#val’s birthday celebration

[crazyunsexycool]

Val! Heya love.

So, for your birthday ask game. I was gonna choose a trope from the office relationship, but it got out of hand when I liked more than 5🥹.

Can we please have something for Steve and Reader, where at SHIELD they’re incredibly close and have feelings for each other?

Lots of sticky notes on laptops, doodles on briefs, texts to one another under the table about coworkers, fixing ties and hair, and maybe sporadic texts about something to do with“work/meetings” when they really just want an excuse to talk to the other?

Sab, darling!!!

A/N: I loved this request so I hope you like what I wrote for it. Also send in all the other request I promise I don’t mind!!

Between sticky notes, meeting rooms and elevators.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: pining and fluff, some America puns (I’m so sorry they’re only like two but I couldn’t help myself)

You were late and your boss hated when you were late. It didn’t help that when you finally got to the briefing all eyes were on you when you got to the only available seat.

“Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Ms. Y/L/N. Now we can finally get started.” Your boss announces.

You take a deep breath as you look up to find Steve sitting right across from you. He raised an eyebrow at you and shook his head in mock disappointment. You rolled your eyes and smiled before your eyes landed on the disposable coffee cup in front of you. There was a little smiley face with your name on it in Steve’s handwriting. You mouth a thank you and he winks at you before turning his attention to the front of the room. Those pesky little butterflies that made your stomach their home since the day you met Steve took flight again.

~~~~~~~

“Hey Y/N,” Steve calls out to you as soon as the meeting is over. The sea of people in the hallway parts for him. “So how was your morning?” He smiles, the mischief behind his eyes lets you know he’s just joking.

“It was wonderful. My alarm didn’t go off, traffic was horrible and I had this meeting right at the beginning of the day with the most annoying of my boss.”

You hear someone clear their throat behind you. Steve is already holding his laughter as you turn around with a horrified look on your face. Your boss glares at you for a moment.

“Don’t let your tardiness become a habit Ms. Y/L/N.” he states before walking away.

Steve just gives a long whew as he watches your boss walk away. You cover your face behind the files you’re holding before Steve pulls them away in order to hold them for you.

“Did you know he was standing behind me?” You look up at him with a pout.

“Absolutely not. I would never let you embarrass yourself like that even though it was entertaining.”

You just glare up at him, mostly playfully. He laughs as you both get on the elevator. As others get on you’re pushed back more until you end up back to chest with Steve. His free arm comes up and around your waist to keep you up right. You hope he can’t hear your heart beating faster the longer you stand that close to him.

Once you are on your floor you get out while Steve stays on the elevator. Neither of you would really look at each other so you couldn’t see the pink tint on his cheeks and the sheepish smile that played on his lips.

“I’ll-uh I’ll send those reports to you as soon as I can.” You say.

“I’ll be waiting for them.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah, see you later.” He says and then the doors close.

*****

Just as you said the reports were ready for Steve. With a pep in your step you go up to his office to drop them off even though there is someone that can do that for you. You frown when you get to your destination as you see that the lights are off. Grabbing a post-it you always carry with you and a pen you write a quick note and leave the file in his drop box.

A few minutes later you get a text.

Steve: Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Attached to his text was a picture of the sticky note. It was a drawing of a stick figure saluting and it says. ‘I know you ameriCAN do it.’

Y/N: You’re welcome. ☺️☺️

Y/N: let me know you make it back safe!

Steve: Always do. 😉

You smile at your phone before putting it away and working on the next set of reports.

~~~~~~

Steve: This guy’s voice is so monotonous that he's making himself fall asleep.

You try to hide your laugh behind a cough while Steve has the nerve to send you a message shushing you.

Y/N: not fair! Don’t make me laugh like that.

Steve: 🤷🏼 it’s true though… don’t look now but I think Linda from accounting is asleep with her eyes open.

You slowly look over and you watch as one of her coworkers nudges her. She starts slightly and then sinks into her chair further.

Y/N: 💀💀 oh maybe you should recruit him for the avengers. He could just give this speech to any bad guy and they’ll turn themselves in just to avoid hearing him anymore.

It was Steve’s turn to huff a laugh and try to cover it by clearing his throat. You were seated in different sections because of your jobs but still managed to be in each other's line of sight. Every time you looked over he would pretend to be nodding off, you shook your head every time before looking away.

****

“I thought that guy would never stop talking.” You say as you meet Steve in the hallway.

“Yeah, that was painful.”

“Oh, here are those analyses you requested.” You hand him a few folders. “Everything is arranged from what I thought would need priority down to low grade issues.”

“Thanks. Here are my completed reports.” He hands you a folder. “Everything is signed, all it needs is your review and it can be filed.”

“Thanks. I guess I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah, see you later.” He smiles at you. That boyish grin that makes your knees weak.

When you get to your desk and open the first folder you laugh. Paperclipped to the first report was a doodle of the speaker from earlier except Steve has made him look like a sloth. You take the doodle out of the folder and place it in the small box you keep all of the doodles Steve gives you.

~~~~~~~~

“Hello?”

“Hey Steve,” you say as you look over some information that he needed. “I have that report you requested but you aren’t in your office.”

“Oh yeah, I was called back to New York for a mission with the avengers.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No,” he shakes his head even though you can’t see him. “You’re never an interruption. Is everything ok?”

“Yeah I just wanted to know what you wanted me to do with the report , you know, since you’re not here.”

There was a protocol in place for this occasion. You knew that and so did Steve. Still neither of you could wipe those dopey grins on your faces as you spoke to each other.

“Why don’t you hold on to them and I’ll get them once I get back?”

“That works.” There’s a small silence before you break it. “Well I’ll leave you to it. Please-“

“I don’t have to hang up yet. I mean if you have time, we can talk.”

“I’d like that.”

“Have I missed anything in the office since I left?” He asks as he sits back in his bed at the tower.

“You mean in the three hours since you left?”

“Yup.”

“Of course you did. Now you didn’t hear it from me, but rumor is that Linda from accounting is having an affair.”

“No!”

“Yes. And you’ll never guess with who?”

“Who?” Steve asks excitedly.

“Sloth man.”

“There’s no way.”

“It’s only what I’ve heard, it hasn’t been confirmed.”

“I wonder what she sees in him.”

“A good night's sleep.” You murmur.

Steve throws his head back and laughs. Once he calms down he starts giving you theories about the supposed rumor. Then the conversation turns into other topics. Before you know it you’ve been on the phone for at least two hours when he needs to leave.

“Please be safe.”

“I will. See you in a day or so.” Steve says before hanging up.

~~~~~~~~~

The day had dragged on. Maybe it was because you didn’t have much work for the day. But you had a sneaking suspicion that it had to do with a certain blond haired, blue-eyed super soldier not being around.

It wasn’t until late in the evening and you were working extra hours that you received a very long overdue break. There’s a little knock at the end of your desk. You push yourself a little bit to turn your chair around. Words die on your tongue when you see a bruised up Steve standing there.

“Oh my god what happened?” You raise your hand to lightly touch a bruise on his cheek.

He wraps his fingers around your wrist and you immediately realize how inappropriate it is. When you go to pull your hand away he doesn’t let you. His thumb is drawing a lazy circle on your wrist as he brings both your hands down.

“Just some bad guys. Nothing I couldn’t handle. Why are you still here?”

“I think my boss is still mad that I called him annoying and I’m stuck doing more paperwork.” You shrug your shoulders.

“Well I hope you haven’t had dinner yet.”

“Nope.”

“Good.” He smiles at you and then pulls a bag from behind his back. “Because I brought your favorite.”

“My hero.” You beam before turning and clearing a spot on your desk. Steve places the bag down and pulls a chair from an empty desk and sits down with a bit of a grunt. “So spill it.” You motion to him.

“Just a mission.”

“I need a play by play. Come on please. I read all of your reports, they’re basically a book at this point and I need the next chapter.”

He huffed a laugh. “Fine. But it’s rather boring.”

“You could never bore me.”

“Could I get that in writing? I’d like to have proof for Tony.”

“Sure, I’ll even have it notarized.”

He laughs again and shakes his head. Then he starts talking about the mission. You could sit there listening to Steve talk about anything. After he finished that story you moved on to other topics, work now long forgotten.

~~~~~~~

As much as you hated it, Shield was requiring a certain number of their employees from each department to attend a gala. Because your boss still had it out for you, you were selected to attend.

You were fiddling with the necklace you’d paired with your dress as you walked through the already crowded venue. Someone grabs you by your forearm and pulls you into an empty hallway while you try to throw a punch.

“Woah calm down, it’s just me.” Steve said as he let go of you.

“Why would you grab me like that?”

“I’m sorry I just didn’t want anyone to realize I was here. Please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, it’s just I thought I was being kidnapped.” You frown a bit.

“I’d never let that happen.”

Heat rushed to your cheeks, you knew he meant it as a friend but sometimes you wish it was more than that.

“Is everything ok?”

“Honestly, I’m kind of nervous.”

“You are nervous? Why?” You ask incredulously.

“This function is for World War Two vets. I don’t know it’s not the same as if I was dealing with someone that didn’t fight in it. They ask questions and I can play it down a bit but with the vets… It makes me feel exposed.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I have to give a speech. If I find you a seat closer to the stage would you take it?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you .”

“Don’t mention it.”

His large hand takes yours and he pulls you down the hall with the intention of leading you to the seat he mentioned. You tug on his hand so that he stops and turns to you. Pulling him a bit closer you reach up and fix the bow tie. Then your hands instinctively run across his shoulders and down his chest in order to smooth out his tux. He smiles at you then. His eyes light up when he sees you return it. The moment is far too intimate for two friends to be sharing but it feels right nonetheless.

Steve graciously walks you to an open seat and heads to the stage. Just like you knew it would, the speech was a success. Still every once in a while he’d look down at you and you’d return an encouraging smile.

****

“May I have this dance?” Steve had his hand stretched out in front of you.

“Why yes you may.”

You place your smaller hand in his and he leads you to the dance floor. Steve places one hand on your waist and the other takes your hand. As a slow song starts playing he begins to lead, the scent of his cologne is intoxicating in the best ways.

“I thought you didn’t dance.”

“Only with the right partner. Besides, Sam bet that I wouldn’t dance with the most beautiful woman here. I had to prove him wrong.” He says just as he turns both of you and Sam comes into your line of sight, raising a glass of champagne and smiling.

“Steve…”

“You don’t have to say anything. I just thought it was time I told you how I really felt. It’s ok if you don’t feel the same but I learned my lesson the hard way.” He spins you around and pulls you back in. “I like you as more than just friends. Seeing you makes my day, I can literally be having the worst day and you make it better. If it weren’t for you working at Shield would have been a nightmare. You saw me for more than just Captain America and I don’t think you realize what that means to me. It’s never bothered you to have to do things differently or having to spend time teaching me something because I just don’t know about all of the new technology. Most importantly you don’t mock me for it, you accept me as I am. And I’m so grateful you’re in my life.”

Steve dips you and as he pulls you back up all you can do is stare up at him with wide eyes. He smiles fondly at you as he takes your hand and presses a kiss to your knuckles.

“I have to go on a mission. But would you be willing to talk about this some more when I get back?”

You just nod, all words had escaped you at the moment. How were you supposed to respond? You adored Steve but never in a million years did you think it was reciprocated. Steve leans down and kisses your cheek before walking towards Sam. Then you watch as they both walk out. By the time you leave the gala you’re still reeling and trying to figure out how to respond.

~~~~~~~~~

Steve didn’t get back until Tuesday. It had been four days since the gala and since he told you how he felt. He was supposed to be back today. You knew for a fact he was because some of the people on your team had mentioned seeing him. Without being able to take much more you rush to the elevator and press the button for his floor.

Everyone around you rushes out but you are glued to your spot. Standing at the doors is Steve, looking as handsome as ever. His eyes light up when he sees you even though there’s a really bad bruise on his cheek and it’s obvious the mission was worse than expected. Still he steps into the elevator and no one dares walk in, leaving the two of you alone. The elevator starts to ascend but Steve pushes the stop button.

“Hi.” You manage to squeak out.

“Hi, I am free tonight by the way.”

“Oh, good.” You say as you try to hide your smile.

“But another America joke really?” He holds up the post-it note you had placed inside a folder for him to find.

It simply reads: on a scale of one to America, how free are you tonight? With a few stars drawn around it.

“You are Captain America, I have to use that to my advantage.” You giggle at his fake huff of annoyance. “Since you’re a superhero does that mean you’re super free tonight?”

Steve genuinely laughs this time before he turns to you. He finds that you’re already looking up at him with a soft smile.

“You’re lucky you’re so cute.”

“Oh so you think I’m cute.”

“Yup.” He takes a step towards you, forcing you against the wall. His hands rest on the small handrail, effectively caging you in.

“How cute would I have to be to get you to kiss me?”

“I think you’re there already.” Steve says before his lips are on yours.

It was better than what you had imagined. His lips were soft, the kiss was sweet. Unfortunately it was short lived.

“If you two are done holding up the elevator, I’d really appreciate seeing Captain Rogers in my office. Now.” Director Fury’s voice came through the speaker and you pulled away quickly.

You giggled at the fact that you had been caught. The butterflies in your belly were in full flight as Steve smiled at you. When the elevator came to a stop he pressed a kiss to your cheek and stepped out.

“I’ll see you tonight.” You smile at him as the doors close. A few seconds later you get a text.

Steve: It's a date. 😉

[triona-tribblescore]

Started making Angel's birthday art, had a breakdown, Bon appetite! His birthdays before he joined the hotel probably weren't the best :<

[georgiabulldogsfan37]

Happy 65th Birthday to the Sexiest Actor Alive!!!

[couriersgraveyard]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ENDO!!! (/^▽^)/🎉

@1am-yan

[weebsinstash]

I know the show isn't out yet but Stayed Gone is stuck in my head and I'm chugging my yandere Vox juice so hard right now. I think he has the capacity to be absolutely insufferable

---for starters THE SPYING POTENTIAL WITH THIS MAN. You're telling me he can directly plug himself in to the city power grid and see through all televisions, potentially even phones and computers too? Could he put himself on your phone and start going through your texts? Could he even just put himself on your phone real quick while you're sleeping to check in on you? You couldn't even have privacy in your own home because of whatever screens are around he could potentially shoot himself to or watch you through. Imagine just being in your apartment completely alone and he's suddenly on your tv. Like what if you had just been sitting there topless or with your dick out or something or 👀 I mean. He could see so much, really...

---God honestly like. You know I keep mentioning the Instagram without ever attaching pics or anything because I'm on mobile and I'd have to use the hazbin Instagram archive blogs here on tumblr to go find them back like, you know Val would openly post the meanest shit, would literally post Vox's face being busted up because he woke Val up from a nap or i think it was he literally just brought him the wrong soda (which to be fair was taken from Velvet and was half empty), and then you go over to Vox's account and his pic was taping his pieces back on while being really frustrated and kinda lowkey looking like he would cry

Like Val's out here "women are stupid also men are stupid too" and talking about how he adopted a dog and killed it within like 48 hours and here's Vox celebrating his pet's birthday with cake and a party like. Why are these men together. Why. Why. Don't get me wrong I love to be the involuntary third in a toxic codependency but--

look all I'm saying is... do any of you get really really upset when you see someone being mistreated, especially more so a friend of yours?

READER JUST LOSING THEIR SHIT GETTING FERAL ANGRY SHOUTING AND SCREAMING AT VAL BECAUSE HE PULLS SOME SHIT and like that's IT for you because 1. Valentino might like actually backhand you one as well, do you think he wears rings so it hurts, 2. Vox sees you defending him and like, it's based on your own preferences really but if he wasn't already gaga this CEMENTS it and 3. especially if he watches you have to take a blow for trying to stick up for him. Like what if you cry. I have a low pain threshold, I'd be sniveling and crying at the least. Valentino storms off and Vox is helping peel you off the floor cause you curled up into a ball or some shit and he's sitting there thinking "wow they suck at this but they still did it for me 🥺"

---during his song with Alastor, it's a little confusing because they show an actual camera crew when he's turning the TVs on, but i think it's pretty clear that he can control whatever the screens show visually, thus his little zany sketches and being able to talk to himself and at one point, showed the visual of himself blocking the radio Alastor was projecting on right next door. I can just see him using this to kind of.... fuck with you, really! Or do whatever he wants? He's trying to suck up to you and he's surrounded by roses, or you're his co-host/guest host and he thinks your joke was funny and gives a little audience laughter as a treat

Or you know... you're running from him down the street, passing all these different screens and displays as they power on and show things like, him "jumping in front of you" while demanding you stop or, trying to show some kind of blackmail publicly, or just, begging you to just ACCEPT HIM and showing you all the fun things he could do with you, "cmon, I said I was sorry, stop freaking the fuck out! We can- we can do that thing you've always wanted to do, what about that?!" as he tries to project you two doing something fun, but most importantly, doing it TOGETHER. You're running from him terrified and he's showing you images of like you two smiling and happy or, it becomes scarier as he's more desperate

"Don't-don't make me do something fucked up!! I'm serious, STOP RUNNING" and he's like freaking out, showing shit of trying to hold you down, tying you up, and/or shoving you into a locked room

Sudden thoughts of "what if the more emotional and unstable he becomes, the less he can control his intrusive thoughts and shows his more impulsive darker desires". He's tweeking and the screen glitches and you briefly think you see yourself completely restrained, blindfolded, gagged--

---he's just like OBVIOUSLY so prideful but also immature and whiny ("who gives a shit about alastor?" Well you, mr hes just quietly minding his own business and I'LL start beef because i feel threatened and STILL LOSE, like awww my poor little pogchamp got publicly humiliated in an argument HE started out of nowhere, he's my little sad wet baby lmaoooo) and we already know his relationship with Val can become physically abusive, so, you pair him staying in that kind of relationship, being codependent, with this personality of his, and I can just see.... ACTUALLY FUCKING TRIGGERED LIKE LITERALLY CRYING UPSET VOX BECAUSE YOU REJECTED HIM like he's pissed he's hurt he's lonely he's heartbroken and HELL NO IS HE GONNA ACCEPT THIS

Vox would be over here proudly claiming on his TV show that NO HE REJECTED Y O U, not the other way around! He's not upset! He's totally fine! Meanwhile everyone watching can tell this man is manic and visibly hotboxing copium, "I didn't even really like you anyways!!.... no, I mean, shit, fuck, COMMERCIAL BREAK--" *cut to technical difficulties screen because the man is CRYINGGG*

-- Valentino and Reader bonding over teasing Vox and making him flustered and of course, obviously, the inverse. I still kinda like the idea of "they both think you're cute but like nothing exciting until one night they bump into you unplanned and you're all dressed up". Like Val is from the 70s or 80s so they go to a roller rink disco whatever kinda place because I'm sure the coke game there is INSANE and you're just like, swaying your hips spinning around to Let It Whip or September or something dressed in some shorts that make your ass look just right 🤌

You're sneaking back into the studio after a night out and they're both lounging somewhere and Val's like "uhhhh who is THIS coming in without saying hi to Daddy?" and you pull your sunglasses down like "SIR??? 😳" And now HE'S flustered because he didn't know that was you and Vox is feeling some new kinda way because he's used to seeing you in like, your work uniform or casual wear

Val who then makes your work uniform really slutty and you have to serve him and Vox wearing it 😩❤️

---I have this thought of like lmao imagine walking down the sidewalk with Angel and seeing Vox on TV and Angel is like "ya know he can see everything outta dese things when he's plugged in" and you're like "bullshit, he couldn't possibly process that many screens at once, it'd overload his brain, he wouldnt be able to concentrate" and you're like "here I'll prove it, hey Vox, check it out you fucking dweeb" and flash him your bare titties or you MOON HIM

scenario A would be that he INSTANTLY barks out laughing, "hey Val, that dumb slut who brings you drinks just flashed me!" And he just totally shows it on the air, maybe partially censored, maybe not at all, your phone is ringing IMMEDIATELY, of COURSE it's Val, and Vox is broadcasting your mortified embarrassed expression, "our big story tonight: drunk bimbo fucks around and finds out! More updates after this word from our sponsor!" and the man will noooootttttttt stop bullying the fuck out of you afterwards, because he's got a crush on you and you're like someone weaker than him his insecure ass can punch down on

Scenario B is that he instantly turns pink and about 5 seconds later he blue screens and the entire city experiences a blackout and when he comes back on the air he's like stammering and, glancing at, it FEELS like he keeps glancing at you, but, is he really?

------

I dunno... like I'm sure Valentino is gonna wind up being unstable in his own way but I guess there's a certain, ALLURE to Vox being a little bratty and whiny while also having these very VERY handy, actually quite scary abilities and resources 👀 like boy show me what that screen do 😫💦

[aheathen-conceivably]

Val’s car was no where to be seen outside the farmhouse, and hadn’t been for weeks. Jo had returned it to her soon after their first tour ended, and day after day it had felt good not to worry about packing her suitcase or driving again. Restful, if she was being honest. Like finding shelter in a windstorm as you waited for it to pass, appreciating simple comforts all the more because you knew you would be out in the open again soon.

When she had gotten home, no part of her had expected the weeks to pass so quickly. She certainly hadn’t expected them to be so enjoyable, especially not after the freedom she had found on the road. Even from the moment she had parked the car, she could still feel the movement of the wheels beneath her heels and the thought of the next tour on her mind. Stepping inside, she was afraid it would never abate; but every passing day since then had been like the best of the years she had spent on the farm, only without the nagging disquiet she had felt then.

Maybe it was because part of her knew that she didn’t have to be there. She wanted to. In those moments her happiness felt simple, governed by a quiet and warm joy rather than rushes of success or power. For the first time since she had come here from New Orleans, she felt as though she could truly enjoy it, because the tethers tying her down were those of her own choices and not begrudging dependence.

Even the simple chores she had once hated had taken on a pleasant edge. They had once felt like desperation; small vestiges of survival at the cost of life, or a matrix designed to keep her hands forever busy and her feet in place. Now, if her nails chipped or her fingers cracked, she had not only the time to tend to them, but reason to. There was an end to it all, a routine of her own making that gave the drudgery meaning and the domesticity warmth.

Perhaps it was precisely because she had been allowed to sate her restlessness that she felt so content to sit still now. Night after night her mind was calm and free from the compulsion to get in a car and drive. Somewhere, just below the surface, she knew that it was there, but she didn’t have to fight it just to be happy.

She actually found herself feeling sorry that her weeks at home were coming to an end; but the excited butterflies at the thought told her that she wanted those weeks of freedom and success just as much as she wanted this. It was like the best of two lives: the one that Gio wanted for himself and she for herself, suspended precariously like a feather on the surface of the water.

She lifted herself up onto his lap, the knowledge that he would soon be here alone motivating her to stay all the closer. The fire crackled quietly in the background as he held her just far enough to look into her eyes when he spoke. “Wait here, okay? I’ll be gone just a moment. Keep your eyes closed until I’m back.”

Perhaps it was a testament to just how happy she was that she didn’t protest. Instead she lifted herself up onto the worn leather couch, crossing her legs in girlish excitement as she blindly listened to him rustle through their bedroom. As his footsteps reentered the room she ignored the temptation to snap her eyes open, instead letting him slip his hand over her face and acquiescing to his request to hold her hands out for him.

As he moved his hands off her eyes and told her to open them, he placed a small, light box into her hands. Before she even pulled at the carefully tied strings, she could already tell that it was something far too expensive to have come from this town. “I know that your birthday isn’t for a few weeks, but since your next tour is before then I didn’t want it to come too late.”

She left the box unopened, instead turning to look at his excited face. “Gio. I can already tell it’s too expensive. Whatever it is. The farm, the tours…and it’s not like I need a present. I - I’ll be closer to forty than thirty. I don’t think it’s much of a reason to celebrate…”

“Nonsense. We’re in a better place than we’ve been in years thanks to you. Besides. I made sure to get something useful. Go on, open it.”

Her worried eyes stayed trained on his, half-heartedly protesting once again before he quieted her by gently leaning her head back toward him. “I’m sure, Jo. Now try them on before I spoil it and tell you what it is.”

She opened the small box to reveal a pair of delicately embossed leather driving gloves, unworn and in such a distinct color that she had to assume they had been custom made just for her. They were red, just like her nails always were now, so that even when she wore them they wouldn’t obscure the color beneath.

Gio rounded the couch as she held them up to the firelight, admiring how the color shined so brightly on the thin leather. As she ran her hand along them, appreciating just how soft and expensive they felt, he dropped to one knee next to her, taking her hand in his as he carefully fitted each glove around her fingers.

As he turned her gloved hand over in his own, it was hard for her not to see the significance of what he was doing. Bent down on one knee, openly and lovingly admiring what could only be seen as a symbol of her independence from him. How much he may have wished it was a ring instead, it pained her too much to ask.

“Do you like them? The saleswoman seemed to think the color was a foolish choice, but I tried to tell her it wouldn’t be for you.”

She could already see one glove wrapped tightly around the black leather sheering wheel, the other dangling delicately from the side of the car. Instead she brought it to Gio’s cheek. “I love them. I love you.” An overwhelming ache filled her chest and threatened to bring tears to her eyes. She wasn’t sure whether to be joyful or terrified; because in that moment, she knew just how much it would always be true.

[astrophileous]

Hey hey, it's me~

If I could, I would like to request a Derek x Reader or Spencer x Reader, how you feel it better. Maybe where the Reader is someone working with kids (in a nursery, childcare center, if possible ? If not, no problem at all). I wonder how they would react with someone like this 😇

Bonus point if the Reader is short 🙈

I'm weak for your fluff stories, and any of you works if I'm being honest so a fluffy one would be nice.

Again, no pressure if you don't feel writing this. Congratulations for your almost 1k, you'll get them I'm sure of it ❤️

Have a wonderful day sweetie 🌸

val, my love, tysm for the request and the kind words 🥺💞 I'm so happy you entrusted me with this request! Idk if this is what you were looking for, but I hope you're happy with it ❤️ (p.s. you can just send more requests if you weren't satisfied with this one lol)

Warning(s): derek morgan x fem!reader, stalker, break-in, typical cm stuff, swearing (?)

This blurb was written as a part of the "Zara's Birthday Bash and Road to 1K" celebration.

Zara's Birthday Bash and Road to 1K Masterlist / Criminal Minds Masterlist

Seeing all the flashing red-and-blue lights outside the building he had grown to know intimately for the past couple of months was perhaps the closest thing to a heart attack Derek Morgan would ever experience in his life.

Derek ignored the shouts of his name from his fellow teammates as he ducked beneath the yellow police tape, along with the curious glances people threw his way as he stalked towards the building with purpose. Once inside, he thoroughly checked every room he passed by, stopping only when he spotted the familiar figure sitting on one of the chairs in the pantry.

"Derek? What are you—"

You didn't get a chance to finish your question before Derek was enveloping you in a bear hug.

A wave of calm instantly flooded over his entire being. Derek buried his face deeper into you, breathing in the smell of your body wash and the addictive tang of your perfume. Your own arms wrapped around his muscular frame once the shock evaporated, letting the warmth of Derek's body seep into you as you listened to the rhytmic beating of his heart.

"Are you okay?" Derek asked once he could finally find his voice again. "Did you get hurt? He didn't do anything to you, did he?"

"No, Derek. I'm fine," you convinced him as you pulled away. "I called 911 right away. He broke through the back door but ran as soon as the police arrived."

Derek rubbed his palms up and down your arms, an appeasing gesture for you as well as a reassuring one for him. He needed to make sure that you were fine.

"Good. That's good. You did the right thing, sweetheart."

"All thanks to you, Derek." You smiled. "I wouldn't have known what to do if you didn't warn me beforehand. We're all safe because of you."

Derek's heart sat fifty pounds heavy inside his ribcage. Before he could pull you back towards his chest, an interrupting cough sounded from behind him. Derek turned around to see Rossi standing in the doorway.

"Everything alright in here?" the older agent asked.

"Everything's fine," Derek replied. "Rossi, this is (Y/N). She works here."

Rossi wasn't blind. He knew you meant something more to Derek despite the younger man introducing you as an employee of the daycare center where all of you were standing in. Nonetheless, Rossi made no mention of it as he shook your hand and offered you his name.

"Are you the one who called 911, Miss? Can you tell us anything about the man who did this?"

"Yeah, I did. I've told pretty much everything to the officer over there," you said, pointing to the uniformed policeman standing outside in the hallway. "It was before lunch, so the kids were having outdoor playtime. One of the kids, George, suddenly came crying to me about someone being hurt. His hands were red. It looked like blood at first, but after a closer look, I realized that it was paint. That's when I told everyone to gather inside."

Rossi jotted down everything you said in his little notepad. "And that's when the man barged in?"

"Yeah. He tried to go through the front door at first and became aggressive when he noticed it was locked. I called 911 after that. He just barely managed to break down the back door when the police finally got here."

"And then he fled the scene," Rossi concluded. You nodded your head in confirmation. "Same MO as the school and the orphanage. This is definitely our guy."

"Did you happen to get a look at his face, sweetheart?" Derek asked.

"I, uh, I think so? But everything happened so fast, I don't know if my memory is reliable."

"You should still sit down with our sketch artist, Miss. We'll take any help we can get," Rossi responded.

For the next hour, Derek proceeded to investigate the crime scene with his team while you sat inside with a sketch artist who brought your hazy memory of the perpetrator's face to life. Derek eventually reunited with you again on the front porch of the daycare, approaching just in time to see you bidding a goodbye to one of the kids you were caring for.

"Can I get a one? And a two! A three? How about a four? Now a five! And a high five!" The little girl in front of you laughed wholeheartedly as she gave you a high-five. Derek's chest constricted at the sight. "Good job, Bee! Now, go to your mother. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay!" Bee exclaimed, throwing herself into your arms to give you one last hug. "I love you, Ms. (Y/L/N)."

"I love you, too, honey."

Your eyes never strayed from Bee as the little girl dashed towards her mother. You looked up to see Derek staring at you from across the porch, the tilt of your lips stretching even wider when you caught sight of his face.

"Hey, you."

"Hi, beautiful." Derek smiled before taking your hand in his. "Are you ready to go? C'mon, let's get you home."

"Wait, you're taking me? But you're on the job!"

"The team can survive a couple of hours without me. 'Sides, there's no way I'm letting you take the bus all by yourself after what happened here."

Your insides melted into a goo at Derek's statement. You wanted so desperately to kiss the living daylights out of him at that moment, but knowing that there were so many prying eyes around—including those belonging to his team—you decided to settle for a quick peck on his knuckles instead.

Ten minutes later, you found yourself sitting inside a standard FBI SUV with Derek driving next to you. The two of you arrived at your building in no time, where Derek insisted on walking you all the way up to your front door before offering to stay with you for the rest of the afternoon.

"I'm telling you, Derek, I'm fine! You should get back to your team."

"But, what if—"

"No what ifs, Mister. I'm okay. Besides, if anything happens, I will call you immediately."

"You promise?"

"Promise. You have nothing to worry about," you assured. "Now, go! Before I kick your sexy butt out of here."

Derek's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You think my butt is sexy?"

"Go, Derek!"

"Fine, fine! I'm going!"

You turned towards the apartment door to unlock it, but just as you were about to step inside, the sound of your name stopped you in your tracks.

"Forgot something."

You yelped in surprise when Derek pressed his lips to yours without warning. The kiss was over too soon before you could react, but the ferocity alone was still enough to send you soaring high towards the stratosphere.

"D-Derek?"

The man grinned after seeing your dumbfounded expression. "I'm going, sweetheart. I'll see you soon, 'aight?"

And just like that, Derek Morgan was gone, leaving your entire world whirling over the remaining taste of his lips on yours.

[harleehazbinfics]

Have a nap and a snack, all is good!

devout series

Word Count: A/N: have y'all seen the reels about the passage from the bible about if you're having a really bad day, God said just take a snack and a nap and all is well. this is that :)

It was Angel's day off and he promised you he'd cook with you today. That is to say that he'll be testing your cooking on how authentically Italian it was.

With hop in your step, you bounded to his room giving it a light rhythmic rap. He answers after a while letting yourself in, to find him face down the bed, lil Nuggets worriedly massaging his poor back with his hooves.

"Are you ok?" you couldn't help but ask.

"Yeah, no, I'm fine. Just had another rough day with Val. Come on, I promised you I'd taste your cooking, didn't I?" Angi tried to smile sitting up from his bed.

Angel really got attached to you at one point after you celebrated his birthday with things and food that he might have shared in passing that you remembered and prepared for him that touched him very much, after such a long time being in hell that it just goes over your head that times passed. He enjoys your company; your bright and fluttering energy makes him forget how disgusted he was with himself. Being around you makes it feel lighter.

"Why don't you rest for a while instead I'll just ask-"

"No no, it's fine! I'm fine. And uh, I was kinda excited for today," he says bashfully.

You smile at him and nod, holding one of his hands while you walked towards the kitchen. No one really uses the kitchen aside from you and the Morningstar family. So, you could easily spot your utensils because they clean up after themselves, surprisingly for Lucifer.

By the time you finished cooking Angel folded over the counter snoring. You smile and wipe your hands dry on your apron before combing through his hair.

It was probably the smell of food that woke him up dazed, paired with your gentle movements it made him feel safe that he subconsciously made a purring sound.

"You hungry?" you ask pushing his hair out of his forehead which he nodded to happily half awake.

You placed two servings of Ragu pasta and Caprese salad in front of you both to enjoy, his eyes light up in recognition to the dishes. He eats them heartily giving you 4 thumbs ups making you giggle.

After eating the meal, he insisted on cleaning the dishes while you sat at the counter watching him happily, satisfied that you did well on cooking and making Angi's day better.

"Hey, (y/n)," he starts, "Thanks for today. I really needed that."

You couldn't help but grin ear to ear when you heard that and clapped your hands. Responding with a warm welcome. While the both of you were engrossed in the conversation, you failed to notice the black cat peering by the door way with a smile on his face pass by.

[crazyunsexycool]

Hehe okay so I saw this prompt:

my love is your arm stuck in the claw machine. you were going to steal that prize for me?? oh my gosh. let me rescue you and also show you how to actually do this

And my mind immediately went to Kissing Booth!Steve - maybe it’s the next years fundraiser/fate and he tries to win her a toy but is failing so he ends up trying to steal it 🥺

Ok but this is such a cute prompt!!

Warning: fluff

A/N: I changed the prompt a little bit but it still works!

Arcade games

It was a get together to celebrate the end of the semester. It just so happens that the date was close to your one year anniversary with Steve. It was a fantastic year being at his side and what better way to celebrate than with the friends that helped get you together. They had chosen the bar and arcade not too far from campus. Everyone had been bouncing back and forth from the bar to the arcade games. You and Steve had gotten separated but it was ok because most of the time you could look around and see him.

But now he was nowhere to be found. You asked the girls and they said they saw him with Bucky. When you asked him he said he saw Steve with Sam and Thor. Finally Thor directed you to some game toward the back of the room. The last thing you expected to find was your 6’2 boyfriend kneeling in front of the claw machine with his hand trying to reach a prize.

“What are you doing?” You asked as you finally walked around to where he could see you.

“Baby, oh thank god. I can’t get out of this.”

You wanted to laugh and he could see it in your face. He went beet red when you pulled out your phone and took a picture.

“Why is your arm in there anyway?”

“No reason.” He answered way too quickly.

“My love, why is your arm stuck in the claw machine? We’re you going to steal a prize for me?”

“Maybe…” steve gives you a sheepish smile.

“Aaww. Let me rescue you and then I’ll show you how to actually to this.”

You leaned down and pulled his arm free. Steve sighed as he moved his arm around a bit.

“Come on golden boy. Let me show you how it’s done.”

Steve happily stands behind you, hands on your hips as he looks over your shoulder. You put a few coins in and begin to explain how you can win something every time.

“Ok, if you’re so good at it try getting that stuffie right there.” He pointed to a simple brown teddy bear with a ribbon in your favorite color.

“Is that the one you were going to get for me?”

“Yup.” He stands to the side this time and watches as you expertly maneuver the claw around.

After a minute or so the bear is being lifted and then dropped into the collection area. Steve pulls it out of the machine and inspects it.

“Will you look at that. It has an extra gift.”

Around the teddy bears neck is a beautiful necklace. Steve is grinning in your direction.

“Happy anniversary baby.” He says as he hands you the bear.

“Steve it’s beautiful. Wait, were you even stuck?”

“Nope coach would kill me if I hurt my arm. I just wanted to surprise my girl.”

“Will you put it on for me.”

“Absolutely.”

Once he’s done you turn around and kiss him. Steve pulls you closer and only pulls back once you need air.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Baby.”

[yall-batman-fanfic]

Valerie's First Birthday | Batfam x Batsis x Batmom

Synopsis: A kiddie party with supers, what can possibly go wrong? A lot, apparently.

Time sure flies. One day you’re pushing out a melon-sized human being out of your… out of you, and now you’re celebrating their first birthday. Vivian knew that Valerie won’t remember a thing on this early stage so she opted for a small celebration for Valerie. Bruce suggested they throw a big birthday party for their daughter, considering it was a huge milestone that she’s turned one, but Vivian said that they can just save for future birthdays instead, besides didn’t want Gotham to be part of it, she wanted Valerie to be surrounded by family and friends, and it just so happens that the only friend that Valerie has in Gotham was Bunny Vreeland. Her other friends? They were a bunch of supers, and it’ll be too risky to have them all mixed up for that. 

But then Veronica had a plan. And how can they say no to that? So they agreed to do two things: share a birthday party with Bunny since they were born days apart, and then have another party in the manor with those who they were close to in the Justice League. 

Vivian and Veronica shared in the responsibility in handling their daughters’ birthday party, which was hosted in some playpen for toddlers, and Veronica was pondering the theme that had bunnies, rainbow, and princesses and witches. 

“So, Valerie and Bunny’s birthday party theme is basically Easter?” Tim commented.

“I see it more as the Wizard of Oz,” said Dick. “What do you think, kiddo?” He asked his sister who sat on his lap with her pet gargoyle, who she named Geg – Greg or Gregory, but the girl still can’t pronounce her “Rs”.

Vivian looked at the mock-ups that Veronica sent to her again. “We’re going with the Wizard of Oz, I’m calling Ronie.”

“So, I guess Val’s going to be the Good Witch?” Bruce asked, already checking Glinda’s costume online.

“No!” Jason exclaimed. “It’s like you didn’t read Wicked! She ain’t gonna be Glinda!” 

“I haven’t read Wicked, Jason,” Bruce stated.

“How about the Broadway show? Did you watch that at least?”

“Does it look like Batman’s one for broadway musicals, Jason?” Tim snickered.

“Whatever – Val’s not gonna be Glinda! I don’t care if that Rabbit is gonna be Glinda, but not Val.”

“Rabbit?” Duke asked, completely lost.

“He means Bunny Vreeland,” said Damian.

“Oh.”

“How about Dorothy?” Bruce asked.

Alfred hummed. “I think the character of Elphaba would be more suitable for Ms. Valerie with her magical background,” he picked up his granddaughter and handed her a sippy cup with her drink. 

“She’s the green one, right?” Bruce asked.

Jason groaned loudly and said, “Yes, Elphaba is the green one!”

“But isn’t she the bad guy in the Wizard of Oz?” Stephanie asked.

Jason pulled out the book from their shelves and handed it to Duke while saying: “She’s the Wicked Witch of the West, but she’s not all that bad! It’s society that made her wicked! There’s a difference between internally wicked and becoming wicked because society made you one! That’s the whole point of the story!”

“He seems to be very passionate about Wicked,” Steph whispered to Cass and Tim.

“Vivian took him to see a lot of plays, ballet, and Broadway. It’s their bonding time,” Bruce said to them. “But this is the first time I saw him like this too.”

Vivian returned to the sitting room with the announcement that they were good with the Wizard of Oz theme, and Veronica wanted Bunny to be Glinda. 

“And I think our little Val would be a perfect Elphaba, but we’re not going to cover you in green pain,” Vivian snapped her fingers and a black witch’s hat landed on Valerie’s head. It was the perfect size. 

Valerie giggled and made grabbing motions at her mother.

“Did you have that all this time for this day, Viv?” Stephanie asked.

“No, this was mine when I went to school for witches,” Vivian started humming the song Popular from Wicked while dancing with her daughter.

“You didn’t say that you went to a witch’s school –”

“She’s messing with you, Brown,” said Damian.

“Oh.”

The party went well with Bunny and Valerie wearing Glinda and Elphaba costumes – respectively – and playing with the other children. Since it was a shared birthday, the two mothers chose a date that was right in the middle, for Bunny it was a few days after her actual birthday and for Valerie it was days before her actual birthday. 

During that party Veronica insisted everyone wore costumes too. Dick was in charge of choosing the costumes of his siblings… not everyone was happy with what was assigned for them. 

Jason was the Tin Man.

Tim was the Scarecrow.

Duke was the Cowardly Lion.

Damian was freaking Toto.

Dick was Dorothy… yes, he wore a freaking dress too. 

Cassandra and Stephanie decided to wear something that was similar to the movies and the show, as the people in Emerald City; Barbara and her father were invited and came with the former as the Wizard of Oz. 

Vivian and Bruce, on the other hand, came in as the couple in the Broadway show. They dressed up as Elphaba and Fiyero. But really, Bruce just wore a blue suit to follow the character’s costume, and Vivian wore one of her black dresses. But when they saw their family all dressed, especially Dick and Damian, and Alfred who wore the winged monkey uniform from the movie, they felt bad for just picking out something from their closets.

“Shame!” Dick told them. 

“I know,” Vivian said as she held back her laughter when she saw Dick and the others. “That dress… hold on, is that my maternity dress?”

“Cool, right? I just made some adjustments,” said Dick.

“And is Duke wearing my faux fur coat?”

“Dick said that he already asked you, Mrs. P,” Duke said.

“He didn’t, but go ahead… and Damian… Toto?”

Damian glared at Dick. 

When Alfred  came down with Valerie all dressed in her Elphaba costume, she gasped and squealed when she saw her family all dressed up. Putting her down, Alfred held her hand as she waddled towards the crowd that perfectly dressed up as the characters of the Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Even when she didn’t know that yet, she was happy to see the colors and how funny they looked. 

Immediately the glares that Damian and Jason had on Dick disappeared and they were just glad that their sister was happy.

The highlight of the party was when Valerie and Bunny played around while wearing their costumes and were the perfect cast of the two characters. The two were inseparable the entire time. They held each other's hand as they roamed around and played, and even when they blew the candles on their cake they did it together.

When the two girls thought it was time to go home when Bruce and Veronica were about to pick them up for a photo, the two hugged each other and pouted.

“No!” Bunny said and held Valerie tight.

“Stay – Bunny!” Valerie made her point and glared at her father.

By the end of the party, the two girls were tired and were asleep on their mothers.

~*~

The party for the Justice Kids – and Vivian called them — was held on Valerie’s actual birthday. It was just a small one in the manor with food and games that Dick would be hosting for them. They extended the invitation to everyone in the League and the families of the Leaguers too. 

“I swear, Kent! Drop her, I will bring out my Kryptonite sword!” Damian called out to Jon who was flying around with Valerie in his arms, happily enjoying it.

“I'm not going to drop her, Damian!” Jon told his best friend but so Damian won't pop a vein, he went down and placed the girl on the ground. Valerie was confused – why did the ride stop? She was having a great time! When she saw Damian about to get her, Valerie turned to Jon and said: “Again!” While hugging his leg.

“Come on, Val. You can play at the swing instead,” Damian attempted to get her, but Valerie hid behind Jon’s leg and pouted at her brother.

“Fly,” Valerie said. “Want Jon.”

Jon laughed awkwardly and took Valerie from the ground and tried to hand her over to Damian, who was stunned with what she said, but the girl wouldn’t go with her brother. She really wanted to fly. 

“Jon!” Valerie hugged him. “Fly?”

Dick and Tim winced at the sight of Valerie preferring to go with Jon than Damian.

“I'll go make sure he doesn't kill him,” said Dick.

“Good idea,” Tim muttered. Wouldn't want a murder in a kid's party.

The Kents were the first to arrive at the Manor – not surprising. In fact, Bruce and Vivian were used to them popping in out of nowhere. Following the Kents were the speeders, with Barry driving all the way from Star City with his family to celebrate and so Valerie would also meet his own children. The twins: Don and Dawn Allen. Following them was Diana, then Hal came. Roy arrived too, with Lian.

Valerie was well acquainted with Lian and happily dragged the older girl to where she was playing with the other kids. 

But then Bizzaro and Artemis came and Valerie's attention were on the big guy who was a sweetheart and gifted her with a toy doll. 

“Not happy birthday,” Bizzaro greeted her.

“Bee!” Valerie hugged him and his gift. 

When Artemis was about to give her gift, Jason took it first as it was a weapon. 

“She's a kid, Artemis!” Jason told her. “You can have this after I teach you how to use it,” he told his sister.

The Outlaws were followed by Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance with their own son – who was a year older than Valerie – Connor Lance-Queen. 

Soon the backyard was filled with people and kids running around, playing. And while Vivian would have wanted to invite all of their super-friends, she knew that they can't just drop everything and come to the party too. Someone has to stay and watch over Earth and protect it from local and intergalactical threats. Hence the Titans staying at their tower, but Raven came with Damian's invitation. Well, he told Dick that he wanted Raven to come. 

The Young Justice too were there but wouldn't be staying too long as they also had to look after their domains. Tim was the only exception since he was in a family event.

Coming to his wife's side, Bruce handed her a slice of cake and sat beside her. “Is everything alright?” He asked.

Vivian hummed, turning to him, she said, “Yeah, everything's fine. Why?”

“You’'ve been staring at them for a while now.”

“I'm just happy, that's all. I’m glad to see everyone here – relaxing. Dad's there with Alfred, having a pint. Superheroes get to enjoy the life they fight to protect and be with their families. You're here with our family.”

Bruce wrapped an arm around her and pressed a kiss on her temple. “She's growing up fast. Too fast,” he whispered as he watched Valerie play with Connor Lance-Queen, and the Allen Twins. 

“She is,” Vivian sighed. “And I'll be back to work.”

“You can always not go back.”

“I know, but I want to… but I also want to be here with here — if I can, I would put her in my bag and we'd be at Gotham University.”

Bruce chuckled. “I know. Sometimes I also want to bring her to work.”

“Which one? The office job or the Bat-job?”

“Both…” his smile fell when he realized the clothes his daughter was wearing. It was a Batman costume for kids. “I don't want her to have to put on a cowl, Viv.”

“Bruce?”

“I’'m doing everything I can now to make sure that she never has to be in this line of work.”

“It's not really our decision to make, my love. It's hers when she grows up.”

“I know, but as much as I can, I will fight so she doesn't have to.”

Vivian had Bruce face her and kissed his lips. “I know, and I'd want that too… but if it means losing you to Batman's war, I don't want that. I need you, Bruce. Val needs you. Crime won't disappear, we both know that, and if it comes to it and she decides to take the cowl… then we'll be here – all of us — to make sure she knows how to continue this fight.”

Bruce rest his forehead on his wife's and closed his eyes as he felt her magic envelope them. 

“Dada!” Valerie ran to him and tugged on his pants.

Bruce picked up his daughter and lets her sit on his lap. “Tired, Val?” He asked.

Val was sweaty from all the running and hungry. Very hungry that she tried to reach for the cake. Vivian was quick to have it away from her reach and had it floating in mid-air beside her before summoning Valerie's own plate with her carrot bites and other party food.

“I will not get used to that,” Lois said as she watched the plate and drink float beside Vivian.

“You will, eventually,” the familiar voice caught their attention. Appearing from the portal was John Constantine with Zatanna Zatara, and their son, Zachary Giovanni Zatarra. “Sorry, we're late. Zee had a last show before the party.”

“Making an entrance as always, Zatanna,” Bruce got up with his daughter in his arms. He and Vivian went to the new arrivals and greeted them.

“Well we are performers, Bruce,” said Zatanna.

“She is,” John said, pointing his thumb at Zatanna. “And this little bugger, too,” he gestured to his one-year-old son, who he held in his arms. 

“Happy Birthday, Valerie,” Zatanna handed the gift to Vivian.

“Happy Birthday, love,” John greeted the girl. He then turned to his son. “Zach, remember, do not touch the shiny looking one,” John pointed at Valerie who looked at him confused.

“John, come on, they're kids,” Zatanna told him.

“I agree with him,” Bruce said.

“Bruce!” Vivian chastised him. “He's our godson!”

Zachary turned to Valerie and waved his hand at her. “Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” Valerie waved back. “Carrot?” She offered the one she had in her hand.

“Okay!” Zach took it to eat.

“Oh, so you eat your vegetables when it's from her, eh?” John playfully glared at his son. “When it's me or yer Mum, it's a bloody war.” He placed down his son, and Vivian took Valerie and put her on the ground too so she and Zach could play with the other kids. 

With the kids gone in the garden, Adam got up from his seat and approached their little group with Alfred.

“John fucking Constantine,” Adam greeted him.

“Bollocks,” John hissed. “You didn't tell me your Dad will be here.”

“And if he was?” Vivian raised a brow.

John sighed. “Adam, good to see you again — looking old.”

“John!” Zatanna chastised him.

“I am old, love – don't worry,” Adam reassured Zatanna, his gaze returned to John. “You got old too.”

“Well, can't stay sixteen forever, can't I? When was the last time I saw you – thirty-something-years ago?” John was about to light a cigarette but Zatanna and Vivian confiscated the stick.

“Something like that, all I remember was finding you in my daughter's bedroom and chasing you out into the street with your tail between your legs.”

Barry and the others froze with what they heard.

“Say what?” Hal asked. “You mean to tell me those two dated in high school?”

“They did,” Clark explained.

“Hold on – Batman dated Zatanna, and Vivian dated John… and now the exes are dating each other's exes?.” Oliver massaged the bridge of his nose. “How come we're only hearing about this now?”

“We thought it was pretty obvious since John and Vivian were close,” said Diana.

“We thought they were friends!” Said Barry.

“I think it’s interesting that you’re best friends with your ex and your husband’s ex,” said Dinah. 

Vivian sighed. “Dad, please don't.”

Adam nodded. “Sorry, love. I just didn't expect John fucking Constatine to be here.”

Turning to Zatanna, John said, “This is why I didn't want our kid to have my name.”

“That's the reason why I agreed to that too,” said Zatanna.

“Why, because you just made the name Constantine shite with all your bullshit?” Vivian pointed out.

“You know that’s the truth, Vee,” John conjured a bottle of ale and started drinking. “When’s the other family coming over?”

“What other family?” 

“He means your Endless family, love,” Adam said. “I wouldn’t mind if Dream comes over. I’d finally get to meet him.”

“I don’t know, Dream tends to just come around if he’s needed. And I think Gregory the Gargoyle is already his birthday gift for Val.” She pointed to the tiny gargoyle who was following Ace, Titus, and Haley around. The gargoyle even tried barking, mimicking the three dogs. “And no offence, but I don’t think any gift from Desire and Despair means anything good, considering they wanted to kill me the last time we saw each other.”

“Especially Death – unless, our little Goth-girl wants to make Val here immortal,” John pointed out and handed Vivian a pint. “What about Delirium?”

“The best gift she could give is probably sanity… Destruction’s been doing some art.”

“He’s not really Picasso or Van Gogh, Vee. I wonder what Destiny would give.”

“He doesn’t really interact with us… unlike with the others.”

Barry approached Bruce and asked about what they were talking about – he was confused the moment they said Dream, and then Vivian and John kept mentioning words or names that were Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction, Destiny, Death. Everyone was just confused now.

“So, Clark hasn’t disclosed it to the team,” Bruce said.

“It’s not really my story to tell,” said Clark.

“Last holidays, Vivian was attacked by wraiths from Hell. They were sent by beings called the Endless are anthropomorphic representations of the powerful natural forces they embody – Destiny, Death, Dream, Destruction, Delirium, Desire, Despair. Vivian also met her father then, who happens to be an Endless – the Lord of Dreams,” Bruce explained. 

“How did we not know about this?” Asked Hal.

“It was an isolated incident. Vivian dealt with it within the night. Since then, Dream has been visiting occasionally, especially when Valerie has been showing that she has inherited Vivian’s gifts. She’s been seeing ghosts everywhere. Dream was also the one who gave her Greg..”

“Who?”

“The Gargoyle. Val has a pet Gargoyle.”

“Not really something you can bring to show and tell, huh?” Barry chuckled as he watched the Gargoyle follow Valerie around. 

“I can’t just call Dream for a kids party, John. He’s already got his hands full with Hell,” Vivian told John.

“Hold on, what’s going on with Hell? What’s Lord Morpheus got to do with it?”

“Oh, you don’t know? Luci retired.”

“He can’t do that – can he do that? Can the Devil actually retire?” John turned to Zatanna for answers.

Zatanna shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“So, any danger we should look out for with Luci now who-knows-where?” John asked.

“No. Dream said Lucifer is now vacationing at Australia… he just got tired.”

“Fucking finally! I’ve been trying so hard to get that fucker off my back!” 

“You and I both,” Vivian clinked her bottle with his. 

As the party was ending, many of their guests left. But Clark and the other members of the League stayed a little longer to help with the clean up, and because Valerie and the other kids were having so much fun showing their powers. The twins were showing their speed force abilities, Zach was showing the little magic he can do. Raven was entertaining them with the magic she can do. Jon was enjoying the magic show with the kids. Valerie, being the youngest of them all, has yet to show her magic. So far she can only see ghosts and those beyond the mortal world. 

In the middle of cleaning up, Valerie called for her parents by saying: “Mumma, Dada! Birdie!”

At first they thought she was referring to her brothers, but Valerie kept calling them, so the adults went to the sitting room where a raven perched on the shelf. Vivian and Bruce knew that raven anywhere.

“Matthew,” Bruce greeted.

“Hey! Hi! Glad you remember me!” Matthew flew down and stood on the ground. “Boss,” he greeted Vivian.

“I’m not your boss, Matthew,” Vivian reminded him.

“Well, you’re the boss’ daughter. Ms. Dream?”

“No.”

“Dreamling?”

“I will throw you in the oven.”

“Alright, sheesh. Anyway, the boss sent me to say that he’s running late and to get ready.”

“For what?” Bruce asked.

“Well, rumor spread in the Dreaming that today is  this one’s birthday,” Matthew nudged Valerie. “And let’s say, Cain and Abel were trying to make a present. Same goes with Mervyn Pumpkinhead. Lucienne also prepared something for the little Dreamling.”

“That’s nice of them,” Vivian sat on the ground with her daughter. 

“She’s talking to a bird,” Lois sighed. “This house is never going to be normal, isn’t it?”

“You should be used to it by now,” said Clark. 

“Oh! The boss is coming,” Matthew said.

From the corner of the room, a figure appeared. Dressed in black robes that were more contemporary, Dream appeared and greeted the guests with a nod. His gaze turned to Vivian and Valerie but the sight of Adam caught his attention.

“Adam Royce,” he greeted.

Adam got up and approached the Endless. “Lord Dream, pleasure to finally meet you.”

Dream shook his hand and bowed his head slightly. “An honor to meet the man who raised my daughter.”

“Well, always saw her as my own,” Adam patted him on the shoulder. “I think Mads and I did a good job.”

“You both did,” Dream smiled, slightly. 

“The birthday girl is right there,” Adam pointed to the direction where Vivian carried Vivian with Bruce at her side. 

Dream strolled across the room and greeted his daughter and his granddaughter. 

“Vivian,” Dream greeted. “And Valerie. She has grown since I last saw her… and so has the gargoyle.”

“She named him Gregory, but she calls him Geg for now,” said Vivian. “Do you want to hold her?”

Dream was hesitant but nodded stiffly. Vivian handed Valerie to him, who went with the Endless without a fuss. Her eyes were wide as she looked at Dream, curious. He didn’t feel like Mumma or Dada, or Grandpa Alfred nor Grandda. He was very different. She reached out and touched Dream’s cheek to see if he was real, and he was. 

Dream smiled at her touch and said, “I am real, Valerie Pryor-Wayne. And I am also your grandfather.”

“Gampa,” Valerie whispered. She then started to whimper and reached for her father. Dream handed her back to Bruce, his smile never leaving. 

“She’ll get used to you,” Vivian said to Dream. “We still have cake, if you want.”

“I shall be off. I simply wanted to wish Valerie a happy birthday, and to leave her these,” a wave of a hand and pile of gifts appeared at the corner of the room. “From those of the Dreaming. Death too has found something for Valerie — she mentioned it is what children these days like – and Destruction created an art piece for her. Delirium also gave her a gift.”

“Well, thank you for these and to everyone in the Dreaming, and to Destruction, Death, and Delirium… it is upsetting that you’re not staying.”

“With Hell still not having a steward, I’m afraid that I cannot stay any longer.”

“Good luck with finding a new steward for Hell… thank you, Lord Dream.”

Dream reached out and tucked a piece of her red hair to the back of her ear, and then disappeared. Turning to her daughter, Vivian took Valerie and said, “Want to see what Gampa Dream and the others gave you?”

“Me mentioned Cain and Abel,” said Bruce.

“I’m sure it’s not a bloody rock, Bruce.”

Sitting on the ground, Vivian showed to Valerie the gifts from the Dreams and Nightmares, and the other Endless. There was a book in the pile, and it was from Lucienne. Domain joined them on the ground and started handing Valerie one of the gifts from the pile and then handing Jason the things they think were not entirely for toddlers (Mervyn Pumpkinhead gave her a mini pitchfork; Cain and Abel gifted her a gardening set). 

As the family looked through the gifts with Alfred and Adam, and the other Robins and children, the rest of the Justice League watched and tried to process what happened.

“So, that was Dream — is he the same with Morpheus?” Oliver asked.

“Yes — I think so,” said Diana.

“Does that make Vivian a half-god—demigod, too?” Barry asked.

“Well,” Stephanie joined them with her ice cream. “Last we saw Dream, he said Viv has the power of creation and life. So, I guess Ariana Grande was right — god was a woman… or in this case, god is their mom.”

“Does that make the squirt,” Hal referred to Valerie. “A quarter-god? Batman has too much power in his cave.”

~*~

“I think it’s adorable,” Zatanna said as they watched Valerie and Zachary play in the middle of the sitting room. With the two toddlers was Haley and Greg. “I think they’ll be best friends.”

John scoffed. “As long as they stay friends.”

“I have no idea what your problem is if Zach and Val…” Vivian shrugged.

“She’s not going to date,” said Jason from the couch where he ate cake. “Not when I’m around.”

“Agreed,” said Damian.

“That. That’s why,” John pointed at the two brothers sitting on the couch watching their sister closely. 

“They’re joking, John,” Vivian told him. “Bruce, either you stop it or I gouge out your eyes.”

Bruce turned to his wife and sighed. He pulled her to sit on his lap and then took a bite from the piece of cake she had on her fork.

“Hey!” Vivian pouted.

“If she starts dating then it’s official, she’s growing up way too fast,” Bruce said to her.

“Nothing we can do about that, my love,” Vivian leaned down and kissed him. “We just have to be here and watch her grow up and make sure she makes good decisions, and not play with OUIJA boards during slumber parties.” She kissed him again. “We’ll be fine. She’ll be fine, Bruce.”

He hummed. “Seventeen more years.”

Vivian pouted. “Seventeen more years.”

“Mumma, Dada! Look!” Valerie called for them. 

Turning to their daughter, they watched as she grinned at them, then she grabbed Zach’s face and placed a kiss on his lips, then said to them: “Kiss, kiss!”

Bruce and John held their breaths. In fact, all of the Robins were holding their breath after seeing that. 

“Relax, it’s just an innocent kiss!” Vivian told them and joined her daughter and Zach on the floor. “But Val, next time when you kiss Zach just on the cheeks, like this,” Vivian called for Zatanna, and when the woman joined them, she kissed her on the cheeks and Zatanna returned the gesture.

Wanting to try, Valerie kissed Zach on the cheeks and giggled. Zach too wanted to try and kissed her on the cheeks.

Damian was about to get his batarangs but Jon stopped him.

“Don’t teach them, Ma!” Jason told her.

Adam chuckled and patted Bruce on the shoulder. “Got no one to blame but yourself. You and Vivian are not really discrete.”

Bruce groaned and ran his hand down his face. This was not what he wanted to see on his daughter’s first birthday.

[lqveharrington]

Is It Over Now? | V.

summary: Alastor coming back after a seven year absence revealed what was underneath your 10 year relationship with Vox.

pairing: vox x wife!reader

includes: VERY MANIPULATIVE VOX, cursing (duh), toxic behavior, alastor not realizing he’s a home wrecker, Vel and Val being somewhat decent, (let me know if i missed any !!)

a/n: i’m on major hazbin hotel brain rot 🤷‍♀️

You were seething by the end of the extermination. All Vox would talk about was Alastor. It seemed like for the past six months all he could talk about was the Radio Demon. You were fine for about five months of it, but you started to realize it took a toll on you as well.

You were fine when Vox missed your wedding anniversary because he found out Alastor was back. You were fine when Vox missed your fashion week shows for Velvette. You were fine when he missed your birthday. But forgetting your past as extermination was coming up? Forgetting how you would break down every day before the extermination? You were done putting up with his actions.

“Doll, where are you going?” Vox slipped an arm around your waist, oblivious to the faces Velvette and Valentino made. “We’re celebrating here.”

“You’re celebrating.” You pulled away from him, walking up the stairs to your shared suite with Vox. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait, what?” Vox whipped his head over to you, slightly glitching. “What do you mean you’re leaving?” He asked but you were already up the stairs, causing him to use the electricity to summon himself to your shared room. “Doll, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” You push past him, grabbing your already packed suitcase. “Everything that happened in the last six months is wrong.”

He pulled you by your bicep, claws slightly digging into your skin. “Everything has been the same—“

“No, they haven’t.” You frown, trying to pull yourself out of his hold. “All you’ve been talking about is Alastor. But what about me?”

Vox scoffed, “What about you? I’m with you every fucking day!”

“You’re never with me, Vox!” Your eyes flash red, your free hand emitting red wisps. “Do you know how many anniversaries and dates you missed? Do you know how my days have been going?”

He stayed quiet but felt the rage bubbling up in him.

“You missed our wedding anniversary!” You glare at the ring on the hand holding onto you. “You missed all my shows, you missed my birthday—“

“I didn’t forget them.” He pressed his claws harder into your arm which made you wince. “You should’ve reminded me.”

“I wanted to! But you were so busy that I would just make you even more upset!” You bite your tongue. “Even Velvette and Valentino greeted me with happy anniversaries and a happy birthday. And where were you?” You practically shouted at him. “You were busy picking a fight with the demon who was the best man at our wedding!”

Vox’s eye swirled black and red, “Nothing is ever my fucking fault. You’re the one who wasn’t there for me!”

You flicked your hand which removed his hand from your arm, claws indented on your skin. “Bullshit. I was there every step of the way! I constantly have forgiven and forgiven, but you just keep hurting me!” Your pent-up stress and anger came out as your full demon form as tears welled from your eyes. “You were the one who wasn’t there for me! I cried to Velvette when I started retaining dreams of exorcists killing my family! I begged Valentino to not tell you that you missed any of our anniversaries! You haven’t cared for me since Alastor came back! I’m not playing this game anymore.”

“Where are you going?” He snapped his fingers, locking the doors and shutting the building down. No power was on, which meant everything was locked despite the missing locks. “I doubt anyone would be out during the day of the extermination.”

You paused but kept your composure as you remembered the only demons out. “Yeah, but the hotel is being rebuilt as we speak.”

Vox glitched again, “You are not going over to that shitty hotel.”

“I think I'll be fine since you keep forgetting about me anyway.” You shove him aside. “Unlock the doors, Vox.”

“Doll,” He let out a sigh, watching your every move. “I’m not unlocking the doors.”

“Why the fuck not?” You turn around, tears streaming down your face. “You’ve hurt me too many times! What am I supposed to do when you're too busy with Alastor that there’s no more time for me? Vel was the one who calmed me down this week!” You took a breath and looked up at the ceiling, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars you and Vox put up years ago. “I can’t pretend like we’re fine anymore.”

“Then don’t pretend, tell me.” He smoothed his claws on the arm he previously maimed, the silver wedding band cold against your skin. “When was the last time we fought like this? You were the one to tell me to talk things through.”

You bit your lip, wiping a tear. “I know, but it’s been a constant. Every day all you talk about is Alastor. When have we ever had time for ourselves in the past six months?”

Silence fills the room as no one dares to speak. Your quiet sniffles and Vox’s whirring are the only things keeping the room from being completely silent. Vox continued to rub the marks on your arm, trying to meet your eyes.

“Can you look at me?” He tapped your arm, earning a hum of acknowledgment. “Doll, look at me.” You shifted your gaze toward him, meeting his red eyes. He let a small smile slip, “Hi, gorgeous.”

You roll your eyes, “Yes?”

“Listen, if you want to leave…” He hesitated for a bit before snapping his fingers. “You have the choice to, but not the hotel. Just come back and let me make it up to you, I promise.”

Your eyes flickered between his eyes, the red streaks from his mouth becoming more prominent when you didn’t reply.

He took his free hand and ran a claw down your cheek, making you shiver from the contact. “You could easily take me down and leave. So why not?”

“I don’t know.” You mumble, letting him pull you into him. “I’m sorry.”

Vox grinned sinfully as one of his red eyes turned hypnotic again. He stroked your back, “It’s okay, you’re alright.” The blue chain connecting your wedding rings appeared. The same one that solidified your marriage in Hell. “How about we just stay here? We’ll relax and talk, okay?”

You nod, letting him guide you toward the bed. “I didn’t want to yell.”

“I know, you’re okay.” He set you down on his lap, stroking your cheek once more before tilting your chin up with a singular claw. “You know I love you, right?”

You let a sad smile slip through and peck the corner of his screen. “I love you too.”

Vox pulled you into him again, red streaks appearing down the side of his screen for the last time. “Good.”

©lqveharrington - all rights reserved. do not copy, translate or share my work on other media platforms

[havenroyals]

(At the risk of being flagged again...)

We are celebrating Ares's (insert age for Young Adult Sims) birthday. Because his big sister, Athena, is on a mission to piss him off, we are extending the invitation to all his past bang buddies. No girlfriends (He's only ever claimed two: Val and Em)

Think of it like a bachelor challenge. Only instead of winning his heart, you'll enjoy a Wicked Whims flashback scene of your time with Ares. (And a shirt...maybe. @citylighten is working on a little somethin' something'. We'll see).

What are we looking for:

Lady Sims (Young Adult +)

Dress them in their party best (It's Called the Hellfire Gala)

What's their backstory and how did they meet Ares (in high school, doing cartel business, were they a one-time thing or casual buddies, are they still friend-ish now, or want him back?

No mythology names please (for the sake of my story, only the cartel family have God names)

CC is fine (no default replacements)

Submissions until July 21st will be accepted. The birthday event will happen near the end of the month. Giving the tag list (and the Ares stans) first dibs.

@nectar-cellar @lynzishell @citylighten @authorspirit @riverofjazzsims

@mydramasims @death-by-glitter @stargazer-sims @spnmoosejerk @empiredesimparte

@simplywhytney @matchalovertrait @onestormeynight @blueyjoy @smok3inm1rrors

@sweetsummersim @discoverjoana @thagoddessdemi

[scribbles97]

The Nightmare Come True - Part 5 and The End

Thanks @loopstagirl for the original idea of this whole fic that spiralled far further than I think either of us expected. Scott's POV 1 | Part 1 | Scott's POV 2 | Part 2 | Scott's POV 3 | Part 3 | Scott's POV 4 | Part 4

Christmas had come and gone as loudly as it always did in their house. 

The best gift for Gordon was the day his oldest brother had turned up at a training session alongside Jeff, the kid hadn’t stopped talking about it for a week. Jeff had been confident Scott would soon be making his way into the pool himself, especially if his request for an olympic sized pool on their newly purchased island was anything to go by. 

John and Virgil had both returned home for the holidays full of stories and with open invites for their big brother to visit them at their respective colleges come the following semester. Scott had been keen, immediately opening his calendar and circling dates between appointments and other plans. 

Even Jen had paid a brief visit, greeting the younger brothers as old friends proving just how much Scott had spoken of them all to his squad at one point or another. 

By spring Jeff had noticed just how Scott had begun to fill out again, his time in the gym paying off and rebuilding the muscle that had been lost. He was starting to relax, to enjoy life as he once had and found the confidence he had always worn like a comfortable jacket. Gradually, he was becoming a version of the son Jeff recognised. 

March was spent in the air, racking up supervised flight hours after passing the required psych exams. It had taken time for him to be comfortable in the pilot's seat again, but Scott had said himself that being in the air was as natural to him as being in the water was for Gordon. All he had needed was a supportive shoulder, one that Jeff was willing to offer. 

By his birthday, Scott’s full pilot’s license had been reinstated, giving cause for a celebration alone without the news of John’s new Space Rated status. They had called Virgil on hologram, celebrating from their separate corners of the country louder than they had done over the festive period.

It had been late in the night when Jeff had found Scott out on the porch, a letter discarded but evidently not forgotten in his lap.

“I was going to tell you earlier, but the surprise party kind of distracted me.” Scott had smiled as Jeff had joined him on the step and poured them each a measure of whiskey.

“Cambridge offered me a spot to study English Lit, it’s all online so I’d only need to go over twice a semester so I’d still be able to--” He paused to glance over his shoulder, making sure no younger brothers were lingering in the kitchen.

Jeff had chuckled, glad that Scott was doing something for himself, something that didn’t immediately lead to any plans that had seemingly always been in place.  

“You don’t have to, you know?” He had pointed out, “If you want to take some time for yourself before joining the Project…”

Scott had shook his head, grinning as he sipped his drink, “I want to get in the air again, Dad, and that rocket? I’m not letting you have all the fun.”

Both had laughed at the implication, wordlessly reaching their glasses towards one another in a silent salute to everything they had overcome in that year alone. 

Things still weren’t perfect, Alan and Gordon were far from happy about moving to a boarding school away from their family. Scott still had a way to go before he was back at his full strength and fitness, but with the encouragement from Val and Lee, he was well on his way to outperforming them all. 

“This is what I need.” Scott had nodded, “Despite everything, I’m glad we’ve ended up here Dad.” 

Jeff had slung an arm over his shoulders and pulled him close, “Me too kid, me too.” 

Of course, it hadn’t lasted. 

A short eighteen months later, Jeff had been shot into the farthest reaches of their solar system. He had been sure that he would never see his family, his boys, again. It hadn’t mattered what he had tried with the engines, there had been no way for him to get home. He had tried, time and again to find a way to get through to them but it had eventually become apparent that all he could do was try to stay alive.

He had taken to sketching and writing when he wasn’t trying to keep himself alive, focussing on thoughts of each of his boys. How Scott was at least back doing something he loved, that John had made it to space as he had always wanted to, that Virgil was close to graduating with Honors on his engineering degree, that Gordon would have made it to the Olympics, and Alan at least had four older brothers to look out for him. It had been the thought and memory of them that had kept him going, the irony not lost on him that it had been the same things that had kept Scott going through his imprisonment. 

There had been little else to occupy him over those long years. 

He had never given up hope, not even as the planetoid had begun to separate beneath his feet, he had known they would come. 

Right at the last possible second, he had spotted Scott. 

Just like that, their roles were reversed. 

Scott had stepped up in the time Jeff had been gone, and the more he had seen of the man his eldest had become, the more his heart had hurt. 

He had dropped out of his Literature degree almost immediately after Jeff had gone, had taken up the role of commander in International rescue, and the role of Father to younger brothers that weren’t ready to be orphans. Once again, thanks to Jeff, Scott had lost sight of the man he wanted to be for himself.

Once again, Jeff had vowed to set that right.

There had been months of recovery, hospital appointments and physiotherapy, most of it familiar from the year before he had taken the unexpected trip. Scott had resolutely been at his side through all of it. 

“Alan asked how you did it…” Scott had started one night, sat out by the pool waiting for Virgil and Gordon to return home from a rescue.

Jeff hadn’t needed further clarification as he had trailed off. He’d had therapy that morning, had spent the day pulling his boys closer after talking about what the isolation had done to him. Of course, they had all picked up on it.

“I imagine much the same way as you did during the war,” Jeff admitted softly, “Thinking of your family, remembering all the good times.”

Before he had left, talking about the war had been coming easier for Scott. It hadn’t taken long for Jeff to realize that Scott had clammed up once he had no longer had his father to talk to about such times.

Scott snorted, looking out to the horizon, “Admittedly, it’s a good method.”

Jeff smiled sadly across to him, “It got us both a long way.” 

It had gotten them both back home, back to their family, to somewhere where they could find their feet again and work towards the version of themselves they wanted to be.

The man sat next to him was physically recovered from his time as a prisoner, but had never found a solid enough footing to find himself amongst all the chaos life had thrown at them.

“You didn’t end up where you were aiming, I’m sorry for that.” Jeff sighed after a moment, reaching out to Scott’s shoulder, “Because of all of this, I think you lost yourself again Scott.”

“I--” For a moment it seemed like he was ready to argue, before his shoulders had fallen and he had nodded in admission, “I became who I needed to be.”

They had shared a look, one that spoke of burdens that had fallen back on tired shoulders that had barely gotten free before being weighed back down again.

“You deserved to live life for yourself Scott.” 

Scott ran a hand through his hair, “I know that now.”

“I know it wasn’t my fault,” Jeff continued, “but I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help you see that, Son, I’m sorry that life has been so cruel and unfair.”

Scott’s arm wrapped around his shoulders, “I’m glad you don’t blame yourself.” 

Jeff would never admit to him that it was a concept he still sometimes struggled with, but something he was working on regardless. His son didn’t need any more burdens. 

“So,” He started, looking across with raised eyebrows, “Alan’s headed to college in the Fall, how about you take another look at that Literature degree?”

Scott’s laugh was full bodied against Jeff, “Yeah, I suppose that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

Laughing with his son, Jeff nodded to himself. 

They were going to be just fine.

[hotteoki]

christmas things with bf skz !

pairing: hyung line skz x reader (no prns used)

genre: fluff, point-form fic, est. rel.

cw: not proofread

wc: 0.9k

notes: merry christmas to anyone who celebrates it, and a happy monday to those who don't! P.S. happy birthday val <3 @kyrjnie

chan (방찬) ~ ice skating

despite having to wait in the long, long, long queue for what feels like centuries just to ice skate in a tiny rink outside the local mall

it's a tradition you and chan do every year

sure, it's not ideal to wait an hour in the freezing cold just to skate for 45 minutes only

but when chan is standing right behind you

helping you wrap your scarf the correct way

zipping your coat all the way up

pulling your beanie that was riding up your head back down

and holding a warm cup of hot chocolate?

you could get past that

besides

it's always funny to watch him flail his arms around like bambi

sometimes you like watching him struggle just to see his frown when you don't help him up

"you don't love me anymore!!!!!"

"if i try to pull you up i'm going to fall down right beside you, chan"

"YOU SHOULD AT LEAST TRY!!!!"

so you do

and to no one's surprise except chan's

you fall down

the little pro skater kids start to get worried when neither of you are able to get up

well you could

if chan didn't attempt to yank on you as support to pull himself back up

why does this man not understand that you are incapable of supporting him to stand back up

it's cute to watch him attempt to recreate one of the figure skating spins tho

i am nawt a figure skater idk the names i'm sawry

you two are just goals goals goals!!!!!!!

minho (민호) - mall intercom announcements

it first happened 4 years ago

it was the most embarrassing moment of your life

minho had suggested the two of you go christmas shopping at the biggest mall in south korea

one second you were holding his hand

the next you're spinning around in the middle of the 2nd floor wondering where the hell your 172cm boyfriend could've wandered off to

you were about to call him until you realise you have his phone after he gave it to you before running off into the toilet

"what if my phone drops into the toilet bowl?!"

you were about to start retracing your steps until you hear your name being announced by the information desk, followed by a "your boyfriend is waiting for you by the information desk at the 3rd floor"

you were so going to kill that man

but that night you think to yourself

killing him isn't enough

no, no

you needed to embarrass him right back

so you held your grudge until next christmas

you mumbled something about a flash sale at a nearby store and that he should find you there after he was done scouring uniqlo and ran off before he could object

you gave yourself a few more minutes before you made the announcement over the information desk

boy, was he mad when he saw the cheeky smile on your face

ever since then, it became a tradition for the two of you to race each other to make the lost person announcement to embarrass the other

it's all fun and games until the worker stares in confusion over thinking either one of you was the other's lost kid

changbin (창빈) ~ take-outs

you don't know why either of you still bother cooking christmas dinner

neither of you can cook

sure, you're a fairly decent baker

but that won't suffice for a christmas dinner

and changbin cannot cook for his life

yet you still take turns deciding on who's going to poison the other

obviously that never works out

the day either ends with you guys calling minho and asking begging him if you could have some of his leftovers

or

your more preferable option

ordering take-out

despite take-out being a very common occurrence for you guys

take-outs on christmas are special

the reason being the free sweets your favourite restaurant usually provide in the small bowl by the entrance

yes, the sweets are there usually

but after changbin accidentally caused a scene the first time you dined in at the restaurant long story

the owner had banned either of you from taking the complementary sweets

however

during christmas time, customers bustle in and out of the restaurant

which makes it easy for changbin to snag a handful of sweets and shove them in his pocket

before grabbing your hand and making a run for it back to his car

you do get some odd looks from the other customers queuing outside the restaurant

but at the end of the day

who are the ones who have a bunch of free sweets to snack on? B-)

hyunjin (현진) ~ sweater paws

it's the time of christmas! meaning...

taking hyunjin's oversized sweaters!!!

needless to say it's your favourite thing to do

it's not that he doesn't let you borrow them usually

he just... prefers to keep his expensive clothes in his closet safe and sound

however

he does indeed have a 'sweater of shame'

a christmas sweater that the other members got him as a gag gift a couple of years ago

you will never catch that man ALIVE wearing that "hideous thing"

so when you started dating him and found that absolute gem

you had decided it make it your mission to shove that "disgusting" piece of clothing over his head

except somehow the tables turned

and the sweater ended up wrapped around you

and hyunjin will never openly admit this

but it was quite literally one of the cutest sights he had ever seen in his life

ever since then

he's made it his mission to get you to wear the sweater every christmas

obviously you run away from him

until last year

when he finally caught you and managed to get it on you

you discovered the sweater does have a plus side to it

sweater paws

it feels like playing whack-a-mole whenever you attempt to swing at hyunjin with the sweater on

whack-a-hyunjin, perchance

he claims to hate it and runs away from you

but you both know it's something the two of you look forward to every christmas

networks: @kflixnet k-labels @kbookshelf @neverendingdreams-net @straykidsland @k-films pirateeznet

[ahummingbirdwitch]

can i get a very horny and desperate cypher x fem!reader at a party setting in val HQ with him jealous and stuff, veryyyy nsfw please! 🙏🙏🙏🙏 thank you ❣��

Hell yes. I LOVE me some jealous Cypher 😈

SURPRISE SURPRISE, this one is super long because I got, um... a little carried away...

Jealous Jealous Jealous (Cypher x F!Reader)

Summary: There's a party at Valorant HQ and Cypher isn't as attentive a boyfriend as he should be. If he wants to make it up to you, he's gonna have to work for it...

Pairing: Cypher x F!Reader

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 2,775

Warnings: p in v sex, vaginal fingering, unsafe sex, creampie

Notes: THIS ENDED UP BEING SO MUCH LONGER THAN IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AND I AM POSTING THIS AT 3:36AM

Cypher didn’t do parties, and neither did Valorant. Not really, anyway.

There were little soirees here and there, small team events and even the occasional birthday celebration in the common room, but never full-out parties. Typically, if agents wanted a party, they’d have one outside of HQ. It wasn’t exactly a prime location for having fun.

Tonight, though, there was a party, and it had explicitly been called such. You’d approached him about it the other day, explaining that it had something to do with the newest agent, Clove; apparently the young Scot had decided to throw one as a way of getting to know the other agents, and Brim, oddly enough, had agreed to let them use one of the spare rooms for the event. Perhaps he’d become desperate to boost morale lately.

You’d spoken eagerly of attending the party, but Cypher had been less enthusiastic. He’d already gathered enough information about Clove—having done his research long before they’d even arrived at HQ—and he was far too busy working on his latest device. Besides, he figured practically no one would show up. With so many agents occupied and scattered across the globe, Clove would be lucky to have even a quarter of the protocol in attendance.

“You have fun, my dear,” he’d told you earlier that evening. “Do tell me how it goes.”

“Guess I will,” you’d responded, letting out a soft sigh just before leaving the room. He’d returned to his gadgets shortly after, content to spend the rest of the night working away. He’d keep an eye on you, of course. He always did. He had never really enjoyed parties much anyway; he would only hold you back.

Cypher had expected to have an uneventful evening, watching his cameras in between tinkering, but instead, he found himself lurking in the corner of the event room, eyeing you from a distance with a fiery sharpness in his chest.

The party had turned out to be busy after all—shockingly so, with nearly half the protocol present—and he’d watched you flit around all night from his room, happy as a clam as you mingled with the other agents. His interest had grown over the last several hours, seeing you laugh and dance and twirl around in the pretty little dress you’d decided to wear, and finally, it had become too much for him to handle. He’d been an absolute idiot. He needed to come down there now and spend time with you.

And so he had come to see you, entering silently and keeping to the darker corners of the room to not draw too much attention to himself, but when he’d caught sight of you, his stomach had twisted. You were off to one side of the room, talking to Chamber, and that smug bastard was looking at you like the latest designer watch.

Cypher was frozen in place for a good minute, steaming like a tea kettle at boiling point. Of course you weren’t flirting with him—you wouldn’t. But Chamber was a dog masquerading as a gentleman, and he would flirt with you.

He didn’t get to look at you like that. No one got to look at you like that.

It took him a moment to rein himself in—ensuring he wouldn’t wring the Frenchman’s neck as soon as he got over there—but Cypher was quick to start moving, marching across the room towards the two of you. He was in such a rush, he barely noticed Killjoy shooting him a friendly greeting as he passed.

You spotted him as he approached, turning to look at him with round, surprised eyes. “Am—Cypher!” you said, cutting off Chamber, who had been talking. “You’re—here. I didn’t think you were gonna come.”

Cypher came to a halt right in front of you, not hesitating to take your hands in his and pull you closer to him. “Of course,” he said, pointedly ignoring Chamber’s presence. “I wouldn’t miss it, my love.”

You blinked at him, looking almost pleasantly stunned, color creeping into your cheeks. He almost never called you any pet names around others—let alone that one—but he was feeling rather different tonight. Bolder. Territorial.

Chamber cleared his throat. “Ah, Cypher,” he drawled. “So nice of you to join us, monsieur. We were just having a little chat.”

Cypher tightened his grasp on your hands ever so slightly, working to keep his anger in check. “Is that so?” he asked coldly. “What kind of chat?”

Chamber chuckled. “Why, we were just talking about you, actually,” he said. “I was wondering why you had decided not to come. I had believed the two of you were an item, so I was quite surprised to find my friend alone this evening.”

Cypher gritted his teeth. She is my girlfriend, and you are not her friend. She’s your coworker and nothing more! “We are together,” he growled. “And I had— tasks to attend to. But I am here now. That is all that matters.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Chamber responded with a smirk. “Take good care of your petite amie, my friend. It’s quite rude to leave a lady unattended.”

Cypher bristled, wanting nothing more than to punch the other agent right in his stupid glasses, but Chamber was already turning and heading away. Your voice broke him out of his trance. “Amir. You’re hurting me.”

Cypher came to his senses, letting go of your hands. “Shit. I’m—I’m sorry, dear,” he said hurriedly.

“What was that all about?” you asked, concerned. “You seem—agitated.”

Cypher hesitated, suddenly feeling very awkward. He’d only just gotten to the party, and he’d already worked himself up. He needed to focus. He was here to be with you, and have fun. “It’s—nothing,” he replied. “I just—wanted to see you, dear. Right away.”

You weren’t convinced. “Were you… jealous, just now?” you pressed, furrowing your brows. “Of Chamber?”

Cypher did not answer right away, knowing that if he answered “yes,” he would sound like even more of an imbecile than he already felt. “Well, he—he was clearly hitting on you,” he protested.

“Yeah, I got that,” you said flatly. “I’ve been here long enough, Cypher. I know he’s a jackass. I was just about to get rid of him before you showed up.”

Cypher’s heart sank. Perhaps you hadn’t meant it, but you’d called him Cypher instead of his real name. He looked away slightly, shame clawing at him, but his fury from before had not fully dissipated. He knew he’d acted rashly by barging in, but how could he not have? “If you were uncomfortable, then I’m glad I intervened,” he asserted. “I will not stand for that. I will not let him prey on you.”

“Like I’m a piece of meat?” you said, unimpressed. “I can handle a conversation on my own, thank you. Like I can handle most things. You were certainly fine letting me go to the party by myself tonight.”

Burning guilt rose inside him. He should have been able to tell how disappointed you were when he’d told you he wasn’t going. Of course you’d wanted him to go with you. “I’m—I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said, reaching for your hands again. “Please, can we—can we go talk? Somewhere private?”

You pursed your lip, still looking thoroughly annoyed. “I don’t know,” you said, sarcasm in your voice. “I don’t really feel like talking anymore. I think I’d rather dance.”

You started to move towards the dance floor, and he stopped you, extending his hand. “No, wait—dance with me, then,” he insisted. He’d never seen you so irritated; frankly, it was worrying him. He was more than ready to make up for all of this—even if he hadn’t danced in years.

You frowned. “Lots of people here without dance partners,” you said dryly, looking past him. “I’m sure I can find one.”

Cypher stared at you, abashed. You weren’t being serious, were you? You wouldn’t actually dance with someone else—not like that. He looked you up and down, taking in the whole sight of you: your flushed, indignant expression, your pouting mouth, your dress that hugged your body in all the right places—and all at once, his dismay turned to something else—something harder, angrier . Clearly, you were hurt, but surely this—giving him the cold shoulder, threatening to let someone else dance with you, have you to themself—was unnecessary. Cruel, even. He’d already spent most of the night without you, and now that he was here, you were threatening to spend it with someone else?

He was at fault, here, yes, but didn’t he get at least a second to talk to you?

Before he could change his mind, he grabbed you by the wrist, keeping you from getting away. “Come with me,” he ordered. “ Now. ”

You glared at him, fire in your eyes. “What are you doing?” you demanded.

He didn’t answer you, already pulling you towards the exit by the wrist. He dragged you past several agents—many of whom cast baffled glances your way—leading you out of the room and into the hall as you made indignant sounds of protest. At the end of the hall, he pushed you into a secluded corner, pinning you up against the wall.

Cypher held you back by your wrists, making you squeak when he shoved his leg between your thighs. “Give me a minute,” he hissed, “to make it up to you.”

Your eyes were wide, your lips parted in shock and your face vibrant red—from anger, or something else, or both, he couldn’t be sure yet. “What are you doing? ” you asked him again, sounding more confused than upset.

Cypher released your wrists for a moment, just long enough to remove his mask and pull up his undercovering above his mouth. Once he’d set his mask aside, he was upon you again, pressing wet kisses up the length of your neck, his hands keeping you in place. He felt like he was on fire, his body too hot, all his emotions rising to the surface like flames. “I was a fool,” he breathed, kissing your ear before taking it gently between his teeth. “Forgive me, sokar. Please.”

He sucked on your ear, and the hushed moan he drew out of you sent a delighted shiver through him. You bit your lip, as if trying to stifle yourself, but you weren’t fighting him—not even a little. “You’re just—just jealous,” you mumbled.

He felt a sharp pang of shame again. “It’s true I got jealous,” he confessed softly, kissing the underside of your jaw. “I—I wanted to burn him just for looking at you. But—can you blame me, my love?” He let go of one of your wrists, using his free hand to feel the curve of your hip. “You’re so beautiful. How could I not want you all to myself?”

You shuddered slightly, still not resisting him. “Y-You—” you started to say, only to break off into a half-moan when he licked a stripe up your neck. “You didn’t—even notice that I was upset. Earlier…”

Cypher kissed your cheek, his hand moving down to grip your thigh. “I know,” he murmured, every inch of him aching with need—need for you, a need to make you feel good again. “I know, sweetheart. I should have listened. I should have come with you.” He kissed the corner of your mouth. “Please forgive me, zouina. I’ll do anything for you.”

His hand wandered under the hem of your dress, making its way between your legs, and you let him. He found your panties easily, using two fingers to trace the outside of the fabric, and he nearly cursed aloud at how wet he found it. You let out the softest of whimpers when he made contact, and his cock hardened in his pants. You might not have forgiven him yet, not with words, but you wanted him. And he meant it when he’d said he’d do anything for you.

He caressed you through your panties, making sure to swipe over the sensitive bud at the top. “Let me touch you, kitten,” he coaxed into your ear. “You have my attention now—all of it. Let me take care of you.”

You said nothing for a heartbeat, soundless except for the short little breaths coming out through your mouth, but then, without speaking, you gave him your answer. You closed your eyes and moved your body ever so slightly forward, pressing yourself harder against his fingers. You’d relaxed completely against the wall, still and pliant with your arms up of your own accord.

That was all the permission he needed. Cypher swiftly removed his glove, then slipped one finger under your panties, easily finding your soaked entrance and plunging in. You whined at the penetration, and he took advantage of your open mouth, capturing your lips with his. You moaned into the kiss, bucking your hips as you chased the movement of his finger, and he sucked on your tongue, painfully aware of how much harder he was getting by the second.

“So lovely,” he whispered in between kisses, pumping his finger in and out of you. You were so wet, he could hear you. “My gorgeous girl. I’m yours tonight—all yours.”

You whimpered in response, clawing at the back of his head, losing yourself to the pleasure. He teased your clit with his thumb, and you jerked against him, nipping fiercely at his lower lip. You’d given in to him by now, but that didn’t mean all of your fire from before was gone completely. “Fuck me,” you gasped, breathing harshly. “Right now.”

Your wish was his command. Cypher wrenched his finger from you, then ripped your panties clean off, too desperate for once to care about manners; judging by your lack of reaction to the act, you felt the same. He wasted no time yanking his pants down and freeing his cock, already at full hardness, and used both hands to lift your dress up above your thighs. When he brought his cock to your entrance, testing your opening with his swollen head, he found you more than ready for him, slick and pulsing. He claimed your mouth again as he pushed inside of you, gripping your hips and driving himself in as deep as he could go.

The kiss was rough and messy, and so was the way he fucked you. Cypher pounded into you greedily, relentlessly, needing you, needing your sweet satin walls sucking the life out of him and making him forget how much of an idiot he’d been tonight. He tasted your tongue and swallowed your moans, bruising your thighs as he gave you what you’d demanded from him. He would gladly give his all, give you everything if it meant making you happy again.

He had no idea how much time had passed, but at some point you broke free of the kiss to murmur, as if realizing something, “The—the cameras—”

“I’ll erase the footage,” he panted, stealing your lips back. None of that mattered. Nothing mattered except the two of you right now. His cock was inside you, and it was about to burst.

You seemed to sense it. “Amir,” you whined, raking your nails across his skullcap. “Please—I—”

His heart sang. Amir. Not Cypher. Fuck, he was so close. He wanted to fill your perfect cunt, pump it so full of cum you forgot everything else. He reached down between the two of you and found your clit again, determined to make you feel as good as he was about to. “I love you,” he choked out. “I love you, sokar, cum for me—”

Just a few calculated strokes and you were suddenly there, spasming around his cock and milking him for all he was worth. He moaned helplessly into your mouth as he came, your long wail of pleasure ringing in his ears.

It felt like a lifetime before he could finally think again, the blood rushing back to his brain. Cypher relaxed his grip on your hips and leaned forward, still inside of you, resting his forehead on yours. After a moment, he dared to look into your eyes. Now that you’d been satisfied, were you still angry with him? Had he made up for tonight? Or had he just made everything worse?

To his relief, you held his gaze, and a tiny, weary smile began to form on your face. “Alright,” you said with a sigh. “I forgive you.”

[bjorkshire-pudding]

Calling all Grimmjow fans!

As you all know, July 31st is Espada number 6's birthday. With the TYBW arc finally being animated, I've noticed many longtime and new fans emerging (and re-emerging) to craft stories and art featuring our favorite lovable murder cat. And it made me think: why not gather all that talent in one place and do something special to celebrate?

Thus an idea was born. Welcome to the "6 Weeks of 6" Event, where you can celebrate Grimmjow in the way that you choose!

This is your chance to make it all about Grimmjow. The theme is celebrating his birthday, but you can choose how you do so. Want to write a fic detailing the events of his special day? Want to make a moodboard based on how you think he would celebrate? Want to draw or paint him wearing a silly birthday hat? Want to write headcanons about how he spends his birthday? Whatever you choose, it's up to you - just make sure you have fun with it!

One submission per blog.

Please keep fics and drabbles between 400-3000 words.

Must be an original (not already posted) piece, created specifically for the challenge. (If you'd like to connect to an already-existing universe or series, that's fine!)

NSFW is allowed, but please be sure to tag it accordingly.

Any genre is accepted - again, please be sure to tag it accordingly.

This challenge will run from June 30th to August 11th, 2024. All submissions must be posted on your blog, tagging me @bjorkshire-pudding, between June 30th and August 11th.

I plan to make a masterlist at the end of the challenge with all the works created, so please make sure that if you'd like your works included in the masterlist, you post within the 6-week timeframe allotted for the challenge.

If you would like to be tagged in the works created for this challenge, please fill out the form here by or before June 30th. I will add the names of the blogs who would like to be tagged to this post, so creators - please save this post where you can refer to it again for tagging purposes (you don't have to use the tag list, but you can if you want!).

Update to add blogs who would like to be tagged here:

@kryptoniteforsale @villainsrtasty @shimadalluvia

Have fun, and I look forward to seeing what you all create!

-Val 💙