him what you had wanted to.

You repeat the words a little more clearly this time. “I’m. Sorry.”

Jongho waves off your second apology impatiently. “Yes, yes, I heard you the first time. Why are you apologizing, though?”

You look down at the ground, your booted feet kicking back and forth at the cobblestones. “I’m sorry for being such a burden to you, Jongho-hyung.” Your voice comes out smaller than you thought it would be.

The young battlemaster remains silent for a moment. Then he grabs you by the shoulders and pushes you towards the shop, much to your surprise.

“Get your stuff.” His voice is a little softer, gentler, kinder now. You’re a little confused by his sudden change in attitude, but you do as he says and enter the apothecary.

“Marigold poultice, green tea leaves, honey…” You move past the shelves, studying the handwritten labels as Jongho trails behind you. The maknae looks utterly lost in the small shop, his shoulders brushing the glass jars on the shelves dangerously as he glances around curiously at the dried herbs hanging from the rafters.

“That’ll be twelve silvers, child.” You whip around in shock to see a wizened old man standing there. The bottles and herbs almost tumble to the ground, but Jongho scoops them up before they can shatter into pieces.

“Don’t scare him, old man.” The young battlemaster shoots the shopkeeper a dirty look as you thank Jongho profusely. The elder simply smiles expectantly. His silvery eyes are almost unblinking and you’re a little creeped out for a moment.

Then you remember you’re supposed to be paying him and rummage around in your shirt pocket for the coin pouch. Carefully counting out twelve small silver coins, you press them into the old man’s hands. They feel rough, like sand, against your fingertips.

“Your first time in Tortuga, huh?” The shopkeeper’s laughter sounds more like a dying wheeze. You and Jongho both stiffen at the words. Then the young battlemaster’s eyes narrow as his fists tighten.

“What’s your deal, you old geezer?”

The man merely lets out a derisive snort, pointing at your chest. For a moment, dread grips you as you fear he may somehow figured out that you’re a woman, but then you realise that he’s pointing to the silver necklace dangling from your neck, the clear cut crystal resting against the rough fabric of your shirt, strangely out of place.

“No smart person would leave such a pretty piece for the taking in a pirate town. I’m doin’ you a favour, kid.”

You rush to shove the necklace back underneath your shirt, heart thumping wildly in your chest. It must have slipped out somehow when you had been walking through town. A bead of sweat clings to the curve of your jaw. “Thank you for your help.”

The old man snorts, turning away as he shoos the two of you away. “Don’t expect to meet another kind soul like me here. Get lost before someone tries to steal it from you and I’m caught in the crossfire.”

The pair of you exit the shop, and you hurriedly shove all the things you’ve bought into a cloth bag. Jongho looks a little on edge from the man’s warning, grabbing the bag from your hand and taking you by the wrist.

“Let’s go.”

[thecolordemon]

NSFW with wolf Luci, based on paws and claws event! Pretty pleeeeaase??

Request: NSFW shortstory with wolf Lucifer, based on the paws and claws event!🐺🔞

You were the centre of the whole attention. Every single one of the demon brothers wanted to spend time with you, the primal insitincts kicking in harshly. At first it was pretty fun. But now: hours later and with the night approaching like a dark horse, it was just nerve-racking. Mammon was constantly fighting with Satan and Levi was still upset that he was the only herbivore of the group. Asmodeus wouldn't stop taking pictures with you because he wanted fo show the world how cute you both looked. Beelzebub went on a new search for more food and Belphegor...well he was trying to conivince you to take a nap on his new fluffy foxtail. You were just going to say something but in that second Lucifer stepped in. "Enough!" His wolfish ears twitched and his long grey tail brushed over your cheek. "Can't you all see that MC is getting tired of all your constant babbling and chaotic nature? It's enough now!"

Your fingers brushed over the spot where Lucifer's tail touched it. It felt stangely warm... But before you were able to examine this further, Lucifer pulled you up to your feet. "We'll get you to safety! No more brawling and fighting! It's time for you to get some proper rest." And with this words he dragged you out of the living room.

Lucifer pushed you softly inside his room and the loud noises from the others died down immediately. It was dark and the room smelled like fresh oak, earl grey tea and a hint of nostalgia. "I knew this would end in a disaster but now they're just exaggerating." The avatar of pride huffed and flexed his shoulders. "Aren't you effected too?", you asked softly and sat down on the bed. You had noticed that he was quiet touchy through the whole day ever since he was influenced with the strange potion. "I've got enough pride and self control to keep up my good reputation." You didn't notice that he had started to circle you slowly because the darkness swallowed his tall frame. "But I have to admit.-" Suddenly his dark, velvet voice was very close to your ear. "-that I'm kind of tired of pulling myself together. Especially when my 'beloved' brothers are not around..." The last word wasn't much more as a heavy hum. Unexpectedly you felt something rough and wet pressed against the crook of your neck. Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest when Lucifers tongue travled upwards and left hot saliva on your sensitive skin. He could feel your heart pumping your blood rapidly through your body when the tip of his tongue traced over your carotid artery. A shaky moan left your lips. That was one of your special spots...

Lucifer chuckled deeply and his sharp teeth bit down softly. Your thin skin was nearly tearing and he could taste your rapid heartbeat. "Someones rather excited, aren't we?" He laughed and nibbled at your earlobe. His hot breath made you quiver in anticipation and you could do nothing else but to press your thighs together to gain a little friction. "Lucifer-"

"Yes, MC?" You could feel him smirk against your neck. "W-what are you doing to me?" The demon laughed and it sounded like distant thunder rolling over a sharp-edged mountain. "I'll show you the art of mating, MC..." Your breath hitched in your throat while your heartbeat thumbed louder. Clearly you misunterstood him-there was now way-

But all your dubts got swept away when his claws wandered over your thighs. You got ghoose bumps and shivered. Lucifer kneeled down between your legs and sniffed slightly. The rim of your skirt shielded your underwear from his predatory eyes but you couldn't help but notice the growing wet patch on the soft fabric. "You know-ever since I turned into some kind of wolf- some of my senses seem way more sharper now." He grinned diabolicaly and ripped your skirt of in a swift motion. "I can hear your quickend heartbeat, I sense your arousal and feelings even better...but I can also smell that your more than ready for me to claim you as mine." He pushed your legs apart and his crimson red glowing eyes focused on the damp growing spot on your panties.

The blood rushed on your cheeks and made you blush like hell. Lucifer snickered and rubbed the tip of his nose against your clothed clit. You bit your lip at the sensual friction and had to hold back a moan. "Don't fight it, MC. You smell delicious...give in..."

That's when his rough tongue swipes over the thin fabric of your panties. The material is soaked within seconds by your sticky juices and his warm saliva. His hot breath tickled your skin and you could feel the heat that radiated of his muscular strong body. Lucifer grabed the rim of your panties and riped them in a half. "You won't need them anymore-"

Without hestiation his rough tongue swiped heavily over your exposed sex, leaving sticky stripes of saliva all over you sensitive nerves. The normally very patient demon wasted no time and moved his tongue skillfully and full of hunger. His hands grabbed your trembling legs and held them in place. He didn't want to waste a single drop of your delicious liquids. It was insane how his magnificent mouth toyed with you in all the right ways. When his tongue entered you, you already were a squirming mess. "Lucifer please--I can't anymore--"

You lost it again when his tongue twirled and twisted perfectly inside you and reached all the sensitive spots. Your muscles started twitching and pulled together in excitement, you could feel your orgasm building faster. But that was the same moment when Lucifer parted his lips from your sex with a slurping sound. His whole mouth was covered in your juices and he still had the audacity to grin at you like a wolf at its prey.

You wailed desperately. "I need it-" The avatar of pride beamed with self confidence and got up on his feet. "Beg. Beg like you really mean it, MC." He whiped the stray strands of his black hair out of his face and massaged his throbbing erection through the wrinkled fabric of his pants. He really wanted to feel your thight walls clenched around him and experience the feeling of pumping his thick length in and out in a steady rythm. Just the mere thought of it drove him wild and without hestiation he opend his belt-followed by the zipper and button of his pants.

It nearly took your breath away when you first laid eyes on his twitching dick. The tip was swollen and red and already leaked with some glistening precum. It didn't take him long to push the tip against your wet folds and rub it up and down which caused him to moan up. The sound send shivers down your spine and you could feel the knot inside your lower body thightening. "Please-" you whimpered. "Please fuck me already, Lucifer I need you-"

The powerful demon growled darkly and did not hestiate to follow this plea of yours. He pushed your legs more apart before he slowly started to enter his thick length inside of you. First it was just the swollen tip but it was soon followed by the rest of his pulsing cock. You threw your head back and Lucifer moaned in pleasure. He started thrusting deep inside you right away and as he angled himself it made you see stars. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled Lucifer's dim room, mixed with his heavy breathing and your constant mewling.

He was towering above you like a skyscraper, his thrusts making you sing a lewd melody. Your interaction echoed through the hallway and his low pants next to your ear nearly send you over the edge. The tip of his member swept over your G-spot repeatingly and this made your walls quiver in excitement. Lucifers claws were digging into the soft flesh of your hips and it would surely leave a bruise. You could feel his bumps getting erractic and faster which announced that he was just as close as you. Your name left his lips like a sinful prayer over and over again.

"MC-"

"Lucifer--"

Then it wrecked both of you. He bit down into the crook of your neck and his sharp teeth drawed a little bit of blood, while his cock released long spurts of thick, white cum inside your womb. You couldn't stop yourself from screaming his name when your walls clenched around his member and milked every single drop of cum from him.

While relaxing in the warm hug of your afterglow you could feel him peppering soft kisses all over your neck and throat. He gently licked over the biting mark. "You did so well, little one...", he whispered, a low rumble emerging from his chest.

(I hope you guys like it😅❤)

[chilling-seavey]

hii! would you maybe be able to do one where florence, penelope and lucy are out of town or state for a few days for some sort of activity (or other, i can only think of some kind of sport thing but if you have any other ideas then i encourage you to use those haha) and daniel and clementine stayed home together and got some nice quality time together for a few days?

This one turned out even sweeter than I had imagined it in my head 🥰 Thank you for this!!

Saturday, May 10, 2031

The only thing that sucked about Daniel’s job was that sometimes he couldn’t take certain days off. That came with any job in a way, but he hated that sometimes he had to miss out on the girls’ out-of-school activities due to a meeting or a project. It cut it close one weekend in May when Lucy had a dance recital out of town but in order to get there on time, they had to leave on the Friday and Daniel couldn’t work it around this meeting. So Florence took Lucy and Penelope on a bit of a girls trip and Clementine – who had a test on that Friday too – was stuck at home as well.

The apartment was quiet on Saturday morning and Daniel gladly took the silence as a moment to sleep in. Twelve-year-old Clementine seemed to do the same. But by 9:00 she was up and rushing to wake him up too, climbing into the half empty king size bed and nudged his shoulder.

“Daddy.” she shook him some more. “Dad.”

Daniel sighed tiredly as he awoke and rolled onto his back to blink up at her, “Morning, angel.”

“What are we going to do today?” Clementine asked sweetly.

“I dunno. I just woke up.” Daniel yawned, rubbing his face with his hand to try and feel semi-conscious.

“Can we go play basketball at the Y?”

“Sure we can.”

“Awesome! I’ll go get dressed.” Clementine beamed and jumped right back off the bed and took off down the hallway.

Daniel took his time getting out of bed and he shuffled into the ensuite to get ready, a shower being the only thing to actually wake him up after such a good sleep. Clementine was waiting for him in the dining room when he finally emerged from his room, both of them dressed in their sporting gear, and Clementine slid over a second bowl of cereal to him and the carton of milk.

They ate quietly together before they finally were ready to head out. Since Florence had taken the car, Daniel and Clementine were stuck relying on the subway but Clementine always loved taking the subway. She had her backpack set on her lap as she stared at the dark underground passing by the window and Daniel watched her quietly, reaching up to twirl the end of her ponytail around his finger. She turned to look at him and they shared sweet smiles.

The YMCA wasn’t too busy for late morning on a Saturday and Daniel paid at the desk and they headed into the gym. Clementine nearly threw her backpack to the side as she ran over to the rack of basketballs and got to work choosing the perfect one. Daniel picked up her backpack and put it on the side bench along with his wallet and phone – but not before stopping to reply to his wife’s sweet good morning text that came with a picture of Lucy in her costume.

“Think fast!” Clementine shouted, her voice echoing through the gym as she threw the ball at him.

Daniel could only turn just in time for it to hit his thigh. Clementine giggled and rushed after the ball to retrieve it.

“If your playing is anything like your catching, you aren’t going to do well.” she teased.

“I was texting your mother.” Daniel retorted, tossing his phone on the bench before heading to join her in the middle of the gym.

“I’m kind of glad I don’t have to sit through a six-year-old’s dance recital this weekend.” Clementine said, bouncing the ball slowly under her hand as Daniel walked after her.

He tried to lunge for it, but she turned and tossed it right up and into the hoop. Perfect shot.

Clementine ran after it and did a strong bounce pass back to him. Daniel dribbled it around a little, between his legs and in a spin, and then shot. And missed.

“Dammit. I haven’t practiced in too long.” Daniel grumbled.

“Or you’re just bad.” Clementine retorted as she retrieved the ball.

“I used to be great, thank you.” Daniel tisked.

“Great? When? Your past life?” Clementine smirked, running circles around him.

Daniel reached out and smacked the ball out of her hand and took off with it, shooting a perfect layup. He did a little dance move and Clementine laughed at him.

“One-on-one then, Daddy?” she asked as she grabbed the ball again.

“First to 25?” he agreed, meeting her in the centre of the half-court.

“Easy.” Clementine boasted, dribbling the ball slowly between them, both of them bent forward on their toes. She spun around him suddenly and took off down the court, earning her first two-pointer of their game with ease.

Daniel fought back generally well but Clementine still won with 26-18.

They took a break on the bench with bottles of water and Daniel helped re-pin his daughter’s hair that had nearly fallen apart during their game. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they had their water and a moment to catch their breaths.

Another dad with his son came in a few moments later, the son not more than a year older than than Clementine, and they headed across the gym to grab their own ball.

“Ugh, I hate having to share.” Clementine grumbled, making Daniel laugh lightly.

“Come on. We’ll each take a side.” Daniel said as he stood up and set his water bottle down on the bench.

The dads greeted each other casually and Clementine frowned as the new arrivals seemed to eye her a moment. She shifted the ball to rest on her hip under her arm.

“Surprised you brought your daughter to watch you play.” The man chuckled.

Daniel frowned, “Watch me?”

“Don’t tell me you let your daughter play sports.”

“Why the hell not?” Daniel asked sharply, setting a protective hand on Clementine’s back. “If she’s good at it then who am I to stop her?”

Clementine took a step closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her to keep her close. She glared up at the man.

“I would be interested in seeing what you think is considered ‘good’ then.”

“You up for that, Clem?” Daniel asked her.

She looked up at him and nodded, “Of course, Daddy.”

The man chuckled under his breath.

Daniel shared a quick kiss with his daughter before giving her shoulder a squeeze, “Show ‘em what you got, angel.”

The two fathers left their children in the middle of the half court as they stood to the side and watched on. It was safe to say Clementine creamed the other kid, finishing off their game to 25 with a hard chest pass that literally knocked the air out of the thirteen-year-old boy she was facing.

“Good game!” she grinned sweetly and then went skipping over to Daniel who was stood, smirking, next to the flabbergasted man. “Next time we should bring Lucy. My six-year-old sister would be more of a challenge.”

Daniel only beamed with pride at his eldest and led her off to collect their things from the bench, politely wishing the man a good day as they walked off. Daniel and Clementine shared a small high five as they gathered their things and headed for the door.

“That was badass, Clementine Ophelia.” Daniel grinned as she slid her hand into his on their way back to the subway.

“Who says girls can shoot?” Clementine huffed, turning her nose in the air with a smile.

“Certainly not me.” Daniel chuckled.

“Maybe I should learn to actually shoot!” Clementine gasped and turned to him.

“Okay, that is where I draw the line.” Daniel said quickly.

“Just had to try.” Clementine giggled.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at home watching TV, both of them in their comfiest loungewear in the living room with their feet kicked up on the coffee table. When dinner came around, they ordered pizza and a whole bunch of junk food and made a whole picnic on the living room rug with blanket and pillows and their feast. They watched two movies – one that was PG-13 and Daniel swore her to not tell your mother but you’re close enough to 13 – and with the pizza long gone and the snacks most devoured too, they leaned back together against the couch. Daniel draped his arm around her and Clementine cuddled against him, her favourite blanket tucked up around them.

Clementine was watching the movie intently, munching haphazardly on a gummy worm, and Daniel glanced down at her, how her light eyes reflected the screen of the tv and the warmth of her soft skin that radiated through her sweater and track pants. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I’m proud of you, you know that?” he whispered.

Clementine looked up at him, “Why?”

“What do you mean why?”

“I’m just eating a gummy worm.” she pulled it apart with her teeth, “That doesn’t take much skill.”

Daniel laughed lightly, “I mean in general. Watching you grow up. All the things you can do and do well. I’m just proud of you.”

“Okay.” Clementine smiled lightly, taking another bite of her gummy worm. She turned to cuddle back into his side and Daniel rested his cheek against her head. They continued watching the movie for a bit longer until Clementine spoke, “I like when it’s just us.”

Daniel smiled a little, “Why’s that?”

“I dunno. I like having you to myself. You were mine first.” Clementine slug her arm across his middle to hug him tightly.

“I know…and you were mine first too.” Daniel whispered, petting his hand through her hair. “But I’ll always be yours. No matter what.”

“Promise?” Clementine whispered.

“Cross my heart, hope to die.” Daniel mumbled against her head, pressing a kiss to the same spot.

Clementine only smiled and turned back to the movie, wrapped up in her father’s arms. Her favourite place to be.

[impossible-rat-babies]

If I can still ask, can we have a few samples of the lines that need to be reused?

totally! there’s only a few in there right now lol it’s my dumping ground for little lingering paragraphs at the end of fics after i’ve finished them:

“You want a whole cork board of vile plans, or an evil experiments station?” Pollux scoffs, but it’s hardly a joke.

“Is there yarn connecting the evil plans?” Ortega asks and Pollux grimaces, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yes. It’s orange and the papers are all about making a safe new life for myself where I won’t have to look over my shoulder and wonder when I’m going to be dragged back to a literal hell on earth. All terribly evil shenanigans.” Pollux shoots from the hip with biting words and Ortega cringes.

“Sorry...”

--

Trial and error until they figured out how to sleep together —several nights where one or the other was ushered off to the gues room or the couch. Half a dozen times where Ortega would get kicked in the ribs, or Pollux would wake in a sweaty start, too unsettled and jumpy to fall back asleep.

Pollux actually sleeps through the night without a nightmares most of the time now, only a few stray occasions where it’s not enough. It’s better than before—leagues better.

--

“Didn’t think I’d do it either, but when you’re a recovering drug addict, you’re kinda unceremoniously pushed into it.” He admits and Nat pauses, her silver rings no longer clicking as she pauses drumming her fingers on the counter. He watches the question bubble up and die before they reach her lips, brown eyes finally looking up at him.

“I-I’m sorry, Pollux, I didn’t mean—“

“Don’t...” He cuts her off with a wave of his hand, putting a thin smile on his lips. “It’s fine, really. I shouldn’t have said it so crassly, I apologize.” He picks his lip with his thumbnail.

Nat glances down and she shakes her head, taking a deep breath and letting it out. “You shouldn’t apologize either. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“You would’ve found out regardless, one way or another. I’d rather you hear it from me.” He tells her with that same tense smile, scratching his thumb against his chin and the sparse hairs there from not shaving for a few days. Nat slowly nods, looking back down at the book, eyes scanning across the pages, finding other dates like the one from before scattered about the month.

“It was during college...” He speaks again, his back now turned to her as he fusses about the stove once more, the smell of fresh tomato and herb reaching her nose. “I wasn’t well for a long time before that—college certainly didn’t help. Partying lead to alcohol, which lead to...other things. I just wanted to turn my brain off for a bit, stop all the,” He twirls his fingers around his head like mining gears spinning, “stuff in my head.”

He sighs and Nat waits, waits for him to stop or continue, still in her seat at the bar.

“It got bad. Ended up in places and people I shouldn’t have been with. They got me into a lot of trouble.” Pollux chews his lip and he turns back to face Nat. Grey eyes looking over her shoulder at something she can’t see, like a memory playing on repeat in front of his eyes.

“Woke up one morning, in a dumpster of all places, with Mum bawling her eyes out.” His lips thin until their lost against his pale skin, his freckled cheeks and he crosses his arms over his chest, shoulders hunching.

--

“At four am? Breaking a mirror?” There’s annoyance poking into his tone as he gestures back to the sad broken mirror, chunks still dropping to the wood floor like punctuation in the silence. Felix’s brow draws in as they dance around things Pollux won’t say.

“I couldn’t sleep and this tires me out.”

Pollux provides, refusing to spare a glance anywhere but at the ground. He still catches as Felix’s posture tenses and Pollux clamps his mouth shut, biting the inside of his cheek. He’s digging himself into the ground now and he knows it.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Pollux...” Felix speaks quietly, a quiet little ache behind his words, enough to pull on the aching under his ribcage, draw his eyes to look him. Felix meets his eyes and there’s a silent plea there, a glow in his amber eyes begging him to tell him the truth.

“It’s not...” Pollux starts and trails off, catching his teeth on his lower lip to keep him from trembling. “I just...don’t wanna talk about it. I can’t talk about it.” He finally whispers, eyes fixed on the ground, bare feet staring back up at him.

He could shout out every single deep seated, rage filled memory stuck behind his eyes--stuck between his teeth--and make it all feel better. Maybe it wouldn’t feel like drowning in his own lungs, or feel like scratching his own skin off when the dreams crawl under his skin, burrowing down deep. But he can hardly admit that it hurts, pain that sitting in his skull and it closes around his throat, choking the words out of him until they’re a strangled jumbled mess. Even now the hand clenches around his neck, keeping it locked away tight.

--

“You don’t have to not touch them....” Pollux says softly, quietly. He doesn’t look up at Ortega, feeling his eyes on him instead. “You’ve already done it.” He glances at his still bare arm and further down across his stomach. Orange lines spiraling from the barcode out, still shiny and slick as ever.

“I know.” Ortega says softly and Pollux looks up, finding his eyes on the same spot on his arms. Pollux doesn’t flinch as his eyes wander up his arm and down his chest. It’s different than any other look someone has had for his body—examining yes, but for different reasons.

Pollux wonders to himself exactly what he imagined under his clothes before this, if it was always picture perfect skin. Were their scars? Terrible markings of self conducted surgery, the hurt he’d been through? Was this the body he expected wrapped up under layers of clothing and secrets?

“What did you expect to find?” He speaks before he can stop himself, words running out in a rush of breath. Ortega’s eyes snap to his and he has the decency to look guilty for having been staring.

Better than everyone else before that’s seen them.

“Well...” Ortega half chuckles, staring off at a point just above his head. “Beyond the obvious, I don’t know...I mean, I knew you had...” He waves his hand around and Pollux chuckles a bit, glancing down at his chest.

“Yeah I get it.” A smile pulls at the corner of his lip.

Ortega nods. “But...I don’t know what I expected. Not this, but who does?”

Pollux looks up at him and his brow is scrunched together, confusion plain on his face, mouth trying and failing to the words he wants. Like he’s still not sure what this means for him--what any of it means. Navigating the new--secrets kept for a decade now breathing in the space between them.

“I don’t hate it.” He almost reaches out, fingers almost touching his shoulder and Pollux doesn’t pull away, lets his hand hover, an almost touch.

Pollux catches his hand. Soft, the faint static of the emitter against his palm, narrow wires under the skin. Splaying his fingers and he presses them against his chest, above the hollow where his heart sits. Hand warm against his cold skin, a pleasant feeling as it spreads out across his skin, across the tattoos. Ortega doesn’t pull his hand away, his fingers lingering and his thumb brushes against a swath of tattoos.

“I expected them to feel different...” Ortega mumbles and Pollux shrugs, lips pursing into a thin line

“I don’t hate you Pollux.” He says softly.

[naptoons]

I am in dire need of some Christopher Velez content. Anything at all I appreciate 💛💛

You got it bby🤍 hope you like it!!

Rainstorm- Chris Velez

Warnings: none

Summary: Chris plans was to take you out on a date after he just came back from tour. But with an unexpected thunderstorm caused him to change course.

Theme: Fluff.

Laying on the couch as you watched your favorite tv show while twirling the carmine lollipop in between your lips. The front door swung open indicating Chris finally came back from grocery shopping. Smiling you sit up bating your eyelashes at him. Instantly his eyes catches yours in admiration. “well hello the beast is finally awake” christ chuckles closing the door with his foot

“Aye! But when it was you all I did was call you beautiful and caress your hair”

“And I also called you beautiful and rearranged your spine” Chris winks at you , that was the first thing you guys done when he came back, being away from a long time just meant sexting each other. And knowing you could get away with you, you’d tease him just to hear him say things he’d do to you once he got home, just to bite your lip in pride that you’re the only one to make him feel this way. So ultimately you would do just that.

When chris got home it was all sweet and beautiful, two hours later you were ruffling the sheets, screaming through the pillows as your eyelashes touched the peak of your eyelid. While he was dirty talking in your ear whole your legs shaked around his. Needlessly to say Chris remembered what he promised and delivered.

Chris sits down next to you throwing his arm around the couch, as you scoot over leaning your head on his shoulder. His lips press against your head making you scrunch your your nose with a giggle, looking up at him you peck his lips softly smearing the sticky candy on him. “Mmm you’re beautiful” he mumbles but it came out as a desperate moan.

“You’re handsome” you giggle wrapping your legs around his waist you cover the tv from his vision. “So what are we doing today?” You trail your fingers up his forearm.

“Well I did promise you I’d take you on a date when I got back, so we’re going on a date, I have everything planned out” Chris lips tug apart spreading from ear to ear

“You know you don’t have too right? I like doing anything with you” you pop the lollipop out your mouth for a second just to kiss him

Sometimes it still was a mystery to how Chris came to like someone such a polar opposite of him. Chris likes the fast life. You like the freeway. Chris love parties. You love staying home watching movies. But they did say opposites attract. Moral of the story is Chris fell in love with you for loving everything about him, most want the riches or the fame. But you just wanted random walks in the park, crazy Polaroid pictures you can’t explain when you’re older. Sitting on the balcony watching the stars.

Since Chris been dating you , he’s stopped going out to parties every weekend, he’s even converted to drinking less alcohol and soda. Slowly he started to love what you loved. He loved your aura, it was hard for him to get out the friend zone. Your ex wasn’t all peaches and creams, instead of telling you to your face he wasn’t into anymore, he decided to cheat on you, nevertheless with an associate on your job you were getting to know slowly. On top of that she later let you know that he just wanted to take your virginity. Something she wish she didn’t give to him. It took a while for you to trust and love again.

You were tired of the whole opening and closing process. Strangers to friends. Friends to lovers. Lovers to nothing. You didn’t want that cycle to repeat. And Chris was determined to not let it happen. He brought you flowers every once and a while, took you out to dinner. Bought you gifts. Always said “good morning” & “Goodnight” every chance he got he would remind you that he’s so in love with you. Wether you was his girlfriend or not.

Eventually you started to like him taking slow as possible, eventually you broke out of your shell and you were the first to say “I love you” ever since then the nice gestures just increased and he never stopped saying I love you.

“Oh shush, you know I always take you out on a date one a week” Chris shoots down your argument

“I mean you don’t have to keep those gestures up I know you love me” you smile

Chris shakes his head cupping your face in his palms “hey I’m never going to stop them gestures because the same way I got you, is the same things I’m going to do to keep you” planting soft kiss all over your face until he reached your lips “I love you” he mutters

“I love you too” you giggle, “now get dressed sexy, dress casual now, I’m not trying to go anywhere with a hard on” he smacks your thighs

“So you’re saying me casual doesn’t turn you on?” You buck your hips against against his feeling his body tense up, his fingers dipping into your waist hard. “Y/n?” His voice shakes “you better chill, because I will break you like a glow stick”

“Doesn’t sound to bad, but we don’t want your reservations to be wasted” you giggle getting off his lap, crunching the lollipop in your mouth, you give him a wink before turning the corner. “You’re so getting it when we get back!” Chris yells.

After you took a shower Chris went in right after you, sitting on the couch again you placed your feet up on the couch. You were wearing an off the shoulder dress with a pair of strappy sandals, he said something casual so it was the simplest thing in your closet. Besides sweats and a shirt. But it was a date.

Flipping through the channel, Chris came out the shower his aroma filling the whole room already making you weak to your knees before the day was over. Chris peaks around the wall coming in contact with your eyes drowning in lust and love for him. “Did I tell you casual?” He rasps you shrug your shoulders biting on your lower lips softly “I swear you love being a brat”

“Thought I was a princess?” You pout while looking at him chris squints his eyes at you while getting comfortable on the couch next to you you caress his chin with your nails, a simple but affective thing. he loved it. Placing his hand between your thighs his thumb crossed over thumb softly. “You’re beautiful baby” his lips mumble against your skin.

“Thank you” I whisper back to him, Chris begins kissing your neck softly in a intimate way, no matter what he’d never push you into having sex with him, even if he was in the mood and you weren’t he’d handle it himself, instead of asking or turning you on. You’d tell him constantly time after time a relationship involves two people. Then hitting him with the joke “who says I don’t want you?”

“Let’s go, before I have you dress on the floor as a decor piece while I have you screaming in these pillows”

“Doesn’t sound bad” you smile knowing it pissed him off, Chris side eyes you then stands up slowly, just as you are doing the same , a loud roar of thunder shakes the house followed by the crackled sounds of lighting. The rain slowly rolling in. Chris sighs in defeat knowing his plans are all canceled.

“Great” Chris lets our softly, you walk up to him wrapping your arms around his neck, he looks down upon you with glasses of disappointment and love, kissing his chest soft you make your way up to his lips. Carefully avoiding his weak spots. “Hey, you know it’s okay I like staying out home too baby” you remind him

“Yeah I know, but I wanted to take you out to this special place, you deserve more than staying home” chris says softly

“I deserve you, and that’s all I need, I don’t care what we do, now you’ll just have to make those perfect plans here!” walking back towards the couch you kick off your sandals and smile at him.

“Damn am I lucky to have you”

“Same here bubs”

Chris ended up pulling out all the board games you guys have, he even cooked dinner, your favorite food to be exact. He wanted to make up for the rain ruining his parade still failing to realize this is still perfect for you no matter what. Because you’re both together.

“y/n, stop playing I will make you draw four”

“Try it! I’ll double it bitch”

Chris holds his hand up in defense with an eyebrow up “excuse me ma’am I don’t want any of the smoke” you giggle at him throwing down your last card then shouting “uno!” So loud you’re sure going to hear a noise complaint from your neighbors.

“If you end on a plus four you’re a pussy” you squint your eyes at him

“Really?” Chris ponders sarcastically

“Yep, you’re a pussy if you do it”

“Well , pussy builds strong bones” Chris throws down his last card as you dramatically fall back on the carpet mimicking the sounds of a flatline heart monitor, a laughing Chris hovers over you lowering himself down to your level.

“I gotta do cpr” Chris jokes

“No!” You yell jokingly trying to push Chris off of you but he holds your wrist down kissing you all over your face but your lips, he pulls away from your frame, you pout pulling him towards you and placing your lips on his.

“You’re going to give me my kiss one way or another”

“You need to stop before I act up brat” his hands wrap around your neck.

Ending up teasing him and pushing his buttons, he delivered what you’ve missed the entire time he was gone. You missed his hands on your skin, and he missed the way you dipped into his hands, letting out noises of euphoria. But most importantly he missed cuddling with you.

Rubbing his fingertips up and down your arms you guys cuddled in bed just watching the storm raging outside your window. “You know, I’ve been thinking”

“What you’ve been thinking about sly devil?” You turn around in his arms rubbing his shoulder blades. Chris doesn’t reply all he does is grab something out of the drawer, chewing down on his lower lip to suppress his nervous giggles. “This is what I’ve been thinking about”

He hands you a box which you furrow your eyebrows up at “you got me a gift darling what’s the occasion?” You slowly take off the bow and open the lid. Your eyes widen at the sight of a ring along with a pair of house keys.

“Baby?” You pause as your eye fill up with tears

“Will you do me the honors of being your fiancé and moving in with me?” Chris smiles, you jump into his arms kissing him so much he starts to giggle. Grabbing your hand he slides the ring on your left ring finger.

Chris wipes your face and with every kiss on your skin he whispers “I love you” to which you replied “I love you more”

“and you thought dates away from home was better, this was the best date I’ve ever had” you mumble against his neck

“Me too mi amour”

[drakexwillow]

Sweet Sixteen

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairing: Dakota x Drake

A/N: I’m participating in @choicesmarchchallenge hosted by @lovealexhunt

This is Day 20: Sixteen Candles

thank you to people who read snippets or all of this @msjr0119 @mskaneko @loveellamae and thank you to my amazing beta-reader @addictedtodrakefanfic for always reading, supporting and letting me bounce ideas around with you I LOVE YOU ALL

Warnings: Swearing

Words: 3000

Tags:  @msjr0119  @addictedtodrakefanfic @burnsoslow @drxkewalker @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @lyndsay1313 @furryperfectionlover @tinypenguincheesemachine @jlynn12273 @jovialyouthmusic @walkerswhiskeygirl @kingliam2019 @speedyoperarascalparty @bbrandy2002​

@loveellamae​ @mskaneko​ @jessiembruno​ @kacie-0156​

Drake lent against the bar, clutching a tumbler of whiskey as he surveyed the ballroom. It was Dakota’s 16th birthday and the ballroom had been decorated with banners, balloons and streamers hanging from the wall and ceiling. Various pictures of Dakota as a child also hung from the walls around the room. A small smile crept on his face as he watched his daughter dancing and laughing with her friends. Drake had always teased Willow about Dakota looking exactly like a Walker, but as she threw her head back in laughter, hand clasped over her mouth, she looked exactly like her mother. Drake was proud of the person she was becoming. She’d always marched to the beat of her own drum and never cared what other people thought. She was outgoing, mischievous and as Drake would always say ‘had a smart ass mouth’. As Drake glanced around the room one of the pictures caught his eye. It was of Dakota after winning her dance competition, Max and Willow had lifted her onto their shoulders, Cole stood in front pulling a funny face as Drake stood next to Willow beaming up at Dakota who was grinning back at him. As he stood looking at the photo memories of the day flooded his mind.

******

Drake let out a sigh as he pulled up to his cabin. He turned off the ignition and loosened his tie. Instead of working in the stables, Liam had asked him to sit in on some important meetings with him. Drake didn’t mind, but it was certainly more stressful and boring than what he was used to. He got out of his truck and made his way to the front door, he paused when he heard the faint sound of music coming from the back of the house. Curiosity getting the better of him he followed the sound. He found Dakota lying on the floor, arm resting over her face.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Drake said as he made his way over. He sat down beside her “You have your dance competition tomorrow”

Dakota sighed as she sat up “I think I’m going to pull out of it”

Drake frowned as he looked at his daughter “Why? You’ve been training months for this”

She dropped her head back to look at the sky “Because I can’t do the stupid handstand flip” she mumbled.

Drake cocked a brow as he turned his head to face her “I’ve seen you do it a hundred times Koda”

She let out a frustrated sigh “I can’t land on my feet”

Drake stood, brushing the dirt off his trousers and held out his hand “Come on, get up, try again”

Dakota shook her head “No dad”

“I know how much this means to you Koda”

She rolled her eyes as she grabbed Drake’s hand, as he pulled her to her feet.

“Okay start off slow and we’ll go from there” Drake said as he crossed his arms over his chest. Dakota took a few steps back, Drake watched as she flipped with ease and landed on her feet. Drake nodded “Again” Dakota performed the flip a few more times perfectly.

“Okay now try it with a run up” Drake could see the hesitation in her eyes as she stood with her hands on her hips “Tell me where to stand and I’ll catch you if I think you’re going to fall” Dakota nodded and grabbed his hand pulling him a few feet forward. Dakota took a few paces back, she let out a breath and shook her arms out before she began. Drake watched her run towards him, he saw her hesitate just before she planted her hands on the ground and caught her before she could tumble to the floor “You hesitated Dakota”

“I know, that’s what Uncle Max keeps saying”

“You have nothing to worry about” Drake crouched down to catch her gaze “I know you can do it, come on try again”

After a few tumbles and more practice, Drake could see Dakota’s confidence growing. As Dakota ran towards him, he took a step back and smirked when she performed the flip perfectly, landing on her feet. Dakota grinned as she turned to face him “I did it!”

“What did I tell you? Your dad knows best”

Dakota ran towards him and wrapped her arms around him “Thank you Dad”

“I’m always here to help you Koda” Drake planted a kiss on the top of her head “Now come on let’s get you to bed, you have a competition to win tomorrow”

******

Drake was pulled from his memory as he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. He turned, pulling Willow into his side as he draped his arm over her shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

“Hey you”

Willow nuzzled into his chest “Our little girl is sixteen Drake”

Drake sighed as he rested his head on top of hers “I know”

“She’ll be going off to college soon”

“Yeah” Drake sighed “At least it’ll be a lot quieter around the house”

Willow smacked his arm playfully “Drake!” She scolded.

“I'm joking” He grinned “Cole will be happy, he won’t have Koda winding him up every chance she gets”

“He’ll miss her though, he can’t perform his protective brotherly duties when she’s not here” Willow giggled and nodded to the opposite end of the ballroom “Have you seen him”

Drake followed her gaze. Cole was leaning up the wall, arms crossed over his chest scowling. His eyes never left Callen Nevrakis, who had one arm wrapped around Dakota’s waist as he lent down whispering in her ear. Drake smiled proudly “That’s because I taught him well”

“He’s literally a mini you” she giggled “I can’t believe he’s 13 next year, I can still remember when he was born”

******

“Daddy!” Dakota shrieked as she bounced down the steps of the Ramsford estate, Max trailing behind. Drake bent down, arms outstretched, as Dakota wrapped her arms around his neck. Drake kissed her cheek as she rested her head on his chest “Was you good for Uncle Max?”

Max grinned as he approached “We had fun, didn’t we Koda bear?”

Dakota nodded as she toyed with the buttons on Drake's shirt “We ate ice cream and watched movies and we built a pillow fort!” She beamed.

Drake chuckled as he opened the door of his truck “I’m glad you had fun” he strapped Dakota into her car seat and turned to Max “Thank you for looking after her”

Max waved him off before pulling him into a hug “Anytime and congratulations”

Drake grinned as he pulled away “Thank you”

After taking the short drive back to the cabin, Drake got Dakota out the car and carried her to the front door “You ready to meet your little brother?” Dakota nodded excitedly as he opened the front door. Willow was sitting on the couch, cradling Cole in her arms. Drake placed Dakota on the floor and she ran towards Willow. She smiled as her daughter kissed her cheek “Hey baby”

Dakota peered down at Cole and smiled, she stroked his cheek with her finger “He looks like daddy” Willow and Drake grinned at each other

“I know”

Dakota places her finger in his tiny hand “Can I hold him?”

Willow nodded as she patted the space beside her “Of course”

Drake placed a pillow on her lap and under her arm. Willow gently placed Cole in her arms, making sure to support his head. Drake watched and could feel his heart swell as Willow and Dakota cooed over Cole.

******

“Drake I think we might have a problem” they watched as Their son pushed himself from the wall, making a beeline straight for Dakota and Callen. Just as Drake was going to make his way over, Max grabbed Cole by the arm and stopped him. After a few minutes Cole retreated back to the edge of the dance floor, Max turned and bounced his way over to Dakota. Max bowed dramatically while holding his hand out, Dakota grinned as she took it and they both began to twirl across the floor. Even though sometimes it seemed like Maxwell’s life purpose was to annoy the living hell out of Drake, he couldn’t fault him when it came to his family. Maxwell has been there for them through every up and down they faced so far and sometimes had been the glue that held them all together. He’d always treated Dakota and Cole as if they were his own and Max and Dakota were practically joined at the hip. Drake knew Max would always make them a top priority and the unconditionally love he had for his kids.

******

3 more days Drake thought to himself as he slowly made his way to the front door. Willow was on a business trip in France and Drake was finding it difficult being away from her. He loved spending quality time with Dakota when he finished work and having her all to himself, but without Willow it felt like something was missing, it didn’t feel right. He was grateful Max had offered to spend the week and help look after Dakota, it helped take both of their minds off Willow being away. Drake pushed open the front door and was surprised to find it empty. The past few days he’d walked in and Max and Dakota would be dancing and singing around the living, watching a film or sitting at the coffee table drawing. He kicked off his shoes and padded into the kitchen to find it was also empty, he frowned before calling out “Max? Koda?”

With no reply Drake strode up the stairs and headed straight to Dakota’s room, he peeked his head around the door but nothing. Panic started to set in until he glanced down the hallway and saw the door to his and Willows bedroom slightly open. He padded his way down the hall and slowly opened the door. He grinned when he saw Dakota curled up on Max’s chest both of them asleep. He quietly creeped across the room towards the bed, he brushed the hair out of Dakota’s face and bent down to gently kiss her forehead. He smiled as her tiny hand gripped onto Maxwell’s shirt as she nuzzled into him. Drake knew how much she loved her Uncle Max and he also knew that Max would do anything to make Dakota happy and protect her. He was grateful that, besides him and Willow, Dakota would always have Max in her corner to help her through everything she would face through life. He pulled out his phone, snapped a picture and quickly sent it to Willow before creeping out the room and closing the door quietly behind him.

******

Drake caught Dakota’s eye across the ballroom, he titled his head towards the doors of the balcony, she beamed and nodded before excusing herself. She made her way across the room and quickly snuck outside. She made her way over to Drake, who was leaning over the railing that looked over the gardens, she linked her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. Drake smiled as he looked down at his daughter “You having a good time kid?”

“Yeah it’s just” she bent down, removed her heels and tossed them to the side “My feet are killing me” she groaned. Drake snorted and shook his head “You sound just like your mom”

Dakota rolled her eyes playfully “You always say that”

“Because it’s true” Drake retrieved his flask from his jacket pocket, he took a swig before offering it to Dakota “Seen as it’s your birthday, I thought you might want a drink”

Dakota tilted her head quizzically, a slight smirk on her face “You’re letting me drink? You never let me drink”

“I’d let you have a drink Dakota” he gave her a pointed look “What I don’t appreciate, is you sneaking out to get blackout drunk with your friends”

Dakota pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and looked up at the sky “You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”

“Not a chance kiddo”

******

Drake slowly opened his eyes as he heard his phone vibrating on his bedside table. He peered at the alarm clock. Why is someone ringing me at 1am he reached over to grab his phone, squinting as the bright light hit his face. He frowned as Dakota’s name flashed across the screen and accepted the call

“Dakota your room is right down the hall, why-”

“Mr Walker, it’s Megan Dakota’s drank too much and she passed out, then she started throwing and now she’s locked in the bathroom and I don’t know what to do”

Drake sat up, trying to wrap his sleep filled mind around the information he’d just been bombarded with “Okay, just calm down” Drake rubbed his eyes “How did this happen?”

“My older brother is having a party, Dakota said she would sneak out-”

Drake could feel his anger rising as he listened to Megan’s panicked voice on the phone. This wasn’t the first time his 15 year old daughter had snuck out, however this was the first time one of her friends had called for help in the earlier hours of the morning. “I’m on my way” Drake ended the call and pushed himself out the bed, he quickly pulled on his clothes and tossed his phone onto the bed.

“Where are you going?” He heard Willows sleep filled voice from the bed

“To save our intoxicated daughter” Drake growled. He flung the bedroom door open and ran down the stairs. Retrieving the keys for his truck and made his way outside.

After the 30 minute drive he pulled up outside Megan’s house. A group of 17-18 year old’s were standing outside the house and music blaring from inside. Drake slammed the door of his truck shut and stormed into the house. He pushed his way through the sea of drunken teenagers and made his way up stairs. Drake found Megan sitting on the floor in front of the bathroom door, she quickly jumped to her feet as he approached. “She’s still in there?” He asked as jiggled the door handle

“She’s been in there for over an hour”

Drake let out an Aggregate breath as he banged on the door “Open the door Dakota” he pressed his ear to the door but heard nothing. He stepped back and kicked the door down with ease. He felt his anger rising again as he saw his daughter passed out, head hanging over the toilet. He crouched down beside her and rubbed her back “Dakota you need to wake up” he grimaced as she coughed and then proceeded to be sick. He sat and rubbed her back as he waited for her to finish. She groaned as she lifted her head “I want to go home” Drake nodded as he picked her up and carried her out to his truck.

Once they got back He carried her to the house, when he opened the door Willow was sitting on the couch, she jumped to her feet when she heard the door open “Oh my god what happened?” Drake lay her on the couch and then ran a hand through his hair “She snuck out to a party and got drunk”

Dakota groaned as she rolled over “I’m going to be sick” she mumbled as she coughed. She stumbled to her feet and into the bathroom.

Drake placed back and forth “I can’t fucking believe this” he huffed

“Drake you need to calm down”

“Calm down?” Drake turned and frowned at Willow “Our 15 year old daughter is currently throwing up in the bathroom after sneaking out to a party and you’re telling me to calm down?!” He threw his hands in the air.

Willow raised a brow and stared at him “And you, Liam and Max never did anything like this when you were younger?” Drake stared at her hands on his hips “Exactly, yes it’s wrong but it’s what kids do”

“How are you not angry”

“Oh I’m mad as hell, but shouting at her while her head is over the toilet isn’t going to help the situation”

Drake nodded as he sighed “You go to bed and I’ll make sure she’s okay”

******

Dakota grimaced “You didn’t speak to me for like a week after that”

Drake chuckled “I was mad that’s why”

“You made me do all the chores around the house” she shrieked “As well as the silent treatment”

“You didn’t learn your lesson though did you?”

“I always tell you and mom where I’m going now”

Drake turned to face her, one brow raised as he smirked. Dakota rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest “Okay, okay...I tell you most of the time”

Drake grinned as he pulled her into his side and kissed her head “Even though your a massive pain in the ass, you’ll always be my little girl”

She peered up at him and smiled “I love you dad”

“I love you too Koda” Drake bent down to pick up her shoes “Now let’s get you back inside before your mom and uncle Max send a search party” Dakota giggled and grabbed her shoes.

“I’ll tell you what Koda, beat me to the bar and I’ll buy you a drink”

Dakota grinned “What if you beat me?”

“Then you owe me one” Drake took off running towards the doors of the ballroom. Dakota pulled up her dress as she chased after him “Not fair dad, you got a head start!”

[fic-for-fic-sake]

Snapshots of Life

A/N: You can read this as a oneshot or as part of my snapshots of life series

The Proposal: Marry You

What was that cheesy 80’s song you had introduced Bucky to a while back? “Walkin’ on Sunshine”? Yeah, that was the one. Walking on Sunshine perfectly described how Bucky was feeling right now. He looked down at your sleeping form, curled up into him and his body heat and he swore he could feel the dumbest looking smile creeping onto his face but he didn’t care. 

He didn’t care because when he looked down at you, your ring finger caught the sunlight and while normally that wouldn’t have been a big deal, today it was. He stared at the mesmerizing oval cut yellow garnet ring that sat on your finger. A simple gold band held it all together and Bucky felt tears prick in his eyes. When he first went ring shopping he wasn’t sure what to get you because everything just seemed so cold and insincere. So unlike you. But then he saw that ring, that brilliant garnet ring, and it hit him. 

You were his warmth and his sunshine, his compassion and his strength, radiance and beauty were second nature to you. When he saw that ring he knew it belonged to you, it would be like coming home. That was the ring he was meant to give you. When he asked you, you choked up, so overwhelmed with emotion. Bucky was scared he had done something wrong. But then you had nodded your head so vigorously Bucky thought it might fall off. He was so elated that he wasn’t sure the sound he let out was human at all. But it didn’t matter because you had said yes. For the first time in a long time Bucky knew what his future would hold, you. 

Reluctantly, he removed himself from your warmth and got out of bed. He wanted to do something special for you, his fiancee. Not bothering to throw on a shirt, he made his way to the kitchen with only his black sweatpants on. He ran a hand through his growing locks and let out a tired yawn. He rounded the corner and saw Steve waiting for him, a cup of coffee in front of him and the newspaper opened in his lap. 

“How’d last night go?” He questioned, raising his eyebrows. “I’m assuming from the amount of noise I heard she said yes.” 

“Hey, watch it punk.” Bucky retorted, mock admonishment clear in his voice. He made his way towards the coffee Steve had made and poured himself a mug, then sat down opposite his best friend. 

“You know,” Steve began after a beat, “I never did ask.” 

“Ask what?” Bucky questioned, drawing the mug to his lips and taking a much needed sip. The bitter liquid worked its way over Bucky’s taste buds and down his throat, marginally waking him up. 

“When you decided you wanted to marry her. When did you know?” 

Bucky chuckled, looking in the direction of where you were sleeping wistfully. 

”C’mon darlin, we’re gonna be late.” Bucky called out to you, fixing his cuff links for what felt like the millionth time. 

“I’m almost done.” You shouted back from the bathroom. Why it took you so long to get ready Bucky would never know. To him, you looked perfect in whatever you did, or didn’t, wear. 

Bucky looked in the mirror and straightened his bow tie once more. Really doing anything to keep his hands from pulling his hair out of the low bun you had put it in for the gala. He knew if he messed it up he would never hear the end of it. He was just about to call out to you again when you appeared before him, the perfect vision in silver. 

The floor length gown caught his eye immediately. With a beaded bodice, flowy skirt, and subtle leg slit, you were sin wrapped in a beautiful package. Your dark painted lips did a good job at drawing his eyes to your mouth. He walked towards you and wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you close to him. 

“Is this what took you so long?” He teased, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. Lust blown pupils stared back at you surrounded by a thing ring of ice blue. Your favorite look of his. 

“I would’ve been longer, but I wanted you to help me with the finishing touch.” You replied, voice low as not to disrupt the atmosphere. You produced a small velvet box from your hands and placed it in Bucky’s large palm. He opened the box questioningly to reveal the blue sapphire droplet earrings Bucky had gotten you for your anniversary. “Wanna help me put them on?” You questioned innocently. 

“Come here.” Bucky whispered to you as he walked you over to the full mirror he had stood in front of no more than five minutes ago. You watched as his large frame came in front of yours and focused on the task at hand. You felt him place the right earring gently in your ear and then lay a gentle kiss to your jawline. 

“Perfect.” He murmured into your skin as he moved to your left ear. He repeated his actions and then moved himself behind you and looked into your eyes from the mirror. His large arms encircled your waist as he began to place hot kisses along your exposed shoulder. 

“Bucky,” You whined, “We’re gonna be late.” 

“What’s five more minutes?” He questioned, slowly but gently taking down one of the straps of your gown. 

Your breath hitched as you grasped at his neck from behind. Looking in the mirror was the wrong thing to do. Your nearly immaculate imagine didn’t match how much of a mess you were inside. You could see Bucky’s metal hand trailing down your dress-clad front. But you both really needed to be at this gala. 

“Please, Buck.” You rasped into the open air. With a not so subtle groan, Bucky let you go and placed a chaste kiss to your forehead. 

“Shall we?” He questioned, offering you his bent arm. 

Funny enough, that sensual interaction between the two of you wasn’t what made Bucky know he wanted to marry you, no, that came later. 

The gala had long since ended for everyone except the team. Who had decided to raid the open bar and take over the music. Bucky watched as you discarded your shoes with a hint of relief on your face. He didn’t know why you bothered wearing heels if you hated them so much. 

“Buuuuuuucky.” You drunkenly shouted from the other side of the vast ballroom. 

“Yeah sweetheart?” He teased back. Your rare drunkenness amusing to him. 

“Dance with me!!” You hollered back, already swaying your body to a phantom beat. 

Bucky loosened his tie so that it was laying undone around his shirt collar. He was nursing a tumbler of scotch in his hands, feeling the condensation slowly make its way down his palm. “Maybe in a bit, right now I’ll just watch you.” He answered, raising his glass to you in a toast. 

“Ugh, fine!” You lamented. Your lips had the makings of a frown on them before Natasha changed the song and then your frown was long forgotten. You squealed in delight and clapped your hands as your brain registered the familiar notes. “Oh I love this song.” You commented to nobody in particular as you started dancing. 

It’s a beautiful night, we’re lookin’ for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.

Bucky really did try to pay attention to what Sam and Steve were talking about next to him but it was damn near impossible. His eyes kept roaming back to you. You were so damn distracting it hurt. You didn’t get drunk often but when you did, boy were you a sight. He had never seen you as blithe and laid back as you were now. Arms raised above your head and moving to the beat of whatever song was on, Bucky couldn’t really hear it. He was only focused on the sounds of pure joy that left your mouth. Wordlessly, he placed his scotch back on the bar, kicked off his own too tight dress shoes, and walked over to you. He never was much of a dancer, but that didn’t really matter to him. Not when you were so inviting. 

“Bucky!” You exclaimed as you launched yourself into his arms. He caught you with ease and chuckled into your neck, breathing in your scent. The perfume you decided to wear tonight was another gift from him. Citrus and honey flooded his senses. He gently placed you back on your feet. You shouted in glee as another ‘favorite song’ of yours came on. 

Is it the look in your eyes? Or is it this dancing juice? Who cares baby

Bucky couldn’t help but twirl you to the easy melody. Watching as giggle after giggle erupted from your chest and a faint blush worked its way onto your skin. From the alcohol or from the dancing, Bucky wasn’t sure. But one thing his was painfully aware of, instantly, was that he was overwhelmed by how much he loved you. How in the past year and a half you had managed to make him feel more alive than he was sure he felt in his entire existence. 

I think I wanna marry you. 

Bucky gasped at the thought. But it made so much sense. He couldn’t see himself with anyone else, whenever he pictured his future, you were always in it. No doubt about it. Watching your enthusiasm and passion in the simple act of dancing with him was enough to solidify his belief. Bucky Barnes was going to ask you to marry him. 

Steve chuckled as his folded his unread newspaper on the table. 

“What?” Bucky questioned, refocusing his attention back on Steve. 

“You’ve got it bad.” Steve replied, smiling and shaking his head slightly. 

“Yeah, I do.” Bucky responded, eyes shifting to your sleepy form, having just emerged from the hallway. “Mornin’ doll.” He acknowledged, grinning at you like the love drunk man he was. 

“Hi fiance.” You responded, flashing him your ring with an infectious smile on your face. That one three syllable word lodged itself into Bucky’s heart. He could get used to that word, but he couldn’t wait for the next one. Husband. 

It’s a beautiful night, we’re lookin for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.  

[talatomaz]

talk to me | jj x fem!teen!reader

a/n: this is based around 5x13 where the bau investigates a series of teen suicides who are killing themselves as part of a game. it’s a bit slow in the beginning but the story develops later

warnings: mentions of suicide/death

word count: 2.4k

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i do not give you permission to repost or translate my fics on any platform - likes/reblogs are okay and are much appreciated

“There is something definitely wrong here.”

JJ nodded in agreement and left her boss alone in his office and went back to her own. As soon as she had sent a mass text to her team to let them know they had a case, she sat down in her chair and clutched her necklace.

Sighing deeply, she glanced at the photo frame on her desk, picked up her phone and dialed, needing to hear her family’s voices before dealing with this case.

“Hi, honey.”

“JJ. What’s wrong?” The man added, sensing the tension over the phone.

“Nothing. I just...we’ve got a bad case and we’re flying out soon. I just needed to hear yours and the kids’ voices.”

“Are you okay, honey?” Will asked, his southern drawl becoming more and more prominent with each word he spoke. He knew that his voice always put the FBI agent at ease and this moment was no different.

“I promise I’m okay. Are they awake?”

The phone was silent for a few moments until she heard a playful scream and then a girl’s voice fill her ear.

“Hey, you okay?”

JJ smiled at the sound of her daughter’s voice.

Although you weren’t her biological daughter, you were her daughter just the same. JJ and Will had adopted you a few years ago when JJ had saved you from an unsub.

“I’m good, baby. How was your day?”

“It was good. I did another practice test and got full marks. Mrs Kredenski was so happy.”

“That’s great. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks. Yes, Henry, it’s Mama.”

The phone went dead for a few seconds before you came back on to speak.

“Sorry, Henry’s just being rowdy.”

“Mama!”

JJ chuckled at the sound of her 3 year old son’s voice and continued laughing when she could hear Henry talking to you about a picture he drew.

“I know, Henry. It’s awesome. When Mama gets home, you can show her. How about that?”

“Mama, it’s an airplane. It goes whoosh like yours.”

“That’s great, honey. I can’t wait to see it.”

“When you coming home, Mama?”

“Mama has do some work first but I’ll be home in a few days. I promise.”

“Hey, Henry. If Mama’s gonna be gone for a few more days, maybe you can draw some more pictures so you have more to show her.”

JJ’s heart warmed as she heard you speak to her son. The moment she had met you, she knew instantly that you’d be a part of her life forever. The fact that you were practically Henry’s best friend didn’t hurt either.

JJ listened for a bit longer as you tried to compromise with Henry so he would go to sleep rather than continue colouring.

Her head glanced up at her door when she heard a faint knock and signaled for Emily to give her a minute.

“Y/N, Henry, I have to go now. Goodnight, I love you both. Y/N, can you hand the phone over to your father please?”

***

JJ’s head turned when she felt the presence beside her.

“You okay?”

She smiled at the dark-haired woman and spoke, “yeah, I just think I need to see my family now.”

The team had managed to solve the case and were now on the jet back home. JJ was correct in that the suicides were actually homicides that were orchestrated by a sadistic father who was abusing his own son. JJ was asked to go and see the victims’ families and explain the outcome but had politely declined.

The case had hit her out of nowhere and all she wanted to do was hold her family close.

Especially you.

This case was revolving around teens exactly like you who were committing suicide. Granted it was part of a game but they all held similarities to you and JJ was scared to think of what she would do if she had lost you in that way.

She’d already lost her sister.

***

When JJ had gotten home, it was quite late but she woke up Henry to greet him who then proudly showed her the pictures that he drew. After staying with him for a while, she went to Will who met her with open arms. Few words transpired between them but he knew exactly how to bring her peace.

Once she had stayed with him for a bit, she got changed into her nightie, kissed his cheek, said goodnight and left the room.

She walked down the hallway and knocked on the plain white door and entered when she heard a faint ‘come in’.

Quietly opening and closing the door behind her, so as to not wake Henry or Will, she made her way over to the girl lying in bed.

JJ switched the lamp on and after it flickered, it immediately brightened the room whilst still remaining slightly dark.

Now that there was some light in the room, JJ glanced at you in bed and barely contained her shock.

When had her babygirl grew up?

You were only 14 when she took you in and now you were filling out college applications and getting ready to take your SATs.

You smiled as you looked up at JJ, “You okay, Mum?”

JJ swallowed hard.

It had taken a year, plus some much needed therapy to deal with your personal demons, before you had called JJ ‘Mum’ for the first time. You did it all the time now, but it still took her breath away.

“I’m good, baby. I just wanted to see you.” When she sat down on your bed, you draped the duvet over her so it covered the both of you. She sat against the head board with you leaning against her shoulder.

“How was the case? Did you catch him?” You murmured, playing with her hair as you twirled it around your fingers.

JJ nodded in response, “Yeah, he’s been arrested and charged.”

“Good.”

After a few moments of peaceful silence, JJ spoke once more.

“I’m so proud of you.”

Your brows furrowed as you tilted your head to meet your mother’s eyes.

“What? Why?”

“Just.”

“But, I-I’ve done nothing for you to be proud of.”

“I’m proud of you being you.” JJ said, her voice breaking slightly.

“Mum, you’re scaring me a bit. Are you sure you’re okay?” You asked warily.

The only indication she heard you was the slight tensing of her body.

“Mum?” You repeated.

Then JJ wrapped her arm around you, kissed your forehead as she cuddled you against her.

“I don’t mean to scare you. I promise I’m okay. We just had a bad case. That’s all.”

“Then tell me about it.” You asked, disbelief underlying in your tone.

“A group of teenagers were being dared to kill themselves as part of this game and the man who was behind it all was a father who was hurting his son.”

“Poor kid. Is he all right?”

“He will be.”

“Y/N, have you ever tried to hurt yourself?” JJ asked hesitantly, not sure if she wanted to know the answer or not.

You stilled and glanced ahead into the darkness.

“Why would you ask that?”

“These kids were quite similar to you. They did amazing in school, very sociable, outgoing but they still hurt themselves.”

On the one hand, you wanted to be hurt that JJ had asked you the question, partially because you knew she wouldn’t want to hear your answer. But, on the other hand, you knew that JJ had had her own experience with suicide, having lost her sister in that way, though she didn’t know you knew.

“I don’t know what you want me to say. I could lie but-” you shrugged, not knowing how to finish your sentence.

JJ pulled you from her arms so she could stare at you. In her eyes, you saw hurt and wary, but the fear was what had tears springing to your eyes.

“I promise I’ve never gotten to the point where I’ve tried to kill myself. But I’d be lying if I said that I had never thought about it. It was practically all I thought about before I met you.” You explained, shuddering at your past memories.

You watched as the look in JJ’s eyes changed to...understanding?

“I’m still so sorry that you had to go through that. No child should ever have to. Especially not one as amazing as you, y/n.”

Your words stuck in your throat as a single tear spilled from your eye but was instantly wiped away by the blonde woman sitting in front of you.

When JJ had first taken you in, it took a while for you to open up.

When she had first found you, you were balled up in a corner, dirt caking your skin, rocking yourself as you stared wildly at your biological mother who lay dead just ten feet in front of you, a needle sticking out of her arm.

As soon as Morgan had kicked the door down and JJ had entered, you immediately noticed her, regained your composure and spoke as if you weren’t just having a breakdown a few moments before. You explained in full detail what had happened, including where and when the unsub had taken you and your mother and where he had gone.

She also watched as you looked down at your mother in contempt and it wasn’t until a few therapy sessions later that JJ learned exactly who your mother had been.

For lack of better words, she was a crack addict who clearly shouldn’t have been a mother at all.

Selling her daughter to get drugs into her system was not something a child should ever have to experience.

And with your mother gone and your father having died when you were young, you had no one, and, most likely, would have been forced into the foster care system.

But that was something JJ was dead set against.

You intrigued her from the first moment she laid eyes on you and you continued to surprise her even now.

“You promise that you’ll tell me if you ever feel like hurting yourself again?” She asked warily, her voice breaking a bit more as she tried to remain strong.

“I promise, Mum. Every now and again, it all hits me and the feeling comes rushing back but then I remember that I’m surrounded by you, Dad and Henry and I realise how much my life has improved. All because you saw something in me that day.”

Your words had tears springing to both yours and your mother’s eyes.

“Mum, what’s really bugging you about this case? It can’t just be about me.”

JJ sighed and brought you in close against her, deciding she’d find it easier to tell you the story if she wasn’t facing you.

“My sister gave me this necklace.” JJ stared and you stilled as she continued to speak. “She told me that no matter what happened, she loved me. This was her favorite necklace, so I told her I couldn't take it. But she insisted. I, of course, was secretly very happy, 'cause I always wanted one just like hers. That's the last time I spoke to her.” JJ added after a brief moment of pause.

“I’m so sorry, Mum.” You whispered as tears spilled from your eyes.

“I think about her every day. And I think I’m just fearful of what could happen if I lose you too.”

A minute of silence passed before JJ spoke again.

“Why aren’t you pushing me to tell you what happened?” JJ asked curiously.

“I know you will tell me when you’re ready. And if that time never comes, that’s fine too. So long as you have someone to speak to.” You explained, sighing as you childishly played with her hand, interlocking your fingers.

“How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing child?” JJ asked.

When you could practically hear the sob rising in her throat, you pulled away and fiercely met your mother’s eyes.

“I mean it, Mum. Don’t keep it buried inside. Tell someone. Dad. Emily. Reid. Hell, even me. Anyone. But never keep it bottled up. Promise me.” You more so demanded than asked.

“I promise, y/n.”

Satisfied that she was telling the truth, you smiled at your mother and pulled her down so her head was in your lap causing JJ to laugh.

“Y/N, what are you doing? I’m the parent here.”

“Just because you’re my Mum, doesn’t mean I can’t look after you the way you look after me. Now hush.”

JJ stifled a giggle and then a smile warmed her face as you began to gently stroke her hair before bringing your arm around her so you locked fingers.

“I’m proud of you, Mum. You deal with so much and try as hard as you can to never let it affect you. And what was it you said?”

You continued speaking without waiting for an answer, “you were fearful of what may happen? Well, fear can be a healthy thing because it helps you determine which risks are worth taking.”

“Definitely wise beyond your years.” JJ snorted before bringing your joined hands to her lips.

“Oh no, that’d be Spencer.” You countered, making your mother laugh even more.

JJ lifted her head and then moved to once again sit against the head board and yawned.

“Shouldn’t you be getting back to Dad so you can sleep?”

“Well, actually, if you’ll have me, I was wondering if I could stay here for the night?” JJ asked and immediately, even though the room was relatively dark, she could see your face brighten.

“You really want to?” You asked and JJ couldn’t help but grin.

It was such a child-like way to say it but JJ was glad you were able to feel like a child again, having grown up way too fast and way too soon.

“Of course. I think I need some time with my favourite girl.”

You smiled as JJ pulled you in for a hug. “So is that a yes?”

“Most definitely.”

[c-atm]

Flirty Fighting: Flawless Victory

Score: Biscuit 2 Berry 2

Steven couldn't think as Connie impishly closed the door to her room, telling him to wait for her downstairs. Steven nodded in dumbfounded agreement before turning towards the stairs, a simple thing.

Problem was he couldn't get a footing on the floor. He had to push wall to wall to move forward and even then..he literally couldn't get down stairs..So he floated in contemplation at the fact that Connie Maheswaran....Made him float instinctively.

"That little minx...That was sooo."

Steven growled and quiver, a rose quartz blush on his face as he licked his lips as the memory of what just happened pass through.

"Unfairly exciting."

*6 minutes ago.*

Steven had just pulled up in the Dondai into the Maheswarens driveway. Doug and Priyanka was gone for the month celebrating their wedding anniversary(’20 years strong’), so Connie had the place to herself...meaning more time to hang out alone....Meaning more time to tease her...He must admit he was on a kick since the blackout,

Seeing the indomitable Connie Maheswaren squirm so. The look in her eyes..those dazzling eyes..that bit lip, that seductive innocence. It  was a rush for the usual nice guy to be dominant..especially to her, his strong willed and stubborn berry. His impish tease of a best friend. His super smart and usually cool Connie.

As he stood up he heard music playing from her room on the top floor, Connie’s room and recognized the song instantly as an english cover of ‘Love Dramatic.’ 

Oh love me Mister, Oh Mister

Let me hear how you feel, show that you're for real

Hey Mister, c'mon Mister

Stop the tease, make believe there's no need to be mean

The second thing he noticed with a smile was Connie was singing along..

‘She’s such a weeb..a sweet one though’

He chuckled as a plan formed with the thought..This was a perfect opportunity to start the visit with a tease...it was only right.

So with a slightly sinister smile The young man whipped out his smart phone and leapt to her window silently, ready to catch her...He set his phone to record. 

and his face reddened..his mouth dried... his jaw dropped and lip quivered.

  You won't know and won't tell how you drive me wild

(Your) Piercing gaze, charming smile is enough to tell

In this game played by two, I for sure will not lose

Love is war! Love is war! Love is war! 

  Connie Maheswaren, dressed in a forest string tee with a sea-foam frills across the chest that stopped just above her naval and baby blue mid thigh overalls that fit her like a glove, wasn’t just singing...She was giving a performance.

What a performance it was. 

  Let's dance til dawn hits and

Feel the heat of love and ecstasy 

This ain't just a "thing"

Shivers go down your spine imagening 

  He watched as she twirled with her partner, a giant pink stuffed lion which she somehow got into one of his old red shirts, her hair flowing with each spin, each step she took, her voice in perfect tone with the song. It shook him through his heart and gem.

  You'd be mine

Thinking ahead of time

That our future's looking bright, interwined in mind

  How she dipped and tossed the toy around as she serenaded it. Each sway of her waist; rhythmic. Each twitch of her hips; mesmerizing. Her freed wild passion mixed with her natural body control,all in motion.

  Eight whole words I want to hear from you

"I love you with all of my heart" ("I love you with all of my heart")

and I'll assure you that we won't fall apart

  "You're unbelievable, Ni'."

His eyes widen as she looked straight at him and vice versa, the chorus playing in the background. His face grew even darker as he moved from his eyes from the phone.. and looked at the real thing..

He expected her to freeze, scream even.. or at least blush…

Once again Connie proved to be more than expected. Her eyes..those dazzling black eyes, were now burning not with anger, but with another feeling..one that sent shockwaves of excitement  throughout his body, half-lidded as they were.

With teasing lick of her lips and a dangerous smirk, she stepped slowly one foot slightly  crossing the other, accentuating her tone, strong, curves with each step, like a lioness in her den. 

  Mislead by interest, your charming act won't be enough pretend.

(It's) Both players intend: Getting their way 'til one of them will break

  All while singing along, never missing a beat.  

She got close enough to gently place the phone on her desk near her bed, pointing the camera towards the center of the room; catching the whole area. 

  There's no need, writing a "happy end"

'cus our love is so much more, and I wouldn't want it to end

  She led him to the room center, her melodic voice and gentle movements putting him in a trance like state. Stroking his temple and chin as she lead him to the center of the room, in the camera sight. 

  I'll take all - even your deepest lies

Embrace me and hold me tight (Embrace me and hold me tight)

  She hooked her left leg behind his thigh and his right hand at the curve of her back before leaned back pulling him down with her, their faces only a centimeter apart. 

  While I make sure your facade's breaking tonight

Oh love me Mister, Oh Mister

  As the chorus began again she moved closer, to sing it straight in his ear. That plus the smell of lily and chai...Her scent...made his knees buckle for a second.

"YYYesss"

  When I see you give in, I know that I could win

Hey Mister, c'mon Mister

There's much more 'hind this smile, yet I can't make out why

  He didn't mean to say yes outloud, to answer the question so eagerly and readily, but he did. Luckily, it seemed that the music drowned out his submission.

You won't know and won't tell that I know you too well

Handsome face, blue-ish eyes, is your bulletproof disguise

  She bit her lip and he was second from tasting her as well, before  she released herself from his grasp and untangled him from her making a show of  her long and well built her legs are. He actually whimpered just a bit as she turned away from him though was gulped when he  found himself being led to the wall.

  Draw me in, bet away let's see who's gonna win

Love is war! Love is war! Love is war! 

  "It's heartshaped. "

He blushed red as realize what he just said and what he was referring to.  He moved his eyes upwards and saw her grinning mischievously before placing him between said wall and her back.

  He trembled, trying to catch his breath and stop the heart attack he felt he was going on a she placed his hands between her waist and upper thigh, making him tap to the beat of the song. Her right foot on the wall keeping them in place.

  When will you ever let me see

that you're feeling the same as me

Hear me out, I can't take it anymore

I'm begging you

  She on the other hand swayed her hips, waved her body, slightly rubbing against him  with her movements..but enough to realize she melted..and harden him. As she sang the bridge with a breathy almost purr like tone in his ear, emitting a snarl from her beastly Biscuit. as she played with his locks a bit, she gave him a slight nerve tingling blow upon his neck  making him growl and pressing her against himself.

"Woo.. can I just live here.You,me and this wall behind us?"

His delirious request made her giggle heartedly and it was the perfect signal  to end the performance on. 

  Please love me~

Oh love me Mister, Oh Mister

Let me hear how you feel, show that you're for real

Hey Mister, c'mon Mister

Tell me please, make believe, show me we're meant to be

  She turned towards him and stared guiding him to the floor, sitting him down before straddling his lap. arms around shoulders, lips just an inch a part.

  I'll give in just for you - I won't hold back this time

(Your) Gentle lips, teasing eyes make me weak for a while

In this game played by two, I doubt that you would lose

Love is war! Love is war! Love is war! 

As she sang the song seductively and adorably, Steven found him hands resting on to her thighs and nothing else.  He was entranced by her to do nothing but follow her lead..

  Love is war! Love is war! Love is war! 

  When she kissed his forehead, he smiled.

  Love is war! Love is war! Love is war! 

  His nose..He smiled..

  Oh Mister~ Oh Mister~

  When she moved to his  lips giving him a hungry look, he parted his and closed his eyes in anticipation… only to feel her fingertips.

"Songs over."

Steven mind shutdown as she removed her fingers from his lips..and kissed them.  She slowly and teasingly stood up before helping her bae-friend to his feet and holding his hands downward as she gave him his phone(after tinkering  with a bit) and lead him out of her room as gently as possible. Steven, finally getting his motor function back, turned around only to meet her finger tips.

"I'll be with you soon, try to handle that...You've been floating since verse two."

Steven looked down and realized  that he indeed wasn't on solid ground.. He was about to say something, when she did something unexpected. .. she gave him a quick peck on his lips and a teasing lick, getting a reaction out of him..floating  a bit higher.. 

"We can discuss living arrangements  some other time, 'Mister'. Now go wait downstairs. let me freshen up." 

With that she closed the door on him."

*Present*

" Sheesh, She definitely beat me, flawlessly. I couldn't even mount a defense. "

He floated as a smile cane his face. He lost but damn it feel good to lose. That when he heard his phone vibrate. He opened his phone  and almost hit the ceiling...literally.

Two  photos:  One with her blowing  on his neck..which looked more like she was necking with the tagline: love you too mister😄

The second one was a picture she took of herself still in her outfit her back to the mirror slightly bent over looking over her shoulder with the tagline: Officially Heart Shaped(for your eyes only Biscut)😉😘😎

Steven snarled as he saved the pictures before a smirking. He floated in thought as he tried to think of a plan to get her back...but all he could think about is what happened..and if he was honest. his he loved it.  Soon those thoughts went from making Connie melt and squirm to making Connie his, Indefinitely. 

Score Biscuit: 2 Berry:3

Bonus: 

As she closed the door on her Jam bud, she slowly slumped to the floor..a brilliant smile on her red face.. She was in love and she loved it.

She love it. All of it.

She love dancing with him, always did even when they were more innocent and he was less bold and she loved her body less...but that..

That...having him all to herself like that. Having him touch her like that, look at her like that it was too much if he took control for a second...She would have slumped, given in fully.  She will never forget this...the mixture of wanting and loving in his eyes...The beach sand smell of his sweat...the feel of his hands, his body on hers…

“Oh my stars, I did THAT to him.”

She couldn’t help but feel proud..and a little worry that maybe she took it to far. 

Until she heard him call her a minx...Which meant that despite everything..He was still all in. She stood up and  pulled down her overall straps when she saw herself in the mirror, her stance and the seats of the overalls

“Heart shaped.”

That what Steven called it..Her butt. Her face flared at the thought but so did her mischievous side as she got her phone and took the picture. 

“Extra points.”

[mydarlingvioletine]

‘Just a Puppy Crush’ - Chapter Six

Ship(s): Violet/Clementine Media: The Walking Dead (Season 4)

          Clementine’s name snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up at Brody, who was smiling down at the journal in her hands. Violet had moved back to her original position, sitting stiffly with her eyes on the trophy case. 

So, she blacked out for the entirety of Violet’s origin story. She was having a bone thrown at her to learn more about the mysteriously cool blonde to the left of her, but she dropped the ball.

         Real good detective work, Clementine.

She knew bits and pieces. That her dad was a drunk and that she barely spent time with her mom because she worked a bunch of jobs. To pay for her husband’s very expensive habit. That Violet had a “someone” in her past, named Minerva. Louis brought her up once, but dropped it because Violet was visibly upset. That was the last she’d heard about her.

       “‘A girl and her brother arrived here the other day. Her father got a teaching opportunity here, so they moved across the country. Mr. Everett’s cool. He’s a good teacher. His wife is really nice, too. I went in for pre-session and met her. She brought in coffee and an omelette for Mr. Everett, and told me that she had a daughter around my age. Clementine. She warned me she was a little grizzly, but had a big heart and could use a friend right now.’“

“Carley..” Clem scoffed to herself, pinching the top of her nose with a mix of frustration and adoration. “Did she pay you to talk to me too?”

        Brody giggled, shaking her head and flipping the page. 

“‘I met Clementine today. She’s a sweetheart. A little bit standoff-ish, but really kind. We passed notes during math class, and she doodled flowers on the bottom of my classwork.’“ Brody held out the journal, finger on a scrap of paper with a couple detailed flowers, taped to the page. “‘She’s talented, really really talented. She’s even better at realistic stuff.’“

      Clementine’s smile dropped in an instant, noticeable to Violet and Louis. Brody, oblivious, kept reading, skipping a couple pages ahead.

“‘I didn’t mean to do it. I don’t have heavy footsteps, I just walk quietly on instinct.’” Brody’s eyes flickered towards Clementine, who nodded, biting down on her thumb. “’I saw her drawing in a sketchbook, and leaned over her shoulder to look at it. It was so, so realistic. It didn’t even take a full glance for me to realize who it was of. I told her it was really good, but she was embarrassed, and got mad at me for sneaking up on her. She made me promise not to te-’”

         “-Um, have you guys seen Captain Marvel? Carley works at the police station and she was able to snag an illegal version of it.” Clementine interrupted loudly, quickly rising to her feet. Brody took the hint, and clasped the notebook shut, upset with herself that she’d almost broken her promise.

“No, yeah, let’s watch it.” Brody stammered, shoving her diary back into her bag so it couldn’t hurt anyone else. Louis and Violet exchanged a worried look, as Clementine rounded the corner and darted up the stairs.

        She couldn’t find the movie. Carley had lost it or dropped it somewhere, and she had to go back to them empty-handed. Stalling, she took solace in James’ presence, standing beside him to help with the dishes.

They had a routine that dated back to when Clementine first got here. Clementine washed, James dried. AJ usually spot-checked, but he’d gone to sleep hours ago. They both worked in silence, both wracked with nerves and concern. 

       “James?” Clem broke the silence, soaping up the inside of a glass. 

“You okay?” James asked, setting the bowl down to look at his younger sister, her face struck with something sad that anybody other than her family would have missed. 

      Clementine cleared her throat, scrubbing the frosting off of the cake-covered plate. “I’m good. I just.. good.”

James nodded, not wanting to push her past her point of comfort. He took the plate from her hands, rinsing it off as her focus set on the window, vines from the garden flowing down the side of her house like her own curly hair.

     “You have no idea how good it is to see you,” Clementine breathed out, swiftly wrapping her arms around her brother, burying her face into his college sweatshirt.

James returned the hug, resting his chin on his little sister’s head. “Back atcha, kid. I really missed you.” Clementine stepped away from her brother, her eyebrows shooting up as she heard Louis singing off-key from downstairs. “I’ll be here all break, you know. C’mon, don’t miss out on your own birthday.”

        Clementine pursed her lips, and let out a hearty sigh. “Hey, James?”

“What’s up, Clem?”

“You don’t have to answer. It’s kinda dumb, but... I’m just curious. Were you sure Charlie liked you when you asked him out?” Clementine whispered, resting her elbows on the kitchen counter.

         A soft smile crept over James’ lips, and he softly shook his head. He turned towards her, and held out his pinky. “Promise you won’t tell Mom.”

Clementine nodded, wrapping her pinky finger around his. They shook on it, and James pressed his back against the kitchen counter, hands gripping the railing as he started recollecting.

     “I didn’t know, Clem. All I knew was that I was tired of carrying it on my back and just wanted it out there. And with the help of my good friend, Mr. Alcohol, I was able to say ‘fuck it’ and just go for it.” James smirked, sternness crossing his face after a couple seconds. “Don’t take this as advice. I also took a whole bite out of a pumpkin that night.”

Clem giggled, her stress lifting into nothingness as she laughed. “You’re telling me, James Abbott, honor student, class president, star of the lacrosse team and salutatorian, drunkenly asked a guy out and took a bite of a pumpkin, all in one night. Illegally, might I add.”

     James playfully shushed her, slinging his arm around the little sister he cared so much for. “Why are you asking, exactly?”

Clementine’s shoulders stiffened, and her cheeks turned pink in an instant. “No reason in particular.”

             “It’s Violet, isn’t it?”

Clementine grabbed a spoon out of the sink, and pointed it threateningly towards him. “Shut your fucking mouth.”

       James looked down at the adorable, rosy-cheeked kid who he’d made an internal oath to do anything for, the day he met her. The day of Lee and Carley’s wedding, she dropped her hat into the lake, and he jumped in without thinking, completely ruining his suit. 

He didn’t care though; Clementine’s relief and smile as she put the sopping wet hat back on her head was reward enough.

       “Honestly, Clem, it’s almost impossible to know for sure. Even if you were 100% sure your feelings were reciprocated, it’s human to be nervous and unsure. But..” He paused, pursing his lips together in thought. “You won’t know if you don’t act on your feelings. I think you’ll be okay, Clementine.”

Clem huffed as James pulled her into a side-hug, crossing her arms tightly across herself. “Thanks, weirdo.”

         “No problem, weirdo.” James paused for a second, then grabbed at his backpack, strewing the contents across the kitchen table. He gave a short “aha!” before cupping his treasured picture of him and Charlie in his hand, leaning it towards Clementine so she could see. “The risk is worth it.”

With a solemn nod, Clem started back down the stairs, opening the door to the lounge room. Louis was on top of the coffee table, holding a hairbrush as if it were a microphone, screaming the lyrics to American Boy by Estelle. Clem internally thanked whatever was out there that the soundproofing was good in this room.

        He wasn’t alone though. Brody was laying across the couch, holding her phone high as the music played. Her eyes landed on Violet, who took Louis’ hand and allowed herself to be twirled around the table. She was singing too, though it was almost impossible to hear over Louis.

Louis’ eyes landed on Clementine, and he stopped in his tracks. Violet didn’t get the memo though, swaying happily, a water bottle in her hand being her choice of a make-shift microphone.

“Like the way he’s speakin’, his confidence is peakin’ Don’t like his baggy jeans but I might like what’s undernea- SHIT”

Violet clasped her hands over her mouth, wide eyes on Clementine, who she’d just noticed was standing in the doorway. Brody quickly struggled to pause the music, and Louis stepped down from the coffee table. 

    “Uh, so you mentioned karaoke earlier but you left, and Brody has a karaoke app on her phone so we just... uh,” Violet stammered, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.

Clementine rolled her eyes, grabbing the hairbrush from Louis’ hands. “You were really singing an Estelle song without me? In my house? On my birthday?”

      “Uh... happy birthday?” Louis squeaked, ducking just in time to dodge a pillow Clem flung at him. She cleared her throat, and climbed onto the coffee table with Violet’s help.

“Brody, if you will,” Clem stretched her arms over her head. Brody happily hit the play button again, and Clementine jumped in right in time for the chorus.

          “Take me on a trip, I’d like to go someday”

Clementine reached down for Violet’s hand, and twirled her as she sang. Taken aback, Violet’s movements were stiff and cautious. It didn’t take long before she melted into the rhythm, singing along, her voice hardly over a whisper.

          “Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA”

Clementine hopped down from the table, the floor shaking beneath her impact. Her grip on Violet’s wrist, she slung her free arm across Violet’s shoulder, dropping the hairbrush to the floor.

           “I really want to come kick it with you”

Violet took in a deep breath, cautiously placing her hand on Clementine’s shoulder. An encouraging smile from Clem was all she needed to calm her nerves, her volume almost matching Clementine’s. 

           “You’ll be my American boy”

They fit well together. Violet’s slight rasp and gravelly voice complimented Clem’s smooth, silvery tone in an intimate way. Violet’s breath tickled her nose, reminding Clementine of how close they were. Inches away from Violet’s face, she pondered how easy it would be to just press their lips together. She knew she couldn’t, though.

               “La, la la, la la eya~”

Fuck it. Clem’s hands found their way to the small of Violet’s back, and she took a prominent step forward, dipping the flustered blonde as far as she could, given her prosthetic.

        Brody and Louis were clapping and hollering at the performance. Clementine pulled Violet back to her feet, and dropped her hands back to her sides. With a lopsided smile, she turned towards her friends and bowed. Oblivious to the breathless Violet behind her, Clem grabbed her water bottle off the table and took a huge gulp.

Once the song petered out, Violet set foot back in reality. Eyes wide and lips parted, she let go of the breath she’d been holding in when Clementine placed her hands on her back. Holy shit.

     The confidence that struck Clementine disappeared as quickly as it entered her life, leaving her stunned. The spark that hit her when she took Violet’s hand was still sizzling through her nerves, her stomach warm and full of butterflies.

She turned on her heel to say something, anything to Violet, but she had disappeared.

[puckinginsane]

Beautiful Stranger

Request : can you do a one shot about tyler seeing you for the first time and y’all are at a bar or club and it’s in his POV but y’all just talk and get to know each other then he talks to his friends about you so something

Warnings : Cursing here and there

(Sorry this took forever. I really hope you like it)

Tyler’s POV

Another night in the club. Another night that I ask myself what it is I am even doing here. Another night that I spend time with people that I don’t even know if I enjoy being around them. I’m on autopilot. I come out because that’s just what I do. It’s the same thing every night. Part of me feels that maybe I’m too old for this, the other part says what else would you be doing? I do it because it’s familiar, because the other half of my brain is right, I have nothing else to do. It’s either be at home with my thoughts or be out with the potential of a distraction. I’ll choose the distraction every time.

It’s not that I don’t have fun when I’m out. I do. Maybe. I don’t know anymore. That’s just what I keep telling myself. Once I have enough alcohol in me all of these thoughts don’t matter anyway. I drink ‘til I’m numb. I’m not even sure why. I just know I need it. Lately I’ve needed a distraction from my distraction. I scroll around Instagram looking for what? It used to be girls but now I find myself liking more pictures of puppies than models. The same shit is getting old but I don’t know how to break from it. I don’t really know what I want anymore.

I glance to my left to see my friend Chad doing the exact same thing I am. He’s buried in his phone too. I get the feeling he’s also just going through the motions. I guess at least we are going through the motions together. He’s the only one in this city, outside of my teammates, that I can truly rely on. The rest are just there to be numbers.

“You know, it’s a lot less noisy and would probably cost you less if you just stayed home to scroll around on your phone.”

I look up from the screen of my phone for the first time in I don’t even know how long, probably since I ordered this almost empty drink in my hand. It’s a girl’s voice I don’t recognize. A face I don’t recognize. A face I’d love to get more familiar with. “Yeah, probably.”

“What are you drinking? I’ll buy your next drink.”

“That’s not necessary, but thank you.”

“Come on, let me make your night at least slightly less boring than it obviously is right now.”

I put my phone in my pocket. I’m intrigued. “How about I buy your next drink instead?”

“Now you’re just copying me.”

I smile. “Maybe.”

“At least you admit it. Malibu and Coke. Thank you.”

I order her drink for her and another one for myself. I look to where Chad was standing to see if he’s seeing what’s going on right now but he’s not there. I didn’t notice him walk away. I haven’t noticed much of anything since she approached me. Nothing but her and the way her eyes smile when she does or the way she maintains eye contact with me like I’m the only person in the room. There’s so much going on around us and yet none of that seems to matter, not to her and certainly not to me. Usually my mind is all over the place. This is new.

She twirls her straw around in her glass before taking a sip. I’m not sure if that’s out of nerves or just a habit. Why is it that I can’t take my eyes off of her? Sure, she’s beautiful, but that’s nothing new to me. I’m always surrounded by beautiful women. I think she��s different, though. There’s something about her drawing me in and it’s not her extremely low cut top that is leaving little to the imagination, although that doesn’t hurt one bit.

“What did you have in mind to turn my night around?” I might as well figure out what it is she’s looking for.

“A new drink and pleasant conversation? When’s the last time a girl offered to buy you a drink?”

“Can’t really remember.” That might be a lie. It might happen far too often than I care to admit. I just don’t want to scare her away. It’s just a little white lie. No harm in that.

“See? Your night’s looking up already.”

“I didn’t let you, though.”

“So I got it half right. We still have the pleasant conversation.”

Normally conversation is not what I’m looking for, but for her I’ll make an exception. I’ll do anything to keep her talking to me. I smile. I can’t help myself. She seems innocent but I don’t think she is. I’m hooked, addicted to finding out more. “Yeah.” The one good thing about talking in clubs is that it’s so loud that you have to lean in close to talk to someone and hear what they have to say. I can’t help breathing in whatever scent is on her. It’s intoxicating. Subtle.  Wonderful. “Are you from Dallas?”

She chuckles. “Is that your go to opening pick up line?”

“What? No. I’m not trying to pick you up.”

She holds her hand over her heart. “Ouch.” Her smile lets me know she’s just joking and she knows I didn’t mean anything hurtful by it. I am such an idiot. Why did I say that?

“That’s not what I meant.”

“So you are trying to pick me up.” She smiles even bigger. I think she’s enjoying watching me squirm. I knew she wasn’t as innocent as she wants to seem.

“No. I mean I want to talk to you, but not because I’m trying to get into your pants or anything.” I pause for a second. What the fuck am I even saying right now? She has me all flustered for some reason. “What I mean is I…am…actually…I want to talk to you.” I suck. I should just hand in my man card now. That was pathetic. I run my fingers through my hair and then rub my hand over my beard. “Can we start over?”

“Can I buy your next drink?”

I laugh. She doesn’t miss a beat. “Sure.” I tell her my drink and she orders it. When the bartender hands me the drink I notice she gives him a 50 dollar bill and tells him to keep the change. I hope she’s not doing that to try to impress me. “Look at you, big spender.” I can’t help chirping her a little bit.

“You always have to take care of your bartender. My brother’s a bartender so I know how important it is for them to get tips and believe it or not some people don’t.”

My heart stops. Was that her brother? Am I hitting on this chick while her brother stands a few feet from me? I’m not really hitting on her, though. I don’t know what’s going on. “That’s not your brother, is it?”

“Him? No. I don’t go to the bar my brother works at most of the time. I certainly wouldn’t offer to buy a guy a drink in front of him. He’d probably make fun of me…or kick the guy’s ass. Probably both”

“Oh.” I feel all of the color drain from my face. I don’t know if I want to deal with an overprotective brother, not that it usually matters, not that I’m not one myself.

Before I can say anything else I hear a commotion coming from the other side of the room. I sigh because it’s a familiar commotion. I look over to where it’s coming from, she does too. Four guys are standing on one of the VIP couches pulling bottles and bottles of champagne out of ice buckets. I cover my face with my hand, hoping they’d stop, hoping she doesn’t realize I know those people.

I look at her through my fingers and she’s still watching them. I don’t even want to know what’s going through her mind. “SEGS! SEEEEGGGGSSSS.” “GET OVER HERE, SEGS!” “CHAMPAAAAAAGNE.” They start to point at me and I hang my head. This is fucking embarrassing. They try to wave me over but I turn back towards her, ignoring them, hoping she does the same.

She finally looks back towards me. “Friends of yours?”

If there was any possible way of denying knowing them I would. If I thought there was a chance she’d believe me I’d say no. “Yeah?”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“I’m not that sure.”

“It looks like they want you over there.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Not at all.”

Even though I am not looking at them they still won’t stop calling my name. I need to get out of here before they come over here. That’s the last thing I need. I’m surprised she hasn’t bolted already. “Do you want to go outside where it’s quieter?”

“That would be nice.”

I take her hand in mine, not even thinking about what I’m doing. Luckily she doesn’t pull back, or slap me. “Let’s go.” She follows behind me as I push through the crowded club until we make it outside. I make sure to let her go immediately. “Sorry about that. I just didn’t want to lose you.”

“I would have found my way, but that’s sweet.”

“I still shouldn’t have touched you without permission. I know better than that.”

“I would have let you know if it was a problem.”

There is a significant difference from being in the club and being outside. I can hear myself think out here. Less noise, less distractions, less idiots ruining my chance with this girl. The lighting in there fucks you up. I can actually see clearly now. She’s even more beautiful than I thought. Her clothes hug her body like they were made specifically for her. Her hair has some curl to it, but not much. I still can’t quite make out the color of her eyes out in the dark but I can tell they’re not something I’ve ever seen before. She smiles when my eyes meet hers. I think she just caught me checking her out. Great, now my face is on fire. Maybe she won’t be able to tell I’m blushing.

“Ok, so, I know you have a bartender brother. What else do I need to know?” I’d be happy to stand here and just stare at her all night, but I brought her out here to talk. Did I really just say that?

“What do you want to know?”

I shrug. “I dunno. Everything.”

“Everything? Everything’s a lot.”

I lean back against the side of the building. “Do you buy guys drinks often?”

“You’re my first.”

“Oh, so I’m special. That’s good to know.” I try to fight a smile but I’m not sure it’s working. “Are you here alone?”

“Not really.”

“Aren’t they going to worry about you?”

“I doubt they even realize I’m gone.”

“Some friends.”

“I don’t know if I should consider them friends.”

“I know the feeling.”

“You talking about those guys in there? You’re not sure what to call them?”

“Yeah. And others.” I rub my hand over my beard. “I really don’t want to talk about them.”

“We don’t have to.”

“I want to talk about you.”

“Ask about me then.”

“What do you do?”

“You don’t want to know if I’m from Dallas?”

I smile and shake my head. She’s making fun of me and I don’t care, in fact I kinda love it. “Are you?”

“I’m a vet tech, a vet tech from Dallas.”

“Animals! I have three labs.”

“Can I see them?”

“Whoa. Don’t you think that’s a little personal?”

“You brought them up.”

“I’ll think about it. Next question. Do you have any other siblings besides your bartender brother?”

“No. Just him. He’s nine years older than me.”

“And can kick my ass if he finds out I’m…talking to you?”

“You look like you can handle yourself.”

“Maybe.” I take a moment just to look at her. She’s stunning. The way she carries herself tells me that she knows it but she doesn’t use it the way most girls do. I love confidence and she has it. She’s got it all. “Tell me, why are you hanging out with people you don’t even like? No boyfriend?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend.”

She laughs. “I don’t either.” How is that possible?

“And the friends?”

“They’re who I go out to the clubs with. We don’t really hang out other than going out and getting drunk. We barely talk otherwise. Lately I’ve been feeling like maybe that’s not all I want to do with my life. I find myself wanting to distance myself from them. I don’t really enjoy myself anymore.”

I want to tell her I feel the same way. I want to tell her that she’s not alone. I want to tell her I’m so happy that she decided to come out tonight, that she decided to approach me. I can’t. I can’t bring myself to do it, though. That would mean putting myself out there and I don’t want to be vulnerable. I don’t want to admit it, not out loud. “Are you going to change? Are you going to stop hanging out with them?”

“Eventually.” She sighs. “It’s not easy to break from a routine. Sometimes I do feel like I need this. I’m probably lying to myself. I probably won’t change.”

“What are you trying to escape from?”

She shakes her head and shrugs, trying to come up with the answer. “Life? I guess. I know that’s a broad answer but it’s not just one thing. It’s a bunch of little things.”

“Are you unhappy?”

She looks into my eyes and I can see pain there. It kinda breaks my heart. It takes everything in me not to hug her. She seems like she needs one but she doesn’t know me. I don’t know how well that would go. “Yes and no. It’s probably pathetic but work is the one thing in my life that I am sure of and that makes me happy. I love my job and I’m good at it. Everything else is a mess.”

“I, uh, I’m sorry.” I know exactly how she feels. If I wasn’t such a coward I would tell her and make her feel less alone.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be bringing your night down with this. No one goes out to a bar looking to get someone’s emotional baggage dropped on them.”

“I asked.”

“Are you unhappy?”

“We’re talking about you.” She hangs her head. Shit, I’m going to fuck this up. I need to open up at least a little. “Yes.” She looks up at me. “Everything you’ve said, me too.”

“Are you going to change?”

“Probably not. Not any time soon.”

“How much do we suck?”

I laugh. “A lot. We are two losers that probably have everything else going for them but are too stubborn to change.”

“Hey, loser, speak for yourself.”

I laugh. Hard. Probably embarrassingly too hard. It’s worth it, though, because she laughs too. I can’t even remember the last time I could stand around talking to a girl, having a genuine conversation, and enjoy laughing with each other. Probably never, probably because I never wanted to. I’ve had my guard up for so long. It’s hard to tell when someone wants to know me for me or for what I am. It’s a relief that she doesn’t seem to know who I am. I don’t have to hide. I want to see her smile more, laugh more, and I want to be the reason.

After we have a good laugh together we go back to just looking at each other. Looking into each other’s eyes. I have a feeling she’s learning a lot more from me just by looking into my eyes than I have allowed myself to tell her out loud. She seems to be studying me. It’s not awkward, but comforting.

I am dying to know the color of her eyes. I’m going to have to get closer. I take a few steps closer towards her and to my relief she doesn’t back away. I am probably inches from her but the lighting still isn’t good. I still can’t see. I look behind her at the streetlight and take a chance by grabbing her arms and turning us around so her face can be lit up by the street light. She doesn’t question me or anything. I guess she trusts me. I can finally see her perfectly and I smile. She has the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen. She probably thinks I’m going to kiss her. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to. But I won’t. “You have beautiful eyes.”

I can tell she smiles by the crinkles that form in the corner of her eyes. I don’t ever want to stop looking at them. “Thank you.”

I’m so lost in her eyes that I haven’t realized until now that I am still holding onto her arms. I slowly let go as much as I don’t want to. I reach into my pocket and take my phone out. “I can show you my dogs now.” If I stand here like this any longer I might do something I might regret later. I take a few steps back and scroll through my phone for a good picture of all three of my dogs.

“Oh. Ok.” She sounds and looks a little disappointed. Maybe she did want me to kiss her. Or maybe she just didn’t want the moment to end. I needed it too, though. I finally find a picture where the three of them are all looking into the camera and hand her my phone. “Awwwww. They’re so cute. Who’s who?”

“Chocolate is my oldest, Marshall. Black is the middle guy, Cash. And Gerry’s the baby.”

“They look very well behaved.”

“Don’t let them fool you.”

She smiles as she hands me back my phone. “I’ll show you my dog.” She takes her phone out and scrolls for a bit and hands it to me. “His name is Apollo.”

I take the phone from her and look at the screen. She has a German Shepherd. “He’s beautiful.”

“He’s a retired K9. The best dog ever.”

“Wow that’s so cool of you to adopt him.”

“He was actually my dad’s. He got a new partner when Apollo retired so he gave him to me for protection.”

“So your dad’s a cop.”

“Mhmm.”

“Great.”

“It’s really not a big deal, unless you’re a bad boy.”

I smile and look at the ground. “No.” I look up at her with my eyes and smirk. “Not like that anyway.”

Her cheeks turn a little pink from blushing. “Good to know.”

“Is your mom in the marines or something?”

She laughs. “No. Teacher.” I finally remember to give her phone back to her. “I feel I’ve only been talking about myself. I want to know more about you.”

“That’s what next time is for.”

She raises her eyebrows. “You think there’s going to be a next time?”

“I’m hoping there will be.”

“I’d like there to be.”

A cool breeze whizzes by us, sending a chill up my spine. I imagine it did the same for her. I don’t want to go back inside just yet, but I don’t want her to be cold. I don’t know what’s going to happen once we get back inside. I don’t think I can let her go without a way to keep in touch with her. I usually don’t give my phone number out when I just meet someone. I use Instagram or Snapchat to communicate until I feel like I can trust them. “What’s your Instagram name? I’ll follow you and we can figure out the next time.”

“I don’t have Instagram.”

“How old are you, grandma? My mom has Instagram.”

“I just don’t have it.”

“Well you’re gonna have it now. Install it. Or I can do it for you.”

She’s hesitant but she takes her phone back out and goes to install Instagram. “What the hell should my username be?”

“I don’t know what would be left. You’re the last person on Earth to sign up.”

She rolls her eyes and smiles. “For the next time. Surely that’s not taken.” I can’t help smiling. “Ok, that worked. Now what?”

“Now you have to post a picture.” I take the phone out of her hand, open the camera, and hold it out for us to take a selfie. She laughs a bit before smiling for the picture. I make sure to smile too. I post it to Instagram for her and make sure to tag myself in it so I can follow her easily. “There ya go. Make sure you follow me back.”

“I will. You’re the whole reason I signed up.”

We stand here smiling at each other for a few moments before a rowdy group of girls appear out of nowhere and surround themselves around her. “There you are, we thought you bailed. This place is shit, we are going somewhere else.”

“But I…” She starts to protest.

“The Uber’s here let’s go!” She looks back at me with sadness in her eyes as they pull her away. I wish I had the balls to pull her back. I don’t want her go just yet.

I watch as they all cram themselves into an Uber, knowing she’s going to be miserable the rest of the night, knowing I will be too. Once they’re out of sight I go back inside and see that Chad is exactly where we were before I left with her. I order a drink at the bar and join him.

“There you are. Where the hell did you go?” Chad asks.

“I went outside to talk to this girl.”

“Yeah? How’d that go?”

“Really well. I think she likes me. I definitely like her.” I feel like I’m in high school or something.

“You mean actually like her? Not just want to sleep with her?”

“Yeah. Crazy, right?”

“What happened?”

“Her friends took her away. They’re going to another bar or something. She doesn’t even want to hang out with them.”

“Did you get her number?”

“Instagram.”

“Find out where they went and go there.”

Why didn’t I think about that? Why didn’t I just jump in the Uber with them? I take my phone out and see that she followed me and I follow her back right away. I send her a message asking her where they are. I really hope she looks at her phone.

It’ll DO. Coming to save me?

“I’m heading out, Chad. See ya later.” I hug him goodbye.

He holds onto my shoulder as I start to walk away. “Don’t fuck it up.”

“I won’t.”

[dualwieldingrollingpins]

I haven’t written fic in years, but mp100 and its fandom have inspired me to pick it back up. This was inspired by a post by @mikuhats and I hope you all enjoy!!

——————————————————————————

Looking back, Shou realizes he only had himself to blame, but he couldn’t have expected the outcome of his actions. Not in a million years.

He was, after all, the one who had broken the silence and occasional clicking of buttons. It was too quiet, and although he knew Ritsu valued the peacefulness if he didn’t speak he was probably going to explode.

“Hey Ritsu, I got a proposition for ya.”

The boy in question kept his eyes on screen, the only hint that he had even heard the redhead was the small hum of acknowledgement he made.

“Five races in Mario Kart. Whoever wins gets to draw whatever they want on the loser’s face.”

Not his best plan, but the thought of drawing something hilarious (and probably inappropriate) on the Golden Boy of Salt Middle School amused him more than he cared to admit. He practically vibrated in his spot on the floor, though this wasn’t out of the ordinary considering he could barely sit still in the first place.

However, he clearly wasn’t the only one scheming, as the illuminated screen let him see the corner of Ritsu’s mouth turn up ever so slightly.

“You’re on.”

They choose their characters (Shou chooses Toad, Ritsu picks Luigi) and their karts (something both boys are very serious about, maximizing their potential to work with their characters’ strengths). Shou grins, hunching forward towards the television. He’s ready to kick Ritsu’s ass and have bragging rights for at least the next week, as well as maybe have a photo for him to snicker at whenever he needed it.

Then the races start, and Ritsu annihilates him. Absolutely destroys him. With every green shell that hits Shou at the worst moment, every boost that Ritsu somehow manages to get perfectly, and every time the redhead’s kart flies off the track, Shou’s dreams of embarrassing Ritsu with his epic racing skills fly further and further away from him. He’s astonished really, Mario Kart is HIS game, and while he’s struggling Ritsu still has that calm smirk that Shou can’t wipe off his face despite all his efforts.

At the end, his pride is so battered that he almost forgets his fate, until Ritsu grins triumphantly and turns toward him.

“Alright,” he turns off the game, leaving the home screen as the only light in the room. “Where’s my marker?”

Shit shit shit shit shit and He’s going to draw a dick or something like that and I’m gonna look like an idiot were the two most prominent alarm bells clanging in his head. But he’s not gonna back out, he’s no coward and he’ll take his punishment like a man.

Ritsu stood, silently walking towards his desk as to not wake his parents. Rifling through his drawers, he picks up a brown marker, not as noticeable as black would be, but good enough.

He knelt back down in front of his friend, marker uncapped, twirling it between his fingers.

“What are you gonna draw?”

Ritsu rolled his eyes, flicking Shou on the forehead. “Like I’d tell you. Now close your eyes.”

Although this was normally when Shou would make a snarky comment or a half-hearted protest, this time he did it without hesitation. Bright blue eyes closed, leaving Ritsu free reign to unleash whatever chaos his artistic side was feeling that moment, which was truthfully nothing. He had no clue what he wanted to draw on Shou’s face, because he wasn’t going to do something basic like draw dicks, there was way too much potential to waste it on something like that.

He inspected his canvas, trying to gain some idea of what to do. Then he spotted them. Shou’s freckles.

The young boy has always been fascinated by them, if he was honest. Shou’s heritage made him look completely different than most people in Seasoning City, a physical representation of his out-of-the-box and fiery personality.

He was struck with an idea, and while it wasn’t anything embarrassing or funny, he was gonna have a good time doing it. Leaning in and ignoring the flip flop of his stomach, he pressed the tip of the marker to a freckle on Shou’s left cheek, connecting it to others around, even some on the side of his nose.

Normally, Shou’s mind was running at around 60 miles an hour, chasing and capturing thoughts while some slipped through his fingertips like sand. This time though, it was moving double time, speeding and racing, revolving around one thing.

Ritsu was so close. He can practically feel the boy’s breath on his face. It’s the only thing he could think about, and his mind took the possibilities and made them into a one hundred meter sprint.

He couldn’t stand it, the outside world was so quiet while his mind was buzzing and panicky and loud-

His thoughts, once floating and soaring, plummeted to the ground from the gravity of a hand on his cheek. His eyes snapped open.

“Dude wha-“

“I couldn’t control the marker calm down,” Ritsu deadpanned, oblivious to the other’s crisis due to trying to mask his own. “Now close your eyes, you staring at me while I’m drawing is weird as hell.”

Shou nodded dumbly, for the first time in his life he was completely speechless. His face was rapidly heating to levels he had only felt when his curiosity had led him to touching a candle’s flame when he was young. His heart was thumping so loudly that he was positive Ritsu could hear it and his mind was screaming and Ritsu’s hand was so warm.

He tried to focus on anything other than that stupid hand. The coolness of the floor underneath him, the hushed ticking of the clock in the hallway, the reminder that it’s 1:53 in the morning and he’s never felt more awake in his life, the pins and needles feeling in his legs from kneeling for so long. But nothing worked, because as soon as Ritsu did anything his thoughts focused on him like a moth to light.

Ritsu had moved on from his friend’s cheeks to his nose to just idly doodling on forehead, though his points of reference were quickly disappearing due to Shou’s face and hair becoming the same color. But it didn’t matter, he was almost done, and he didn’t know why that thought disappointed him. As he finished the final line, he tilted his work from side to side, inspecting his art.

It was cute. He’s cute, his inner voice corrected.

“Okay, I’m done.” It came out a whisper, as if he was too nervous to be any louder.

One eye cracked open, then another, and as soon as he saw blue, his breath trapped itself in his throat. Because he realized how close he truly was, inches away from the other’s face, and his cheeks began to burn.

For a moment, neither spoke or move, daring the other to do something. The challenge hung in the air, mingling with the nervousness and excitement that had been there previously.

As if bored of their game, the earth decided to continue its rotation. The clock sounded. It was 2 am, and the trance was broken.

Both boys backed away from each other. The tension was palpable.

“So, uh,” Shou started, very interested in his socked feet. “I guess I need to see what you drew. Hopefully something funny or cool, like a creeper.”

He chuckled in an attempt to dispel some of the awkwardness that permeated the room, and he silently thanked Ritsu for playing along.

“Yeah. It’s nothing crazy but it’s better than dicks.” The black haired boy shrugged, trying to maintain his calm facade when really his stomach was turning cartwheels.

Shou headed towards the bathroom, with Ritsu a few steps behind, making sure to avoid waking anyone up.

As soon as he flicked the light switch, the brightness smacked him in the face with an unforgiving relentlessness, and he groaned. He took a moment, blinking rapidly in order for his eyes to readjust to the stark change.

Once he could finally stand to open his eyes, he took in his reflection. There were no dicks, no creepers, and no words. He leaned in closer, inspecting.

His freckles were connected by brown lines to form various little shapes. Constellations. The Big Dipper on his left cheek, the Little beyond that, going up the side of his nose. Cancer dipped from his forehead to a spot above his eyebrow, and Sagittarius stretched from his right cheek to his ear to above his lip. So many constellations littered his skin, and the spaces not connected by brown were covered with planets, as if Ritsu was determined to leave no part of his face untouched. He was transformed into a miniature universe with something as simple as a marker.

He pulled and tugged at his skin, obsessively checking so he doesn’t miss a single drawing Ritsu had made. Ritsu observed him from the door frame, bouncing from one leg to another and twiddling his thumbs to suppress his nerves.

Ritsu waited. And waited. The seconds seemed to pass like molasses, idly dripping with no intent on gaining speed. Finally, it was too much. He coughed awkwardly, which brought the redhead back to earth.

“What do you think?” His voice cracked on the last word, buzzing with anxiousness.

The redhead looked at him through the mirror, grinning, cheeks a pretty shade of rosy pink.

“‘S cute Ritsu. Didn’t realize my freckles were such an inspiration.” His teasing was lighthearted, poking his cheek.

Ritsu scoffed, crossing his arms. “Well I figured it would be more fun than just writing ‘Fornite sucks’ or something like that.” His aloof attitude was betrayed by his refusal to look Shou in the eye and a blush that was overtaking his face and ears.

A laugh rang out, genuine and pure and happy. Shou was grasping the counter, shoulders shaking. It was contagious, and just like a lot of his actions, his best friend couldn’t resist joining him.

There they stood until their laughs turned to giggles and faded away. Their faces were alight, having laughed more in that moment than either have in a long time.

“We should probably go to bed. It’s late,” Ritsu pointed out. Shou nodded, turning back to his reflection, looking at his galaxy.

“I wanna take a picture of it. It’s really cool,” Shou reached into his pocket, gesturing for Ritsu to get closer.

Opening up his camera, the two grinned for a picture, their cheeks pressed together and Ritsu’s right hand brought up in a peace sign, with Shou’s arm thrown around his shouldner. After taking a few, Shou seemed satisfied, lowering his phone and inspecting the pictures.

Ritsu saw this as a cue to start walking back to his room, reaching to open the bathroom door.

“Wait!” Shou grabbed his sleeve, stopping him. They both looked down his grip, Shou dropping his hand quickly and muttering an apology.

“I want to take another picture. None of them turned out quite right,” his voice was uncharacteristically small, and he was stumbling over his words.

Ritsu raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of mood, but obliged. They returned to their previous pose, Shou opening his phone camera once more.

Shou gulped, mentally preparing himself for what he was going to do next. As he continued taking photos, he stood on his tiptoes (Ritsu still had a good two inches on him, a fact he never lets Shou forget) and pressed his lips to his friend’s cheek. He felt the other boy stiffen, and he quickly pulled away.

“Thanks for the pictures Ritsu I’m gonna go to bed now sorry if I made things weird just don’t mention it haha,” Shou made a quick exit, willing himself not to kick a wall or scream because he was positive he had messed it up and his first real friend had fallen through.

A calloused hand grabbed his own, and now the tables had turned. He stared down at their clasped hands, then back up at Ritsu, and the fact that Ritsu had yet to speak was killing him inside.

Ritsu silently inched closer, not taking his eyes off Shou, clearly focused.

“Dude please don’t beat me up I’m sorry,” Shou stammered, his eyes squeezed shut.

He was prepared for anything really: yelling, shoving, silent animosity, and he was suddenly reminded of his time at Claw in the worst way possible. What he wasn’t prepared for, however, was the soft pressure on his forehead.

For the second time that night, his eyes shot open to stare at the esper. He was in complete disbelief.

“If you wanted a kiss, you could’ve asked,” Ritsu muttered, embarrassed but still sporting a small smile.

The redhead’s jaw opened and closed, trying to form words but only succeeding in staring. He simply nodded, as his vocal cords were obviously betraying him.

“Let’s go to bed. I’m tired,” Ritsu yawned, tugging their intertwined hands and leading them down the hall. And through his embarrassment and happiness, Shou realized that, as corny as it sounded, their fingers slotted together perfectly.

As they climbed into Ritsu’s bed on opposite sides, allowing sleep to wash over them, Shou realized that this all stemmed from his stupid challenge. He reached up, idly tracing the stars that dotted his face.

Something had changed between the two of them, something they could talk about when the sun was shining. But for right now, each other’s company was enough.

And if they woke up with their fingers intertwined and their bodies much closer than before, they didn’t have to mention it.

[thewolfisawake]

{Home // Cavetown}

Kai held the letter in his hand. He read over the information over and over. It was correct but he still read it again and again. Across the top was printed ‘Request for Transfer.’ He walked the busy halls filled with hunters milling about. Getting new assignments, submitting paper work, and chatting. Stray eyes made him shrink into his jacket. They weren’t looking at you, he told himself. Seeing a group laugh as he walked passed still made him pick up his stride, bangs hiding his gaze.

Making it to the set of glass windows with cutouts, he walked up to one of the workers finishing some writing. The man looked up, expectant, and suddenly Kai felt sheepish as he slowly slid the paper through the opening at the bottom. The man took it as his hand held where the wrinkles on the sides were. He didn’t know where to look as the man reviewed the sheet and settled to the laminated notice on the counter.

“I...I’m thinking of transferring from the Asia branch,” he admitted into the phone. On the other side he could hear Daza kick up her feet, “About time.”

About time she said. Was it really that obvious? Or was it just Daza being Daza? 

“So where are you going?”

“Huh?”

Daza clarified, “Where are you transferring to? There’s a lot of branches. Back to Oceania?”

“Ah, no. I was thinking...well, you always said how you liked it out where you lived. So I...” I wondered if I could go that way. It sounded better in his head. And as the words fell out, he was realizing how silly it sounded. Going just because his mentor said it looked nice. 

“Then let’s do it. Let me know when you’re heading out so we can meet.”

He didn’t know if she was a mind reader or if she really meant that. But it still made a small smile reach him as he remarked, “Yeah, I’ll let you know.”

“It’ll be about two weeks,” the man brought his attention back as he took a stamp out, “and you’ll need to get a new license when you arrive to your new branch.”

“R-Right...” 

“Anything else?” 

“No, thank you,” Kai replied as he gave a small bow before turning to leave. Two weeks. Yeah, he could do that. 

--

A sigh escaped him as he started to pull the laundry from the clothesline. The breeze provided one last drying as he reached for the clips. From behind him a soft ‘ding’ reverberated His eyes fell onto the wind bell. Its bright color overshadowed by the parchment attached with Yukina’s calligraphy, “I probably should take you down, right?”

He reached his arm up, causing the the bell to ding. As if protesting being moved. Pulling back when the breeze brough his hair in his face, he wondered if it was okay. Who knew, Yukina could be back tomorrow and complain of how much of a pain it was to put it up the first time. A small smile reached his features. Kai folded his clothes into the basket and slid the door back into the apartment. Perched atop the pile was the wind bell, “I’ll put back up when she gets back.”

He promised this to no one in particular. He just really would hate if a torrent washed it away. It just one of many little preparations Kai worked on during his two weeks. He swept and dusted it from top to bottom, finding old wrappers that had fallen in obscure areas. He washed dishes and put them away. He tossed out all kinds of food. And every bit of him pained him.

When he finished, Kai flopped onto the futon. He looked at his phone. No messages. He went into his mail and started a new letter.

Are you tired of me yet?

He started it for a minute. It was a question he wondered some times but wasn’t what the content of his letter. He went on to write:

I don’t really know if these annoy you not and since you haven’t answered back, I’m just gonna think you love it  ♡ ～('▽^人)

But seriously, you don’t have to read them. I just feel I need to update you as I go. Which is why I’m telling you, I am leaving the Asia branch. I know we talked about doing that together some day--and we totally can when you come back--but I’m...I’m keeping our promise. It took a while to actually do that since I kept waiting. I still am waiting but you’d probably hit me on the head when you got back and say I’m a dummy for not going anywhere for at least a year. 

So I’m doing it. ╰(✧∇✧)╯ Just watch me. I’ll try and maybe--

Kai paused. He then deleted the last sentence.

I hope you come back soon. I miss you, Furu. 

He hit send and closed his phone. A sigh came to him as his eyes fell onto the duffel bag filled with his clothes and the few possessions he owned. Currently resing atop it was a small gravestone with crudely carved writing on it. Kai sat up to bundle dark locks into a messy , resolving to get dinner before the bento were all gone. 

--

“Transfer?” the word came out much louder than Kai hoped. He nodded, “Yes, this is my last assignment before going to the Europe branch.” 

“Why would ever do that? You barely complete missions as is. Much less suceed at them,” to that, Kai barely covered his grimace with his cup. Going out with other hunters was expected in the Asia branch, it reminded him of the salarymen that were probably heading out soon. And this time ended up with some hunters he graduated with. Another piped up, “There’s more dangerous beasts out that way. It’ll eat you alive, Adler.”

Kai remarked, “It’s true it’s different but maybe--”

“I give it a month.” 

“I thought more of two weeks.” 

It dissolved into another conversation. One that he didn’t care to hear the results of. He took another sip of his drink as he watched them chatter. Yeah, it was about what he expected. Not that he really blamed them. His track record was...abysmal at best. If not for how often he worked in the two years since licensing, his rank would’ve been just as terrible. Nevermind the senpai, seonbae, and tiền bối that would offer no guidance, still finding him a fluke. Nor pay mind to those his age or younger that would refuse cooperation or participation to add to an already ill reputation.

His fellow hunters were looking at the menu and gesturing to the server. They pointed out other things to get. Their attention momentarily on him to lead the server’s gaze to him as they explain it being his last night with them. So thus, they were celebrating. Translation to Kai, they would drink and eat as if no tomorrow and he would pay for it. As they made their orders, his gaze went to his phone as his free hand twirled a lock absently. How long would it be this time.

Kai ended up giving another deep bow in appreciation and apology as he finished dumping the last of the hunters to their accomodations. He apologized to the staff again as he exited. It was well into the night now and his apartment a good distance away. He started his trek back with streetlights and the neon signage as his light. It all felt too bright and made his head spin. Or maybe that was all the alcohol. Walking past characters of all sorts, Kai tread in the general direction of home. As he went, his thoughts wandered.

He’d heard about Europe branch. As the area serving as origin for many legendary beast, it had history. It was where the Bastion started and where those connected to it where likely to be. And living amidst some hotbeds of magical activities, hunting was often more fraught with physical danger than the incorporeal and spiritual as often the case over this way. The hunters from there sometimes thought to be cut from an entirely different cloth. Tougher, more cunning, and meaner. 

It would be hard. But what wasn’t in this body of his? It would mean learning an entirely different kind of tactics. Well, his journal could use the update. It could be like it was here. If it was, at least he’s used to it and there’s a few places he hasn’t been. He would be without anyone he knew. That was fine, since he could find someone that he can spend some time with on occasion. Tonight proved that. It might show what everyone had been telling him: that he wasn’t cut out to be a hunter.

Kai bit his lip, his hand brushing against his bracelet, “But still...”

--

He placed the last of his belongings within his bag. It felt weird looking back at the apartment. He could see the gaps from where his trinkets were taken. The collage of pictures held splotches of the wall. Some valuables left imprints of their former place. It almost look like something was missing but Kai brushed that off. It was Yukina’s place, he was just crashing there for a while.

Like a ghost. 

A quiet laugh left him with a smile without warmth. His eyes grew dark as he thought maybe he should stay. At least here he could pretend he was a hunter. A really crappy one but one nonetheless. He would have to live with being the liar, the failure, but at least he was alive. Instead of this living dead. Waiting in a limbo that hurt his heart as much his body. It might’ve served him right, the monster that got so many killed. And this existence...this hell was what he deserved, a sentence he should serve out.

 His head bowed as his frame trembled. Those words drifting around his head. Words that he’d thought so many times to himself. Variations of it spoken to his face and behind his back. The thoughts that made his eyes sting. The hatred that would always lead to something drastic. 

His heart seem to beat in his ears as he stumbled to his feet. He wandered to the bathroom, opening a few drawers. Then he found it. Kai looked at the mirror for a moment, drawing a breath.

SNIP snip snip snip snip

--

It might be hard. 

The hunter put down his bag onto the bed. It felt like it’s been forever since he’s had a bed to himself that wasn’t a bunk bed. Although it was merely a hotel room, he found himself wandering around the room. Looking into the bathroom, closet, and ‘kitchen’ before flopping onto his bed. Jet lag tried to creep on him when he shot back up, “Oh right.”

I could never move on and be waiting for a person that’ll never return. It might all be for nothing and it will be just like before. I could fail over and over and show just how much I don’t belong here. 

“You could’ve have done this before you got here?” the worker asked from behind the glass. She seemed more confused than annoyed. He sheepishly scratched his cheek, “It just sorta happened...I’m sorry for the trouble.”

The confusion turned to perplexion however she asked no further. Instead she finished typing into a computer and showed a screen to him, “Is the information on here correct?”

“Yep.”

“Alright, just give me a minute to finish this up. Now you’re going to need a new to take a new photo. So if you’ll head over to....”

Even though I’ve told myself ‘it wasn’t my fault,’ I’ve heard dozens of times over how much it was. And despite what I’ve said...I still believe it. Maybe I do deserve to live detested and miserable. And yet...

He arrived to the meet point a bit early. It was his first mission over here and the last thing he needed was to keep anyone waiting. The coordinates were a landmark at a park. He ended up hanging around, snacking as he waited for someone else that looked...’hunter-like.’

There’s this quiet yet stubborn thought...

“I thought I was getting here early but looks like you beat me to it,” came a voice from over to the side. His gaze fell onto a guy, probably only a little older than him. He had an interesting shade to his eyes, a blue he couldn’t quite place, and definitely tall. But if his words didn’t give the guy away, a few of the scars and build would’ve.

“Ah, well, maybe next time,” he said, immediately mentally cursing himself. This was supposed to be a good first step...The guy chuckled, “Hopefully, that doesn’t mean camping out.”

The newcomer offered his hand, “I’m Emil and you are...?”

A completely selfish wish...

“Aspis,” he replied, the beginnings of a smile, “Hope we can get along.”

I want to live. 

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Broken Like Me (Part 20) - Never Broken

Summary: Dean and the reader have a quiet Saturday morning where the pair heal some old scars...

Masterlist

Pairing: Model!Dean x reader

Word Count: 2,000ish

Warnings: language

Two Weeks Later

You cocked your head as you stared at yourself in the mirror, Dean chuckling behind you as he walked out of the shower.

“What? Do you miss it?” asked Dean, trailing a finger across your forehead.

“No,” you said, not even able to tell there’d ever been a mark there. “S’just weird not seeing it anymore.”

“What about the rest of you?” he asked, trailing his finger over the scars you’d decided to leave.

“If people got a problem with the way I look, that’s their problem, not mine,” you said, smiling in the mirror at him. “Besides, I’ve been told guys dig scars. Especially this really cute one.”

“Oh, really? How cute is he?” asked Dean, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Like, super cute,” you said.

“Like, super cute?” asked Dean, making his voice higher, wrapping his arms around you when you started to giggle. “I do have one question for you though, honey.”

“I saved up for them all,” you said, Dean nodding. “But I only got rid of the couple. I know.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Because you don’t care and you never have. I don’t care. I am pretty and these scars are just like the other ‘flaws’ I have like freckles or moles or that my legs are little bit more pale than the rest of my body. Who cares? If someone else does, it’s on them, not me. I like me,” you said, turning your head.

“I love you,” he said, giving you a hug.

“I love you too,” you said, kissing his cheek.

“I still get to see you in your fox hat though, right?” he asked. You laughed and nodded, returning to getting ready for the day.

You didn’t have any big plans for the September day apart from having Dean’s family and some other people over for a bonfire and cookout. You bought everything you needed earlier in the week and Dean had already chopped up some firewood the day before.

“Hey,” said Dean when you were sipping on your morning coffee, grabbing your hand. You followed him to your backyard, taking a seat on your padded bench on the deck, kicking your feet up on the railing, looking at the tidy yard with most of the trees already starting to turn pretty yellows and oranges.

“You got something on your mind,” you said. “Was it about what happened this morning?”

“Would you marry me?” he asked. He had a soft smile on his face, arm around your shoulders, his heart surely beating out of his chest. “I’ve sort of been hopelessly in love with you for a long time and I never came up with a good enough speech so I figured what the hell, I’ll just ask.”

“Yes,” you said, resting your head on his shoulder with a smile, staring up at him. Dean nodded and gave you a smile back, leaning over to give you a short kiss.

“Well if I’d known it was that easy, I would have asked months ago,” he said, resting his head on top of yours.

“You really have always thought I was beautiful, haven’t you?” you asked.

“I knew I was in trouble the second I saw you,” he said. “I thought it was a crush and then it started to turn into something else and I’m so glad you gave me a chance.”

“Me too,” you said, lacing your fingers together with his in your lap. “You helped fixed everything that was broken.”

“See, that’s the funny thing. I never thought you were broken. You never thought I was. Together, I think we finally figured out how to help each other. We aren’t perfect but bad days aren’t so bad anymore,” he said. You hummed, taking a deep breath as you felt a warm fall breeze drift across your face.

“I love you,” you said quietly, his fingers dancing along your arm.

“I love you. So, so much.”

“So,” said Sam, wearing a shit-eating grin that night, sipping on a beer in the backyard. “I hear you two had a nice morning. As your soon to be brother-in-law, it’s officially my job to tease the shit out of you.”

“You do that now, jerk,” you said, whacking his arm, Sam chuckling as he handed you a beer, leaning back against the railing while Dean talked to a few people around the fire. “How long was he planning this?”

“Since your Europe trip,” said Sam. “He said something like he always knew you were the one but that confirmed it for him.”

“Confirmed it?” you said.

“Dean,” said Sam with a small laugh. “He didn’t want to ask unless he knew he was the one for you too.”

“Seriously?” you asked.

“You know Dean. He never thought he deserved you,” said Sam, giving Dean a smile across the yard, Dean cocking his head at both of you. “Totally a good thing you said yes since Carla flew all the way out here.”

“I should have realized he was up to something when he invited the entire family over for a party...plus my parents,” you said. “I don’t know if they’ll show. Last I talked to them, they were in Florida.”

“Of course we showed,” you heard behind you. You spun around, your dad in jeans and a flannel, your head tilting at the strange sight. Your mom didn’t have a speck of makeup on, wearing her own flannel and some black jeans. They set down a cooler near some of the others, your dad holding a bag of chips. “We brought snacks too.”

“You guys are...not dressed up,” you said, looking them up and down. “And you brought...beer.”

“Well, Dean did say it was BYOB which we didn’t understand so thankfully he explained it to us,” he said.

“We got you a little engagement present. Just a new mixer. You said your old one was breaking on you last time we talked,” said your mom, putting her hands on her hips. “We left it in the kitchen. The house looks cute. I like that painting you have by the door of the wolf and fox.”

“You actually came,” you said, both of them nodding as Dean walked over, Sam taking his cue to leave.

“Glad you guys could make it,” said Dean, taking hold of your hand. “It means a lot to both of us.”

“Well, your daughter only gets engaged once...hopefully,” said your dad with a nervous laugh.

“I went and talked to your parents awhile ago,” said Dean.

“You asked permission?” you asked, Dean nodding.

“I know Dean and I got off on the wrong foot,” said your dad. “But your mom and I got in touch with Dr. Bram not long after we saw you in England and he helped us find someone for us to go and talk to. When Dean called up and asked to talk a few months ago...by then I could see he was only protecting you back in that cafe.”

“We know it’s still strange but...your dad and I are done with traveling for a while. We got a new place in Kansas City so we’re forty minutes away. We want to see you more often,” said your mom.

“Yeah, that’s...I’d like that,” you said with a nod.

“Good,” she said, looking at your father. “Come on, we have to meet our in-laws at some point.”

“We’re gonna go be somewhere else, have fun!” said Dean, dragging you off, laughing when he looked back over his shoulder. “Sorry but I do not want to be part of that awkward conversation.”

“No, please, get us away from those four,” you said with a laugh, walking around the front of the house, nearly crashing into someone walking in through the back gate. “Sorry, I...Dr. Bram?”

“Hi,” he said, giving you and Dean each a smile, the man so strange looking out of his normal suit. “Party’s in the back I assume?”

“Yeah,” said Dean, Dr. Bram nodding. “To be honest, I didn’t think you’d come.”

“Eh, normally I wouldn’t but I haven’t seen either of you for quite a while and this is strictly a friend visit. Didn’t I say something about you two turning out just fine without me?” he said, dragging a cooler behind him.

You raised an eyebrow as he walked into the backyard, Dean still laughing as he pulled you around and in through the front of the house. You followed him upstairs and to your room, Dean walking over to your fox and wolf, picking up the boxes at their feet.

“I thought maybe tonight would be a good night to look at these,” said Dean. You took the light blue one from him, Dean watching you.

“How old were you when you wrote this?” you asked, tugging off the blue ribbon.

“I think I was seven. I was old enough to write but that’s about all I can remember,” he said. You smiled as you peeled off the lid, turning away from Dean so he couldn’t read it.

I hope I’m wanted.

You put the box down and slammed the lid back on it, closing your eyes.

“What? I draw a silly picture or something?” he asked.

“No,” you breathed out. You shook your head a few times, biting your bottom lip. You crawled over and gave him a hug, Dean running a hand up and down your back.

“You’re scaring me, Y/N,” he said.

“Don’t be,” you said, moving your fingers through his hair, Dean leaning into the touch. “Because what you wrote down, I know you know that you are. It just hurt to see that you felt that way.”

“I guess I should look at yours now,” he said. You nodded, remembering what you wrote but still moving back for Dean to have privacy. You saw his shoulders slump and he moved the box to the side, turning to you with a smile.

“So…” you said with a shrug, Dean pulling you into his lap. “What do you think?”

“‘I hope he doesn’t think I’m too broken,’” said Dean, resting his forehead against yours.

“You never did,” you said, Dean nodding his head, pressing his lips to yours. “You hoped you were wanted.”

“I am,” he said, leaning back to look at you. “So are you.”

“I know,” you said, leaning in for a kiss. You could hear a loud laugh outside, more people arriving from the sounds of it.

“We should probably get back to our party,” said Dean, not moving an inch.

“Yeah, definitely,” you said, throwing your arms around his shoulders. Dean leaned up and kissed your forehead, lingering his lips there. “In a minute.”

“In a minute,” he said quietly, some music from outside drifting into the house.

“Would you dance with me?” you asked, Dean humming. You stood up and backed away from the bed, Dean twirling you around the room for a moment before pulling you into his chest.

“I get to spend the rest of my life with you,” he said, rocking you both back and forth.

“I can’t wait,” you said, Dean smiling back at you.

“Me either, sweetheart. Me either.”

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