#u just know he has issues on top of issues but you know what? squats

[insipid-drivel]

Personality Ratings Of The Birds That Visit My Bird Feeders

I have the beginnings of a little bird/pollinator garden outside of my bedroom window. It's nothing to show off yet, but I have a pretty big variety of regulars. And, like any bartender, I've come to silently judge them all from afar. Here are my ratings of my local Seed Bastards:

Dark-Eyed Junco:

Bastard Rating: 4/10 They take no shit and don't mind continuing to eat within about 10' of me when I'm actively working outside. Mostly bogart the feeders through numbers rather than actual bastardy. They go berserk for sunflower seeds and shelled peanuts. Don't scare easy but also aren't terribly interested in getting into it with the other birds.

House Finch:

Bastard Rating: 7/10 Refuses to share feeders. Chases other birds except their wives from the feeders, and will fully "nest" on tray feeders so their fat asses block the other birds from getting any from the feeder. I vaguely suspect they're racist toward the other birds because they'll only allow other house finches to eat from the feeders they're squatting in. At the same time, I've seen males feeding other males. Possible problematic queer icons. More review needed.

Chestnut-Backed Chickadee:

Bastard Rating: 5/10 Too tiny to really pose much of a territorial issue, but kinda remind me of flying chihuahuas. They mind their own business when they can, but will not hesitate to throw hands with other birds over either the sunflower feeder or suet cake. Generally don't hold grudges and stay in their lanes, until it comes to suet cakes.

Golden-Crowned Sparrow:

Bastard Rating: 2/10 Hang out in pretty big numbers, but otherwise mind their own business and eat when the other birds aren't taking up the feeders. They prefer the ground feeders. They're generally pretty chill. Their only true crimes are their systematic massacres of my supplies of black oil sunflower seeds.

Varied Thrush:

Bastard Rating: 0/10 Competes with Spotted Towhees in terms of raw cunt-serving power, both my cat and I get all kinds of tingly when this thot shows up. Yeah, he knows you're staring. He knows how good he looks. He's the flashiest bitch on the block. Robins? Dowdy Catholic school kids. Goldfinches? All color, no drama. This magnificent slut is here to slay.

Spotted Towhee:

Bastard Rating: 4/10 The hot goth vampire kid in high school you're 99% has their own OF account. Professionally Round. Uses his phat ass to own the runway (and my feeders) next to his frumpy competition. Is secretly a complete nerd. Basically if Laszlo Cravensworth was a bird.

Pine Siskin:

Bastard Rating: 9/10 This barely-there wannabe-goldfinch would apply lube to the bottom of your heels on Drag Night. The Heelies of the bird world; never truly cool but grasping at any legitimacy he can get. Nobody appreciates plagiarism. And ugh, he couldn't even be bothered to finish blending. What a rank slag. Get off my stage and learn how to work, bitch.

Black-Capped Chickadee:

Bastard Rating: 11/10 DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THEIR ROUND CUTENESS. These little fuckers are the gangbangers of the forest. Subsist on raw suet cake and spite. They're consistently possessed with the rage of a lust-addled Klingon woman. What the fuck are you doing at their suet cake? God help you, if you're at their suet cake, they will c u t y o u.

Song Sparrow:

Bastard Rating: -1/10 Babygirl. Precious. Just wants to sit on the edge of the gutters or the top of the feeders and make it as independent folk singers. Probably resort to posting hole from time to time to make end's meet. Always eat last because it's all love, my brothers in Christ.

Anna's Hummingbird:

Bastard Rating: 9/10 While they may have cool optical illusions when it comes to their holographic feathers, they verbally abuse me every time I refill the feeder and it hurts my feelings :(

Rufous Hummingbird:

Bastard Rating: 1/10 Shy bois. They stay out of the way until they're sure I've gone back inside before they'll visit the feeders. Generally loners.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird:

Bastard Rating: 3/10 Generally the It Girls of the bird world. You know your garden is officially making it when these start showing up. They know they're the most popular but generally try to stay grounded about it. Will sometimes hang out and chat while the hummingbird feeder is being refilled. Used to scare me as a kid because my sister convinced me they'd try to stab their beaks into acne spots. While untrue, they don't have much of a sense of personal space.

Mourning Dove:

Bastard Rating: 1/10 Generally only bother the other birds because they're fat and eat in groups big enough to make it hard for the other birds to get at the seed on the ground. Sing beautifully. Makes Hatoful Boyfriend kind of make sense. Ngl kinda wanna befriend one. Confuse me a little bit whenever I see them because I live in a swamp and didn't expect to find any doves out here.

Stellar's goddamned Jay:

Bastard Rating: WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?!/FUCK I KNOW THE SUNFLOWER DISPENSER JIGGLES WHEN YOU TRY TO FLY YOUR FAT ASS INTO IT. NO, I CANNOT MAKE THE FEEDER POLE STOP WIGGLING WHEN YOU PARK YOUR WIDE LOAD ON TOP OF IT. GDI I BOUGHT PEANUTS FOR YOU. STOP IMITATING A SHRIEKING HAWK TO SCARE AWAY THE OTHER BIRDS AND LEARN TO SHARE YOU ABSOLUTE TWAT.

[surfacage]

I love the way you draw Zack omg ////

yea i like him particularly because even though he’d been fucked over every way possible with every reason to be bitter at the world, he still gave up everything to give cloud the chance to live. also, squat champion. what a guy

[niobe-loreley]

Hey! I love your series with Sierra Six x reader! Please continue w part 3 ! <3

well, since u asked so anonymously eheh HERE IT IS

(see author's notes far below)

disclaimer: pictures are NOT MINE, but the edited version of it is for the fic. still, credits to the rightful owners and to canva + weheartit. additionally, i am not a subic/zambales native so my apologies for any wrong locations or descriptions or language.

Heaven Is In A Shortcake {iii}

Six x Fem!Reader / Courtland Gentry x Fem!Reader

warnings: occasional swear words. slow burn. fluff. trust issues. culture shock. check word count.

CHAPTER SELECTION is in the✨Masterlist✨ Chapter 2 - why hello there, previous chapter here, look for me in the masterlist Chapter 3 - this is it [next chapter link is posted below for suspense & convenience hehe]

words: 3.3k (N/N) = nickname *Kiara = Claire *Kurt = Court *cover names / reader doesn't know (except you really do know #wreckthe4thwall)

⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜

Eighteen years.. two hundred, sixteen months.. six thousand, five hundred, seventy-four days… That’s how long he’s been a Sierra.

For almost two decades, Court has killed two cemeteries worth of people. He only felt nervous during the first month, and after that, everything was easy.

Except now.

He stays behind you and Claire as the three of you march around the mall. You’re pointing at stores and sharing relevant information about them, Claire is actively listening and asking questions.

In all his Sierra years, Court has never felt as nervous as he is now. He feels so exposed, even though no one is watching the three of you. And the paranoia ceaselessly courses through his nerves.

Are you leading them to your mercenary friends? How are you contacting them? How many knives do you have hidden in your cropped shirt and black joggers? Maybe the knives are in your Chucks. 

Court heavily scrutinizes every inch of you, from head to toe. Looking for any wires, holsters, or knife handles— but to no avail.

And then he switches to the other half of his consciousness where he thinks you’re just a civilian— Claire is his top priority, but how can he protect you too? Can you fight? What will you do when you’re held at gunpoint? Will you leave them in the face of danger?

You suddenly cry out. "Ah—!"

Court immediately stops scouring the vicinity. He looks over to find you and Claire stepping towards three women each with their own dogs.

"—May I pet your dogs?" you asks energetically.

Clair is excited. "Me, too?!"

The ladies chuckle. "Sure!"

Court quietly huffs, adjusting the cap on his head, he waits for you and Claire to finish petting the dogs. He glares at you for a second before taking another gander. It's not that he has an entirely bad feeling that something may happen, he just feels anxious for having someone else's company besides Claire.

"Aww, those dogs are too cute!" you coo, reluctantly walking away.

"I don't think you're good for me, (N/N)." Claire breathes out, "You're very vigorous."

"Oh, fuc— fudge!" you stop your tracks, gently gripping Claire's shoulder, you take the paper bag from her. "Kiara, are you okay?"

Court is quick to squat down in front of her. "Is it bad?" he solemnly asks.

She shakes her head. "No... Just need—" she pauses to pull down her facemask, "—to catch my breath."

"Sure?"

"Just another Thursday."

Court decides to trust her words and reassuring smile.

"There's some benches out there." you say, "Lucky that we're near the exit."

Claire suddenly grasps your hand when you're about to lead the way. Court exchanges incredulous looks with you; Claire knows how to be cautious, he's taught her well. But if she's willing to take your hand, then he hopes, for your sake, you won't do anything to hurt her. Rising up, he takes the teen's other hand.

"Want me to piggyback you?" you inquire before he could.

"No, I should walk this off." Claire grins, "Maybe some other time, though."

You laugh. "If I didn't know any better you, you were setting me up for that."

"Not in my original plan, but guilty as charged.."

Court follows your pace as the three of you exit the mall. You guide them through the garden pathway and find a vacant bench. The weather is cloudy, but not enough to induce rain, patches of sunlight successfully streaks through from time to time. You let Claire sit down near the armrest before you take the spot on her right. Court takes a gander before he crouches down in front of Claire.

"Would like some water?" you ask, placing the paper bag on your lap, you open up your pouch. "I have a small bottle here for emergencies."

"It's so tiny," she coughs a laugh. "Are you sure?"

"You're kinda having an emergency, so yeah."

Claire and Court share a look before she nods at you. Even if it's a sealed bottle, there are ways to bypass it, but evidence would show. You open up the bottle and hand it to Claire. Court forces himself not to take the bottle for inspection first, instead he furtively slips a hand in his left pants-pocket, feeling security in the cold steel that brushes against his finger.

"Thanks," Claire returns the bottle after taking a mouthful.

You place the bottle back in your pouch, gently running your palm on Claire's back. "Maybe you should lean back," you say, "Or lie down on the bench."

"Nah, people might stare."

"I'll gouge out their eyes for you."

"Please tell me you're joking."

"I am— slightly. But seriously though, take a gentle breath in.. and then out."

Claire mimics you until she swears she feels her heart is as normal as it can be. "I'm sorry, I got too excited." she sheepishly says.

"Oh, don't be. I should be the one apologizing," you scratch your head, looking down in shame. "It flew over my head that you may get tired easily."

"Maybe we should drive by the hospital before going home." Court suggests.

Claire sighs. "Alright.. but I don't wanna go yet."

"That's okay," Court nods, standing up.

"But the second you're in more pain than before, you and your dad are going to the hospital!" you say in an authoritative voice.

The father-daughter duo stares at you like you've grown another head. "Sorry, too much?" you laugh, reddening. "Though I was a tad bit serious about it."

"You're funny, (N/N)." Claire remarks amusedly.

You flourish your hand with a bow. "I'm glad that I can entertain you, milady. But I was still serious."

Claire snickers. "Okay, okay.."

"My name is (Y/N), by the way.. (N/N) is my nickname when working at the cafe." you disclose chirpily.

"(Y/N)," Claire says slowly, testing it out, she shakes her head, "Nah, I'm sticking with (N/N)."

As you share a laugh with Claire, Court can't help but think how better off the young girl is if she's with someone like you. Someone who can be a strong emotional support while simultaneously being hilarious. Court can only be the latter. He can feel Donald smacking him upside the head for letting such thoughts dwell. Claire may not have a normal life anymore, but Court will make sure she'll have a long one.

He sits on the spot beside you when Claire inquires what else you do besides working at Flour Cake De Liz. You disclose your weekly schedule as though you're talking to an old friend: Monday and Tuesday mornings at the cafe, while on the evenings at the Ril Steak. It's a family restaurant and bar during the day, still the same during the night except it turns into a night club on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

"And on Sundays, I typically man the pharmacy below my apartment. But it's also practically a general goods and merchandise store." you pause, deeply inhaling and exhaling. "Isn't that the most non-heart racing disclosure you've ever heard? I actually wanted to share my ghost stories, but I don't want to be the reason you're sent to the hospital."

Court is surprised.

Claire chuckles, lightly patting you on the arm. "Some other time, then." she says with a broad smile, "Thank you for that, (N/N)."

Court turns away as his astonishment doubles. He doesn't realize your intentions until now; he thinks you're just an eloquent chatterbox, but there's always more than meets the eye. Although, your unpredictability proliferates dread through his nerves immeasurably.

"There's some cotton candy!" you suddenly exclaim, pointing at an incoming vendor strolling through the path. He has to stop when people began crowding him.

"I'll buy some for us!" Claire declares, hopping off the bench.

"You sure?" you asks as you stand up.

"Yup!" she briskly walks away, fishing out her wallet.

"There's no stopping her, huh?" you chuckle, sitting back down.

"You should be more careful.. with Claire, I mean."

Your eyes widen at the girl's father, he's looking at you like you took candy from his baby girl. "I thought I was.. I'm sorry." you cast your gaze down, ashamed.

He shakes his head. "Sorry is not enough when she's fighting for her life in those damn hospital beds."

"I get it, okay?" you tighten your jaw.

"You get it?" he heaves a brow mockingly.

"Yes, I understand. That's why I'm apologizing."

"How would you understand when your life's not the one on the line here?"

“Because someone else is!" you instinctively raise your voice, breathing out a sigh to calm yourself, you soften your volume. But it's blazing with fury as you speak. "You know what.. if you’re so annoyed with me, then you should’ve just told Kiara that you don’t want me hanging out with you two.”

"She didn’t ask me because she knows what I’ll say. She asked you— you should’ve declined her offer.” he proclaims chidingly.

“Have you seen your daughter? She’s charming and lively despite her condition.”

“So, you’re doing this for pity.”

“No, I’m doing this because I have compassion. I’m guessing you don’t have that in your vocabulary, Mr. Dipshit—”

That stung more than Court has anticipated.

“—Better write it on your forehead with permanent marker!”

“Leave, then.. if you’re so mad.”

"I’m not leaving because you’re making me, I’ll leave when Kiara tells me to. But just so you know, I don’t like you anymore."

"Here~ are~ the cotton candies!" Claire skips back to the bench, holding three cotton candies, she halts as she perceives the dark clouds above you and Court's heads. "Is everything all right?"

"Yup!" you beam, rising up like the morning sun, clearing the clouds away. You grab two of the cotton candies and outstretch one to him. "We're all right, right?"

He looks at you for a good five seconds—yes, you counted— and grabs the cotton candy. The stick holding the fluffy sweet is short, it's inevitable for his fingers to brush above yours. But what can be avoided is the blood heating up your cheeks.

You're vexed at him, right? He's looking at you like you're a child, right? And he thinks you're careless with his daughter, right? 

That's right— putangina niya!

His daughter doesn't even resemble him. Fortunately, her good looks may have come from her mother.

"Mine tastes like apple!" Claire giggles, sitting beside her dad.

You continue to stand, finding pride that you appear to be towering over him like this. "Mine is," you pause to take a mouthful of the blue threads, "bubblegum!"

Claire turns to Court, who accidentally tears a strip of pink cotton candy instead of biting on a chunk. He pulls on the piece, splitting it into two, and mindfully chews. "Strawberry," he says with a smack of his lips, extending half of the piece to Claire.

She laughs and takes the half, popping it in her mouth. "Strawberry," she nods with a toothy grin.

Court lets a small smile etch on his blank face, and you feel your stomach churn in delight. The way he's gentle towards her is very sweet, it nearly softens your anger at him until you remind yourself that he can be a dickwad. But that's probably due to his overprotectiveness of his daughter.

Maybe he is right about you.. being careless to such a charismatic girl with a frail heart.

Damn— first, he gaslights you, you got angry at him. And now, you're gaslighting yourself.

At least, you're being honest with yourself.. right?

"(N/N)? What's wrong?" Claire asks.

You snap out of your daze. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"You're staring out into space."

"Oh.. sorry. I saw a comet."

Claire snorts and gestures to the bench. You see Court watching you from your peripheral as you plop down beside his daughter, so you secure a respectable space. The three of you decide to eat in silence, you try not to look awkward as you feel like he doesn't want your presence near them anymore.

Maybe that's just a wild assumption. You focus on the way the cotton candy melts at the touch of your tongue, and as you give it a little chew, it feels like you're softly chomping on bubblegum. For a moment, you're a child, thinking about nothing yet everything at once. Like how cotton candy is made, why doesn't it fall apart instantly, what other flavors are good to be cotton candy..

You stop your internal musings when you notice Claire turning to look at you. You lift a curious brow, and she beams at you, so you beam right back. She then whirls to Court and beams at him, he gives his usual tiny smile, which somehow reaches his eyes.

Claire then faces forward, chuckling delightfully. This astonishes and amuses you simultaneously. You exchange looks with Court, who appears just as clueless as you are, but it makes you pft. He looked absolutely perplexed, it's so unnatural from his monotonous demeanor that you can't help stifling a laugh.

After finishing the cotton candies, the three of you throw the sticks in a nearby trashbin. You see Court holding a gum packet, and you ask for one in exchange for four Tic Tacs. He gives you a piece while Claire takes the Tic Tacs. You walk with them through the mall since they parked at the other end.

"This is my stop," you say once you've exited the mall. The heat easily blasts off the coolness in your skin. "See you two around?"

You wanted to ask if they'll come by the cafe tomorrow, but you didn't want to sound too eager. You're starting to like their company, the girl especially, and as for her dad.. he's tolerable to have around.

"You don't want a ride?" Claire asks without warning.

You nearly swallow your gum. "No, I'm fine. Thanks for the offer," you glance at Court. "I'm heading to SM Olongapo. Eliza, the cafe owner, just texted me that Mindy texted her about buying several baking supplies."

"How'd they know you're here?" Court asks, taking a step towards you.

You furrowed your brows. "They saw my IG story—"

"Are we in it, too?" he's now toe to toe with you, towering over you menacingly.

Somehow, you stand your ground. "No," you reply frankly, "Why would I take your pictures without permission? Plus, we're not that close for you to be in my IG Story."

Sure, he looks scary. But his accusative tone irks you too much for you to be frightened.

He narrows his eyes incredulously, searching your own sharp gaze for any falsity. But he only finds fire and a very deep dislike growing towards him.

"Dad," Claire hisses at him.

He steps back, glances around, and grabs her by the arm. "Let's go," he murmurs.

Claire looks at you, ashamed. "I'm very sorry, (N/N)."

You shake your head. "It's okay—"

‘Your dad is just a menacing paranoid, who may think both the government and aliens are after him.’

"—If you still wanna borrow the books, find me in the cafe. Except on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays."

She nods and gives you a wave. Before you can wave back, she takes her dad's hand and they jog to the parking lot. You don’t wait for them to reach their car, you look at the list that Eliza sent you and begin your trek to the other mall.

If you’re weird, you think that this father-daughter duo is weirder. But mainly the father.

⚜🍰⚜

You sigh as you deadbolt the door, secure the latches, and flick the shutters close. It’s been a long day— a full day. At the start of the working hour, a group of joggers began sweating up the place. You had to open the door and air-freshen the place after they left. They’re a nice bunch, so you gave them each a fruit for dessert. Though three of them are first-time customers,  they received an extra apple. The last customers were a group of friends and two couples on a double date, they all left at 22:30— right exactly on closing time.

It’s those busiest days of business. You didn’t even have time to lounge around and play mobile games, you’re gonna have to do your daily tasks as soon as you arrive home. And it nearly made you forget about the pair of customers you’ve been waiting around all day.

“Bye, (N/N)!!”

“Bye-bye!” you wave at Eunice, Troy, and Justin. They’re the afternoon workers on Fridays, but because of the customers ceaselessly piling in, they had to over-extend— fortunately, they’re happy to.

You switch your work shoes for your sneakers, you’ll just get here early tomorrow and clean them. Once you’re done changing into your out-of-work clothes, you look at your copies of TFIOS and Paper Towns tucked in the locker before you shut its door and turn—

“Ay, puta!” you exclaim, jumping back, you place a hand on your chest and wish it can pass through so you can pat your drumming heart. “Ano ba, Miranda Torres?!”

“Mas nagulat ako sa’yo, te!” she pushes herself off the lockers and slaps you on the shoulder, “Ano ba kase nasa isip mo at di mo namalayan andito ako?”

I was more shocked than you, sis! — What was on your mind that you didn’t notice that I’m here?

You sigh. “Wala lang..” There's nothing..

“Luh.. o baka naman sino?” Or maybe it’s someone?

“Hindi.” No.

“Defensive?”

“Offensive.”

Mindy pokes on your arm as you open the backdoor for her. “You can tell me, right?”

“Wala nga kase.” you chuckle, exiting after her, you lock the door.

There’s nothing to tell.

“Wala mo, mukha mo. Buong araw ka kaya tumitingin sa mga bintana o kaya naman tumatambay malapit sa pintuan!”

Nothing your face. You’ve been looking through the windows or even staying near the door!

“May nakilala ka kahapon sa mall?”

You met someone yesterday at the mall?

The father-daughter duo streaks through your mind. “None,” you make a face. “If I did, I would’ve been gushing to you and everyone about him or her.”

Mindy laughs. “True that, though”

“Ano pinag-uusapan niyo?” Muro puts out the cigarette he was using and throws it in the trashbin.

What are you talking about?

“Ba’t ka naninigarilyo?” Why are you smoking?

Muro and Mindy begin arguing as the three of you stroll to the parking lot. You usually tune them out, but right now, you listen to every word to try and forget about the father-daughter duo you’ve been waiting for. 

They didn’t show up. It disappoints you for some reason. But you remind yourself that most customers are one-time customers. Sure, this branch of the cafe has over 40 customers with a membership, and even those who aren’t a member still come by from time to time. You know several of those members and non-members, yet you don’t get attached to them.

But that’s because you haven’t spent one afternoon with them and enjoyed their company despite the momentary tensions.

As you start up your moped, you conclude that the father-daughter duo is a one-hit wonder. You mentally chastise yourself for growing attachments towards them when you haven’t even known them for 24 hours. They’ve probably fled the country because of your weirdness and superfluous hospitality.

"No, we're.. we're here indefinitely… I hope."

You hear Kurt’s voice in the back of your head as you drive home. And as you try to lock your memories of the father-daughter duo in a treasure chest, you begin to taste bubblegum cotton candy and watermelon gum on your tongue.

⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜🍰⚜

A/N: so omg? first off, thanks for all the love! i'm absolutely ecstatic that you're all enjoying this ridiculous fic/x-reader of mine HAHAHAHA

second off, i had a chance to pass by Subic Harbor Point. IT WAS LIKE A TOUCH OF DESTINY. but me and my fam went to SM Olongapo instead, which inspired me in having the reader buy those baking supplies (which my ma actually did)

third off, sorry for not updating in a while (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃ i was away from fri to sun, went to the beach for a last-minute vacay and then IMMEDIATELY i have classes this monday (〒﹏〒) my body still hurts from playing beach v-ball

and lastly, as much as i want to update daily.. i may have to update on either Wednesdays or Thursdays (timezone: PT) but i'll be checking on tumblr often ₍₍ ◝(　ﾟ∀ ﾟ )◟ ⁾⁾

The portal to the next dimension part is this -> Chapter 4

[talkfastromance4]

stuck with u-- calum hood oneshot

a/n: hii! so this came outta left field but I went with it. based off of ariana grande’s song with justin bieber. very loosely edited, but yeah, I hope you like it :)

word count: 4,111

warnings: mentions of quarantine, a break up, sweet moments, male receiving oral, female receiving oral, spitting, unprotected sex, funny sexual moments

Masterlist

Feedback is always welcome and enjoy! :)

• • • •

She came over to return his box of things, giving herself a pep talk before she did. It’s a few days before their new album releases and two weeks before touring begins. They always had an expiration date, this she knew, but she hadn’t put into consideration how badly it would sting.

Like any normal couple, they had their ups and downs with minor arguments here and there, but their stubbornness was the same. Neither one of them wanting to give in first left them each brooding in their separate corners until the bell struck for another round of heated words then they’d stalk off to their respective corners again.

It was a cycle that kept cycling until her eyes filled with tears or the steam finally sizzled out from them both. In exchange of heated words were the remaining apologies, words of kindness, and a conclusion to whatever their fight had been about.

She’s at a stoplight, Halsey’s magical voice surrounds her in her car, and she glances to the box in the passenger seat. A small notebook lays on top that holds small poems or songs he wrote for her, about her. It was given to her on her birthday, but she couldn’t keep it now, not when their time is up. Next to the notebook is his green Empathy hoodie she stole awhile ago and on top of that is a small stuffed bear he won at a fair.

A car horn pulls her from her reverie, and she continues the familiar roads to his house. After dropping off his things and getting hers back from him, she was heading back home to spend time with her family so the back part of her car was full of duffel bags and her pillows.

She stares at his house, suddenly it seems so daunting as memories swim in her head. Countless nights of wandering through the front door after a night out or at Michael and Crystal’s for a small party. Mornings of coffee and breakfast created by him filled with whipped cream and syrupy kisses. Her eyes sting with tears and she shakes her head quickly. She promised herself she wouldn’t cry another tear over him.

She checks her phone to see a comforting message from Crystal of good luck and a safe drive home with many heart emojis.

“You can do this; you can do this. In and out and he’s behind you,” she mutters to herself then grabs his box of belongings.

Before she can ring the doorbell, he opens it and Duke is barking at his feet, jumping up on the glass trying to get to her, his fluffy tail wagging joyously at her return. Her heart falls, she’s going to miss Duke a lot. Calum opens the door.

“Hey,” he greets, his voice gruff and scratchy. She hopes he’s not starting to get sick; he needs to rest—

She stops herself short, it’s not her concern anymore.

“Hi,” she says quietly and enters the house. Her shoulder brushes his chest, they both tense and his aftershave invades her nose. The smell of him and him alone brings back more memories of cuddling by the fire, snuggling on the couch, walking up behind him while he’s making dinner and burying her face between his shoulder blades.

Duke continues to vie for her attention as she moves into the kitchen. The news is on with the volume down low, numbers and the word ‘China lockdown’ traveling across the bottom of the screen. She sets the box down on the counter with a thump then squats to her knees to give Duke a proper hello and goodbye.

“I’ll um, go get your stuff. Help yourself to something to drink.”

“I’m gonna miss your cuddles, Dukey,” she whispers to the old dog and kisses his nose. He licks her chin in return.

She stands and waits, not even bothering to get a drink because she doesn’t plan to stay long. Why does he want to prolong their goodbye? She leans against the counter waiting for Calum’s return and she realizes she’s in the same spot from months ago where she tried to prepare him dinner for once.

He was being exceptionally affectionate, lifting her arm so he could press his lips to her wrist then slowly down to her elbow—

“I think I have everything,” his voice startles her from the good memory. “I made sure you didn’t leave any of your books behind.”

“Thanks,” she gives him a grim smile taking the box from his hands. Their fingers brush, his heat always made her forever cold fingers warm. A shock ran through her fingertips.

The pair stare into their boxes respectively, shuffling through memories of their relationship.

“This isn’t mine,” Calum holds up the small notebook of songs and poems. “I gave this to you as a gift, Y/N.”

She stares at the book of words in his hand, words of love and light reserved for her only.

“I can’t keep it, Cal,” she whispers, eyes pooling with tears. She tries to blink them away and on instinct Calum moves forward. She backs up into the corner of the counter. “No, don’t. Please.”

“Y/N…”

“It’s hard enough, Cal, all right? I know our time was limited,” she crosses her arms over her chest, “but I’m still hurting and I’m probably going to hurt for a while longer.”

“You think I’m not hurting, too? This was—is the hardest breakup. I’m hurting, Y/N, I am.”

She risks a glance up at him to see the wounded look in his eyes. Calum shifts forward, his hands cradling her face gently in his palms, his forehead pressed to hers. She dares not to move, because once she touches him then it’s all over. There’s no way she could recover from that.

“Look at me,” his lips kiss her forehead, another stab at her heart. She shakes her head. “Baby—”

The news anchor’s voice interrupts their moment declaring the state of California has issued a lockdown effective immediately. No one is to leave their homes for any reason, no going to other houses, no contact with anyone. The world shut down and now they’re stuck together.

**

It’s awkward at first, moving her things from her car into his house. She decided to stay in the guest bedroom, no matter how badly she wanted to crawl into his bed and never leave. He was on the phone with the guys and management discussing what this means for their album release and tour well late into the night while she contacted her family.

She could do two weeks with her ex, nothing tricky about that, right?

She was wrong. The first week was rough, they bounced around each other like meteorites trying not to collide. When he’d walk around the house shirtless she had to force herself not to stare. More memories and the ache to run her fingers over his tattoos was too strong. They ate in separate rooms and tried to remain separate as much as possible.

She watched the live he did with the band for their album release, listening along with them and crying at songs she knew Calum wrote. Small nods to their relationship tugged at her heart.

The second week things were looking up because she would be leaving soon. The smell of him would linger on all of her clothes a lot longer now, but she needed to get out. She needed to get over him and that’s hard to do when you’re stuck under the same roof.

Plans had changed yet again, and she’d be with him a lot longer. Tour has been cancelled and in the process of being rescheduled as much as it can be. Calum has been stressed; she feels it radiating off him one morning while he’s sat at the kitchen table. His coffee cup is still full, his shoulders hunched to his neck from stress.

Without thinking, she moves behind him and rubs at his shoulders. He jumps at her touch but then relaxes into her touch, letting her remove the stress that she can from his muscles.

“D’you want to talk about it?” she asks softly.

“Not really,” he shakes his head then sighs. “There is something I’d like to talk about though…”

“Yeah?” her thumbs rub up his neck into his hairline, his blond hairline that he re-dyed for the wildflower music video that never got filmed.

“Can we talk about us?” he asks. Her hands still their motions in his hair.

“What about us?”

He spins around, her hands falling from his warm skin. He takes her hand in his, fingers linked together like so many times before, his brown eyes captivating her. He swallows harshly.

“We’ve got all this time on our hands, might as well cancel all our plans we had and spend it together,” he says.

“Even if it’s just you and me?” she strokes his cheek with the backs of her fingers.

“I can’t fight it anymore,” he shakes his head. “I thought it was hard before but it’s even harder now with you here. I don’t want to let you go.”

“So…what does this mean exactly?”

“It’s just you and me,” he rises to his feet taking her other hand in his. “It means whatever we want it to.”

“Let’s have a date night, a new start,” she offers.

“That sounds good,” he smiles.

At around six o’clock, they meet in the kitchen wearing comfy clothes. Something they both agreed on to make the night even easier and more comfortable. She had on one of his shirts with shorts and socks that went up to her knees. He had on basketball shorts and a blue t-shirt; he remembers how she likes him in blue.

They were making dinner together, homemade pasta with sauce to match. A bottle of wine was opened, and their glasses were filled with the sweet nectar.

“Remember when we got poured out at the festival with Mike and Crys?” she laughs while stirring the sauce.

“We were so muddy,” he joins in her laughter. “Your hair was sopping but you looked adorable all muddy.”

“You wouldn’t join me in the puddle,” she nudges him.

“Because I didn’t want to get sick and guess who was in bed for four days with a cold?”

“Yeah but you took care of me,” she grins.

Calum takes her hand that doesn’t have the spoon in her hand and lifts it to his lips. With his eyes trained on hers, he kisses her fingers, kisses the center of her palm, then her wrist.

“I’d do it again, you know,” he murmurs on her skin. Goosebumps rise on her neck and all the way down her body. “Take care of you.”

Their eyes lock and the mood changes, the sauce bubbles as they lean in closer, closer, and closer still until—

The timer on the oven buzzes signifying it’s ready for the garlic bread. Calum sighs, gives her wrist one more kiss then returns to his task at hand. She’s left flustered and warm while she stirs the sauce then adds the noodles into the boiling water.

During dinner they had another glass of wine and joked about more memories together, dreams they wanted to do with one another. Unlike the first week she was there, their chairs were pushed as close as they could be at the table. Their plates were empty, and his arm was on the back of her chair.

“We should just rent a small camper and travel along the coast,” he says rubbing her neck with his thumb.

“Maybe we can afterwards,” she chuckles wiping off pasta sauce from his cheek. “When we can leave the house again.”

“Good point. So, since this is a first date, now it’s time to dance.”

She quirks an eyebrow up. “Dance? I’m in a t-shirt and knee-high socks.”

“Perfect dancing outfit come on. Up you get, little lady,” he tickles her neck as he rises from his chair. She giggles at his touch then is pulled from her own chair by his hand.

“There isn’t any music,” she laughs falling into his chest.

“Oh shit, hang on. Hey Alexa, play the Y/N playlist,” he says.

“Playing Y/N playlist on Spotify,” Alexa responds, and Ariana’s voice fills the house.

“You have a playlist for me?”

“Of course,” he grins then dips her down. She squeals from the sudden rush to her head as she’s tipped backwards, but Calum would never let her fall.

He pulls her back up, both of them giggling as they dance in the kitchen. Her fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck, it’s getting longer and shaggier by the day. His curls are coming back, and she’s been itching to play with the soft twists.

“I’ve missed you,” he confesses.

“I missed you, too,” she whispers. Their eyes meet just as Justin Bieber’s voice croons in the speakers.

“My plan when you came over was to try and get back together, you know. Even before all of this happened, I was going to ask if you’d wait for me to come back from tour. I wasn’t going to let my stubbornness push away the best person that’s happened to me.”

“Cal…”

She cups his cheek the same time he leans down and presses his lips to hers. An electric surge courses through them as their kiss deepens. He grips her waist then lowers his hands to her ass giving her a hefty squeeze. She gasps at the contact and he slips his tongue in her mouth. Calum spins her around, lifting her up so she’s seated on the counter.

Her legs wrap around his waist, accordingly, pulling him as close to her as possible. The song changes to Lover of Mine just as his hands creep under her shirt. His fingers skim her skin, thumbs brushing over her soft nipples that turn hard upon his touch. He groans, giving her breasts a firm squeeze before lifting the shirt from her body.

Their eyes lock, lips red from their kiss. She traces his lower lip and he’s quick to duck his head down to suck on her neck. She gasps when his hand cups her sex, his thumb rubbing her core through the fabric while his mouth descends to her breasts. She bites her lip, but a small moan escapes her as he sucks on her nipple, his thumb moving in tantric circles.

“Calum…Cal…please…” she begs in a whisper, her fingers tightening in his hair.

Getting her message loud and clear, he lifts her in his arms, lips assaulting hers as he makes his way to his bedroom. He kicks the door shut so Duke doesn’t interrupt then drops her to the bed. She giggles and he laughs along with her yanking his shirt off. She removes her shorts and panties the same time he drops his shorts to the floor.

She’s quick to grasp him in her palm, stroking towards herself, looking up at him. He touches her cheek affectionately; it’s been so long since they’ve had each other this way.

“Love the way you look at me like that,” he mumbles, his thumb rubbing under her eye.

A smile flickers on her lips before she suctions them around his tip. Calum’s eyes close sequentially but he forces them open so he can watch her, another love of his. Her tongue swirls and rolls the only way she knows how to do before taking him further in her mouth.

Calum groans at the warmth of her mouth, he brings his other hand to her cheek, watching her eyes close as she concentrates. Flashes of her like this flood his mind, from their first time, to the time they snuck away at Ashton’s house because he was wearing that suit she loved him in so much she had to have him right then.

When he reaches the back of her throat, he snaps back to the present and moans from the sensation. She takes him that deep again and he holds her face tighter.

“Up, up, up, up,” he orders pulling her off him. As much as he loved getting head from her, he loves returning the favor more. “Lie back, baby, legs up.”

She licks her lips, swiping her thumb over leftover spit which is insanely hot and pushes herself to the center of the bed. He follows her hungrily, pushing her ankles up and to the side so she’s open and pliant for him, only for him.

He keeps his eyes on her as he kisses her thighs, nibbling his teeth every now and then with his thumbs rubbing her ankles softly. She situates the pillows behind her head so she can have a better angle to watch him. She loves to watch as much as he does.

“Ready?” he asks, and she giggles, nodding quickly.

He flashes her a wink before closing his mouth on her clit. She moans on contact while he sucks then transitions to flicking his tongue at the nub, teasing the tip of his tongue in her hole sporadically. He loves pleasuring her with his mouth, he can feel her moans on his tongue as she drips for him. Her hands fly to his hair guiding his mouth to where she needs, and Calum lets her use him.

He pulls away a fraction so he can gather his saliva then spits it on her core, watching it dribble to her entrance before he slurps it back up with her arousal. Her moans are sinful at the action, her hips moving with his motions, moans getting louder and louder until she gasps out his name in one breath. Her legs go rigid in his hold as her orgasm crashes into her.

“That’s my fucking girl,” he grunts, swiping his tongue up and down, up and down until her body relaxes. He looks up already meeting her gaze, chest heaving from the bliss. “Ready for me?”

“Always,” she nods.

They move quickly, situating themselves in the right way. He holds her ankles until he’s hovering above her, then lets go so he can grab hold of his shaft then slaps it against her pussy in a teasing manner. She moans at the contact, her legs falling open wider. Calum rubs her temple with his thumb nearest her head as he nudges himself between her folds.

Her mouth opens like it always does when he inserts himself the first time, he slips right in and they moan together at being connected once more. He rests his other hand on his bed, and she lets out a squeak.

“Ouch! On my hair, move, move, move!”

He lifts his hand spewing out ‘sorry, sorry!’ quickly as she readjusts herself. They’re giggling and he bends down to kiss her, she wraps her arms around his neck. She shifts her hips slightly underneath him in a rocking motion, but he wants more of her lips.

“If I’m going to do all the work, I should have been on top,” she teases jutting her hips up once more.

“Yeah? You want to be sassy right now?” he hums pressing himself into her more, she lets out a choked moan.

“You going to fuck me right now?” she hums in the same tone, smirking against him.

Calum growls then pulls himself out of her only to plunge with force right back in. She screams out his name as he starts a rapid rhythm, hips snapping against hers, the bed shifting with his movements. Her head tilts back as her back arches so she can take him even deeper.

Calum sucks onto her breast, fucking into her swiftly, her wetness has him moving faster and faster until—

“FUCK!” he groans when he slips out of her entirely and thrusts into her thigh. She’s laughing above him, and he curses lowly to himself again. He glances up to see her giggling behind her hand. “Think it’s funny, huh?”

“Am I that wet?” she laughs poking his nose. “That’s your fault you know.”

“I take that as a win, baby,” he sighs teasing her hole once more with his cock. He grins up at her. “No one makes you as wet as I do.”

“Hmm, you’re not wrong,” she smiles then wiggles beneath him.

“You want more?” he teases pressing his tip in slowly, she bites her lip.

“Please,” she whines.

“You have to keep your legs still, so I don’t slip out again,” he breathes then pushes in once more.

He finds his rhythm from before, her body arching the way he loves but he feels her legs shift. He growls then pushes them up to her chest, he plants his knees to the mattress, her ass cheeks resting on his thighs.

“What’d I say?” he pants, and her eyes roll at his tone and the angle he has her body in. he jack hammers into her, his balls slapping her thighs.

She squeezes the pillows next to her head until her knuckles are white, her cries of pleasure are music to his ears as he feels her clench around him. Sweat builds on his brow and his chest and he’s damned to have her orgasm as many times as he can. Her eyes close as her second orgasm hits, she’s pulsing around him in such a good way it makes him ache.

When it’s over, he releases her legs so he can pound into her with his waist. He holds her to his body, face buried in her neck so he can leave marks on her skin. She’s coming once more, chanting his name in his ear and he groans at the sound. She kisses his ear, teeth grazing his lobe as a new orgasm rolls into the next.

Feeling his own release approaching, he shifts again. This time he moves backwards pulling her with him so they’re in a sitting position. He wraps her legs around his waist, her body is heavy against his from the tumultuous pleasure he’s giving her. Calum’s arms snake around her back, it’s sticky with her own sweat and he licks into her mouth the same time he starts thrusting again. Her ankles lock behind his back, she hides her face in his neck at the new angle.

“Look at me, baby, please,” he begs tugging at the hair by her neck. He holds her in place, their eyes meeting, her mouth falling open with their thrusts.

His movements slow to a more tenacious speed, still full of passion but with a layer of love and adoration. Calum moves his hand from her waist so he can anchor himself to the bed, thrusting his hips quicker. She helps as much as she can, her body is nearly spent but she wants to feel him cum inside her, hear his moans and see the bliss in his eyes.

“Come for me, Cal,” she pants, “come for me, baby…”

His hips jerk and he releases his orgasm inside her, his hips move lethargically, milking his climax for as long as he can but their eyes stay locked. When he’s finished, they both let out a long sigh, knocking their foreheads together. Their breath is hot on each other’s faces, sweat beads roll onto each other’s skin, a mixture of him and her.

They stay in the position, legs crisscrossed, arms wrapped around one another, heartbeats slowing from a rapid pace to syncing together. After a few more moments, they disentangle, and Calum has to help her walk to the bathroom. She can already feel the soreness in her lips, but she’s missed the pleasured ache.

They brush their teeth, she uses the toilet, then crawl into bed together. She’s already passed out as soon as her head hits the pillow and Calum draws designs along her back until he falls asleep as well.

The next morning, they wake later than intended but give light kisses in the morning sun.

“I love you, you know,” he tells her caressing her face. His eyes litter over the small marks on her neck and breasts he gave her.

“I love you, too.”

“Are you all right being stuck with me?” he grins pulling her leg over his hip.

“Lock the door and throw out the key,” she grins capturing his lips between hers.

“It’s just you and me.” He moves to roll on top of her, but she pushes on his chest lightly so she’s on top.

“I’m stuck with you,” she whispers, kissing him as she grinds herself on top of him.

Taglist: @calpalirwin​  @thecurlsofgod​ @myloverboyash​ @rotten-kandy​ @tea4sykes​ @jannimoeller3​ @loveroflrh​ @iovehemmings​ @cxddlyash​ @princesslrh​  @katiaw2​ @g-l-pierce​ @fairyintheglass​ @gosh-im-short​ @banditocth @dezzym17  @lukeisbaby​ @spicycal​ @mysticalhood​ @notinthesameguey​ @wastedheartcth​  @itjustkindahappenedreally​ @calumance​ @babylon-corgis​ @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt​ @lanternlover2​ @istaywithmyjonas​ @calteahood​ @sarcastically-defensive17​ @another-lonely-heart​ @devilatmydoor​ @frontmanash​ @philthepegacorn​ @mantlereid @lukedorkyhemmings​ @addietagglikesbands​ @kikixfandoms @sanrioluke​ @mayve-hems​ @morguelth @haikucal​ @thatscooibaby​ @meghanrose05​​ @idontneedanyone​​ @nicebasscalum​​ @haveufoundwhaturlooking4​ @suchalonelysunflower​​ @burstintocolor​​ @zhangyixingxing1​​ @dead-and-golden​​ @mymindwide​​ @everyscarisahealingplace​​ @stardust-galaxies​​ @blackbutterfliescal​​ @redrattlers​​ @lovelybonesetc​​ @karajaynetoday​​ @quasighost​​ @i-like-5sos​​ @creampiecashton​​ @calpops​ @superbloomed-c​ @ophelia-enthusiast​ @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof​ @flaneurcth​

[jinpanman]

Vampire’s Wine

pairing: vampire boyfriend!jungkook x fem human!reader

word count: 1.4k

genre: 18+, fluff, slightly nsfw, established relationship

warnings: this whole thing is a disgusting bloody mess and not in the way you think. menstruation talk - from the use of hygiene materials to the smell of period blood, jk loves period blood - oop., casual conversation about sex and genitals

summary: You decide to brave the mystery that is menstrual cups. Jungkook is intrigued to say the least.

a/n: i needed a break from all my long af fics. u can blame my brain. u can also blame Jess @shelive-shelove​​ for telling me to write this. and for helping me pick a member to write about - but then again, she always picks jk. also @joonie-mono​ kept judging me so now that it exists she has to read it. :-)

The simple matte black box sits on the bathroom counter and it’s incredibly intimidating despite it just sitting there. You pick it up and open the case to reveal an equally black menstrual cup sitting on top of a black pouch. A slip of paper falls out when you open it and you pick it up.

Greetings Y/N! We’re so glad you’ve decided to become the owner of a BLAKD cup. We understand some people don’t want color stained cups so we went ahead and…

You toss the card to the side and pick up the cup and turn it around in both awe and trepidation. There’s a knock on the open door but you don’t bother to look up.

“What’s that you go there?”

“JK honey, tell me. How am I supposed to stick this up my nether region?”

Jungkook snorts and plucks the cup from your hand.

“Well, my dick is bigger than this and you do such a good job taking it all in so I know my baby can handle this small thing.” He pats your cheek lovingly

You squeak and swat his arm away in disbelief. “Jungkook! I swear! You—that’s different! I’m not horny when I’m trying to stick this-this monster inside of me.”

He laughs and quickly covers the little distance between you, pulling you flush against him.

“First of all, that’s an insult to my dick because this,” he waves the cup in front of you and you roll your eyes at him “is no monster. Secondly, maybe we should get you horny first so it won’t be an issue.” He wiggles his eyebrows and licks his bottom lip in anticipation.

You scoff and push him away, taking the cup back from him.

“I need to figure out how to stick this up my very unaroused vagina, so please go and do your vampy things and leave me alone for a few minutes.”

He merely shrugs but of course your boyfriend who must know everything about everything asks, “But babe, what’s wrong with what you usually use?”

Ah, now that’s a good question. You’ve used pads and tampons for so long and frankly you are so utterly fed up with the mess that is Aunt Flo. 

“Jungkook, you won’t even understand even if I told you.”

“Try me.”

You raise a brow but proceed anyway. “Well they stink, for one.”

“False. I love the way you sme—okay, sorry. Go on.”

“Pads are so annoying especially when you’re sweaty and they stick to your butt and somehow you always end up bleeding everywhere except on the pad! And then tampons! Just the general scare that it’ll be stuck there for too long or it’ll poison you or that you’re actually not bleeding as much as you thought you were and you’re dry af and it gets so uncomfortable to take out!” you voice dies out, nearly out of breath because you failed to pause after each sentence. Jungkook watches you with amusement painted throughout his face and relaxed posture resting against the counter.

Your chest is heaving but you continue after taking a few short breaths, “Period panties are okay but I’d like some extra insurance y’know? Also everything is so fucking expensive! Tell me why we’re being paid to tend to something we absolutely cannot control? I fucking bet you if men had periods, they’d free bleed every month and expect everyone to be okay with it. But because we’re women we have to hide it because it makes—”

Jungkook breaks you off mid-tangent kisses you and grins. “Had to stop you before you start ranting for a whole 10 minutes and then forget why you were talking in the first place.”

You return the kiss and give him an appreciative smile. Most people aren’t into the “kiss someone to get them to shut up” but in your case, you appreciated the kisses because one, Jungkook gives the best kisses and two, you really would go off forever if he didn’t shut you up.

“Thanks, baby. Now please leave,” you say before shoving him out the bathroom and locking the door behind him.

After what felt like (and probably was) two hours you are finally out of the bathroom, feeling so utterly defeated and exhausted. You had gotten it in, but at what cost? Both your hands still reek of blood despite scrubbing thoroughly for several minutes with soap. Your thighs are aching from squatting for so long as well. You plop down on the couch beside your boyfriend who’s occupied playing some rando shooting game on the PlayStation. He inhales deeply and shoots you a quick glance. You give him a questioning look but he doesn’t say anything.

After his match, he leans in close to your stomach and takes another big whiff. You’ve long passed being surprised at how much Jungkook likes smelling you. You’d think he was a werewolf or something. Not that you’d tell him that because you were not in the mood to be dicked down just to “prove a point.”

“Hm? You don’t smell like you normally do?”

“Huh, I’m honestly shocked considering how much I bled all over my hands and thighs.”

“Careful, Y/N. You might make me horny,” he muses as he enters another match.

“You’re gross.”

“So, what does the blood just… sit there?”

“Mm, yeah. The cup keeps it all inside and when I take it out the blood will be there.”

“Tell me when you’re gonna take it out, okay?”

Without breaking eye contact with the television screen, he tilts his head to plop a quick kiss on your forehead. You pull a blanket over you and watch on as your endearing thousand year old boyfriend destroys the hundredth controller because he’s still very much a baby vampy and sometimes he forgets his own strength.

“Ohhh my goood this is so fucking weird,” you mutter in disgust.

Here you are, at the end of a full day of doing absolutely nothing, squatting in the tub once again. This time, instead of sticking a foreign object up your vagina, you’re trying to pull it out. You finally have a grip on the stem and your thighs are screaming at you but you fight through the burn because no way in hell are you gonna risk dropping your cup in the toilet bowl. The several guides you found on the internet said it helped to use your muscles to push it out.

“Okay, here goes nothing.”

You push and you eventually feel the suction giving way. A few drops of liquid spill out over your hand and you grimace at how warm it is. You finally pull it out from inside you and you lift it up to inspect the contents of the cup. God it was startling how warm the cup is. It was both disgusting and fascinating to see how much blood you can bleed within half a day. And the best thing—it doesn’t smell! You’re done being weirdly fascinated with your blood now. You’ve definitely been with Jungkook for too long. You hold the cup away from you and tilt it to pour down the—

“NNOOOO!!!! STOP Y/N!!!!”

Your boyfriend stumbles into the bathroom and you watch him with absolute befuddlement as he inches closer to you with crazed eyes.

“Baby,” he reaches out to you, “what were you just going to do?”

“Um, pour out my period blood?”

“Baby!!” he practically whines and kneels beside the tub.

“...Yes? Jungkook?” You’re at a complete loss for why he came bursting here in such a hurry.

“I thought I asked you to tell me when you were gonna take it out.”

“I’m sorry hun. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I’m just taking it out?”

“Babe.”

“Mhm?”

“I’m a vampire.”

“Mhm.”

“And I’m your boyfriend.”

“Okay.”

“Are you really going to make me say it?”

“Jungkook, I don’t even know what you’re talking about so if you could just tell me, that’d be great.”

He groans into his hands and peeks at you through his fingers.

“I wanna drink it.”

Oh, for god’s sake. You restrain yourself from rolling your eyes at him. You weren’t ignorant to his obsession with blood, especially during that time of the month. He was a vampire, after all. This was a whole new experience though with nearly an ounce of your blood right in your hand. Before you can second guess yourself, you hand the cup to your very pouty boyfriend who takes it with a now huge smile gracing his face. 

He brings the cup directly under his nose and takes a quick whiff. You wrinkle your nose in distaste. And then he lets out a deep, guttural moan. He flicks his tongue in the pool of blood then promptly empties the blood into his mouth. A normal person would not shiver at the sight of their boyfriend drinking their blood, but you’ve long resigned the fact that you were not normal. Your eyes fixate on the trail of blood that missed his mouth and now fall down the side of his mouth to his chin. You swallow in sync with Jungkook who hands you back the empty cup.

His voice is hoarse when he speaks. “Please never stop using this cup. It is the greatest creation of the modern times… Next to the internet. Also don’t ever drain your blood anymore. Give it to me. Save the ocean.”

“You absolute dork,” you laugh and continue your downward gaze of his body. That’s when you see it.

“Oh my god. Jungkook. Did you… baby are you horny?”

[1-800-seo]

1-800-𝗦𝗘𝖮'𝘀 𖣘 "𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 (𝗨𝗻𝗶)𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲"

- 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝖩𝗎𝗇𝗀𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗑 𝖸/𝖭

- 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿/𝗌𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖼𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗄/𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗍𝖾𝖽/𝖾2𝗅/𝖼𝗈𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗀𝖾 𝖠𝖴

- 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝗄𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 (𝖺 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗄𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗌), 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗇𝖽𝗋𝗒, 𝖽𝗈𝗆!𝗃𝗄 𝗂𝖿 𝗎 𝗌𝗊𝗎𝗂𝗇𝗍, 𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗆𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌

- 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀: 2984

- 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗇𝖽𝗋𝗒 𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗌 𝗆𝗂𝗑𝖾𝖽 𝗎𝗉 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺 𝖼𝖾𝗋𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗈𝗇𝖾'𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗈𝖿 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗍𝖾'𝗌 𝗀𝗈 𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗄, 𝖺 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝗉𝗅𝗈𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝗌𝗎𝖾𝗌, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝖾𝗇𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗎𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗒𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖽𝗈𝗋𝗄.

doing laundry is absolutely one of your least favourite things in the world beside soggy socks

so you’re in a bad mood as soon as you walk into the campus launderette to say the least

the launderette is empty bar one dude you’d seen around the global technics centre

if you remember rightly he’s a European studies major

odd choice but you do you and all that

now you’re not weird or anything but you have a preference on what type of washing machine you use

I know I know kind of unorthodox

but the old washing machines take 30 mins longer so you’d prefer a newer one

unfortunately the only one left is directly next to this familiar-faced stranger and his laundry

your better judgement is telling you no but your impatience is telling you yes

and so you dump your laundry onto the floor next to the stranger and his and start sorting through for all your whites

your piles mingle a tad as they overlap beside each other like Venn diagrams of assorted underwear and other garments

his consisting of only whites

yours a jumbled mess since you had to wash all of your stuff

in sync you both pick up your washing and put it into the machine

you catch his dark wide eyes as you both straighten up and he lets out an awkward low-voiced giggle

your cheeks immediately flush pink and a bashful smile creeps up to your lips

“you’re from the global centre, right?”

you ask testing the waters

“I am, I’m a European studies major, my name’s Jungkook. I recognise you, you’re in linguistics class right?”

“Yeah, I’m a linguistics major so you’ll mostly see me there, it’s nice to meet you Jungkook”

you say with a smile as your hands fidget with the door handle of the washing machine

“It’s nice to meet you too, I thought I recognised you from somewhere, but it’s because I see you sometimes when I have to do extra credit European language projects. What’s your name?”

he says tilting his head like a curious puppy

“its ______”

you say as you bow to him politely

“Can I ask you something? I have to do a project on European languages and their similarities to others. The professor wants us to speak to outsiders for references so would I be able to collab on a project with you sometime in the future, if it’s not too much to ask?”

he averts his eyes from yours and blushes lightly

“Oh yeah sure, that’s no issue! It’ll be beneficial to me too because the linguistics portion of the course is coming up soon, so it’s a great idea.”

you beam at him

“Could I get your number?”

their is a pause that feels like an eternity between your next words and his last

the cause of this is your mind being far too focused on his wavy dark hair and his clear doe eyes

you snap out of your daze

“yeah totally, one sec”

you pull out your phone from your backpack on top of the washing machine and input his contact name and number as he reads it out

“Thanks for that, it’ll be a big help, let me know when you want to link up” he replies

and with that you had his number and continued on with your washing

21/10 18:32

Jungkook ༄ : not to be accusatory but do you happen to own a pair of RED socks?

You: yes, why do you ask??

Jungkook ༄ : well ALL of my washing seems to be PINK!!

You: just because I own a pair of red socks doesn’t mean it was me 😠

Jungkook ༄ : yes but you were the only one in the launderette when I was there,,

Jungkook ༄ : smh gonna be turning up to class in pink tshirts and and socks, everyone be thinking ive made a new fashion choices when it’s really just because SOMEONE can’t keep their clothes separate from others B/

You: 1) it’s not my fault that my socks decided to migrate to new lands

You: 2) why, are you scared of pink or something? your ego too fragile to wear a ‘woman’s colour’?

You: 3) did you really use a sunglasses sad face emoticon lol

Jungkook ༄ : girl u owe me big time for all these clothes you ruined 😩

Jungkook ༄ : also im not scared of pink I just dont want to be wearing pink shirts to all of my formal events for the next ten years

Jungkook ༄ : and yes im sWaG so my emoticons are sWaG duh

You : ruined? ruINED? RUINED? I did not ruin anything, I simply spiced up your wardrobe boo x

You : oh no he’s a 2012 hype beast 🤦🏻‍♀️

Jungkook ༄ : how dare you call me something so sacreligious as a hypebeast!!

Jungkook ༄ : I am gucci not channel thank you very much

Jungkook ༄ : anyways I gtg write a report, speak soon red socks

Seen ✓

Jungkook was in fact not writing a report

he was planning revenge dun dun dun~~~

his plan was to do the exact same thing you had done to him

but he had to be cunning about it

and so the week went on

he was scrolling through twt when he received a new follower

it was the one and only @_______

and lo and behold their last tweet was “tysm Seokjin oppa for buying me a personal washing machine,, now I can do my most hated thing but at home!!”

hehehe

an idea sprung into kookie’s head

he didn’t have to try and spike your washing at the launderette

he could do it in a place you’d never suspect,, your home

now he only had to find out where you lived

just stalkerish tingz

he had to be lowkey about this

so he decided to ask his best mate and social butterfly of a friend Taehyung whether he knew you

and of course he did lol

“Hell yeah I know where she lives, she had the best party of the whole term, Jimin was so drunk he started chatting himself up in the mirror”

“Damn that sounds like a good time, probs should start going to these parties you invite me to”

“defo should, anyways I’ll tell u as long as you promise not to spread the information or use it for pervy or questionable reasons”

“I promise not to spread it or use it for pervy or questionable reasons”

he replies in monotone voice and his hand on his chest like an oath

and so that was how he acquired your address

simple enough really

and so that’s the events that lead him to be crawling through your dorm window however paused like a deer in headlights at the questionable sounds coming from the room across

he was squatted on the window ledge like spider man, red sock in hand and hood up

it was 9:00pm and your university apartment was supposed to be empty at this time

you had your class on now but he hadn’t accounted for your roommate

hence why he had frozen at the unsavoury sounds echoing round the apartment

low moans and grunts emanated from the room across

dEsGöStEn

he had to get to the kitchen without alerting the dusk time love makers

he could do it if the floor plan was the same as his apartment block and he bet his reputation on that

if he got caught he’d never hear the end of it from his mates and your roommate might even call the campus police if they were spooked enough

and so he clambered through your bedroom window and onto your bed underneath

unmade bed might he add but what did he expect from a uni student

with wide eyes he listened for any noise of suspecting roommates and examined your room

the desk was littered with papers and an oversized lava lamp stood stout in the corner of the room

a lacy bra was hung over your wardrobe handle

he shoved away the idea of you wearing it and continued with his night time plot

slowly and stealthily he crept through the halls of the apartment and out to the kitchen

on the maiden was already a neatly hung load of whites

he’d have to assume it was yours otherwise he’d have to go back to your room to get laundry

he bundled up the clothes and shoved them in the washing machine with the incriminating red sock he’d brought and set it to economy spin

round and round it spun, getting progressively louder as it went

he had to get out of there asap

tip-toeing as he went past the questionable lewd noises, he finally made it to your bedroom

he made one last check to see if he’d left any damage in your room

his eyes fell upon that same bra

damn his manhood making him think predictably

he shoved the thought away and departed

25/10 22:08

You: what in the hell did you do to my washing!!!?!!!

You: unless it was a ghost it HAD TO BE YOU JEON 🤬

Jungkook ༄ : wym I don’t even know where you live 😑

Jungkook ༄ : what’ve you done now?

You: IT HAS TO BE YOU!! SOMEONE FRIGGIN TURNED MY WASHING PINK AND I PROMISE YOU IT WASNT ME

Jungkook ༄ : how would i do that?? I don’t have like magic clothes dyeing skills boo

You: I SWEAR it was you!!

You: what do you want to bet it was u

Jungkook ༄ : I won’t bet anything I’m poor

You: that means you did it!

Jungkook ༄ : if you come with me to Taehyung’s party tomorrow I’ll tell u everything

Jungkook ༄ : but only if you go, that’s the terms of agreement

You: that’s all the incriminating evidence I need!! you basically just admitted to it you know?

You: however for reasons sake I will attend 👀

Jungkook ༄ : see you then red socks x

You: I suppose u will x

time passed quickly and soon it was Taehyung’s party

You’d known Taehyung since middle school however since starting college you hadn’t seen much of him

schedules clashed often so the only time you got to see him was at a good party

nothing wrong with that, you just probably haven’t had a completely sober conversation with him in 2 years

he’s good fun, Taehyung, so you hoped Jungkook wasn’t as much as a killjoy as he’d been this week

his little antics (that you’d yet to figure out) had caused your work uniform to turn bright pink

and thus the ‘pink princess’ nickname at work began

you felt like sharpay, everyone in white, but you pink

you’d quite like to knock Jungkook down a peg after that

and so you made your way to the infamous Taehyung’s party

he welcomed you as you entered the large door of his fraternity house

behind his head of black curls you could see the mess that is a raging college party

young people, at assumably different levels of intoxication, were everywhere

some were stood all the way up the expanse of the stairs even

you looked around and spotted a familiar brunette in the kitchen sat on the large marble counter tops

he’s chatting to some pink haired girl beside him

you stalk up to him like a woman on a mission and jokingly (a little too hard for jokingly) push his shoulders with both hands

he immediately snaps his head round to face you and his eyes widen with shock

“I have a bone to pick with you.” you say as stern as you can

you grab hold a fistful of his black T-shirt and drag him into a side room

once you enter only then do you realise it’s a laundry room

how fitting 👀

you say “Come on, tell me how you did it.” as you cross your arms and glare at him

“Did what?”

“you know what I mean, don’t play dumb with me, how did you turn all of my washing pink, and might I add, my work uniform too!”

“Ohhh that, it was far too easy. You really should keep your windows locked when you’re out.” he says as he laughs, like the whole thing is amusing

“So you’re telling me you broke into my apartment?! How did u know where I live??”

at this point you’re pacing around the room, arms flailing wide at the sudden discovery

“Well, I may or may not have asked Taehyung, and he told me, and then I entered, I did not break into your apartment. Anyway, I didn’t touch anything but the washing machine and I had the lovely experience of being serenaded by your roommate’s sex symphony.”

he made a step forward towards you, almost in a challenging way

“Oh I’ll be having harsh words with him later...” you say as you uncross your arms and put them on your hips.

you stand thinking for a second before it sinks in

“Wait.. what did you hear? You said sex symphony, right?”

“Uh yeah, your roommate was proper going at it with someone. At least he had the decency to do it whilst you were out, I guess.” He chuckled

“Oh my days, that means Hobi must’ve had Hyerim round! Go him I guess, but also ewww”

“Anyways we’ve bounced around the issue enough here, you ruined my clothes and broke into my apartment!” you exclaim backing up against the wall

Jungkook starts to close the gap between you two

“So? What’re you going to do about?”

your back pressed flush with the wall, you start to realise how close he really is

you can see the small freckles that dot the bridge of his nose, the thick eyelashes that frame his eyelids, the totally sinful look in his eyes

like this you start to realise how shockingly handsome he is

no wonder he has a slight reputation in class

you had no idea why he was looking at you this way

“I-I’ll call campus security..” You begin

“Will you really now?” he retorts as he slams his hand into the wall behind you, caging you in

“I w-will” a whisper that falls on deaf ears

before you even register, his lips have attached themselves to yours and you feel his thumb under your jaw

he works his lips against yours and you feel your legs start to tremble

he tastes sweet and robust, like syrup on your tastebuds

you mould into his kiss and then break away, panting for air, wanting more

everything felt so wrong, yet so right at the same time

it was as if your current issue had melted away and the only thing you could focus on was the way he looked at you and how his soft lips felt against yours

“J-Jungkook? What’re we doing?” you asked, a giggle leaving you

you rest your head against chest, clasping at his tshirt

“I couldn’t resist, you’re so hot when you’re angry”

he places a firm kiss against your cheek, takes your hand in his, and leads you back to the party

you couldn’t believe you’d just done that, let him kiss you so easily

but once you let him, it felt so right, like it was supposed to be that way, him lapping you up like a parched man to water

it felt so natural to have his arm round your waist like it was now

the pair of you approached Taehyung, still clutched together

“What happened to you two? I heard _____ went off on one and then you both were missing for ages. And now you both show up all over each other... what went down 👀”

“Well you know, hate and love are both forms of passion.” Jungkook says with a smirk

“excuse me? Assuming I love you? I let you kiss me once and you say it’s love? I’ll show you love” you retort

“Oooh she’s feisty; so you kissed? Damn, things’re moving quickly for you two, one minute Jungkook’s asking me for your address, the next you’re sucking each other’s faces off. I’m one of hell of a wing man, if I do say so myself.”

Taehyung flips an imaginary lock of hair out of his way like a sassy high school cheerleader

You both just laugh, at Taehyung, and because of how crazy it is,

It’s almost like you didn’t know you liked him like that until it smacked you in the face

“Do you want a drink? A beer?” Jungkook asks pouring himself a glass of punch

“That’d be great, thank you” you reply as you realise how much more time you want to spend with this annoying but totally handsome dork of a boy

༄ 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝗈 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀! ༄

This was just a little fic I wrote a while ago which had formatting errors so I fixed it for y’alI, Hope you enjoyed it ☺️ Let me know what you thought of it and feel free to like and reblog <3

[thickwamuu]

Pick me (yandere!Ghiaccio x reader)

Pairing - [Ghiaccio x reader] (stands? - no)

Words - 1489 (not proofread)

Warnings - general yandere-ness, swearing, (extremely) graphic violence/body horror (you’ve been warned 👀😗 I love horror, this is meant to be scary), dumb post name that definitely I hate myself for

Scenario - you go skating for a first date at a rink you frequent and it turns out that he’s a bit of a douche. A certain mouthy employee who has made a habit of observing you doesn’t like that.

When you overheard your tinder date throwing cheesy lines at someone else as you approached your meetup spot, you already had a pretty good idea of whether you’d be asking for a second date or not. Picking out the ideal partner wasn’t your forte, sure, but you couldn’t let that stop you in your pursuit of love- and it certainly wouldn’t stop you from enjoying the rink after you had already paid for your admission.

Actually getting on the ice seemed to be a far away goal though as he threw his arm around you and directed you to the food stand, chatting obnoxiously.

“Ah shit,” your date cursed, patting his jeans and jacket pockets. Oh boy. “I only brought enough to get in, and I’m starving could you-“

“What do you want?” You rolled your eyes walking up to the vendor. He smiled and playfully got you in a headlock. “I knew blowing off my plug for this date was a good idea. I met someone as kind as you, kid.”

Plug for what Exactly? You weren’t particularly interested in finding out.

Practically inhaling his food, he washed it down with a sip of your drink before scrunching his nose up and wiping his mouth. “What the hell was that?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Dude, it’s just coffee...”

“You drink that shit?” He remarked before pushing his shoulder into you and giving you a coy look, accompanied by a wink. “Don’t worry babe, hopefully my good taste will rub off on you.”

You deadpanned and let out a loud sigh as he laughed at his own statement, making him stop and guide your chin to look at his odd version of a puppy dog face. Nice, his fingers had sauce on them. “C’mon, baby, I was just joking around.”

He leaned in the rest of the way for a kiss and with dinner plate eyes you pushed him away. “What’s your problem?” You whispered sternly, not wanting to draw attention. “I don’t have a problem, I’m just trying to lighten the mood. You’re not making it easy.” His tone was mocking and louder than necessary, making you duck your head and blush.

“Look, I don’t think-“

“What the fuck?” Your date interrupted before chuckling maliciously and nudging you in the ribs, pointing to a man you presumed to be a maintenance worker hunched over a janitor cart, scowling at the two of you and mumbling. “Hey four eyes! Do I got something on my face?”

The man’s face turned a shade of red that could rival his bright cherry glasses and with widened eyes, he turned around began to walk away.

“Hey! I wasn’t done!”

Your face definitely mirrored the poor employees when your date hurled your half full coffee cup at him, making you bolt up from your seat and rush over to him. Supporting the trembling man now cradling his head and clearly failing breathing exercises, you turned to the culprit with distress cutting through your words. “Why are you being like this?”

“You’re on that losers side? He was the one who was-“

Ignoring him, you turned to them man, squatting to look up at his face. Worried that he was crying, as he didn’t look particularly strong willed, you were very surprised to see him quite literally shaking with rage. “Sir are you okay, did you get hurt.”

Snapping his wild eyes on you, he began to slow his breaths as he straightened himself up, attempting to gain composure. Standing up yourself, you noticed you were the same height as him, if not taller.

“I’m fine.” He breathed out curtly as the colour of his face began to look more like an actual human skin tone. Your thoughts were cut short as a rough hand clasped onto your shoulder, grabbing your attention. “I don’t know why you suggested this place, it sucks. Lets get out of here.”

“Wait.” A quiet, cold voice cut in making your date stop before rolling his eyes and opening his dumb mouth. “Don’t you know when to stop? I thought glasses meant you were smart.”

A vein popped in the employees neck as he silently pointed to the lanyard around his neck that read ‘MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY’ in bold letters before pulling the radio on his belt to his mouth, mumbling something and looking back up. “You’re coming with me for disrupting the public until police get here.”

“Whatever, it’s not like this was even a big deal. Kind of an overkill reaction, but clearly you don’t have enough power in your life and need to compensate.” Your date scoffed, complying with the employee.

Maybe he did have one brain cell after all.

The man shifted his tense gaze to you making you freeze up, already thinking about how far away the commute to the next closest rink was. You should have known better than to bring a stranger here, god forbid you actually have a good date or once in your life.

“You.”

His strained tone made you wince.

“Next time you come here... tell them Ghiaccio said you’re allowed a session for free and to radio me if that’s an issue... you clearly didn’t get to use this skate time.” Despite it’s harsh sounding delivery, the offer he extended to you made you blush, perhaps that was just his default tone.

“Thank you, you’re too kind.” You smiled at him genuinely before flipping like a coin and shooting a glare to your date. “I’m going home. Lose my number, asshole.”

Making your exit, you thought about the employee- Ghiaccio. ‘Even his name fit him’ you laughed to yourself. Although a little quick-tempered and bad with kind words, he really seemed decent. Maybe your luck in love was changing for the better.

-

“Weren’t you bringing me to security?” The leech asked, looking around at the locker rooms and various storage closets littering the hallway.

“Shortcut.” Ghiaccio bit out, pushing him through a door. “In here.”

“Through the second rink? Is this where the team plays?-” His insufferable voice silenced with a grunt as the employee smashed a shovel used to maintain the ice into the back of his skull and got to work.

When he came to, the first thing he noticed was how cold the ice felt- next, how very naked his body was. Attempting to get up, he realized ice picks were keeping him from moving his hands in the way that they pierced straight through the middle of them, a massive pool of blood now staining the ice below. Finally, he noticed the man in the standard blue janitorial coveralls looming above him with heavy work gloves on and the all too familiar red glasses dawning his face.

“W-what do you want from me, man?” He sobbed out, the numbing of ice and adrenaline fading away with every second.

This seemed to set Ghiaccio’s fuse. “You say the dumbest shit! Why the fuck would I want anything from you? do you think I’m the beggar in this situation? do I look like I need something? On top of that, it’s been bugging me the whole time I was setting up, Your insults don’t even make sense.” He yelled out, his words bouncing off the rink glass.

“Setting u-up?...” the worm whimpered pathetically as he was forced to listen to the madman’s critique of him.

“-at world does ‘four eyes’ even make sense? I clearly have two eyes! Two eyes! Two! Are you so dumb you can’t even count?” He ranted, kicking the mans head to the side, his face lulling back and forth with the movements pitifully.

“I’m gonna shut that idiotic mouth for good.” The employee spoke, squatting down with a vicious smile as his gloved fingers snatched his victims tongue and pulled it out, chin involuntarily clashing into the sub-zero surface.

The parasite shook his head as he garbled out cries for help, hot, fat tears effectively marrying his skin to the ice.

His scream ripped into the cool air as the sharp pick was forced through his wet muscle, Ghiaccio dusting himself off as he moved to tighten the coarse rope around his bare ankles.

“At least they’ve smartened up and started bringing the obstacles to me. I’m so fucking tired of having to track you scumbags down in my free time.” His voice rose as he climbed onto the zamboni, starting it up. “I’m so fucking sick of guys like you getting to spend time with them! It doesn’t make sense! No fucking sense! It should be me! Fuck!”

After smashing his fists into the wheel of the ice resurfacer, he remembered the breathing exercises he read about when he decided to reign in his anger as not to scare you away when he got too heated. Heaving in and out, he found his center and sat up straight, slowly accelerating the machine forward with its precious cargo in tow.

[killprettymagazine]

An Excerpt From Our Interview With Mind Detrgnt

To read the full interview pick up issue 5, a thing you can do by clicking this link! Wow! HTML!

KP: What's Memphis like for graffiti?

MD: It's an awful place for graffiti. The biggest crew there is UH crew. I don't really like their shit, but that's what I grew up around. I didn't do shit like theirs. They do all that weird *makes ninja noises* crazy you know, complicated, illegible pieces and shit like that. I was never that into it. Me and my homie, we were both runaways and we would do shitty tags on Lexuses and shit like that. Me and him both wrote MIND DETRGNT. He never really got that into graffiti. He ended up getting more into music. He still plays music as MIND DETRGNT and he still makes collages that are MIND DETRGNT collages that are really cool. I used to do collages but I don't any more.

KP: When did you run away?

MD: I was 16 or 17. Something like that. Me and him used to squat in this underground parking garage. There was a door to a boiler room that we popped open and we would just sleep in there with our sleeping bags and burn candles and listen to the radio and skip school. If it wasn't raining we'd go across the street to this park and there was this big fucking tree that was all overgrown but the inside was kind of hollowed out. We dragged a picnic table in there.

KP: Damn that must have been a big tree!

MD: It was a huge tree. It was all over grown. We dragged a picnic table in there and one of us would sleep on top and the other one would sleep underneath it. It was all trashed. We would cross-dress a bunch and shit in high school. So we had all these heels and weird clothes laying around.

KP: I can't imagine squatting in the snow. Must be horrible.

MD: It can be. For the last month I've been in Detroit because I have a squat there that I've had for four years. It's just a squat that I'll never get kicked out of because Detroit is so blighted. Nobody gives a fuck. Four years ago I went there and gutted this whole place. Threw all the trash out the window. I painted all the floors so it wouldn't be so dusty. I started screwing wood everywhere there was raw, exposed beams. Every year I would come back and work on it a little more. I came back this year and there was this hole where raccoons were coming into my room. I'd wake up in the middle of the night and just start chucking 40 bottles at raccoons, screaming, and they would run away. I boarded up the spot where the raccoons were coming in. Then my window broke and it got hella cold so I ended up staying with a homie down the street. I'm just talking really fast. I'm in a good mood. Are you in a good mood?

KP: I see a lot of rollers and characters from you. How did that start? You said you were surrounded by a lot of piecers in Memphis.

MD: Well I didn't hang out with them. That's just what I saw. When I started tagging in high school I just did juvenile ass shit – just fucking shit up. The word MIND DETRGNT means brainwash. So if I saw something that I thought was brainwash like a billboard or a fancy car or some shit, that's what I would write on it. Just to call that shit out. The word stopped meaning so much to me after a while. I got into acid for a while and that was kind of part of it. I kept being like, "Yeah, MIND DETRGNT, let's cleanse ourselves!" You know? Shit like that. I'm not as much of a hippie anymore but I still like the word. After Memphis, I moved to Chicago. I was kinda into music for a while and not doing any graff really. I started riding trains. I rode down to New Orleans and then back through Alabama. I started getting into train riding and went back to Chicago. That winter I decided to get into graff more.

KP: What's your favorite city to paint?

MD: Detroit is the chillest. Chicago's buff is worse than any town I've ever been to. Really bad. Mayor Daily had a war on graffiti. He's not the mayor any more and I thought the buff would lighten up a little bit, but it hasn't really apparently. I talked to the homie in Chicago today and I asked him how the buff was and he said it's still pretty shitty. He doesn't really care if it gets buffed, he wants to keep bombing. 

KP: It's hard to keep your spirits up when everything gets buffed all the time.

MD: True. That's why in Chicago you just gotta do stickers and little marker tags and shit will run. ORFN and PANDASEX and them will do shit where they disguise their tags as something that's like a friendly mural or something. Have you ever seen the downflow US where the U is a smiley face and the bottom of the S starts the next smiley face? BRITE was showing it to me. PANDASEX would do pieces on a wall next to a bunch of murals but it would look like some little kid playground shit but it would run! People who knew would know what it was, but people that didn't know wouldn't buff it. I've never really tried to do that. My shit has always been BLAAAHHAHAHA! FUCK IT!

Wow! Insightful stuff! Read the rest of the interview in issue 5!

[partynthem]

to expand on my nonsense concert notes from last night (it’s long lmao ya girl has a lot of thoughts)

- i would like to start by just thanking lauren @enthusiasm-paraphernalia for existing

- the keyboard alex plays on stage is literally three feet tall. i’m genuinely not joking it is so fucking short. the actual smallest keyboard in the world for the world’s tiniest man.

- i still deeply miss alex’s hair but his shaved head isn’t that bad in person. it’s alright. his hair is objectively better and he doesn’t look like himself but whatever it’s fine i’m fine

- ahhhh during the view from the afternoon it was just the four OG monkeys on stage and i was and still am crying abt it

- alex announced teddy picker by just shouting ‘TEDDY PICKER!’ into the microphone. thanks. and then during the song when it got to the solo he played maybe three notes and then threw his arms around a bit leading me to believe he forgot how to play the solo

- we were fucking up in arms when they didn’t transition to crying lightning after teddy picker tho like the three of us were just shouting at them as if they could hear us and as if they gave a single shit abt our opinion of their setlists

- during knee socks alex started reaching over from where he was standing to the keyboard and my eyes are bad so i thought he was trying to grab tom’s mic but he was actually just reaching for his sunglasses that he’d put on the keyboard earlier skhjfsdgfd but he was in such a weird position cos the keyboard was slightly out of his reach so he was bending and twisting and it was so extra to witness

- ok they played view from the afternoon, teddy picker, do me a favour, and knee socks all in a row and those are legit my top four am songs so i was Fuckin Sweating it was so much all at once

- also during do me a favour he mimed the ‘well her shoes were untied’ line by fucking stomping????? like i understood he was demonstrating untied laces but he lit just stomped

- before wyocmwyh he was saying nonsense and i may have misheard but i SWEAR he said the words ‘washy going down on a sunday nighhhttttt’ . washy..... alex no

- during wyocmwyh alex was rly feelin it and miming shit like there was no tomorrow and at the ‘get through the gears’ line 1. he said shift through the gears and 2. he mimed shifting gears in a car and it was like watching him try to swim during the line in one point perspective. he doesn’t know how to drive or swim i guess. can he do anything??? anyways. during one of the choruses after he sang ‘why’d you only call me when you’re high?’ he pointedly said matt’s name while staring him down implying matt only calls him when he’s high. casual.

- alex was just yelling so many random phrases during/between songs (which he didn’t do as much the first night he seemed to be having way more fun last night) and after wyocmwyh he said ‘getting to know youuuuuuuu’ and during pretty visitors during the break in the song he said ‘what are you on about?’ and like. what am I on about??? you’re the one that fucking wrote pretty visitors alex what are YOU on about

- THEY PLAYED AMERICAN SPORTS AND LAUREN AND I HAD THE MOST DRAMATIC PHYSICAL REACTION TO IT STARTING WE BOTH JUMPED AS THOUGH WE’D BEEN ELECTROCUTED AND LOST OUR DAMN MINDS I STILL CANT BELIEVE THEY DID IT

- alex screamed so much during brianstorm and not his usual ‘YEAHHHH’ but more ‘AHHHHHHHHHH’ and so many times. like five different times in that 2 min 53 second song

- matt is just so fucking talented and good at what he does and is so mesmerizing to watch i am forever impressed by him

- alex kept taking his sunglasses off and then putting them back on jkhfssd it happened so many times and was so dramatic he just could not make up his fucking mind on whether or not he wanted to be wearing them

- the vox was having issues during do i wanna know and someone (dave i think) came out on stage during the song and was fiddling w it and alex was still trying to play and then once the guitar was fixed he said ‘it’s back!’ and then continued on w the song

- ok.. alex had this fucking TOWEL on stage to keep wiping his sweaty ass face with and every time he would lauren and i would just lose our shit and one time when he went to wipe his face it was the most aggressive use of a towel i’ve ever seen. my skin hurt just watching him attack his face like that

- also alex kept going to drink water on stage maybe every three min i guess the dc swamp humidity was rly getting to him

- towards the middle/end of the set they hadn’t done 505 yet so i was starting to believe they had come to their senses and were gonna close w it but they didn’t and i was mad when it started playing as like the 14th song or whatever

- OH AND AT THE ‘HANDS AROUND MY NECK’ LINE DURING 505 HE PUT HIS FUCKING HAND AROUND HIS NECK

- they did that cool transition between 505 and tbhc again!!!

- he did so much weird shit during pretty visitors i can’t even pick one or five things to mention cos it was just four full min of nonstop antics

- at the start of the second verse of i bet you look good on the dancefloor HE JUST CACKLED INTO THE MICROPHONE AND DIDN’T SING THE FIRST TWO LINES COS HE WAS TOO BUSY LAUGHING

- also during dancefloor poor sweet jamie his guitar was Fucked Up TM and eventually he just kinda sat down on the side and the song was weird without him

- alex randomly stood up from the piano during star treatment and walked around and his mic cord got caught on something (typical) and he softly went ‘shit’ at the end of a line jshdhsjd and then he just squatted at the front of the stage during the verse in the middle of the song. you know. as one does

- also during star treatment they had that ridiculous disco cube thing on stage but the light was rly pretty and there was a moment alex was in the exact right spot and he looked so beautiful. even without hair

- at the end of r u mine before they did the chorus again he would not put his arms down i swear to god they were just floating up in the air for maybe an entire two minutes. i worried his hands were losing circulation

- they (especially alex) took so much time to walk off stage and they all seemed so into it all night and were interacting a ton and i’m just. emotional

- i had to leave early after the show cos my sister arrived to pick me up (my dumbass asked her to come get me so i wouldnt have to spend $40 on an uber home lmao @ me playing myself) so i didn’t get to wait to try and meet them or wait and hang out more which was :( but i love arctic monkeys more than anything and this was truly the best weekend of my life and i’m so so so so so happy even tho i’m sad it’s over i’m so happy i got to have this and i will forever treasure the last 48 hours of my life

💖🖤💖🖤💖🖤💖🖤💖

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, jbsaucy!

Today, we wish a very Happy Birthday to @jbsaucy! We hope you’re having a wonderful day full of treats and adventures! To top off the birthday cheer, the lovely @mega-aulover has written a story just for you!

For: jbsaucy

Request: I would love some soulmate/soulmark Everlark

 AN: Happy Birthday @jbsaucy I hope you enjoyed your day. Special thanks to @norbertsmon who beta’d helped me come up with M.O.M….heart U.

 Premis: A what if Thirteen unleashed a Nuclear weapon at the Capitol after it was bombed. Almost one hundred years later this is what my little brain came up with. Hope you enjoy and Happy Birthday. AU HUNGER GAMES

 Rated: G

 Name: Belive in Magic

“KATNISS EVERDEEN” the machine flashed her name on the screen.  She chewed nervously on the inside of her cheek.

 Today was ‘Match’ day. The day she would find out who her spouse was. Everyone born in Panem was tattooed with a number that indicated their genetic markers.

When they turned eighteen the computer read their seal and chose the best possible counterpart to be able to produce healthy offspring.  Katniss didn’t want to get “Matched,” as they said, but it was the responsibility of the good citizens of Panem.

 When the districts rebelled against the Capitol for it’s unfair treatment, the war lasted six years and both sides suffered many casualties.

 As a way to end the fighting  and to gain control, the Capitol bombed the rebellion headquarters, District 13. What they didn’t expect was for 13 to launch a nuke at them. The Capitol and it’s inhabitants blindly launched 3 nuclear bombs right before they were annihilated.

 Many of those who survived the bombings tragically died from radiation poisoning. The nuclear fallout caused many deaths and health issues, forcing the affected districts to burrow underground in silos for safety. Then a smallpox breakout affected all of the districts.

 Even now seventy six years later society was still reeling under the impact of the war. The main cities for all thirteen districts were underground even though there were some that survived on the surface. On February 14th of each year all of the eighteen year olds went through the matching ceremony. It was decided a long time ago that on the even years women would move to their spouses district and the men on the odd years.  

 Her father was a huntsman from District 10, moved here to District 13 to be mated with her mother.

 It was not an easy life to live underground with restrictive hours outside. Katniss loved the outdoors and the sun shine just like her father.  She didn’t want to leave her home, but it was her turn.

 This year it was the women's turn, Katniss hated the idea of having to be carted off to a silo somewhere far. Next year it would be the men.

The machine beeped and stamped her with a tattoo and it read in bright red letters: DISTRICT TWELVE. It generated the name of her mate on paper. She took the slip but didn’t read it. She stuffed it in her pocket.

 All around her there was excited chattering. A girl named Glimmer got District One; she was squealing. Glimmer always wanted to be in the luxury district. Katniss rolled her eyes and headed out if the room.

 Her father was waiting for her. “So?”

 “D12,” Katniss plopped down on the utilitarian chair.

 Her father sat down next to her.

 Katniss was like her mother, not much of a talker, and she tended to be moody.  Her father, on the other hand liked to sing, dance, and was filled with life. She should have clashed with him but she didn’t. Katniss loved her father immensely and looked up to him.

 “I need to tell you a tale,” her father finally uttered after a long silence.

 Katniss glance in his direction.  Her father’s stories were fantastical fables. Often grounded on some minute true event. “Our folk are originally from Twelve.”

 Katniss frowned. This was one she’d never heard before.

 “It's true, your grandparents are from District Twelve. You’re going to the land of soulmates.”

 Katniss shook her head. She leaned forward and braced her hands on her knees to stand and walk away from her father when he said, “I have my mark and so does your mother.”

 “Dad we all do. We’re tattooed with a barcode as soon as we’re born.” She'd accepted her fate even though the idea of marrying a stranger had never been appealing.

  “No,” Her father said and rolled the sleeve of his shirt. “I mean you have a soulmate mark.” He held up a birthmark on his arm that looked like a sprig. “Your mother has the identical one in the identical place.”

 Katniss shook her head in disbelief. “Dad,” she sighed. “I know you’re trying to make me feel better but his isn’t helping. I’m moving to D12 to marry,” Katniss took out the slip of paper from her pocket, “Tobias Wigglesnone.”

“Katniss you have to believe in magic.”

  “Dad there is a reason these stories all called myths.” Katniss didn’t believe in magic and as entertaining her father’s stories were they were just invented tales told to boys and girls to teach a lesson or to make children or adults behave.

 Her mother came rushing in, her pale face. “Did you tell her? Does she understand?” One look at her face and her mother knew Katniss didn't believe. “Katniss you have to understand where your father's coming from. There is more than one way to find a spouse. We firmly believe a machine program shouldn't be the end all that coldly decides your fate.”

 Her mother lifted up her arm and rolled up the sleeve to her shirt. There was a sprig just like the birthmark her father had.

 They stood before her showing her their matching marks.

 It was unsettling, but not improbable.  Katniss slumped back in the chair. Her brain actively trying to come up with a reason as to why her parents had identical marks in the same place.

 Her father squatted down to eye level. “Katniss, your mother and I were lucky. We were chosen for the other through the system. Many of our folk aren’t as lucky and they end up in loveless marriages or partnerships.”

 “I've heard of others who found their soulmate and were drawn to them,” her mother piped in.

 Katniss didn’t believe it. It all sounded like nonsense to her.

 “You know that birthmark on your hip, the one that looks like half of a bow with an arrow? The person you are supposed to be with has the other half.”

 “Look, your father and I want you to be careful,” her mother quietly warned. “It’s not looked upon favorably to have an affair. You can be sentenced like Maysilee Donner.”

 Katniss knew about Maysilee, she’d been found breaking the Match. Each person was selected to maximize the likelihood of children. Many felt as if they were being bred to be baby machines. Her parents, however, had a very happy life together.

 There was a soft ping that sounded in the room. It was followed by an announcement: “This is a reminder to all female candidates; transportation begins in one hour.”

 Katniss went to her space, and she packed up quickly. In D13 they only had the three changes of clothing, and something to sleep in. Every resource was valued and prized. Katniss didn’t know any other way of life. Grabbing her knapsack she and her family went down to the launching station.

 Vast underground trains ran in between the districts and avoided the contaminated areas. It was a longer way of travel, but it allowed them to be able to share the things each district specialized in. Katniss stood with the hundred or so girls that were leaving.

 Her parents were among of the few who looked concerned instead of exhibiting a joyous expression.

 Katniss hugged her mother then turned to hug her father. She held onto him tightly. She wasn’t one to have emotional outbursts, but her eyes watered up when her dad gave her one if his prized bows. She stepped away from her parents and onto the train.

 It pushed off heading west and she settled in by herself at the back of the train holding tightly to her pack. The motion of the train lulled her to fall asleep. She traveled for nearly a week, each time the train stopped at an underground station they dropped off girls. Today she woke up to see snow as they traveled between districts.  

 It blanketed the earth.

 Katniss had seen images of snow, but she’d never seen it. She was one of only five girls left on the train. She pressed her nose against the cold glass; her hot breath fanned out on the window. She marveled at the tall pine trees right before the train went through the tunnel.

 She hugged the bow and arrows her father gifted her. Perhaps they would allow her to hunt for food for the district like D13. Her leg trembled as the train came to a stop. D12 was often passed over in school. The only thing she knew about it was that it was the smallest of all of the districts.

 The train came to a stop and she could see a group of people standing outside. Each person was wearing different clothing, so unlike the gray utilitarian uniforms of D13.

 She and the other girls left the compartment and stepped out into the cavernous room. It looked as if it was carved out of a mountain side.  People held signs with the names of the girls they were waiting for.

 Katniss searched the group for her name, but she did not find it. The other girls were warmly, but awkwardly, greeted by their mates.  Katniss felt like a voyeur, hoping her first meeting went as smooth.

 Soon, she was left alone and the train chugged away. The lights swung from the ceiling as the train left the station.  Katniss wondered if her mate, Tobias Wigglesnone, had forgotten about her.

 The clock at the station read 0100 hours. A half hour later she was still standing in the same spot. Then she heard a quick tip tapping sound. She glanced to see a woman approaching with a clipboard in her hand. She was dressed in brown fur and was perched on the strangest shoes Katniss had ever seen.

 “Katniss Everdeen?”

 “Yes.”

 “Oh thank heavens,” the woman huffed. Her voice was high pitched. “I am Effie Trinket, these people here are ruffians.”

 Katniss couldn't tell how old the woman was because she wore so much face paint. “I am sorry, who are you?”

 “Effie Trinket, did you not understand me?” Effie gave her a strange look.

 Katniss shook her head. She was used to people speaking in clipped efficient sentences.

 “I am with the Panem’s Ministry of Mating, we officially call ourselves MOM’s,” Effie spoke quickly. “Please come with me.”

 Katniss grabbed her duffle bag and bow and followed behind.

 “I regret to inform you that your mate Tobias Wigglesnone passed away recently.  I was alerted this morning  that I was to pick you up at the station and bring you to chose your new Mate.”

“WAIT,” Katniss stopped walking, “WHAT?”

 “My dear we have a long way to go. I will explain it all on the way, and of course there are the waivers and forms to sign. You, my dear, have an opportunity to chose the man you want to mate with.” Effie looked at her clipboard. “Oh dear we are late.”

 Katniss numbly followed behind the woman.  “How did he die?”

 “My dear Tobias was caught in the snow storm last night. He died of hypothermia. It’s very sad. You are considered a widow, but as you are within child bearing years we at the M.O.M want to extend to you the courtesy of being able to chose who you want to copulate with.”  

 All the while she spoke her the heels of her shoes click-clacked on the concrete floor. They arrived at a large bomb-bay door. There were a few hovercrafts sitting idling in the room.

 “I was informed you are an extra-small.”

 Katniss nodded as she saw a man who was leaning up against a wall glance their way.

 “Haymitch, could you please do something and hand me the coat for this young lady.” Effie’s voice was clipped as she address the man. “I have to make a phone call.”

 “Sure.” Haymitch stood and scratched his beard. He walked over with a package that looked like a bed roll. “Kinda of small for a girl from D13?”

 Katniss scowled and took the package from him.

 “Got the personality of slug too. Hope your new hubby appreciates that face of yours,” Haymitch snickered.

 Katniss opened the package and was surprised it was a snow suit. “Wait we’re going outside?”

“Congratulations sweetheart, you’re in one of the three districts where its residents live outdoors as nature intended.”

 Katniss hadn’t been outdoors since December.  They claimed it was unhealthy for them to be exposed to the harsh weather. She quickly dressed and zipped up the suit. She slipped on her hood, scarf and goggles, before putting on her gloves.

 “You know you don’t look too bad when you smile,” Haymitch smirked.

 Katniss rolled her eyes. The click-clacking noise was back. She turned in the direction of Effie who was now donned in a similar suit, but her boots were heels as well.

 “Don’t ask me how she moves around in those dammed shoes, but without them she trips on air.”

 Katniss chuckled. When the door of the hanger was opened she took a deep breath of the cool crisp air.  She closed her eyes, her body jumped for joy right before she opened them again to reveal they were amongst the trees. Huge majestic trees that were covered with snow. She marveled at the ridge of mountains surrounding them as she walked out.

 They walked to what Haymitch called a souped up snowmobile and soon they were off.  Katniss enjoyed viewing the the sites as she rode in the all terrain vehicle. She was glad she’d brought her bows. She really hoped she’d be able to hunt, like her paw had taught her.

 So far she liked her new district and when they reached what Effie called the quaint village she swallowed hard. Effie told her she’d be able to speak to the three candidates and based off that and three mini-dates she’d be able to chose who she wanted.

 This sent Katniss for a loop. By nature she wasn’t a talkative person. In fact she was shy at times, unlike her father who could easily make friends and allies.

 Her gut clenched as they walked into the building. She was ushered into a room where she removed her snowsuit and left behind her belongings.

 “Now don’t be nervous,” Effie said as she fixed Katniss hair and brushed off the standard uniform of D13. “There are three lovely men in there, all widows who have lost their wives and have been selected as your best chance to be able to have offspring.”

 With that Effie turned the knob of the door and she was ushered into the room where three men quickly stood up. The blood rushed to her ears and for a moment she experienced white static noise.

 She quickly blushed and lowered her lashes.

 “Gentlemen, meet widow Wigglesnone. As you know Tobias tragically passed away, but we at the M.O.M. must move forward.” Effie announced, “Katniss, I would like to introduce you to Thom Briarpatch.”

 Katniss quickly glanced up to see a tall man with dark skin tone and eyes similar to hers.

 “Ma’am, a pleasure,” he smiled at her.

 “Hello,” Katniss didn’t know what to make of him, for he was friendly but forgettable.

 Effie introduced the next man, “Katniss, this is Earl Bleat.”

 Katniss saw that he was a little older than the first man. His hair was slicked back and when he eagerly grinned at her she pulled back. There was a strong acrid smell that almost reminded her of  one of her mother's fresh batches of rubbing alcohol.

 “Wow you’re a pretty little thing,” he said. “I’m known as the Goat Man,” he proudly puffed his chest.

 Katniss gave him a curt nod and lowered her lashes and turned away from him.Katniss wasn’t sure she wanted to go forward, if the next man was anything like the last, her only choice would be the first man. She frowned trying to remember first man’s name.

 Effie cleared her throat.

 “The last candidate is Peeta Mellark.”

 Katniss didn’t bother looking up; she saw his pale hand beneath her lashes as he greeted her. With trepidation she extended her hand to shake it, expecting to draw it back quickly. But when her hand touched his her whole body suddenly woke up. His warm hand was firm. Katniss felt tingly all over.

 She looked up and her gray eyes clashed with his blue ones.  Katniss gasped at the kindness she saw there. She took a mental step backwards. He was handsome, around average height maybe a little taller, with a stocky build. She felt the blood rush into her cheeks as she registered just how wide his shoulders were and how they tapered into a ‘v’ into his trousers.

 Her mother had been very thorough about her sex education. She didn’t want her to growing up clueless about the human anatomy. She wondered if he was well endowed. Her eyes flew up when she realized where her thoughts and eyesight had been.

 “Hi,” she squeaked.

 His smile was sincere and honest and Katniss couldn’t stop smiling like an gawking child.

 “Now that the introductions are over with it’s time for the mini-dates.” Effie quickly handed Katniss her suit.

 “You will have exactly ten minutes to exchange in polite conversation.”

 Katniss put on her suit and they were taken outside. The tall man was first. He was nervous; he kept on looking at her and opening his mouth, but nothing came out. Katniss spent the entire time trying to remember his name.

 “Time's up, I hope you had a good time, now for your second mini-date,” Effie said. “Come along,” her voice trilled.

 Katniss skin crawled as she thought of having to spend ten minutes alone with the ‘Goat Man.’

 She was brought to a different room, and Katniss heard a noise coming from inside. Effie opened the door and screeched. “I say, Mr. Bleat this is unacceptable!”

 There were six goats crammed into the room with Mr. Bleat. The goats were hopping around and chewing on the furniture in the room. Katniss had never been in a room filled with livestock before. Her father had told her tales about having to tend to the animals and guarding them from predators. He never mentioned that they smelled.

 “Mr. Bleat, you cannot have those filthy animals in this room!” Effie pointed to the goats.

 “This is how I make my business. I know Mrs. Wigglesnone wouldn’t mind, would you?”

 Katniss was caught.

 Effie huffed and walked away, “This is an outrage, I am going to have a word with security over this.”

 “Well don’t be shy come on in. I want you to meet some of my studs. My boys are highly sought after in the district for their ability to spawn kids.” He grinned proudly. “I’ll introduce you to them. That feller there with the one horn that’s ol’Bob. He’s a character; lost his other horn fighting with Willy over there,” he pointed to a goat with long whiskers. “The one with the huge horns is Billy. He’s the one the ladies prefer, if you know what I mean.”

  Katniss blushed, she wanted nothing more than for the ten minutes to go by quickly. The goat man kept on talking.

 “Now the youngest two were just born. That one with the brown spots, that’s Spring. He sure likes to jump. I’ve found him on my bed and all sorts of places. The last here,” the goat man patted the baby. “This one is Runt, he’s the baby of the litter and no one wanted him, but he’s a survivor.”  

 He looked so happy around his goats.

 “So what did you do in District Thirteen?”

 Katniss cleared her throat then said, “Well, your profession could be a problem as I hunt, I’m a huntress.”

 The goat man’s eyes widened and he picked up the Runt.

 “Mr. Bleat, you have ten minutes to vacate the premises.” Effie came whizzing back in.

 Katniss hid her smile. She had no doubt, that if Effie Trinket had listened to her last statement the woman would’ve fainted.  

 “Come along, Peeta Mellark awaits.”

 Katniss couldn’t describe the contentment that rushed through her body as she got nearer to him. She couldn’t wait to see him again. It was as if they were bonded somehow.

 “You can take off your suit, you know, if you’d like to be more comfortable,” Effie said.

 Katniss eagerly nodded and quickly got out of her suit. She patted her braid down, not noticing the small smile on Effie’s face.  She opened the door and Katniss walked in.

 Peeta stood. He’d donned a tie and had spread a tablecloth on the table with a picnic. It wasn’t necessary, but Katniss couldn’t hide the way she grinned widely.

 “I know this might be a lot but, I just...why don’t we sit.” Peeta pulled her chair out and pushed it back in after she sat.

 Katniss had seen her father do this for her mother all of her life.

 “Have you eaten?”

 Katniss shook her head no.

 “I’m a baker. Here try these.”

 He placed a bun on a plate for her and poured some tea out of a thermos for her into a dainty porcelain tea cup. She saw that he had milk and cubes of sugar. Happily, she poured in milk and added one sugar cube. Katniss noted he didn’t add either to his tea.

 She took the bun that was still warm and bit into it and moaned as soon as the flaky savory fresh bread and cheese flavors exploded in her mouth.

 “Good?” He looked so hopeful.

 “This is amazing!” Katniss felt at ease with him for some reason. “My mother would love this, my dad would prefer something sweet. He’s got a sweet tooth, in thirteen we don’t have many sweet things.”

 “They don't have bakeries?”

 “No, they have a massive cafeteria where they doll out nutritious rations for everyone. There aren’t many luxuries, but we make do, making sure other districts, like eleven, have enough to eat since they are the biggest district and have the most mouths to feed.”

 “I see, so what do you for fun?”

 Katniss stopped chewing and  frowned. Once she swallowed she tilted her head, “Fun?”

 Peeta smiled easily “You know, for laughs during  down time?”

“Oh, for meditation, we read, or talk about our day.”

 He chuckled, “No I mean for fun, you know, do you dance?”

 Perplexed she researched what she’d learned in thirteen and had never heard of what he spoke of. Other than her father people in thirteen didn’t dance for fun, “What do you mean by dancing for fun?”

“I’ll show you, if you’d allow it?”

 “I’ll allow it,” Katniss said. He stood up and offered his hand to her.   Without trepidation she took it and when he pulled her close to him she stepped into his arms as if she was meant to be there.

 “Now follow my lead,” Peeta whispered.

 He stepped back and she followed him. It was so intimate being so close, but she didn’t mind. Katniss couldn't stop staring at him. They swayed gently to invisible music. She was pressed up against the hard planes of his body. Instead of being uncomfortable, she wanted to get closer to him.

 “What's your favorite color?” Peeta asked.

 She’d been to busy trying to come up with the right hue to correctly describe the color of his blue eyes. “Pardon me?”

 “Your favorite color?” He smiled and his face got closer. “Mine is orange, like the sunset.” His voice was soft and it caused goosebumps.

 Katniss had once seen the sunset, she nodded.

 “What’s yours,” he whispered. She could feel his hot breath on her face.

 “I like green, like the forest,” she sounded out of breath to her own ears. Her heart raced, her body had awakened to something that was foreign, but intrinsic as breathing.

 “Can I kiss you?” His mouth was so close to hers.

 Having grown up with parents who demonstrated affection, she was familiar with the act. Though until now she never had the desire to kiss or to be kissed.

 Katniss leaned up on tiptoe to press her lips to his. A small sound escaped her mouth as his warm soft lips pressed up against hers. He kissed her bottom lip sucking it into his mouth and her knees became weak.

 Her arms wound themselves around his neck. The pull between them was electric and she could feel her physical attraction to him.

 “Oh dear!” Effie squealed when she opened the door.

 Katniss blushed, “Miss Trinket I’ve made my choice.”

“I see, I see...well let’s get you to fill out the paperwork.”  Effie clapped.

 Hours later after the paperwork had been filled and signed Katniss stood in front of Peeta at the bakery. She learned his eldest brother had moved to district two. His middle brother had moved in with his wife who lived next door. Peeta stood to own his bakery.

 From what she could gather his first wife had been from district one and they didn’t get along. He wasn’t happy, but suffered through it when the town suffered an illness one winter. She and Thom’s wife were amongst the casualties.

 “In twelve we have a tradition of toasting. I didn't do this with my first wife. It never felt right.”

 Katniss nodded, each district had its marriage rituals.

 He knelt before the fire, Katniss followed his actions. He broke a piece of rich dark bread with nuts and raisins.

 “This bread is hearty and it supposed to bring happiness and longevity to the marriage.”    

 Katniss blushed, but was excited to slide the piece on the poker, together they extended the poker into the fire and soon the bread was toasted a golden brown. Silently they fed the other, and the act was more binding than all of the paperwork they’d filled out earlier.

 She licked her lips, watching his mouth, waiting to kiss him again.  Not wasting any more time she leaned in and kissed him. She knocked him on the floor and his laughter died on his lips when she did what she’d done earlier to him.

 They rolled around on the floor; his hands touching her over her clothing. Her hands also strained over his clothing. She was hot and her uniform was stifling. Peeta must have sensed her frustration. He pulled away and she watched him begin to remove his clothing. Katniss did the same.

 She attacked the buttons of her gray shirt. She slipped it off her arms. She had her tanktop underneath. She glanced up to see Peeta tear his undershirt off, then attack his pants. She bit her bottom lip as she greedily watched his pants drop down.

 Her eyes narrowed in on the mark on his hip. She stood and approached him the way she would’ve approached prey. She gently pulled down the ridge of his boxers, she gasped.

 Peeta became flushed, “I’ll explain, that’s a soul mark. In twelve we are born with our soulmate. They normally have the other half or have the same exact mark. I don’t know if I should…”

 Katniss put her finger over his lips. She slowly removed her pants. She too wore boxers and she gently pulled them lower to show him her own mark.

 “Holy…” Peeta said as he stared at the other half of the bow and arrow.  “No wonder,” he said in awe gathering her in his arms.

 It all made sense now to her. They were supposed to be together and would’ve found a way. Katniss smiled, “My parents told me about it, but I didn’t believe it.” She glanced up at him and quietly acknowledged, “you’re my soulmate.”

 Peeta smiled brilliantly, his eyes radiated with happiness. As she lifted her lips towards his she learned to believe in magic.

 THE END

[safyresky]

Fusion AU Part III: The Bernelle Bit

Part I: The History | Part II: When Elle Met Berline | Part III: The Bernelle Bit | Part IV: The Triumphant Return of Jackie Frost | Part V: Bad Luck | Part VI: Dream Team | Part VII: The Greatest Thing That’s Yet To Have Happened

e n j o y   t h e   s u f f e r i n g

(bc bernelle isn’t bernelle without avoidance tactics and running from communicating lmao @lovelypidge I joke i love these shitty elf children and their avoidance tactics)

(Also yes I have 3 more parts planned, GASP. I’m gonna fucking milk fusion AU. I’m having a bit of an issue with order with the last 3 parts but y’know, details, I just want you to know they exist ;D))

Berline and Elle appeared in the middle of town square, just outside of the Workshop. The elves milling about outside hopped back, staring up at the fusion in awe.

“I thought that the elves would be use to a fusion,” Elle murmured.

“Nope,” Berline replied. “Not a lot of them have met me, for starters. Plus, to them fusion is an emergency thing. Seeing me here is probably concerning them. I, uh, probably should’ve taken us right to Santa’s office but to be honest I’m not sure I would fit in there. I’m a bit taller than I remember being.”

“I’ll handle this,” Elle said, Berline placing her down. “Hey guys,” Elle began, addressing the shocked elves. “This is just Berline. They’re here to give something back to Santa that the two of us went to go grab. Everything is okay though! there's no need to worry, okay?” Elle finished, doing her best to project the safe feeling Berline gave her onto the elves closest to her. The elves eased up considerably, looking relieved.

“Berline.”

“Curtis! Always a pleasure,” Berline said dryly.

“What are you doing here?”

“Santa sent us on an errand.”

“Are you going to be here for long?”

“Depends. I have to talk to Santa, and I have yet to meet this one properly as myself. Which means--”

“You have to give him the fusion talk.”

“Yep.”

“Want me to go grab him?”

“That would be nice, yes.”

“Double nice for me, because the sooner I grab him, the sooner I don’t have to deal with you,” he mumbled.

“You flatter me, Curtis.”

“What’s his deal?” Elle asked, as Curtis went to find Santa. 

Berline grinned. “I like to bug him. Admittedly a bit more than I should.” Berline squatted, whispering now. “He thinks I’m a bit too much,” they said, laughing.

“You? Hardly,” Elle laughed as well. “I feel like there are plenty of other fusions who are too much.”

“Well, Jackie definitely, though I don’t quite enjoy talking about them. Diteline may be a bit too much at times.” Berline looked thoughtful. “She gets very excited very easily depending on the circumstances...”

“Elle! You’re back! And with--I’m sorry, who is this?”

Santa had shown up, Curtis by his side. They stopped in front of the doors to the Workshop, the balcony putting them at eye level with Berline, who stood up from their squat, clearing their throat.

“I’m Berline. We’ve sort of met, just never quite as myself.”

"Huh?”

“You know that fusion thing Bernard mentioned before we left?” Elle said, joining him on the balcony.

“Yes?”

“You’re looking at them, Santa.”

“So you are the...fusion?” he asked Berline.

“Sure am. Fusion is literally when two fae...fuse, to make one fae.”

“Berline...so you’re Bernard and--?"

“Jacqueline,” Elle supplied.

“Thanks,” Santa replied.

“Yes and no. I’m the physical manifestation of the two combined, but I’m my own person. You following?”

“Mostly. I think.”

“Well, let’s take it step by step,” Berline said, leaning on the railing.

“Alright. So fusion literally means fusion. It’s when two...fae?”

“Yup. Only fae creatures can do it. Specifically Pixies, Elves, Sprites, and Faeries. It’s a very advance magical technique.”

“Used for?”

“Depends on who you ask,” Elle interrupted, noticing Berline looking a tad conflicted. “Faeries are all haughty about it and will only fuse with other faeries, won’t even think about fusing with their cousins. Pixies were neutral but we really don’t know much more from there because they’re gone. Elves see it as a special technique best used in emergencies, and Sprites see it as this real wonderful...thing,” Elle finished, at a loss for words to describe how Jacqueline had described fusion to her. It was just special, she had decided.

“That’s detailed,” Santa said. “I guess you guys ran into the trolls after all then?”

Berline nodded. “Seven of them. They tried to eat Elle, not before she did a number on them herself, of course. I kicked their as--tooshies.” Berline’s blue eye twitched at the censoring.

“We were successful though!” Elle continued. “Check out what Berline has.”

Grinning, Berline reached into the satchel and pulled out the snow globe. “Voila. Perfectly intact and thankfully free of troll stench. Now stop taking it out of the hall. You’ll get your replica to keep to your aesthetic, don’t worry.”

Santa took the globe, grinning. “What a relief! Thanks, Berline. And you too, Elle. I’m glad you didn’t get eaten by trolls.”

“That makes two of us,” Elle added.

“Three, actually,” Berline said. “Technically four but, details. And! I have something else of yours, Santa, that I think you’ll like,” they continued, a very large grin on their face as they reached into the satchel again.

“My toe socks! I thought I’d never see these again!”

“How did you even know they were Santa’s?” Curtis asked, nose wrinkled as Santa grabbed the socks from Berline.

“They’re red and green toe socks with little Santas all over them, how could they not be his? I also found Jacqueline’s sword,” Berline added, pulling a silver double-edged sword out of the satchel. The hilt was inlaid with a few dull sapphires. “The sheath is in here too, somewhere.” They grinned as they pulled it out, placing the sword gently inside its scabbard. “Pretty productive night, I think.”

“Wow,” Santa said, not sure what else to say.

“Same,” Elle agreed.

“Now then! I would love to stay and chat but, ah, I have a replica snow globe to make and a sword to restore. Too bad I can’t be in two places at once,” they winked, hopping onto the balcony. “That was a joke, by the way Curtis. I can actually be in two places at once, that was the joke part.”

Curtis groaned as Berline disappeared in a bright light, Bernard and Jacqueline standing where the fusion just was, both in a bit of a bow, Jacqueline holding the sword.

“I get it now,” Santa said, understanding dawning. 

“Well, that was fun,” Jacqueline straightened up, glancing at her knuckles. “Bruises anyway. I hate bruised knuckles. How are yours?”

Bernard glanced at his knuckles. “A little bruised too. Could be worse though. We could all be fae stew right now.”

“And I’ve got my sword back!” Jacqueline said, grinning. “I better get moving, this is going to be a job let me tell you. I’ll be seeing you guys later. I think the two of you,” she continued, gesturing to Bernard and Elle, “have some chatting to do,” she finished with a wink. Before either of the two elves could say anything, Jacqueline disappeared in her usual shower of sparks and snowflakes.

“So, I get the fusion thing,” Santa began. “And I’m glad you got the snow globe back. What I’m not quite sure about is who exactly is Jacqueline?”

Jacqueline had had a good laugh when Elle told her later about Santa forgetting her for the third time. She was also relieved when Elle told her that they had said she was a friend of theirs, and Santa hadn’t pressed. 

Elle sipped a hot chocolate on her break, deep in thought about what Berline had said about her and B fusing. They had seemed so sure but since Berline had left, Elle had perhaps unintentionally been avoiding Bernard.

She was a little embarrassed of her jealousy before hand. It had been a day or two and really, she knew she should’ve gone to chat with B but for some odd reason, couldn’t make herself do it.

When you two do fuse–and I know you will–your fusion will be very different from me, Berline had said. And a lot more special. 

So that was great to know and all. Elle would have loved to prod Berline for more details. Facing them would be okay. Of course, Berline wasn’t there so it’s not like she could ask them. (In fact, Elle had no idea where Jacqueline was today, and her wintry friend was shit at communication sometimes--this being one of those times--so Berline was out of the question for now, and that was assuming B would have agreed to fuse with Jacquie because did Elle’s reasoning for needing Berline really count as an emergency?) Which meant she would have to talk to B. And facing B? Elle was still a little embarrassed to do that for...a bunch of reasons. Mainly the jealousy thing, and also specifically what Berline had said!

There was nothing left to do but to muster up the courage, get past the self-embarrassment, and talk to B as soon as she could. So, Elle made a split second decision. 

“Well, here goes,” she said out loud, topping off her drink and heading out to find him. She didn’t have to look too far because the moment she stepped out of the lounge, she smacked right into Bernard.

“Elle!”

“B! Hi,” Elle said, blushing. “I was just, uh, going to go look for you.”

“That’s crazy because I was doing the exact same thing. I think we need to talk. That is, can we talk? Are you okay to talk? Do you want to talk? Right now?”

“Yeah, sure. That’s what I was going to find you for, actually.”

It was silent for a bit, the two elves standing in the doorway, blushing and staring at eachother. Bernard cleared his throat. “Anyone in there right now?”

“No, it was just me.” With a nod, B gently put his hand on Elle’s back, leading her into the small lounge and closing the door behind them. 

“I wanted to--”

“So about--”

They both stopped, staring at each other. 

“Oh man, we’re a bit of a mess, aren’t we?” Bernard asked.

“When aren’t we?” Elle sighed.

“Most of the time, I like to think. You go first, Els.”

“I wanted to talk to you about what Berline said,” Elle said really fast, so that it sounded more like iwantedtotalktoyouaboutwhatberlinesaid. 

“Right. Me too,” B replied, with a little laugh. “Listen, I’m sorry they were so blunt with you. That’s just how Berline is. Fusions are like that sometimes. Not necessarily open or blunt, of course, but with certain traits more...prominent than others. Jacqueline is a very open sprite, and I may keep my feelings close but I do say them if necessary. So Jacqueline’s open-ness makes me feel a bit more open when we fuse and, well, Berline becomes a very...blunt person. I’m rambling. I said open way too much. Blunt, too.”

“No! It’s okay! I like it! I like when you ramble,” she said with a goofy smile. “And I absolutely love Berline, did I tell you that?”

“Technically yes,” B said, winking.

“Well I’m telling you now, I love Berline. I’m sorry I was jealous about them and you and Jacqueline. I...I don’t know if our fusion would have handled that as well as Berline did.”

“Berline’s been around. They know a thing or two. Listen Elle, I know...I know that Berline said a lot of stuff to you about, you know, us. And they were being truthful! I promise.” He closed his eyes briefly, breathing in. “I would like to fuse with you sometime soon but I don’t want you to feel pressured because of Jacqueline or Berline or even me.”

“B, I don’t feel any pressure. I’m the one who’s been pressuring you to fuse with me! And I’m sorry about that. I think seeing Berline in action kinda put a lot of things into perspective,” Elle said, placing her mug down. “They are their whole own person. Where did you and Jacquie even go?”

“We were there,” B replied, shrugging. “We didn’t go anywhere per se. We both physically became Berline. That’s how that works. It’s, ah, hard to explain,” he said, scratching the back of his head.

“Better to show me?” Elle asked, eyebrow raised, impish grin on her face.

Bernard laughed, grabbing both her hands in his. “Yes. Better to show you. Whenever you are ready.”

“Okay. Thanks, B,” Elle said, hugging him.

“You’re welcome,” B said, hugging her back tightly.

And then suddenly, they were both gone; neither had noticed it happen until they opened their eyes and saw nobody in front of them.

“I--oh,” Bernelle realized (their name the first thought on their mind), looking down at their hands. “Well that was unexpected. I feel like a too soon joke would work real well here.”

They blinked and took a step forward. And then another step. And then they lost their balance and stepped back, landing right on one of the couches.

“This is different. This is hard,” they thought out loud, frowning. “It’s okay. Just take it one step at a time.”

A deep breath. A determined look. They got up again, taking a few steps; Bernelle was finally getting the hang of their new form and realized something very, very important.

They loved themselves.

They loved everything about themselves; Jacqueline would probably say they were super chill, and that’s certainly how they felt. They felt happy. And lovely. And cozy, funnily enough. They were good, and it made sense to Bernelle; after all, they had worked hard for themselves. Everything was more or less fine. 

Except for the slowly growing unease in their gut. They were unsettled; something was...unsettling them.

“Are you okay?” B’s voice spoke, Bernelle looking concerned.

“I...I don’t know,” Elle’s voice replied, Bernelle looking frightened now. “This is...oh boy. I don’t think I can--”

They didn’t even have time to figure out what exactly it was before they disappeared, a very confused Bernard and slightly shocked Elle sitting where they had just been.

“Um. Wow,” Elle said. “That was, uh, something.”

“You okay Elle?” B asked, her shocked expression worrying him.

“I--uh, yes, I’m alright. I--you know what, that is definitely a thing we should reserve for emergencies, you were totally right B. Would you look at that time?” she said suddenly, looking at her bare wrist. “I gotta go...do, things. I’ll, uh, catch you around. Later!” And with that, Elle left, as fast as the two of them had fused.

That unsettling feeling came back; Bernard was sure something was wrong, and he was very afraid it may have been him.

Bernard stared at the large french doors before taking a deep breath and knocking repeatedly very loud. The door flung open, a disgruntled half-frozen Jacqueline serving him with an icy look.

“I know the house is big but you only need to knock once, B-Man.”

“Is fusing with me weird?” Bernard blurted out in one breath, startling the sprite.

“I--what?”

“Is fusing with me weird. Is it unsettling? Has Berline been weird this whole time and I never even noticed it because I was the cause for the weirdness?”

“Have you been drinking?”

“No! I...” Bernard sighed, frustrated. “Can we talk?”

“I think we need to talk. You need to chill out. Berline is a badass, and it’s never been weird being Berline with you and I’d like to know where this line of thought came from. Wanna come in or would you prefer to walk?” 

“I dunno, I’m a little scatterbrained.”

“I noticed.” She pushed the door open, moving to the side and gesturing him in. “Let’s pack some cocoa and go for a stroll then, B-Man, and you can tell me all about what’s got you in such a huff.”

“You were right,” Bernard said, walking in and following the sprite to the kitchen. “That’s what’s got me in such a huff.”

“Right about what?”

“How deep of a connection and special of a thing fusion is.”

“I’d be grinning more, but I sense that this isn’t really a good thing right now.”

“Yes and no,” Bernard said, leaning against one of the walls of the yellow kitchen as Jacqueline dug around the cupboards for a thermos and two mugs. The hot chocolate was fresh, and not instant (he could tell by the smell)--the best kind of hot chocolate. “I guess I’ve always seen it as a deep bond, but never really realized it until now.”

“You fused with Elle,” Jacqueline said, realization dawning. “Holy snowballs, everything makes sense now! For the most part, that is. I thought fusing would be helpful for the two of you, and y’know, good.” Running a hand through her hair (freezing it properly in the process), she headed towards the backyard doors. “Instead, you’re having a meltdown on my front porch.”

“We’re in your kitchen, actually.”

“And now we’re in my backyard. Let’s walk, B, and you tell me about what happened.”

So they walked through the backyard, toward the Northern River, and Bernard told her what had happened. He told her how they had talked, then found themselves fused. He told her how great it felt to be Bernelle; how confident and happy they were.

“Bernelle sounds like the chillest dude ever,” Jacqueline remarked, stopping as they approached the river bank.

“That’s what they thought, too. But then something weird happened.” He took a seat beside Jacqueline, taking the mug of hot chocolate she offered him with a mumbled thanks. “There was this feeling of unease. I didn’t know why, so I asked Elle if she was okay and then...”

“And then I guess you defused, because of that unsettling feeling. What happened after that? Did Elle explain?”

“No, she didn’t.”

“Did you ask?”

“Of course! I asked if she was okay and she said that fusion was something and definitely something for emergencies then she looked at her wrong wrist, said she was late for a “thing” and left very fast.”

“That’s so Elle” Jacqueline mussed. “Did you go after her?”

“No. I got the sense she needed space and then wondered what it was that made her do that and thought what if it was me?” He got up and started pacing, Jacqueline watching him go back and forth.

“That’s so Bernard.”

“All she said was that she didn't think she could,” Bernard said, ignoring Jacqueline’s comment (for the most part).

“Could what?”

“She didn’t say! And I didn’t ask,” Bernard said, face palming. “I tried, but she left and...”

“And your crippling self-doubt kicked in and now here you are.”

“Yes and no. It kicked in slowly over a day or two.”

“Uh oh.”

“I spent the first day trying to figure what it was that unsettled her because everything felt fine to me, it felt great! I didn’t understand what it was and that’s when I realized, holy tinsel, it’s me, I’m the problem.”

“Awwh, Bernard...”

“I couldn’t figure it out! And She’s been scarce since--”

“--as Elle do--”

“--so my mind has been running, Jacqueline. She was so enthusiastic about fusing and now she’s suddenly approaching it with typical Elf thought. Did I do something wrong? Was it bad for her? What if she saw something in me that she didn’t like, or that scared her?”

“Holy fuck Bernard,” Jacqueline swore, her face shocked.

“You swore! This is real bad.”

“I’m surprised the source let me get away with that. Listen, you need to take a breather, okay? Just breath in...and hold it...and out...okay, good. Calm that big brain of yours down, my elf,” she finished, getting up and patting his head, stopping him in his tracks.

“Don’t do that.”

“That’s better, that’s the B-Man I know!”

“That’s why I came over,” he said, a tad calmer, face to face with the sprite. “I thought, well, who could possibly answer these questions for me since Elle is being Elle? And my first thought was you could, because you’re the only other person I have ever fused with.”

“Then trust me when I say this, B. There is nothing wrong with you. Fusing with you is not weird, and there’s nothing bad or “dark” in you, you blizzard brain. I’ve known you all my life,” she said, squishing his face. “There is nothing wrong with you. Got that?”

Bernard nodded. “Can you let go of my face now?”

“Yeah, sure.” she let go, returning to her seat and topping off the mugs, passing the now seated Bernard a fresh cup. “In regards to Berline, by the way, if anything would make them feel unsettled I would assume it would be me and my very deep dark fears.”

Bernard snorted. “Jacqueline, I’ve watched you grow up. Your fears are justified and perfectly understandable, all things considered. Why would they make me unsettled?”

“Exactly,” Jacqueline said. “So why would you make Elle unsettled? After all the work the two of you did just to be together, and the way you guys are together, why would she be afraid of you?”

“I...okay, I see your point.”

Jacqueline smiled. “Good.”

“I guess I’d have to talk to her to really figure it out. But talking to you has been very reassuring. Thank you, Jacqueline.”

“It’s the least I could do, considering how many times I’ve had to go talk to you throughout my entire life.”

Bernard smiled. “Yeah, I guess so. The problem now is talking to Elle. I don’t want to hound her to try to talk when she doesn’t feel like talking, you know? I want to talk to her when she’s ready to talk about what exactly it was that upset her.”

Jacqueline nodded. “Noble of you, B-Man. Do you want me to talk to her?”

“Would you? It would be a lot easier if I had a sense of what she was thinking. She’s been keeping her thoughts close and I don’t want to disrespect her by intruding.”

“Absolutely, considering she just reached out to me and asked to talk. I better get going,” Jacqueline said, capping the thermos and getting up, stretching. “You all good now, or do you want to talk more? I haven’t made a solid plan with the kid yet.”

Bernard got up, thoughtful. “No, I think I’m okay now.”

“Good. If you aren’t though, you know where to find me, for the most part. Oh and B-Man, one more thing.”

“Yeah?”

“If your new take on fusion makes Berline weird, I will end you.”

Bernard laughed. “I don’t doubt that for a second. Don’t worry though, I promise I won’t make anything weird, Berline wise.”

“Good. Now let’s get back so you can get going and we can see what Elle’s thoughts are on this whole thing.”

“Sounds good,” B said, getting up and following Jacqueline back up into the forest, towards the backyard of Frost Manor.

Are you busy? Elle had blurted out suddenly, towards the consciousness that was her snowy friend. The immediate reply was shocking.

I’m finishing up with something that came up. Why do you ask?

We need to talk.

There was a brief silence before she got a reply. Am I in trouble?

Elle didn’t really know how to answer it. Maybe, she shot back, scowling at her work. Can you come down to see me?

...depends. It’s a little too close to late November for my liking.

Elle was briefly confused before she realized what Jacquie meant. He’s not around, I promise. 

I’ll be there just before dinner then. Tell me if anything changes?

Whether that meant if something came up for Elle, or if another particularly snowy (though Elle would call him more icy, really) persona made an appearance, Elle wasn’t sure. Either way though, she would warn her friend.

Yeah, sure snow buddy.

Cool, I’ll see you in a bit.

Jacqueline went silent, leaving Elle to her own distressed thoughts for the rest of the day. She was relieved when 5 o’clock rolled around and Jacqueline appeared in her flat, right on the softest of her couches.

“Hey Elle, how’s it going,” Jacqueline asked, drawing out the "o". 

“Horrible,” Elle blurted, plopping down beside her friend on the couch. 

“I had a feeling that would be the answer.” Jacqueline scooted closer, legs folded, and grabbed the nearest throw, bundling. “Well I’m cozy, let’s hear what’s got your mind in such a mess.” She grabbed another throw and tossed it on Elle.

“Bernard and I fused and it was...” she searched for the word.

“Different?”

“No.”

“Not what you expected?”

“Closer.”

“Overwhelming?” Jacqueline asked.

“I think a good word would be...enlightening?”

“Well that’s good!”

“But also terrifying.”

“That’s less good. Was it bad then?”

“No! It was great. Holy heck the confidence? And the love? It was all...great,” she said, smiling softly. “The thing is, it was a lot more than I expected it to be and. I didn’t realize when you said that the fusion knows everything each counterpart knows, all of the thoughts and feelings of each other, everything, that it was literally everything!” 

“Was that verbatim?”

“I have a really good memory, Jacqueline.”

“Dang.”

“That’s what made it so terrifying. At first, it was so cool, but then I realized that I knew everything he was thinking and feeling, which meant that he knew everything I was thinking and feeling!”

“I would’ve assumed with your telepathy and all that it wouldn’t have been that big of a deal. You’ve thrown me here, kid.”

“With telepathy, I can hear other people’s thoughts if they want me to. With fusion, I can hear the thoughts and feelings whether the other person I’m fusing with wants me to, or not. And on top of that, they can hear my thoughts too! And feelings! Whether I want them to...or not.”

“Ah,” Jacqueline said, understanding dawning. “I get it now. It’s out of you depth, the extent at which the connection with fusion goes.”

“What?”

“Sorry, bad word choice. Um...the fusion connection is deeper than your mental connections even are, is what I was trying to say.”

“Yes! It is! It’s like... I can’t control what’s coming out and that’s super worrying, Jacquie. What if...what if there’s something I’ve been holding back, and it slips out, and it’s a bad thing? I dunno Jacquie...you’re the fusion expert, what should I do? How do you deal with that part of fusion?”

“I’ll add that to the list under Queen of Subtlety and Shitty Winter Child and what did you call me the other day? a Frosty Bagel?”

Elle laughed. “Yup.”

Jacqueline rolled her eyes, smiling nonetheless. “What have you done about it so far? Let’s start there.”

“Well...not much, I guess. B asked me what was wrong but I honestly had no answer. I was just...terrified. Trying to make sense of what had just happened. So I...I left as quick as I possibly could and spent the past two days avoiding B and also overthinking like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Oh, I believe it.”

“I’m not in control when we fuse and I don’t like it! I don’t like not being in control of my own mind.”

“I know, kiddo. I know,” Jacquie said softly, squeezing her shoulder. Elle shot her a grateful smile. “The thing is, with fusion...it’s not like it’s a giant jaeger where you control one side and B controls the other side.”

“Is that not exactly what it is?”

“Not quite. It’s more like the drift than the actual jaeger itself. That is, if the drift became a person.”

Elle paused. “I think I see what you’re saying.”

“When you are part of a fusion, you don’t have control. Nor does your fusion partner. Your fusion has control. You become one person. You catch my drift?”

“Did you actually just pun?”

“Shit, I didn’t even notice. I’m turning into Blaise, good grief.” 

Elle laughed, leaning her head on Jacqueline’s shoulder. She sighed. “What do you think I should do, then?”

“I think you should just trust B-Man. Trust yourself, and most importantly, trust your fusion."

“Their name is Bernelle.”

“That sounds cozy, I love it.”

“Me too,” Elle replied, smiling.

“You need to just let Bernelle be.”

“You’ll need to elaborate, pal.”

Jacqueline looked thoughtful for a moment. “Trust Bernelle. Let Bernelle be Bernelle! They’re not Bernard, and they’re not Elle. They’re an experience that the both of you create. Make sure it’s a good one, Elle.” 

Jacqueline thought her chat with both Elle and Bernard had been very helpful, and that they would talk it out and realize that they both were fearing the same things. She knew that the moment they did that, it would clear up a lot for the both of them and Bernelle could once again appear.

Jacqueline, however, had forgotten that this was Elle and Bernard she was talking about.

That’s why, one or two days later, she found herself quite literally ghosting the two of them in the Workshop. She was carefully guarding her thoughts from Elle as she watched from a distance, invisible some of the time or coating a window in a lovely layer of frost the rest of the time. Elle had stopped avoiding Bernard, which was good. And it looked like he had stopped overthinking and was simply waiting.

That was the problem, Jacqueline found. They were both waiting. And Jacqueline could guess exactly why, seeing as how she liked to think these two elven dorks were her best friends and that by this logic, she knew them both fairly well. 

Bernard was waiting for Elle to be ready to talk; he didn’t want to push her. Elle was waiting for him to start, as she was feeling a little out of her depth and didn't want to push him.

Of course Jacqueline had thought of appearing and shoving them together and shouting “TALK” really loudly, but that would cause a scene that both elves would not appreciate. Elves, Jacqueline thought, sighing quietly. So what could she do? She wasn’t an expert in the fusion department, especially a case as special as Bernard and Elle’s. She wasn’t a love expert!

But she knew somebody who was. 

With a grin, Jacqueline poofed out of the Workshop silently and reappeared outside the Dome, where she took off up into the clouds.

It was chilly up in the Pantheon, as the Roman gods and goddesses referred to their cloudy home (despite contrary belief, they did not reside on Olympus as the Greek deities did and, well, they never got along well enough to occupy the same space, especially with how much their cultures differed). Jacqueline didn’t mind it; she never did, the few times she actually trekked up to the Pantheon.

Finding Cupid’s villa was always a bit of a hassle, especially when she wanted to avoid the other deities that may be roaming around the suspended streets (which was usually the case). Dealing with Cupid would be enough.

She ducked down beneath the clouds, finding the one shaped like a heart to confirm that she had gotten to the right villa. The moment she saw it, she zoomed through the clouds and stood on the front step, knocking as loud and hard as she could.

“Any louder,” a familiar grumpy voice said, Jacqueline nearly groaning as Cupid appeared in the doorway, a little surprised. “Jacqueline?”

“Hi Cupid,” she said, briefly waving before realizing that was silly and putting her hands behind her back. “Is, uh, Dite home? I need to talk to her about a thing.”

Cupid looked relived. “Yeah, of course, C’mon in, Miss Frost.”

“Thanks,” Jacqueline said, following him in. Immediately a group of cherubs swarmed him, all talking at once. “Where can I find her? You seem busy here, I don’t want to distract you or anything.”

“Second room to the left,” Cupid said, zooming off into the atrium, bickering with the cherubs.

“Thanks!” she shouted back, making her way to the room. “Knock-knock,” she said quietly.

“Jacqueline!” Dite said, sitting up quickly. 

“Were you on the floor?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“My wings were being stubborn,” she said, her feathers rumpled. “The chaise was not comfortable for us today.” She ruffled her wings and sat on the edge, making sure that they weren’t touching the back of the lounge at all. “You look distraught. What’s wrong? Is it a love problem?” she asked, grinning, her wings fluttering excitedly.

“It is! But not with me,” Jacqueline said, sitting beside her friend. “It’s with Bernard and Elle.”

“What? I thought that was going well!”

“It is! Well. For the most part. Long story or short story?”

“Hmm...” the blonde looked thoughtful for a moment. “Let’s hear a summary, then give me all the deets,” she said, scooting closer and grabbing Jacqueline’s hands.

“Elle and B fused after a lot of talking about it and some solid advice from Berline and it did not go as well as it could of.”

“Okay, wow, that’s definitely a problem. Though I don't quite understand why you're here. I can’t fuse myself; I’m not fae, I’m a celestial.”

“Right, but you and I have fused a few times.”

“I don’t think that qualifies me as an expert.”

“Maybe not, but you are a love expert. Here’s the jist of it,” Jacqueline said, launching into her tale. Dite listened intently as Jacqueline told her about Elle and Berline’s conversation, what Jacqueline had learnt from both elves had transpired when they formed Bernelle. She paid doubly close attention to the advice Jacqueline had given them, already beginning to see the problem the two were having.

“That was stellar advice,” Dite interrupted. 

“I know! That’s when I realized it was fast getting into love territory, to be honest. It seems straightforward to me--they just need to talk. But they just...aren’t! They’re not avoiding each other anymore which is great, but they also aren’t talking about the Bernelle thing, you know? I don’t want to force them to talk so I’m at a loss and that’s why I came here.”

“I don’t think we need to force them,” Dite said, deciding immediately that she was going to fix this right now. “I think they just need some outside perspective...maybe a nudge in the right direction. If someone else starts the discussion, then neither has to worry about making the first move. Hmm...” Dite rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “You’ve convinced me Jacqueline, I’m going to go talk to them.”

“I've done what now? You’re going to talk to them?”

Dite stood up, her wings already unfurled in anticipation. “Of course. This is driving you nutty, Jacqueline, and they can’t say no when a love goddess goes to them and suggests that they talk.”

“You’ll help them? You'd really do that for me?” Jacqueline asked, standing up.

“Yes! Of course!”

“Oh, thank you so much Dite, they’ve been driving me up the wall,” Jacqueline threw her arms around the goddess, a very big grin on her face.

Dite laughed, “You’re very welcome,” she said, hugging back tightly. There was a very bright lilac light suddenly and both girls disappeared, leaving one rather large winged fusion in their place.

“Alright, looks like we’re doing this together,” she said, grinning. With an experimental flap of her wings, she flew off, her sights set on the North Pole.

The Workshop doors burst open, a large gust of wind ruffling the robes of the very large figure in the doorway. A few elves went flying.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry,” she said, catching the elves before they hit the ground. “I forget how fast I fly.”

“For the love of tinsel,” Curtis said, righting himself up. “Another one?”

“There’s another fusion floating around? Oh, is it Bernelle? I need to talk to them! It's important!”

“No! You’re the only fusion floating around. I've just seen way too many of you this month alone. It’s a good thing the ceiling is so high,” Curtis mumbled as an afterthought. "I don't think fusions would fit in the Elfirmiry."

“High ceilings really are lovely! It gives the impression of crazy amounts of space, makes it breathable, and makes it less claustrophobic."

“Okay...who exactly are you?”

The fusion stood up to her full height, her curly ponytail bobbing a bit. “My name is Diteline and it is very important that I talk to your two head elves right now immediately,” she said.

“Are they in trouble?” asked another elf.

“They will be if I don’t talk to them.”

“What about?”

“It’s a matter of love! And my sanity.”

“What’s the panic--oh my.”

“Elle! That’s one of you! Hi!”

“You’re huge!”

“Thank you!” she grinned. “You are so tiny and fragile compared to me. Holy snowballs I did not realize how HUGE I am! I could crush you,” she said, as if the realization that she could in fact destroy Elle very easily was an unexpected plot twist in your favourite book that shook you to your core, making you stop for ten minutes to stare blankly and think ‘what on earth just happened’.

“Are you okay?”

“I worry about small groups of people a lot. Humans, elves, tiny woodland creatures...” she ticked each off on her fingers as she listed them.

“O...kay,” Elle paused. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Diteline! And I need to talk to--”

“We know!” Curtis shouted. “You need to talk to Elle and Bernard right now immediately.”

“Yes! Thank you! What a nice boy,” she said, patting his head.

“Boy? I have glasses older than you!”

“No you don’t,” Diteline said, glaring at him. “I’m old as heck.” she cleared her throat and knelt down, sitting on her knees and staring at Elle closely. “Do you and Bernard have some time on your hands? The sooner I grab you two, the sooner we can get outside and the elves can stop panicking.”

“I’ll take care of that now,” Elle said, beginning to project calm feelings as best as she could--Diteline had thrown her off completely. 

“Back to work, elves,” Bernard said, entering the room and quickly noticing Diteline in the middle of the doorway. “There’s no emergency, Diteline just likes to...”

“Help young lovers in need,” she supplied. The elves around them giggled, rushing back to work after noticing Bernard’s glare. He marched over to the girls, craning his neck and glaring at Diteline. 

“What are you doing here?” he whisper yelled. “You know how the elves get around fusions.”

“Okay well this is a bit of an emergency,” Diteline said. "And judging by the giggling children, one that we definitely need to resolve right now!"

“This is Jacqueline and Dite’s fusion, Diteline,” Bernard began, answering Elle’s silent question. “I’m assuming she’s here because Jacqueline went to talk to Dite and Dite, of course, decided to pay us a visit,” he said, rubbing his temples. "And I guess sometime between there and here, they fused. And you know full well they are elves, Diteline. Not children."

“Well yes, once Jacqueline told Dite about the two of you still avoiding each other after that beautiful advice she gave, I couldn’t not come see you guys.” her face fell and she looked genuinely hurt. “You two are so sweet together and it kills me to know that you aren’t talking about something as big as fusion!”

“I was waiting on Bernard!” Elle said. “I didn’t want to just bring it up out of the blue since, y’know, that’s all I’ve been doing for a good portion of the year.”

“I was...I was waiting on you,” Bernard said, his annoyance with the fusion in front of them gone. “I didn’t want to talk if you weren’t ready.”

“This is going better than I expected,” Diteline said.

“What were you expecting?” Bernard asked dryly.

“A lot of silence. I thought I would have to hurtle through the Workshop, find the two of you, grab you both in my fists and take you somewhere nice for a teary confession that results in hugs and maybe kisses and a closer bond and my heart not breaking at the thought of the two of you not talking because of something as lovely as this!” She said, gesturing to herself. “I mean fusion, by the way. I’m lovely but I am referring to fusion.”

“I think I understand what Berline said about Diteline being too much at times,” Elle said.

“I’m a helpless romantic, what can I say,” Diteline replied. “I suppose the two of you are ready to talk to each other then?”

“Are you?” Bernard asked.

“I was about to ask you,” Elle replied.

“That’s a yes!” Diteline said, grabbing the two elves in her hands and bringing them up to her face. “Let’s go somewhere a little less busy?”

“Yeah, I think you’ve done enough damage here,” Bernard said.

“I’m just trying to help!”

“We know this,” Elle said, gently patting her wrist. “And we appreciate it. Maybe knock next time? Or give me a heads up?”

“I was in a rush,” Diteline said, blushing. “The thought did not occur to me, and yes, I know how ironic that is,” she smiled. “Now do you two want to stay in the Pole? Or is it okay if we go somewhere with more room? I don’t want to squish anyone accidentally that would be awful! Like crushing a snail,” she said, paling considerably and looking close to tears. “You are all so tiny.”

“Yes, it’s fine if we go somewhere else. Please don’t cry, you won’t squish any snails here, I promise. Or Elves,” Bernard said. 

"Okay, alright." She took a breather, composing herself once more. "Let's go make love happen! I know the perfect place to talk! To avoid squishing these children--Elves, sorry, but they look like kids! Especially to me! I'm huge!--we'll just pop on over there quickly. Hang on tight, I don't normally teleport, let alone with multiple people, so this may be a bit bumpy!"

And before either elf could protest, Diteline disappeared in a burst of lilac sparks.

Much to the relief of all three of them, they arrived at Diteline’s perfect place all in one piece. She knelt down once more, placing the elves down gently and folding her hands in her lap, smoothing over her lilac dress. Or robes; it was a weird cross between Dite’s stola and Jacqueline's dress and Diteline wasn’t sure what exactly to call it.

"This is a beautiful place," Elle said, looking around. The grass was dark and soft, fireflies floating up and down gently. Crickets sung in the dusk, a light breeze gently moving the branches of the flowered trees around them. "Where are we?"

"We're at the Springs, of course! The temperature around the entirety of the Springs keeps everything around us lush and soft and lovely. It's a very nice area. Dare I say it, even a little bit romantic. I picnic here all the time during the day!"

"Do you now?" Elle asked, a knowing smile on her face.

The fusion blushed. "You stop that, Ellington. Now then, take a seat, make yourselves comfortable. Let's talk."

"I--"

"Listen--"

Diteline giggled, the two elves once again cutting themselves off. Bernard smiled sheepishly; Elle sighed. "This again."

"We're a mess," Bernard said, smiling.

"But when aren't we?" Elle replied, smiling as well. "I know, most of the time we aren't."

"I like to think so. And you should too. I'm...sorry about what happened. I should've talked to you after I talked to Jacqueline but I didn't want to push you."

"I didn't want to push you, either," Elle said. "Otherwise I would have gone to talk to you after I talked to Jacqueline. I can't believe we both did that."

"I can't either," Diteline said, in a very Jacquie way. She was staring intently at her hands, threading some nearby flowers together. "Oh please, don't mind me; I'm trying to distract myself so I don't mess up your talk."

"That's very considerate," Bernard said.

"I try," she replied.

"Right," he said, sarcastically, thinking back to her sudden appearance at the workshop. Elle laughed. "Listen Elle, I'm sorry that that happened the way it did. And I'm sorry that it freaked you out."

"Don't apologize, B. I'm the one who's sorry. I was pushing it and when it happened, I freaked out. I just...I didn't expect the bond to be as deep as it was. I could see all of your thoughts and feelings and everything, and you mine...whether I wanted to or not. It was strange to not be in control of my own thoughts. Terrifying, even. that's why I left as suddenly as I did. It scared me and all I could think was what if you saw something bad in me? What if I was trying to hide something, and it slipped out? I panicked."

Bernard laughed. "Elle. I could never see anything bad in you. I love you! I chased you across a whole other timeline! We've been through a lot and if that didn't stop me, then something bad about you wouldn't deter me from being with you."

"Really?"

"We've been through this much and made it this far together so yeah, really. I can't believe we were thinking the same thing. I thought that maybe you had seen something bad in me!"

"Something bad? In you? Oh, please. You're probably one of the nicest people I know, B. I could never see something bad in you! I love you!"

There was a brief silence before the giggles started. Soon, both Elle and B were laughing very hard.

"I honestly cannot believe how perfect for each other the two of you are," Diteline said, smiling as the laughter subsided.

"That makes two of us," Bernard said.

"Three, even," Elle added.

"I would never disrespect your thoughts or feelings, Elle. I want you to know that, and remember that. Fusion or no."

Elle smiled. Reaching over, she hugged B. “Thank you,” she said. 

He pulled her close, squeezing her tightly. “You’re welcome, Elle.”

What happened next happened very fast. There was a bright light as the two elves disappeared. Diteline screamed and jumped up, wings fluttering excitedly. Finally the light died down and Bernelle sat on the ground, blinking slowly.

“You guys DID IT!” Diteline shouted, now hovering. She plopped the flower crown she had made on their head. It was a funny sight, considering Bernard’s beret was taking up residence on their head.

“We did? We did. I’m back!” Bernelle grinned. 

“And how are you feeling?”

“Not uneasy!”

“I’m so excited I’m gonna fall apart, I’m so happy you’re here!” Diteline squealed, hugging the fusion tightly.

“Thanks Diteline but could you put me down, I can’t breath.”

“Oh, I am so sorry! Look at that, even fused you are still so small. I’ll have to watch my strength around you! Oh, isn’t this delightful? I really am gonna fall apart!”

Bernelle lay back in the grass, eyes closed and content. “I’m here.” they said.

“Now you just gotta get use to being here,” Diteline said quietly, faintly glowing.

“You weren’t joking about falling apart!”

“I’m barely keeping it together, I’m just so happy for you two! You should take a vacation, by the way. Stay here at the Springs! Explore! Get use to existing! It would do wonders for your stress you know.”

Bernelle looked thoughtful. “Hmm. Part of me likes that idea, another part of me is low key concerned about that idea. Every time I leave the Workshop, something nutty always happens.”

“Think about it,” Diteline said. “I think it’ll be perfect. Just like you two,” she finished, booping their nose and winking before disappearing in a bright light. In her place now hovered Dite, a grin so wide on her face that Bernelle was seriously concerned about it splitting open. She held Jacqueline bridal style in her arms and was, in fact, screaming, Bernelle realized.

“You two did it! Look at you I am so excited Jacqueline, look!” Dite said throwing her up in the air and catching her.

“I’m looking! I see! Nice to meet you, Bernelle,” Jacqueline winked, now being hugged very tight by a still squealing Dite.

“Thanks for your help, Jacquie,” Bernelle said, smiling. “I’m not sure I’d be here if you hadn’t listened to both parts of me.

“It’s what I do! Best friend privileges and all,” she winked, still being hugged tightly by a very excited Dite.

“Is she gonna be okay?”

“Just give her a moment.”

Finally Dite calmed down, still smiling very big. “You two really are one of our best matches,” Dite said. “I’m glad you worked it out. I need to celebrate. We need to celebrate Jacqueline, do you wanna get ice cream?”

“When do I not?”

“What about you, Bernelle?”

“I think I’m gonna stick around here and do some thinking. About that whole vacation thing. I mean, it could be a real great thing for me, you’re both right.”

“Suit yourself,” Jacqueline shrugged. “I’ll eat enough ice cream for the two of us.”

Bernelle laughed, waving at the sprite and the goddess as they flew away, Dite dragging Jacqueline by the arm.

They listened to the crickets and lay in silence for a while, the far off rushing of water from the springs reaching their ears as they thought about what Diteline had said.

“A vacation...hmmm...”

It only took a little convincing on Elle’s part once the two got back to the Workshop a few hours later, the realization of how long they had been gone causing them to defuse and rush back. Santa gave them the all clear and, leaving Curtis in charge (after much deliberation, all things considered), the two set off for Crystal Springs, where Bernelle got to get their own celebratory ice cream.

It was a nice vacation, seeing the sights and just being together. Diteline was right; it really did do wonders for their stress levels. Everything was going fine until Christmas Eve, when Bernelle felt a shiver run down their back and a shift as if something...odd had just transpired.

That’s when Judy had appeared with the news and Bernelle nearly fell apart out of surprise.

Someone had used the Escape Clause; and it wasn’t Santa.

(BERNELLE LIVES! That’s the alternate title for Fusion AU part 3! Thanks again to the Ana bean for reading over the bernelle bits to make sure it all works well!!! I’m happy I got to unleash Dite on everyone, AND Jacqueline acting her age, AND DITELINE!!! Isn’t she lovely? Anyway please let me know what you thought I live for feedback! 

Up next: The Triumphant Return of Jackie Frost, Fusion AU Pt. IV >:D)

[kythen]

[SASO2017] Haikyuu!! - maybe one day i'll fly next to you

Title: maybe one day i'll fly next to you

Fandom: Haikyuu!!

Pairing: Bokuaka / akaboku

Summary: For SASO2017 Bonus Round 2. “Prompt: maybe one day i'll fly next to you”

Also found here on AO3.

Word count: 1,774

Bokuto starts growing wings one day. It used to be a metaphor until Akaashi notices the feathers sticking out of Bokuto's skin one day, tiny pinfeathers sprouting between his shoulder blades, barely there until Akaashi runs a hand lightly over them and feels them soft and there under his palm. Bokuto doesn't seem to notice anything and Akaashi goes home earlier for a good night's sleep that day after practice. Just in case. But he isn't going mad and he catches Bokuto scratching his back through his shirt over the next few days, frowning absently like there is an itch he can't quite reach. The next time Akaashi sees Bokuto without his shirt on, the feathers have grown and there are more of them, forming into a small but distinct pair of wings against his back. Bokuto laughs and chats to the other members all the same before turning to his bag for his shirt. Akaashi grabs his arm, stopping him in his tracks, and Bokuto looks at him, his head tilted in confusion. Akaashi fishes his shirt out of his bag for him and pushes it against his chest. He doesn't let Bokuto go until his shirt is on, covering his back and those many, growing feathers. The rest of the clubroom has started to stare but it isn't anything particularly unusual between Akaashi and Bokuto come to think of it and they lose interest in due time. "Akaashi, what—" Bokuto asks and Akaashi pulls him out of the clubroom, collecting both their bags on their way out. He doesn't stop pulling him along until they have left the school building, gone past the gates and started on the way back home in the early night. Akaashi finally lets go of Bokuto once they are far away enough from school. Bokuto looks oddly flushed when Akaashi passes him his bag, his eyes darting all over the place and his mouth wobbling around the edges. "Bokuto-san," Akaashi starts and Bokuto whips his head around to face him, his expression eager. It catches Akaashi off guard and he derails from his previous train of thought to ask, "What?" "Nothing," Bokuto says too quickly, too guiltily. "Bokuto-san?" Akaashi tries again, testing the waters, trying to see if Bokuto's odder than usual behaviour has something to do with the wings growing from his back. Maybe he found out that Akaashi knew about them. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know about them. "Okay," Bokuto finally cracks after a full five seconds of silence from Akaashi while Akaashi thinks about his options, "Konoha told me this but I didn't believe him because it can't be but this is the moment isn't it?" "What moment?" Akaashi asks cautiously. "Are you confessing to me, Akaashi?" Bokuto blurts out. "Is that it?" "No," Akaashi says bluntly, shocked. Bokuto's unexpected steering of this conversation throws him further off course from what he had wanted to say. How did they get from growing wings to love confessions? "Oh." Bokuto wilts, trying not to look disappointed and failing. "Konoha was wrong." "...we'll talk about this later," Akaashi says, trying to steer the conversation back to what he had wanted to say initially. "I did want to speak about something important to you though, Bokuto-san." "Is it about volleyball?" "It's about you." "Me?" Bokuto asks, surprised then hopeful. "Do you like me, Akaashi?" "I do, but not enough for a confession," Akaashi says and tries not mind how Bokuto's disappointment bothers him. "What I was trying to ask is about the wings on your back." "The what?" "Are you aware that you're growing wings, Bokuto-san?"

---

 Bokuto-san (11:34pm): u were right akaashi!!!!!!!!!!!!

---

There has never been a record of a winged person in the history of Bokuto's family as far as Bokuto knows or another other person's family history as far as Akaashi knows. But here Bokuto is, the first and possibly only human with wings they both know of. And neither of them know what to do. His wings keep growing, day after day, week after week, and Akaashi checks their growth obsessively after every practice. He doesn't know why he does it—out of curiosity or fascination or fear? He doesn't know how big they will grow but Bokuto might end up with a full pair of wings at this rate and then how will he be able to live life as who he is? Bokuto has always been an extraordinary person but even actual wings were too much of an extraordinary thing for him. Akaashi could live his entire life by Bokuto's side and he thinks he would never run out of extraordinary things to encounter. "What do I do about them, Akaashi?" Bokuto asks him with a curious mix of exhilaration and fear in his bright, golden eyes as they crouch in the cluboom after dark, after everyone has gone home for the day. Akaashi wants to ask him about what Konoha said, why he had thought Akaashi would confess to Bokuto, why he had thought Akaashi had liked Bokuto like that, but there are more pressing issues at hand. Such as the wings growing out of Bokuto's back. They are about a handspan long now and Bokuto can move them as if they have always been a part of him, flapping them enthusiastically but uselessly against his back. They are kind of cute, reminding Akaashi of the baby birds he has seen in pictures online, but they don't belong there against Bokuto's very human back. He doesn't know what anyone would do to Bokuto if they ever saw what Akaashi sees now. It's a miracle. Or a specimen. "You have to hide them," Akaashi tells him.

---

They get through the inter-highs somehow with Akaashi worrying every step of the way that Bokuto's wings will peek through the top of his shirt when he flies in the air. By Nationals, he fears that they will be seen even if Bokuto stays perfectly still on court without running or jumping, which is what he doesn't do anyway. By the week before the third years' graduation, Akaashi starts binding Bokuto's wings because they have begun to show under his shirt, their outlines clearly defined against the thin cloth. They stop eating at the canteen and stop hanging out in the corridor outside Akaashi's classroom when Bokuto comes looking for him, moving entirely to the rooftop where no one is because they aren't supposed to be up here. But Bokuto is graduating soon and Akaashi supposes this counts as an exception so they stay up there on days where the weather is fine and sunny like this. It gives Bokuto a chance to breathe without the constricting pressure of the bandages around his chest because it is the only time Akaashi lets him take them off at school. Bokuto fiddles with the clips holding them in place and the bandages slide out from under his shirt, slipping to the floor in long tendrils. Akaashi sees the outline of his wings reappear through his shirt, the cloth folding along the edges of his wings. "Much better," Bokuto sighs and he shrugs off his shirt entirely. He hops over to the edge of the rooftop, his nose just stopping short of the wire netted fence, and spreads his arms out wide. The sunlight catches on him, drawing his shadow on the surface of the roof, the tips of his wings peeking out from behind his shadow's shoulders. They have grown again. "Come away from the edge, Bokuto-san." Akaashi tells him. "Someone might see you." Bokuto jumps back down, squatting close to where Akaashi is. "Do you think I might be able to fly with these one day?" he asks, flapping his wings against his back, which does nothing but work up a breeze. "I don't know. But they would need to be very big to be able to get a full-grown human off the ground." "I'd be in trouble then, wouldn't I?" Bokuto sighs. "They won't let me keep playing volleyball. Seems unfair if your opponent can actually fly." "I'm not sure they'll let you keep doing anything if that happens. No one's ever seen a winged human before. They might want to investigate you." "I don't want to be a science experiment." Bokuto wrinkles his nose. "Research subject," Akaashi corrects. "But I wouldn't want you to be one either, Bokuto-san." Bokuto props his face in his hands. "So what do I do about these then? They only seem to be getting bigger. And it seems like such a shame to get rid of them," he says wistfully. Akaashi wouldn't want to see them gone either, now that they have grown this big. They reach midway down Bokuto's back with a fully formed bone structure amidst the feathers. Even with the bandages holding them down, they still make Bokuto's back look bulky and Akaashi is only thankful that Bokuto is constantly in motion so that no one can actually take a proper look at his back. They are still growing and it would be nice if Bokuto could fly with them one day. It seems fitting. If Akaashi had to pick someone out of everyone he has met in his lifetime to be given the wings to fly, he would pick Bokuto. He has never met anyone so suited to flight. "Hey, Akaashi," Bokuto says hesitantly. "Hm?" "Even if I graduate and leave for university or get kicked out of university for my unfair advantages, you'll still meet up with me from time to time, won't you?" Bokuto asks. "Like you won't want to cut all contact with me the moment I stop being your official teammate right?" "No, I won't," Akaashi says and finds that he really means it. He won't be able to stop thinking about Bokuto even if they aren't on the same team or in the same school anymore. It isn't just about his wings or his new volleyball team in university but about Bokuto himself. Maybe this is what Konoha had meant when he told Bokuto that Akaashi might confess to him. Akaashi doesn't know what kind of emotions might spark off a confession when he has never been involved in one before. Maybe they something have to do with Bokuto's kind of "like" when he had asked Akaashi if he liked him. Akaashi doesn't know if his kind of "like" can match up to Bokuto's but he thinks he understands it now after answering Bokuto's question. It isn't exactly a confession, not in the way Bokuto expects, but Akaashi finds himself thinking that he doesn't want to leave Bokuto's side.

[underopenskies]

A start of some kind

((Here’s what Fonty and I have been teasing you with for a while now owo Hehehe. The next bit will be coming eventually- i need to finish editing it, and it’s a lot of words to edit. So XD ya’ll gotta wait. Anyways, enjoy this. It’s a loooong read. about 23k words, I do believe.

@fontsandsins

They were scheduled to have the midwife come up within the next couple of days, when Skylar realized that they really had the house only stocked for two people, not three. And, given the relative closeness to her due date, she’d rather not wait until they were out of everything before going to the store to go get it. Two weeks out was not the time to be fooling around with running out of things.

They had the guest room prepared for the midwife, however, so that was done. They just… needed extra supplies. Toilet paper- heavens knew, with the frequency that Skylar had to pee, she could go through a package of it in a week on her own- was a definite need, and they had run out of laundry soap, among other things.

However, heckling her fiancé into letting her go to town was not as simple as just getting her list together and snagging her purse. He didn’t have an issue going to town- but he was more hesitant in taking her with him. His nightmare still plagued him, and her infrequent bouts of braxton hicks didn’t help soothe that worry any.

Bella was playing hell on her body, that was for sure.

“Hamish.” Skylar sighed lightly, and tucked her fist into her lower back. “We need t’ go t’ town, sweetheart. We have things we need t’ get- got lots o’ things tha’ we don’t have enough of for havin’ three people in th’ same house- an’ I’d kinda like t’ go too. Maybe see if there’s a couple movies out n’ pick them up, n’ browse some things while we’re out.”

Hamish wore a large pout. He knew Skylar was right, but he had put himself in a sticky spot. Memories of his nightmare had him not wanting to drive out with Skylar, but leaving her here on her own was not an option. He sighed and shuffled forward, leaning to rest his head against hers. "You're feeling well enough for the trip?" He questioned.

She sighed softly again, and nuzzled her horns gently against his skull. The back curve of her horns cradled his head easily as he leaned against her, and she peered up at him gently but firmly. “I’m feeling about as well as a blimp with legs n’ arms can, Haz.” She rubs his forearms gently, and gives him a lopsided smile. “I had those two Braxton Hicks this mornin’, but haven’t had any more. I’d really like t’ go t’ town with ya- kinda my last hoo-rah before m’ bundled in th’ house an’ surroundin’ area until lil’ miss Bella is in our arms.”

Ha caved. He couldn't say no to her. "Okay, but you gotta promise me you're going to take it easy after this." He said, cupping her face between his hands.

He squished her cheeks a little bit, but other than making her freckled cheeks pudge up a little bit, it didn’t disturb her ability to talk. She arched her brows at him. “Hamish, if I take it any easier, I’ll be sittin’ on th’ couch all day an’ doin’ literally nothin’ but bein’ a lump. But… I can try, I guess. Once th’ midwife comes, m’ gonna have help inside th’ house while you’re handlin’ the outside stuff.”

He smiled and kissed her. "Okay. Well, if we're going you better use the bathroom." He suggested, patting his pockets then going off to fetch his phone.

“Yep, ‘cause it’s a long drive an’ squatting might mean I won’t get back up again. You’d have t’ go get one o’ th’ cranes from Ava’s worksite.” She jokes, and waddles off to go use the bathroom. Once she’s emptied her bladder, she makes her way back out and goes to fetch her purse, flinging it over her shoulder and adjusting her top over her middle. With Bella having dropped, all of her shirts sat weird now. Her bellybutton was perpetually trying to peek out now, no matter what she wore- and she’d pretty much given up on wearing anything that didn’t have a stretchy waistband.

She kneaded a hand into her lower back and contemplated wearing her cowboy boots- or going with the arch-support flip-flops her mom had sent when she’d mentioned having sore feet. Her feet hurt like hell- but what to wear, what to wear… What was she least likely to trip on, more like. The soles on her boots were starting to wear out, and the flip-flops had no soles to speak of, so both were slipping hazards anymore.

But the boots had more sole than the flip-flops. So boots it was.

Hamish had already gone out to the truck to quickly check on things before the drive, deciding he should probably empty his bladder too before the drive he simply settled on going next to the tire instead.

She walked out about the time he was peeing next to the truck, and she quirked a grin, her boots clicking faintly as she made her was to the stairs. She took her time going down. “Ya know, I think only th’ dogs are gonna appreciate you markin’ the truck as your territory, sweetheart.” Skylar teases. She kicks up small puffs of dirt as she makes her way over to the passenger side of the truck, and opens the door, tossing her purse in. Getting in the truck was a bit harder- and required a lot of sliding, and trying not to fall back out the way she was coming from.

Hamish turned and looked over his shoulder at her, his face flushing slightly as he shook his self, and then tucked himself back into his pants. Walking over to her side and helping her get in, once he was sure she was in, he shut her door and walked around to his side and climbed in, putting the key in the ignition and starting the car. He smiled and pulled out of the driveway and started down the dirt road.

Skylar took her time getting comfortable in the truck, leaning against the door once she was sure it was locked, and rubbed her middle as she curled her legs up a little bit. The bones of her feet were swollen and tender- but there wasn’t much to be done for it. Elevation would help- but that would require a couch and a mound of pillows, or sitting sideways in the truck. If she did that, the seatbelt wouldn’t fit around her. Skylar sighed contently and took a moment to look at his seat behind the wheel. She suddenly laughed. “Hey, Haz? With how my belly’s sitting, I wouldn’t fit behind th’ wheel anymore. It wouldn’t turn.”

Hamish looked at her belly then down at the steering wheel and laughed. "I don't think you're allowed to drive while that pregnant anyway." He said as they drove down the dirt road, the tire's stirring up clouds of red dust behind them. He tapped his fingers on the wheel. "You wanna find some music?" He asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

“I would be if I didn’t have any other ride. At least, I think.” She’s not actually sure on that. She grunts a bit, and leans forward to reach the stereo, and turns it on. ‘Don’t Take The Girl’ began to play softly from the speakers, and she hummed, turning to him for his opinion on it. She wasn’t particularly in the mood for it, too sad for her tastes, but she’d ask his opinion before channel flipping. “Yay or nay? Kinda ‘n old song. Didn’t know they were doin’ older country songs t’day.”

Hamish's hands tightened on the steering wheel and his brows pushed together. "U-uh… something else please." He breathed out.

Her brows pinched for half a second on confusion, before understanding lit her face. She changed the channel- and something more upbeat and new-age came on. She simply smiled, and left it on that, before rubbing his thigh gently. “Sweetheart, ‘s gonna be okay.” She soothes gently.

He tipped his head and smiled at her, letting one of his hands fall from the wheel to rest over her hand. "I know… just, I can't help worrying... I suppose, it's… not very likely… In the dream it happened on our wedding night, when we were coming home from your moms." He explained.

Skylar shifts and changes sides, so she can lean on his arm instead of the door, and laces her fingers with his over his. “It’s not very likely indeed. We’re four weeks out from our wedding, sweetheart. Bella’s gonna be born at home, probably either in our room, or in th’ tub like we’ve talked about, an’ she’s gonna be here for th’ weddin’.” She smooches his cheek gently to distract him from bad thoughts as she massages his hand. “Kinda wish our tub was a lil’ bigger, so you could be in there with me if we do end up in there. But, ya walkin’ boot can’t get wet, an’ ya still have some trouble walkin’ without it.” Let alone trying to help support a laboring mother.

She quirks a cheeky grin at him all the same. “Maybe we can invest in a bigger tub for th’ next time we have a baby?”

Hamish nodded. "I was thinking actually… Of asking Ava to come up and take a look at the house with me...was thinking maybe we could extend it out and up… I'm just not sure if there is asbestos in the roof." He said, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Well,” She purses her lips with a thoughtful frown, “If there is, that’s definitely a bad thing. But I like th’ idea o’ extending the house out n’ up. A second floor would be nice- maybe a closer bathroom? Or two bathrooms. Havin’ multiple kids makes one bathroom a nightmare- it was with three brothers, lemme tell ya.” That was the one design flaw her dad had made. Only one bathroom in the entire house. A damn nice bathroom- but only one. She frowns thoughtfully. “If there is asbestos in the roof, I’m not sure how either of ya will handle that. Th’ dust is toxic n’ can cause all sorts o’ bad, bad things. It’d probably be safer t’ pitch a couple o’ tents while ya took down th’ roof- or use th’ loft o’ th’ barn for th’ time being.” Either worked, honestly. The loft of the barn would have less of a chance of snakes trying to crawl into the tent with them.

Hamish nodded. "If we're extending up, the roof will have to come off asbestos or not. Maybe you could stay with Lola while Ava and I do the extensions…? It would probably take a while… I wouldn't want my beautiful girls livin’ in a barn all that time. We have time. After the wedding I'll have him come up and we can check everything out… then you and I can work out what we'd want." He mused, a pleased look settling on his face. The image of his creaky old farm house growing into...a larger, still creaky…he liked that… but a bigger and safer farm house, full of his future family. He liked that idea a lot.

Skylar smiled wryly and chuckled. “I wouldn’t want t’ impose, but I can ask. If Lola isn’t up t’ housin’ me n’ Bella with a new baby o’ her own, then you’re forgettin’ that Ma’ always has space. N’ is she gonna turn down th’ chance t’ spend time with her first grandbaby? I think not.” Yeah, it’d be a long drive away from him- but she’d heckle her brothers into bringing them out to visit if she ended up staying at her mothers. Lola would have a new baby too- and there was no telling if the tiny mother would want to deal with two new infants in the house at once.

A slow smile grew on Skylar’s face, and she beamed up at him. “I’m likin’ this idea more and more, Haz. Heh… Gonna need lots o’ rooms, ‘cause we want lots o’ kids, n’ eventually they’re gonna need their own rooms. Well, want their own rooms.” She smooches his cheek again. “S’ gonna be a big job though. Ya sure jus’ you n’ Ava can handle it? ‘Cause this seems like it’s gonna be a… I dunno, like… year long job, o’ sorts. I don’ know much about buildin’ though.”

Hamish hummed. "That's why I wanna work with Ava. If he thinks we need more people to work on it, he will know who to call." He said, tapping on the steering wheel to the beat of the music.

Her fingers followed the beat of the music likewise, but on his hand instead. “Yeah, I suppose he would. Alright- then it’s settled. The two o’ you can start t’ work it out. But… I want a couple o’ months with jus’ us getting used t’ being parents first, before ya start tackling our housing issue.” She watches out the window, and watches the scenery go by. Her eyes droop a little bit, and she hums a soft tune along with the song.

Hamish smiled. "Of course Sky… I don't wanna kick you an Bella out before I even get a chance to spend time with you both." He said as they left the dirt road and turned onto a more main road, slowly more and more houses started passing by between the acres of fields. Some full of animals, others grape vines or fruit trees.

It was fairly familiar sights by now- not as much as the farm was to her, or the land back where she had grown up, but she’d had enough ultrasounds by now that she knew the road to town quite well. She nuzzled his shoulder with a smile and chuckled. “Mhm. Good. I’d be pretty upset ‘f ya didn’t get t’ experience th’ joys o’ getting t’ experience all o’ parenthood for th’ first time. Babies grow quick.” She remembered her brothers being small- the first year had seemed to fly by so fast, it had felt unreal.

Skylar let out a tiny grunt as he hit a couple bumps in the road, but otherwise the ride was smooth and comfortable enough not to bother her sore back.

Hamish turned off the main road and down a stretch of road, houses and shops quickly came in to view in the distance and the population of cars on the road grew. Hamish eased up his speed, shifting gears as they came into town. He liked the country town, it wasn't big but cafe's, small super markets and shops lined the streets, at the center of the town was a roundabout that had 4 exit's making the town roads a large plus shape, Hamish slowed down to a crawl as they neared the round about, turning on the indicator and turning.

The rumble of his engine drew the attention of a group of farmers sitting at a table outside the pub, two of them stood and raised their glasses, shouting out to him boisterously. "OI HAZZA!! SHOULD COME HAVE A DRINK WITH US MATE, INTRODUCE US TO YER SHEILA!"

Hamish's cheek's flushed slightly and he let out a laugh. "You wouldn't mind a quick stop? I don't want a drink… but these guys won't leave me alone until they meet you?"

The loud shouting definitely caught her attention, but Skylar simply laughed. “I don’t mind stoppin’ sweetheart. But ya gonna have t’ abstain for sure. ‘F ya drink, then I gotta drive, and I ain’t gonna fit behind th’ wheel.” She chuckles. She straightens all the same and adjusts her shirt as best as she can, before giving him a lopsided grin. “Go ahead n’ find a spot t’ park, sweetheart, n’ we can go visit ya friends. I’d like t’ meet them too.”

Hamish bit his tongue between his teeth and leaned forward in his seat slightly, He flipped on the indicator and pulled in, tugging the handbreak on and shutting off the truck. He undid his seatbelt and pushed out of his door, closing it then walking over to Skylar's side, opening the door for her to help her out. He held her hand as he locked the truck and walked with her over to the table outside the pub.

"Well look at this." One of the boys said, getting up from the table and shaking Hamish's hand. "Congratulations." He said, turning to Skylar. "She's a beauty, Haz, you lucky bastard. Nice to meet you, names Garry, went to school with Haz, been friends with this bugga since we were probably the size of that little nugget in your belly."

Skylar offered out her free hand that wasn’t occupied by Hamish out to Garry, and gave him a bright smile, sharp teeth and all. She could smell the alcohol they’d all been consuming, but it didn’t bother her. Hamish had beers at home often enough- it never irked her nose. Cigarettes, on the other hand, did. “Pretty sure he n’ I both are pretty lucky, mister Garry.” She beamed to him, all sunshine and smiles. “Oh yeah? I’m sure you’ve got all sorts o’ funny stories t’ tell then. Childhood friends got all o’ th’ best stories.” She grinned, and elbowed her fiancé playfully. “Some o’ th’ more embarassin’ ones too. It’s nice t’ meet you though, Garry. I’m Skylar McQuillin- gonna be Skylar Parker here soon though.” She chirps, and then twitches her chin towards the massive swell of her middle. “N’ this ‘s Bella.”

Garry chuckled. "You wanna hear some of tha real embarrasin' shit, you come find me darlin', I know all the real dog shit on Haz."

Hamish rolled his eyes and snorted.

Garry smiled and shook Skylar's hand. "You wouldn't mind if I had a feel would ya? My partner started talking about kids… Dunno how I feel about it yet."

Hamish laughed. "You'd have to give up bettin' on the horse races up at Wangaratta."

"I'll do that." She laughed lightly. She tilts her head as she listens to them talking, and quirks a grin. Skylar hums. "Having babies is a lot o' work. Hamish is right that you'd have to give up bettin' on horse racing. But I don't mind at all." She shifts and offers her middle. Her hand is placed on her lower back to help support the strain, and she leans a little bit on Hamish. "She's got her feet near th' top o' my belly, so ya might have more luck there. She's a strong kicker. Got her Daddy's feet, she does."

Garry laughed again and smoothed his hand over the top of Skylar's belly trying to find her feet under his fingers.

Hamish curled his arm around Skylar and watched Garry.

Skylar hummed gently, and guided his fingers with a gentle hand when after a moment he had no luck. "There she is..." She beams. Bella kicked out, and nails her and him, before squirming as per the usual.

Garry chuckled and watched his hand. "Well, ain’t she a little fighter." He smiled.

Hamish grinned proudly.

"Oh yeah." She snorts. "You should see her when Hamish 's late on readin' t' her at night. She gets real feisty." She let's his hand follow Bella's movements for a little bit more, before letting his hand go. "She's gonna be a handful, but what else can ya expect from babies with horns?" She beams with pride. "She's due soon too. Got two weeks, 'f she don't decide t' come early."

Her middle rippled and hardened, skin twitching under her shirt, making Bella squirm before going still. Skylar massaged her lower back as it cramped.

Hamish smiled down at the swell of Skylar's belly. "We're stocking up on supplies. We want to do a home birth so after today… we're pretty much staying at the house until Bella decides she wants out."

Garry nodded. "Well, I'll let you do get to it then, good seeing ya Haz… don't stay a stranger okay? It was lovely meeting you Skylar. When yer little nugget's born, we should all catch up… dinner and beers or something."

Skylar nods. “Dinner n’ beers sounds good.” She grins at him cheerily, and shifts her hips a bit, shuffling her feet in an antsy manner. “I’ll make sure Haz takes some time t’ call y’all n’ catch up between work n’ takin’ care o’ our lil’ girl, n’ we’ll figure out a time t’ do dinner n’ beers once I can actually join y’all for th’ beers.” She exhales a little rougher when the tightness passes, and gently bumps her horn to Hamish’s shoulder. “I’d love t’ meet ya partner, Garry- so it’ll be nice t’ do a get t’gether. We’ll see ya around, yeah?”

Hamish gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "You let me know how that baby havin’ works out, maybe I could give you some tips." The pair laughed, and then said their good byes. "So… Two options, we can either... actually, no, we wont walk, that would mean carrying everything back here, we will drive up to the supermarket." He slapped himself mentally and wrapped his arm around her, walking with her back to his truck.

She chuckled, but let him lead her along without much fuss. “Hamish, we can walk. A lil’ exercise ain’t gonna hurt me none- besides, ya already got a parking spot. I mean, I wouldn’t fuss about bein’ closer,” rather, her feet wouldn’t, with as sore as they were, “but I wouldn’t mind walkin’ an’ getting’ t’ spend more time out n’ about with ya.” She leaned into him as they walked, and sighed cheerily as they reached the truck. “Supermarket is… what, four, five blocks from here?” Not a long jaunt for a normal person. A bit of a jaunt for a heavily pregnant one, but Skylar was a fit lady. She could make the walk.

"How about this- we do the shopping first, leave all the bags in the car, then we can do a bit of walking, maybe get lunch and just browse around for a bit?" He suggested, pulling his keys out of his pocket to unlock the truck.

“That sounds good t’ me.” She nods. Once he’s got the truck unlocked, Skylar shimmies back into her seat, and settles with a soft puff of air. “I wouldn’t mind getting lunch with ya after shoppin.” She quirks a smile at him and tugs the seatbelt around her belly again, adjusting it’s length to fit her girth. “What were ya thinkin’ for lunch? Anything you’d like in particular? M’ good so long as th’ place has somethin’ with chicken in it.”

Hamish got into his seat and pulled his belt on, starting the truck. "There is a bakery that does a mean chicken and mushroom pie." He said, reversing and pulling back onto the road. He drove around, coming back to the roundabout and taking the second exit driving up and looking for a new parking spot as close to the supermarket as he could get.

“Ooo. That sounds kinda like a chicken version o’ pirozhki. ‘Cept I doubt it’s bite sized.” She perked up a bit. “Tha’ sounds real’ good.” She turned her gaze out the window, keeping an eye out for a spot. There weren’t any super close ones, but there was one just down the street. “There’s one down there, Haz. ‘S probably about as good as we’re gonna get.”

Hamish followed her finger to spot where she was pointing and nodded, flipping the indicator on and pulling in. He parked and turned the car off, getting out and walking around to Skylar's side to make sure she was okay.

She was making her way out of the car gingerly, rubbing her fingers lightly against her belly as she clamored out. Skylar accepted his assistance however, despite the looks it garnered them from onlookers who seemed to be content ogling the man in the walking boot assisting the massively pregnant horned lady out of the truck. She gave him a thankful smile, and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, sweetheart.” She snagged her purse, and tossed it over her shoulder, and then stepping out of the way of the door. She closed it, and left him to lock up the car while she stretched her back and rocked her hips, letting her back realign itself with a couple of noisy pops as it did so. It didn’t help the sore muscles, but damn, it helped with her sore spine. “Ah, god, that needed t’ pop a while ago. Much better. A’right.” She grins. “Lets go get th’ shoppin’ done.”

Hamish locked the truck and chuckled. He curled his fingers around Skylar's hand and walked with her into the supermarket. "You got a list?" He asked, digging into his pockets and finding his wallet, putting a dollar into a shopping cart so he could take it for them to use. He pushed it along, leaning on the handle.

Skylar fished around in her purse for a moment, and then withdrew a long slip of paper. She waved it at him with a cheeky grin, and grunted as she got bumped into by a bunch of rowdy teens as they made their way out of the store. She chuffs in amusement, and offers it over as they weave between the rowdy group, who doesn’t seem to care about the adults trying to make their way through. Kids these days- goodness. “Yup.” She says. “I wrote it up before I started t’ pester ya about comin’ t’ town.” She grins cheekily. “M’ all prepared. First on our list ‘s toiletries. Toilet paper is a must.” Particularly when pregnancy did weird things to her systems. She used the bathroom a lot.

Hamish glared at the careless kids and grumbled.

He pushed the cart down the aisles, looking for the toiletries. He stopped in front of the toilet paper and reached up picking the packet that gave them the most rolls of toilet paper. He hummed, and then got a second one. "Okay, what's next? We should get more toothpaste and new brushes."

“More paste is good, and we’re definitely due for new brushes.” Skylar had patted his arm for his grumbles at the kids- kids would be kids, and Hamish was prone to be grumpy at people for bumping into her at this point- but otherwise let him glare. His fiancé gives him a grin, and chomps her teeth playfully at him. “I dunno how, but somehow I always seem t’ go through my toothbrushes super fast. I guess it’s jus’ one o’ th’ many mysteries o’ the world, huh?”

Thankfully, the toothbrushes and toothpaste weren’t far, and she spotted them just another isle over. She bumped her belly into his hip like the wide load she was as she turned around- better him than the shelves, honestly- and gave him a sheepish look before waddling back and around to go to the next isle over. “Ah, I need t’ pick up some polish for my horns.” She lifts a hand to tap one of her long curling ones. “I ran out, n’ they’ll get flaky and whatnot if I don’t keep m’ polished. Think they sell it here, or are we gonna have t’ stop at th’ feed-store?” If they flaked, then they peeled, just like cattle horns did. And when they peeled down too far… Well, Skylar’s horns were sensitive at the bases- and pleasure could quickly turn to pain.

Hamish shrugged. "Horn polish isn't ever something I really looked for in the supermarket. They might have some." He said following her with the cart. He smiled, walking behind Skylar his eyes trailing down to watch her bum while she walked, his mouth curling into a smirk.

“A bottle o’ it lasts me an age, so ‘s not somethin’ you’ve had t’ buy with me yet.” A little bit went a long ways- and the polish lasted for weeks at a time. Technically she didn’t need to get it not, but she’d rather get it now than when she needed it later. She quirks a lopsided smile at him, and notes where his eyes are trained. If she wasn’t sure she’d lose her balance, she’d sashay for him. Alas- she values safety over giving him a good view. “It’s somethin’ ya gonna have t’ get used to with me, though.” Her smile turns a bit drier, perhaps a bit sour, but she simply sighs. “It’s probably in th’ section for animals, if they’ve got one here. ‘S where I usually find it, anyways. Used t’ get all sorts o’ flack for it back when I was in school- havin’ t’ use animal products, tha’ is.”

Skylar snags the toothbrushes and their chosen toothpastes, and tosses them into the cart. After that she hums, and glances up at the top sections of the isles, glancing at the labels for the isles.

"I think your horns are beautiful." He cooed after her, pushing the cart up along side her and glancing down at the list. He pushed the cart down the next isle, the stopped looking at the different bags of dog food. He reached up and pulled a bag of dry food off the shelf and laid it in the cart. He walked down the isle slowly, looking over everything.

“You’re one o’ few, n’ ya real sweet for thinkin’ so.” She informs him honestly, and smiles as he goes to fetch food for Molly and Leroy. Good dogs deserved good chow. While he’s getting food, she waddles a bit further down, and checks out the small ‘livestock’ section they had at the end of the pets isle. For the most part, they thankfully seemed to mostly carry grooming supplies, or halters. She spotted a few bullrings too, including a temporary one that clipped and locked inside the nose, instead of piercing it. An amused chuckle leaves her, before her eye lights wander on.

Lo and behold, at the very bottom of the shelves, there are several kinds of polish. She hides a groan, and awkwardly shuffles, before crouching down to check them out. Skylar tsks with a huff. “O’ course, th’ stuff I prefer t’ get ‘s like twice as expensive as the other stuff. Mmn. Twenty five for polish ‘s ridiculous.” She grumbles softly, and collects a bottle of the cheaper polish into her hand, bracing herself on the shelf with her other when her balance goes off kilter and makes her wobble. She hums, and looks it over, before setting it back down and perusing the few cheaper brands. “And th’ one that’s on sale ‘s th’ one that makes my horns peel instead o’ preventing it.”

Hamish came up behind her and looked down. "You found it." He smiled, watching her with a slightly amused smile at her crouched down.

“I did- on th’ bottom most shelf o’ the whole place.” She nods without looking at him, and scoops up her preferred bottle. She waves it in the air above her head with a huff. “They want twenty five for th’ stuff I usually get. I mean, ‘s not like ‘s a bad price considering how long it usually lasts me, but all th’ same.” She makes another vaguely huffy sound. “All o’ the cheaper stuff they have here ‘s jus’ gonna wear out too fast, or make my horns dry out n’ peel, an’ then they’re gonna hurt. This one here,” she points to another one of the cheaper ones, “doesn’t do either o’ those, but ‘f I get it on my skin, I get hives.”

Being down so low, however, isn’t necessarily good- and her belly tightens and cramps, and she’s not quite braced for the unpleasant Braxton hicks. Her grumbling cuts off swiftly, and she sucks in a breath, hand tightening on the shelf. The hand holding the bottle cradles it close to her middle, and she simply waits for it to pass. God damn, she’d forgotten how much they sucked when she was crouched down and doing something.

Hamish smiled and crouched down, taking the bottle of her preferred brand from her hand and dropping it in the cart, he rubs his fingers against her back, trying to help ease away the cramps. "It's okay babe, if it's the stuff that makes you feel best, then we will get it." He said quietly.

“Mmmhm…” She murmured distractedly for a moment. His fingers on her back felt nice though- and once the tightness in her belly eased, she found some comfort in them. She exhaled roughly, and scrubs her now empty hand against her forehead. “Mm, sorry. That was… a nasty Braxton Hicks. Crouching makes them worse, n’ I forgot that. An’ thank ya, Haz. Sorry about fussin’ over polish. ‘S a bit o’ a sore subject. M’ brothers can use whatever polish under th’ sun, without issue- but it took me years t’ find th’ one that didn’t make my horns peel like a bad sunburn. They keep jackin’ th’ price on it upwards. ‘T used t’ be like, six bucks a thing.” She’d also been like… eight, when it was six bucks a thing, and she hadn’t been that young in a long time. But she’d always felt guilty buying the polish when times were tight at home- particularly when the price continued to climb.

She takes a moment to catch her breath, and then uses the shelf to haul herself upright again, before leaning over and smooching his cheek.

Hamish nuzzled his forehead against her horns in reassurance. He tipped head slightly to look down at the list. "What’s next?" He asked softly.

The reassurance was nice, and made her simply smile. At his question, she followed his gaze and hummed. “Ah… Looks like foodstuffs next. So… back thataway.” She pointed down the isles, past the baby supplies and toiletries. She feels a little winded from that pre-contraction, but doesn’t let it phase her as she makes her slow way down the isles, eyes focused on the list as they pass by the isle full of baby shoes, hats, toys, and tiny, tiny clothes.

Hamish's eyes wondered over each isle they passed, he perked up at the baby cloths. "Oh- shit, Sky!" He said suddenly, letting go of their cart and stepping into the isle. "Look at these." He said excitedly, picking up infant sized cowboy boots and a matching hat. He carried them over to Skylar and placed the little hat against her belly. "Just like mommy." He cooed.

His sudden swear had caught her attention, and Skylar had been half way back over to him by the time he’d excitedly scuttled over to her once more. The hat on her belly was a surprise- but a welcome one. Skylar laughed warmly, and brushed her hand to her belly. “Oh golly- Haz, tha’s jus’ adorable and jus’ like Daddy too, don’t ya forget. Are those tiny boots in ya hand?” She gingerly takes them from him, and grins before resting them gently on her middle. Bella kicks out against them, and she eyes the size for a moment, before chortling. “Might wanna grab another size up for th’ boots, sweetheart. Baby Bella has your feet- n’ these are pretty tiny.” It wasn’t like she wouldn’t grow into them if they were too big anyways.

Hamish chuckled and took the boots back, finding the next size up. He stood them on Skylar's belly he grinned widely. "Can we get them for her?" he asked, grinning widely at the tiny pair of shoes. He nudged his head against Skylar’s.

“Of course.” Skylar nudged him back, and nuzzled her horns gently against his temple. She smiled at the little boots on her belly, and grunts as Bella boots the little boots. “What a little cutie~ Heh. Hat n’ boots are a package deal.” She scoops up the hat, and twirls it on her finger, before cuddling it to her chest. Skylar beams at him. “We’re getting m’ both. Bella’s first hat n’ boots. We’re gonna have t’ take a family picture with all o’ us in our hats n’ boots.”

She rubs her belly gently, and smiles warmly.

Hamish grinned and pressed a kiss against her cheek, placing the boots into the cart. He took the list from Skylar and began pushing the cart again to find the rest of what they needed.

It took them a while to get everything that they needed on the list, and the cart was quite full by the time that they got up to the front of the store again.

Skylar’s legs were fairly tired by the time that they got up to the front and got in line to get everything paid for. They’d had to back track across the floor multiple times when they’d missed something on the list, so she’d gotten lots of walking in. She was sore as hell, but what was new?

She braced her hip against the cart, and started to unload the cart onto the conveyer belt. She grinned up at Hamish, and hummed a soft sound. “I’ll get th’ stuff this time, sweetheart. Ya can get lunch, yeah?”

Hamish chuckled and nodded in agreement, knowing there was no point trying to argue with his wife to be. "Hey, maybe all this walking will get Bella to wriggle her way down more?" He said, helping Sky unload their items from the shopping cart.

She appreciated the help, and with his aid, the cart was soon empty. The cashier began ringing them up and gave them a harried smile, but focused on his task.

“Maybe indeed.” Skylar laughs. She rubs her middle and shifts awkwardly. Bella was sitting like a bowling ball in her pelvis, making her uncomfortable as usual. “She’s certainly sittin’ heavy inside o’ me right now.” She inhales softly, and exhales even quieter. “Had a couple o’ braxton hicks while we’ve been out, so maybe. I’d love t’ see here.”

“You’re due soon?” The man behind the counter tilted his head as he rang things up and blinked at them both.

Hamish grinned proudly and nodded. "Yup, this is our first." He said, lifting the heavier items like the dog food out of the cart. Once the cart was empty, Hamish moved the cart around and began loading the cart back up with the bags of groceries.

“The first is special.” The man nods with a faint grin. “I’ve got two myself. Congrats- and good luck. Having kids is something else- you women are strong folk, and I have no idea how you manage to do it.”

“I dunno how it’s going t’ go either.” Skylar gave the cashier a smile, and left Hamish to put the bags into the cart while she waited at the card reader. She fetched her wallet from her purse, and collected her card from within that, and watched the cashier work through their collection of items. “But we’ll see how ‘t happens when it happens.” She chuckles.

“It’s messy.” The man laughs. “Really messy. But definitely something amazing to witness. Kinda gross though, I will admit.”

Skylar snorts a laugh, and scans her card as he rings the last of the items up and gets the total for them. “I’ve seen plenty o’ animal births t’ know that much.”

Hamish listened to Skylar talking to the man with a smile on his face. He finished loading the cart and wrapped an arm around Skylar. "I'm sure we will be okay. We've just got to wait for our little miss to decide she wants to come out and meet us." He said, rubbing Skylar's back as he spoke.

“She’s still technically got two more weeks t’ finish cookin’ before she’s technically due t’ come out.” Skylar reminds him with an amused chuckle, and leans a little bit into his touch. Her back was beginning to cramp again- which was seemingly the prelude to her Braxton Hicks.

“Babies come out whenever they like.” The man laughs. “My wife was three days over due when she had our son- and then three weeks early with our daughter. Babies pick and choose when they’re ready.” He hands over the receipt, and gives them a tired smile. “Good luck to the both of you.”

Skylar nods, and tucks the receipt into her wallet for later. “Thank you.” She nods and smiles. She gently bumps Hamish with her hip when another patron behind them clears their throat impatiently. “C’mon, sweetheart. We got a bit o’ a jaunt, n’ lots o’ bags t’ carry t’ the car.”

Hamish pushed the cart out to his truck and began unloading the bags into the tray. He packed them together tightly, and then pulled out the tarp to cover them. He held it, frozen for a moment, staring at the faded blue plastic with images of blood covering the material flashing passed his eyes. He squeezed his eyes shut and shook off the images, laying the tarp over the shopping items and tying the tarp down to stop the weather or passerby's from messing with their shopping.

He didn't stress too much about it. People in country towns tended to have a big more respect for other peoples property than city people did, covering the shopping was also necessary if they wanted to be able to drive home with all their shopping still in the truck when they got home.

While he got the shopping items secured with the tarp, Skylar had took the cart back to the supermarket for them. She clicked it back into the lock, retrieved the dollar it spat back out, and then headed back on the jaunt back over to him to meet him there so they could decide on where to eat at.

The walk back over, however, triggered her Braxton Hicks- and Skylar ended up stopping a few cars away from their truck to let it pass, leaning against a light post and pressing a hand to her belly with a sore sound. She knew Hamish would be expecting her back a little sooner- but she just needed to rest a moment. Walking with this one wasn’t pleasant- and it was making an unpleasant stinging sensation cross her pelvic floor.

All the same, she was out of the way of any traffic, so she could simply close her eyes for a moment, lean on the light post, and just breathe. It was a particularly unpleasant and strong one, she noted, and it rippled all along her belly in unpleasant waves that made the flesh rock hard.

Hamish had finished securing their shopping and stepped back to the front of the truck to look out for Skylar, He spotted her easily and made his way over. "Hey… You okay?" He asked, moving so her could massage her back. He looked down at her with sympathy. She was going through so much discomfort to bring their baby into the world. He really wished there was a way she could transfer some of her pain to him so she could be a bit more comfortable.

“Not really.” She answered honestly, and focused on simply breathing until it ended. Like always, his touch was soothing, and she found comfort in his hands working soothing circles on her lower back. When her middle finally softened, she shivered slightly, and massaged her sore middle. “Ah… That hurt. That was… wow, a hell o’ a practice one.” Skylar managed to glance up and give him a mildly unsteady smile, before straightening off the post. “I had t’ stop for a moment. Walkin’ made my belly hurt somethin’ nasty there for a moment. ‘S better now though. Alright… We were gonna go get lunch at th’ bakery, yeah?”

Hamish nodded. "It's not far, just a few shops down, are you going to be okay walking down there?" He asked.

Skylar contemplated for a moment, before nodding slowly. “Yeah. I should be alright. Might not be up t’ wanderin’ all o’ th’ shops like we originally planned,” she admits sadly, “but I do wanna do lunch with ya still, Haz.” She takes a breath, rubs her belly, and then peers down at it. “Behave for a lil’ bit, Bella.” She cooes gently, before offering her arm to Hamish. “Alright. Ya wanna lead th’ way?”

Hamish took hold of her hand and started towards the bakery, keeping to Skylar's pace, not wanting to rush her. There really wasn't any need to rush anyway, the day was truly a beautiful one and should be enjoyed for what it was.

The couple walked slowly, a few people Hamish recognized from passing by them other times he had been in town flashed the pair kind smiles.

Any kind smiles they got were given back in turn. Skylar ended up keeping to a slow pace, that only got slower when she got distracted by something across the way, or if she dealt with a sudden cramp. It made for an awkward pace- but it was a pace all the same. She enjoyed the walk despite it all, and snuggled into his arm as they walked, having to make him stop only once when another Braxton Hicks hit and walking was not necessarily pleasant. The walk that might have been a short walk ended up being more of a ten to fifteen minute walk, perhaps closer to twenty due to her speed and the break she had to take.

Still, she pushed through once she’d dealt with it, and they soon found themselves at the bakery. The smell of bread made her mouth water as the door opened and someone slipped out with their purchase. “Oh wow, Haz.” Her eyes sparkled a little. “Tha’ smells real good.”

Hamish laughed. "The best bakery in Mansfeild." He said, holding the door open so she could enter without worrying about the swinging door hitting her. She was right, the smell was good, everything from freshly made bread, baked sweets, pies, quiches and sausage rolls. Bakeries were awesome.

She gave him a thankful smile and slipped inside. The smells were heavenly, and she couldn’t help quietly sniffing the air. “Mmm.” She grins. “Goodness, I think I smell some sweet stuff too.” His wife to be forever had an incurable sweet tooth- mostly for healthy, fruity things, mind, but she definitely wouldn’t turn down a pastry at this point. She waits for him to slip in after her, and then waddles for one of the counters to eye what they have. “I’m thinkin’ somethin’ with strawberries ‘f they got anything like that.”

Hamish snorted and stood next to her. "How about I get you that chicken pie, and then we can pick something sweet to take home. Starting a fire and sittin’ on the couch with a tea and doughnut sounds bloody brilliant." He walked over to where the hot food was kept and read over the names of the different pies.

She followed him over easily, sighing softly. “I think that sounds good. Sittin’ down n’ jus’ relaxin’ a little bit with a sounds good. M’ getting’ real… crampy.” She hums softly, and peers at the pies. She reads over the descriptions, and locates the one with chicken and mushrooms in it that he had mentioned prior. She lightly taps the glass above them. “Here they are. They do look really good, and smell just ‘s goo- ah…” Her fingers fist gently in his shirt sleeve, and she frowns. It’s not as strong as the others, but the fact that there’s another one so shortly after the last is… concerning. She’s had several today. Skylar takes a moment to count up how many she’s had, and it’s definitely a lot, including this one. “… Yeah, getting home sounds real good.”

“Hello! Is there anything we can get for you today?” The lady behind the counter is cheery and friendly, and gives them both a bright, warm smile.

Hamish was watching Skylar with such mounting concern that for a moment he almost didn't notice when the lady was talking to them. "Oh… Uh, hello. We'll take two of the chicken and mushroom please." He said, pulling his wallet out and handing her $20 over the counter. "Come on Sky, lets sit you down at a table.” He said, holding her arms and guiding her over to one of the tables. He swallowed. "How many… how many contractions has this been?" He asked, his voice soft. Could this be it, could this be the beginning of the real deal?

Skylar let herself be guided over to the tables while the lady behind the counter began to get their pies ready. She eased down into one of the seats designed for waiting, and gave him a faintly nervous look. Was this happening? They had joked about it but... Could it be? They weren't home, and it was early, but two weeks wasn't bad... "Ah... This was the third one since leaving the store. I've had... Maybe three others before that?" She swallowed slightly, and took a calming breath to let herself relax. If it was time, then it was time.  They would deal with it was it happened. "So... Six or seven. Ah... Quite... Quite a few. So it might not get a good idea 't walk around th' stores."

Hamish pressed a kiss against her forehead. "We’re going to have a nice lunch, and then we're going to go straight home.” He said firmly. “I'll call the midwife now and ask her to meet us out at the house just in case, okay?"

Skylar nods. "I'd... Like that." She agrees. "Calling her might be a good idea." She wasn't sure if this was it, but... Honestly, one couldn't be too careful. She gives him a lopsided smile, and nudges his chair out for him with her foot, for when he's ready to sit down. "Let 'er know they're irregular but feel close together. I don't​ wear a watch, so I ain't really been able t' time them." Since she was bound to be asking those questions, Skylar figured she'd just give him the answers now.

Hamish nodded and pulled his phone out, dialing the number and pressing the phone to his head.

The lady behind the counter had placed the two pies on their own plates, and then set those plates onto a tray so Hamish would be able to carry them back to the table. He thanked her and sandwiched his phone between his head and shoulder so he could use both hands. The midwife answered on the third ring. "Hi!" Hamish said as he set the tray down on their table. "Uh, were not 100% sure yet, but Skylar has had maybe… seven or eight braxton hicks contractions over the last short while… and we're starting to think it's possible they might be the real deal." He was quiet for a moment listening to her talk. "Yeah they're irregular but often. We're in town right now having lunch, but we're going straight home after this. We were wondering if you'd be okay with meeting us out there?" He was quiet again, picking up his fork. "Thank you so much, we'll see you there." He hung up and put his phone back in his pocket, and then grinned at Skylar.

Skylar was quiet as she listened to him talk to the midwife, and offered him a grin in turn when he grinned at her. She collected her fork and her pie, her bones not bothered by the heat all that much as she slid it closer to her. "We'll see her when we get back." She nods. "Good thing we got all o' the stuff we needed yeah? Though if lil' miss Bella shows up today, it might be a moot point." They'd use everything eventually, so it didn't really matter. She lightly forked a bite of pie into her mouth as she massaged her middle with her other hand.

Hamish used his fork to push the top of the pie off and began eating the meat out of it like the pastry was a bowl. "It's exciting… we might get to see her soon."

"Yup." She agrees lightly, and nibbles her bite. Its good, very good, and she enjoys it quite a lot. "Are ya okay?" Skylar asks, glancing up to him slowly. "I know ya were real anxious about... Well, stuff happening with us away from th' house."

He looked up at Skylar, realizing in that moment that he had been bouncing his leg under the table, something his only did when something was making him feel stressed or anxious. He swallowed his mouthful and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. We're going to head straight home, meet the midwife… and maybe have ourselves a baby? I- I'm great, really excited...” A small bead of sweat build up on his forehead.

"Ya leg is bouncing, Haz. I can hear ya heel clickin' on th' floor." She reached out her leg and rubbed her ankle gently against his leg. She hummed soothingly to him and gave him a reassuring smile between quickly finishing her pie. She did want to linger too long. "Its okay t' be afraid. Just... Take a deep breath, Haz. Its gonna be alright. If we have a baby today, we have a baby today. It takes time t' have one though, specially for th' first one. We're okay."

He nodded and finished eating the meat out of the pie then picked up the pastry and took a bite, he dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, pulling out another $20 note. He passed it over to Skylar. "Do you wanna pick something sweet while I finish this. I just want a doughnut or something...something with Chocolate frosting, I'm not too fussy.”

Skylar took the twenty and nodded. She finished her pie before he did, and then carefully levered herself out of her chair to go pick their sweet treats. "I'll get ya something good, I promise." She smiled and nodded. She eased her way back over to the counter, and kneaded a hand into her back as she waited for the lady behind the counter to wander over.

Once she did, Skylar gave her a bright smile and nodded to the donuts. "Can I get two of your donuts with the chocolate frosting please? And one with the cherry filling." Hamish was stressing enough that a little extra chocolate wouldn’t hurt him any.

The lady behind the counter nodded and got them boxed up for her. Once the donuts were boxed, Skylar traded the twenty for them, and rocked her hips slightly as she waited for her change.

Once that was handed over, Skylar balanced the box of treats on her belly with one hand and turned around to face Hamish, returning to their table to see how he was doing with his pie.

When Skylar returned, Hamish was finishing off the last bite of his pie. He stood up and dusted any crumbs off his shirt then wiped his hand over his mouth and beard to remove any crumbs that had been caught in there as well. He took the box from her and rubbed his hand against her back and walked her back outside.

She tucked his change back into his pocket so he could fuss with getting it into his wallet later, and smiled slightly as he stole the box from her. “Y’know, I don’t mind carryin’ th’ box, Haz.” All the same, she cuddled into him as they walked, linking an arm loosely around his waist.

He shook his head. "Nope, you're doing enough right now, if I could I'd be carrying you to the truck." He laughed.

Skylar snorts a laugh that is entirely un-lady like. “Sweetheart, if ya leg was fully healthy, I sure wouldn’t mind it. If ya even could, tha’ is. Pretty sure it’d take a crane t’ move me now.” She jokes lightly, and bumps his shoulder with hers. The horned cowgirl keeps the same slow pace as before, and time seems to crawl as she makes her slow way back, trying not to exhaust herself too badly. Pregnancy and stamina were not two words that went together in a descriptive sentence, unless the word ‘not’ was included somewhere with them.

Hamish pulled his keys out as they walked. The walk was slow, and he kept his eye on Skylar as they walked. When they finally reached the truck Hamish walked Skylar over to her side and unlocked the truck, helping her into the seat. He checked the shopping, and then got into his side and started the truck. He leaned back to check his rear view as he backed out onto the road, and then he shifted the truck into drive then started down the road towards home.

Skylar managed to make it back to the truck and into the truck before another contraction hit. However, it hit as they were going down the street in town, Hamish making his way through traffic. She turned and burrowed her face into his shoulder with a soft sound, grunting quietly. “S’ another one.” She informs him, massaging her fingers into her belly as she shifts awkwardly. It doesn’t feel pleasant- but it’s not the worst feeling in the world while sitting down. Walking is much worse. “Mmmghmm… Wouldn’t be so bad ‘f lil’ miss Bella wasn’t nailin’ me in th’ ribs any time they happen.” She tuts with quiet affection.

Hamish took one hand off the steering wheel and placed it on Skylar’s stomach and began to recite one of the storybooks he would often read to Bella, making sure he spoke slightly louder so Bella would hear him over the sound of the truck.

Her stomach was hard under his hand, though Bella’s legs still flailed under the tense surface. Any time she kicked hard, Skylar would grimace a bit, but she didn’t make a peep, content to let Hamish ‘read’ to her the books he practically had memorized by now. As the contraction faded and her skin softened, their daughter’s kicking began to ease some, as if she’d tuckered herself out with her little fit. Skylar nuzzled her head to his shoulder with a quiet sound, and shuffled her feet. They ached, and keeping them down wasn’t helping, but she didn’t want to sit on them. She’d wait until they were home, and prop them up in Hamish’s lap on the couch or something.

He smiled, feeling his daughters flutter of movements calm under his palm, knowing she was listening to him made his soul swell with joy.

Skylar rests her fingers alongside his, and exhales softly against his shoulder. “At least it’s only an hour’s drive home, yeah?”

Hamish nodded. "Just a nice short trip." He turned onto the main road leading out of town. And slowly eased the truck into a faster speed to meet the speed limit, he kept one hand on Skylar’s belly and continued to talk to their daughter, hoping it would help keep her settled, maybe ease her into a nap.

Skylar closed her sockets and simply listened to him talk, trying to ease Bella into a nap. Their tuckered out daughter was having none of it, and continually nailed her in the ribs in bursts of activity on the way home. Skylar contracted twice on the drive home, the first one less painful than the second. The second one was just as they were getting home, and was painful more in her back than in her belly. She had cramps all along her spine from being in the same position for most of the ride.

However, as they pulled up, she peeked her sockets open and spotted a car in their driveway. “Mmm…? ‘S that the midwife?”

Hamish nodded. "Must be, no one else really comes out my way." He pulled the truck up and parked, helping Skylar out.

Skylar kicked her boots lightly in the dirt and stretched her back with a quiet nod. “Mmm, tha’s true. ‘S not my family, either. Ain’t the truck.” That said, she turned and scooted around him, going to undo the tarp and help him carry in groceries. The faster they got all of their shopping items in, the quicker they could get the midwife settled and Skylar could kick her boots off and relax a bit with Hamish.

"Ah!" Hamish said swatting her hands away. "I'll do it. I don't wanna be an ass, I'm sure you can help even if you aren’t in labor… but please babe, it will make me feel better if you just go lay down." He pouted, nudging his forehead against her head.

She had been about to argue that she could very well help haul groceries, and get them both inside faster- but the nudge of his forehead to hers took the wind out of her sails. She loved when he did that- that and nuzzling his skull to her horns, like he had a pair of his own- and it always took away any irritability she might have had, or any stubbornness she might be feeling. It was unfair, really. Super, super unfair.

Skylar’s cheeks puffed stubbornly for a moment, before she sighed and visibly deflated from insisting on helping. “Alright. Alright. But ya be careful, a’right? No totin’ in all th’ bags on one arm just t’ prove a point, n’ throwin’ out ya back like last time.” She did reach into the truck to snag the box of donuts, and sticks her tongue out at him lightly. “I’ll take these in so they don’ get squished. If ya need help, holler, alright?” She hefts her purse and the donuts, and makes a slow waddle for the house.

Hamish smiled at his victory and stole a quick kiss before turning to the truck and untying the tarp. He grabbed as many bags as he could carry without hurting himself, which was about a quarter of the bags, before he waddled to the door. The added weight of the bags as well as his walking boot making it a little awkward, and making him nearly mimic his soon to be wife’s walk.

He made his way inside and dumped them on the floor near the door. The mid wife was indeed there, he gave her a warm smile. "Hello, I'm sorry for being rude, I'm just going to bring this shopping in, and then I'll say a proper hello." He ducked back outside and brought in another quarter of the bags.

Skylar had made it to the to the house by the time Hamish had speed-waddled his way to the door, and she hid a soft ‘snrk’ at seeing him move. She supposed that was how she looked now, with Bella sitting like a bowling ball in her pelvis. She ducked inside once he’d vacated, and propped the door open for him with one of the bags, before offering the midwife a faint smile while massaging a hand into her lower back. “Ah, hi. Welcome t’ our home- would ya like me t’ show ya to th’ guest room while Hamish gets those in?”

The midwife smiled kindly. "That would be lovely, then I would like to check you over, sweetie. See if we're dealing with the real thing here."

“That’d be great.” She smiles at her warmly. “M’ gonna feel real silly ‘f it’s jus’ a false alarm.” She rubs her belly lightly, and then steps around the midwife, before scooting carefully down the hall. She makes for the guest room once she’s sure she’s following, and then carefully eases the door open. “This ‘s th’ room. S’ yours for as long as you’re stayin’ with us.” She quirks a faint smile to her. “Hopefully ‘s to ya likin’?”

The midwife smiled. "Don't worry honey. It's perfectly fine to be concerned even if it is just a false alarm." She said, placing her bag down on the end of the bed. "I'm all yours sweetheart. I'll be here a long as you feel you need me to be." She said, “Now...I want to check to see if you're dilated at all, so I want you to find a place to lay down that makes you feel most comfortable. It's going to be a little awkward but you're going to have to remove your pants for me."

“Ah… that is a little awkward, but most o’ motherhood has been a series of awkward n’ silly incidents so far. What’s one more thing, right?” Skylar gives the midwife a lopsided smile and nods. “Ah… Probably m’ bedroom. Livin’ room ‘s runnin’ th’ risk o’ flashin’ Haz, n’ I don’ want him t’ drop anything breakable ‘f he ain’t expectin’ it.” Skylar motions for her to follow, and then waddles for the bedroom. She kneads her fingers lightly against her lower back, and sucks in a soft breath, before opening the door and stepping inside. Their bed is in good shape- she’d made it this morning, and their room is clean, so there’s nothing to really consider it messy.

Skylar shifts to the bed, and slips her fingers down the edge of her waistband. She eases to the edge of the bed once she’s gotten her pants down off of her hips, and then carefully shimmies them down off her legs. She’s just in her underpants now. She hums, and strips those off too, after a moment, and then carefully eases herself back. Skylar makes a slight face.  “Ah… Layin’ back on th’ bed ‘s definitely not helpin’ th’ back cramps. Ah… ‘s this alright?”

The midwife smiled sympathetically. "Would you like me to prop your back up with some pillows maybe? Here sweetheart.” The Midwife moved around and gathered the pillows, helping to stuff them behind Skylar’s back to prop her up into a more reclining sitting position to help take the weight of her stomach off her spine.

She moved back around and pulled a pair of rubber gloves out of a small little medpack she wore on her hip. She pulled them on, and then moved between Skylar's legs. "I'm sorry if this is uncomfortable sweetheart." She said before easing her fingers inside Skylar, wriggling them in to find her cervix. She was quiet for a moment, concentrating, the then slowly eased her fingers back out and smiled. "You're defiantly 1cm dilated, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're in labor. It is very common for a women this close to the due date to be dilated at 1cm when the baby has dropped like Bella has. She is right down there and she is going to be very slowly trying to ease her way down more. What I want you to do, is go about the rest of your night the best you can, just stay relaxed, have a nice warm bath maybe? I brought some essential oils with me, you can have Hamish rub them into your back. They might help sooth some of your pain. We're going to leave it for the rest of the night, and then check again tomorrow. If you have become more dilated, then we can start to consider the possibility of you being in labor. If you haven't progressed by tomorrow, we will continue to keep an eye on everything, but it will most likely mean that unfortunately it was just a false alarm." She explained.

She really was an awesome midwife, explaining everything very easily and clearly. Skylar nodded once she’d finished speaking, and carefully hefted herself up. It had been a little uncomfortable, but not honestly that bad. “One centimeter then… A’right.” She nods quietly. She’d explain that to Hamish then, when she got her pants back on. Or… hmm, probably shorts. Shorts sounded good. “I was thinking o’ relaxing a little bit on the couch until m’ ankles n’ feet stop hurting,” She admits. “But a bath after sounds good.” She slides her panties back on, and goes to fetch a loose pair of shorts, slipping those on over top. “Thank you.” Skylar gives her an earnest smile once she’s fully dressed again. “S’ good t’ know these things. If it’s jus’ a false alarm, ‘s not a big deal. Bella’s a lil’ turd sometimes- I wouldn’t put it past her t’ give us a false one.”

That said, Skylar gives her a smile, and exits the bedroom. She pauses before heading for the couch, and turns to give the midwife a smile. “Go ahead n’ make yourself comfortable here, yeah? M’ gonna go settle down a bit before I gotta go fiddle with ideas for dinner.” That said, Skylar slipped into the living room, and eased her way onto the couch, and then carefully propped her feet up on one of the pillows while she waited for Hamish.

The midwife pulled the rubber gloves off and rolled them up, disposing of them in the trash can. "You let me know if there is anything you need me to do honey." She said before moving back to the guest room.

Hamish waddled back inside with the last lot of bags and pushed the door shut. He spotted Skylar on the couch and happily stepped over the shopping bags to press happy kisses against her face. "Do you want anything, beautiful?"

The kisses prompt soft giggles from her as she leans up to kiss him properly. "Other than you," she winks playfully, "I think I'm okay. According to the midwife, I'm about one centimeter dilated, which 's normal considering Bella's dropped." She hummed softly. "It might be a false alarm though, if I don' progress."

He couldn't hide the slight pout. He was really hoping this would be the real deal. He kissed her again then moved to put their shopping away so it wasn't blocking the front door. It took him a while, shifting the bags from the front door to the kitchen then putting away everything they bought into the correct places. He kept an eye on her all the while, however. "You think you're going to be a’right if I go out and give the animals their dinner early…? If this is the real deal, I want to make sure the animals are all good so I can focus on you."

Skylar had shifted on the couch so she could watch him, making it not really a secret that she was ogling his backside and shoulders as he bent over to grab things, or stretched up to put them away. She half lidded her sockets at him, lashes partially shading the blue glow of her eye lights. Bedroom eyes were fun like that. “I’ll be alright, sweetheart. M’ not goin’ nowhere, and m’ not really alone in the house now, am I? But I’d definitely like for ya t’ be here with me, real deal or not. Ya make me feel safe n’ comfortable.” She gives him a warm, loving smile. “I might start dinner while you’re out. Mmm… maybe.” She wiggles her feet with a soft sigh. “Might just let my legs rest a bit. Give Mel a rub for me, will ya please? She’s probably been missin’ me. I hope she hasn’t been too much of a handful.”

Hamish laughed. "Forgot to tell you, she stole my hat the other day. Think she knows I've done something to you. She pulled it off my head and ran off with in when I was trying to refill their water." He closed the fridge, having finished putting everything away finally.

“Oh dear. I’m glad ya got it back- ya look mighty cute in ya lil’ corky hat, Haz.” She laughed softly. “Well, I ain’t been out t’ th’ barn as much t’ visit her. She’s probably worried, poor thing.” She contemplates getting up to go with him, and the thought visibly passes across her face. “Maybe I should go check up on her n’ let her know ya ain’t stole me away or somethin’.”

Hamish frowned. "Are you going to be okay doin’ that?" He had already denied Skylar doing things today, he didn't want to be an ass in general. He smiled instead. "Hey, how about I help you out to go see Mel, then we can make dinner together and after, I'll give your feet a rub?" He suggested, hoping his deal sounded good to her.

She lifted a brow at him, before nodding softly. “Tha’ sounds good.” She smiles slightly. “I’d like t’ see her, n’ give her a lil’ attention. Maybe she’ll be a lil’ less o’ a pill for ya, y’know?” Skylar sighs to herself, and carefully swings her legs off the couch. She hefts herself up using the arm, grimacing at her sore feet. She doesn’t bother with her boots- instead she shuffles into her flip-flops, and gives him a lopsided smile. “Mmm, speakin’ o’ rubs, apparently th’ nice midwife brought some oils tha’ we can use n’ rub into m’ back t’ help with some o’ th’ pain. Maybe we can use some o’ those tonight before bed?”

Hamish stood at Skylar's side, ready to help her or be her support if she needed it. He slipped into his boots, then took hold of her hand as they walked outside, He didn't know if Skylar's suggestion of using the oils was suppose to be as suggestive as she made it sound, but Hamish couldn't stop the slight shade his cheeks turned. He nodded. "If it makes you feel good, I'd do anything."

The reddish tinge to his cheeks made her grin slowly, and she kept pace with him easily enough as she chuckled softly. She rubbed her fingers along his as they made their way down the steps and towards the barn, her flip-flops making faint noises along the way. “Sounds like you’ve already got an idea in mind.” She wiggles a brow at him lightly. “I wouldn’t mind tha’ idea. We do have a guest though. We’d have t’ be super, super quiet.” She teases gingerly.

Now Hamish's cheeks were really flushed. "A-are you sure?" He did have to admit he really liked the sound of what Skylar was suggesting now and he had read somewhere that sex could help induce labor… so maybe it would be worth trying. He bit his lip, trying to hold back the cheeky smile that was quickly spreading across his face.

He wasn’t doing a very good job of hiding it, and she elbowed him lightly with a grin. “I wouldn’t have suggested it if I wasn’t sure, sweetheart. I want ya touch- but,” she hums, “gotta wait until tonight.”

The barn was warm, as usual, and Mel was at her stall gate. She spotted Skylar as she came in the door, and her ears perked as she called to her. Her white face stretched out the gate, and she shoved her face towards them eagerly. However, she made an obvious face at Hamish.

Skylar giggled. “I think you’re on her shit list, sweetheart. There’s my Mel!” She slipped from Hamish’s side, and went to her mare. She took her face in her hands and nuzzled her gently as the mare made happy whuffling sounds against her chest as she snuffled her belly. “Have ya been bein’ a pill for Hamish? I heard ya stole his hat, ya lil’ booger.”

Hamish hauled up the bucket of feed and began making sure the horses had enough food and water for the night. He pulled a blanket over Charlie to keep his old bones warm. He left Skylar with Mel and went to give the chickens their grain. He returned to the barn and leaned against Mel’s gate. "Do you think she would know… like, be able to sense if you where in labor?" He asked.

Skylar had spent the time he was doing chores just loving on and rubbing on her mare, and giving her all the attention that she needs.

The mare grunted when Hamish came back, and lifted her head away from Skylar. She pinned her ears at him, and snorted at him, until Skylar stole her attention back with gentle touches and rubs to her chin.

“Maybe.” Skylar laughed. “Guard ya hat, by the way. She’s eyeballing ya with mischief in mind.” She rubbed Mel’s ears as the mare nosed her belly. “I’ve heard stories o’ animals knowin’ when someone’s in labor. I dunno though. I suppose we can watch th’ dogs n’ the other critters.”

Hamish chuckled and placed a hand on his hat. He gave Mel a playful pout. "What's wrong Mel… Am I a pooper? What did I do huh?" He chuckled. "You'll forgive me when you get to meet Bella." He said, he gave Mel a firm pat on the neck.

The mare flicked an ear at him and knickered against Skylar’s belly. She lipped at her shirt slightly, nosed her gently, and then pulled back to wiggle her lip at Hamish. He got a show of her lovely teeth- yes, she’d forgive him later, but for now, he was on her shit list.

Skylar laughed and pulled back, giving her one more pat before smiling at Hamish. She paused, and rubbed her middle with a soft sound as it twitched and throbbed sorely. “Mmm… Lets go back in, yeah?”

Hamish nodded. "I just have to feed the dogs but their food is in the house." He said, wrapping his arms around Skylar's middle as they walked back out towards the house. "What should we do for dinner?" He asked clicking his tongue in thought. His dogs ran around from the back of the house their tails wagging happily as they sniffed at Hamish and Skylar's ankles.

“Heya, fluffy pups.” She smiled at the dogs, and patted their heads gently with one hand. She leaned into Hamish a little bit as they headed for the stairs, and tried not to step on them as they shadowed their heels. “I dunno what we should do for dinner.” She hummed. “I don’t really have a taste for anything… I’m thinking… maybe… I dunno… Somethin’ easy? I’d say steak, but then we’d have t’ thaw it, n’ I dunno ‘f I wanna wait for it t’ thaw.” She shrugs quietly. “Maybe just some noodles or somethin’ tha’ doesn’t take too long t’ make. Ah… Hold on, please.” She paused on the stairs and simply held onto him for a moment. “S’ another one. ‘S not so bad when m’ not movin’. I jus’… Hold still.” She nuzzled his shoulder with a soft sound. “Mmm… So… Noodles and… Gravy? Or… Something…?”

Hamish chuckled. "We can do noodles." He held her on the stairs, the dogs jumping up the stairs and laying down on the dog beds Hamish had set up on the veranda, their tails wagging as they watched the couple.

She wiggled her fingers at the dogs, but clung to Hamish until her middle eased up. Once it softened under his hand, she exhaled softly, and nodded. “Noodles sound good. Maybe a veggie on th’ side. Broccoli a’right?” She hums, and resumes walking. She opens the door for them, and then kicks her flip-flops off, before humming to herself. “Mm… You feed th’ dogs, n’ I’ll get th’ noodles started, alright?”

Hamish helped her inside, and then made his was to the laundry where he kept the dog food. He opened the dry food and carried it outside, he made the dogs wait while he filled their bowl. "Okay." he said and both dogs got up and started eating.

He moved back inside and put the dog food away, and then washed his hands. He walked back into the kitchen. He pulled broccoli out of the fridge along with a clove of garlic. "I was looking it up and apparently if you fry up the broccoli and then add garlic, it's suppose to be pretty good."

“Broccoli n’ garlic? Well, tha’ sounds real good.” She nods. She slides a pot of water over to him, and goes to get a bag of broccoli out, along with a couple cloves of garlic. “A’right. I’ll do th’ broccoli n’ the garlic. Mm… Might jus’ make it a stir fry. Add up some onion, n’ maybe some peppers?”

"Instead of a sauce on the noodles we could just put the stir fry on top. There is some chicken in the fridge we could fry off in there too?" He suggested, going to the fridge and pulling out the other ingredients Skylar had listed off. He loved cooking with her. She was an amazing cook, and helping her in the kitchen meant he learnt too.

“Chicken would work.” She nods. She hums, and taps her finger lightly on the stove top, before going to fetch the bottle of teriyaki from one of the cupboards. Next she stoops down to fetch the pan for frying it up. “Might as well make it a teriyaki stir fry and go th’ whole nine yards, yeah?” She gives him a lopsided smile and sets the pan on the stove.

A splash of teriyaki is added, along with a pinch of sweetener, before she starts to cut up ingredients and add them to the pan. “Mmm, y’know one thing folks always do with Terriyaki? They jus’ use it straight. Gotta add a lil’ bit o’ sugar or sweetener to it, or it’s too tart.”

Hamish smiled and pulled out a chopping board and began cutting the chicken into strips. He wrapped up the remaining bits he didn't use with plastic wrap and put it back in the fridge, and then washed his hands again. He stood behind Skylar and watched their dinner coming together, he wrapped his arms around her and smiled, pressing kisses against her neck.

She leaned against him and relaxed her body into his hand. She tilted her head forward against his kisses as she worked on getting everything chopped up, and soon she had it all cut up. She tossed it into the pot, and then added the chicken to it as well- before turning it onto medium to begin to heat. That done, she could relax and rest against him with a soft sigh. “Mm…” She linked her fingers with his, and rubbed the backs of his hands. “Shouldn’t take too long.”

He trailed his hands down over her belly, his mouth still attacking her neck with kisses. "I love you." He purred.

“I love ya too.” She smiled, and sighed as his hands wandered over her belly. His whiskers tickled over her neck, and she smiled contently. Bella fluttered under his fingers, a far cry calmer than she had been while they had been out and about. “Bella does too. Mm… I’m so excited t’ meet her, Haz…” She sighs softly. “I jus’ don’ know what t’ do with myself, honestly. I just… I wanna hold her already, n’ see her lil’ face… I wonder if she’s gonna have your ectobody color, mine, or a mix…”

He let out a happy sigh. "It doesn't matter, she's going to be beautiful no matter what." He whispered. Feeling his daughter under his hands made him chuckled. "I hope you're crawling your way down in there, missy."

“She sure feels like she is.” She chuckles. “She’s sittin’ real heavy inside o’ me. ‘S kinda like a bowling ball in m’ pelvis. It ain’t much fun, lemme tell ya that.” She chortles good-naturedly. The frying pan starts to slowly sizzle, and she stirs it with an idle hand, while keeping an eye on the pot of water which was set to boil. “I’d much rather have somethin’ else in m’ pelvis, if ya catch m’ drift.” She cocks her head back over her shoulder to give him a wink, and then grins.

Hamish's cheeks warmed. He pressed his face into Skylar's shoulder. "Mhnn~ Sky." His stomach tightened in that familiar feeling of arousal from her words, his hands slipped down to hold her hips. He pulled them back against him slightly at the same time pressing his hips forward to make sure she would feel him against her. He let out a puff of breath.

She could feel him twitch against her backside, and couldn’t stop the smug grin crawling up her face. She leaned back into his grasp, and gently rolled her pelvis against his member. Two could play at that game- and Skylar did so like to tease her man. “Lil’ eager, aren’t we?” Her voice dropped an octave, taking on a slightly huskier timbre. “Would you like t’ be buried in me, Haz? T’ hilt yourself in me, ravish me until we’re both too tired t’ go on~?” She gives him a coy look over her shoulder again, eye sockets half lidded and lashes framing the warm blue glow of her eye lights. “I think I’d like that too.”

Hamish groaned, rocking his hips against Skylar. He loved when she spoke to him like this; it made him practically crave her. On any other occasion he would have pulled himself free of his pants to rub himself against Skylar, but the sound of the guest room door opening reminded him that he had to behave.

The midwife walked into the kitchen with a kind smile. "Mm, it smells very good out here." She commented. She looked between Hamish and Skylar and giggled. "You're a very sweet couple. I love working with couples who are very intimate, everything is just, so much more beautiful."

Being caught pretty much grinding in the kitchen made her feel like a silly teenager again, and Skylar flushed a bright, bright blue. “Ah, well, thank ya. Just kinda throwin’ somethin’ t’gether for a stir fry. And, ah, yeah.” She offers a lopsided smile as best she can with Hamish wrapped around her as he is. Probably trying to will away the problem she might have given him, that she could feel against her backside. “We’re… pretty active.” She flushes brighter. “I’ve read that’s ‘s not always th’ case with some couples expectin’ a baby though, so I can understand what ya mean there. Haz n’ I are… well, pretty good in that regard, I think.”

She didn’t think her body bothered him like other mother’s bodies did to some other men. She certainly hadn’t caught him yanking it to porn, or turning to other women instead of her- and she certainly hadn’t needed to, not with the attention he gave her. They had a slightly non-typical relationship in that regard- but it was a healthy one, Skylar was very sure of that.

Hamish's face flushed. He couldn't hide his smile though, He still held Skylar's hips, swaying with her slightly. "I want to be a good partner in everything we do together. I don't want to make assumptions, but I sorta always got the impression that younger couples just...don't appreciate love as much, to them their life is still so young. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are many young couples who are grateful for what love gives them. But...I've probably lived over half my life already, and I'm only finally getting to start a family I've wanted since I was as young, and most of the younger couples already having kids. I just want to be everything Skylar needs me to be and more."

“Ya already are, Haz.” She smiles gently and rubs his hands as he sways with her. She eventually just turns back to cooking, and lets him sway with her, all the while enjoying the touch she’s given and glad he’s not pulling away like some guys might have. “You’re gonna get lots o’ kids.” She smiles to him. “Well, once lil’ miss Bella decides t’ finally vacate th’ premises, an’ I get healed up a lil’ beforehand.”

Hamish snorted and the midwife laughed at the humor. "Well, I hope you'll enjoy my service enough to call me back to help you with any other beautiful children you two decide to have. So far you've been such a nice couple to work with. I really respect couples that want to homebirth and bond as a couple and with their children through doing the birth naturally and as a family."

“I like th’ idea o’ havin’ my kids at home.” Skylar smiled to her. “My Ma’ had me at home. She had my brothers at th’ hospital, but they were very, very premature. Complications an’ th’ like, or she’d have had them at home too. Never have been real fond o’ hospitals, t’ be honest with ya. M’ alright for a lil’ bit, but too long makes me nervous” Bella gave her a firm kick, and she grunted, before laughing. “Lil’ miss Bella agrees, I think. She jus’ nailed me a good one.”

Hamish chuckled and pressed his forehead against the back of Skylar's skull, nuzzling it as if he had horns. It had become a slight habit he had picked up from Skylar; he knew it was a very affectionate gesture and it made his soul flutter when she responded so positively to such a simple little thing.

Her demeanor seemed to brighten, lighting up as he nuzzled the back of her skull. Skylar did indeed love it when he did such little things- she loved the little quirks he picked up from her. A lot of them for her were instinctive affectionate gestures, so to get them in return were always little things that brightened her day. She paused in cooking to turn, and angle her skull to rub her horn gently along his temple, giving him a pleased and loving rumble in turn, before she went back to what she was doing.

As the water for the noodles began to boil, she fetched the package with her hand and dumped them in, setting the timer and setting a spoon across the top to keep it from bubbling over. The stir fry was sizzling hot, and everything was starting to soften. She added a tad more teriyaki, and then added in some soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for some added flavor. It didn’t do much but add a little bit of bite to the sweet- and usually made it taste better, oddly enough.

Skylar shifted, angling her belly away from the popping of the stir fry so she didn’t get burned.

Hamish shifted, gently moving Skylar to his side. "Let me do it." He said, stirring the sauces so it coated the vegetable and chicken so they would soak it all up and become filled with flavors.

The midwife smiled, knowing she currently wasn't needed, she wondered off easily finding their laundry she began sorting through the darks and lights so she would be able to put a load on for them.

Skylar watched the midwife head down to the laundry room and made a mental note to thank her later. Once they were alone, she smiled, and slipped her hand into Hamish’s front pockets as she settled behind him with her belly pressed lightly into the curve of his back, safely away from the popping of the stir fry. She lightly rubbed his thighs from within his pockets. “Ya silly overprotective Aussie. I was a’right cookin’ th’ stir fry. But okay. I get to enjoy teasin’ ya while ya do th’ cookin’.”

She was at just the right height to kiss and nibble gently along his shoulder, nudging his hat up a little with her horns so she could get at him better.

Hamish swallowed. He glanced down at the hands tucked into his pockets, his excitement from before still hadn't settled completely and her hands in his pockets only cause it to twitch wanting the attention her hands hinted to give. He pulled his eyes back to the stir fry, pushing the veggies around with the wooden spoon while he enjoyed the feeling of her teeth on his shoulder.

Skylar gave him a smooth grin and her hands slid closer together in his pockets. Slowly, her fingers stroked him from either side, touching the heat of his length that was restrained by his pants. She closed her mouth on the back of his shoulder, and sucked gently, leaving a faint mark, before nibbling up along the back of his neck. Skylar had no issue being a distraction- cowgirls were often the wiliest of girls to choose to try and tame for one’s wife. “Too bad ya gonna have t’ wait until after dinner for th’ full treatment, eh? When we can retreat t’ our room, n’ shut the door, n’ we can take care o’ each other properly~” She purred against the side of his skull.

Hamish's eyes fluttered as his length attempted to push out against the fabric of his jeans. He sucked in a breath to hold back the noise he wanted to make. Damn she was a tease, but at the same time he loved it when she got him pent up and left him to wait with the thoughts of what she had planned running through his head until they could actually act on those thoughts…

Skylar grinned. She kept one hand in his pocket, while the other slid out and up, sliding against the slightly pudgy slope of his belly. He’d filled out between her feeding him proper nutritional meals- and, well, him helping her with built up pressure problems. Her fingers rubbed along his lower belly, before wiggling under the tight band of his jeans, and into his boxers. She’d wash her hands before dinner- but… for now.

She gave him a firm stroke downwards, fingers massaging him in time with the gentle nips and nibbles along his neck and shoulders. She rumbled pleasantly to him, breasts pressing into his back as she angled her torso to better reach him.

Hamish let out a strangled noise, one hand gripping the bench top, the other hand tightening around the wooden spoon. His breath hitched and sweat beaded on his forehead. He would have been all for her getting him off while he finished cooking had the midwife not been here to walk out at any moment. He let out a breath in an attempt to calm himself slightly. He shifted to try and get a look at Skylar, but couldn't see much more than her horns.

Skylar shifted as she spotted him moving, and hooked her chin gently over his shoulder. She pressed soft kisses along his cheek as her hand worked his cock, stroking and teasing him playfully. When he was hard against her hand, she gave him one more stroke, and then slid her hand out of his pants, and kissed along his skull. “Can’t have ya gettin’ too excited now, can we? Heh. Ya got t’ get through dinner, n’ then we can go t’ the bedroom. But there… Mmm,” she purrs against him, “There, ya can have somethin’ better than m’ hand.”

She leans around him far enough to kiss him, and then waddles to the sink to scrub up. She had been handling things- and then his dick- and there was no need to not be sanitary.

Hamish let out a long but happy sigh. He tipped his head to watch Skylar watching her hands and laughed through his nose. He put the wooden spoon down and stretched out the waistband of his jeans, grabbing himself through his boxers to shift his hardened member to a position that would be more comfortable and less noticeable. He pulled a strainer out of the drawer and set it inside the sink when Skylar had finished washing her hands. He carried the pot of noodles and poured it out, straining the noodles of water.

While he tended to the noodles, she checked over the stir fry, and then slid it carefully off of the burner now that it was done. She reached over to turn off the burner, and then beamed at Hamish. “Stir fry’s done.” She chirps innocently, and gives him a warm smile. She could see that he’d adjusted himself- which wasn’t a bad thing. Less noticeable that way, and since they had a guest, it was definitely a good thing. “I’ll go set the table, if ya want t’ dish up three plates for us.”

He nodded and pulled out three plates and dished up the noodles then added the stir fry over the top. He carried it over to the table. He took a breath then walked to the laundry room, sticking his head around the corner. "Dinner is done."

The midwife had just finished putting the laundry on for them. She straightened and dusted off her hands. “Oh? Alright. I’ll be right there.” She smiled to him. “Let me just wash up with the sink in here.”

Skylar got the table set with silverware, and got drinks set out. She got herself a glass of milk. Teriyaki liked to give her heartburn out the Wahoo for some reason, but milk usually helped. While she waited for Hamish and the midwife, she eased down into her usual chair, and sighed pleasantly. Her ankles still hurt to high hell, but at least sitting was nice and comfortable.

She sipped at her glass of milk, and hummed contently.

Hamish returned and joined Skylar at the table, the food smelt amazing but he waited for the midwife to join them to be polite. He slid his feet along the floor and gently brushed them against Skylar's swollen feet. "How're you feeling?" He asked, his eyes glancing down to where her stomach would be if it wasn't hidden by the table.

"Sore." She answers him quietly, rubbing her swollen feet against his own. She shudders a soft sigh, and then smiles faintly. "Bella has calmed down some so she isn't kicking me right now, which is nice. I'm ready t' prop my feet up for a lil' bit though and let the swelling go down a little bit."

The midwife came back out and took her seat at the table. "Ah, it smells amazing. Good job cooking, the both of you."

Hamish chuckled. "She's probably taking a nap." He smiled. Hamish smiled at the midwife as she sat down. "Thank you." He picked up his fork once she had sat down and he began eating, humming happily at the flavors. He glanced across the table at Skylar with adoration. Her cooking was amazing as always.

The adoring glance made her flush, and she chuckled gently, before setting into her own meal. “Haz, my love, I dunno how ya made it as long as ya did without eatin’ decent meals.” She tells him honestly as she sets into her meal with ease. Sharp teeth make short work of any vegetables with surprising ease, despite being carnivorous teeth. “Oh well. Ya got me now- ya gonna have good meals for th’ rest o’ ya life.”

The midwife giggles slightly and starts her own meal. “Oh! I quite agree. Your cooking really is something indeed, Miss Skylar. It’s very, very good. So you’re self taught?”

Skylar nods lightly and smiles. “Mhm. My Ma’ taught me th’ basics, n’ how t’ make some things, but for th’ most part, I learn as I go. Haz ‘s learnin’ a lot when he cooks with me.”

He chuckled. "I actually feel like I can look after myself properly." he spooned more food into his mouth, brushing his feet against Skylar's.

She brushed her feet gently against his as well, smiling to herself as she slid her toes gently up his pant leg to rub them against his shin. “Which ‘s good,” she smiles, “I like knowin’ tha’ you’re gonna be able t’ look after yourself.” Should anything happen to her, that was. She had no plans on it- but if it did, he needed basic skills. Getting by eating canned foods for the rest of his life was not the way to do it. She hummed, spooning up another bite, and rubbed her middle with her free hand. “Particularly,” she continues slightly, “’F you n’ Ava are gonna be fixin’ up an’ expanding th’ house while me n’ Bella stay with Lola.” Or stayed wherever. “Ain’t gonna be able t’ make it up every day t’ bring ya lunch.”

Hamish chuckled. "And I assume we can't survive on beers alone?" He was joking of course. Mostly joking.

Skylar chuckles with him, but gives him a lopsided smirk after, her eyes glimmering with mischievous promise. “If I have t’ pitch a tent up here t’ cook for th’ both o’ you n’ make sure you’re eating properly, I will. That ain’t no threat- tha’s a promise.”

The midwife laughs into her drink. “I’m inclined to believe you.”

Hamish let out a laugh and shook his head. "I'll make sure we're eating good, even if I have to call you and have you talk me through how to do things." There was a long while before any of that would happen, but thinking about extending their house, making rooms for more little bodies to accommodate. His parents would be proud of him.

“Good.” She beams. She continues to eat, until her stomach says it’s full, and then sets her fork down. She’d eaten a good chunk of her plate, but not all of it. She leans back a little bit in her seat and rubs her middle with a soft sound, sighing gently. Bella shifts, and her little feet press up into her ribs as she seems to sleepily stretch. Skylar taps the top of her belly where her little feet are pressing, and then smiles as her feet curl up again. “M’ gonna miss bein’ pregnant jus’ a lil’ bit. Not gonna miss bein’ this big though.” She chortles. “Hopin’ our next baby ‘s a lil’ smaller. She’s supposed t’ be like… eight pounds, or somethin’, accordin’ t’ the last visit we had at th’ doctors.” Which was a while back. She was healthy, and going continuously was kinda pointless at later stages. “Might be bigger.”

“Oh yeah?” She tilts her head slightly. “She’s going to be a big baby then.” The midwife smiles.

Hamish chuckled. "That's my girl, big and strong. Sorry she's beating you up in there though."

“She’s actually not for once.” Skylar laughed. “She jus’ stretched. She ain’t got much more room though, n’ she’s tryin’ t’ take more than what I’ve got.”

"At least she's calmed down and is giving you a bit of a break." He said. Hamish finished off the last of his food then looked down at Skylar's plate. "Do you think you're going to eat anymore?"

“Nope.” She shook her head, and slid her plate towards him. “Ya want th’ rest, sweetheart? M’ full. Ya gave me a lot.” She chuckles. Not really- he gave her the usual amount he usually did- but her appetite fluctuated. Sometimes she ate a lot, sometimes a little- it all depended on what Bella was doing and how Skylar’s body was reacting to it.

"Yes please." He said happily, lifting the plate over to his side and digging in.

The midwife finished off her food and smiled. "Is there anything you'd like me to do for you?" She offered. "I don't want you to feel like you're paying me just to sit around in your home, if there is anything you'd like me to do please don't feel afraid to ask me."

Skylar simply smiles at her fiancé and chuckles, patting his thigh under the table. She fed him good, that was for sure. The midwife however had her humming quietly. “Well…” She shuffles a little in her seat and scrubs her cheek. “I’ve been meaning t’ mop th’ floors an’ clean th’ bathroom, since we wanted t’ use the tub possibly for Bella, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Bendin’ over an’ whatnot.” She waves a hand at herself. “If… you want to, maybe you could start there? I don’ mind helpin’ if ya wanna wait until tomorrow, but m’ a bit worn out from t’day.”

The midwife smiled widely. "I can do that for you, don't worry. You just focus of trying to help Bella move down and staying relaxed."

Hamish finished off what was on Skylar’s plate then stood up, collecting the plates and taking them to the sink. He put any leftovers into a container for tomorrow then started on washing the dishes, rinsing off each plate before putting it into the dishwasher.

Skylar chuckled gently and nodded. “Thank you.” She smiled slightly. “Haz n’ I are gonna probably retreat t’ th’ bedroom for a lil’ while. You mentioned ya had some oils…? Would ya mind terribly much ‘f we used them? M’ gonna see ‘f I can heckle Hamish into givin’ me a back rub. ‘S gonna be a lot o’ work.” She teases lightly- because obviously it’s not going to be much work at all.

The midwife gave Skylar a knowing wink, knowing he could hear them but had his back to them. "I'll get you those oils sweetheart." She walked off too her room, coming back. "They have little droppers,” she said, opening the lid to show Skylar, “you don't need much, maybe four drops just into the palm of your hand. You need to use the different oils one at the time, just keep massaging it in until your body absorbs it then you can use the next one. There is one for back pains, this one you rub on your belly, this one if you rub it in your lower back and the underside of your belly closet to the pelvic bone. It’s suppose to help relax your muscles and help you open up to let your baby move down." She explained. "And this last one can help with swelling so if you can convince him to rub your feet too, you should feel a lot better.”

“I think I can convince him.” She grins slowly, and glances at Hamish out of the corner of her eye. Her grin grows wider. “Thank you.” She tells her earnestly, and gingerly takes the oils. She balances the box on her middle once she stands up. “We’ll probably see ya a little later t’night- if we don’t end up falling asleep.” She chuckles softly.

The midwife smiled and nods, taking herself away to give them their privacy.

Hamish finished up with the dishes and turned to Skylar. His cheeks tinted slightly.

Skylar wiggles the box at him playfully and grins slightly. “A’right, sweetheart. C’mon.” She crooks a finger at him, and makes an attempt to saunter to the bedroom. “Don’t wanna keep ya wife waitin’, do ya~?”

Hamish dried his hands off on a dishcloth then eagerly followed after Skylar. Catching up to her, he undid his jeans and kicked them off, more for comfort reasons than anything. He wanted to take his time with Skylar, use each oil on her and make her feel good before they really got down to it.

Skylar shuffled her shorts off carefully, setting the box of oils on the bed before closing the door behind Hamish. It gave them a little bit of privacy, after all. Her shirt was next to follow once they had privacy, and she gave Hamish a soft smile as she bared her middle to him slowly, taking her time to undo the buttons. She had a small smattering of stretch marks along her navel, curving up from the bottom of her belly towards her belly button, but otherwise she seemed to have gotten away without getting a large amount of them despite her size.

Her eyes flicked down to his member, which she had teased and gotten hard before they had sat down to eat. She gave him a tender smile. "Do ya want me t' take care o' that for ya first~? Or do ya think ya can hold out through some rubbing first?"

He smiled, he gently patted the spot on the bed in front of him. "I want to use the oils first." He said, his eyes wandering over Skylar’s body. His member twitched in his underwear, enjoying the view Skylar was giving him.

"Oils it is." She gives him a warm smile, and eases onto the bed. Her panties are still on, but they can move those when they need to. For the moment, Skylar eases herself carefully onto her hands and knees, and offers him a warm look over her shoulders. "Where would ya like t' start with me, sweetheart? M' all yours." If he was going to do the rubbing, then he could choose where he would start. Or so she was thinking.

He swallowed and leaned in, pressing a kiss against her shoulders. "I'll start with your back." He whispered, holding his hand out to accept the oil that would help with her back pains.

She fished it out of the box for him and passed it back, before humming thoughtfully. She couldn’t lay on her stomach- so she was going to just have to relax on her hands and knees for him. She folded her arms, leaving her rump in the air and back stretched out. "Alright. Mmm... This position feels good too. 'S stretching things I didn't know needed stretching."

Hamish moved behind her, his hips pressing against her rump. He opened the little bottle and put four drops into his palm like the midwife had said. He closed the bottle and put it back in the box before rubbing his hands together, and then pressing them into Skylar’s back, massaging the tight knots in her muscles. As he massaged her back, he rocked his hips gently against her rump, his cheeks warming.

She slyly rocked her hips back against him, her backside pressing against and cradling his member as she hummed softly. As his hands set into massaging her though, the hum changed into a moan, rolling out from her throat as her back bowed under his hands. "Oh~ oh yes... Mmm..." The knots were thick, but his hands were warm an firm and felt so, so good...

Hamish's length responded instantly to Skylar’s noises, hardening against her. He ignored his wants for now to give Skylar the attention her back needed, kneading his fingers against her flesh.

She could feel him hardening against her, and grinned to herself. He would be good and ready for when they were ready then. She rocked against him slowly, making soft, responsive noises as his hands worked her over and massaged her back. The knots were beginning to soften though, and she could feel the pain in her back beginning to ease the more that his hands worked over her flesh.

He smiled down at her, watching his hands work and the way the soft light of her ectoflesh lit his bones. "You're so beautiful." He breathed.

"And you're so handsome. We fit together real well, sweetheart." She still blushed a lovely blue hue, and glanced at him with a soft smile. The glow of her body against his bones was beautiful indeed- but his glow over her was equally lovely. She loves to be bathed in he reddish-brown hue, to see their color mix together. Her back softened further under his hands, and she was helpless under him. Pleased moans escaped her throat, and her back went more and more slack with each passing minute.

He chuckled at her response. The oils seemed to have soaked into her flesh and left behind a pleasing scent. He sat back on his knees and began to stack their pillows up again as a back support for Skylar. "Lay here babe." He said softly before leaning over and picking out the oil to put over her belly.

She nodded and carefully rolled over. She eased back onto the stack of pillows, adjusting only one of them to a better position, before nestling down. The angle kept her belly from squishing her lungs. Opening her legs for him to crawl between, Skylar crossed her arms gently under her breasts and relaxed, enjoying the lack of pain in her back for once. "Mmm... This good?"

Hamish smiled and wriggled himself between her thighs. He dropped the oil into his palm, and then smoothed it over his belly, paying attention to her stretch marks, massaging his hands gently against the swell of her belly.

Her belly was soft and supple, and her middle flexed and rolled under his palms. At some points where he pressed in, he would feel the curve of Bella's back as she rested in Skylar's belly. She was resting, and didn't seem bothered by Skylar getting massaged. Skylar relaxed more, a soft sigh escaping her. "Mmm... Gonna have t' invest in oils for th' next time we have a baby. This s' real nice. Can also use m' if ya pull somethin' out workin'. Mmm..."

He chuckled and rubbed his thumbs in small circles on Skylar’s lower belly. It was still early, so Bella would be napping until it was time for him to read to her, however he had a feeling their planned activities might spoil her nap.

They definitely would be spoiling her nap, but Bella would deal. Well, they would make it up to her when it came time for stories. Skylar felt her eyes fluttering closed, a blissed sound leaving her. "Mmm... I love you," she murmurs to him warmly, her muscles twitching and relaxing under his hands.

Hamish leaned forward and pressed his lips against Skylar's, rocking his hips against hers as he continued to rub her belly.

She angled her hips to accommodate his, and met his kiss warmly. Her lip prongs worked softly against his mouth as he rubbed and massaged her belly. Her hands lifted to his shoulders, and she massaged them gently, fingers working over his bones firmly but gently.

Hamish groaned against her mouth. He could feel that the oil had soaked into her flesh so he dragged himself off her and shuffled back, massaging her thighs and slowly moving down her legs until he got to her feet, he sat back on his knees and placed her feet in his lap, he got he next oil and put a get drops in his palm, lifting one foot up slightly and pressing his thumbs into the base of her foot then rubbing in circles.

She let out a soft pained hiss at first, flinching at his initial touch- but the flinch eased off after a few moments as the pain eased some. "Mmm..." Her toes flexed, splaying slightly as he worked over the tender bones and ectoflesh along her feet. "That feels.. So nice..." She murmured softly. "You have such nice hands, Haz. Mmm..."

Hamish grinned and worked his hands against her foot, applying pressure in the center of her foot then pressing his thumbs out, spreading the pressure under this thumbs through the rest of her foot.

She groaned, her toes splaying under the motion of his hand. Her other foot arched against his leg, toes kneading gently at his belly. Skylar is the epitome of relaxation as she practically melts under his touch. "Oh... Oh yes... Mm... Can go a lil' more firm 'f ya want t' do so. Mm..."

Hamish chuckled and pressed his thumbs firmly into the ball of her foot. His cock twitched in his boxers at the way she moaned at his touches.

She grinned at him slowly, and brushed her toes gently against his hidden cock, teasing him gently. Her eyes were half lidded, soft moans pulling forth from her throat the more he rubbed. "Mmm..."

Hamish breath hitched and he looked down at Skylar’s foot, his cheeks instantly turning red.

She slowly stroked him, in time with he strokes of his fingers on her other foot. "Oh," she purrs, "am I distractin' ya, sweetheart?"

He lifted his eyes to Skylar’s. "Shit sky." He breathed out. He turned his head and kissed Skylark ankle.

Skylar practically purred at him as he pressed a kiss to her ankle. The sensitive bones tingled slightly against his whiskers, and she brushed her toes lightly against his jawline. "Ooooh, I think I am distractin' ya." She grins. He might have only gotten one foot massaged, but that was fine. She was getting a warm, tingling feeling in her lower belly. Arousal warmed her, and she rubbed his length with her free toes again, aroused mischief rolling through her eyes.

"D-do you want me to do… your other foot?" He asked. He didn't want to stop the attention her foot was giving him through his boxers but if her foot was sore than he would take care of that for her.

"Hmmm... Maybe later," she purred. Her toes splayed a little to better stroke him, and worked from the top of this length down to the bottom. She teased her toes over his balls too. "What I think I want now, sweetheart... 'S you." She purrs, bedroom eyes cast upon him. "Think ya ready for that? Or do I need t' rub a lil' bit more~?"

He was drooling, he was sure of it. He wanted to focus on her and making her feel good, be couldn't help wanting to indulge himself slightly.

He shifted back and moved the box of oils onto their dresser. He opened the top drawer and dug through it, picking out his favorite pair of Skylar’s socks. He sat back on the bed and helped slip them on over her feet. His cheeks burnt with the heat; he almost felt like a teenager that was doing something he shouldn't have been. He got the socks on her and then shifted, pushing his boxers off and kicking them onto the floor. He bit his tongue and shifted back over the Skylar, his member fully hardened but gravity had it curved over slightly to the left.

"Leaning to th' left today," she purrs appreciatively, giving him an almost hungry look. God, he was a beautiful man. She shifted in her pillow mound, and lifted her foot, trailing the sock covered end of her toes up and over his thighs, teasingly close to his hardened cock. She purred up at him softly, and pillowed her skull in her palm with a cheeky grin. "So... Tell me what ya want, Haz~" she purrs. Did he want to bury himself in her? Or did he want her to use her socks on him? She wouldn't complain to either. His bliss was sure to be grand either way.

Hamish didn't usually trip over his words, but when Skylar was like this with him, he couldn't help it. "I… uh- I want you to." He looked away, embarrassed. "I want you to use your feet." He wheezed

She loved making him tongue-tied. He was endearingly adorable when he stumbled over his words. Skylar grinned to him and stroked her foot across his dick, spreading her toes and using the sock to cup him firmly. She stroked him gently, bending her leg and flexing her ankle to bring her foot into the position that she needed it to be in. "I think I can do that for ya," she purrs. Her other leg rubs at his thigh, and trails teasingly across his hips. "Remember, I ain't ever gonna judge ya, Haz. I love ya." She slides her foot down to tease his balls. "N' I'll do anything for ya."

Hamish's eyes lidded, his eye lights dimming slightly in lust as he watched Skylars feet on him, he trusts his hips forward slightly against her socked foot. "Ah- love you. Mhm! So much."

"I love ya too," she purred, rocking her feet gently against his hips. She brought her other foot up as he thrust his hips forwards, and cradled his cock between her feet, letting him thrust between them. She stretched her toes and let them tease his sack when he was close enough and rubbed them up and down his shaft. "My good lil' cowboy~ I love ya a whole lot."

Hamish had experimented with masturbation a lot with all the years he had been alone, and he had his own little collection of toys tucked away where Skylar had yet to find them. None of that compared with the real deal though. Skylar made him feel good in every way.

He pulled his hips back, having worked himself up enough that he would have cum before getting to the really good part. He leaned forward and kissed Skylar, reaching down to slip her underwear off. He shuffled between her legs then paused. "Ah-should I use a condom?"

Skylar would have let him cum if he had desired it- but she met his kiss and lifted her hips to help him divest her of her panties. When he slid between her legs, she rolled her hips up, knowing she was going to have to scrunch if they wanted to do this face to face- which she most certainly would have liked to. His question made her pause, and then she shook her head. "No. Mucus plug 's still in place, so... You're good t' go, sweetheart. Go ahead n' saddle up bareback."

He grinned widely and wriggled up as close to Skylar as he could get, rubbing himself against her folds. "Are you going to be comfortable like this?"

"Mmm... Hands n' knees would be better." She responds almost grudgingly. "Wish I could see ya face though... Oh well. We still got time after Bella, yeah? I jus' want ya in me. I don't really mind either way." Being scrunched was not comfortable in the slightest, but she would have made due. Hands and knees would admittedly be easier. She just missed being able to hold him close and nibble him while they made love. Ah, the joys of being a land whale.

"Could you lay on your side?" He suggested. He wanted to be able to cuddle and kiss but if it meant she was uncomfortable her comfort mattered more.

"Mmm, that could work." She shifted, and carefully rolled onto her left side, where Bella would rest easier. She moved the pillows and motioned for Hamish to come closer. "Mmm, yes, this will work~"

Hamish moved close to Skylar , rubbing himself against her. He leaned over and captured her lips in a kiss as he began to ease himself in, taking it slow incase today made her sore.

She lifted her leg and hooked it gently over his hips as she kissed him. Her mouth moved against him, fingers holding him as close as the pregnant swell of her belly would allow. As he began to ease into her, Skylar shuddered eagerly and rocked her hips gently. Her walls trembled around him, tight and warm as he eased his way inside. She was sore- but not too bad.

It always felt incredible to Hamish, being this close to Skylar, feeling her around him, loving him, becoming one with him. He eased in further, sinking inside her inch by inch.

She rocked her hips gently as he worked his way in, rolling her pelvis against him as he worked his way inside of her. She was tight, with the weight of Bella pressing down inside of her, and each flutter of her walls massaged and sucked at his hard member as he eased his way in. She kissed him again and again, mouth fluttering against him as she stroked her hands up and down his back. Her mouth kissed own and nibbled along his jaw line.

Hamish moaned into Skylar's mouth as he pushed half way in then eased back out before pushing back in sinking inside fully. He smooched Skylar almost messily, kisses purely of lust and love for her. He thrust into her slowly, wanting to to make their sex passionate, for it to be real, intimate love making.

The slow thrusts were amazingly good. She was sensitive, and every slide of his cock felt amazing, like lightning bolting through her pelvis. She trembled against him, meeting his sloppy, passionate kisses with gentle, loving ones of her own. Skylar was helpless under his touch, and she guided one of his hands up to palm her breast, giving him permission to play with the extremely sensitive globes to his souls content. She wanted against him, walls fluttering and clutching at him needily. "Mmm~"

Hamish groaned and rolled her breast in his hand, shifting so he could continue his slow thrust while also being able to flick his tongue over her nipple. He moaned against her breast, pressing himself in and out of her.

She couldn't help arching against him as his tongue flicked over her nipple, prompting it to bead with milk as her walls clenched around him and a pleased gasp slid from her throat. She rocked her hips into him, intentionally fluttering and flexing her walls as she did so. She panted, clutching at him with her hands as heat pooled and made her belly tense up.

Hamish chuckled deeply and kissed the nipple he had been giving attention, He moved back up and nuzzled his forehead against Skylar's horns as he pressed into her.

She nuzzled her skull to his, eyes opening to peer at him tenderly. Her eye lights were bright with desire and love for him as she rocked her hips against his and worked her body the best she could given her condition. Her breathing hitched slowly, coming out shaky.

He smiled at her, trailing kisses down her neck, he latched on, kissing and sucking on one spot, drawing a bright mark on he shoulder.

She tilted her head back as he latched on and began to suck on her neck. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he was up to- be was making his mark on her. She gave a soft and low moan, feeling the heat in her belly building as his mouth worked he neck and his member worked her insides. She fluttered around him faster and faster- until she came with a soft cry hat she tried to muffle with her hand, so they didn't disturb their guest. Her walls clenched tight around him, orgasm rippling through her, and she was helpless to do anything but cling to him as she rode it out.

Hamish groaned feeling her clench around him to the point here he almost couldn't continue thrusting. He moved and began working on another mark on her shoulder, his hips still moving slightly his own orgasm building quickly, feeling Skylar's orgasm surrounding him. He grunted and jerked his hips forward, his cum spilling inside Skylar.

She shivered against him pleasantly, soft puffs of air escaping her mouth. Her middle twitched and flexed between them, still lost in the spasms of her pleasure. She snuggled her face as close as she could get, leaving him buried deep within her, and cuddled right on up to her fiancé. "Mmm~"

He rested slightly against Skylar, the new roundness of his own belly pressing against Skylar's as he caught his breath, he chuckled feeling Bella begin to stir and press out against him. "What was that Bella?" He laughed. "Daddy's sorry, did we wake you up?"

Bella stretched and kicked, little limbs flailing fussily at Hamish and Skylar. Skylar simply smiled and rubbed her middle gently, eyes closing slowly. "Mmm... She's real fussy now. Pretty sure we all her with our activities." She hummed slightly and laughed softly.

Hamish leaned down and kissed Skylar again before gently easing out of her. He reached for the tissue box on his bedside and pilled out a tissue, using it to wipe the inside of her thighs clean so they wouldn't become sticky and uncomfortable. He bit his lip hard, watching a dribble of the mess he had made inside her drip out from her folds. He enjoyed the view, satisfied and proud of himself for having filled her, before wiping it away with the tissue.

"Is it story time beautiful?" He cooed to Skylar's belly watching as the flesh shifted. It looked almost like an alien was ready to burst out, but it was instead his daughter, alive and possibly grumpy at him.

"I think she thinks so." She laughs a little breathlessly, having shifted her legs so he'd have an easier time cleaning her. He was the most caring man, honestly. He didn’t have to clean her up- but he did, because he loved her. He was so sweet. Skylar smiled and shifted, rolling just a little bit to get more comfortable. "Need th' book, or jus' wanna recite one o' them tonight?"

Hamish shifted off the bed and pulled back the covers, he padded over to their dresser and picked out the book Bella seemed to like best, he crawled back into bed and snuggled up to Skylar's belly, rubbing his hand over his squirming daughter. He opened the book and began to read.

As he began to read, Bella began to slowly settle. By the time he was half way through the story, she had gone still again, and seemed to be relaxing. Likewise, Skylar seemed to be doing the same, sockets drifting shut as she listened to him read to their daughter and just quietly breathed. She had that post orgasm snuggly feeling, but also tiredness setting in. It was an odd mix of feelings.

Hamish finished the book and closed it, sitting it on his dresser. He turned off his lap casting the room into darkness, he snuggled up to Skylar. His body still felt warm and slightly tingly in the best way possible. He rested his head against Skylar's and let his eyelids grow heavy.

Her own were starting to close fully, so she simply shut them and snuggled close to Hamish, angling her torso so that it would lay against his and not between them. It let her press closer to him, and snuggle him firmly. She let out a sleepy sigh, and sighed.

She supposed even if it was a false alarm, they had a good night, and they would be ready for whenever Bella decided to come...

Hamish wrapped his arms around her tightly, letting himself fall asleep along side his fiancé and daughter.

Skylar woke up to the sun shining in through the window, and to the feeling of being a little chilled. It was little wonder- they had fallen asleep without blankets on, and though they were huddled together, the air was still nippy. Skylar sighed sleepily and nuzzled her chilled horns against Hamish, trying to warm her face up with a sleepy sound.

The chill of Skylar's horns stirred Hamish, he groaned and turned his face into his pillow, lifting his hand, grabbing Skylar's horn, tugging it gently.

She snorted at the tug, puffing warm air over his bones. She wiggled her head with sleepy playfulness, dragging his hand on her horn with her movement, and nudged him with the cool flat of her other horn, before kissing his shoulder gently.(edited)

His brows pushed together, he rolled onto his stomach trying to hide from Skylar, it didn't really help when he was stark naked and they had no blanket over them.

Rolling onto his stomach just left the rest of him open for sleepy pestering. She yawned and rolled onto her hands and knees, before leaning down and stretching her back. This casually let her run her horns over top of his lower back, the cold keratin running across the flesh the mattress itself had helped to keep warm. Her mouth pressed soft kisses to his love-handles.

He groaned but the noise of discomfort quickly turned into a muffled laugh. He turned his head and lifted it slightly to look over his shoulder at Skylar. "It's too early." He mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"The sun is up, Bella is kickin', so I too am up. I'm also cold. We forgot th' blankets." She tickles her horns along his back again and then shifts to lay down a d cuddle up to him again. Her feet are still sock covered, so they're fairly warm. Her hands are chilly though as they slip into places cold hands shouldn't be, his easily chilled wife to be leeching warmth from him like a heat vampire.

"NNNHSKY!" He complained as her cold fingers danced over his bones. He rolled over onto his back and looked at her his eyes squinting through the sunlight that streamed into their room, he pushed himself up and grabbed their blanket and dragged it up over them. He leaned down and attacked her neck with kisses then suddenly paused, biting his lip and running his fingers lightly over her shoulder.

His loud fuss had her laughing, giggles keeping her entertained even as he grabbed their blanket off the end of the bed and covered them with it. It felt good and warm on her chilled bones- but she was still at his mercy as his mouth lay siege to her neck. "Ah! Haz!" She squeaks a laugh. When he stops and fingers her neck lightly, she giggles up at him in befuddled curiosity. "Whaaacha doin'?"

His face flushed and his lip quirked up at he touched the bright Hickey's. "I marked you." He whispered to her, leaning down to kiss the slightly bruised flesh.

The bruises were a bit tender, but in a good way. She tilted her head back as he leaned down to kiss them, and Skylar couldn't stop the small grin that grew on her face. "So ya did. Guess that means ya don't need sharp teeth t' mark me, does it? Everyone 's gonna know m' yours."

He made a low, rumbling, pleased sound in his chest. He lent up to kiss Skylar properly before he sighed and pushed himself out of bed, tucking the blankets around Skylar so she looked like a pregnant burrito. He opened his dresser and found a fresh pair of jeans, he pulled them up, and did them up... tried to do them up, couldn't do them up. He made a defeated sound that turned into a laugh. He looked at Skylar. "Is this what it felt like for you when you stopped fitting in your jeans?" He asked, giving it one more attempt at trying to button his jeans but they just weren't having it.

The pregnant burrito on the bed laughed, wiggling her head out enough to peer at him. "Yup. 'Cept mine was a baby-baby, not a food-baby. Ya lil' muffin top is real cute~" she winks at him, blue eyes glimmering at him from inside the folds of the blanket. "Heh. 'S kinda ironic. You did this t' me, n' I did that t' you. Looks like we need t' get you some new pants, sweetheart."

"Awh, these where my favorite pair too." He huffed, folding them and putting them back picking a pair that had a stretchier waist and trying those instead.

Now she really, really began to laugh, making herself resemble a chortling pregnant burrito. "I outgrew my favorite pair jus' after our first ultrasound. 'F it bothers ya that much, we can put ya on a diet?"

He looked up at Skylar. "And miss out on all your good food? No way." He pulled a different pair on pants which fit better this time.

Skylar snickered. "Not so much missin' out as... Portion control?" She flails some out of the burrito, but he has her fairly stuck. "Not sayin' ya can't have it, ya just gotta limit how much ya have. Also, can ya help, please? I gotta pee real bad and I can't get up."

He turned and grinned then leaned over to kiss her before unwrapping her from the blanket and helping her up.

Skylar laughed gently and kissed him back. Once she was on her feet, her bladder was practically screaming at her- and she almost went to waddle out the door in the nude, before she remembered that they had a guest. She paused, and snagged one of her longer shirts to slip on, shimmying impatiently as she fumbled to do up the buttons. “Forgot we have Elaine here- don’ wanna flash her.”

Once she had a shirt on that would cover most of her though, she scooted out into the main room, socks sliding a little on the hard floor, and made a bee-line for the bathroom. She was quick to relieve herself, taking note that everything looked cleaner, before scooting out of the bathroom and into the main part of the house again.

Hamish pulled a jumper on over himself and walked out into the lounge. He pulled his boots on and stepped outside; there was a chill this morning and the fog sat low.

He walked out to the barn, the horses snorting at him. He opened the gate that lead out into their paddock, and then walked back opening Charlie's gate first. he took off, trotting eagerly out to get at the dewy grass. Next was Mel, who pinned her ears at him and then joined Charlie, his other two mares followed shortly after, nickering happily.

He shut the gates and then walked around to check for eggs.

Elaine was outside, hanging the laundry she had done last night.

"Good morning." Hamish said.

Elaine turned to him. "Oh good morning. Is Skylar awake too? She can take her time of course but I would like to check to see if she has progressed at all."

Hamish opened the chicken coup and checked the nesting boxes. "I'll let her know you want to check up on her." He said, collecting the eggs. Six today.

Skylar paused when she noticed the house was empty, and then scampered to go get panties and some shorts on. She shimmied into them, leaving her in a slightly rumpled ‘housewife’ sort of look, and then scooted to the door, curious to see where their house guest was.

She slipped her boots on, and made her way outside, rubbing her cheek with a slight yawn as she did so. She hadn’t expected to see Elaine out and about doing laundry so early- but she supposed it probably wasn’t as early as she thought. “G’morning!” She calls, waving to the midwife from the front porch as she leans down a little to rub one of the dogs ears.

Elaine turned and smiled. "Oh good morning sweetheart, how are you feeling?" She asked.

Hamish shuffled out of the chicken coup using his boot to keep the Chiclets from getting out.

“I feel good.” Skylar smiles to her. “Th’ oils worked wonders, really. Thank ya for lettin’ us use ‘m. My back hasn’t felt this good since before I was pregnant.” She chuckles softly. She continues, however, and gives her a lopsided smile. “I had only one contraction last night though. At least, only one tha’ I could feel.” She rubs her belly gently.

Elaine picked up the basket of washing and carried it inside. "Are you okay to see if I check your dilation again?"

“I don’t mind, no.” Skylar shook her head quietly, and followed her in, leaving Hamish to finish up with the animals outside. She’d taken a moment to wash up in the bathroom, so her activities with Hamish shouldn’t be too visible. She heads for the couch this time, no desire to go flop on her bed just yet. She shimmies out of her shorts while Elaine puts the washed clothes up, and gets herself situated for the midwife to take a peek at her.

Elaine gets herself a fresh pair of rubber gloves and pulls them on. She gets between Skylar’s legs and eases her fingers inside, wriggling then slightly to get as deep as she can. She's quiet as she concentrates. She pulled her hand back and takes off the glove. "You're still just 1 cm. I can safely say that this has just been a false alarm. If this were labor you would have at lease been at a 3 by now. Bella is ready, she wants to meet you both, but she just hasn't worked out how to get herself down where she needs to be yet."

Skylar sighs gently and nods. "Alright. I can't say I didn't expect it... But alright." She rubs her belly and hums gently, before standing and fixing her shorts. She gives Elaine a smile. "Thank you. I guess we're just playing th' waiting game with Bella now. Well, she still has two weeks before she technically has 'n eviction notice, eh?"

Elaine nodded. "She is right there, if you had dilated a little bit more I probably would have been able to feel her. She just needs to decide when she is ready."

That made Skylar brighten a little bit. "Well, we'll be ready for when she does decide t' come down. I suppose I should go tell Hamish that it was a false alarm."

Elaine smiled. "He sounded awfully worried when he called me the first time, he Is nervous about this baby, if it is okay with the both of you I'm more than happy to stick around and help until the birth, I won't charge any extra." She offered.

Skylar shook her head. "We'd love t' have ya, but we don't mind paying for ya time, sweetheart." She gives her a smile. "He is real worried. He had a nightmare a couple weeks back, n' it was a doozy. It made him real paranoid about loosin' me n' Bella. It's also his first time around little ones. I helped raise my brothers, so I've got that goin' for me, but Haz 's new at this." She shifts where she stands and rubs her middle. "He's also a perpetual worrywart. I'll go let him know 's a false alarm though. Again, thank ya. Its gonna be a lot o' help with ya here. I still gotta get stuff ready for the wedding alongside Bella. Havin' an extra set o' hands will be nice."

As if on queue Hamish pushed open the door carrying the eggs to put them in the fridge. "How's my girl doing?" He asked, grinning wide.

"Doin' alright." She gave him a soft smile. "Elaine is gonna stay with us jus' in case, but... It was a false alarm. No change in dilation, unfortunately." She sighs and rubs her belly a bit. "She's gonna tease us a bit, it seems."

Hamish's face fell to a pout. "Oh… that's okay, she's probably just nice and warm in there." He closed the fridge and frowned into the sink for a short moment before turning and moving over the Skylar, kissing her and resting his head against hers

She gave him a smaller smile, though at faded at his frown. She sighed softly and nuzzled her head to his. "We're gonna jus' have t' wait, I guess." She murmurs softly, sighing quietly against him.

He placed his hands on her belly. "I really wanna meet her." He responded his voice soft. Elaine had excused herself to busy herself with other things.

"I do too." Her hands came to rest on his, feeling the lazy shifts of their little girl inside of her. Skylar sighs softly, a tiny frustrated sound. "We've still got two weeks until she's technically due... We just... Gotta wait... I was really hoping we'd get t' meet her t'day..."

Hamish wrapped his arms around Skylar and let out a quiet whine. He had waited this long. He could wait a little longer.

What he didn't expect was that their little Bella was so comfortable snuggled up inside Skylar that she stayed in there long past her due date.

With Elaine's help around the house, Hamish and Skylar where able to organize their wedding. Everyday closer to their wedding made Hamish even more anxious, right up until the day before their wedding when they made the trip out to Vera's farm.

In the evening, Garry from town, Avacardo, Skylar’s brothers and a few of his mates picked him up to take him out for the night- one last ‘hoorah’ to being an unwedded man. The boys had to practically drag Hamish away from Skylar’s side. He had a good night with them, but he couldn't shake the dread he continued to feel.

For the first time, Hamish begged for Bella to stay put inside Skylar’s belly.